The small Montana town of Timberton has always provided a joyful Christmas retreat for visitors as well as those who live in the area. When guests check into the hotel for the holidays, they’re often unaware that resident chef and artist, Mist, has a way of working magic in people’s lives.
This year, an angel ornament project offers guests and local townsfolk a chance to reflect on others in their lives. As always, time spent together, exquisite food, and camaraderie allow guests a chance to trade worries for a sense of peace. One thing is certain: no one leaves Timberton without a renewed sense of hope for the future.
This is the tenth book in the Moonglow Christmas series by Deborah Garner and, if you haven’t already discovered this treasure chest of festive novellas and have the whole backlist to enjoy, then I am so envious because you are in for an absolute treat.
The books are set in the idyllic, small Montana town of Timberton and, more specifically, at the Timberton Inn which welcomes a small group of charming guests for an idyllic Christmas every year, hosted by owner of the hotel, Betty, and her serene and ethereal assistant, Mist. Betty is like every cosy grandmother-figure you have ever seen, rosy-cheeked, in a Christmas movie. Mist has special talents that means she knows exactly how to make every guest happy during their stay.
New guests who come to the inn are often carrying worries or cares that get resolved during their stay, through the welcoming Christmas spirit created or Mist’s mysterious powers and wisdom. These are always the ordinary kind of cares that people carry with them though, these books are gentle and familiar, not shocking or disturbing and would be relatable if it weren’t for the unlikely idyll of the whole set up. These are kind of a homely fairytale for people who love to fantasise about the perfect Christmas.
There are certain aspects of the Christmas which remain the same year to year. Betty’s famous cookie exchange, Mist’s fabulous Christmas Eve dinner, the paintings she does for each guest as a gift. The delicious food is a big draw in these books and there are always delicious cookie recipes in the back. The rhythm of the stories is always the same – gentle, soothing, festive and hopeful – a modern version of It’s A Wonderful Life which will make you believe in the goodness of mankind and that there are good times to come and good people in the world.
If you are a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, you will love these books and you will become addicted, as I have. I look forward every year to the new Moonglow book and reading it is one of my favourite Christmas traditions. Can’t recommend it enough, unless you are allergic to sugar because they are sweet enough to rot your teeth.
Angels at Moonglow is out now in ebook and paperback formats and you can buy a copy here. It is also free to read as part of a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
About the Author
Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.
Connect with Deborah:
Website: https://deborahgarner.com
Facebook: Deborah Garner
Twitter: @PaigeandJake
