The Christmas Guest

By: Sally Royer-Derr

Narrated by: Oona Maya, Stacy Carolan

When handsome author Nate moves into Laura's picturesque guesthouse in coastal Maine, it seems like a holiday fairy tale. Her quiet, comfortable life takes a new direction as they get to know each other. He seems too good to be true, and she can hardly believe how everything falls into place for them.

As their romance blossoms, Laura questions what Nate is hiding from her. Who is he talking to in the middle of the night? Why is he so secretive?

But Nate isn't the only one hiding something.

Laura has secrets of her own....

A twisty, deliciously fun psychological thriller and cute romance mash up that will keep you listening late into the night. Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden and The Secrets Next Door.

©2025 Sally Royer-Derr (P)2025 Sally Royer-Derr

Good listen

Romantic suspense
Thriller vibes

Dual narration - Oona Maya & Stacy Carolan

Fast paced insta lust vibes. Mysterious, cozy read. I liked that the characters are older and finding love.

Overall, I enjoyed this quick easy listen. Holiday novella with thrills and suspense.

A fun, mysterious read, winter vibes...

I went into this blind as I just liked the cover—it did intrigue me right out the gate.

Written in first-person POV.
Present tense.

I enjoyed the vibes, the female lead, the day-to-day and the small town lifestyle. It’s fairly slow-paced and I didn’t pick up on any real chemistry between the lead and her love interest. I believe I was ‘supposed to’ but it was just ‘told’ instead of ‘shown’ so this bit didn’t hit home for me.

Still, it was intriguing, filled with things like mysteries, stalking, mental instability, extortion and more. Mostly fun … very predictable, but literally everything is so I don’t hold that against anyone.

🌲 Set in Maine.
🫎 Later-in-life romance.
🌲 Retired FMC.
🫎 All the cozy, Christmas vibes.
🌲 Other-woman drama.
🫎 Miscommunication.
🌲 Second chances.
🫎 Stalking.
🌲 Extortion.
🫎 FMC with a dark past.
🌲 A bit of action.
🫎 Winter-y vibes.

Overall: I liked it! Based on this, would absolutely read more by this author. 4 stars.

🎧 Audio:
Fantastic! This is a flawless audio production, clearly professionally produced and narrated. Recommend!

Romantic Thriller hits all the notes!

I love both the romance and thriller genres , so this was a win-win for me. I love trying to solve mysteries throughout and this kept me on my toes. I had a hunch about the suspect, but was pleasantly surprised about the motive and LOVED the ending. The central relationship is great, and I loved hearing a mature romance unfold in such an honest, real, and sexy way. Loved both the female/male performers who really brought their characters to life. Though this is really Laura, the female protagonist’s story and the narrator, Oona Maya, was perfectly cast. Many very touching scenes as she reminisces on her family and backstory. A very compelling audiobook. I don’t know if this part of a series, I hope so because I want to know what becomes of Laura and Nate! Off to find more of author, Sally Royer Derr’s books, as I really enjoyed this one!

Great holiday domestic thriller

This mysterious read definitely built the tension & kept my attention as I tried to read between the lines and decipher what was truly happening between Laura & Nate.

When Laura opens her guest house to admired author Nate, she is immediately smitten with him and vice versa! It is evident from the beginning that they both are harboring secrets, but who’s is worse?

Loved both narrators in the audiobook! Both narrates did a fantastic job & having dual narrators male & female to perform Laura & Nate’s characters was amazing!

Laura is an immediately likable character and we are drawn to her magnetic personality. Nate is a little suspect, but in true suspenseful fashion, nothing is what it seems. Then add in the mysterious POV of “her,” which built the intensity! Eerie winter storms, suspicious characters, secrets, deception… all recipes for a good holiday domestic thriller read!

Excellent Narration

This audiobook drew me in immediately and kept me fully immersed in a snowy, sparkling Christmasy setting, both gorgeous and isolating. It starts with a sprinkle of suspense, then a lovely romance with very likable characters, and when the suspense kicks in…hold on. The thriller romance combination really interests me and I wish more books mixed these genres. Both narrators were absolutely AMAZING!! I couldn’t stop listening and I’d give it 10 stars if I could. An absolute delight!