Blog Tour: Finding Forever by Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

 

After a detour down to Brisbane and different characters in her last book, Maggie Christensen takes us back to the seaside town of Pelican Crossing!  This is the ninth book in the series and all of the favourites that we have come to know and love are here.

Paige Harper has fond memories of time spent in Pelican Crossing, but she feels a bit guilty that she hasn't spent enough time in town visiting her beloved grandmother, Mimi. When Mimi suffers a fall and is rushed to hospital, Paige makes an emergency dash to the town. Mimi lives in one of the group of fisherman's cottages where she has built strong community relationships with her neighbours. She shares her home with Martha, a little dog who now needs someone to care for it. 

When the worst happens, Paige has to think about what her potential plans might be. After all, back in Brisbane she has a good job as an assistant manager in a boutique hotel, and she has her children and grandchildren nearby. The reality is her job is stressful and she doesn't seem to see her grandchildren that often anyway.

Also at a crossroads is local vet Bob Reed. In a previous book, Bob had spent a year in Colorado teaching and now he is being encouraged to apply for a permanent position. It would mean uprooting his whole life. Bob has had to do that before when he moved to Pelican Crossing following the tragic deaths of his wife and child. Does he have the energy to start again at his age.

When Bob and Paige meet, they are both surprised by the connection that they feel with each other. They have both been on their own for many years, and given that they both are not sure what their future looks like they wonder if this is the right time to embark on a relationship. Of course, old Agnes also has some pearls of wisdom for them both!

All the things that I love about this series are here. There are the familiar characters, the small town community, the seaside setting, the dogs and so much more! And I am always pleased to hear that there is another book in the series on it's way. Happy days!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Thanks to the publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour below too!

Rating 4/5

About the book

Finding Forever in Pelican Crossing: A heartwarming tale of second chances

When Paige Harper arrives in Pelican Crossing to visit her ailing grandmother, she plans a short trip—just enough time to make sure her grandmother recovers before heading back to her busy city life. But when her grandmother unexpectedly passes away, Paige is hesitant to leave the small coastal town, unable to shake the pull of its quiet charm.

Bob Reed, the laid-back local vet, has settled back into his life in Pelican Crossing after spending a year at Colorado University. He is surprised when he receives an offer to apply for a permanent position at the university—a tempting opportunity to embrace a very different path. Torn between his love for the peaceful coastal life and the draw of a more structured, academic future, Bob faces a tough choice.

When Paige and Bob cross paths, they’re worlds apart—she, the city professional, and he, the easy-going surfer. But a series of unexpected encounters brings them closer, and what begins as an unlikely friendship turns into something much more.

With Bob facing a career-defining decision and Paige bound to her life in the city, they must determine if their newfound connection is strong enough to overcome the obstacles in their way. Can they find a way to be together, or will the demands of their separate lives keep them apart?

For fans of small-town romances and heartwarming stories of unexpected love.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/FindingForeverinPC

About the author

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!



Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://x.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen

https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about

https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/



https://bsky.app/profile/maggiechriste33.bsky.social

Blog Tour: Something in the Air in Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

 

The news that there is a new Maggie Christensen book coming is always welcome! This is the eighth book in the Pelican Crossing series, which is set in a small beachside town on the Queensland coast.

We had met Ranah Black in previous books in the series, given her friendship with Erica and Livvy who featured in early books in the series. Now Erica and Livvy are all loved up with their new partners and they want the same for her. Ranah does allow herself moments where she wishes for someone, but she has never been in a relationship and she can't see that changing any time soon. The reality is that she much prefers the company of her dogs to that of people. As a breeder of spaniels, she came into contact with people often enough.

When she meets a young woman who is crying on the street, Ranah does something completely out of character and offers Tiffany a place to stay. Tiffany works in hospitality in town but is finding it difficult to find accommodation due to the lack of affordable housing. She is also somewhat estranged from her family and in a situation not of her own making. The kindness of a stranger is the last thing Tiffany expects, but she is grateful for the offer and accepts.

Steve Morton has lived outside of Pelican Crossing for a few years now. He is an American with Australian heritage who found the town by accident and loved it so much that he moved there. However, he too keeps himself to himself. He runs his hot air ballooning and scenic helicopter business from his property but other than that he keeps himself to himself. Ranah and Steve have never even met despite the fact that they are neighbours. 

Despite his aloofness, Steve has made a big difference to the town. They just don't know it. Over the years he has made anonymous donations for a variety of local causes, including saving the local newspaper. Now though, he is turning his attention to the housing situation, and he knows that if his plans come to fruition, there is no way he is going to be able to keep his philanthropy anonymous!

Steve and Rhana finally meet when she is invited to go on a hot air balloon ride with her friend which isn't really her idea of fun. Privately, Rhana calls Steve "the birdman" and she is not really that interested in getting to know him. However, sometimes fate has other ideas and the two of them seem to keep on running into each other. Soon, they discover

I thought that the author did a great job a looking at trauma and the way it can impact your whole life. Both Steve and Rhana have had significant impacts on their lives. For Rhana, it has shaped her in ways that have led her to isolating herself from people, and from never believing that anyone would want a relationship with her. She has never, ever told anyone what happened to her, and she doesn't intend to start now. However, when she sees Tiffany suffering, she knows that she needs to share to try to help the younger woman down a different path to the one that she has chosen. And she also might need to put aside the fear of intimacy she has and give the birdman a chance.

Whilst Steve loves his hot air balloon and helicopters, it is a double edged sword. He knows that if it weren't for the tragic loss of his fiancée in a small plane crash many years before he probably wouldn't even be in Pelican Crossing. He has build a successful life for himself despite his loss but he doesn't really want to broaden his life. 

These books are my comfort read. I know when I pick them up I am going to get immersed in the lives of a small town where there is a solid community, good people, friendships, lifestyle and so much more. Would I like to live in a town like Pelican Crossing? Yes, I think I would. Do I believe that I would get absorbed into the town in the ways that are portrayed in these books. Probably not. At least I can get absorbed into Pelican Crossing through the pages in these books! I am already looking forward to my next visit!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Thanks to the publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 4/5

About the book

Something in the Air in Pelican Crossing

Rhana Black has always been content with her quiet life in the Pelican Crossing hinterland, where she spends her days breeding spaniels. Following a traumatic incident at her school formal and weighed down by her own insecurities about her appearance, Rhana has shied away from any romantic relationships. That is, until a chance encounter with a hot air balloonist changes everything.

Steve Morton has been struggling to move on after the tragic death of his pregnant fiancée. In search of solace, he finds himself in Pelican Crossing, where he rediscovers his love for flying and starts offering hot air balloon rides and scenic helicopter flights along the coast. When he meets Rhana, he is taken aback by the intense emotions he feels towards her.

As Rhana and Steve navigate their complicated pasts and undeniable chemistry, they must decide if they are willing to break their self-imposed barriers and take a chance on love. But with their old wounds and deep insecurities threatening to keep them apart, can they be able to overcome their fears and find happiness together?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/somethingPC

About the author 

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!



Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen

https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about

https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/

https://bsky.app/profile/maggiechriste33.bsky.social

Blog Tour: A Family for Christmas in Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

 

A new Maggie Christensen book means just one thing! I am absolutely going to be reading it! 

This book is the seventh book in the Pelican Crossing series which is set in a small coastal town in Queensland. Lou Chambers is owner of the local bookstore in town and she is proud of everything she has achieved in her life. After being betrayed by her first love who ran off with her sister, Lou became a librarian and then later followed her dreams to open Books and Coffee. The store is now an integral part of the town and she often tries new events to try and draw in the towns people. She has watched many of her friends fall in love and have their own later in life romances, but Lou is convinced that it won't happen for her, especially seeing as she has never had another love since Darren left.

She never did speak to her sister again after that betrayal, despite Fleur trying to reach out to her several times over the years. It is particularly hard for Lou at Christmas. Lou tells her friends that she is fine on her own, after the business of the pre-Christmas sales in the bookstore, but the reality is that she is lonely and laments the fact that she will once again be alone.

Widower Blair Stevens has recently moved to Pelican Crossing with the encouragement of his daughter. He was a university lecturer in Tasmania but now he has moved to the town to be closer to his family, including his two grandchildren. He sees this as the time that he can finally start writing that book he has been talking about for years, although his daughter, Katrina, seems to see him as a built in baby sitting service. 

After meeting at the bookstore, Lou and Blair become friends, and Lou surprises herself be telling Blair that she has decided that it is time to track down her sister and try to build some bridges with her. So far Lou hasn't had any luck finding her, but maybe Blair can help given his experience in researching. The more time they spend together, the more they like each other, but will Lou be willing to open her heart to Blair after all these years alone.

As usual, I enjoyed my visit to Pelican Crossing, seeing the community that the author has built in this coastal town. It was interesting that there have been some seeds planted to suggest that there may be some trouble ahead for the town given the rising cost of real estate and the difficulty in finding workers.  I wonder if this will play out in future books.

It is always fun to read one of the Pelican Crossing Christmas books because it more reflects what my Christmas is like, although the weather is more likely to be better in Pelican Crossing than it is in Melbourne. Christmas for us is in summer which means long days, carol singing at on a summer evening at the local park and lots of seafood. 

The next book in the Pelican Crossing series has already been announced, and I am here for it!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy. 

Rating 4/5

About the book

A Family for Christmas in Pelican Crossing

For Lou Chalmers, Books and Coffee in Pelican Crossing isn’t just a bookshop and café, it’s the realisation of a dream. But with her sixty-fifth birthday approaching, she’s beginning to feel the weight of time and harbours regrets over her estranged relationship with her sister. Facing yet another lonely Christmas, she wonders if it's time to try and reconnect.

When retired widower Blair Stevens leaves Tasmania to join his daughter in Pelican Crossing, he questions if he’s made the right decision. But as he delves into the town's history and starts writing the novel he's always wanted to, he becomes engrossed in his new life.

When an event at Lou’s bookshop brings the two together, they strike up an unlikely friendship. As Blair helps Lou search for her long-lost sister, their connection deepens in a way neither of them anticipated. But as fate pushes them towards each other, will their friendship blossom into something more?

A heartwarming story of two strangers who find unexpected companionship in this small town on the Queensland coast.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/AFamilyinPC

About the Author

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!



Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen
https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about
https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/
https://bsky.app/profile/maggiechriste33.bsky.social

Blog Tour: Waves of Change in Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

 

The other week I had reason to count up just how many Maggie Christensen books I have read. I knew it was a lot, but even I was shocked that this was my 24th book by her in the last 4 years. So what is it that keeps me coming back for each and every book she releases? I think there are several factors. I love the communities that she creates, I enjoy that she focusses on older characters finding love and I find her writing very smooth and easy to read. This book was no exception.

Livvy Grace has been in England for the last year visiting her family, but now it is time to come home to Pelican Crossing. She misses her cottage, her friends and her work. However, when she does arrive home it is a big shock to find out that her former partner has wound up their business and started again, taking all Livvy's counselling clients with her. The town has changed a bit too. The big old church that hadn't been used for years has been turned into a wellness centre. 

Dan Parker has lived in Pelican Crossing for a few years now after moving there  with his daughter following the death of his wife.  As the man behind the wellness centre, he has already left his mark, but he is interested in doing more for the community if he can. When Livvy first approaches him about renting one of the available spaces in the centre, he is not sure if he can trust her or not. The story she has told him seems a little off. 

Livvy doesn't warm to Dan that much either. While she is glad to be getting her new counselling business up and running after weathering the initial shock, she's not sure that she likes Dan all that much. Or maybe she does, but she is fighting it. Her friends are certainly all doing their best to push her in his direction. Things become even more confusing when she starts seeing his daughter in a professional capacity.

Dan is relieved that his daughter is talking to someone. He is finding it difficult to navigate raising a teenage daughter by himself. While he and his wife had still been together they had been living pretty separate lives and he is worried that his wife's family are trying to derail his relationship with his daughter. He isn't that keen for him to spend time with them but he has to balance that against the fact that they are his daughters family too. And she is of an age where she can start to make some of these kind of decisions for herself.

This is another good entry in the Pelican Crossing series. The familiar factors are all still there: community, sun and sea, friendships and more. If I had one niggle, I would have liked to have got more understanding of why Livvy's former partner, Ingrid, was doing the things she was doing all through the book, what her motivation was. It was kind of glossed over I think. 

The next book has already been announced and it is a Christmas book. It is always nice to see an Australian Christmas portrayed in story. The main character is going to Lou who we already have met a few times, and there were a couple of hints in this book about Lou's story. You know I am going to be reading it!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews and it counts towards my Aussie Author August reads. Thanks to the publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 4/5

About the book

Waves of Change in Pelican Crossing

Sad to leave her daughter and granddaughters behind in England where she has been visiting for the past year, Olivia Grace is excited to return to her hometown of Pelican Crossing and resume her life as a counsellor. But a shock awaits her, threatening to destroy her future and forcing her to make changes she’d never anticipated.

Dan Parker has moved to Pelican Crossing with his teenage daughter after the death of his wife, intent on making a fresh start. Now, having fulfilled his long-held dream of opening a Wellness Centre, he confronts an unexpected challenge

Faced with an unforeseen situation and frustrated by her friends' relentless matchmaking, Olivia finally admits her attraction to Dan and agrees to a date. But real life isn’t a romantic novel, and things don’t go smoothly.

Can these two lonely people find a future together, or are they destined to grow old alone?

For fans of heartwarming small-town romances, this is a must-read. With vibrant descriptions of the charming coastal town and two endearing characters who struggle with loss and loneliness, this book will tug at your heartstrings.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Wavesofchange

About the Author

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!



Social Media Links –


https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen
https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about
https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/
https://bsky.app/profile/maggiechriste33.bsky.social

Spell the Month in Books - April

Reviews From the Stacks

Welcome to the April edition of Spell the Month in Books which is hosted at Reviews From the Stacks. The link party opens on the first Saturday of the month, but I won't be posting until after that as I already have other things scheduled every Saturday and for the first two Sundays of the month.

The idea is that you use the title of books to spell the month name. There is also a theme each month, with the theme for April being animals on the cover. 

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - I couldn't go past this children's classic which includes talking hares, grinning cats and so much more!

The Restaurant in Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen - Whilst I might be cheating with this one, this is the first book in a series set in a small Australian coastal town called  in Pelican Crossing, and the word pelican appears in the title of every one of them

Rescue my Heart by Jill Shalvis - It's been many years since I read Jill Shalvis, but I do recall enjoying her trilogy called Animal Magnetism, which is set in and around an animal shelter 

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros - Does a dragon count as an animal?

Lion in the Valley by Elizabeth Peters - This is the fourth book in the excellent Amelia Peabody series set in Victorian Egypt. 

There's no set theme for May. Maybe I will have to come up with my own! Or maybe I will just keep it simple next month. We'll see when we get closer to the time!

I am sharing this post with Sunday Salon hosted by Readerbuzz.

Blog Tour: Safe Harbour in Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

 

In the previous book in this series, we met Erica Masters who came home to Pelican Crossing to stay with her brother, Joe, after many years to escape an abusive marriage. Having returned to Perth following her husband's death, she soon finds herself missing her home town, particularly when it seems her only son's plan is for her to become their permanent, live in babysitter. She loves her granddaughter, but she is not having someone else dictate when and what she does any longer!

Erica has some clear goals in mind for her return to Pelican Crossing, including getting back to work as a nurse, living independently and reconnecting with her old friends. She is also very clear that she has no time for a relationship. However, it seems that her heart has not read the room as it does seem to respond in completely the opposite way every time she runs into her first love, Jamie Whittaker. 

Jamie has always lived in Pelican Crossing, but it hasn't always been easy. His ex wife left him for the bright lights and more exciting life in the city, and he hasn't had much to do with her since. He has raised their two sons, and established a successful boat charter business. He has always held a flame for his first love, Erica, and now that she is back in town could it finally be their chance. 

I must say that Jamie had the patience of a saint during this story. Erica was very hot and cold in this book, but her reactions do actually make sense to me. After so many years of being controlled and abused, it must be difficult to learn to trust your own feelings and your own gut instincts, let alone to trust men. It is especially hard for her to think that history might be repeating itself in her own family.

Once again, the whole community of Pelican Crossing comes to life in this book. It is definitely the kind of town it would be lovely to be part of. I also liked that we have Erica's school friends were part of this book (albeit one of them spent the whole book off page) and I look forward to reading their stories in the future. 

I have been reflecting on the title of Safe Harbour, and I have decided that this is exactly what Maggie Christensen's books are for me. I look forward to each new book knowing that I am going to have a very soothing reading experience, and close the book with a happy sigh, This doesn't mean that the books avoid difficult subjects, but rather that those subjects are dealt with in a very considered fashion.

It is a real pleasure to once again visit Pelican Crossing! 

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy. 

Rating 4/5

About the book:

Safe Harbour in Pelican Crossing: An emotional and uplifting story of friends, family and second chances

After the death of her abusive husband, Erica Masters returns to Perth, eager for a fresh start and the birth of her granddaughter. But when she learns her husband has changed his Will in favour of their son, leaving her with nothing, she flees to seek refuge in Pelican Crossing, the place she once called home.

Having sold his fishing boat after a bitter divorce which left him to bring up his two teenage sons, Jamie Whittaker has found success with his fishing charter business. Thrilled by the arrival of his first grandchild, he is stunned when his teenage flame, Erica, reappears in town.

As the pair reconnect, old feelings resurface, but Erica remains guarded after her painful past. Jamie, determined to win Erica's heart once again, manages to break through her defences until a family tragedy turns their lives upside down.

With everything unravelling around them, can these two troubled souls build a future together?

If you enjoy emotional reads, you'll love this gripping tale of love and second chances.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/SafeHarbourinPC

About the Author:

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!



Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen
https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about
https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/
https://bsky.app/profile/maggiechriste33.bsky.social

Blog Tour: A Christmas Surprise in Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

 

Rachel Mason has kept herself very busy since her husband died several years ago. Between running a busy B&B, looking after her energetic grandchildren and her dog, she doesn't have a lot of time leftover. Despite all of her friends recently meeting their second chance loves, Rachel doesn't have the time even if she had the inclination. And now that her son, Alexander, has announced that he is coming home from London and that he is bringing a surprise, she still has a lot to do before Christmas.

Luke Findlay was glad to offer his son and his partner a place to live when they needed it, but now he feels a bit uncomfortable. When he is offered the chance to take up a locum position in the small town of Pelican Crossing, he knows that his son can look after his veterinarian practice, so he decides to take the offer. After all, he grew up in Pelican Crossing, and being there will help him find out more about his family history.

When Rachel needs to take her dog, Molly, to the vets, she is surprised to see that it is Luke. Luke used to date her sister, and Rachel had a bit of a crush on him. Luke was always really nice to her, and even had a nickname for her, Red. And he is still very attractive! Rachel's own self worth is a little damaged and so she can't believe he would be attracted to her.

Luke is very attracted to Rachel, but he knows that he is only in town for a limited time so it wouldn't be fair to start anything anyway. So why can't he seem to stay away?

And when Alexander arrives with his surprise, it is not at all what she was expecting. To be honest, Rachel was far more patient with him than I would have been! 

I always love visiting the town of Pelican Crossing. I swear if it was a real place, I could walk into town and recognise some of the people and places in the books. And because it is a very friendly place we could have a chat before I continued on my merry way.

Maggie Christensen's books are very much comfort reads for me. I know when I pick up one of her books, I will be drawn into the lives of the characters, that it will be a book that I can get lost in and that I will close it with a smile. Whilst I have read a lot of her books, I do have some that I am saving for a rainy day, for one of those days where I just need a pick me up read!

Obviously with the title this is set at Christmas time.  It's nice to occasionally read a Christmas story where there is sun and sand, which is what I am used to, rather than cold and snow. 

This is another fun read in the Pelican Crossing series, and I can't wait for the next one!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy. This also counts for the 12 Books of Christmas Challenge.

Rating 4/5

About the Book

A Christmas Surprise in Pelican Crossing

Christmas is coming to Pelican Crossing, bringing with it a host of surprises.

Fifty-eight-year-old widow Rachel Mason thought she had her life all figured out – running her quaint Bed and Breakfast, spending time with her grandkids, and keeping her loyal West Highland Terrier by her side. But when her son announces a Christmas surprise, Rachel's world is turned upside down.

Luke Findlay, widowed, retired, and looking to check off items on his bucket list, suddenly finds himself back in his hometown of Pelican Crossing, where he is tasked with temporarily running the local vet clinic.

When the new vet turns out to be Rachel’s teenage crush, and her son’s Christmas surprise is very different from what she anticipated, her life becomes unexpectedly complicated. But then, Luke receives a surprise of his own.

As Rachel and Luke reconnect, sparks fly, and old feelings resurface. But with Luke's impending departure and Rachel's unforeseen responsibilities, can their newfound connection survive?

Fans of heartwarming romances will love this story of second chances and unexpected love.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Surprise-Pelican-Crossing-perfect-ebook/dp/B0DBXPL4NM/

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Surprise-Pelican-Crossing-perfect-ebook/dp/B0DBXPL4NM/

About the Author 

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!



Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen
https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about
https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/

Blog Tour: A New Dawn in Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

What's that saying about there being only two things in life that you can be certain of? Death and taxes. For me, I would like to add a third certainty. If there is a new Maggie Christensen book out then I will be reading it.

This is the third book in the Pelican Crossing series and this time the main focus is Gill Dickson, local divorce lawyer, and Joe Harris, widowed town mayor. Gill is in the midst of an acrimonious divorce from her husband Max, which in turn has caused her daughter to cease speaking to her. Not only is she upset to find herself in this situation, the fact that it is dragging on and on given that she is a divorce lawyer is a bit embarrassing. There is no way known that she is interested in meeting anyone new. She will throw herself into her work, just as she always has, even though Max has often said that was a big part of why they have divorced. The only time when she isn't on edge is early in the morning when she joins the wild swimmers in the ocean, whatever the weather.

Joe has been widowed for a while now after a very happy marriage to Barb. He has his chocolate lab, Coco, and he has the mayoralship which keeps him very busy. He's lonely, but not really ready to do much about it, but when he meets Gill he is immediately attracted to her, despite her prickliness.

When Joe's sister, Erica, suddenly contacts him in a distressed state, he has no qualms in offering her a refuge. He never really liked his brother in law, Geoff, but even he can't believe what has been going on in his sister's life. When a friend suggests that Gill might be able to help, it enables him to see her even more. Whilst Gill  is advising Erica on her next steps, Joe is helping Gill to try some new adventures, with the hope that she will thaw a little towards him.

Gill is a bit of a funny characters. She is very emotionally contained, which I guess serves her well as a lawyer, but probably doesn't serve her that well when it comes to making new friends. She definitely makes Joe work hard for every little step in their relationship. I did like that Gill was very community minded.

As always, this is another fun visit to Pelican Crossing, and we also got to revisit a few of the characters from the previous series which was set in nearby Bellbird Bay. I can always rely on Maggie Christensen to write feel good second chance romances for older characters.

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 3.5/5

Before finishing, I thought I would share a picture of my beautiful chocolate lab, Max, just  because I can.

About the Book

A New Dawn in Pelican Crossing

Divorce lawyer Gill Dickson thinks she has seen it all, until she finds herself in the midst of her own acrimonious divorce and estranged from her daughter. Her one certainty is that the last thing she wants in her life is another man.

Pelican Crossing mayor Joe Harris has buried himself in his work after his wife's death, finding solace with the companionship of his faithful dog, Coco. But when Joe needs Gill's legal expertise for a family matter, he is unexpectedly drawn to her.

Can Joe break through Gill’s emotional barriers and earn her trust? And can these two lonely souls find the happiness they deserve in each other?

Set in the small Queensland coastal town of Pelican Crossing, this heartwarming romance will keep you captivated until the very end.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/NewDawninPC

About the author 

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!



Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen
https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about
https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/

Blog Tour: Secrets in Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

 

Welcome back to Pelican Crossing, an idyllic beach town in Queensland where the waves roll in, the town people are welcoming, and there is love in the air, particularly if you are a bit older and been by yourself a long time. This is the second book in the Pelican Crossing series by Maggie Christensen, which in turn is a spin off from the Bellbird Bay series, which in turn was a spin off from the Granite Springs series. I don't think that was a spin off, but I could be wrong. Granite Springs was where I started my Maggie Christensen journey, and I have been with her all the way reviewing nearly all of her books.

Liz is a divorced mother of two grown up daughters.  She is the practice manager at the local medical clinic, she has a good group of friends, and she isn't really looking for love, although her daughters are encouraging her to try dating. Liz also has a secret she has been hiding for year from everyone.

Finn moved to Pelican Springs from Bellbird Bay when his son in law died in a drowning accident and he needed to move to the town to support his grieving daughter and grandson. He is editor of the local town newspaper  and he also is not looking for love.

Somehow, whilst they knew of each other, they hadn't really met, but when they do sparks fly but the timing is all wrong. Liz's daughter Mandy has just moved back in, and Liz's big secret is about to come out. It could be a blessing or it could completely destroy her entire family. For Finn, he is way too busy looking after his family and trying to save the newspaper.

As you can probably tell from my intro, I am a big fan of Maggie Christensen's books, and this book was no exception. In fact, this is probably one of the better ones. Some times I find some of the secondary adult characters a bit annoying, and there was definitely the possibility of that with this book, particularly in the way that Liz's younger daughter reacted to her mother's secret. In this case though, I could see how someone would react in that way.

Finn's grandson Sandy was a big part of this book. He was traumatised from seeing his father drown the year before, and the way that this was portrayed was very sensitively handled. His determination and joy at getting a puppy was so lovely!

I feel like I don't even need to say this, but I will of course be reading the next Pelican Crossing book and the one after that and so on. We have already met a number of characters in the first two books in the series who will feature in future books!

Thanks the publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy. I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Review Blog

Rating 4/5

About the Book - 

Secrets in Pelican Crossing

Divorced, frustrated by her daughter's matchmaking, and resigned to staying happily single, Liz Phillips thinks she has her life all figured out… until she meets Finn Hunter.

Having moved to Pelican Crossing twelve months earlier to support his daughter after a family tragedy, Finn finds himself juggling family obligations and a demanding job as the editor of the local paper. He has little time for romance.

When Liz and Finn’s paths cross, there’s an undeniable spark between them. They quickly form a connection which neither of them anticipates.

Amidst the whirlwind of their relationship, a secret from Liz’s past resurfaces, threatening the closeness she shares with her daughters. Having Finn to lean on is a godsend, but Finn is concealing a secret of his own. A secret that once revealed could undermine the trust and understanding they share and destroy any chance of a future together.

Can Liz find her happy ending or is she destined to face the future with only her family for company?

 

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secrets-Pelican-Crossing-heartwarming-chances-ebook/dp/B0CYSVSKFH

https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Pelican-Crossing-heartwarming-chances-ebook/dp/B0CYSVSKFH

About the Author –

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!

 

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen

https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about

https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/

Blog Tour: The Restaurant in Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

Poppy Taylor has been successfully running her restaurant, Crossings, on her own for 5 years. Originally the restaurant was owned by her parents but then she and her husband had been transforming it into a new style of restaurant when he suddenly passed away, leaving Poppy to continue raising their daughters and building a successful business. She has been happy enough with her life. She has her three lovely daughters, and good friends, especially her husband's best friend Cam. Cam is always there for Poppy, no matter what she needs. But what happens if she acts on her growing attraction to him. Will it ruin their friendship, and is that a risk she is willing to take?

Cam has also been single for a long time, after his wife left him for a woman. He too has been busy raising his son and building his business managing a marina. He has long been attracted to Poppy, but he is not willing to start anything with her without a sign from her. Now, his son is marrying one of Poppy's daughters, binding the two families together even more. 

When Poppy receives a very generous offer for her business, she starts to wonder what life might look like if she didn't have to manage the restaurant. When an old flame turns up in a flash yacht, no one is exactly sure what his intentions are. One thing for sure is that not everything is as it seems, and Cam is determined to understand exactly what is going on.

For a very calm read there is quite a lot going on in this book. 

I love Maggie Christensen's writing. It is the very definition of comfort reading to me, so as she moves from one series to another, there was never any doubt that I was going to make the journey with her. It was certainly a book that I could lose myself in when I was reading it while I was in hospital last week. Like Bellbird Bay, Pelican Crossing is going to be one of those towns where there is something in the water, where there is true love to be found no matter how old you are, as long as you are open to it.

The last series was set in Bellbird Bay which is not very far away from Pelican Crossing geographically (in an imaginary way!) and so there were a number of cameos by characters from Bellbird Bay. There are definitely similarities between the two towns and I look forward to seeing more of the similarities and exploring the differences. I was interested to see that there was a bit of sailing in this book. While I won't confess to doing a lot of sailing, we do love to watch competitive sailing on TV, especially SailGP.

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge, hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Review. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and the author for the review copy.

Rating 4/5



About the book

The Restaurant in Pelican Crossing: A second chance romance to tug on your heartstrings



Poppy Taylor has always been content with her life in Pelican Crossing, but as she watches her youngest daughter get married, she can't help but feel that there’s something missing. Never would Poppy have predicted the dramatic transformation that occurs as she reunites with an old love and makes a choice that will reshape everything.

Cam Mitchell has always felt a strong attraction to Poppy, and when she reveals her plans to make changes in her life, Cam sees it as his chance to finally reveal his feelings. But Cam's hopes are crushed when he discovers Poppy's past love is back in the picture.

Cam becomes increasingly sceptical of the man from Poppy's past – a feeling that escalates when he uncovers his shocking plans for Pelican Crossing.

With their town now at risk, Cam and Poppy must work together to save their home and find their own happy ending. But will their feelings for each other be enough to overcome the obstacles in their way?

For fans of small-town romances and heartwarming stories of second chances, Pelican Crossing is a must-read. A captivating tale of love, loyalty, and the fight to protect what matters most.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/RestaurantinPC

About the author

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing romantic women’s fiction, feel good stories of second chances. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!



Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen
https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about
https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/