As the weather cools and the holidays approach I look forward to treating myself to one or more holiday reads. Today, Donna Schlachter introduces a new holiday anthology and her story A Mistletoe Mystery. Donna is offering a giveaway, so be sure to comment to include your name in the drawing.
Romance, History, and Mystery
By Donna Schlachter
Since this anthology called “Merry Little Mysteries” was meant to be a fun mystery and not too serious, I named my heroine—actually, I have two—Holly and Ivy. Christmas. They own a tree farm. And when their trees are sabotaged, they blame the brothers who live next door and also have a tree farm.
Turns out they have history—from grade school—with these boys. Stolen kisses, it seems. Once I sat to write, their stories came alive for me. And wouldn’t you know it? Each character has hopes and dreams that collide with their sibling’s but matches with another character. The set-up for a Happily Ever After.
What follows is a typical mystery in that the four band together and follow the clues, ask questions, narrow down the list to a few suspects, and trigger a meeting of the bad guys by putting pressure on a weak link.
While they’re doing this, they’re also spending time with each other. Figuring out they like how the other person has turned out. Wonder why they ever stopped talking to each other. And—well—love blossoms, as it should, in any good romantic mystery.
A Sneak Peek:
Holly & Ivy Christmas Tree Farm, Boulder, Colorado
Chapter 1
December 3rd, 1883
Holly Christmas froze in her tracks. Not because the temperature hovered around ten degrees—although it did. Not because she’d tromped around her thousand-acre Norway Spruce tree farm for almost three hours—although she had. And not because the sun only now cast a blush on the Rocky Mountains as it peeked over the horizon—although it was.
No, Miss Holly emulated a statue because of what hung from the branches of the prime specimen before her. A tree destined to decorate the grand ballroom of the governor’s mansion in six days’ time. Already paid for. Already marked with a red flag for cutting and shipping tomorrow.
She tore her gaze from that monster of a spruce and scanned the next in line. This one, a foot shorter than its neighbor’s fourteen feet, for the mayor of Kansas City. Again, due for cutting next week.
Holly pushed her spectacles higher on her nose. Didn’t change what she saw.
Her heart pounded in her ears at the sight before her. And at its ramifications.
Mistletoe.
Dwarf, to be exact, if she knew her botany.
Native to Colorado. Usually found in stands of spruce and pine that suffered from disease, or overpopulation, or overgrowth.
Never in her tree farm.
Not before today, that is.
About A Mistletoe Mystery in “Merry Little Mysteries”:
Boulder Colorado 1883: Two sisters living next door to two brothers. When bad stuff starts happening, who is behind it? If not a neighbor, then who? Can the two ranches, competing in the Christmas Tree Market, cooperate enough to save their land? Or are they doomed to lose all?
Can the two ranches, competing in the Christmas Tree Market, cooperate enough to save their land? Or are they doomed to lose all? @DonnaSchlachter #giveaway, #newbook Share on XYou can purchase the ebook or print book here.
Giveaway: Leave a comment and we will randomly choose one lucky winner to win an ebook copy of “Merry Little Mysteries” anthology. Click here to comment.
About Donna:
A hybrid author, Donna Schlachter writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 50 times in books; is a member of several writers groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; ghostwrites; edits; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter.
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Phyllis White wrote, “Sounds like a fun and festive read!” Phyllis, I’ll make sure your name is in drawing. I realized I had the link going to the previous post.
Thanks, Debbie, for catching the link issue, and thanks, Phyllis White, for leaving a great comment.
Donna,
My mom is coming to visit for a couple of weeks in December. She loves mysteries and “who dun its” so this would be perfect! I enjoyed reading the preview here at Debbie’s blog. Please include me in the drawing!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Wonderful, Bev. Your name is included in the drawing.
Thanks, Bev!
Thanks for sharing Ms. Debbie. Happy Thanksgiving ma’am.
And to you, J.D.!
Thanks, JD!
Wow I am very excited about this giveaway, a really good fun read for Christmas, I do like the names Holly and Ivy. I do not think as many people put up mistletoe today as they did back in the days. Happy thanksgiving to all and enjoy preparing for it and getting ready for Christmas.
Thank you, Elsie. I think you’re right. Mistletoe used to be more popular. Recently I overheard it being used medicinally at a clinic!
Thanks, Elsie. Encourages too much social contact, I guess 🙂
That sounds like a fun book! I love the names!
It sounds like a lot of fun for the holidays! Thanks, Amy.
I rarely read nonfiction but the last time I did I think it was from a guest post here and I so enjoyed the read! This sounds wonderful and like II probably wouldn’t be able to put it down until I found out what happens!
Ann, I discovered fiction can take you to new places and teach you lots. 🙂
Hi Ann, that’s exactly what authors want to hear from readers!
Sounds extremely interesting. Very original and certain ending with warmth inside guaranteed!
The time period setting adding that special flavor and essence of the time of season.
Delightful with charm, I’m sure. Thanks for the peak. … Donald
Thank you, Donald.
Hi Donald, thank you for stopping by.
This sounds like a wonderful book. I would love to win a copy!
Great, Sue!
I love to read books based in the 1800’s . I love to read books that are not filled with trash as well. This seems right up my alley. Thank you for introducing me. Happy Thanksgiving.
Me too, Marie. Harder to find these days. Happy Thanksgiving!
I love reading a good Christmas book at this time of year too. This one sounds intriguing. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading, Sarah.
Debbie, thanks bunches for sharing this review and sneak peak. Ooo, this sounds like a fantastic read.
Visiting today from Let’s Have Coffee #15,16&28
Thanks so much for dropping by, Paula!
Sounds like a nice adventure. Thanks and God bless! Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Nancy!
Sounds so wonderful and fun. Wishing you the best of luck with the book. Happy thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Yvonne!
I love everything Christmas so reading Christmas books all year long is something I love to do but reading them during the Christmas season is even more special. ❤️
Cindy, I love Christmas books too!
Donna’s story sounds wonderful. Thank you, Debbie, for hosting her today. I enjoyed the preview. Lighthearted mystery and romance combine together beautifully. Wishing you both a Happy Thanksgiving and a blessed holiday season.
Thank you, Katherine. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
I love a Christmas book! Thanks for introducing us to this one!
Lauren, she has another one coming out too. So stay tuned!
Sounds like a fun read. Happy Thanksgiving, Debbie!
And to you, Annie!
The first chapter is captivating. Like to read more.