Book Review: Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost

I was drawn by the cover (note the cat too) and enjoyed this sweet, fun cozy mystery.
Twelve Slays of Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery

by Jacqueline Frost

File Size: 2061 KB
Print Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (October 10, 2017)
ASIN: B06XWDL7YW
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

When Holly White’s fiancé cancels their Christmas Eve wedding with less than two weeks to go, Holly heads home with a broken heart. Lucky for her, home in historic Mistletoe, Maine is magical during Christmastime—exactly what the doctor prescribed. Except her plan to drown her troubles in peppermints and snickerdoodles is upended when local grouch and president of the Mistletoe Historical Society Margaret Fenwick is bludgeoned and left in the sleigh display at Reindeer Games, Holly’s family tree farm.
When the murder weapon is revealed as one of the wooden stakes used to identify trees on the farm, Sheriff Evan Grey turns to Holly’s father, Bud, and the Reindeer Games staff. And it doesn’t help that Bud and the reindeer keeper were each seen arguing with Margaret just before her death. But Holly knows her father, and is determined to exonerate him.The jingle bells are ringing, the clock is ticking, and if Holly doesn't watch out, she'll end up on Santa's naughty list in Twelve Slays of Christmas, Jacqueline Frost’s jolly series debut.

Review:
Holly has returned home after her fiancé broke up shortly before their Christmas Eve wedding. Her spirits begin to rise as she helps out on her parents’ tree farm, Reindeer Games, and in their historic small-town, Mistletoe, Maine. Tourists are already gathering as the farm prepares for one of its biggest events, the annual Twelve Days of Reindeer Games. Unfortunately, the town’s grouchy Historical Society president and enforcer, Margaret Fenwick, is found dead in a sleigh at the gates of the farm, closing it before the event can open.

Sheriff Evan Grey is quick to look at Holly’s father and the Reindeer Games staff because of the location and murder weapon. Holly knows it couldn’t be her father and is pretty certain it isn’t anyone else on staff. She has to hunt up alternate suspects quickly so the Sheriff will reopen the farm.

As Holly makes inquiries around town she learns that Margaret had been issuing tough restrictions to many folks so there are quite a few people who might have been angry with her. Sheriff Evan warns Holly to stop especially when someone starts issuing warnings to Holly. The first warning is disturbing but then the threats escalate. But Holly is onto a solid trail if she can only figure out where it leads before the murderer sneaks back to keep her quiet.

I liked Holly and Evan right away. Their dialog is “peppered” with bad metaphors and challenging banter. Neither is rushing into any feelings but it is nice as his protective instincts, and her sense of security, grow. There are plenty of quirky characters to join in the holiday activities, including Holly’s aloof cat, Cindy Lou Who, and another cat that joins the group mid-story. The setting has the touch of Christmas Magic and the mystery moves along with light relief in between the threats and clues until the climactic scene when the murderer is revealed.

I enjoyed the fun characters, light romance, and easy read. This reminded me of the Hallmark Christmas Movies. :-) I recommend this to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, Christmas (and cats). I’ll look forward to reading more about Holly, Evan and Mistletoe.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley. It adds to my NetGalley Challenge.

Sunday Post October 8, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 9, 2017

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Work was busy any I plugged on each day. I was out half a day on Wednesday to help the hubby and for a rest before I went into work. Other than that I didn't miss any work.

My reading/listening time seemed pinched again, maybe because I was trying to go to bed early for health. I finished two books: one ebook and one audio. I am far along in the next ebook. I posted three reviews, plus my usual memes.

I visited 31 blogs during the week which was fun, as always.
Shout out this week is for Rabbit Ears Book Blog who has a lively book blog (with a gorgeous wedding photo today).
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 1, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 2, 2017.

• MBS September 2017 Reading List Wrap Up.

• A-Narrator: Audible Book Review: The Rampart Guards by Wendy Terrien; Adventure, Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 6, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/12/2017.

• A-ABB- Audio Book Review: The League of Governors by Wendy Terrien; Adventure, Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• eNG- Book Review: On the Chase (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit Book 2) by Katie Ruggle; Action, Romantic Suspense, Small Town; My rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #323 Comment Giveaway October 7, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/14/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 8, 2017.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Twelve Slays of Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery
by Jacqueline Frost
This is a sweet, fun cozy mystery.
I'll post my review for
release day, October 10.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Blood in the Water: Destroyermen Series
Book 11
Written by: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris
I liked this installment, with lots of action and adventure, and look forward to the next in the series!
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Crown of Souls
by Ronie Kendig
I am 70% into this Christian military suspense.
I received this through NetGalley (it released in September).
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (Narrator)

Breakthrough: The Great Martian War, Book 2
By: Scott Washburn
Narrator: Ray Greenley
Duration: 10 hrs and 27 mins
I enjoyed book one and look forward to this.
I received this Audiobook from the narrator as a follow up to the first book. :-)
Publisher's Summary
This is the second of the three-part series covering the opening salvo of the Great Martian Invasion. US forces recover from the initial shock of the Martian invasion of the Southwest and attempt to set up a defensive line along the Mississippi. The best minds in the US try to come up with ways to defeat the Martians using the little captured technology available to them. Meanwhile, President Roosevelt tries to rally world leaders to aid in stopping the invaders.
©2016 Scott Washburn (P)2017 Scott Washburn

3. eBook/Kindle (Ladies Book Club - LBC)

A Matter of Character,
Sisters of Bethlehem Springs Series #3
by Robin Lee Hatcher
I will finally be finishing this fun book for
our next book club meeting on 10/14.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Wild Justice
by M.L. Buchman
I just started this and really like the characters.
I set this aside to read my LBS book for next Saturday.
I plan to complete this in time for the release date of 10/17.
Click on book title for full description.

October 8, 2017 - I am back reading on track in the One Year Bible, still with half a week to catch up. I am working on getting back on track. I have been reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

I completed two books and posted three reviews. That keeps me up to date.
I mostly caught up linking my reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
I am at 12 NetGalley titles. Still 2 author titles in my queue, with a few requests I am considering.

We're working on two fiction books soon to add to eTreasure's NetGalley page.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly).  
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I received two more NetGalley titles I had requested a week ago.
I selected one Audible Daily Deal but was tempted all week long. and two kindle titles for $.99 each. 
As usual, I picked up more free kindle titles as usual. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received these 2 additional titles from NetGalley. Release dates are shown in parenthesis.

Mind Game
by Iris Johansen 24 Oct 2017
"With the adventure, intrigue, and explosive energy that Iris Johansen fans love, Mind Game is a high-octane thriller that readers won’t be able to put down."
I have read many good books by this author but apparently not since I have had the blog (8 years).

Rise of the Fallen
by Chuck Black
17 Feb 201
I have book one in this series in my Audible library
so I am glad to get this through NetGalley.

Won

I won a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card from Tribute Books at 'The Bell Tolls' blog tour. That will be nice to cover a few $.99 titles when I pick them. :-) Thank you!

Purchased

I selected two Audible Daily Deals this week (and was tempted all week long!):
10/2 DD $3.95
The Fold
By: Peter Clines
Narrator: Ray Porter
Duration: 10 hrs and 52 mins


10/8 DD $3.95
Geekerella
By: Ashley Poston
Narrator: Eileen Stevens, Tristan Morris
Duration: 10 hrs and 32 mins

Free

Here are some of the Free Kindle titles I picked up. (All of these may still be free):
Cooking Spirits: An Angie & Friends Food & Spirits Mystery 
(The Angie & Friends Food & Spirits Mysteries Book 1)
by Joanne Pence

Romancing Wisconsin Volume I (Christmas Boxed Set)
by Stacey Joy Netzel

Wild West Frontier Brides Boxed Set Vol. 1: Books 1-3
by Cindy Caldwell, Ashley Merrick

Morna's Spell (A Sweet, Scottish, Time-Travel Romance):
Book 1 (The Magical Matchmaker's Legacy)
by Bethany Claire

Justice is Served: The Hunt for Justice Series
by Diane Capri

Mastiffs, Mystery, and Murder (A Dog Detective Series Novel Book 1)
by Sandra Baublitz

and a few more:
A Werewolf Boxed Set: Tempted by the Pack, Wolf's Heart, and At The Viking's Command by Anne Marsh
Rogue (SEAL Team: Disavowed Book 1) by Laura Marie Altom
Glory Rising: Walking in the Realm of Creative Miracles, Signs and Wonders by Jeff Jansen
Summer Lake Romance Boxed Set (Books 4-6) by SJ McCoy
Telling Lies (A Sam Mason Mystery Book 1) by L. A. Dobbs
For Children: Cassidy and the Rainy River Rescue by Keely Chace (Author), Nikki Dyson (Illustrator)
I added 73 free Kindle titles to my library this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 8, 2017

Our Sunday School teacher summarized his message from last week so I didn’t miss anything. 😊
Pastor’s Tension sermon today was Tension in Life. (I missed last week’s message on Family. I should be able to get it on tape.)

Pastor used water skiing as a good example today. That is a sport that requires tension (and also needs a technique). When the line goes slack, you will have trouble.

Most of us live with tension; some people bring it with them. We were not designed to live with tension. God designed Eden to be perfect; all was in harmony. Tension is a punishment for sin. Genesis 3:16-19. Tension rose up between man and God and between man and woman. Tension rose up between man and the ground.
Sin ALWAYS leads to tension. Between life and death there is tension.We live in constant tension though not by design. God created a way out by putting our sin (and the tension it brings) on Jesus at the cross.

Point: Tension indicates a difference between God's plan and my plan. I can surrender or try to live with tension.

We become used to life with tension. But it means our plan is not the same as God's. I have to align my life with God's plan. Holy Spirit tension brings us back into alignment. The Holy Spirit works on your behalf to bring you back into alignment with God.

In Ecclesiastes 2 King Solomon, the richest and once most blessed king, notes that men are continually seeking pleasure from things, but find it meaningless. Even riches are meaningless. Ecclesiastes 5.

Perfect peace is only found in God; when our hearts desire to glorify God. Isaiah 26:1-9.
When there is tension, we either surrender or try to live with the tension.

God wants to be the answer to all problems and all your tension. Will you seek to realign your life? Will you surrender to His plan?

I found this song that fits very well!

Verses for Today:
Isaiah 26:3-4
3You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Lord, Thank You that You care to keep us from tension. Please help me surrender to Your plan for my life!

Sharing Beyond Books #323 Comment Giveaway October 7, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
All fourteen of us who commented agree that reviewing doesn't change what we would read. Those of us who review tend to pick genres we like, just as those who read solely for pleasure. Many of us try to read a variety although we don't choice certain genres if we don't like those. Natalija will sometimes pick a different genre to break a reading slump. Several of us read different books when they are recommended by family or friends or maybe even found on blogs we follow. I know I have been picking up books I see on the Mailbox Monday blog links.:-)

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #322 comments is: #10 NATALIJA who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #323

(One Question.)

Rosebud asks: What book did you love so much you wish you had written it??

I don't think I have ever wished this really. However, I recently thought while reading/listening to complex and engaging plots (or watching shows like "Blacklist"), "how does the author come up with, and keep track of, all those creative elements?" [I think the story that recently brought this thought to mind was Valor's Choice because of the fighting strategy issues that were involved.] I know that authors use character and story boards, lists or notebooks, especially for series, but it is still amazing to me how they are always pulling up new plots and character elements. I think one series that fits that is the Mercy Thompson series but there are many.

 Image found at Pinterest.

Faulkner writing on wall image found at Daily Mail news article "Losing the plot.."

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.

Your turn to share. Rosebud asks: What book did you love so much you wish you had written it??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday October 14, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: On the Chase (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit Book 2) by Katie Ruggle

I like this author for fast-paced action, sweet romance between likeable characters – and canine characters too.
On the Chase (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit Book 2)
by Katie Ruggle

File Size: 2103 KB
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 5, 2017)
ASIN: B01ND1K3M6
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Small Town
My Rating 4.25 of 5.0

An Amazon Best Book of the Month
“Vivid and charming.”—CHARLAINE HARRIS, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse series
Injured in the line of duty,
His orders are simple:
Stay alive.
But when a frightened woman bursts into his life, Hugh and his K9 companion have no choice but to risk everything to keep her safe.
The sole witness to a horrific crime, Kaylee Ramay flees to the Colorado Rockies to start a new life. There she becomes Grace, a dog kennel employee desperately trying to avoid attention—especially from dangerously attractive K9 Officer Hugh Murdoch.
Because Hugh is tall, dark…and nothing but trouble.
Hugh is anxious to get back in the field after an act of heroism left him warming the bench.
Until then, he and his K9 partner Lexi spend their hours teasing the town’s mysterious newcomer. But when their simmering attraction is nearly cut short by a sniper’s bullet, Hugh’s mystery woman must come clean about the secrets she keeps…
Or both of them will pay the price.

Review:
Kaylee is attending a socialite dinner with her almost “Disney Prince” boyfriend when a wrong turn has her uncovering a crime situation. She manages to escape the last-minute grab of the dinner host but is afraid to go home. A friend helps her get out of town, hidden in the small town of Monroe, CO, where she is known as Grace and must find any job to make a living.

Hugh has been injured and is supposed to be recovering and staying out of the field. But ‘cop mode’ runs in Hugh’s blood and he has a hard time sitting home, even under orders that he is not allowed on scene or at the station. Hugh is really stressed since the force is trying to catch a drug smuggler who keeps sliding through his small town of Monroe.

Hugh meets Grace and, besides being stunned by her good likes, he is immediately suspicious and tries digging for the truth. Grace tries to avoid Hugh but they are like magnets drawing together. After several near-death events, Grace reveals her past thinking that the dangerous bad guy has found her. Hugh still thinks the attempts are against him, not her, but he isn’t about to let her problem rest either.

I liked Kaylee/Grace and Hugh right away. The beginning is fun and quickly moves into high adrenaline action. The story has some crazy moments and there are character actions that caused the reaction “what are you thinking?”. I like the other officers, including the canine characters. The ending seemed a little rushed and I would’ve liked a little more detail on the bad guy’s activities. Also, there were a few incidents of unnecessary (IMHO) ugly language. Still, all in all, I completely enjoyed the fast-paced story and strong romantic chemistry without overdone sexual aspects.

I am always comfortable picking up a Katie Ruggle title as I am confident I will get a good story that includes danger, action and sweet romance. I may have to go back and read the other stories in this series so I don’t miss anything. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy a good romantic suspense that is full on action and nice romance.

This type of phrasing (location 2899) had me chuckling:

“In fact, the love semitruck was tumbling down the mountainside at high speed with no brakes, about to run her over, flatten her on the pavement and leave its Hugh-shaped tire tracks all over her heart.”

I received this through NetGalley and it qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.