lynsie Follow

Booked for Christmas continues the joy of the season on Mistletoe Mountain with the Jolly family. Centered around Holly, this story captured my heart from the beginning. It's easy to physically feel the raw emotions pouring from author Melissa immediately as she describes Holly loving Christmas, just not this Christmas and then a scene of her screaming with emotion in her car. This may capture and describe relatable feelings for others. In the next chapter, I literally laughed out loud as Holly introduced herself, H. Evelyn Jolly. Because Holly Jolly? And of course my new swear phrase… son of a Blitzen. Melissa weaves humor so easily into the story.
Attorney (Holly) Evelyn Jolly is assigned to defend Jack Bell for putting books in a little free library. Yes, the world we live in is an interesting place. And since ‘tis the season, the inn is full, and this is Mistletoe Mountain, Jack is remanded to Holly's custody until trial.
Who is Jack? Why was he really arrested? What's the real reason Mrs. Swanson was upset about the books Jack put in her little free library?
I love the traditions of Mistletoe Mountain, the year-round Christmas celebration, the feeling of family. But the realistic and relatable feelings she pours into her stories, especially Booked for Christmas, the raw emotions of loss are felt to the soul. But the continued lighthearted holiday cheer, warmth of family and friends, and of course laughter are the perfect balance on Mistletoe Mountain.
I always enjoy the culture and history of the characters as well as their life choices and careers. Pedro's painting, What Remains Beautiful led me on a new journey of knowledge…Wabi-Sabi.
Booked for Christmas shares some heartache, and uncertainties of life, but so much love, joy, and happiness wrapped up like a gift on Mistletoe Mountain, a perfect place to reflect on life's choices, with the Jolly family and all their friends!

I love Melissa F Miller and her style of writing. I truly felt a connection with her the first moments we met. As I read A Walking Shadow, I admit I started with the Authors Note first, so I could understand some of what the author was pouring into this novella. What may be unsaid in Sasha and Leo's story and what may be in their future. Sasha is truly at a crossroads in her life and I believe many of us reading A Walking Shadow will feel that in this very fast paced storyline. The reason for the rating is I was left with a feeling of loss throughout the book, which is not a normal feeling for me with this author. It's a great story, just a little different than what I'm used to with Melissa. I'm not disappointed, I'm just sorting out my feelings.

Caught is the conclusion to Ryan and Leilah’s exciting and unpredictable race to figure out who is trying to kill Ryan. Now that they figured out who is really after Ryan…or have they? They are working with their friends and co-workers to bring this person to the authorities, but who are the trusted authorities?

Melissa is a wonderful and creative storyteller. I love the way she combines different careers so flawlessly, different personalities so seamlessly and continues to draw the reader into the story. Starting with Crashed, continuing on with Chased and ending with Caught, each book is fast, full of twists, turns, danger and suspense.

I highly recommend this trilogy in addition to starting at the beginning of the Shenandoah Shadows series to meet all of the characters!

I had the pleasure of meeting Melissa recently at a book signing, making a wonderful connection with a talented, friendly, and personable writer. Reading The Anniversary Party was a treat as I was introduced to Sasha and Leo and their friends, giving me a present and past view of their history. I love the way the story leads me through mystery, suspense and crime while using hints of a childhood game, Clue bringing a smile to my face as a read. I look forward to reading more of Melissa's series and joining this group of friends in their adventurous crime-solving lives!