Deborah Garner

A delightful mystery that will have you craving chocolate and guessing at every turn. Sadie isn't your typical senior citizen, much less your typical sleuth. From her passionate love of chocolate (I actually had to stop reading to snag a piece!) to her bright fashion sense, you'll find yourself falling in love with Sadie and her outgoing personality. Coco, her sidekick Yorkie has a personality all her own, that any dog lover won't be able to resist. Can an adorable Yorkie and her intrepid show more owner solve the case? I'll never tell.

Received in exchange for a fair and honest review show less

Following a "Christmas in July" party on the author's FB page, I had to investigate the series discussed throughout the evening. I loved this novella!

"Christmas memories were special. They became part of their personal life paintings."

There is a new employee named Mist at The Timberton Hotel in Timberton, Montana, and as resident artist and chef, she adds many special touches to the hotel's ambiance. With the addition of the Moonglow Café in the hotel, guests and townspeople delight in show more her delicious culinary offerings for breakfast and dinner. Visitors are a mixture of newcomers and former guests. Former guests return to the hotel annually to celebrate Christmas in this festive and nurturing atmosphere, even as their personal circumstances may have changed since their last stay.

This is a heartwarming story, especially for those grieving the loss of a loved one who now finds each holiday difficult, especially at Christmas. It is comforting to think of a special place where one could have moments of peace to be alone with precious memories, have the camaraderie of fellow guests in common areas and at meal time, and be wonderfully surprised by all of the special touches that make the hotel stay comforting healing, and yet festive offering hope that there may be smiles and laughter to share with others once more.

With the beautiful descriptions of all of the festive touches and surprises to enjoy at The Timberton Hotel, it was easy to create pictures in my mind from cover to cover. A lovely example was the description of floral arrangements. Mist creates "a mosaic of nature."

I will continue reading this series during the upcoming Christmas season to immerse myself in the comforts of this enchanting series. show less

“Everything is an ingredient of something else. These flowers are ingredients for holiday memories, just like flour and sugar.”

I discovered this series last Christmas and was immediately ensconced in comfort imagining the private hotel in Timberton, Montana, where hospitality is not simply a word but lovingly created for those needing to be away from home for various reasons. It seems hard to believe that it was merely a year ago that hotelkeeper Betty had invited Mist to stay as show more resident chef and artist with total freedom. Accordingly, a new level of joy and enchantment has been brought to the Timberton Hotel from the moment guests enter the door. Returning or 1st time overnight guests delight in the comfortable, cozy accommodations, the exquisite decor throughout the hotel, and guests and townsfolk alike enjoy delicious breakfasts and/or dinners at the Moonglow Café with unique menus accommodating those with allergies, special diets, and dietary preferences (i.e., vegan, gluten-free).

The author has created a tantalizing setting in Timberton, Montana, and I can't help but wish it was possible to be a recurring guest. The prospect of the cozy hotel, genuine caring by Betty and Mist, the combination of hotel holiday activities and small-town celebrations or simply reading in a cozy room or downstairs by the fire are comforting to imagine. The beauty of Deborah Garner's storytelling gives a new perspective and outlook through Mist's character that not only cheers townsfolk and guests with all of her ingredients during their visit making hearts lighter and also bringing solace and peace to readers. I could easily read the novels all in one holiday season but for now I find it adds to the peace of December as like some of the hotel guests there is an empty chair at our home with the loss all the more poignant at Christmas. show less

The first thing I decided to do after reading this book, was check myself into the Timberton Hotel. I want Mist to cook for me and be her friend. I know what you are thinking. This is a fiction book and there is no Timberton Hotel. But the author did such an amazing job of making the hotel sound inviting, I wish it were a real place. It is nestled in a beautiful town in Montana with a breathtaking view. I could picture the hotel as guests walked in. The smells of fresh flowers and pine cones show more filled the air. The aroma of fresh baked cookies billowed thought the hotel welcoming guests as they entered.

Mist is unique character that reminds me of a friend you have known forever. . She seems to know what guests need before they even ask. Her presence makes people feel calm and welcomed as she goes about her day. As the guests check in they each bring their share of sadness, grief or worry. Will they find a new sense of happiness when they leave? There is nothing worse than feeling lonely or sad during the holidays. You feel like the world is moving forward but you are stuck in your own pity. Maybe this year will be different for the guests staying at the hotel.

The author gives us great characters that at times left me with tears rolling down my face slowly as I felt their pain. The book is emotional, happy and hopeful wrapped in a story full of surprises. The special gift Mist gives to each guest is priceless. The memories will linger on for years to come with the help of a very special person who has a heart that loves unconditionally. I didn't want the book to end because I truly felt like I was a guest at the hotel and wanted to savor each moment. The ending is beautifully written with a feeling of contentment. Don't miss this enduring story that will brighten your holiday with love, hope , family and the kindness of a special young woman.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Beck Valley Books Tours. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it. show less