Aunt Dimity's Christmas

This is my first entry into the Miss Dimity series and I am resolved to go back and read the entire series in chronological order. I don't normally jump into the middle of things, but I wanted a cozy Christmas mystery, and this one was perfect. Lori Shepherd Willis is the heroine of this tale. She is looking forward to celebrating the holiday in the manner in which her late and beloved father would have. She is about to embark on a merry whirl of shopping, decorating, and baking his famous angel cookies in preparations for a lavish Christmas Eve party. Her plans all go awry, however, when a handsome stranger is found unconscious in the snow outside her home. Lori's unexplainable attraction to the stranger coupled with a chance meeting with a Catholic priest lead her on a hunt to discover the story behind the tattered stranger and why he happened to collapse at her cottage. At times reminiscent of a grown-up Nancy Drew, Lori's quest to find the answers is a fun and cozy Christmas read that packs a powerful message about helping others and opening your heart to the true message of Christmas. From WWII medals to a widow's farm and a London socialite, this book is a pure delight as Lori faces some unpleasant truths about herself and learns to share her blessings. Aunt Dimity, gone but never forgotten, adds her own special wisdom via a most unusual blue journal. Highly recommended for a cold winter's night. Just add a cup of cocoa and a few angel cookies from Lori's recipe which is included in the book.

Nancy Atherton's cozy mystery series is wonderful and Aunt Dimity's Christmas proves it all the more. While I am not a big fan of cozy mysteries this series touches the heart but is also fun. You really get to know Lori and her extended family of friends and creatures.Dimity teaches Lori the true meaning of Christmas and the reader learns the lesson as well. While planning a lavish family holiday (as well as working on the town's preparations) Lori stumbles upon a homeless man, half frozen to death on her door step. Why has he chosen to seek her out and who is he?Lori, with the help of Dimity, tracks the man's past down and makes some new friends along the way and realizes the true spirit of the season.The only gripe I have with this book is that we did not get to see enough of the other characters that populate the Dimity series such as Emma and Derek and their daughter Nell (with her lovable bear Bertie).I highly recommend this book for it's warm and wonderful story! Once you start reading this series you won't want to stop.

Having been enchanted by the Aunt Dimity series from the first installment, I am no doubt prejudiced, but this one is a cut above. Not only is there tantalizing mystery, but the author grabs your heart by the second page and holds it until the end. One feels every emotion, from bafflement to guilt and all in between, right along with Lori Shepherd. In addition, you will be teased by the puzzle, but not maddened, and then thoroughly satisfied by the result. This one is going to remain a favorite of mine.

Nancy Atherton's cozy mystery series is wonderful and Aunt Dimity's Christmas proves it all the more. While I am not a big fan of cozy mysteries this series touches the heart but is also fun. You really get to know Lori and her extended family of friends and creatures. Dimity teaches Lori the true meaning of Christmas and the reader learns the lesson as well. The only gripe I have with this book is that we did not get to see enough of the other characters that populate the Dimity series such as Emma and Derek and their daughter Nell (with her lovable bear Bertie).I highly recommend this book for it's warm and wonderful story! Once you start reading this series you won't want to stop. 2 people found this review helpful.

This book continues the excellence and entertainment of her previous books, once again exploring the greater truths of life. Lori is once again caught up in the world of Aunt Dimity, Reginald, and family she didn't even know she had (The family Dimity Westwood found throughout her lifetime). As a reader who loved Aunt Dimity's Death before it was widely available, Nancy Atherton's newest is a tout de force in every sense of the word. Lori is able to look within herself to see the true spirit of Christmas, and find out what is truly important in the season of Christmas. Highly recommend it as a Christmas present for a loved one.