This is a lovely collection of Val McDermid's thoughts about the winter season, including her own memories, some poems and quotes from other authors, This is a lovely collection of Val McDermid's thoughts about the winter season, including her own memories, some poems and quotes from other authors, and quite a bit about writing and books. There are also some very nice illustrations of nature done by Philip Harris which complement the writings. I'm surprised that this wasn't published in time for gift giving this holiday season. It would have made a terrific choice for several book lovers on my list.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new book via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. ...more
**Library's Afternoon Book Club Read for December, 2025**
Jumping in on book #28 in the series isn't hard and the story is light and easy reading. Andy**Library's Afternoon Book Club Read for December, 2025**
Jumping in on book #28 in the series isn't hard and the story is light and easy reading. Andy Carpenter, lawyer and dog lover, takes on the defense of a fellow dog lover named Bobby who is accused of murdering a member of his former gang, the Cobras. The evidence against him seems pretty cut and dried but Andy has a whole crew of helpers and experts to help him investigate the case.
This isn't really a Christmas mystery, as the cute cover art and title would lead you to believe, but I enjoyed the characters and the laugh-out-loud humor. The dogs are minor characters in this story, which surprised my fellow book club members, and are just involved during their many walks, allowing Andy time to think. The jury trial is pretty interesting, watching Andy at work to provide some reasonable doubt. Nice twist ending that I should have seen coming but didn't. I would definitely enjoy reading more in this series....more
It's Christmas time in Northshire, Vermont, and everything should be festive and joyful, but unfortunately viral online headlines*3.5 stars rounded up
It's Christmas time in Northshire, Vermont, and everything should be festive and joyful, but unfortunately viral online headlines blare the news: 'Yuletide Killer slays Santa on the winter solstice.' Former Army MP Mercy Carr and her game warden husband, Troy, just want to enjoy their baby's first Christmas, but as the killings continue, they are expected to pitch in to help find the killer.
I'm jumping into the midst of this series but catching the drift wasn't hard. Mercy is part of a close-knit family and is lucky to have so much support. It was delightful to spend time with them at Christmas as they solve a very intriguing mystery. I enjoyed the characters and their many pets (especially Elvis and Susie Bear) and the lovely songs and poems that opened each chapter.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new cozy mystery via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. ...more
Father Tim Kavanagh, retired Episcopal priest of Mitford, NC, pens a lovely letter to his wife Cynthia for her Christmas gift, seals it in an envelopeFather Tim Kavanagh, retired Episcopal priest of Mitford, NC, pens a lovely letter to his wife Cynthia for her Christmas gift, seals it in an envelope on which he writes 'Beloved,' sticks it in a book of poetry and wraps it up in green Christmas paper. Before he can add ribbon, he is called away to help a friend in need. When he returns, he can't find the package anywhere.
As the gift makes its way around the town, we have the joy of spending time again with the friends, family and neighbors of the Kavanaghs of Mitford that we've come to love over the years. If you are a regular reader of Jan Karon's Mitford series, you'll know it's been too many years between books, and the author explains why in her Afterword. If you are not a regular reader of this series but enjoy good, wholesome Christian fiction, I can highly recommend these charming stories to you....more
Set at Christmas time, the magical cats of the Full Moon Coffee Shop return to help three women find their true wishes through knowledge of astrology.Set at Christmas time, the magical cats of the Full Moon Coffee Shop return to help three women find their true wishes through knowledge of astrology. It's a charming story with very interesting characters, and although it's book two in this series, it works fine as a standalone.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc off this new novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. ...more
It's just days before Christmas and Mirrin Sutherland and Theo Palliser are back working together to find a rare book among thousands in Forres CastleIt's just days before Christmas and Mirrin Sutherland and Theo Palliser are back working together to find a rare book among thousands in Forres Castle in northern Scotland. Laird Jamie McKinnon has inherited the crumbing castle after his grandfather's death and must pay the taxes in January or lose it.
Jamie's grandfather was a great collector of books, a hoarder really, and every room and even some hallways of the castle are stacked with books. He was also a lover of puzzles and treasure hunts and has left Jamie one last challenge, a poem with clues to lead them to the treasure if only they can figure it out.
I was totally immersed in the story, enjoyed the characters, and nearly froze to death in that drafty old Scottish castle during the snowstorms that hit. There's a bit of mystery, a nice touch of romance and a very exciting and satisfying ending.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own....more
Cute holiday romance with a bit of magical realism mixed in. Jill Jacobs is NOT a Christmas person. After her heart was broken on*3.5 stars rounded up
Cute holiday romance with a bit of magical realism mixed in. Jill Jacobs is NOT a Christmas person. After her heart was broken on Christmas Eve three years ago, she moved to LA to try to find work as a screenwriter, but has had little success. This Christmas her mother has talked her into coming home to Illinois for the holidays...but will she run into the man who broke her heart?
The magical twist to the plot adds charm and holiday sparkle to the story. Be aware though there is some profanity and one fairly explicit sexual scene.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. ...more
A very sweet and sexy holiday hockey romance. I'm not really into romances and not interested in hockey so this book was not my cup of tea. I found thA very sweet and sexy holiday hockey romance. I'm not really into romances and not interested in hockey so this book was not my cup of tea. I found the plot to be repetitious but I did enjoy the characters and the Christmas setting even though it's only September.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new book via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own....more
This is the third book in the Emily Maxwell series; I didn't realize that before agreeing to read an arc. There were some details*3.5 stars rounded up
This is the third book in the Emily Maxwell series; I didn't realize that before agreeing to read an arc. There were some details and relationships I felt I missed out on because I hadn't read the previous books but I still managed to enjoy reading about these women, their friendships and their good works. Being of a similar age to the characters, I found some of the problems the women faced to be depressing. We all know where we are heading but don't know yet what the ending will be. We joke that the next stop is the nursing home down the street, God's waiting room. I enjoyed the parts of the book set during the holiday season--the joyful gatherings, the choir programs and the church services. Lovely story! I will definitely look forward to reading more in this series.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own....more
*4.5 stars rounded up. This mystery-suspense thriller has everything: murder, action, mayhem, evil bad guys (fascist militia men), love, romance, fami*4.5 stars rounded up. This mystery-suspense thriller has everything: murder, action, mayhem, evil bad guys (fascist militia men), love, romance, family, religion, all set in the joyful holiday season. I've always enjoyed this series and these remarkable characters and now this latest one ranks as my favorite.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. ...more
Rosalind Parker is on her way from London to the Scottish Highlands on December 23rd to be with her only daughter who has gone into premature labor. URosalind Parker is on her way from London to the Scottish Highlands on December 23rd to be with her only daughter who has gone into premature labor. Unfortunately the sleeper train in which she is traveling derails during a snowstorm. When a young woman is found dead in her locked compartment, Roz, a former CID officer, feels compelled to lead the investigation. When another death occurs, also in a locked compartment, fears rise that there is a serial killer in their midst.
I read a sample of Alexandra Benedict's writing in a short story called The Midnight Mass Murderer included in the story collection Death Comes at Christmas which I enjoyed and so sought out more of her writing. I found this 'locked room' puzzle quite entertaining....more
Published in 1987, this little book contains some interesting holiday stories about life in Michigan in the past. It also contains many recipes from oPublished in 1987, this little book contains some interesting holiday stories about life in Michigan in the past. It also contains many recipes from old Michigan cookbooks. My husband and I both grew up in Michigan and enjoyed the walk down memory lane. ...more
This was recommended to me as one of the top books for the holidays--a classic! In the alternate reality of Discworld, the most beloved holiday of theThis was recommended to me as one of the top books for the holidays--a classic! In the alternate reality of Discworld, the most beloved holiday of the year is known as Hogswatchnight, a night when the Hogsfather, dressed in his red suit, travels the world in a sled pulled by eight hogs to bring presents to all the boys and girls. Only THIS year, there's a BIG problem: the Hogsfather is missing and another spirit has taken over the job.
Discworld is a place where spirits, monsters, and fairies abound. And behind the nefarious plot? The Auditors of Reality and Assassins. It's hilarious: a wild and crazy ride with many laugh-out-loud moments. I can see why I was told it's a holiday classic. ...more
*3.5 stars rounded up. Eighteen short stories for Christmas, some more successful than others. I did find one author I'd like to read more from.
I use*3.5 stars rounded up. Eighteen short stories for Christmas, some more successful than others. I did find one author I'd like to read more from.
I used to buy my mother cozy mysteries set at Christmastime and now I'm doing it for myself to carry on the tradition. I found this one at Next Page Books, an independent bookstore in Frisco, Colorado, on a recent trip there. They were so welcoming and friendly! Support your local bookseller....more
Another cute cozy mystery in the long-running series set at Christmastime. Meg Langslow's grandmother Cordelia has organized a Presumed Innocent conveAnother cute cozy mystery in the long-running series set at Christmastime. Meg Langslow's grandmother Cordelia has organized a Presumed Innocent convention at the local inn. When an attendee is found murdered behind their barn, the whole family pitches in to help Chief Burke and his team figure out whodunit. Although both the victim and the killer were easy to predict right from the start, it was still a fun holiday read. Donna Andrews leaves one detail unrevealed to look forward to in the next book in the series. ...more
Niall Williams returns to the small coastal village of Faha, Ireland for this delightful story set during the Advent season of 1962. It's a character-Niall Williams returns to the small coastal village of Faha, Ireland for this delightful story set during the Advent season of 1962. It's a character-driven novel to be read slowly and savored for its insight into the true heart of humanity.
Little ten-year-old Ronja dreams too much. Mostly she dreams of a better life for herself and her older sister Melissa where her alcoholic father can Little ten-year-old Ronja dreams too much. Mostly she dreams of a better life for herself and her older sister Melissa where her alcoholic father can hold down a job. Things are looking up when he gets a job at a local Christmas tree lot but soon his addiction once again gets the better of his good intentions. Melissa then is given his job at a reduced pay as a 'favor.' Ronja wants to help too and when the boss is away, Melissa and her coworker Tommy allow Ronja to hawk wreaths for 'needy children.' That succeeds a bit too well. 'It's always hope that ruins everything.'
This seems a bit like a modern remake of Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Match Girl. I found it to be quite a sad story with maybe too heavy a dose of reality.
I received an arc of this novella from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. ...more
Cute little novella for Christmas. I always enjoyed buying these kind of light Christmas mysteries for my mother in years past--it would have been somCute little novella for Christmas. I always enjoyed buying these kind of light Christmas mysteries for my mother in years past--it would have been something she enjoyed. I felt a little angry with Molly for not noticing and valuing the love that was being shown to her daily in so many small ways. Surely her grandmother must have had a saying for that!...more
I was thrilled to find someone writing in the vein of Agatha Christie and giving readers more of her excellent character, Hercu*3.5 stars rounded up.
I was thrilled to find someone writing in the vein of Agatha Christie and giving readers more of her excellent character, Hercule Poirot. It's a bonus that the story is set as Christmas approaches in the year 1931. Cynthia Catchpool, the mother of Inspector Edward Catchpole of Scotland Yard, insists he and Poirot must come to Frellingsloe House on the Norfolk coast to solve the mysterious death of a man in a ward of the hospital ward nearby.
The mystery is good and twisty with Catchpool telling the story and Poirot using 'his little grey cells' to solve a convoluted crime as we all expect, of course. The one thing I didn't care for is the way Edward treats his mother. Even though she can be manipulative and even dangerously stupid at times, she's still his mother and he turned out alright, after all. ...more
I needed something uplifting and this collection of charming and heartwarming Christmas stories was perfect, reminding me of the true meaning of ChrisI needed something uplifting and this collection of charming and heartwarming Christmas stories was perfect, reminding me of the true meaning of Christmas. ...more
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