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Ornamental Match Maker #14

Christmas Cruise in July

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All aboard for a Christmas cruise In July.

The North Pole is casting a magic net across the sea to catch two lonely hearts and make this cruise a life-altering adventure.
Will Merissa heal from a broken heart before the ship lands back at Fort Lauderdale and can Chad make the hard decisions that are destined to change the path he has chosen?

Only the mysterious giver of the ornamental gift knows for sure.

Come sail aboard the Imperial Voyager and taste the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' in a whole new setting. And while you’re there, be sure to root for the couple struggling to find their dreams.

This faith-based novella will have you riding strong currents of emotional waves – from the depths of grief to a happy-ever-after. At least that’s what Chad and Merissa are hoping for.

Download today.

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2019

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About the author

Marlene Bierworth

134 books164 followers
Marlene Bierworth lives in Ontario, Canada and her goal is to inspire her readers to "Dream Big Dreams and Live Big Lives.

She seasons her stories to include action, adventure, romance and emotional conflicts, with the meat of the tale touching on current issues that concern families. When the story is told, the book ends, whether it is a short story or a full length novel.

Included on her list are historical and contemporary titles packed with faith-filled adventures, romance, suspense, intrigue, drama, holidays and mysteries for both adults and teens.
You can find a complete list of titles at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J9RM116

Life's experiences feed Marlene's imagination and from them evolve characters and engaging plots that will keep the reader turning the pages.

Fiction is her favorite genre but non-fiction continually tugs at her heart strings when there is a truth to be told or encouragement to give. She has published Book 1 in an ongoing series on the "ABC'S of MARRIAGE" complete with tips and worksheets for study and reflective purposes, for private study between couples or for groups. Successful marriages are her passion and she loves to interact with others to promote healthy marriages.

"Life is an adventure waiting to be told" and it is Marlene's goal to "help book lovers experience it to the fullest." Join her fan base and stay informed.

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/11180...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/marle...
She is also on Facebook Marlene Bierworth and Twitter (@MBierworth,
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5 stars
63 (75%)
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12 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
99 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2022
Beginning definitely caught my attention . What a fun loving couple Newley engaged and looking forward to starting their life together. Then, just total heartbreak. I was so sad and wondering where was this story going, the Christmas Cruise North Pole elves would not let Merissa hide away and give up on life. I loved the symbolisms of the 12 days of Christmas themed cruise included not just the worldly items but secular as well. Beautiful ending.
Profile Image for Linda.
Author 65 books694 followers
November 13, 2022
I love Christmas and cruises, and the author did a wonderful job of combining the two. Learning the Christian messages behind the “Twelve Days of Christmas” was an added bonus. Tragedy strikes Merissa at the beginning leaving her with a broken heart, and her best friend Amy does all she can to help her heal, but Merissa continues to struggle. I love the fantasy concept in the story of the “North Pole” intervening in her life by sending her on a cruise. She doesn’t really want to be there, and neither does Chad, the man she’s fighting an attraction for. What woman wouldn’t be? He’s handsome, gentle, and filled with integrity and faith. Dealing with his own issues, he’s skeptical about the feelings that have surfaced. The author handles the difficult topic of grief with sensitivity, realism, and depth. Her descriptions of the ship, food, activities, and shore excursions brought back many happy memories. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Cindy Edwards.
324 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2019
It's Cruising Time!

I really liked how the 12 days of Christmas was used as a daily theme aboard the cruiseship. I have never thought of the religious meanings of the verses, but they sure made a lot of sense. In keeping with the theme of this series, instead of ornaments the recipients received a split necklace.
Merissa was originally was scheduled to go on this cruise as her honeymoon, but circumstances made it so her best friend went with her.
Kyle gets the package i the mail and sees his traveling partner is his best friend, so he figures his best friend bought the vacation as a way for him to quit working so hard.

Will the North Pole magic end at the end of this cruise, or does the romance continue? And which couple has the matching parts of the necklace.?
Profile Image for Sandra Bagwell.
552 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2019
Another great story in the series

This has been a fun to read series from the beginning. This story starts out very sad 😢. The heartbreak causes Marissa to withdraw from social activities while trying to hold to her Faith. A bit of Christmas magic allows her to go on the crude with her best friend that should have been her Honeymoon. I can't imagine myself even as a young person participating in all the fun activities they had on the Cruise ship but could see any of my children loving the Cruise. It was like a mini vacation to read. This whole multi-author series will set you in the mood for family celebrations. Mrs. Claus 🎅did it again!
Author 1 book69 followers
December 4, 2020
All aboard the Imperial Voyager and the 'Twelve Days of Christmas.' in July. Will Merissa heal from a broken heart before the ship lands back at Fort Lauderdale and can Chad make the hard decisions that are destined to change the path he has chosen?

Interesting read. Gave me the experience of being on a cruise ship. Private Island - nice. I love the Twelve Days of Christmas theme. The Christian message weaved throughout the story. A fresh, new way to make the cruise unforgettable. I'd love to have experienced this cruise. Very good.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,725 reviews54 followers
December 14, 2020
Quirky!

This isn't my favourite book of the series, there is nothing wrong with it, I just didn't feel as invested in the characters or the story as I have with other books in the series.
It's a quirky plot, which is well written and I love the idea of a Christmas cruise in July...I am all about Christmas, so it should have been one of my favourite but I cannot put my finger on why it wasn't.
As with the rest of the series I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for D.
8 reviews
July 23, 2022
Awesome Christian Christmas

I rarely give 5 stars but this one was a winner. The Christmas magic Intermingled with real world grittiness and with the gospel put out out right in the forefront and not a hidden between the lines. Along with many dashes of fun as well as the healing and redemptive power of God. It was a great read, In fact I stayed up until almosg 6 AM this morning. I couldn't put it down.
995 reviews23 followers
November 5, 2022
A great Christmas story

I loved this Christmas romance story. The cruise sounded wonderful. This was a good story to read near the holidays to be reminded of the magic of the season. Great story for those who love Christmas stories with a Christian theme. I have enjoyed every Ornamental Matchmaker book I've read!
905 reviews
March 7, 2025
Very enjoyable!

The story of Merissa and Chad is really good. Merissa had been mourning her late fiancee for a year but made a conscious decision to embrace life again, letting her faith be her guide. She met Chad aboard a cruise ship. Their relationship developed in a very real way with them each experiencing doubts and working through them.
Profile Image for Kristin Carmack.
255 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2026
Whirlwind Story

A 13 day Christmas cruise is the setting for this whirlwind story. Marissa and Amy and Chad and Skip are the main characters. There is an almost accident and mix-ups that set the stage for this wonderful story! I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I hope others will enjoy it as much as I did!
Profile Image for Renate Deutsche Oma.
1,456 reviews
June 7, 2019
The Ornamental Match Maker series is a fun holiday read. The series continues through major holidays. Loved this story included a cruise, Mr. & Mrs. Claus vacationing and an unique twist on the Twelve Days of Christmas. Delightful read.

Profile Image for Anita Rohn.
2,019 reviews9 followers
June 7, 2019
Cruise

A very emotional journey to find oneself after a storm of grief and the magic of Christmas and the faith it reminds you to live and love. Filled with humor and friendship. A good read.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,772 reviews7 followers
December 29, 2019
A wonderful story!

Chad- HR person travels a lot.
Merissa - partner in a magazine company , lost her fiance
I enjoyed reading this emotional contemporary story that is well written with lovable characters. Their story has a sweet HEA but I wish there was more, maybe a wedding
130 reviews
December 30, 2021
This story is much too short. The main characters don't even know each other.

This story feels like a rebound relationship for Merissa. She was supposed to marry Kyle at this time but what does this say about her relationship with Kyle that she can replace him that easily.!
Profile Image for Bonny Rambarran.
1,521 reviews21 followers
October 31, 2022
WHO insisted she go on the cruise that was to be her honeymoon??
She takes her best friend with her on the cruise, And she is determined to enjoy herself . .. and then they meet their neighbours and hit it with them. Amazing book -- God's grace shines through this book Fabulous book.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
3,072 reviews8 followers
February 21, 2024
Love this series

I have really been enjoying this series. I loved Merissa and Chad's story. These two needed lots of intervention from the North Pole to find their HEA. A great read.
Profile Image for Susan.
658 reviews31 followers
March 30, 2026
This was my first time reading a book by this author, and I really enjoyed it. Merissa and Chad have both received a ticket for a Christmas in July cruise from a mysterious sender. The book managed to include all the feelings; love, loss, grief, healing. I really liked this book.
Profile Image for Janet Swiftbird.
1,878 reviews6 followers
June 4, 2019
Divine Intervention

Can a woman who lost her fiancee find new Love?
Can a harried HR manager make his dreams come true?
A wonderful read in the series.
819 reviews8 followers
August 10, 2022
Great book

What a superbly written story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommend it to anyone who loves a clean sweet romance.
1,337 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2023
great book

This was a great book. I love this author. I highly recommend this book and author. I cannot wait to read the next book by this author.
7 reviews
March 9, 2026
WONDERFUL STORY

I enjoyed this book very much! Reminded me of my Christmas Cruise in December a while back! I think Merissa had more fun than I did! LOL
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews