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Food Lovers' Village Mystery #~ incl. in Carried to the Grave
The Christmas Stranger: A Short Story
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, we’re bringing out stand-alone editions of readers’ favorites from Carried to the Grave and Other Stories . Our second selection, after An Unholy Death , is the holiday short story “The Christmas Stranger.”
Amid the holiday rush of keeping the shelves stocked and filling orders for the Merc, the grocery her family has run for more than a century, proprietor Erin Murphy treasures the way her tight-knit community of Jewel Bay seems to grow even closer during the Christmas season. And this year, when she slows down to do a simple favor for a mysterious stranger, he shows his thanks with a small, quiet gesture—a gift that changes lives, and so much more . . .
Amid the holiday rush of keeping the shelves stocked and filling orders for the Merc, the grocery her family has run for more than a century, proprietor Erin Murphy treasures the way her tight-knit community of Jewel Bay seems to grow even closer during the Christmas season. And this year, when she slows down to do a simple favor for a mysterious stranger, he shows his thanks with a small, quiet gesture—a gift that changes lives, and so much more . . .
34 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2023
2 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Budewitz
33 books787 followers*Also publishes as Alicia Beckman*
Leslie Budewitz is the three-time Agatha Award winner and bestselling author of the Food Lovers’ Village and Spice Shop mysteries, continuing with the 9th installment, LAVENDER LIES BLEEDING (July 2025). Her historical short mystery collection, ALL GOD'S SPARROWS AND OTHER STORIES: A STAGECOACH MARY FIELDS COLLECTION (September 2024), featuring a remarkable figure from Montana history, is a finalist in the 2025 High Plains International Book Awards. She also writes standalone moody suspense as Alicia Beckman.
–
What a delight to return to the Spice Shop, a fictional shop in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, a place I fell in love ages ago as a college freshman. I made it my mission to eat my way through the place, and since it’s constantly changing, I’ll never be done!
In LAVENDER LIES BLEEDING, Spice Shop owner Pepper Reece is shocked when vandals destroy the greenhouse at her friend Liz Giacometti’s lavender farm. But then Liz is killed, and Pepper digs in to solve the crimes. As her questions threaten to unearth secrets others desperately want to keep buried, danger creeps closer to her and those she loves. Can Pepper root out the killer, before someone nips her in the bud?
Writing about Seattle and its surroundings never gets old. Plus it's an excuse to keep up with places I love, and to make regular research trips. And by research, you know I mean eat!
ALL GOD’S SPARROWS AND OTHER STORIES imagines the life and heart of Mary Fields (1832-1914), a real-life woman born into slavery who spent her last 30 years in Montana, where she found freedom and community, and her own place in the West, bringing solace and justice to those in need. The collection brings together three stories originally published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and a new novella, “A Bitter Wind,” set in 1897 and 1914, in which Mary helps a young picture bride solve the mystery of her fiancé’s death, his homesteading neighbors’ bitterness, and her own future. The title story won the 2018 Agatha Award for Best Short Story; others were finalists for awards from the Short Mystery Fiction Society and the Western Writers of America. The collection is a finalist for the 2025 High Plains International Book Awards.
I’m also the author of the Food Lovers' Village Mysteries, set in fictional Jewel Bay, Montana. DEATH A DENTE, first in the series, won the 2013 Agatha Award for Best First novel. My guide for writers, BOOKS, CROOKS & COUNSELORS: How to Write Accurately About Criminal Law & Courtroom Procedure, drawing on my long career as a lawyer, won the 2011 Agatha for Best Nonfiction.
I’m a past president of Sisters in Crime and former regional and national board member of Mystery Writers of America. I love to cook, eat, hike, travel, garden, and paint—not necessarily in that order. My husband and I live in northwest Montana.
For regular updates, please visit my website, http://www.LeslieBudewitz.com, and click on the newsletter tab to sign up for emails crammed with book news, peeks inside the writing life, and more, along with two free short stories.
Readers are my favorite people. Drop me a line at Leslie at LeslieBudewitz.com. Join me at my website, LeslieBudewitz.com, or on Facebook at Leslie Budewitz & Alicia Beckman.
Leslie Budewitz is the three-time Agatha Award winner and bestselling author of the Food Lovers’ Village and Spice Shop mysteries, continuing with the 9th installment, LAVENDER LIES BLEEDING (July 2025). Her historical short mystery collection, ALL GOD'S SPARROWS AND OTHER STORIES: A STAGECOACH MARY FIELDS COLLECTION (September 2024), featuring a remarkable figure from Montana history, is a finalist in the 2025 High Plains International Book Awards. She also writes standalone moody suspense as Alicia Beckman.
–
What a delight to return to the Spice Shop, a fictional shop in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, a place I fell in love ages ago as a college freshman. I made it my mission to eat my way through the place, and since it’s constantly changing, I’ll never be done!
In LAVENDER LIES BLEEDING, Spice Shop owner Pepper Reece is shocked when vandals destroy the greenhouse at her friend Liz Giacometti’s lavender farm. But then Liz is killed, and Pepper digs in to solve the crimes. As her questions threaten to unearth secrets others desperately want to keep buried, danger creeps closer to her and those she loves. Can Pepper root out the killer, before someone nips her in the bud?
Writing about Seattle and its surroundings never gets old. Plus it's an excuse to keep up with places I love, and to make regular research trips. And by research, you know I mean eat!
ALL GOD’S SPARROWS AND OTHER STORIES imagines the life and heart of Mary Fields (1832-1914), a real-life woman born into slavery who spent her last 30 years in Montana, where she found freedom and community, and her own place in the West, bringing solace and justice to those in need. The collection brings together three stories originally published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and a new novella, “A Bitter Wind,” set in 1897 and 1914, in which Mary helps a young picture bride solve the mystery of her fiancé’s death, his homesteading neighbors’ bitterness, and her own future. The title story won the 2018 Agatha Award for Best Short Story; others were finalists for awards from the Short Mystery Fiction Society and the Western Writers of America. The collection is a finalist for the 2025 High Plains International Book Awards.
I’m also the author of the Food Lovers' Village Mysteries, set in fictional Jewel Bay, Montana. DEATH A DENTE, first in the series, won the 2013 Agatha Award for Best First novel. My guide for writers, BOOKS, CROOKS & COUNSELORS: How to Write Accurately About Criminal Law & Courtroom Procedure, drawing on my long career as a lawyer, won the 2011 Agatha for Best Nonfiction.
I’m a past president of Sisters in Crime and former regional and national board member of Mystery Writers of America. I love to cook, eat, hike, travel, garden, and paint—not necessarily in that order. My husband and I live in northwest Montana.
For regular updates, please visit my website, http://www.LeslieBudewitz.com, and click on the newsletter tab to sign up for emails crammed with book news, peeks inside the writing life, and more, along with two free short stories.
Readers are my favorite people. Drop me a line at Leslie at LeslieBudewitz.com. Join me at my website, LeslieBudewitz.com, or on Facebook at Leslie Budewitz & Alicia Beckman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 21, 2023
A stranger appears in town and seems to always be at the right place and time to offer help. Is he an angel or a Christmas miracle? 🎄✨
It's eight days until Christmas and Erin Murphy is busy shipping online orders at the post office. Erin works at her family's one-hundred-year-old grocery store, The Merc in the village of Jewel Bay, Montana when she meets the strange gentleman.
I love good Christmas short stories. The Christmas Stranger is short and sweet and it'll warm your heart. It's part of Food Lovers' Village Mystery Series but perfectly fine to read on its own. This is my first book by the author and I enjoy the characters and this small Montana town that I'd love to check out more of her books.
Thank you Beyond the Page Publishing and Netgalley for the DRC.
34 Pages
Published Nov 14, 2023.
It's eight days until Christmas and Erin Murphy is busy shipping online orders at the post office. Erin works at her family's one-hundred-year-old grocery store, The Merc in the village of Jewel Bay, Montana when she meets the strange gentleman.
I love good Christmas short stories. The Christmas Stranger is short and sweet and it'll warm your heart. It's part of Food Lovers' Village Mystery Series but perfectly fine to read on its own. This is my first book by the author and I enjoy the characters and this small Montana town that I'd love to check out more of her books.
Thank you Beyond the Page Publishing and Netgalley for the DRC.
34 Pages
Published Nov 14, 2023.
June 14, 2024
A wonderful holiday treat to get to know a few of the memorable characters from Leslie Budewitz's Food Lover Village Mysteries. Santa visits this year, and he has several unusual encounters where protagonist Erin Murphy finds some holiday magic. Cute, fun... not a big mystery nor a real sample of the typical great stories from the author, but just enough to whet your appetite and want to read the longer books in the series.
December 21, 2023
The Christmas Stranger is a short story from Food Lover's Village series. It takes place in the town of Jewel Bay. Erin Murphy is the main character who works for the family owned food market called Murphy's Mercantile (Merc). Her grandfather started it. Her mother, Francesca Conti Murphy Schmitt now owns the store and Erin runs it. Tracy is her assistant manager and Lou Mary Vogel is a saleswoman who works there. Adam Zimmerman is Erin's boyfriend.
While at the post office Erin runs into a small man trying to make copies. He did not understand the printer so Erin makes them for him and puts the 40 cents on her account. To thank her he gives her a christmas stamp and also mentioned that he knew her father, Tom, who dies in a car accident.
When back at the Merc Erin mentions the incident and shows Lou Mary the stamp. She tells Erin that she thinks it is valuable. When Erin realizes it could be valuable she starts looking for the little man to let him know that he might have given her the stamp by mistake. Lou Mary tells her that she knows someone who could tell her how valuable the stamp is by the name of Sam Silver. She arranges a meeting for Erin which Erin goes to with the stamp.
Francesca comes to the store to cover while Erin goes to meet Sam. While there she tells Erin that Lynette Barnes, a cleaning woman, was in a car accident. She had been found by a man walking his dog. He saved her life by finding her.
Sam tells her after examing the stamp that it a special stamp issued in a limited edition worth about $1700.00. Since it is in good condition it could be worth more, While trying to find the man Erin finds out that beside saving Lynette's life he did great deeds for people in trouble including Tina, a waitress who he gave a large tip.
While crossing the bridge to get to her car she is almost hit by a truck. She was saved by the little man who she was looking for. She mentioned the good deeds that he had done as well as saving her and giving her a stamp that she could use to help a deserving family. She was interested in the fact that he knew her father. Wanted to know who he was, Another truck passed her throwing snow in her face. When she opened her eyes the little man was not there. There was no sign of him not even footprints. Could this little man be her father?
This was a fun and fast read. It left the reader wondering who he was and if it was her father.
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and
While at the post office Erin runs into a small man trying to make copies. He did not understand the printer so Erin makes them for him and puts the 40 cents on her account. To thank her he gives her a christmas stamp and also mentioned that he knew her father, Tom, who dies in a car accident.
When back at the Merc Erin mentions the incident and shows Lou Mary the stamp. She tells Erin that she thinks it is valuable. When Erin realizes it could be valuable she starts looking for the little man to let him know that he might have given her the stamp by mistake. Lou Mary tells her that she knows someone who could tell her how valuable the stamp is by the name of Sam Silver. She arranges a meeting for Erin which Erin goes to with the stamp.
Francesca comes to the store to cover while Erin goes to meet Sam. While there she tells Erin that Lynette Barnes, a cleaning woman, was in a car accident. She had been found by a man walking his dog. He saved her life by finding her.
Sam tells her after examing the stamp that it a special stamp issued in a limited edition worth about $1700.00. Since it is in good condition it could be worth more, While trying to find the man Erin finds out that beside saving Lynette's life he did great deeds for people in trouble including Tina, a waitress who he gave a large tip.
While crossing the bridge to get to her car she is almost hit by a truck. She was saved by the little man who she was looking for. She mentioned the good deeds that he had done as well as saving her and giving her a stamp that she could use to help a deserving family. She was interested in the fact that he knew her father. Wanted to know who he was, Another truck passed her throwing snow in her face. When she opened her eyes the little man was not there. There was no sign of him not even footprints. Could this little man be her father?
This was a fun and fast read. It left the reader wondering who he was and if it was her father.
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and
November 21, 2023
Thank you Beyond the Page Publishing for accepting my request to read and review The Christmas Stranger: A Food Lovers’ Village Mystery on NetGalley.
A short story that makes you sigh and utter aww; I even teared up a couple of times.
It's that time of year when perhaps taking a moment to be kind can change destiny. The heartwarming story is not over the top or full of sugar. It is a simple telling of interactions with one man by different people when they were in need. Who is the man? Do you really need to know his name?
The characters, shops, and town are all part of the author's Food Lover's cozy mystery series. This is my first read from the author.
I would gift this to young and seasoned readers.
A short story that makes you sigh and utter aww; I even teared up a couple of times.
It's that time of year when perhaps taking a moment to be kind can change destiny. The heartwarming story is not over the top or full of sugar. It is a simple telling of interactions with one man by different people when they were in need. Who is the man? Do you really need to know his name?
The characters, shops, and town are all part of the author's Food Lover's cozy mystery series. This is my first read from the author.
I would gift this to young and seasoned readers.
October 28, 2023
This unique mystery is a Christmas themed short story is from the Food Lover's Village Mysteries series and is a wonderful addition. Most cozy mysteries always involve a murder, this one takes a different and refreshing approach that is also inspiring as we approach the season of giving! The characters are wonderfully developed and lovable, the plot is a fun twist on the typical cozy mystery and overall the theme is just heartwarming! If you haven't read the series, I do highly recommend starting with book one as you will gain wonderful insight into the characters personalities and motivations as well as the sense of community that is developed throughout the books. If you have read them, then don't miss out on this novella as it will have you sighing with delight and inspired to get a jump on the holiday season!
October 31, 2023
A short, sweet Christmas story about the power of one small, good deed and it’s ripple affect. Sure to bring a smile to your face.
November 27, 2023
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, we’re bringing out stand-alone editions of readers’ favorites from Carried to the Grave and Other Stories . Our second selection, after An Unholy Death , is the holiday short story “The Christmas Stranger.” This is a story of Christmas Magic/Christmas Angels. When Erin receives a valuable stamp as a thank you, she sets out to find the mysterious benefactor. Along the way, she meets others who have been the recipient of his generosity. It brings the Christmas Spirit to life. A short, but sweet story full of Christmas Magic.
October 29, 2023
If you are in the mood for something short and sweet that will ignite your Christmas spirit, you can't go wrong with Leslie Budewitz's short story, The Christmas Stranger, which was part of a previous volume of stories related to the author's Food Lovers' Village Mysteries cozy series and is being re-released for the holiday season. In a few chapters, it adroitly captures the sparkle of the season. And the cover is enchanting!
Erin first encounters the septuagenarian stranger of the title shortly before Christmas at the post office, where she is mailing out several boxes of orders from her family's grocery store. She helps him with a minor task, and he gives her something small in return. When the man's gift turns out to be much more than she anticipated, Erin tries valiantly to find him, as he is one of the few people she doesn't know in Jewel Bay. Through the magical realism plot, we learn more about the mysterious stranger and how he affects the lives of some of the town's inhabitants. Happy Holidays!
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the story.
Erin first encounters the septuagenarian stranger of the title shortly before Christmas at the post office, where she is mailing out several boxes of orders from her family's grocery store. She helps him with a minor task, and he gives her something small in return. When the man's gift turns out to be much more than she anticipated, Erin tries valiantly to find him, as he is one of the few people she doesn't know in Jewel Bay. Through the magical realism plot, we learn more about the mysterious stranger and how he affects the lives of some of the town's inhabitants. Happy Holidays!
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the story.
October 31, 2023
A cozy short story, full of giving and kindness, full of the Christmas spirit it will put you in a good mood! A story of how one good deed can go a long way — and affect many!
Thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC, this is my honest review.
Thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC, this is my honest review.
November 14, 2023
This story takes place in Food Lovers Village series, about Erin Murphy who runs her family's century year old grocery store, the Merc, in Jewel Bay, Montana. It's a a touching Christmas story. A Stranger shows up in town, And Erin Begins to wonder if the kindly gentleman is a Christmas angel, ot is he just someone passing through town spreqpading some Christmas miracles. It was a wonderful little story.
November 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I feel the stranger is an angel in disguise. He was always around when he was needed.The stamp, the accident and prevented another accident and then there was the fact that no one knew him. I love those kind of stories.
November 4, 2023
A wonderful short story worthy of a second read. A mysterious stranger who provides assistance
uncalled for and unassisted is especially heartwarming during the holiday season. Thanks to #NetGalley and #TheChristmasStranger for advanced digital copy.
uncalled for and unassisted is especially heartwarming during the holiday season. Thanks to #NetGalley and #TheChristmasStranger for advanced digital copy.
November 28, 2023
This heartwarming short story is filled with generosity and compassion, capturing the true essence of Christmas. It is guaranteed to uplift your spirits and leave you with a warm feeling inside. Through the power of one act of kindness, this delightful tale shows how a single good deed can have a ripple effect, touching the lives of many.
Thank you to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
Thank you to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
December 23, 2025
Heartwarming
We meet strangers everyday in our lives. We never know if one may be an angel sent from the heavens above to lend a helping hand. Such is the case in this delightful short story. Beautiful world building, as the fresh snow settles on your lips. Character development brings a tear to your eyes. I highly recommend this quick and uplifting read to all.
We meet strangers everyday in our lives. We never know if one may be an angel sent from the heavens above to lend a helping hand. Such is the case in this delightful short story. Beautiful world building, as the fresh snow settles on your lips. Character development brings a tear to your eyes. I highly recommend this quick and uplifting read to all.
October 27, 2023
What a heart-warming short story.
Join your favourites from the Food Lovers' Village Mystery series as they try to figure out who a generous, mystery man is.
Sweet and undoubtedly filled with the Christmas spirit, this story will have you wanting to do good for others and savour the impending Christmas season.
In such a short story, you also gain a sense of renewed faith in humanity, especially in uncertain times. Even the Grinch would find his whole demeanour changed by reading this lovely tale.
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read this story for free and provide my honest opinion.
Join your favourites from the Food Lovers' Village Mystery series as they try to figure out who a generous, mystery man is.
Sweet and undoubtedly filled with the Christmas spirit, this story will have you wanting to do good for others and savour the impending Christmas season.
In such a short story, you also gain a sense of renewed faith in humanity, especially in uncertain times. Even the Grinch would find his whole demeanour changed by reading this lovely tale.
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read this story for free and provide my honest opinion.
November 16, 2023
I miss the Food Lover Village series and was glad to read this story and catch up with the characters.
Well plotted and entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Well plotted and entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 6, 2023
A lovely short story with holiday cheer, great winter atmosphere and very likeable characters. Definitely made me interested in starting the series.
October 26, 2023
The Christmas Stranger by Leslie Budewitz is a heart-warming season read that's perfect to read in the lead up to Christmas.
Through the tale of Erin Murphy's search for the kindly gentleman who gave her a valuable stamp in return for a small favour, Budewitz reminds the readers of the spirit of giving and helping others, not only over the holidays but throughout the year as well. In certain aspects, it brings to mind It's a Wonderful Life.
The story is well-written and easy to read, and is sure to remind you of the spirit of giving.
I received an ARC of #TheChristmasStrangerAShortStory from #NetGalley .
Through the tale of Erin Murphy's search for the kindly gentleman who gave her a valuable stamp in return for a small favour, Budewitz reminds the readers of the spirit of giving and helping others, not only over the holidays but throughout the year as well. In certain aspects, it brings to mind It's a Wonderful Life.
The story is well-written and easy to read, and is sure to remind you of the spirit of giving.
I received an ARC of #TheChristmasStrangerAShortStory from #NetGalley .
October 30, 2023
This was such a cute & cozy short story. I loved the cozy Christmassy elements and the very sweet message. Christmas is about giving and kindness and this book had both.
November 3, 2025
The Christmas Stranger: A Short Story
A Food Lover's Village Mystery
By: Leslie Budewitz
Publish Date: November 14, 2023
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
Cooking, Food and Wine/Mystery and Thrillers/Novellas and short stories
#TheChristmasStrangerAShortStory#NetGalley
I would like to thank both NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book. Sorry it took me so long. All opinions are my own.
Book Review:
With this book being a short story, it will be a little harder to review because I don't want to give anything away. I did enjoy this story, and I gave it 4 stars. This book is set about one week before Christmas in a small town. Erin is at the shipping office waiting in line to mail some packages to customers. While she is waiting in line an older gentleman comes in and needs to have a couple of copies made, but he doesn't want to bother the cashiers for help even though he can go to the head of the line. Erin ends up helping him and he wants to pay for the copies, but she tells not to worry about it she will just put it on her account. The gentleman leaves but then comes back and gives her a stamp to pay for his copies. She takes it to be nice but doesn't think much about it until later on. After she has finally shipped the packages, she goes back to her shop and of course there are more to be shipped. She will take care of it tomorrow along with some cards one of her employee's needs to send off but she is in need of one stamp. Erin remembers the stamp the gentleman gave her and offers to use it but makes the comment about having to lick the stamp. The employee says not to use it and in fact thinks something is strange about the stamp and she wants to have it checked out. Come to find out the stamp is worth some money and now Erin wants to find the gentleman to return the stamp. This lends her investigate and learns some interesting things about this man. What she learns and how much the stamp is worth you will have to read the book to find out.
This is a quick read and heartwarming.
A Food Lover's Village Mystery
By: Leslie Budewitz
Publish Date: November 14, 2023
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
Cooking, Food and Wine/Mystery and Thrillers/Novellas and short stories
#TheChristmasStrangerAShortStory#NetGalley
I would like to thank both NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book. Sorry it took me so long. All opinions are my own.
Book Review:
With this book being a short story, it will be a little harder to review because I don't want to give anything away. I did enjoy this story, and I gave it 4 stars. This book is set about one week before Christmas in a small town. Erin is at the shipping office waiting in line to mail some packages to customers. While she is waiting in line an older gentleman comes in and needs to have a couple of copies made, but he doesn't want to bother the cashiers for help even though he can go to the head of the line. Erin ends up helping him and he wants to pay for the copies, but she tells not to worry about it she will just put it on her account. The gentleman leaves but then comes back and gives her a stamp to pay for his copies. She takes it to be nice but doesn't think much about it until later on. After she has finally shipped the packages, she goes back to her shop and of course there are more to be shipped. She will take care of it tomorrow along with some cards one of her employee's needs to send off but she is in need of one stamp. Erin remembers the stamp the gentleman gave her and offers to use it but makes the comment about having to lick the stamp. The employee says not to use it and in fact thinks something is strange about the stamp and she wants to have it checked out. Come to find out the stamp is worth some money and now Erin wants to find the gentleman to return the stamp. This lends her investigate and learns some interesting things about this man. What she learns and how much the stamp is worth you will have to read the book to find out.
This is a quick read and heartwarming.
November 14, 2023
Five stars on top of five Christmas trees is what I rate Leslie Budewitz’ short story, The Christmas Stranger.
With so much to do this time of year, the holidays are the perfect time for reading short stories. I’m so glad The Christmas Stranger is my first of the season.
Inspired by a kind encounter of her own, Budewitz sets this story in Jewel Bay, Montana, home to her Food Lovers’ Village Mystery series and Erin Murphy, whose family has run the Merc, short for mercantile, for more than a century.
Holidays are a busy juggle for us all, managing a retail business during the holidays requires even more skill to keep all of those balls in the air. But when Erin is multitasking, checking on deliveries, while waiting to check out at the post office, she steps out of line to help an older gentleman, a stranger, and helps him figure out the hoops needed to jump through to get an old-fangled copy machine to work. In thanks for her kindness and her offer to pay for his copies so he doesn’t need to wait in line, he gives her a small square of paper and a heartwarming mystery all in one.
I highly recommend A Christmas Stranger for all Leslie Budewitz Food Lovers’ Mystery fans, as well as all lovers of cozy mysteries and holiday short stories. Please note, this short story originally appeared in Carried to the Grave and Other Stories, and is being released as a standalone in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the series. I received this advance reader copy from Beyond the Page Publishing, courtesy NetGalley.
With so much to do this time of year, the holidays are the perfect time for reading short stories. I’m so glad The Christmas Stranger is my first of the season.
Inspired by a kind encounter of her own, Budewitz sets this story in Jewel Bay, Montana, home to her Food Lovers’ Village Mystery series and Erin Murphy, whose family has run the Merc, short for mercantile, for more than a century.
Holidays are a busy juggle for us all, managing a retail business during the holidays requires even more skill to keep all of those balls in the air. But when Erin is multitasking, checking on deliveries, while waiting to check out at the post office, she steps out of line to help an older gentleman, a stranger, and helps him figure out the hoops needed to jump through to get an old-fangled copy machine to work. In thanks for her kindness and her offer to pay for his copies so he doesn’t need to wait in line, he gives her a small square of paper and a heartwarming mystery all in one.
I highly recommend A Christmas Stranger for all Leslie Budewitz Food Lovers’ Mystery fans, as well as all lovers of cozy mysteries and holiday short stories. Please note, this short story originally appeared in Carried to the Grave and Other Stories, and is being released as a standalone in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the series. I received this advance reader copy from Beyond the Page Publishing, courtesy NetGalley.
October 25, 2023
We'd all like to imagine a benevolent angel or being hovering about to help in our direst times. In this case, think "It's a Wonderful Life" and you've captured the sense of wonder and hope Budewitz offers in this short story. Erin Murphy is kind to an unknown stranger. Her efforts to, first, find the mysterious stranger and, second, return the marvelous gift and thank him, lead her into a bit of a mystery: Who is he and why does he keep disappearing? Even angels, if the stranger is such, can't save everyone but we can take away the idea that kindness, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant, is felt in many ways. We can all make a difference.
I don't want to detail the story further, it's quite short as it is, but will say it made me smile. It left me feeling warm and snug and, well, wishing the story were longer to prolong that feeling. Thank you so much #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for sharing this wonderful moment of caring and hope with us all. Sometimes we all need a reminder that life is full of wondrous things, both big and small, and to make our lives a gift to others, too. Now I think I'm going to go find my copy of "It's a Wonderful Life" and sit it aside for later viewing.
I don't want to detail the story further, it's quite short as it is, but will say it made me smile. It left me feeling warm and snug and, well, wishing the story were longer to prolong that feeling. Thank you so much #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for sharing this wonderful moment of caring and hope with us all. Sometimes we all need a reminder that life is full of wondrous things, both big and small, and to make our lives a gift to others, too. Now I think I'm going to go find my copy of "It's a Wonderful Life" and sit it aside for later viewing.
November 14, 2023
A heartwarming festive short story that is full of the traditional themes of goodwill and yet also embraces contemporary issues.
Despite the hustle and bustle of running a shop and completing the other necessary chores during the busy run-up to Christmas, a woman finds the time to help a stranger in a mundane task. An elderly gentleman needs help with some photocopying and she is happy to oblige and even pays for it herself. He seems to know her and yet she has no idea who he is. He repays her in a way she doesn't understand and the repercussions filter through the small community.
In an attempt to find out who the stranger may be, many other tales of his good deeds come to light. Yet nobody is sure who he is or why he is there. The message is a simple one: be kind to others. We can all spare a couple of minutes in our busy schedules.
A quick, light read with timeless hope, a bit of Christmas magic and a snowy landscape. Just what we need after a hard day of rushing around and standing in queues. Recommended with a mug of cocoa or a glass of mulled wine.
Despite the hustle and bustle of running a shop and completing the other necessary chores during the busy run-up to Christmas, a woman finds the time to help a stranger in a mundane task. An elderly gentleman needs help with some photocopying and she is happy to oblige and even pays for it herself. He seems to know her and yet she has no idea who he is. He repays her in a way she doesn't understand and the repercussions filter through the small community.
In an attempt to find out who the stranger may be, many other tales of his good deeds come to light. Yet nobody is sure who he is or why he is there. The message is a simple one: be kind to others. We can all spare a couple of minutes in our busy schedules.
A quick, light read with timeless hope, a bit of Christmas magic and a snowy landscape. Just what we need after a hard day of rushing around and standing in queues. Recommended with a mug of cocoa or a glass of mulled wine.
January 5, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
This was a Christmas-time short story by an author I like, having read several of her Spice Shop Mysteries. Although it’s now January, my Christmas decorations are still up so it was easy to justify reading while I continue to enjoy the holiday mood.
This quick and entertaining read was a great opening to the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, as it introduces readers to the characters and setting of that currently five-book series. The publisher explains that “to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, we’re bringing out stand-alone editions of readers’ favorite short stories.”
I think this would be a great story to read any time of year – it’s a heartwarming mystery that ended too soon. I'm thankful I can spend more time with the characters in the Food Lovers’ Village series. I’ve just put a few more books on my TBR list 😊
This was a Christmas-time short story by an author I like, having read several of her Spice Shop Mysteries. Although it’s now January, my Christmas decorations are still up so it was easy to justify reading while I continue to enjoy the holiday mood.
This quick and entertaining read was a great opening to the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, as it introduces readers to the characters and setting of that currently five-book series. The publisher explains that “to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, we’re bringing out stand-alone editions of readers’ favorite short stories.”
I think this would be a great story to read any time of year – it’s a heartwarming mystery that ended too soon. I'm thankful I can spend more time with the characters in the Food Lovers’ Village series. I’ve just put a few more books on my TBR list 😊
December 23, 2025
This story is set in Jewel Bay, Montana home of the author's Food Lover's series. Erin Murphy, proprietor of the Merc is in line at the post office waiting to ship out the latest orders for the shop when a stranger needs help making copies. Erin helps him with the copier and offers to pay the minor cost so he does not need to wait to pay. He insists on giving her a something as payment. When she learns it is quite valuable, Erin does not want to keep it. She did not get his name nor where he is staying so she asks around looking for him and no one seems to know him. Eventually, she encounters him again in very different circumstances. By story's end her reluctance to accept her gift has become gratitude.
I always appreciate a touch of the mystical and magical, especially at Christmas. This sweet story reminded me how important the unexpected is as well as how much good we can do when we listen and care about those around us.
I always appreciate a touch of the mystical and magical, especially at Christmas. This sweet story reminded me how important the unexpected is as well as how much good we can do when we listen and care about those around us.
November 22, 2023
The Christmas Stranger by Leslie Budewitz is a short story, but well worth the read. It is Christmas, but not in your face. We are back at the Merc in Jewel Bay, Montana, along with Erin standing at the post office, where she meets a very unusual man. Things progress and she hears about him again, but can’t seem to track him down. He is always there when someone needs him, though. It is a fun, short read for Christmas. I can give no further explanation except to say, it is worth it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC Of The Christmas Stranger by Beyond the Page Publishing, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BeyondThePagePublishing #LeslieBudewitz #TheChristmasStranger
I was invited to read a free e-ARC Of The Christmas Stranger by Beyond the Page Publishing, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BeyondThePagePublishing #LeslieBudewitz #TheChristmasStranger
December 13, 2023
The Christmas Stranger
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ Amid the holiday rush of keeping the shelves stocked and filling orders for the Merc, the grocery her family has run for more than a century, proprietor Erin Murphy treasures the way her tight-knit community of Jewel Bay seems to grow even closer during the Christmas season. And this year, when she slows down to do a simple favor for a mysterious stranger, he shows his thanks with a small, quiet gesture—a gift that changes lives, and so much more . . ”
Loved this little heart warming short story. It was so good for spreading some Christmas cheer. Kindness goes a long way and this book really showed that. I recommend this book and will be checking out the rest of this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ Amid the holiday rush of keeping the shelves stocked and filling orders for the Merc, the grocery her family has run for more than a century, proprietor Erin Murphy treasures the way her tight-knit community of Jewel Bay seems to grow even closer during the Christmas season. And this year, when she slows down to do a simple favor for a mysterious stranger, he shows his thanks with a small, quiet gesture—a gift that changes lives, and so much more . . ”
Loved this little heart warming short story. It was so good for spreading some Christmas cheer. Kindness goes a long way and this book really showed that. I recommend this book and will be checking out the rest of this series.
February 3, 2024
This is such a lovely story. It's sweet and traditional, but written in a completely modern setting. Merc owner Erin Murphy is just as busy during the Christmas hustle and bustle as we all are, but when she does a small kindness for a stranger, it snowballs into lovely results. It might just be the Christmas aspect of it that makes me more amenable to what should be a very schmaltzy story. I don't know. But I know and like the main characters already from this series, and this just feels like a little gem of a story to get in the holiday spirit. Okay, I read it after the holidays, but it still put a little of that spirit in me :>)
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2023
This is a short story, not even a novella, just a very short story. I could have read it faster, but I started it over a busy weekend, so it did take me a few days, but I really could have read it in just an hour so if I'd had the time in one day. It had a cute premise and a little mystery that the main character is trying to solve, but then it ends so abruptly that I was left wondering why that was the end. It could have used a bit more development for that ending, but it was still an enjoyable story about miracles and good deeds.
Content: Clean.
***I received a digital copy of this short story from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.***
Content: Clean.
***I received a digital copy of this short story from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.***
November 6, 2023
This is an interesting Christmas story with a great message along the lines of someone spreading Christmas cheer in the form of a Christmas miracle where someone is in need. It is hard to get very deep in a short story, so it was okay that I haven't read this series because otherwise I would have been lost. This would be good to read as a break during a busy time for a holiday lift. I also got a glimpse into the Food Lovers' Village Mysteries series.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
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