Christmas Book Review: Deck the Hallways

* Book 4 in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series *

Shannon's having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit, but working on the Forester House project where she's in charge of carving up a beautiful Victorian home into 10 apartments for homeless folks. The apartments will be ready just before Christmas. It's a lot of work just organizing all the workers and the volunteers.

But when a man from the bank is found on site, murdered with her father's tools, it's enough to make anyone feel like Scrooge - especially since this man could get under anyone's skin. The list of suspects grows by the minute.

Shannon knows her father isn't a murderer, but proving it will take time. Plus with the house a crime scene, it puts everyone further behind schedule. Can the house be finished and a murdered caught in time for Christmas?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this installment of the series. I loved how the whole town pitched in to help create these apartments. It was so thoughtful and heartwarming. I loved the Santa brigade and how they came dressed to impress. I liked learning more about Shannon's father. I didn't like the romance turn in this book, but I'm glad things changed. I adored the teenage girls and their helpfulness. The moments with the baby made me tear up. Another winner in this great series; I can't wait to read more. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Purchase for this series for your cozy collection, it's unique and entertaining. 

Christmas Book Review: Six Geese A-Slaying

Book 10 in this series (first one I've read)

Meg found herself organizing the annual Christmas parade to help out her new husband's tenure track. The theme is the Twelve Days of Christmas. The parade starts at her house, so her yard is filled with people and animals, all needing her attention. Then her Santa appears and while he's not the person she would have chosen to play Santa, he fits the physical requirements.

It seems someone agrees with her. Before the start of the parade, he's murdered. Now Meg's doing all she can to help solve the murder.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this Christmas cozy. I really liked the parade and learning all about the characters in town. I liked the cute dog, who showed up at the right time. I'm not a huge fan of the Christmas Carol, but I like how pieces were woven into this story. A fun cozy to read right before the holidays!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Gifted

Christmas Book Review: Christmas Caramel Murder

* Book 20 in the Hannah Swensen series *

Hannah recounts the story of last Christmas, the chocolate caramels, and of course murder to her new husband. The death of Herb's high school sweetheart, who may or may not have been making a play for him creates havoc for Lisa. She's seen as the prime suspect after her suspicions and jealously. Of course Hannah digs into the murder to help out her friend.

My Thoughts: A cute short novel. I like how the Christmas Carol was woven into the story. I liked learning more about Hannah's father. I liked learning more about Lisa and Herb and their past together. Of  course the treats they bake at the shop always make my mouth water. I was a little disappointed not to get much of Ross, but the next book is out just around the corner at the end of February. This was a fun seasonal read.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Purchase where this series is popular

Holiday Review Thursday: Death with All the Trimmings

* Book 5 in the Key West Food Critic Series *

Hayley's doing an in depth article about a famous New York chef (once part of a duo), now opening her own restaurant in Key West.  Unfortunately for Edel Waugh, nothing is going her way. Accidents keep happening in the kitchen. She's asked Hayley to help her determine the source of these incidents in hope that everything will run smoothly on opening night.  But when a fire destroys her kitchen and her ex-husband's found dead on the property, Edel becomes the prime suspect. Can Hayley help her clear her name and get her restaurant back in business?

My Thoughts: I really love this series and this one was especially great. Obviously I love Christmas books (As you can see each week). Although I always want snow on Christmas, Christmas by the water seems really nice. I really liked the idea of a woman chef trying to distance herself from her ex-husband and seeing if she can make it on her own. As always, there's lots of talk about food which makes my mouth water. Hayley deals with a lot in this book in her personal life especially with her very unstable job, her potential romance, and her mother. She handled the drama well and I can't wait to see how it all changes in the next book. 

Upcoming Release: This book will be available December 2nd
Cover Thoughts: LOVE it!
Source: ARC sent for review