Reviewing: A Crhistmas in the Alps A Novella by Melody Carlson

...my thoughts...

After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that she is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, Simone boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.


During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.

For anyone who is wearying of staying home, Melody Carlson invites you to spend Christmas with her in the beautiful French Alps this year. So pull on your mittens, tie your scarf tight, and prepare yourself for a magical mountain holiday. 

...my thoughts... 

Melody Carlson's A Christmas in the Alps is a wonderful novella that tells the romantic story of Simone and Kyle.  It is one of those stories that will warm your heart because, after all, with their chance meeting on a flight that Simone dreaded, everything was destined to fall in place for their happy ever after. However, that was not how it played out.  Learning about her great grandmother's amazing past was well worth the trip out of her comfort zone. Finding a new path for her own life was priceless. 

I enjoyed this story for the rich color within the fabric of these characters lives. Simone's family, like so many who lived through the rigors of World War II are inspiring.  Had Simone stayed behind and bathed in her practical comfort zone she would have missed out on all of the rewards life had to offer her.

Every year I wait to read Melody Carlson's latest Christmas story.  A Christmas in the Alps is just one of those stories that make you glad you picked up a book and skipped a cookie cutter Christmas movie. Novellas may be short but this one is long on heart!

Reviewing: To Write A Wrong by Jen Turano

 ...from the publisher...

Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she prefers working behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of an attempted murder case she's determined to solve.

Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he lives a quiet life,

determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished on an expedition when he was a child. But when he experiences numerous attempts on his life, he seeks out the services of the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency to uncover the culprit. All too soon, Herman finds himself stepping out of the safe haven of his world and into an adventure he never imagined.

As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed Daphne's way as well, Herman and Daphne must determine who they can trust and if they can risk the greatest adventure of all: love.

...my thoughts...

To Write a Wrong is a funny story.  To be sure, it is a mystery but it is a humorous one.  Daphne and Herman make quite a pair as they play off each other in the quest to find whomever is trying to kill Herman. In the end, the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, the mystery is finally solved. This book is just right for the young or young at heart who don't mind the constant references by the heroine to her "swooning" at the drop of a hat.  Jen Turano is an experienced writer who knows her audience and targets her writing accordingly.