Category: Christmas Book Review

REVIEW: The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julie McKay

REVIEW: The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julie McKay

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from  Netgalley and G. P. Putnam’s Sons in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Holly and Ivy have been best friends since their boyfriends introduced them at a Christmas frat party while singing an intoxicated version of the old carol their names called to mind. Eight years of friendship brings them to the weekend of Holly’s wedding to Matt – when Matt calls the whole thing off and dumps her.

Holly decides to take Ivy’s remote vacation cabin in the woods for two weeks to wrestle with Matt’s blindsiding announcement. And she sends Ivy on her non-refundable Hawaiian honeymoon. Except Matt has shown up for the honeymoon, too. With his girlfriend.

Since they look so much alike, Ivy was supposed to pretend to be Holly and enjoy the trip as her friend. Instead she’s stuck in a lie, trying to dodge Matt. Ivy finds a place to stay, but keeps the whole story from Holly to protect her from Matt’s most recent betrayal.

Holly’s vacation cabin is owned by an old friend from high school. Making a few friends on her remote retreat is doing a lot to help her over her heartbreak. But what is going to happen – for both Holly and Ivy – when it’s time to go home?

Review

This was fun! I can’t remember the last time I read an entire adult novel in one day. But this was exactly what I expected and what I wanted this to be. I easily predicted how one of the closing conflicts would play out – this absolutely follows the beats of a Hallmark movie. None of the conflicts lingered for too long. Things happened and then they were resolved to make way for the HEA. I would have liked a bit more from the epilogue – if I’m going to get details of what happens next, I want all of them. But overall it was satisfying in the end. (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Rockin' Around the Chickadee by Donna Andrews

REVIEW: Rockin’ Around the Chickadee by Donna Andrews

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Meg is helping her grandmother who is hosting a Presumed Innocent conference at the Caerphilly Inn. The emphasis of the conference is on overturning wrongful convictions. They have lawyers and law enforcement and exonerees speaking. And troublemakers causing issues.

Godfrey Norton – “the Gadfly” – is the biggest troublemaker. He’s openly scornful about the conference aims, and hostile toward the exonerees and those who have helped them secure freedom. But he crosses the line with a false accusation and his own acts of animal cruelty and is kicked out of both the conference and the Inn.

But Godfrey is going to cause one last bit of trouble when his dead body is found behind Meg’s house.

Review

What a fun mystery! The setting – a conference about exonerees and pursing justice for the wrongfully incarcerated – was fascinating. It brought interesting characters to Caerphilly and placed most of the action at the Inn which was a nice shift in setting. The usual holiday chaos at Meg’s house was toned down due to an impending baby delivery for Meg’s SIL. And I enjoyed that change too.

The victim was truly awful, but the setting allowed the LEOs to do their work at a conference all about law enforcement and sound investigation. The twins and their best friend even got to help with the case which was a great part of the story. I pegged the killer early on but loved watching all of the pieces come together in the end.

This is book 36 in this long-running series. Book 37, For Duck’s Sake, will release in August of 2025.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: The More the Terrier by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: The More the Terrier by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Andy comes home from a winter trip to an extra dog added to his usual three. But it’s a dog his family fostered at one point, so Andy is able to get Murphy home to his family. Andy doesn’t expect that family to need his services as a defense attorney, but they do.

Murphy’s owner has been arrested for killing a vising professor at his university. They had a public confrontation, and now the prof is dead and BJ is in jail. Andy doesn’t believe BJ is a killer, so he takes the case. The investigation brings Andy’s team into contact with drug dealers and mobsters, but Andy struggles to put the pieces together. And if he can’t figure it out, what happens to BJ?

Review

Another wintery winner from David Rosenfelt! The case here is super twisty, and I was wondering until the very end if Andy was going to be able to figure it all out. I was thrilled to puzzle together most of the solution as I read. When the case is as intricate as this one, the satisfaction of the story is enhanced by figuring some things out on my own.

Andy is delightfully sassy, and his usual team gets to bring a lot to the case – a sting operation, several hacking triumphs, and a grim battle. I loved that the K-Team had a bit more page time in this book.

This is the 30th book in the Andy Carpenter series, and Rosenfelt keeps hitting all the beats. You can read my other reviews from the series here. Series fans should absolutely pick up this satisfying winter addition to the series. Readers familiar with Andy can really read the series out of order without much trouble. Newcomers could start here – my first Andy Carpenter was a Christmas book, The Twelve Dogs of Christmas (♥♥♥♥♥), number 15 in the series – but I do worry that Andy can come across too abrasive if you haven’t followed him from the beginning. Book 31, Dogged Pursuit, will release in the summer of 2025. (Language, references to sexual assault and drug use.)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ – I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

REVIEW: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Avon in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Maggie Chase has had a rough road in life, from the loss of her parents when she was in college to the betrayal by her husband and their subsequent divorce. And that last one pushed her so far down to the point where she rarely leaves the house. Her editor had to cajole her to take this mysterious Christmas trip that is supposed to “change her life.”

But Ethan Wyatt ruined everything. While Maggie is the queen of the cozy mystery, Wyatt writes thrillers – “leather jacket books.” And he is all ego and confidence – and annoyance. He can’t even get her name right after all these years, repeatedly calling her “Marcie.”

The two of them find themselves in the middle of a real-life mystery when world famous author, Eleanor Ashley, their Christmas host, goes missing from a locked room of her mansion in the middle of a snowstorm.

Review

Sometimes you start a new book and everything clicks. The characters are intriguing. The banter makes you laugh out loud. And you feel like you can’t contain the feeling – the potential that this could be a new favorite. You feel a pressure in your chest. Not the weight of anxiety or dread pressing down but the hope – the delight – bubbling up, trying to press out from inside. This was one such book for me.

From the very beginning I felt GIDDY reading this. The main characters had personal stories I couldn’t wait to uncover. Their cutting remarks were funny, not vicious. The potential and chemistry between Maggie and Ethan CRACKLED. Then there was the writing/publishing/mystery angle, which is always a great hook for me. And finally it was a snowed in whodunit which I also adore. If I could design a perfect book for me, this is an A+ set up, checking all the boxes.

I have been an Ally Carter fan since I discovered the Gallagher Girls series. Her older middle grade (10-14) mysteries in the Winterborne series are OUTSTANDING. Her first adult romance, The Blonde Identity, had mixed reviews, and while I could understand some of the criticism, it worked for me

But THIS is everything I have ever loved about her work all rolled into one. My all-time favorite Ally Carter book – and likely one of my favorite books read in 2024. Do NOT miss this! (Language, gaslighting)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥+++*

♥♥♥♥♥+++ = Best of the best!

REVIEW: Stalking Around the Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Frost

REVIEW: Stalking Around the Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Frost

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

After three consecutive Christmases with a murder, the town of Mistletoe is afraid their history will impact holiday tourism. So the mayor convinces the town and business owners to tighten their belts a little so they can invite a pricey ballet troupe to town to perform The Nutcracker.

But when the star dancer is found dead on a float during the town’s holiday parade, it seems Mistletoe’s efforts to distance themselves from their deadly past were in vain.

Review

This was a fun holiday adventure, and I think series fans – and newcomers – can enjoy it.

For the first half to two-thirds, I felt like the quaint town and holiday activities were seriously overshadowing the mystery. And I actually liked it – Mistletoe is so fun! And Holly’s family and friends are fantastic. But when I noticed the mystery bits felt like an intrusion on the holiday story, I realized things were a bit out of balance.

All of the fun holiday details will amuse readers as long as they aren’t too attached to digging into a mystery. I don’t feel like the primary case gives readers enough details to care about the victim or about finding a solution. The secondary mystery was a little more satisfying. I figured out a good portion of the things on my own, which always feels satisfying.

Series fans will want to see Evan and Holly move toward their wedding. And I don’t think this is too insider-y to keep newcomers from starting here. This will definitely put readers in a Christmas mood.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good +

REVIEW: Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey

REVIEW: Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Laurel never planned on lying. Yes, her life was in total disarray. And she desperately needed a job. But she clearly stated in her interview that she ran social media for Meadow Rose Farm. Her boss made the assumption that it was her farm. But when she could have corrected him, she didn’t.

She *really* needed that job.

And so far it’s worked out. Her twin sister, Holly, and her husband, Darius, do own the farm. So Laurel writes her pieces about what HOLLY does – just in first person.

But now her boss has invited himself to Christmas Eve Eve at the farm. And while Holly is happy to help with the subterfuge for Laurel’s sake, she’s not willing to sacrifice Darius to the cause. So they’ve invited Max Beckett to play Laurel’s husband. Too bad she hates the man.

Review

This absolutely has those Hallmark Christmas movie vibes. And I was here for it! This was so fun to read! I adore fake relationship stories – although the “be my date to all the things so my relatives leave me alone” style usually involves less outright lying than this did. But I loved Laurel and her whole family. And Max was my favorite sort of grump – you know there’s depth there. The “sunshine” just has to slow down and give him a chance.

Yes, the inevitable disaster was as painful as you can imagine. But the resolution was also all I had hoped for. I can’t recommend this highly enough. This should appeal to Hallmark fans, grumpy/sunshine fans, fake relationship fans, fans of the author’s other books, as well as everyday romantic comedy fans. Do not miss this one! (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Blame It on the Mistletoe by Beth Garrod

REVIEW: Blame It on the Mistletoe by Beth Garrod

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Holly is the Christmas Queen, but with a break up on her mind and all the usual family Christmas traditions upended by her mother’s plans to have them move in with her boyfriend and his kids, Holly’s not sure this year will be very merry.

Elle is all about being an influencer. And what better time than Christmas for fun activities to build her follower count?

But when Elle agrees to do an Instagram challenge to gain 15,000 new followers – where all of the losers of the challenge have to delete their accounts – she knows she has to take Christmas to a whole new level.

So Elle and Holly find a way to switch homes for the holidays. Elle heads to Holly’s home in England while Holly heads to America. Each of them are determined to make this holiday unforgettable.

Review

This was billed as “Tweet Cute meets The Holiday,” so there was no way I was going to miss this one! I adored Tweet Cute, and The Holiday is one of my favorite Christmas movies.

This was a cute story. I enjoyed the different Christmas experiences and both of the girls in the story. There’s a lot here that was just plain fun – Christmas treats, Christmas sweaters, Christmas love.

I feel like some of the conflicts and story tension could have been stronger, with more punch. But this is a lot like a Hallmark film. You really just need a small moment to put everything in jeopardy so the audience gets the satisfaction of watching everything work out. And this delivers on that satisfying ending.

If you are looking for a fun, cozy holiday love story, be sure to check this one out.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

REVIEW: Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost

REVIEW: Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Holly barely has time to register that the nitpicky grouch of a reviewer might be in town to cause trouble before the woman ends up dead.

This is becoming an annual event – a murder around her parents’ Christmas tree farm, Reindeer Games. But this is NOT the sort of thing Holly wants to see become a tradition.

Even worse, her beloved Cookie is the prime suspect! Now, her elderly friend is at risk of jail time, customers are bailing on their reservations at the inn, and gossipy townspeople are acting like Cookie might actually have done it.

Holly knows after last time that she really should stay out of things. But her dear friend – and the family business – are at risk. She just needs to find some other suspects to get the heat off Cookie.

 

Review

I have loved this series from the start, and the latest mystery from Jacqueline Frost did not disappoint. There’s a nice balance between holiday events at the tree farm and the events of the mystery. There’s not a ton of the games and events here like in the first two books. But those of us who have been charmed by the setting of this will still have some events to enjoy.

The mystery was fun and fresh – and with a nice dose of peril as with the first two books. The solution was unexpected, and I enjoyed just watching it unfold. While the mysteries in this series are always well done, it’s the characters and the setting that bring me back. (And unlike another series I used to love, the author doesn’t forget about crafting a terrific mystery while writing lovely interactions for the characters.) I wasn’t sure we were going to get a third book when there was such a long gap after book two, so there was a bonus treat to getting to read this. I’m happy the series has picked up again – as are several friends who claimed their fan status when I posted that I was reading this.

I think the mysteries for these stand well on their own, so readers don’t have to read these in order. But I think newcomers will discover that they want to know more about the characters and the farm. So be sure to go back and pick up the first two books.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will release on October 6, 2020.]

Summary

Maelyn Jones and her family spend each Christmas with her parents’ college friends and their families. Maelynn has been coming to this cabin since she was born. The rest of the “kids”in the group are her younger brother, Miles who is 17; the twins, Kennedy and Zachary who are five; Theo, who is Mae’s age, 26; and Theo’s older brother, Andrew, Mae’s lifelong crush, who is 30.

This Christmas, Mae and Theo enjoy too much eggnog and end up making out in the mudroom. Now, Mae is mortified. She doesn’t have those sorts of feelings for womanizing Theo. Thankfully she halted things before they went too far. But Theo is being a jerk about it all. And to make it even worse, Andrew saw them. He’s clueless about her crush and teases her about Theo.

The final straw to this awful 24 hour period is hearing that Theo and Andrew’s parents are going to sell the cabin. The one happy anchor in her life is going to disappear. So she asks the universe to show her what would make her happy. Right after that, the car she is in with her family is blindsided and everything goes dark.

When Mae wakes up, it is December 20th – again. She’s in the airplane on her way to the Christmas she already lived through once. As Mae’s personal Groundhog Day plays out, she’ll have to figure out what the universe is trying to show her.

Review

This is a fun holiday story with some laugh-out-loud moments. Mae and Andrew are great, especially together. They felt young at times compared to their stated ages. Maybe it’s because they are the second generation of this extended family group. I enjoyed the rest of the cast, too. The whole Christmas week at the cabin together was a fun set up for this.

The Groundhog Day story hits hard and fast, but then it almost disappears. Mae has 2 false starts at her do-over, but on the third it shifts from more do-overs to just anxiety about a reset coming and losing the progress she has made. It felt a little off balance.

The ending was good, and I enjoyed the epilogue that ties everything together in a satisfying way. If you enjoy the author’s other work or are looking for a Christmas romance, give this one a try. (Language, sex, LGBTQ+, references to tarot readings)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Avon in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will release on October 13, 2020.]

Summary

Leo Ricci drives a New York City cab and also is the super of the building where he lives. He’s raising his eleven-year-old sister, Gabby. His neighbor and cousin-in-law, Dani, is a huge help as he feels out of his league almost all of the time.

Her Royal Highness Marie Joséphine Annagret Elana, Princess of Eldovia, is in New York to speak at the United Nations about the refugee crisis and then to handle some negotiations with American businesses, one in particular. Failing to fix the relationship between Eldovia and the businessman will be devastating to her country. And she’s not sure how much more of her father’s disapproval she can take.

Leo and Maria meet when she gets in his cab. His sister is gaga over meeting a real life princess. And Leo’s always had a thing for rescuing damsels in distress. He agrees to help Maria out by serving as her driver while she is in the city. In return, she invites Leo and Gabby to Eldovia for Christmas, like they are in some sort of Hallmark Christmas movie. But Leo and Maria come from two vastly different worlds. He’s barely making ends meet, and she’s a princess with an obligation to marry “strategically.” What business do they have spending Christmas together?

Review

This was delightful! It definitely has a Hallmark Christmas Movie feel to it (though far steamier than Hallmark Channel would ever allow), which is exactly what the author was going for. In fact, according to the acknowledgements, there are going to be two more books in the series. And if I am reading the signs right in the epilogue about where the sequel is headed, I am absolutely here for book 2!

I adored Leo and Marie. They really “get” each other. And they have great chemistry complete with excellent banter. They connect over their lost family members, care well for Gabby, and Leo helps Marie find her way through several conflicts. He sees her as a person, not just as a princess.

The story here is great. I loved that the conflicts are around the differences in their status and in the expectations of Marie in her role. There’s no secret identity or lying involved which is a nice change of pace.

This is another winner for Christmas 2020. Don’t miss this sexy holiday romance! (Language, sex, CW: grief/loss)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = Loved it! Would read again!