Christmas – Page 2 – Kav's Best Reads

Hollis & Ivy + Giveaway

Unlucky Ivy Teague can’t shake the plague of bad luck following her around Whistler, BC. Business is so dire she’ll have to close her flower shop unless a holiday miracle lands on her door step. Then he arrives.

By-the-numbers Hollis Dash is in town to finalize a business contract with Ivy’s rival. It doesn’t take long for him to realize that he should be making a deal with the pretty florist down the street.When a series of suspicious events target Teague Flowers, the pair find themselves caught in a real war of the roses. Hollis can only do so much to help his business competition, and Ivy is doubtful of his intentions since Hollis and her new troubles appeared at the same time. If they can trust each other–and Christmas spirit floating through town, they might make it to the new year together.

My Review:

published in 2017

Such a fun little read. And when I say little I mean that the book is smaller than the standard size and she’s so cute! As is the title word play! 🙂

Counting down to Christmas in a florist shop is an interesting twist for a holiday romance. Especially since Ivy is struggling with a rather malicious rival shop down the street which is turning her Christmas more Grinchy than Cindy Lou Who-ish! Until a mysterious stranger arrives in town.

Hollis is actually in Whistler (hooray – Canadian setting!) to consult with that rival florist but a chance meeting with Ivy sends his plans askew. An impossible romance, a bit of intrigue, and some festive flower arranging make for a heartwarming holiday escape read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy available to anyone, anywhere in the world so…woohoo…International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Toils and Snares, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 2025.

Waiting for Christmas + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

The year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household.

Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true.

The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all.

My Review:

published in 2024

The word that comes to mind when I think about this book is ‘exquisite’. Exquisite storytelling. Exquisite characters. Exquisite Christmas message. And just plain exquisitely emotional. I choked up at one point which was kinda embarrassing since I was listening to the audiobook while grocery shopping. I actually had to blink back tears. It’s hard to compare prices and read labels when your vision is all blurry!

This novella follows ‘All My Secrets’ and it was a delight to get a more in depth glimpse at Addy and Howard’s happily ever after. However, ‘Waiting for Christmas’ could easily be read as a standalone as well. It focuses on the newlywed’s first months of marriage and the adjustments they both learn to make as they create a new life together.

Addy in particular is struggling with feelings of inadequacy as she learns to live well beneath the means she grew up with. What she lacks in experience she more than makes up for with passionate determination. And her servant’s heart opens doors and changes lives in astonishing ways over the Christmas season.

I was charmed and thrilled and emotionally wrung out by the end. A truly heartwarming and uplifting holiday read. (Well, listen in my case. As always, I enjoyed Sarah Zimmerman’s narration.)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Waiting for Christmas leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 1 2025

Matchmaking the Cowboy + Giveaway

random retro read

What’s a little covert matchmaking between friends?

Lucy Aveline’s ex has a knack for making her feel small and helpless. She’d avoid him entirely, but he still owns a piece of her heart in the form of the pets he purchased for her but kept for himself. She visits Rosie and Jasmine when she can, vows to avoid another controlling boyfriend by staying single, and focuses on her large animal veterinary practice. Or that’s the plan until some longtime family friends attempt to set her up with former rodeo star Hollis Price. Lucy convinces them to drop the plot only when she promises to find Hollis a good match herself.

Hollis is more concerned with surviving his first Christmas after losing his dad than with finding love. Dad’s champion horse is aging, and rumors started by an unhappy client threaten the horse training business Hollis inherited from his father. When the kind and talented Lucy offers friendship, he accepts simply to add cheer to the season.

It’s not long before his interest in Lucy deepens, but so do problems at his ranch. Saving his father’s legacy begins to look as impossible as earning Lucy’s trust. Especially when her ex continues to use her love of animals against her and she won’t stop pushing her single friends at Hollis long enough to notice she’s the one he’s falling for.

Return to Redemption Ridge, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters in this Christian Christmas Romance.

Matchmaking the Cowboy is book 9 in the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series, but each of the books can be read on their own.

My Review:

published in 2024

I do so love a good matchmaking romance and this one fits the bill, especially with the added bonus of a Christmasy setting! Love the unique twist to the matchmaking plot: in order to avoid being aggressively (though lovingly) matched with Colter throughout the holiday season, Lucy agrees to find him a match herself. While that might get the well meaning matchmakers off her back, it also catapults Lucy into Hollis’s orbit so frequently that it’s impossible not to, well, fall in love with the guy. Bwahahaha!

Of course, things don’t go smoothly. There’s plenty of sassy banter and charged attempts to fight the inevitable attraction. Plus there’s Lucy’s horrid ex whose despicable actions made me want to pursewhomp him in the worst way. Thankfully, Hollis has his own measured comeuppance planned which sent me twirling into a jubilant victory dance while whooping my delight at the top of my lungs. My neighbours might still be traumatized, but I found it refreshingly cleansing. And yes, I know that’s not appropriate given it’s the season for good will and peace on earth but, trust me, once you meet the ex, you’ll totally understand!

There’s an array of engaging secondary characters who add depth and humour as well as unsolicited advise. 🙂 Many are heroes and heroines from previous ‘Christmas at Redemption Ridge’ novels, but this one easily reads well as a standalone.

I appreciated the faith elements the author included in Hollis and Lucy’s story. Pertinent and meaningful without coming off as preachy or too forceful. Just the perfect touch to bring hope and healing to this hero and heroine who absolutely deserve their happily ever after.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US –paperback or ebook, winner’s choice

Canada – paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Matchmaking the Cowboy, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 1 2025.

A Wonderful Christmas Crime

Innkeeper Holly White has a lot to be joyful about this season, until an attempted robbery throws the town into suspicion in the sixth installment of the Christmas Tree Farm mysteries from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.

As Christmas descends on Mistletoe, Maine, Holly White has an extra gift for the a new baby on the way. Her husband, Sheriff Evan Gray, has been worried about her elevated blood pressure and Holly has agreed to take this year easy. Being idle has never been one of Holly’s gifts, so when Evan surprises her with tickets to the town-wide dinner, she and her many cravings thank him. But when a thief tries and fails to steal an antique ornament from the dinner’s holiday display, it’s clear that someone is on the naughty list.

The thief manages to escape, but after dinner, Holly spots their lifeless body. It’s clear that someone in town was keen to kill them. Evan is less than jolly to find his wife at the scene of yet another holiday homicide and asks her to promise that she’ll leave the investigating to the police. But Holly has never been one to turn down a challenge and has to get creative with the help of a few of her friends in order to find this killer.

Will she and her friends be able to stop the killer, and uncover the motive behind the attempted robbery, or will the killer strike again and paint the town a bloody red?

My Review:

What would Christmas be without some heartwarming murder and mayhem involving the ‘Christmas Tree Farm Mystery ‘crew?! This is one of my favourite cozy mystery series for so many reasons and this sixth book is a perfect example of why.

First — the cozy to mystery ratio is superbly written. While the investigation (both official policing and amateur sleuthing) is centerstage, Frost seamlessly incorporates exquisite cozy elements that provide an anchor of humour and heart to the story. The result is me alternately chuckling and swooning and feeling all nostalgically Christmas-y while trying to solve the mystery before Holly ( or at least keep up with her!) Makes for an incredibly captivating read.

Well, listen (again!) for me because narrator Allyson Ryan has become the voice I hear in my head when I think about these characters. She’s brilliant at giving everyone distinctive voices, including Holly’s disgruntled semi-feral cat Miss Cindy-Lou Who. And I always have the feeling that she is enjoying the story just as much as I am, which makes it feel like I’m buddy reading with a kindred spirit.

This is definitely a series I think should be read in order – not only for the character development, evolving friendships and slow-burn, toe-curling romance – but also for the sheer brilliance of all the holiday festivities. The author has an exceptional imagination and I love the mix of old favourite ‘reindeer games’ along with new traditions that appear in each book. This series breathes Christmas and, in fact, might just contain a hint of special Christmas magic on the side. I might be gloating a wee bit after reading that ending because, well, I knew it all the time!

My thanks to Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

Love Finds You in the City at Christmas + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

Love comes to the big city in two heartwarming stories of Christmas past and present.

“Red Kettle Christmas”
It’s 1946, and police officer Mike Wolzak has inherited his family’s home . . . and the custody of his younger sister, who is in trouble with a problem he doesn’t know how to fix. While on patrol during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mike makes the acquaintance of a lovely Salvation Army bell ringer, Karen O’Leary, who is struggling to support herself and her young daughter. As their paths cross during the festive holiday season in Manhattan, Karen teaches the tough World War II veteran how to support and love his family. In the process, he just might gain a new one.

“Manhattan Miracle”
A war-weary soldier who has served three tours in the Middle East, Max Wolzak has come home to New York City to celebrate Christmas with his family in the Manhattan brownstone where he spent much of his childhood. There Max reconnects with Sarah Peterson, his sister’s old schoolmate who now organizes relief missions for the United Nations. Sparks fly as the pair gets reacquainted over various holiday events, but when Max realizes that Sarah will leave for the Middle East the day after Christmas, he has a decision to make—convince her to stay, wait for her to return, or go with her to the one place to which he never thought he’d return.

My Review:

published in 2013

Be still my heart — I’m sure I heard the Hallelujah Chorus in the background as I finished this book. It is that good. That’s moving and uplifting and down-home Christmasy good. Both stories start with Macy’s Thanksgiving parade and that sets the mood perfectly. Both stories have adorable little girls who know the true magic of Christmas and how to share it. Another excellent way to set that special mood. But though there are similarities in these two novellas, each author’s distinctive voice creates a unique and heart-warming read.

In Red Kettle Christmas, Herne’s characteristic writing style swept me into the heart of post World War II New York City from the very first page. I love the way characters come to life at her fingertips. And I love how she portrays life and loss realistically, but always laced with hope. This novella has all the makings of a classic Christmas read.

Fast forward to present day and we get to read about the next generation of Wolzaks in Schmidt’s Manhattan Miracle. Interesting to jump decades and land at the very same place and the very same time. Love that link between the two stories. This is another touching read that gave me goosebumps at the Hollywood worthy finale.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy of this book so – yay – International Giveaway. Available to readers everywhere!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Love Finds You in the City at Christmas, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 25 2025

Christmas Jars + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Where had it come from? Whose money was it? Was I to spend it? Save it? Pass it on to someone more needy? Above all else, why was I chosen? Certainly there were others, countless others, more needy than me…

Her reporter’s intuition insisted that a remarkable story was on the verge of the front page.

Newspaper reporter Hope Jensen uncovers the remarkable secret behind the “Christmas Jars”, glass jars filled with coins and bills anonymously left for people in need. But along the way, Hope discovers much more than the origin of the jars. When some unexpected news sets off a chain reaction of kindness, Hope’s greatest Christmas Eve wish comes true.

My Review:

published in 2005

A quick little read with a classic Christmas-y feel. And hard to review without giving away spoilers because of it’s brevity but I’ll try.

Hope is the perfect name for our heroine. By turns, she brings hope and searches for hope throughout the story, culminating in the marrying of both by the heartwarming conclusion.

Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that can rekindle lost hope and I appreciate the way Wright highlights how a simple act of kindness can snowball into an avalanche of goodwill. This story showcases how we are all connected, however tenuously and that life can come full-circle, joy overcoming despair, bringing hope to our future.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy of this book so – yay – International Giveaway. Available to readers everywhere!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Christmas Jars, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 18 2025

The Christmas Book Flood + Giveaway

In this charming World War II historical romance novella inspired by Jolabokaflod, Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood, an author falls in love with a man who doesn’t know he is her editor.

Iceland. December 1944. Tatiana Eliasdottir is looking forward to welcoming her niece Elea for Christmas. She’s determined to give the little girl a joyful holiday and take her mind off troubles at home. Soon, however, the publishing house where Tatiana works is flooded with orders thanks to the first issue of a seasonal book catalog. With the war causing so many shortages, Icelanders are eager to give their loved ones something that isn’t rationed, and books are the perfect solution to their dilemma.

Anders Johannsson is an editor who shares Tatiana’s love for stories. While he wishes to know her better, he’s never dared pursue more than friendship. They are first and foremost colleagues. But when Tatiana’s attempts to cheer Elea fail, Tatiana recruits him to help, a plea he can’t refuse. He is, after all, not only an editor but a beloved children’s book author and devoted uncle to his adoring nieces and nephews.

As the two creatively bring Icelandic Christmas traditions to life for Elea and frantically work to meet the demands of the publisher’s holiday rush, Tatiana finds herself increasingly drawn to kind, thoughtful Anders. But if a love is to grow between them, she will need to reveal her closely held she is the mysterious author of a popular new novel . . . and Anders is her editor.

A standalone World War II historical Christmas novella. A sweet holiday romance with a friends-to-more trope. Features a bookish heroine and hero. Christian fiction great for fans of Lynn Austin and Sarah Sundin

My Review:

I’ve been putting off writing a review of The Christmas Book Flood because I can’t seem to find the words to express not only how much I enjoyed this story, but the impact it had on me as well.

I guess I’ll start by saying it’s an epic Christmas tale destined to become a traditional read every year in my house. I’m still living with these characters a week later. In fact, I keep playing complete scenes over again in my mind and I remember so many delightful little details. To say I’m enamoured with this Christmas novella would be an understatement!

First, I’ve been totally captivated with Iceland’s book flood (Jolabokaflod) tradition since I heard about it a few years ago, so to find a story set in the year it started…well, talk about sending me into a bookish tizzy fit! And White’s talent for including historical and regional details in her stories is brilliantly done here. In particular, some epic Icelandic Christmas traditions elevated the story to a whole other level. So many rich details that completely charmed me.

And Anders! Be still my heart – a bookish hero! A rather shy and awkward one at that. And Tatiana with a delicious secret and a sweet little niece to care for over Christmas…and a secret crush on Anders. (Pssst, that crush is not one-sided!) And who can resist the romantic setting of a publishing house? Eeeepppp!!!! Not me!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Talon David and, oh my goodness, she does an incredible job with these characters! And I appreciated hearing the Icelandic words and phrases pronounced correctly. Really brought authenticity to the storytelling and made the listen extra special.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Sadly, the book isn’t available in print anywhere as far as I can tell. 😦

US – available in ebook — winner’s choice

Canada –ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Christmas Book Flood, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 18 2025

Christmas for the Heart + Giveaway

Christmas stirs all kinds of longings in our hearts. Longings for a joyful and peaceful celebration of the season. For merry moments with those we love. For nostalgic moments filled with sweet memories. For meaningful moments of worship.

Simply put, we long for the beauty and wonder of Christmas, but so much tries to get in the way of that kind of Christmas celebration. Pressure-packed schedules, the desire and drive to do everything Christmas, disillusionment with the commercialism of the season, and discouraging life situations can all hinder these longings from becoming reality.

Author Cheryl Barker wants to help change that for you with her new Christmas devotional Christmas for the Heart in the same way she has encouraged readers for years through blogging, newsletters, articles, greeting cards, and also her first book. The quotes, reflections, original poetry, Scriptures, and special features offered in each chapter will help you reclaim the beauty and wonder of the holiday season. The author’s heartfelt words will lead you to rejoice in the greatest gift ever given to the world and inspire you to give the King of Kings the worship he’s due. The guided journaling will make this beautiful devotional book a keepsake, making it a perfect gift for someone you love.

My Review:

Well, this is an exciting day – it’s not often that we get to celebrate a Best Reads friend’s book release! And I’m beyond excited and well into giddy to be able to share Cheryl Barker’s New Release: Christmas for the Heart : 25 Devotions Reclaiming the Beauty and Wonder of the Season. Woohoo!!!!

This pretty little book is full of inspiration and yuletide joy – a special gift from the author to help readers navigate their way towards rediscovering “the beauty and wonder of Christmas.” (p ix) Selecting a new Christmas devotional each year has become a tradition and, after perusing the contents of this book I’m eagerly anticipating my 2025 Advent countdown.

Of note: I haven’t read this book cover to cover as I usually do before writing a review. That’s because I want to keep it fresh and new for December. I have, however, read multiple entries in order to get a feel for the storytelling, layout and inspirational impact.

I absolutely love Barker’s relatable writing style. She writes from the heart and each devotion feels like a comfortable chat with a close friend. It’s like an exchange is happening between author and reader which creates an intimate, cozy ambiance. Just what I look for in a devotional!

Each day – December 1 – 25 – also features simple guided journaling prompts and easy but meaningful activity suggestions. They are thoughtfully curated to enhance the day’s devotion and I think I’ll find them really helpful to keep me ‘in the moment’ despite the hustle and bustle of the season.

And bonus — the author has included her own original Christmas poems throughout the book as well! Each one paired with a complimentary scripture passage. It’s clear to see that Cheryl Barker has poured her heart into this lovely little book and readers will be blessed by the inspiration and hope they will find within these pages. If you are in the market for a Christmas devotional, look no further. You’ll find the perfect fit right here!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – Cheryl has graciously offered to provide an autographed copy of Christmas for the Heart to a reader in the United States. Thank you, Cheryl!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Christmas for the Heart, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 11 2025

A Christmas Serenade + Giveaway

Let the joy of the season sweep you off your feet with this charming collection of novellas from four of your favorite historical romance authors! From serendipitous meetings to second chances, each story brims with holiday cheer and unexpected love.

“A Caroling Christmas” by Jennifer Moore
Arthur Stanford, a reclusive scientist, reluctantly agrees to host a Dickensian Christmas party planned by Eliza Hopewell. As the holidays—and Eliza—weave their irresistible magic, will Arthur choose love over solitude?

“A Carol So Bright” by Kasey Stockton
Lillian Hartley, a woman who loves to sing but has lost her confidence, is reunited with the man who once broke her heart. As they rediscover their connection, will the holiday season spark a new song in their hearts?

“Christmas at Bellingham” by Katie Stewart Stone 
Bellingham Hall bustles with holiday cheer as Esther Harris endeavors to reconcile the dowager countess with her estranged son amidst family secrets and unexpected love with a childhood friend.

“Christmas in Amorwich” by Anneka R. Walker
Amelia Park is disillusioned by romance after Noah Brooks failed to propose. When the pair is reunited for the holidays, Noah realizes he may have waited too long—winning Amelia’s heart now might require a Christmas miracle.

My Review:

A wonderful collection of holiday novellas that not only focus on love, but on the true spirit of Christmas, including forgiveness and reconciliation. Uplifting and toe-curling!

“A Caroling Christmas” by Jennifer Moore – If you told me I’d be singing high praises for a holiday romance featuring a host of arachnids, I would have laughed hysterically while speedily fleeing the room! But here I am, besotted over zoologist Arthur and his unlikely troop of matchmaking critters. He’s a classic absent-minded professor type, clumsy and bumbling but with the best of intentions. Eliza is a party planner with excellent attention to detail and the ability to pivot for any catastrophe. Her astounding organizational skills come in handy quite a few times over the course of the Stanton’s Dickensian Christmas party! Misunderstandings lead to stolen moments, an earth shattering kiss and a happily ever after by Christmas Day!

“A Carol So Bright” by Kasey Stockton – The second chance, brother’s best friend tropes play out to perfection in this heartwarming novella. Lily has harboured a secret love for her brother’s best friend even though she knows he has an understanding with another lady. Emotional angst ensues when he stays with her family over Christmas. Love the part music plays in their romance which includes a most swoonworthy declaration of love!

“Christmas at Bellingham” by Katie Stewart Stone  – Esther and Andrew are reunited over Christmas in this friends to more holiday romance. She’s a lower class girl with a dowager benefactor which has put Esther at odds with the rest of her family. I get the feeling this novella is an addition to a series since there’s a ton of characters from both families introduced early on and a family history it felt like I should know. So, a lot to digest for a new reader, especially with the shorter word count.

“Christmas in Amorwich” by Anneka R. Walker – Amelia and Noah are a pair of star-crossed lovers who make things worse through rampant miscommunication and mixed messages. I was both exasperated and amused by them! Nothing like romantical shenanigan nonsense during a Regency Christmas house party! Loved the seasonal touches and adored that hard-won happily-ever-after! At last!!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Christmas Serenade leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 11 2025

Five Golden Wings

Readers will flock to NYT bestselling author Donna Andrews’ latest installment in the award-winning Meg Langslow series.

Two of Meg’s cousins, members of Mother’s vast Hollingsworth clan, are getting married, and both have chosen Caerphilly for their Christmas destination wedding . . on the same day, in the same venues. But while they’re cousins they’re also lifelong enemies. Mother’s efforts to keep the peace are wearing her down, and the battling brides (and their mothers) are making the holiday season miserable for everyone. So Meg steps in to keep the peace. And it was going badly even before she stumbles over the murdered body of the wedding photographer.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of suspects. The photographer has been hitting on many of the guests, bridesmaids . . . possibly even one or both of the brides. He’s also been slinking about and taking candid shots that are unflattering, embarrassing . . . occasionally even incriminating.

Can Meg help the local police nab the killer in time for the weddings to go on as planned? Unless, of course, the killer was one of the brides or grooms, in which case she needs to identify the killer in time to reveal their identity when she hears those fateful words, “If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else forever hold your peace.”

My Review:

What would Christmas be without a new Meg Langslow seasonal mystery to get us into the holiday mood? And this 38th (Yes, 38!!! and I’ve read them all…multiple times) book is full of all the charm and humour unique to this incredible series. Discovering a new Meg Langslow mystery is the highlight of my reading year and the Christmas ones are extra special.

Of course, Christmas in Caerphilly has the nasty habit of including a festive murder and Meg is always in the middle of the intrigue! Luckily she has a great rapport with the Chief of police and her meddling comes in handy…especially since she always seems to be the one to discover the victim. Love that predictability and the way the author manages to infuse the real spirit of Christmas in the midst of all the murder and mayhem.

This Christmas two bridezillas are putting a damper on Meg’s Christmas celebrations. Love the nod to the first book in the series (three bridezillas in that one!) but even though the two books share a similar theme they are very different. There are some great plot twists with the mystery which kept me guessing and I love the way the author was able to include so many of my favourite characters in the seasonal sleuthing. And, of course, there’s plenty of humour and Langslow family hijinks to liven things up even more.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of ‘Five Golden Wings’, narrated by Bernadette Dunne, who has been with the series from the very beginning. I get such a cozy homecoming kind of feeling every time I listen to one of the Meg Langslow books. Dunne has created unique voices for the many characters and has kept them consistent over all these years! And she captures the humour and heart of these stories to perfection.

My thanks to Macmillan Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.