Thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This was a Christmas-time short story by an author I like, having read several of her Spice Shop Mysteries. Although it’s now January, my Christmas decorations are still up so it was easy to justify reading while I continue to enjoy the holiday mood.

This quick and entertaining read was a great opening to the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, as it introduces readers to the characters and setting of that currently five-book series. The publisher explains that “to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, we’re bringing out stand-alone editions of readers’ favorite short stories.”

I think this would be a great story to read any time of year – it’s a heartwarming mystery that ended too soon. I'm thankful I can spend more time with the characters in the Food Lovers’ Village series. I’ve just put a few more books on my TBR list 😊 ( )

A lovely short story with holiday cheer, great winter atmosphere and very likeable characters. ( )

An enjoyable Christmas short story with a bit of a puzzle element. I love a good "feel good" holiday story and this one, set in Montana, fits the bill. Now I want to start reading the author's mystery series involving these characters, from the start.

(I received a copy of this story from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.) ( )

The Christmas Stranger by Leslie Budewitz is a short story with a bit of mystery and a lot of the true spirit of Christmas. It’s part of the Food Lovers’ Village Mystery but it works well as a standalone. A heartwarming tale to start the Christmas season.

I received an arc of this story from Netgalley and Beyond the Page publishers in exchange for an honest review ( )