I feel in love with the character of Flavia de Luce when she first appeared in The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie several years ago.  Flavia is one of the most unique characters in literature today and I thoroughly enjoy reading about her adventures as a 12 year old chemist/detective.  The story of Thrice The Brinded Cath Hath Mew'd is yet another feather in her cap (or the author Alan Bradley's, I should say).

Flavia has just returned to the family estate of Buckshaw following a stay at Miss Bodycote's Female Academy in Canada.  Upon her return, Flavia finds her father in the hospital and several other disturbing changes have occured since she left.  She escapes to visit the vicar's wife and offers to help her by delivering a message to a woodcarver that has been doing work at the church.  Upon her arrival, Flavia discovers the woodcarver's body and immediately embarks on her latest investigation.  

I could go on and on about how much I adore Flavia and her quips, insights and determination, but It would really just be best to have you read her stories yourself.  I think you will find her every bit as enjoyable as I do.   

I received this book courtesy of Dellacorte Press, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Christmas Angels is a lovely story that will put you in the holiday spirit.  Kate is a professional decorator and finds herself particularly busy during the Christmas season.  As she transforms local businesses into holiday wonderlands, it helps to distract her from the loneliness of her recent breakup.  When one of her commercial clients hires her to decorate the home of a recently widowed employee and his young son, Kate's world begins to change in ways she never could have imagined.  

This was a charming story that is the perfect way to spend a day during the holiday season. 

I received this book courtesy of Thomas Dunne Books, St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.