Category: Holiday

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Holiday

Murder, Mistletoe & Spirits by Greta Sinclair

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Title: Murder, Mistletoe & Spirits
Author: Greta Sinclair
Series: Hattie & Moose #5
Location: Nashville, TN
Main Character: Hattie
Other Characters: Gracie, Tim, Hudson, Jack, Rose, Alex, Winter
Pets: a Chow named Moose , Yorkie named Minnie Pearl & Cecil the cat
Rating: 4

Murder, Mistletoe & Spirits is a such a fun read leading up to the holidays! I enjoyed the small-town atmosphere, the warm friendships, and the intriguing mystery that kept me guessing. The pacing was well written with just the right amount of suspense to keep things engaging.

Hattie is thrilled about her blossoming romance with Detective Bo and is looking forward to a double date with her best friend Gracie and Gracie’s boyfriend, Tim. They anticipate a quiet evening at the distillery, but their plans take a shocking turn when a dead body is discovered in a bourbon barrel. The victim, Quinn, is a woman who had been missing for years, with everyone believing she had simply left town. Hattie feels compelled to get involved in solving this cold case. How did Quinn end up at the bottom of a bourbon barrel? This question propels Hattie and Detective Bo into an investigation filled with unexpected secrets.

I really enjoyed the mystery and the investigation process, as well as the blossoming romance between Hattie and Bo. The only aspect that occasionally disrupted my immersion in the story was the portrayal of the animals. I love animals, especially dogs, but there were several instances where Hattie’s two dogs, Moose and Minie Pearl, along with her cat, Cecil, seemed to engage in their own conversations. This felt somewhat unrealistic and didn’t quite fit the story. While it didn’t ruin the book for me, it did momentarily pull me out of the mystery.

If you enjoy a captivating whodunit filled with twists and turns as you seek out the killer, along with a fun protagonist, a hint of romance, quirky characters, and entertaining pets, then you will definitely love this series.

Fiction, Holiday, Romance, Women's Fiction

Christmas on Waverly Lane by Rachel Hanna

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Author: Christmas on Waverly Lane
Series: Waverly Lane #2
Main Character: Shelby
Other Characters: Shelby, Reed, Cami, Lacy, Joan, Willadeene, Reed
Rating: 5

Rachel has once again delivered with “Christmas on Waverly Lane.” As the second installment in the Waverly Lane series, it continues to captivate. While it’s uncertain if more books will follow, I sincerely hope they do. I’m completely hooked on this community and their friendships, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

From the very first page, I was captivated by the heartwarming stories of Shelby, Reed, Cami, Lacy, Joan, and Willadeene. Rachel  has a way of weaving together the lives of these characters, making the reader feel as if you are  part of their close-knit community. Shelby and Reed’s Christmas wedding is beautifully depicted, even though it didn’t quite go as planned, it couldn’t have been more perfect. Cami’s journey of starting over is both inspiring and relatable. Lacy’s exciting news and Joan’s preparations for her first family Christmas in years add layers of joy and anticipation to the story. And of course, Willadeene, who has an unexpected and unwanted guest, is always a delight who adds a touch of humor. These women are willing to do anything for each other. Their friendship is one that will endure through the ages.

This book is a perfect blend of romance, friendship, and holiday cheer. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit and enjoy a heartwarming tale of love, friendship and community.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Holiday

The Ghostly Groundskeeper by Kathi Daley

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  • Title: The Ghostly Groundskeeper
  • Author: Kathi Daley
  • Series: Tess & Tilly #12
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: White Eagle, Montana
  • Main Character: Tess, Tony, Bree, Mike
  • Other Characters: Brady, Hap, Hattie, Tess’ mom,
  • Pets: a golden retriever named Tilly and a cat named Tangletoe (Tang for short) and a cat named Tinder and Tony’s german sheppard Titan, Mike’s dog Leonard and the newest member of the family Kody. plus lots of other shelter dogs that come and go.
  • Stars: 5

The Halloween festival is coming up in White Eagle so naturally there is a spooky old house where a serial killer once lived.

There is a TV show called Ghost Therapist who are coming to White Eagle to do a ghost hunting tour of the mansion that was once owned by a doctor. On his deathbed, the doctor confessed to killing nine men in this mansion while he was doing medical experiments on them in the 70s and 80s. He told his groundskeeper to bury them on the grounds of the estate. These bodies have never been found and the groundskeeper is supposedly dead. Legend says that if you are in the tower of the house, you can see the groundskeeper at night with his flashlight, checking on the graves of these buried men.

People are going to bid to see who is going to stay in the mansion with the Ghost Therapist. The twelve highest bids will be chosen. Tess, Tony, Mike and two residents will also be staying there. During their stay in the mansion, they discover that someone has been living there in a secret room.

While Tess & Tony are at the mansion with the electrician to check things out before the big night, they find a dead body who has been there just a few days. The main suspect is Sam, who just moved next door to Tess’ mom.

What does Sam know about the deceased?
Who is living at the estate and why?
Where are the bodies of the men, the doctor confessed to killing?

Join Tess, Tony & Mike while they solve another murder.

This is another compelling story by Kathy Daley. The author keeps the reader engaged and guessing as the plot unfolds.

If you like small town romance with a side of murder and pets, you will love this series.


Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Holiday

The Christmas Clause by Kathi Daley

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  • Title: The Christmas Clause
  • Author: Kathi Daley
  • Series: Tess & Tilly #8
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: White Eagle, Montana
  • Main Character: Tess, Tony, Bree, Mike
  • Other Characters: Brady, Hap, Hattie, Tess’ mom,
  • Pets: a golden retriever named Tilly and a cat named Tangletoe (Tang for short) and a cat named Tinder and Tony’s german sheppard Titan plust lots of other shelter dogs that come and go.
  • Stars: 5

if you love a good cozy mystery, pets, and intriguing characters with a touch of Romance, you are going to love the Tess & Tilly series.

This is the 8th book in the series and it does not disappoint. Tess has found another clue into her dad’s past when a woman, who was somehow associated with her dad, is shot right in front of Tess. Now Tess wonders if somehow she lead the killer to this woman.

As Mike, Tess and Tony are investigating this murder, the town Santa is also murdered. So now they wonder if the two murders are connected. As they dig deeper, they aren’t sure if this involves her dad or if these two have another connection that got them killed.

Tess finds out a lot more about her dad’s past. If her dad one of the good guys or is he a killer?

As they are dealing with this,Tess & Mike’s relationship is suffering since he is mad at Tess for keeping secrets about their dad from him. Could this family drama destroy Bree and Tess’ friendship?

The plot thickens and takes lots of twist and turns to catch a killer before they kill again.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Holiday, Romance

The Halloween Haunting by Kathi Daley

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  • Title: The Halloween Haunting
  • Author: Kathi Daley
  • Series: Tess & Tilly #7
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: White Eagle, Montana
  • Main Character: Tess, Tony, Bree, Mike
  • Other Characters: Brady, Hap, Hattie, Tess’ mom, Star Moonwalker
  • Pets: a golden retriever named Tilly and a cat named Tangletoe (Tang for short) and a cat named Tinder and Tony’s german sheppard Titan plust lots of other shelter dogs that come and go.
  • Stars: 5

It’s Halloween in White Eagle so we have a Haunted house, a skeleton, a dead body, a mystery surrounding Tess’ dad and a maybe sister. Lots of mysteries and lots of twists and turns.

I really love Tess, her dog Tilly and all the other characters we come to love in this series. This time Tess, Tilly and Brady are putting on a haunted house as a fundraiser to expand the shelter. While getting the house ready, they come across a skeleton hidden in the wall in the attic. Upon further investigation they also find a dead body in the clock tower. Even though Mike is investigating the skeleton and the murder, you know that Tess and Tony have to do their own investigation. So who is the skeleton and how long has it been hidden in the wall. Who killed the man in the clock tower. This takes us on quite a roller coaster ride before all is revealed.

On a side note, Tess discovers some disturbing information about her dad before he married her mom. This story is throughout the series and keeps us guessing.

This is another great read in the Tess & Tilly mystery. The author really knows how to keep the reader engaged throughout her books. If you like a good mystery with some romance thrown in, this series is for you.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Holiday

The Saint Paddy’s Promise by Kathy Daley

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  • Title: The Saint Paddy’s Promise
  • Author:Kathi Daley
  • Series: Tess & Tilly #6
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: White Eagle, Montana
  • Main Character: Tess
  • Other Characters: Tony, Bree, Mike, Brady, Hap, Hattie, Tess’ mom
  • Pets: a golden retriever named Tilly and a cat named Tangletoe (Tang for short) and a cat named Tinder and Tony’s german sheppard Titan plust lots of other shelter dogs that come and go.
  • Stars: 5

This is Book #6 in the Tess and Tilly mystery.

An old woman returns to a bench where she was supposed to meet her boyfriend over 50 years ago so they could run away and have a life together. He never showed so she returns to the bench every year on St Patricks day.

Then of course there is a murder at the local bar and Tess & Tony are doing their own investigation right along with Mike.

I loved this book and this series. These books are a fairly quick read. The author gets to the point to you stay engaged while reading. As will all of the Tess & Tilly books, the author takes you on a roller coaster ride. The victim isn’t organized and the bar is a mess so there weren’t a lot of clues. The few clues there are take you in different directions with several suspects and DNA tests. I really thought I had it figured out and was convinced I was right but I was wrong. I love it when a mystery isn’t obvious and takes a lot twist and turns.

There are several mysteries going on with the 50 year old mystery of the no show boyfriend, who killed Brick at the local bar, Where do the DNA tests lead, and what about the mystery surrounding Tess’ dad. On a good note, there are wedding plans.

Pick up this series or download it to your ereader, you won’t be disappointed.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Holiday, Romance, Women's Fiction

The Thanksgiving Trip by Kathi Daley

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  • Title: The Thansgiving Trip
  • Author:Kathi Daley
  • Series: Tess & Tilly #5
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: White Eagle, Montana
  • Main Character: Tess
  • Other Characters: Tony, Bree, Mike, Brady, Hap, Hattie, Tess’ mom
  • Pets: a golden retriever named Tilly and a cat named Tangletoe (Tang for short) and a cat named Tinder and Tony’s german sheppard Titan plust lots of other shelter dogs that come and go.
  • Stars: 5

This is the 5th book of the Tess & Tilly series and Tess’ mom wants to take a trip to the moutains where Tess’ dad used to go every yea tofish. So Tess’, her mom, Tony, Mike & Bree head to the lake for Thanksgiving week.

What should they find when they arrive but a dead body in the leak by their cabin. The local police is called but you know that Tess & Tony also have their own investigation to do.

The author takes on a roller coaster ride through some twist and turns to find out who the killer is. There are a lot of suspects but who really did it.

Then to top this off, Tess finds out some more info into the myster of her dad. What do you think that mystery couldl be? Has he been alive all these years or does someone just want Tess to think he has been? Read to find out.

I am really enjoying this series and when I finish one book, I can’t wait to read the next one. Even though there is a stand alone mystery in each book, the mystery of Tess’ dad is carried out throughout the series, at least so far.

Can’t wait to start the nest book.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Holiday

The Halloween House by Kathi Daley

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  • Title: The Halloween House
  • Author:Kathi Daley
  • Series: Tess & Tilly #4
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: White Eagle, Montana
  • Main Character: Tess
  • Other Characters: Tony, Bree, Mike, Brady, Hap, Hattie, Jordan
  • Pets: a golden retriever named Tilly and a cat named Tangletoe (Tang for short) and a cat named Tinder and Tony’s german sheppard Titan plust lots of other shelter dogs that come and go.
  • Stars: 5

Halloween is approaching in White Eagle, Montana. With halloween you know there has to be a haunted house. There is a o mysterius old mansion that was built over 50 years ago. Noone has lived in it for a long time but it has a history. A millionaire built it as a vacation home for his wife and 5 kids. The family that lived there died mysterious deaths and are now buried about back. This is the house that kids sit around and tell ghost stories about and then dare there friends to go up to the front porch and ring the doorbell.

The history of this house is very disturbing. After the family died in the house, it was never sold and noone every lived in it till now! Jordan Westlake has inherited the house and decides to renovate it. During the renovation, he finds a skeleton in the closet.

Now of course Tess and Tony have to put on their amateur sleuth hats to find out who the skeleton is and find out what really happened to the Harrington family in that house.

Will they find people who are still alive that remembers what happened? Will the discover who that skeleton is and what happened?

Then of course there is still the mystery of what happened to Tess’ dad so many years ago and a mysterious picture of her mom that was emailed to Tony.

This is another great book by this author. She gives us some more twist and turns and edge of your seat writing to keep you intersted. It is another ‘can’t put down’ read.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Holiday, Romance

The Mother’s Day Mishap by Kathi Daley

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  • Title: The Mother’s Day Mishap
  • Author:Kathi Daley
  • Series: Tess & Tilly #3
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: White Eagle, Montana
  • Main Character: Tess
  • Other Characters: Tony, Bree, Mike, Brady, Hap, Hattie,
  • Pets: a Dog named Tilly and a cat named Tangletoe (Tang for short) and a cat named Tinder and Tony’s dog Titan plust lots of other shelter dogs that come and go.
  • Stars: 5

Review:

This is the 3rd book in the Tess & Tilly Series.

This is another great Cozy Mystery by Kathi Daley. Mother’s day is approaching and Bree receives a card at her bookstore. She opens it believing it is for her but it is actually for someone else. It was meant for the woman who used to own the shop next door but has unfortunately passed away about 6 months ago. This card is from the son noone knew she had. She and her son were estranged for a quarter of a century. This card is him trying to reconnect with her after 25 years. He ends the card by saying he would meet her at their special place at noon on Mother’s day.

The problem is, he evidently doesn’t know she has passed away. Also, there isn’t a name or a return address so noone knows how to reach him or who to return the card to.

Teess, her friends Tony & Bree and her brother are out to solve the mystery of where Edith’s son is because they want to notify him of her passing. They don’t even have a name and have no idea where the ‘special place’ is.

So they are racing against time to find the son before mother’s day. Will they find him?

This isn’t the only mystery they are trying to solve. Is Tess’s mom’s new Italian boyfried a murderer? Is the father that Tess believed was dead for years, really alive? And if he is, where has he been and why did he leave?

The author is great at twisting these mysterys to keep you guessing. This is a great cozy read in a beautiful small Montana town and of course there is a little romance thrown in.

Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Holiday, Romance, Women's Fiction

The Clause in Christmas by Rachael Bloome

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  • Title: The Clause in Christmas
  • Author: Rachael Bloom
  • Series: Poppy Creek Series
  • Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance
  • Takes Place: Poppy Creek
  • Main Character: Cassie Haywood
  • Other Characters: Luke Davis, Frank, Beverly. Dolores, Maggie (Luke’s mom), Eliza Carte
  • Stars: 5

Review:

This is the first book in the Poppy Creek Series by Rachael Bloome.

Cassie Haywood is down on her luck, lost her job, broke up with boyfriend and hates Christmas. she hates everything about Christmas from decorations, songs, movies, Santa, I mean everything.

Then an inheritance takes her to Poppy Creek right befor Chrismas. She was born in Poppy Creet but hadn’t been there since she was a baby and her mother moved her to San Fancisco. She never really knew her grandmother but her grandmother has left her an inheritance.

Things may be looking up since Cassie has unexpectanty inherited her grandmother’s charming Victorian cottage. There is just one little problem…. there is a clause in the will. Her grandmother also left her a Christmas calendar!! To inherit the house Cassie must complete this calendar each day in December until Christmas, overseen by Luke, the handsome attorney.

Casses is trying to get accostomed to life in this small town until she can complete the Christmas calendar, but she misses good coffee. Her dream is to own her own coffee shop. The coffee in Poppy Creek is not what she is used to and she struggles to get a good cup of coffee. Then she meets Frank and things seem to change in that area of her life.

This is a clean, sweet romantic, Hallmark like, Christmas story with some great characters in a small town. Read to follow Cassie’s quest to find good coffee, complete the Christmas calendar, get rid of some past complications, find romance and start a new life, that she didn’t even know she needed.

What makes this book even more special is the author wrote it from her heart. It is based on a town she grew up in Northern, California. Also the Coffee theme of the book is based on her family owned and operated coffee roasting company. I wondered how the author knew so much about coffee and this explains it.

This is my second book by Rachael Bloome but I will definitly be reading more.