I miss the humor that used to be in these books. This was still quite a good read but I started reading this series because of the laugh out loud funny antics of Megs family and it seems to be missing lately. ( )

The mystery in this installment is a little light, but it still provides fun and entertains. Meg is conducting the town's Christmas pageant. Then they find a baby in a manger that isn't the one they expected. No one recognizes the baby, but they want to locate the baby's parents. Something left with the baby makes them think her name is Lark. Of course, it turns out the birth mother is trying to flee neighboring Clay County where the corrupt law enforcement officials nabbed her husband. They shelter the mother in the women's shelter until it's no longer safe to do so. It's worth sticking this one out just because of the fun antics right before the situation is resolved. ( )

What can I say - I love this series because it features a strong woman MC, with strong supporting characters, solid family relationships and tons of humor. The Christmas ones have become an annual tradition (no pressure Ms. Andrews) I look forward to every year, and I always save them to read in the day or two before Christmas.

This year's involved a baby in a manger, a paternity allegation, and some dark dealings in a neighbouring county that lead to some very dangerous events in the lead up to Christmas. The mystery was pretty much over by midway, and the rest of the book was more rescue mission with shades of three stooges.

The finale was ... the very best kind of holiday wishful thinking. This was definitely Andrews taking the opportunity to create the kind of reality she'd like to see and I loved it; it was outrageous and wonderful. Not my favorite of her Christmas books, Duck the Halls still holds that place of honour, but an excellent, festive read nonetheless. ( )

"Melchior! Give Caspar back the frankincense! And Balthazar, if you don't stop throwing myrrh at the shepherds, I'm demoting you to junior sheep!"

I gazed sternly at the three middle schoolers who were playing the wise men in this year's church Christmas pageant. Wise persons, actually, since we'd given the role of Caspar to one of the girls. Melchior and Balthazar assumed implausible expressions of innocence, and Caspar wisely postponed any vengeance she'd been planning against her rowdy fellow Magi.

Implausible end that I couldn't follow. And what's with Rob's sudden spine? Or girlfriend that has been around for 2 years without a mention in the previous books? So much fun could have been had with the beginning of this relationship.

However, I did think that the name Lark was darling. Silly, tired me. ( )