Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can a tropical escape from holiday blues turn her Christmas into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer?

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, the holiday season is something she would rather avoid. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn't helped!   

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

Carol Langstrom had grown to hate Christmas, and her aversion always made December 26th the best day of her Christmas season! And then, an unexpected change in plans offered her a glimpse of a celebration filled with amazing food, Christmas carols, and being part of a loving family. Had Carol finally discovered what others had always known?

I loved watching Carol bond with an aunt she'd never known, and her introduction to Aunt Maria's amazing neighbor had me laughing out loud. I always look forward to a new Christmas story by Melody Carlson, and this book didn't disappoint. It has all of the "Hallmark vibes", including intriguing characters, a wonderful small-town setting, and the excitement of preparing for the holidays. Throw in sweet romance and unexpected blessings, and the result is a Christmas novella to treasure! I thoroughly enjoyed Once Upon a Christmas Carol!

I received a complimentary digital copy from the author, but I also purchased my own print copy. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. 

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Bookbub 

Melody Carlson's Christmas Novellas 

Christmas in Winter Hill

The Christmas Swap

A Christmas in the Alps

A Quilt for Christmas

A Royal Christmas

The Christmas Tree Farm

Once Upon a Christmas Carol

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First Comes Marriage...Then Comes Murder (Women of Wynton's Mystery, #2) by Donna Mumma

ABOUT THE BOOK

Vivien's Bridal Creations Found at Murder Scenes

Mid-century glam meets murder mayhem in a series of cozy mysteries at Wynton's Department Store.

It is 1956 in Levi City, Florida. Vivien Sheffield, renowned bridal gown designer and consultant for Wynton's Department Store, is facing the greatest challenge of her career. Someone has been killing brides who wore one of her custom gowns in their wedding! Vivien's fellow employees and close friends--Audrey, Mary Jo, and Gigi--and her assistant Mirette spring into action to save Miss Vivien and the young brides of Levy City before the murderer succeeds at destroying Vivien's business at Wynton's. . .and her reputation.

AMAZON     BARBOUR BOOKS

MY THOUGHTS.....

I loved another chance to spend time with the women at Wynton's Department store! This second book in the Women of Wynton's Mystery series allowed me to learn more about the personal lives of Miss Vivian, Audrey, Mary Jo, Gigi, and Mirette, as they worked to solve a troubling mystery. Why were brides around Levy City being murdered, and why were the clues pointing to Miss Vivian? Who was trying to ruin her bridal business?

Author Donna Mumma guided me on a trip down memory lane, back to 1956, with mentions of department stores, fashionable attire, popular movies, and TV shows of that period. Most of all, I enjoyed the well-defined characters and the special friendship that these women shared, along with their efforts to find the killer and prevent more damage to Miss Vivian's reputation.

If you enjoy mystery, history, and characters you'd love to have as friends, grab a copy of First Comes Marriage...Then Comes Murder. I look forward to more of Mumma's stories!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Donna Mumma perfected storytelling in her first grade classroom, spinning tales exciting enough to settle a roomful of antsy six-year-olds. She is an award winning author who loves to blend history, mystery, and a dash of hope in stories that explore ordinary people who learn extraordinary life lessons. Donna is an active member of Word Weavers International, serving as president for the Tampa chapter as well as a mentor for chapters around the country. She was recognized as the Word Weavers traditional groups president and mentor of the year in 2022. She also serves as a line editor and contributor for Inskpirationsonline.com, a site featuring devotions written for writers by writers. An avid believer in education, Donna earned her M. Ed in elementary education and writes educational blogs and articles to assist teachers overseas for the International School Project. A native Floridian, she loves sharing life with her husband and her energetic collie, Duke.

Learn more by visiting Donna's    Website

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WOMEN OF WYNTON'S MYSTERY

The Women of Wynton's

First Comes Marriage...Then Comes Murder

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