The Christmas Appeal - Janice Hallett

The Fairway Players theater group returns! I absolutely adored Janice Hallett's mystery, The Appeal. I was thrilled to discover that Hallett has written a Christmas novella, again starring the myriad members of the troupe. 

The Christmas Appeal is written in one of my favorite storytelling methods - epistolary. The entire novella is told only through emails, messages, police reports and more, just as The Appeal was. There's a large group of players, but it's easy to keep track of who's who. There's also a handy list at the beginning of the book. 

The group is constantly bickering amongst themselves. The battle for leadership has spanned many years. The level of 'snark' is off the charts and me laughing out loud more than once - and that's hard to do! Things go wrong more than once, but the 'can do' attitude is the group's motto. Each and every characters has a chance to 'speak'. And yes, I had my favorites (looking at you Sarah-Jane). It was easy to imagine being in the midst of the group.

Is there a crime? Of course there is, but I'll let you discover what it is. Clues are dropped all the way to opening night and are slowly revealed from differing viewpoints. Two law students and a retired lawyer are going through all of those missives, also looking for the final answer! I felt like I was in an Agatha Christie novel, trying to ferret out the damning piece of evidence, ready to point my finger with a satisfied ah ha! Well, point I did, but at almost every character along the way. 

Hallett is such a clever, clever writer! Her writing is addictive and so very entertaining. Perfect as a stocking stuffer for yourself  and/or a friend! 

AND Janice Hallett's new novel - The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels - releases on January 24, 2024. I can't wait!!

Bright Lights, Big Christmas - Mary Kay Andrews

I'm always excited to hear that Mary Kay Andrews has a new book coming out. And even better? This latest is a Christmas tale - Bright Lights, Big Christmas!

MKA gives us a great lead in Kerry Tolliver. She's thoughtful, caring and is someone you'd love to have in your friends circle. She and her brother Murphy are heading to Greenwich Village in New York City to sell their Christmas trees. Her family been doing this since the 1950's and the neighborhood always welcomes them back. But there's competition this year...

I love the setting. Having a Christmas tree stand as a focal point is fun and different. As is Spammy - the trailer that Murphy and Kerry are living in.

 

 There's a wealth of supporting characters in the neighborhood and local businesses. All of them are kind, good people. (And I kind of wished I had an apartment in the neighborhood.) Austin is one of the key players - he's six years old and steals the show more than once. And at the other end is Mr. Heinz, a cantankerous older gentleman. In between are some candidates for the romance plot line that MKA always weaves into her books. Oh, and a dog named Queenie as well. 

Relationships of all kinds are explored in Bright Lights, Big Christmas. Difficult issues, questions, situations and more are resolved by the final pages. And that's what I expect and love about MKA's writing. Feel good fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. And fills you with the holiday spirit! See for yourself - read an excerpt of Bright Lights, Big Christmas. 

Bright Lights, Big Christmas - Mary Kay Andrews

I'm always excited to hear that Mary Kay Andrews has a new book coming out. And even better? This latest is a Christmas tale - Bright Lights, Big Christmas!

MKA gives us a great lead in Kerry Tolliver. She's thoughtful, caring and is someone you'd love to have in your friends circle. She and her brother Murphy are heading to Greenwich Village in New York City to sell their Christmas trees. Her family been doing this since the 1950's and the neighborhood always welcomes them back. But there's competition this year...

I love the setting. Having a Christmas tree stand as a focal point is fun and different. As is Spammy - the trailer that Murphy and Kerry are living in.

 

There's a wealth of supporting characters in the neighborhood and local businesses. All of them are kind, good people. (And I kind of wished I had an apartment in the neighborhood.) Austin is one of the key players - he's six years old and steals the show more than once. And at the other end is Mr. Heinz, a cantankerous older gentleman. In between are some candidates for the romance plot line that MKA always weaves into her books. Oh, and a dog named Queenie as well. 

Relationships of all kinds are explored in Bright Lights, Big Christmas. Difficult issues, questions, situations and more are resolved by the final pages. And that's what I expect and love about MKA's writing. Feel good fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. And fills you with the holiday spirit!

Kathleen McInerney narrated the audiobook version. She did a fabulous job of interpreting and presenting Mary Kay Andrews' work. McInerney has a very versatile voice. The voice for Kerry was sweet and kind and made you want to hear what she had to say. Kerry's voice had an interesting up and down that I liked. Murphy's voice was gruff, matching the character. And she created a believable voice for a six year old boy. Hare to do.  Different voices were used for all the characters, making it easy to know who was speaking. She spoke clearly and enunciated well and was easy to listen. Her voice helped me to cement the mental pictures I drew of the characters. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Bright Lights, Big Christmas.

The Noel Letters - Richard Paul Evans

The Noel Letters is latest entry in Richard Paul Evans' yearly Christmas 'Noel Series'.

Noel Post has not been back to her hometown in two decades. And that's also how long it's been since she's seen or spoken to her father. With the news that he is dying, she does make the trip. But she's not in time.

She inherits his beloved bookstore and meets his friends and co-workers. Their opinion of her father is worlds apart from Noel's. She also re-connects with Dylan, her old flame. And she starts to receive a series of letters full of wisdom and advice. They're unsigned but she sure it is Dylan's handiwork. 

Noel is a hard character to like in the beginning. She has her walls up and blinders on, determined to confirm what she's thought for the last twenty years. I initially found her obstinance a bit off putting. The supporting players consists of Wendy, bookshop manager, Grace - a customer and Dylan and his family. Wendy was intense, but I was quite drawn to Grace and Dylan. Both of them are genuine, calm and reasonable.

This series is always emotional and the books are released at the time of the year when we often reflect on our lives, our goals, our mistakes and our reparations. The reader can't help but become immersed in Noel's life, urging her to take a second look at her memories, her perceptions, her life and what the future holds for her. Love, loss, grief and forgiveness are amongst the themes Evans explores.

Evans has scattered literary quotes from well known authors throughout the book. I quite enjoyed these, along with the advice included in the letters. There's much food for thought. And the bookstore sounded heavenly - a place I'd like to be!

The ending isn't a surprise, but a surprise wouldn't do here. Instead, the right thing happens. And the journey to the right thing was just as enjoyable as the previous entries in this series. 

I chose to listen to The Noel Letters. The narrator was Helene Maksoud. She has narrated other books in this series and I was glad to hear her voice again. She has a voice that is very pleasant to listen to and easy to understand. Her speed of speaking is just right - a very measured pace that suits the tone of the book. She captures the emotions in the book well and the tone and tenor reflect that.  She used a different voice for different characters. It was easy to tell who was speaking. Maksoud interprets Evans' book well and it made for a very enjoyable listen. Hear for yourself  - listen to an excerpt of The Noel Letters.

Christmas Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella

Christmas seems to have crept up on me this year and I know I need to get started on my shopping. But, the ninth book - Christmas Shopaholic - in Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series is here! And surely a book about shopping and Christmas could inspire me - right?

Those of you familiar to the series will be happy to hear that this latest is a return to the 'old Becky' if you will. (I must admit that the last two books that took Becky to the US fell flat for me.)

Becky's love of shopping has not lessened. Or the predicaments she gets herself into. (And these are so much fun!) All of it is done with the best of intentions of course. But the pressure is on this year - Becky will be hosting the family Christmas.

It takes a bit to make me laugh out loud at a book, but Kinsella had me giggling many, many times throughout Christmas Shopaholic. Just what I needed! Just beneath that humour are some truths as well - family, friends and what is truly important.

I enjoyed catching up with Becky and all of the supporting players. I feel like I've come to know them all and hearing what they're up to is like catching up with old friends.

This latest was perfect reading for the season. The door has been left open for the tenth entry in Becky Brandon, nee Bloomwood's life. I look forward to it! But for now - here's an excerpt of Christmas Shopaholic.

Noel Street - Richard Paul Evans

It wouldn't be Christmas without a new holiday tale from Richard Paul Evans. This year's book is Noel Street.

Set in 1975, Noel Street introduces us to Elle, a widowed mother of young Dylan. She's barely scraping by on her waitress's paycheck. When her car breaks down again, she doesn't know how she'll pay to get it fixed. But William, a new-to-town mechanic and Vietnam vet, fixes it for free, to repay a kindness she has shown him.

And yes, you can see it coming can't you? And that's what I was waiting for - the slow building attraction, two wounded souls finding each other, complications that come between them and...hopefully a happily ever after ending. There's much comfort in listening to this type of book around Christmas. (And the book is set at Christmas as well)

Both leads have not come to term with their pasts, not forgiving themselves and having a hard time living in the present. Love, loss, family, friends, forgiveness and redemption all play a part in Evans' story.

I liked both characters a lot and Dylan was a treat. I liked the 'historical' setting. I don't think the story would have worked written in present day. Evans knows his audience and his writing reflects that. I did find the 'villain' of the story, The Ketchup Lady, to be a bit over the top. I appreciated the supporting players, notably Fran and the diner crew.

I chose to listen to Noel Street. The reader was Helene Maksoud - a nice bit of continuity as she has read the first two 'Noel' books. She has a wonderfully calm, paced manner of speaking. Her voice is gentle, with a nice undertone and is very easy to listen to. Maksoud enunciates well and her speech is clear. She provide different voices for all characters, making it very easy to tell who was speaking. (It's hard to portray a child's voice, but Dylan was done well.)  Listen to an excerpt of Noel Street.

Perfect listening for the holiday season. (Officially less than a month away!)

Christmas on the Island - Jenny Colgan

Oh, can I tell you how much I adore Jenny Colgan's books! (A whole bunch!) Her latest NA release is Christmas on the Island - perfect seasonal reading. It's the third book in the Seaside Kitchen series.

Flora is the owner of the Seaside Kitchen on the remote, beautiful Scottish island of Mure. Flora is a perfect lead - fun, quirky and very likable. The supporting cast also endear themselves to the reader - Flora's loud and noisy family and the wonderfully diverse and sometimes eccentric villagers. Each and every one has a part to play in the tapestry that is the life of Mure.

Everyday life, love lost, love found, friendship, family rifts, family uniting and community are the driving forces behind Colgan's works.

This is the time of the year when I enjoy seasonal reading, cosying up with a feel-good read, a cup of tea and a warm blanket. Delightful, inviting and heartwarming, Christmas on the Island was the perfect read for me. (And I would be quite happy living on Mure!) Here's an excerpt of Christmas on the Island. I hope there's another Mure book in the works - there are a few storylines that haven't been resolved....

The Noel Stranger - Richard Paul Evans

Ahh, it wouldn't be Christmas without a new book from Richard Paul Evans! This latest is entitled The Noel Stranger.

Maggie Walther is stunned when her husband is arrested - for bigamy. She retreats from the world, hurt and embarrassed. With Christmas around the corner, her friend encourages her to embrace the season and start to live again. A chance encounter at a Christmas tree farm with a man named Andrew gives her hope that maybe, just maybe, she can find happiness again.

But the road to happiness is often bumpy....

Evans sets his novels around the Christmas season - a time of reflection, connection, forgiveness, joy - and yes, love.

The Noel Stranger is told as excerpts from Maggie's diary. I liked Maggie and wanted her to find happiness again. Her initial hesitation was understandable, given what has happened to her. But, I was somewhat surprised at the speed at which things progressed - a trip to Cabo seemed a wee bit rash on Maggie's part. I thought she would be a bit more cautious, given some of the enigmatic answers he provides. But of course, that's part of the plot! Without providing a spoiler, I did find the reason for Andrew's enigmatic answers needs to be taken with a few grains of salt.

I chose to listen to The Noel Stranger. The reader was a favorite of mine - Erin Mallon. She provides the perfect voice for Maggie - warm, appealing, engaging and easy to listen to. Her interpretation is expressive - rising and falling, accentuating the emotion etc. And....she also does the male voice. And it's totally believable. Mallon uses a deeper voice, one with a rich gravelly tone. There was never any question as to who was speaking or whose narrative we were listening to. I often think about the logistics of narrating a book. The reader is often flipping back and forth between characters. Quite the job - and Mallon does it very well. Listen to an excerpt of The Noel Stranger.

The Noel Stranger was an entertaining, easy listen, perfect for the back and forth drive to work at this time of the year.

Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery - Jenny Colgan

I adore Jenny Colgan' books. They're feel-good, heart-warming escapist reading and they never disappoint. I'm always eager to read Colgan's newest book. The latest North American release is Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery.

If you're already a Jenny Colgan fan, you'll be delighted to know that this is the third book in the Little Beach trilogy. Now, you don't have to have read previous books in this series to enjoy this latest - but you'd appreciate the story more if you had.

I adore the (imagined) Cornish town Colgan had used as a setting. Mount Polbearne is (happily) cut off from the mainland twice a day by the tides and is populated by an eclectic group of townsfolk. It's somewhere I could cheerfully live. Polly is the owner of the Little Beach Street Bakery. She, her boyfriend Huckle and pet puffin Neil make their home in a repurposed  lighthouse. Huck is ready to take the next step in their lives, but Polly is hesitant to change the good thing they have going.

Polly is looking forward to a quiet Christmas Day with just Huckle, but of course that's not meant to be. Her friend Kerensa is having a personal crisis, her husband Reuben asks Polly to take on a crazy amount of catering (and truthfully she needs the money), a piece of Polly's past makes itself known and there's trouble between her and Huck. Can all of this be resolved? In time for Christmas? As always, the warmth, friendship and romance elements shine through. Colgan does take on a few heavier topics in this latest - and handles them very well.

Polly is a wonderful lead character - warm, kind, thoughtful and more - just the kind of person you'd love to have in your circle of friends. Huck is pretty much the perfect boyfriend. But it's Neil who takes best supporting player!

Descriptions of baking and baked goods will have your mouth watering. And might be a catalyst for starting your holiday baking! Colgan includes recipes for some of Polly's creations.

This is the time of the year when I enjoy seasonal reading, cosying up with a feel-good read, a cup of tea and a warm blanket. Delightful, inviting and heartwarming, Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery was the perfect start to my holiday reading. In the author's notes, Colgan indicates this may be the last Little Beach book. I'll miss Polly and company (especially Neil!), but know I'll love whatever and whoever Colgan writes next. Read an excerpt of Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery.

"Jenny Colgan is the New York Times-bestselling author of numerous novels, including The Bookshop on the Corner, Little Beach Street Bakery, and Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery, all international bestsellers. Jenny is married with three children and lives in London and Scotland." Find out more about Jenny at her website, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

See what others on the TLC book tour thought - full schedule can be found here.

I received this book for review from HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours.

The Christmas Surprise - Jenny Colgan

I really enjoy Jenny Colgan's books. They're filled with sweet lead characters, a quirky supporting cast and always a lovely little village setting. Colgan writes a number of series. The Christmas Surprise is part of the Rosie Hopkins series. Note that this was released as Christmas at Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop in Britain in 2013. This latest edition has a new cover and has been released as an e-book.

I happily settled in for the night with a pot of tea and a warm throw and lost myself in the village of Lipton. (For those not familiar with the series or characters, Colgan provides a lovely prologue, full of descriptions of players, relationships and what's gone on before. She's quite funny!)

Rosie and her fiance Stephen have the best of news - and the worst of news around Christmastime. The Christmas Surprise takes us through a year of life with this village and its inhabitants ending with the next Christmas. And in between, there are hopes, dreams, desires, missteps, miscommunications - and lots and lots of love.

Yes, some of the characters are cliched - but I enjoyed them all. And I would be quite happy, living in Lipton. I wish there were truly communities such as this that cared about each other. I love reading this type of tale - knowing there's a 'happy ever after' at the end. Warm, witty and oh so perfect for this time of the year. Read an excerpt of The Christmas Surprise.

I received this book from Harper Collins for review.

The Christmas Angel Project - Melody Carlson

December always brings the desire to read Christmas fiction for me. And to remember the real 'reason for the season.' The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson was absolutely perfect on both counts.

The prologue introduces us to Abby, who is putting the finishing touches on some personal Christmas gifts for her friends, all members of their book club. Now, this isn't a spoiler as it's the first chapter - but Abby passes away.

The reader is privy to the shock and grief that her four friends experience when they hear this news. Each of the four has a very different personality and different reaction to the news of Abby's death. She played a unique role in each woman's life.When Abby's husband delivers the gifts to the group, they take what Abby has given them and turn it to something even more special. They decide to become 'Christmas Angels' and help members of their community.

"Angels should be capable of making miracles in other people's lives......Suddenly they were all talking, suggesting ways they might help others, good deeds they might do, ways to 'pay it forward'."

I loved this idea - it's absolutely one each of us should put into play in our own lives and community - at any time of the year. Matthew 6

Carlson's characters are very likeable in their honesty, doubts, beliefs and struggles. I enjoyed that they were all from different walks and stages of life. (And I would enjoy them as friends as well) She has created unique ideas for each character to carry out their good deeds. I enjoyed seeing their plans come to fruition. Carlson also includes a lovely romantic subplot for one of the characters.

Looking for an sweet, inspirational, heart-warming holiday tale with a wonderful message? Pick up The Christmas Angel Project. Best enjoyed with a cup of tea looking out at the snow. Read an excerpt of The Christmas Angel Project.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Keeping Christmas - Dan Walsh

Dan Walsh's new (and timely) book is Keeping Christmas.

I love reading Christmas fiction in the weeks leading up to December 25th. Keeping Christmas was especially timely for me.

Judith and Stan Winters are empty nesters. But, for the first time, none of their three children can make it home for the holidays - Thanksgiving or Christmas. This affects Judith greatly - she has no interest in putting up a tree, listening to Christmas music or any of their usual traditions. Stan is not as affected - but he is worried about Judith as weeks go by and she is still uninspired - and depressed. Supportive friends Betty and Barney are also concerned.

Walsh has penned a story with it's roots in reality. It is incredibly hard to celebrate when family is scattered across the country. (Personally I thank goodness for Facetime!)

Through Judith's story, Walsh explores finding your Christmas spirit despite disappointments, finding new ways to celebrate and connect and thinking of others.

"What he did say was for those who loved the holidays to be mindful of those who found it harder to celebrate, and to do what they could to cheer them up. And he urged those who struggle to try to keep their minds on the 'reason for the season' rather than focusing on all the things that tend to bring them down during the holidays." Good words to take to heart.

Without giving much away, Keeping Christmas is also a love story and an exploration of friendship and family.

Keeping Christmas won't overly surprise you - the plot is somewhat telegraphed. What it will provide is food for thought, perfect for contemplating the coming holidays and how each of us can reach out and share the Christmas spirit.

It's a quick, easy read, at just over 200 pages. A heartfelt, heart-warming read, with a bit of a fairy tale ending.  Read an excerpt of Keeping Christmas.

The Great Christmas Knit-Off - Alexandra Brown

You might just be saying to yourself - Christmas books already Luanne?! Well, I've had snow at my place already. And yes, I'm going to say it.....only nine weeks 'til Christmas. I absolutely adore reading Christmas stories in the weeks leading up to the 25th.

And here's one feel good read you absolutely need to put on your Christmas reading list - The Great Christmas Knit-Off by Alexandra Brown.

Sybil's life has unraveled - she's been jilted, left at the alter by her ex-fiancee - who took off with her twin sister - at work, she may be the one responsible for a large amount of missing money, transferred with a mistaken key stroke - and more. When her bestie takes over running a wee little pub in the village of Tindledale, Sybs decides to visit and get away from her life for a weekend.

Uh huh, you know what's coming don't you? Warm, wonderful, friendly, quirky characters inhabit the village of Tindledale and Sybs is immediately welcomed. When she discovers a wool shop, she knows she's found a kindred spirit in Hettie, the aged owner. But Hettie's nephew is determined to put her in a home and take over her property. Oh, and did I mention the handsome (single) village doctor?

Sybil is a character the reader is immediately drawn to - she's someone you'd love to have as a friend. The reader can't help but cheer her on as she starts to reclaim her life and move forward. There's a lovely sense of community as the residents work together to save Hettie's store. Romance of course figures into the plot - with the requisite missteps, mistakes and miscommunication. Good and bad (that nasty nephew) battle and there are many poignant moments with Hettie as her past is explored and revealed.

Me? I'd love to be part of the knit and natter group. (There's also a pattern included at the back of the book for one of Sybil's projects.) Or settle in for a pint at the Duck and Puddle and catch up on the latest. Make yourself a warm cup of tea - or better yet a cup of cocoa - and settle in for a perfect, heartwarming Christmas read. (This is the first book in Brown's new series set in Tindledale.) Read an excerpt of The Great Christmas Knit-Off.

Alexandra Brown began her writing career as the City Girl columnist for the London Paper. She wrote the weekly column—a satirical diary account of her time working in the corporate world of London—for two years before giving it up to concentrate on writing novels and is now the author of the Cupcakes at Carrington's books. Set in a department store in the pretty seaside town of Mulberry-On-Sea, the series follows the life, loves and laughs of sales assistant Georgie Hart. The Great Christmas Knit-Off is Alexandra's fourth book and the first in a new series set in the fictional village of Tindledale, following the lives of all the characters there. Alexandra lives in a real village near the south coast of England with her husband, daughter and a very shiny black Labrador retriever. Find out more about Alexandra at her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. See what others on the TLC book tour thought - full schedule can be found here.

Nora Bonesteel's Christmas Past - Sharyn McCrumb - Review AND Giveaway

A Christmas book? Already Luanne? I know, I know, but can I be the first to tell you that there are only eighty days until Christmas! One of my favourite things to do in the days leading up to the twenty fifth is to read holiday tales. So, really, I'm just giving you lots of advance notice.....and a chance to own Nora Bonesteel's Christmas Past!

I've found that many novelists publish a holiday story featuring their recurring characters or settings. And that's true with Sharyn McCrumb's first Christmas book. McCrumb also writes what she knows.....

...."My books are like Appalachian quilts," says Sharyn McCrumb. "I take brightly colored scraps of legends, ballads, fragments of rural life, and local tragedy, and I piece them together into a complex whole that tells not only a story, but also a deeper truth about the culture of the mountain South."

Nora Bonesteel has lived her whole life in her family home in the mountains. She has fond memories of years and Christmases gone by. When her newish neighbour comes to call, prattling on about their house being haunted, Nora has an idea what might be going on....

McCrumb also includes a parallel storyline featuring Sheriff Spencer Arrowood and Deputy Joe LeDonne, who are reluctant to carry out an arrest warrant on Christmas Eve. When they arrive at the house, they too are in for a bit of a surprise....

McCrumb's description of the settings evokes vivid pictures of time and place. But it is Nora's memories that stayed with me - Christmases gone by that were celebrated in a simpler fashion, without the commercial frenzy. It was about the people, not 'things'. McCrumb's style of writing is comfortable, almost folksy, leaving the reader feel like they're part of the story.

This was an great start to this year's holiday reading! Read an excerpt of Nora Bonesteel's Christmas Past. And if you too would like to read this book, I have a copy to giveaway to one randomly chosen reader. Simply leave a comment with your favourite holiday memory to be entered. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends October 18/14.

Sharyn McCrumb is an award-winning Southern writer, best known for her Appalachian “Ballad” novels, including the New York Times best sellers The Ballad of Tom Dooley, The Ballad of Frankie Silver, and Ghost Riders. Nora Bonesteel's Christmas Past, releasing in October 2014 by Abingdon Press, is McCrumb's first Christmas novella in the Ballad series.

A Christmas Hope - Anne Perry

Historical author Anne Perry always puts out a Christmas novella. And I've made it a point to pick up every one since she began in 2003.

This year's entry is A Christmas Hope. Perry again plucks a character from one of her full length novels and gives them centre stage for Christmas.

London, England 1868. Wealthy socialite Claudine Burroughs is middle-aged and childless, trapped in a loveless marriage. She has found great joy and purpose in working in Hester Monk's street clinic for women.

While at a Christmas gathering for the upper classes, a young prostitute is brutally attacked on the patio. Claudine attends to her, much to the dismay of her husband and shock of the other guests. Who is this young woman? Why was she there? And why does the story of the three young men found with differ from the story of the man who claims he was trying to save her. Claudine decides that her own sense of well-being depends on finding the truth - despite what it might cost her...and others.

As always, Perry has penned another lovely period piece that is perfect for a one sitting read. She sets the atmosphere perfectly. But it is the dialogue that I enjoy the most. The social mores and the hidden real meaning behind the word that are said aloud. I love the detecting skills used in this time period. Woven throughout it all are a sense of faith, hope and love.

A Christmas Hope was just as I expected - another perfect entry for my holiday reading.  Read an excerpt of The Christmas Hope.

Kissing Christmas Goodbye - M.C. Beaton

M.C. Beaton is the queen of British cozy mysteries. She has a number of long running series. My favourites are the Hamish MacBeth books.

But when Kissing Christmas Goodbye was recently returned at the library, I thought it would make a great seasonal listen for the drive back and forth to work. This book is the 18th entry in Beaton's Agatha Raisin series.

Agatha is a sharp tongued, opinionated private eye with her own detective agency in the Cotswolds. Christmas is coming and Agatha is focused on holding the perfect Christmas dinner, inviting her ex and winning him back. But when Agatha receives a letter from a wealthy widow Phyllis Tamworthy asking Agatha to suss out which one of her family members wants her dead, it piques her interest. She heads to a holiday dinner with the woman and her family. And yes, one of them is guilty.....

Cozies are all about the characters and setting. Beaton has created a wonderful character in Agatha. I liked the addition of a new young female detective to the firm - she gives Agatha a run for her money.  I appreciated revisiting with characters from past novels - it's like settling in with old friends. The mystery isn't overly complicated, but it's the journey to the whodunit that is the most fun.

I quite enjoyed listening to this book rather than reading it. Penelope Keith was the reader and she was absolutely perfect. She perfectly captured the character of Agatha with her British accent and very expressive reading.

This was a perfect light-hearted cozy for the Christmas season. Read an excerpt of Kissing Christmas Goodbye.