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Bright's Pond #4
Blame It On The Mistletoe
Is There Really a Fountain of Youth in Paradise?
Welcome back to Bright’s Pond, where strange happenings are afoot at the Greenbrier Nursing Home. Strange even for Bright’s Pond.
The residents suddenly act like kids again—riding trikes, climbing trees, and—of all things—falling in love. Some of the townsfolk blame it on the crooked new gazebo, or its builder, a quirky little man who quotes Don Quixote, collects water from the fountain at the Paradise trailer park, and disappears on a regular basis.
While Chief of Police Mildred Blessing investigates the mystery, Griselda and her friends deal with a luau Thanksgiving, preparations for the Christmas pageant, and maybe even an upcoming wedding.
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2011
64 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Magnin
27 books172 followersUm, I like cross stitch, baseball, my children and grandkids, but not elevators or laundry. I've been known to run from mayonnaise and I play RPG video games. I don't have a favorite author although I read a lot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 4, 2012
The residents of Bright's Pond are all delightfully zany characters who all come together to make a loveable small town community. Christmas brings with it a crooked little man who makes all the residents of the nursing home feel young again and acting silly, a romance that leads to a wedding, and a young girl who finds a new home and new life.
November 27, 2011
The elderly residents of Greenbrier's Nursing Home are simply up to no good! No good in the eyes of the residents of Bright Pond that is. Now that Hattie Grace who is almost ninety years old is now riding a tricyle like a three year old, and another couple is kissing like teenagers under the newly built gazebo on the property. Just what is really going on?
As Police Chief Mildred Blessing attempts to investigate all the angles on this strange dilemma, along with the nursing home doctor, they believe that someone is putting something in the food or water that the nursing home residents are drinking. Ever since Leon Fontaine has come to town and begin building things around Bright Pond, the residents here, are now acting a whole lot stranger than normal.
In the novel, Blame It On Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin, the reader is introduced to some of the quirky residents living in Bright Pond. From a beloved woman named Ruth who is prepared to out do all the previous Thanksgiving festivities that have been hosted at others homes, by offering a Thanksgiving Tropical Luau and making it definitely one that will be talked about for years to come.
Griselda is at her wit's end trying to decide if she is in love with Zeb, the diner's chief cook extraordinaire or her new aviation teacher, Cliff. Now if only she could discover what love really means while both are doing their very best to try and impress her.
I received this book on my Kindle compliments of Net Galley and Abingdon Press for my honest review and this one is just perfect for not just Christmas but anytime. You can't help but fall in love with the amusing characters of Joyce Magnin's Bright Pond series, and this one is no exception! I rate this one a classical 5 out of 5 Christmas stars!
As Police Chief Mildred Blessing attempts to investigate all the angles on this strange dilemma, along with the nursing home doctor, they believe that someone is putting something in the food or water that the nursing home residents are drinking. Ever since Leon Fontaine has come to town and begin building things around Bright Pond, the residents here, are now acting a whole lot stranger than normal.
In the novel, Blame It On Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin, the reader is introduced to some of the quirky residents living in Bright Pond. From a beloved woman named Ruth who is prepared to out do all the previous Thanksgiving festivities that have been hosted at others homes, by offering a Thanksgiving Tropical Luau and making it definitely one that will be talked about for years to come.
Griselda is at her wit's end trying to decide if she is in love with Zeb, the diner's chief cook extraordinaire or her new aviation teacher, Cliff. Now if only she could discover what love really means while both are doing their very best to try and impress her.
I received this book on my Kindle compliments of Net Galley and Abingdon Press for my honest review and this one is just perfect for not just Christmas but anytime. You can't help but fall in love with the amusing characters of Joyce Magnin's Bright Pond series, and this one is no exception! I rate this one a classical 5 out of 5 Christmas stars!
July 27, 2012
Blame It On The Mistletoe
Joyce Magnin
Book Summary: Is There Really a Fountain of Youth in Paradise? Welcome back to Bright's Pond, where strange happenings are afoot at the Greenbrier Nursing Home. Strange even for Bright's Pond. The residents suddenly act like kids again riding trikes, climbing trees, and of all things falling in love. Some of the townsfolk blame it on the crooked new gazebo, or its builder, a quirky little man who quotes Don Quixote, collects water from the fountain at the Paradise trailer park, and disappears on a regular basis. While Chief of Police Mildred Blessing investigates the mystery, Griselda and her friends deal with a luau Thanksgiving, preparations for the Christmas pageant, and maybe even an upcoming wedding. Only, in Bright 's Pond, nothing ever really goes as planned . . .
Review: Filled with loveable quirky characters that take on a life of their own throughout the story interwoven into that is characters from other books written by the author. This is a story about people who are given a second chance at life to do things and act without the adult perspective heightened self-awareness. It did take some time to get used to a book about older people. I did enjoy the realness of interaction between the two sisters and the giving of self in visiting people that are unable to get up and go on their own. While slow moving at the start it was worth wading through all the ‘getting to know you’ phase to dig into the mystery of why did all these people seem to be getting more youthful.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Abingdon Press for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
Joyce Magnin
Book Summary: Is There Really a Fountain of Youth in Paradise? Welcome back to Bright's Pond, where strange happenings are afoot at the Greenbrier Nursing Home. Strange even for Bright's Pond. The residents suddenly act like kids again riding trikes, climbing trees, and of all things falling in love. Some of the townsfolk blame it on the crooked new gazebo, or its builder, a quirky little man who quotes Don Quixote, collects water from the fountain at the Paradise trailer park, and disappears on a regular basis. While Chief of Police Mildred Blessing investigates the mystery, Griselda and her friends deal with a luau Thanksgiving, preparations for the Christmas pageant, and maybe even an upcoming wedding. Only, in Bright 's Pond, nothing ever really goes as planned . . .
Review: Filled with loveable quirky characters that take on a life of their own throughout the story interwoven into that is characters from other books written by the author. This is a story about people who are given a second chance at life to do things and act without the adult perspective heightened self-awareness. It did take some time to get used to a book about older people. I did enjoy the realness of interaction between the two sisters and the giving of self in visiting people that are unable to get up and go on their own. While slow moving at the start it was worth wading through all the ‘getting to know you’ phase to dig into the mystery of why did all these people seem to be getting more youthful.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Abingdon Press for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
July 19, 2012
You might be wondering why I would be reviewing a "Christmas" book in the middle of summer, but I love this author and her Bright's Pond series, and I just couldn't wait any longer to read this newest one.
There are strange things happening at the Greenbrier Nursing Home, where Griselda's sister Agnes has been living for a few a months. The old folks there have sudden gotten friskier, riding tricycles and acting like teenagers in love. All this is attributed to the newest resident of the Paradise Trailer Park, Leon Fontaine, who believes he has discovered the "fountain of youth" right in the trailer park. But chief of Police Mildred Blessing is suspicious and sets out to investigate.
Meanwhile, Griselda is deciding between pilot Cliff Cardwell, who is teaching her how to fly, and old high school sweetheart Zeb Sewickey, owner of the Full Moon Cafe. All while working at the library, and helping to plan the annual children's Christmas pageant, (with a runaway camel) and the town's annual holiday parade.
I really enjoyed this book, and spending time with the quirky but lovable characters of Bright's Pond again. The ending was satisfying, but hopefully there are more books planned, because there are still a lot more stories to tell about the people.
There are strange things happening at the Greenbrier Nursing Home, where Griselda's sister Agnes has been living for a few a months. The old folks there have sudden gotten friskier, riding tricycles and acting like teenagers in love. All this is attributed to the newest resident of the Paradise Trailer Park, Leon Fontaine, who believes he has discovered the "fountain of youth" right in the trailer park. But chief of Police Mildred Blessing is suspicious and sets out to investigate.
Meanwhile, Griselda is deciding between pilot Cliff Cardwell, who is teaching her how to fly, and old high school sweetheart Zeb Sewickey, owner of the Full Moon Cafe. All while working at the library, and helping to plan the annual children's Christmas pageant, (with a runaway camel) and the town's annual holiday parade.
I really enjoyed this book, and spending time with the quirky but lovable characters of Bright's Pond again. The ending was satisfying, but hopefully there are more books planned, because there are still a lot more stories to tell about the people.
April 23, 2012
How do you describe Joyce Magnin's books? Fun reading, easy reading, carry the Christian message reading. No, not always the whole Gospel, but enough to catch the interest of any reader who is searching. I have now read 3 of her Brights Pond series and enjoyed all of them. (That's why I keep coming back for more!)
Her characters are well drawn. Some of them are real people, and then just for fun she throws in people like Leon Fontaine in "Blame it on the Mistletoe." Leon is not believable as a person, but he is nevertheless lovable, and this book could not have happened without him. Agnes Sparrow is real, this happens in real life and we hear every once in a while about some person who weighs as much as she does.Her character helps the reader understand such people better.
Another thing I like about Joyce Magnin is that she completes the story before she closes the book on us. The only incomplete thread in the story is Grisela's desire to get her pilot's license, and we can hope she does go ahead and get it.
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and I am looking forward to reading"Griselda Takes Flight" which I have just downloaded to my Kindle.
Her characters are well drawn. Some of them are real people, and then just for fun she throws in people like Leon Fontaine in "Blame it on the Mistletoe." Leon is not believable as a person, but he is nevertheless lovable, and this book could not have happened without him. Agnes Sparrow is real, this happens in real life and we hear every once in a while about some person who weighs as much as she does.Her character helps the reader understand such people better.
Another thing I like about Joyce Magnin is that she completes the story before she closes the book on us. The only incomplete thread in the story is Grisela's desire to get her pilot's license, and we can hope she does go ahead and get it.
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and I am looking forward to reading"Griselda Takes Flight" which I have just downloaded to my Kindle.
December 13, 2015
I likely wouldn't have picked this up if I noticed it was Christian fiction as I have had some bad reading experiences there. But this was a pleasant cozy fiction with the church and Christmas miracles being part of the characters lives and plot, not smothering the non Christian reader. I was a little unsure about the intended time period, with the characters having old fashioned names and a little girl being referred to as a Negro. Would have liked more detail on that. overall though a pleasant seasonal read.
December 19, 2016
This was my first book by Magnin. I may have liked it better if I had read some of the others first, but this just did not grab me.
I didn't care that these characters all seemed uneducated, which turned me off right away. Just because you live in a small town doesn't mean everyone is uneducated. The romance between Griselda and Zeb just didn't do it for me either. She still seemed to be waffling on her wedding day.
I did like the Christmas theme and how all the townspeople came together. I liked the bit of magic that Leon provided. I also liked the Mercy character.
I may try another book by this author but I don't think I'll go back to the 3 first books.
I didn't care that these characters all seemed uneducated, which turned me off right away. Just because you live in a small town doesn't mean everyone is uneducated. The romance between Griselda and Zeb just didn't do it for me either. She still seemed to be waffling on her wedding day.
I did like the Christmas theme and how all the townspeople came together. I liked the bit of magic that Leon provided. I also liked the Mercy character.
I may try another book by this author but I don't think I'll go back to the 3 first books.
December 17, 2021
Cute, kinda old-fashioned story.
I loved it! It reminded me of my childhood in the South in the 60's. Good natured, wholesome people who, for the most part, care for everyone else. Being set in the North, the racial prejudice really surprised me, although it shouldn't have. I spent most of my elementary school years in Chicago, yet only in Georgia did I share the school w/ African-American children! So there ya go! Anyway, this is a sweet, Christmas romance, combined w/ a little mystery, & a lot of good morals that our world of today could surely use! "Love one another", & not only at Christmas!
I loved it! It reminded me of my childhood in the South in the 60's. Good natured, wholesome people who, for the most part, care for everyone else. Being set in the North, the racial prejudice really surprised me, although it shouldn't have. I spent most of my elementary school years in Chicago, yet only in Georgia did I share the school w/ African-American children! So there ya go! Anyway, this is a sweet, Christmas romance, combined w/ a little mystery, & a lot of good morals that our world of today could surely use! "Love one another", & not only at Christmas!
December 8, 2017
Sweet story
Sweet story with fun and interesting characters. The town of Bright's Pond is full of unique individuals. But whether they've lived there all their lives or are newbies to the town, they bond together to make a delightful community. Relationships develop, choices have to be made, and lives are changed forever. Blame it on the Mistletoe is a quick and entertaining story that will have you chuckling and tearing up as you fall in love with the folks who celebrate life and cheer each other on through the good days and the bad.
Sweet story with fun and interesting characters. The town of Bright's Pond is full of unique individuals. But whether they've lived there all their lives or are newbies to the town, they bond together to make a delightful community. Relationships develop, choices have to be made, and lives are changed forever. Blame it on the Mistletoe is a quick and entertaining story that will have you chuckling and tearing up as you fall in love with the folks who celebrate life and cheer each other on through the good days and the bad.
December 31, 2021
I almost set this down
The story line in the first 3-4 chapters was so absurd that I nearly stopped reading this. I had just finish reading several fiction histories and I couldn’t get into this. However I did and found I laughed out loud at several things throughout the rest of the book. I also found the characters endearing and their heats full of love and genuine concern for each other. A sweet Christmastime read
The story line in the first 3-4 chapters was so absurd that I nearly stopped reading this. I had just finish reading several fiction histories and I couldn’t get into this. However I did and found I laughed out loud at several things throughout the rest of the book. I also found the characters endearing and their heats full of love and genuine concern for each other. A sweet Christmastime read
November 17, 2020
Creative and fun, a visit to Bright’s Pond for the Holidays is just what the doctor ordered. Who can resist spry octogenarians in hot pursuit of the Fountain of Youth or romance in trouble? But it is the endearing thread of love and sympathy that runs through the characters that makes readers return.
January 3, 2018
Ahhh,a good sweet wholesome Christmas story
A most wonderful story that is full of holiday joy. The characters are a wee bit wacky and so are the situations. Some things are just down right laugh out loud funny! And just WHO it's that little man with the vials of water????
A most wonderful story that is full of holiday joy. The characters are a wee bit wacky and so are the situations. Some things are just down right laugh out loud funny! And just WHO it's that little man with the vials of water????
December 7, 2019
It has a very interesting plot line...strange things going on at the nursing home all seem to be connected with the appearance of a strange man. The characters are unique and the reader feels a depth in them.
December 3, 2020
This story reads like a church bulletin. The characters were fun, but I was not satisfied with the message of the book. I kept waiting for the ‘a-ha’ moment and then I turned to the final page and just had a ‘huh’ moment.
March 23, 2021
Love shines
Great story. Tugs at your heart. Love how the characters are so real. Great people with flaws doing their best to make life better. Help each other out and bring love to the world. Accepting everyone and the value we all have. Live the community wish I lived there.
Great story. Tugs at your heart. Love how the characters are so real. Great people with flaws doing their best to make life better. Help each other out and bring love to the world. Accepting everyone and the value we all have. Live the community wish I lived there.
December 13, 2022
It was an interesting enough read to keep me going back. However I guess a way of putting it is wordy. I just wanted to find out all the answers and get it over with. Pleasant night-time sleep inducing reading.
December 14, 2017
Great Christmas read!
Very heartwarming touching Christmas tale. Eclectic characters you'd love to get to know! A must read for the Christmas season
Very heartwarming touching Christmas tale. Eclectic characters you'd love to get to know! A must read for the Christmas season
March 15, 2018
Another good book in the Brights Pond series.
August 8, 2019
Enjoyed the story and the humor.
January 4, 2020
Wow
This is a story I definitely recommend people read. Especially special during the holidays. Helps renew faith in mankind for sure
This is a story I definitely recommend people read. Especially special during the holidays. Helps renew faith in mankind for sure
December 1, 2020
Enjoyed it for the most part but the ending felt very rushed and forced.
December 24, 2020
Cute story but not sure where the title came from! Ends with several loose strands... as Grizelda and Agnes and all of the Brights Pond gang continue their adventures.
September 28, 2021
Entertaining
This was a very good book. I enjoyed the characters. Will enjoy reading more from the author in the future.
This was a very good book. I enjoyed the characters. Will enjoy reading more from the author in the future.
December 8, 2013
Joyce Magnin in her new book, “Blame It On The Mistletoe” Book Four in the Bright’s Pond series published by Abingdon Press takes us into the life of Police Chief Mildred Blessing.
From the back cover: Just married
Is There Really a Fountain of Youth in Paradise?
Welcome back to Bright’s Pond, where strange happenings are afoot at the Greenbrier Nursing Home.
The folks have suddenly grown younger, happier, and even a bit friskier thanks to Leon Fontaine, the newest Paradise Trailer Park resident. But Mildred Blessing is suspicious and sets out to investigate while the wedding to end all weddings is being planned.
Only, in Bright’s Pond, nothing ever really goes as planned . . .
Welcome to Bright’s Pond. I did not read the first three books in this series, A mistake that I plan to correct quickly, however I was quickly drawn into the characters and did not feel that I was missing anything. Leon Fontaine, a new resident at the Paradise Trailer Park, has rebuilt the old fountain which leans a bit, similar to the way he does. Since then the residents of the Greenbrier Nursing Home are behaving in a younger manner. It’s either the water or drugs and Mildred Blessing, who is also new to Bright’s Pond’s and the one and only police officer which, of course, makes her the chief of police. Get ready for a Hawaiian Thanksgiving, a wedding and a Christmas Pageant like you have never seen before. There is a lot going on, all of it is fun and all of it is entertaining. You will find yourself laughing out loud as you enjoy the going on in this delightful little town. All of the characters are fun and Ms. Magnin has a way to really keep you interested in this story as you keep flipping pages wondering what will happen next.
You can find “Blame It On The Mistletoe” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/jo...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Just married
Is There Really a Fountain of Youth in Paradise?
Welcome back to Bright’s Pond, where strange happenings are afoot at the Greenbrier Nursing Home.
The folks have suddenly grown younger, happier, and even a bit friskier thanks to Leon Fontaine, the newest Paradise Trailer Park resident. But Mildred Blessing is suspicious and sets out to investigate while the wedding to end all weddings is being planned.
Only, in Bright’s Pond, nothing ever really goes as planned . . .
Welcome to Bright’s Pond. I did not read the first three books in this series, A mistake that I plan to correct quickly, however I was quickly drawn into the characters and did not feel that I was missing anything. Leon Fontaine, a new resident at the Paradise Trailer Park, has rebuilt the old fountain which leans a bit, similar to the way he does. Since then the residents of the Greenbrier Nursing Home are behaving in a younger manner. It’s either the water or drugs and Mildred Blessing, who is also new to Bright’s Pond’s and the one and only police officer which, of course, makes her the chief of police. Get ready for a Hawaiian Thanksgiving, a wedding and a Christmas Pageant like you have never seen before. There is a lot going on, all of it is fun and all of it is entertaining. You will find yourself laughing out loud as you enjoy the going on in this delightful little town. All of the characters are fun and Ms. Magnin has a way to really keep you interested in this story as you keep flipping pages wondering what will happen next.
You can find “Blame It On The Mistletoe” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/jo...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 11, 2013
“Blame It On the Mistletoe” by Joyce Magnin gets 4 stars from me. This book is a long story, and it did seem to drag on at times. But with that said I did like the book! This novel is the fourth novel in the “Bright's Pond Series”, it is a stand alone but I might have been able to give it five stars if I had read the other books in this series.
This story is about the strange happenings at Greenbrier Nursing Home. It is also about Griselda Sparrow and how her sister’s needs and other issues keep coming between her and her boyfriend Zeb. Add the new pilot and his airplane to the plot and Zeb’s jealously and you have a little love story in the middle of the strange happenings.
This book is written in first person’s point of view, that of Griselda Sparrow.
What is causing the nursing home residents to start acting ten years younger. They are holding hands and kissing and climbing trees and riding tricycles through the hallways ( I know I thought the same thing, why would they allow tricycles inside the nursing home). There is even a wedding among the residents.
Is this happening because the residents are being drugged or is it something more simple, like the Fountain of Youth has really been found? Is Leon Fontaine who he says he is or is he a con artist? The police detective of the town, Mildred Blessing is determined to find out and arrests Leon and he escaped and the evidence grows against him.
There are funny scenes in this novel, such as Ruth’s Hawaiian Tropical Thanksgiving that goes awry. There is even a chase to catch a runaway camel.
Christmas Eve was a joyous occasion and also a sad ending to the book! I never imagining it ending that way but am glad that if the sad part had to happened, the good part happened involving a little girl named Mercy and her brother!
The ending left me wondering if there is another Bright’s Pond novel coming!
I was given a free copy of this book by Abingdon Press Fiction for my honest review to be in the 2013 Christmas Blog Tour!
December 8, 2013
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Welcome back to Brights Pond and the characters we love so well there. The Holiday’s will be different for Griselda this year since Agnes is in an assistant living place. Agnes seems to adjust well at the Greenbriar Nursing home except for one thing, and that is, something strange is going on around there. The patients seem to act younger all of a sudden. Like one of the older, and smaller ladies riding around on a tricycle? What on earth is happening there? Well, like me, you will need to read this book to find out all about it. And in reading Blame it on the Mistletoe, you will laugh and sometimes cry as these characters live out their story.
This is a really great read, and I thoroughly enjoyed Griselda and all of her family and friends as she changes her traditions this Christmas. And is love in the air for Griselda? Seems she is still uncertain who will be the guy for her, her old time faithful friend she has know for so long, or newcomer air plane pilot that is giving Griselda flying lessons? So many questions, and they are all answered in this wonderful, fun, funny, and exciting Christmas story. I really want to encourage you to enjoy Blame it on the Mistletoe, and while you are at it, check out the other books in the Brights Pond series.
I received this book from the publisher Abingdon Press to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
Welcome back to Brights Pond and the characters we love so well there. The Holiday’s will be different for Griselda this year since Agnes is in an assistant living place. Agnes seems to adjust well at the Greenbriar Nursing home except for one thing, and that is, something strange is going on around there. The patients seem to act younger all of a sudden. Like one of the older, and smaller ladies riding around on a tricycle? What on earth is happening there? Well, like me, you will need to read this book to find out all about it. And in reading Blame it on the Mistletoe, you will laugh and sometimes cry as these characters live out their story.
This is a really great read, and I thoroughly enjoyed Griselda and all of her family and friends as she changes her traditions this Christmas. And is love in the air for Griselda? Seems she is still uncertain who will be the guy for her, her old time faithful friend she has know for so long, or newcomer air plane pilot that is giving Griselda flying lessons? So many questions, and they are all answered in this wonderful, fun, funny, and exciting Christmas story. I really want to encourage you to enjoy Blame it on the Mistletoe, and while you are at it, check out the other books in the Brights Pond series.
I received this book from the publisher Abingdon Press to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
January 18, 2016
If you enjoy colorful characters, with a surprise around every corner, you will love "Blame it on the Mistletoe".
And if my review sounds a little less than enthusiastic, please bear with me. Ms. Magnin wrote three previous novels in this series that I'm now wishing I had read before "Blame it on the Mistletoe", which is the 4th Bright's Pond novel. I was expecting a sappy Christmas romance; instead I got a story that centers around Christmas (but it does have a few sappy moments).
Griselda Sparrow puts everyone else's needs above her own, but Zeb Sewickey has his own plans for Grizzy, as he affectionately calls her. Zeb is finally ready to pop the question, but every time he does, he keeps getting the wrong answer!
I love that even though Griselda and Zeb have been dating on and off for almost twenty years, they have never taken their relationship farther than they should have, as they are both a bit nervous about the honeymoon.
This is the way it's supposed to be. I applaud Ms. Magnin for writing a funny, interesting novel with no swear words or inappropriate relations. It is refreshing to pick up a novel without being blasted with foul language and lewd behavior. Thank you, Joyce.
Although this story was not particularly one that I would have chosen to read, I was so intrigued (and amused) that I just had to keep going... and I am glad I did.
And if my review sounds a little less than enthusiastic, please bear with me. Ms. Magnin wrote three previous novels in this series that I'm now wishing I had read before "Blame it on the Mistletoe", which is the 4th Bright's Pond novel. I was expecting a sappy Christmas romance; instead I got a story that centers around Christmas (but it does have a few sappy moments).
Griselda Sparrow puts everyone else's needs above her own, but Zeb Sewickey has his own plans for Grizzy, as he affectionately calls her. Zeb is finally ready to pop the question, but every time he does, he keeps getting the wrong answer!
I love that even though Griselda and Zeb have been dating on and off for almost twenty years, they have never taken their relationship farther than they should have, as they are both a bit nervous about the honeymoon.
This is the way it's supposed to be. I applaud Ms. Magnin for writing a funny, interesting novel with no swear words or inappropriate relations. It is refreshing to pick up a novel without being blasted with foul language and lewd behavior. Thank you, Joyce.
Although this story was not particularly one that I would have chosen to read, I was so intrigued (and amused) that I just had to keep going... and I am glad I did.
December 4, 2013
If you'd like a little humor and romance with your Christmas novels, this one could be just your cup of wassail (non-alcoholic, of course). I certainly enjoyed it.
Odd things are afoot at the Greenbrier Nursing Home. Old folks have begun acting like youngsters. Ol' Haddie's been peddling a trike around the halls at top speed, and Faith and Clyde (equally old) have been smooching on the gazebo. Speaking of which, the gazebo is a little off kilter too.
Sort of like the odd little man who built it. Leon Fontaine rebuilt the old fountain at the Paradise Trailer Court too, and the fountain also leaned a bit. It seemed to be his trademark.
Somehow, folks were getting the notion that the water had youthful qualities. Some think that odd little man is providing drugs to the Nursing Home. Griselda has her hands full trying to help Chief of Police Mildred find the elusive Mr. Fontaine, deciding whether she loved Zeb or Cliff, taste-testing Ruth's exotic Thanksgiving dishes, and lining up someone to play Mary in the Christmas Pageant. Oh--and trying to pacify her sister Agnes who can't come to either the Thanksgiving dinner or the Christmas pageant.
Odd things are afoot at the Greenbrier Nursing Home. Old folks have begun acting like youngsters. Ol' Haddie's been peddling a trike around the halls at top speed, and Faith and Clyde (equally old) have been smooching on the gazebo. Speaking of which, the gazebo is a little off kilter too.
Sort of like the odd little man who built it. Leon Fontaine rebuilt the old fountain at the Paradise Trailer Court too, and the fountain also leaned a bit. It seemed to be his trademark.
Somehow, folks were getting the notion that the water had youthful qualities. Some think that odd little man is providing drugs to the Nursing Home. Griselda has her hands full trying to help Chief of Police Mildred find the elusive Mr. Fontaine, deciding whether she loved Zeb or Cliff, taste-testing Ruth's exotic Thanksgiving dishes, and lining up someone to play Mary in the Christmas Pageant. Oh--and trying to pacify her sister Agnes who can't come to either the Thanksgiving dinner or the Christmas pageant.
July 14, 2016
Blame it on the Mistletoe is the fourth novel in Joyce Magnin’s Bright’s Pond series. In the small town of Bright’s Pond, the characters are a bit quirky and the situations sometimes bizarre!
Residents of the local nursing home seem to have found a source of rejuvenation and are acting years younger than their age, leaving those in the community to wonder who or what is responsible. With a mystery to solve, as well as an on-again, off-again love story, Blame it on the Mistletoe is full of surprises and lots of laughs! I enjoyed this delightful visit to Bright’s Pond and wonder what these characters will come up with next!
I have not read the other books in the series, so this was my first introduction to Bright’s Pond. While I didn’t really know the time setting of the novel or the history of the cast, I was able to read this book as a stand-alone novel. However, I would assume that reading the first three books would certainly add to the enjoyment of Blame it on the Mistletoe.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Abingdon Press. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
Residents of the local nursing home seem to have found a source of rejuvenation and are acting years younger than their age, leaving those in the community to wonder who or what is responsible. With a mystery to solve, as well as an on-again, off-again love story, Blame it on the Mistletoe is full of surprises and lots of laughs! I enjoyed this delightful visit to Bright’s Pond and wonder what these characters will come up with next!
I have not read the other books in the series, so this was my first introduction to Bright’s Pond. While I didn’t really know the time setting of the novel or the history of the cast, I was able to read this book as a stand-alone novel. However, I would assume that reading the first three books would certainly add to the enjoyment of Blame it on the Mistletoe.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Abingdon Press. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
June 5, 2012
Welcome back to Bright's Pond where the residents make even your strangest relatives seem normal.
What's going on at the Greenbriar Nursing home? Resident's riding trikes down the halls? Seniors making out in the gazebo? This is strange even by Bright's Pond standards. Who or what could be responsible? Is it the fault of the new gazeebo, or the strange elusive man who built it for the residents? Maybe it's drugs or something in the water. Police chief Mildred Blessing has her hands full trying to solve this one.
Meanwhile elsewhere in Bright's Pond folks must contend with a luau thanksgiving, a Christmas pageant with live camels and the on again off again romance between Griselda and Zeb. Do I hear wedding bells?
Though lighthearted, this book is no ball of fluff. It is well written and entertaining. It will leave you laughing, and feeling just a little bit better about your own life. The delightfuly quirky characters, like none you've ever imagined, are so real you'll feel like you've always known them.
What's going on at the Greenbriar Nursing home? Resident's riding trikes down the halls? Seniors making out in the gazebo? This is strange even by Bright's Pond standards. Who or what could be responsible? Is it the fault of the new gazeebo, or the strange elusive man who built it for the residents? Maybe it's drugs or something in the water. Police chief Mildred Blessing has her hands full trying to solve this one.
Meanwhile elsewhere in Bright's Pond folks must contend with a luau thanksgiving, a Christmas pageant with live camels and the on again off again romance between Griselda and Zeb. Do I hear wedding bells?
Though lighthearted, this book is no ball of fluff. It is well written and entertaining. It will leave you laughing, and feeling just a little bit better about your own life. The delightfuly quirky characters, like none you've ever imagined, are so real you'll feel like you've always known them.
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