The Holiday

Shipwreck Key Book Eight

By: Stephanie Taylor

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

On Shipwreck Key, the holiday season comes with twinkle lights, chosen family… and a few surprises no one sees coming.

For the first time in years, Ruby Hudson has everything she’s dreamed of: her two daughters home for the holidays, a man who makes her heart feel whole again, and a community of strong, beautiful women by her side.

Her best friend, Sunday Bond, is in love. The island is buzzing with holiday spirit. Friends and family have gathered for Christmas cheer. There’s even a whisper of something miraculous in the air—Florida snow.

And then there’s the wedding.

It’s supposed to be the perfect Shipwreck Key celebration: laughter, love, promises made under twinkling lights. But as the big day approaches, emotions run high and the women of the island are reminded that even the most magical moments can come with complications, second thoughts… and goodbyes.

Told in two parts—one filled with heartwarming holiday magic, the other with bittersweet truth—this final chapter in the Shipwreck Key series is a reminder that love is worth celebrating… even when the season ends.

Because sometimes the people who make your holidays feel like home aren’t the ones you were born to, but the ones you found along the way.

I have fallen in love with Ruby!!!

While I hate virtual voice, I was able to listen to this series on audible. I just wish we had live narrators.

I felt every single joyous moment, the intense pain and heartbreak of several moments., And all that lies in between. My only regret about this entire series is that we did not get to hear about Ruby’s illness and how she handled it. So it felt like there was no closure there just an abrupt end. We also did not get to learn more about Etienne. So we did not ever get any closure on her life either. Was she satisfied just being the president’s mistress? Did Ruby ever go and talk to her again make any peace in that situation.

I wish we could’ve spread this 20 year span between Dexter and Ruby, falling in love and Ruby’s death over another 3 to 4 books in the series!!

I was fully invested in plan to read Christmas Key next.

the love and kindness shared.

It was outstanding. Makes you think about your own life and what you missed out on.

A little love story

I loved the story. It was bittersweet. I am sad that Ruby died. It left me filled with love and friendship. Like we all make a difference and leave an impact on others.
I only wished that you used a man’s voice for the men. Not the same women voice for the whole story. Thank you for a beautiful story.

The detail given of each character

I wasn't thrilled with the computer generated voice reading the book. I would have preferred a human voice.