Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

What started out as a bad day for first grade teacher, Crystal Hagan, was steadily getting worse. She and her thirteen students had crossed the Town’s Square in the cold to see Rudolph. Several years ago, Crystal had asked Henri LeBarron, owner of a mansion called the North Pole, to allow her to set up a public Christmas display. The display had become a yearly tradition complete with Mary, Joseph, a mule, and reindeer. To the dismay of the class, someone had stolen Rudolph. Crystal tracked the hoof prints to the mansion. Did former Santa, Henri kidnap Rudolph, and why?

When Rudolph Was Kidnapped is a unique love story. The plot is entertaining. The characters are endearing. This tale is sure to bring Christmas Spirit and lots of smiles.

Misbehavin’ in Moonstone

Kristen Peplinski made the best garlic mashed potatoes ever served. Her business was growing until the men began fishing every day. Something strange has going on. Kristen and the other ladies of Moonstone soon get to the bottom, or should I say top, of the mystery. A floating restaurant bar’s topless waitresses have captured the attention of the local men. The women elect Kristen interim mayor and send her out to remedy the situation. Jonathan VanBrocklin, the owner of the yacht, was prepared for the beautiful Kristen. He had dinner, champagne, and an engagement ring waiting. Do you believe in love at first sight?

Misbehavin’ in Moonstone is written with just the right amount of humor and romance. I found myself smiling a lot as I read this tale. I liked all the characters, but Grandmother was my favorite.

Mrs. Claus and the Moonstone Murder

County Deputy, Lily Schuster, had only been on the job two days when she received a calling concerning “a trespasser—digging a hole for a giant beaver the size of a bear and scaring a lavender chicken.” Her investigation revealed Marcus Linden, a paleontologist. All he had to do was stand close to Lily to make her shiver. Her next call was to break up an old man in bed with two fighting women. Henri, the man in question, suggested a pie bakeoff. He would date the winner exclusively. Always on the lookout for a way to promote tourism, the town turned it into a festival; Gigi, a restaurant reviewer, would be the judge. On the day of the cook off, Gigi died with a piece of banana cream pie in her mouth. Once again, Christine DeSmet demonstrates her talent at mixing humor and suspense.

When Dead People Brought A Dish To Pass

Alyssa heard the crash and hurried to the scene. An unconscious man hung upside down in his seat belt with blood dripping from his hair. When she returned with a first aid kit, the man was gone. Halloween was just around the corner, and kids loved to play tricks. John Christopher walked through the door (a closed, locked door) with his cat and a toolbox. Christine DeSmet brings humor to what began as tragedy.

A Moonstone Wedding

Margie is on the verge of canceling her wedding to Tony. His family arrives and wrecks havoc in her life. Things get worse with murder.

Christine DeSmet wraps up this anthology with a short story filled with love and laughter.

DeSment is extremely talented, and I will be watching for more books with her name on them.