Though they strove for a civilized divorce in order to not disturb the balance in the lives of their five children, Mick and Megan O'Brien came to realize that the results were just the opposite. Even years later, hurt and anger plagued their family. Now adults, the children still struggle with feeling abandoned by a mother who moved to New York without them. They were essentially raised by a grandmother because, even after the divorce, their father was a workaholic, absentee dad.

Megan left a husband that she truly loved because she wanted a real partnership with her husband but instead felt abandoned. Her intent was to get settled in New York and then have the children join her, but neither Mick nor Megan were prepared for the kids refusal to leave Chesapeake Shore. So Megan wound up on the outside watching her children grow up from a distance. All this led to a bitter estrangement between mother and children that didn't even start to get resolved and, to some degree, forgiven until they reached adulthood and started lives of their own.

Gradually, Mick and Megan have realized that the love between them is still strong and, after spending two years developing what they hope will be a brand new start, a New Year's Eve wedding is being planned. But Megan isn't completely convinced of Mick's promise to turn over a new leaf and that this new Mick, who seems so attentive and thoughtful, will last. And their son Connor is holding tight to strong bitterness towards his mother who he blames for wrecking their family. He can't find it in his heart to forgive her and bless his parents' impending marriage. Without the blessing of her children -- all her children -- Megan knows her second chance with Mick just won't work. It is going to take a lot of work and love to get the O'Brien family together. What better time of the year to work a little magic or miracle than Christmas?

You have to love Sherryl Woods. I've truly never read a book of hers that didn't reach a part deep down in my heart and soul. Though we've met Mick and Megan in previous Chesapeake Shores stories, this story stands alone. A CHESAPEAKE SHORES CHRISTMAS is a strong, vivid picture of the impact of divorce shown through the eyes of now adult children and told with equal parts reality and humor. So don't miss this latest and thankfully not last, installment of the O'Brien's of Chesapeake Shore.