The first few Christmases without her beloved grandmother were tough for Molly Gray. Her grandmother went to great lengths to make the season merry, bright, and filled with cherished traditions. Now Molly has her boyfriend to bring the joy back to Christmas, and that's exactly what Juan Manuel is determined to do.
When a Secret Santa gift exchange at the Regency Gran Hotel makes Molly wonder whom she can and cannot trust, she immediately goes to work to answer her nagging questions.
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The Mistletoe Mystery is a perfect Christmas story, filled with traditions and more than a bit of magic. I loved the Advent calendar Molly's grandmother made from a discarded library card catalog and the handmade vest that is Molly's favorite piece of clothing. This story is guaranteed to remind readers of their own special holiday traditions.
Molly's grandmother always helped Molly with her social ineptness and inability to read facial expressions, and Molly could certainly use her help in The Mistletoe Mystery. Molly is such a special character whom I first met in Nita Prose's The Maid. She's a character who stays with you, and as I read, I not only felt compassion for her as she misinterprets Juan Manuel's behavior but joy as well because I could interpret the signs Molly couldn't.
This is a nice little mystery filled with holiday spirit. I love spending time with Molly.
The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
eISBN: 9780593875452
Ballantine Books © 2024
eBook, 128 pages
Short Story, #2.5 Molly Gray
Rating: B+
Source: Net Galley
It sounds like a very good read for the holiday season, Cathy. And it's interesting to me how those family traditions are the memories we take with us through life. Also, I admire authors who can tell a story like this without it getting too sugary-sweet.
ReplyDeleteYes, Prose does a very good job with this story, Margot.
DeleteI tend not to read short stories and novellas, preferring the longer form novel, but this sounds like it might be a nice, quick seasonal read. And Molly the maid is a great character.
ReplyDeleteYou described it perfectly, Dorothy-- a nice, quick seasonal read.
DeleteMolly's such a unique and fun character. I always have a lot of sympathy for her as she tries to navigate the world. This sounds like a fun story.
ReplyDeleteIt is, Lark. :-)
DeleteSecond blog carrying this book today. New to me story.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this story, Mystica.
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