Season's Greetings, A Parish Mail Short in The Coliloquy Book Group

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Nov 03, 2013 Lindsay rated it liked it

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3.5 stars

It's that time of year, even though it's hard to admit. Winter. Again. That means snow and ice, freezing temperatures, car accidents every other block (at least that's what it means in Canada). But it also means Christmas is just around the corner. Literally! My neighbors a block over have Santa's Village set up on their lawn! Figuratively too, though. Christmas is just 34 days away. Have you started your shopping yet?

I'm a little slow getting into the spirit this year. We just had our 3.5 stars

It's that time of year, even though it's hard to admit. Winter. Again. That means snow and ice, freezing temperatures, car accidents every other block (at least that's what it means in Canada). But it also means Christmas is just around the corner. Literally! My neighbors a block over have Santa's Village set up on their lawn! Figuratively too, though. Christmas is just 34 days away. Have you started your shopping yet?

I'm a little slow getting into the spirit this year. We just had our first snowfall, and a lot of my family will be absent this year. This book was exactly what I needed to get me in the mood! The Parish Mail series follows Celia, whose father has died in Afghanistan. She and her mother have moved to New Orleans to start over. When Celia finds a package of hidden letters, she is drawn into a series of historical investigations involving ghosts and their unresolved issues. Each book has its own mystery, but the characters develop throughout the series. I haven't read the first two books, but I found that I was able to read this short story as a stand alone without any problem.

This is not the first book I have read through Coliloquy, but I always feel the need to explain to people what to expect in case they haven't had the experience yet. Coliloquy publishes books that are choose your own adventure for young adults. This can make for either a fast read, or you can read it several times over to see how the story changes. I am never disappointed with this completely different genre, as it keeps my mind interested on every level.

Honestly, I'm not on the fence about the cover. It's deceptive! It brought to mind light, fluffy books that my grandmother might read, where families sit around fireplaces drinking cocoa and singing carols. While this book does have its share of cocoa and it's wholesome enough for any age, it isn't like the cover may imply. The mere fact that ghosts are involved should hint that not everything is as it seems. Witchcraft and shadows of death dampen the otherwise lighthearted story. It is the perfect balance of darkness and light.

I will most definitely be reading the first two books of the series, and can easily give the Mom Stamp of Approval.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Nov 04, 2013 Kate (VerbVixen) rated it it was amazing

I love the holidays. I love everything about them. It’s the only time of year I turn into a sappy, cheesy Hallmark movie loving fiend. I also find myself reading a lot in December and I’m particularly fond of winter themed books—-does it have snow? hot chocolate? ice skating? Great, I’ll read it. That’s part of the reason I was so excited to get to read Season’s Greetings.

The Parish Mail books, Dead Letter Office and Post Mortem are a series of paranormal mysteries set in New Orleans. Now go bac I love the holidays. I love everything about them. It’s the only time of year I turn into a sappy, cheesy Hallmark movie loving fiend. I also find myself reading a lot in December and I’m particularly fond of winter themed books—-does it have snow? hot chocolate? ice skating? Great, I’ll read it. That’s part of the reason I was so excited to get to read Season’s Greetings.

The Parish Mail books, Dead Letter Office and Post Mortem are a series of paranormal mysteries set in New Orleans. Now go back and read that last sentence and tell me how many of those things I love. Yep, all of them. That’s part of why I love the Parish Mail series so much! Then when you add Coliloquy’s active fiction aspect—Oh, you’re going to let me choose which boy she calls? Oh, you’re going to let me decide where she goes? It’s like a dream come true. Also if you’re like me you’ll go back and reread every option at every available choice point.

Now combine all of my loves into one novella and you have Season’s Greetings. The story continues the Parish Mail world—this fight of good versus evil and of restoring balance through solving crimes both in the past and the present. There’s three smexy boys vying for Celia’s attention, an amazing witchy best friend and a great family support system too. The plot of Season’s Greetings feels less ominous and dangerous but has a wonderful holiday message at the core of which is love and family. At the end you feel warm, full of joy and somehow renewed which is why this novella is just like a hug.

In the spirit of the holidays, I recommend a warm delicious beverage to accompany this book: Peppermint Hot Cocoa. It’s simultaneously cool and warm. It’s like Icy Hot for your mouth if Icy Hot were delicious. To make: Add a packet of Swiss Miss with mini marshmellows to your mug. Add boiling water, a splash of milk and 1 capful of this peppermint syrup from Starbucks. Stir. Top with some more mini marshmallows and a cute little candy cane as a stirring utensil. BOOM! INSTANT HOLIDAY CHEER and a perfect accompaniment for Season’s Greetings!

Overall: A+ ...more

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Oct 27, 2013 Aimee rated it it was amazing

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