Between 2 and 3 stars. I don’t know what it is exactly that I liked less about this one than earlier books in the series, but it just didn’t feel like it reached its full potential. Too much relationship-y stuff went on and while I like to see characters progress, Jill gets on my nerves. First she has a meltdown a few books ago about Greg moving in and now she’s having meltdowns about marrying him and they haven’t even discussed it that seriously? Get over it. Just not a fan of the ass-dragging and moaning about it, I guess. It’s not romantic and Jill frequently comes across as a wishy-washy co-dependent damsel in distress and no one around her calls her out on it, relying on passive-aggressive comments to get her more wishy-washy.

As for the plot, it could’ve been much more intriguing than it ended up being, buried in Jill's relationship crap. By the end of it, I was left wondering what happened to this series? Has it jumped the shark?

I love this time of year, the best time to curl up with a warm quilt, a good book with a Christmas theme to get you in the holiday spirit, and a roaring fire (well, I don't have a fireplace, but there are videos on Amazon Prime, so that'll have to do.)

This was the first book from the Salem B&B Mystery series that I've read, and I'll definitely be picking up the first two. In this one, Charlene attends a charity auction at a restaurant owned by a recent lottery winner, David Baldwin. Tensions are high at the auction and when David suddenly bolts outside and is fatally struck by a car, there's no shortage of suspects.

This was my introduction to all the characters and I liked them all, from the analytical and down-to-earth Charlene to hunky ghost Jack to Charlene's dad (her mom, however, can go freeze out in the backyard. Tone it down, sweetie) and everyone at the B&B. It made for a very cozy read, and the plot, complete with juicy secrets, intrigue and even a bit of humor here and there made for an exciting and enjoyable read.