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rebeccaelizabeth94's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was three novellas in one. It was a good listen. My favorite was the second book when the main character got in a good fight with a 13 year old.
allyzins's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
terrym10's review against another edition
3.0
I like Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swenson series, so the first story was entertaining. She finds a body dressed as Santa and predictably solves the crime. What bugs me the most about the series is the love triangle between her, Norman and Mike. They’re in their 30’s and barely even kiss, yet both have proposed to her. I’m not a fan of smut, but the series is TOO wholesome. I guess I just enjoy the small town setting and cookie recipes, lol!
I had never read anything by Linda Levine or Leslie Meier before. Laura’s story was good, but I don’t think I’ll read any more of her stuff. The main character was a technical/advertising writer, which just doesn’t interest me. But she mentioned food a lot, which I enjoy. I did like the story by Leslie. It was set in a small Maine town and was well done. I enjoyed the characters. And I totally related to her family’s issues with renovating an old abandoned house. She totally nailed that part, including the dynamics between a husband and wife in that situation. I’m going to look her up for sure!
I had never read anything by Linda Levine or Leslie Meier before. Laura’s story was good, but I don’t think I’ll read any more of her stuff. The main character was a technical/advertising writer, which just doesn’t interest me. But she mentioned food a lot, which I enjoy. I did like the story by Leslie. It was set in a small Maine town and was well done. I enjoyed the characters. And I totally related to her family’s issues with renovating an old abandoned house. She totally nailed that part, including the dynamics between a husband and wife in that situation. I’m going to look her up for sure!
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
2.5*** (rounded up)
Three short novels make up this anthology. Candy Cane Murder (Fluke), The Dangers of Candy Canes (Levine) and Candy Canes of Christmas Past (Meier).
The first is a typical Hannah Swenson cozy. Her sisters and mother help her investigate the murder while her two boyfriends, dentist Norman and policeman Mike either help or warn her to stay out of the investigation. I have to wonder how this woman makes any money when she’s always giving cookies away. The story comes with some tasty recipes, though.
Levine’s entry comes next, and it was the weakest of the trio. Freelance writer Jaine Austen is asked to check into an “accidental” death; seems a suburban neighborhood’s holiday decorating contest has turned deadly. I didn’t like the heroine, I didn’t like the plot.
Candy Canes of Christmas Past revolves around Lucy Stone, her husband and son, who have left the high-stakes world of New York City finance to move to Tinker’s Cove, Maine. But things aren’t going well with the renovations of their farmhouse, and money’s tight. When she spots a sign for a yard sale, Lucy takes a chance and finds a unique artifact – a glass cane. Trying to find out more about it, she heads to the library and uncovers a family mystery. The story was pretty light on the mystery, but was a sweet and charming holiday tale.
Three short novels make up this anthology. Candy Cane Murder (Fluke), The Dangers of Candy Canes (Levine) and Candy Canes of Christmas Past (Meier).
The first is a typical Hannah Swenson cozy. Her sisters and mother help her investigate the murder while her two boyfriends, dentist Norman and policeman Mike either help or warn her to stay out of the investigation. I have to wonder how this woman makes any money when she’s always giving cookies away. The story comes with some tasty recipes, though.
Levine’s entry comes next, and it was the weakest of the trio. Freelance writer Jaine Austen is asked to check into an “accidental” death; seems a suburban neighborhood’s holiday decorating contest has turned deadly. I didn’t like the heroine, I didn’t like the plot.
Candy Canes of Christmas Past revolves around Lucy Stone, her husband and son, who have left the high-stakes world of New York City finance to move to Tinker’s Cove, Maine. But things aren’t going well with the renovations of their farmhouse, and money’s tight. When she spots a sign for a yard sale, Lucy takes a chance and finds a unique artifact – a glass cane. Trying to find out more about it, she heads to the library and uncovers a family mystery. The story was pretty light on the mystery, but was a sweet and charming holiday tale.
jennflattery's review against another edition
3 novella collection, only wanted to read one
smorrison4's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
I liked all three short stories. The Hannah Swensen story was my favorite, only because I knew all of the characters already. I would gladly read more of the books in Leslie Meier and Laura Levine's mystery series.
ladyanjulka's review against another edition
3.0
I should say that I liked the Joanne Fluke mystery. The second one was so obnoxious that I'm struggling to make myself read the third one.
traci1974's review against another edition
3.0
This would have been a 4 star read were it not for the Leslie Meier story. I've read two of these Christmas special books now with these 3 authors, and both left me feeling the same way. Hannah Swenson is a solid read - you get what you expect from her, nothing more, nothing less. Jaine Austen provides a humorous and fun mystery, and it was the best of the bunch. And I don't care for Lucy Stone at all. Her stories are much darker and barely a mystery. I'd give the Hannah story 3 stars, Jaine 4, and Lucy 2 (I'm being generous here).
csl4240's review against another edition
I’m over Hannah Swenson honestly. I haven’t read any of Laura’s books, and I hate this compilation format! Just release each book individually! The only one I wanted to listen to was Leslie’s, but I didn’t even finish it. I realized that Suzanne is not the narrator for me. She is soooo slow even with the speed increased and bores the heck out of me. She tends to read all of Joanne Flukes books and I am beginning to wonder if she is part of the reason I don’t like Hannah Swenson. No matter what the characters age, they sound like they are 60 and pretentious.