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Deep Lakes Cozy #3
Deep Flakes Christmas: A Nisse Visit
Baker/vintner Frankie Champagne is named coordinator for the Deep Lakes Holiday Festival in the unexpected absences of the town officials. What should be a piece of cake for the confident multi-tasker is a half-baked fiasco when the town is buried by snowstorms, and the official Christmas tree and its delivery truck driver go missing. With the help of an enchanting stranger, can Frankie and her cohorts save the holiday season for everyone?
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2024
11 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Joy Ann Ribar
11 books231 followersJoy Ann Ribar is an RV author, writing on the road wherever her husband and their Winnebago View wanders. Joy’s cocktail of careers includes news reporter, paralegal, English educator, and aquaponics greenhouse technician, all of which prove useful in penning mysteries. She loves to bake, read, do wine research, and explore nature. Joy’s writing is inspired by Wisconsin’s four distinct seasons, natural beauty, and kind-hearted, but sometimes quirky, people.
Joy holds a BA in Journalism from UW-Madison and an MS in Education from UW-Oshkosh. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Blackbird Writers, and Wisconsin Writers Association.
Sign up for her occasional newsletter at https://joyribar.substack.com/
Joy holds a BA in Journalism from UW-Madison and an MS in Education from UW-Oshkosh. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Blackbird Writers, and Wisconsin Writers Association.
Sign up for her occasional newsletter at https://joyribar.substack.com/
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 11, 2020
This was another seasonal read with snow and Christmas trimmings and it just hit all the right feels. There's no murder in this one but it was such fun to go along with all the fracas of holiday preparations that Frankie is trying to manage that seem to work out just so, all with a little help from some people who are suspiciously like Nisse (Danish elves). There was Kringle and cookies galore and everything was frosted in snow.
One this confused me here. This book is listed as the third in the series but it's clear that Frankie has not gone on her first date with Garrett Iverson (that happened in the first book) and her shop helpers are different also (I liked the two in the first book more). It was a little jarring but still great fun. I think this can be read as a standalone also. There's a recipe for Danish rice pudding and it spoke to the sliver of Dane I inherited from my father's side (also I just really love rice puddings!). I will be making it. Looking forward to more from this sweet cozy series.
One this confused me here. This book is listed as the third in the series but it's clear that Frankie has not gone on her first date with Garrett Iverson (that happened in the first book) and her shop helpers are different also (I liked the two in the first book more). It was a little jarring but still great fun. I think this can be read as a standalone also. There's a recipe for Danish rice pudding and it spoke to the sliver of Dane I inherited from my father's side (also I just really love rice puddings!). I will be making it. Looking forward to more from this sweet cozy series.
December 18, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I read and enjoyed the other books in this series so I had to read this holiday story (Which is a prequel for the entire series.). In this book, Frankie finds herself in charge of the Deep Lakes Holiday Festival. As a native Wisconsinite, I know scheduling any winter event comes with plenty of risks, the biggest one being the weather. You never know what you are going to get blizzards or balmy temperatures. Earlier this week we hit over 50 degrees here and have yet to have any measurable snow. Frankie has the opposite problem when heavy snows put all her festival plans in jeopardy. A special traveler also visits Frankie. Could that visitor help Frankie save Christmas?
Deep Flakes Christmas was a delightful holiday interlude. No murder to upset the festivities but tons of snow and a missing truck driver shake up what should have been a festive time for the town. Frankie does have a few unusual occurrences. First, she finds a cat in the alley almost frozen stiff, then she finds a dog left out in the cold in the alley as well. But the most unusual is a unique tourist who seems to have a hand in several incidents around town.
Reading this after reading the other books did not hinder my enjoyment one bit. It was nice to read the lead-up to what happens in the future stories and it was fun to escape into the bit of magic the story provides. As always the author lets Wisconsin and some of its traditions shine. Be sure you get your Christmas Kringle and all the other holiday wines and treats for sale at Carmen’s Frankie’s Bubble and Bake.
I can remember when Wisconsin received several feet of snow all in a day and the way the community came together to clear and play in the snow. Sometimes the plowed piles almost reached the phone lines. Those were the days before the internet and cell phones when children and even teenagers donned their snow pants and parkas and turned the mountains of snow into playgrounds for sleds and toboggans and played for hours. I was one of those kids! This story gave me the same feelings I felt then and even made me think maybe a Nisse or two played among us.
I read and enjoyed the other books in this series so I had to read this holiday story (Which is a prequel for the entire series.). In this book, Frankie finds herself in charge of the Deep Lakes Holiday Festival. As a native Wisconsinite, I know scheduling any winter event comes with plenty of risks, the biggest one being the weather. You never know what you are going to get blizzards or balmy temperatures. Earlier this week we hit over 50 degrees here and have yet to have any measurable snow. Frankie has the opposite problem when heavy snows put all her festival plans in jeopardy. A special traveler also visits Frankie. Could that visitor help Frankie save Christmas?
Deep Flakes Christmas was a delightful holiday interlude. No murder to upset the festivities but tons of snow and a missing truck driver shake up what should have been a festive time for the town. Frankie does have a few unusual occurrences. First, she finds a cat in the alley almost frozen stiff, then she finds a dog left out in the cold in the alley as well. But the most unusual is a unique tourist who seems to have a hand in several incidents around town.
Reading this after reading the other books did not hinder my enjoyment one bit. It was nice to read the lead-up to what happens in the future stories and it was fun to escape into the bit of magic the story provides. As always the author lets Wisconsin and some of its traditions shine. Be sure you get your Christmas Kringle and all the other holiday wines and treats for sale at Carmen’s Frankie’s Bubble and Bake.
I can remember when Wisconsin received several feet of snow all in a day and the way the community came together to clear and play in the snow. Sometimes the plowed piles almost reached the phone lines. Those were the days before the internet and cell phones when children and even teenagers donned their snow pants and parkas and turned the mountains of snow into playgrounds for sleds and toboggans and played for hours. I was one of those kids! This story gave me the same feelings I felt then and even made me think maybe a Nisse or two played among us.
November 12, 2020
People read cozies for many reasons, but one of them is because they are sweet even while someone is trying to solve a horrible crime. Deep Flakes Christmas: A Nisse Visit by Joy Ribar is perfect to get you into the holiday spirit. Although this is the third book in the series, there are no dead bodies to be found this Christmas in Deep Lakes, Wisconsin! Just a missing truck driver, lost pets, and finding out who is helping to get all of the last minute preparations done for the Deep Lakes Holiday Festival.
If there is an author that I enjoy, I rarely read the synopsis when their newest book comes out, I just get to reading. So when I was on chapter eight and there was still no dead body being discovered, I was taken aback for a moment, and then I just took another sip of my hot cocoa and let the magic of the story take me away.
It was wonderful catching up with Frankie and her business partner, Carmen, along with the rest of the staff that helps out at the Bubble and Bake, a combination bakery and wine shop. The references to the various Wisconsin wines, sweet treats, and customs are really enjoyable and Ribar does such a fantastic job of incorporating them into each of the books.
And for me , a book set during the holidays is even more special when there’s a touch of magic. Which we certainly get with the Swedish traditions and customs that Ribar shares with us.
I highly recommend the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series, and while Deep Flakes Christmas can certainly be read as a stand alone, do yourself a favor and grab Deep Dark Secrets and Deep Bitter Roots too!
If there is an author that I enjoy, I rarely read the synopsis when their newest book comes out, I just get to reading. So when I was on chapter eight and there was still no dead body being discovered, I was taken aback for a moment, and then I just took another sip of my hot cocoa and let the magic of the story take me away.
It was wonderful catching up with Frankie and her business partner, Carmen, along with the rest of the staff that helps out at the Bubble and Bake, a combination bakery and wine shop. The references to the various Wisconsin wines, sweet treats, and customs are really enjoyable and Ribar does such a fantastic job of incorporating them into each of the books.
And for me , a book set during the holidays is even more special when there’s a touch of magic. Which we certainly get with the Swedish traditions and customs that Ribar shares with us.
I highly recommend the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery series, and while Deep Flakes Christmas can certainly be read as a stand alone, do yourself a favor and grab Deep Dark Secrets and Deep Bitter Roots too!
January 2, 2021
I was so happy when I saw Joy Ann Ribar had a Christmas story out in time for this holiday season. Perfect for Christmas break. I love how she captures all the little details of snowy weather like a true Wisconsinite, such as taking a broom to Alonzo and her brother to sweep the snow off of their clothes or the slushy mess that the customers track in to Frankie’s shop. She had me also looking up Norwegian Forest cats, a breed I’d never heard of. (They’re beautiful.)
An enjoyable read.
An enjoyable read.
January 4, 2021
Frankie is tasked with the Deep Lakes holiday parade and one thing after another gets in the way. This novella is a prequel to Ribar's other Deep Lakes mysteries, setting the stage for her character's journey. Snow storms and bakery abound in Joy's whimsical Christmastime narrative. A little bit of magic put me in a holiday mood. Cookie recipes are good year long and I plan on making them all!
December 16, 2020
Joy Ann Ribar returns with her third DEEP LAKES COZY MYSTERY just in time for Christmas reading.
The novella actually is a prequel to her other two mysteries. Frankie Champagne is already a bakery/wine shop owner in this book, but she has not yet started her sleuthing days, but when she is put in charge of the town's HOLLY DAYS at the last minute, some mysterious, some would say, magical happenings begin. Days of blizzard conditions will have readers thinking of winters past when small towns banded together to keep everyone safe. Ribar has drawn on Norwegian and Danish folklore for the magic in this sweet Christmas tale.
The novella actually is a prequel to her other two mysteries. Frankie Champagne is already a bakery/wine shop owner in this book, but she has not yet started her sleuthing days, but when she is put in charge of the town's HOLLY DAYS at the last minute, some mysterious, some would say, magical happenings begin. Days of blizzard conditions will have readers thinking of winters past when small towns banded together to keep everyone safe. Ribar has drawn on Norwegian and Danish folklore for the magic in this sweet Christmas tale.
December 8, 2020
In the mood for the Holidays? Heavy snow is no challenge for Northern Wisconsin folks. But for Frankie, everyone in the town council Holiday planning committee has left her to tackle the task on her own. This prequel to Joy's Deep Lakes Mysteries introduces you to Frankie, the owner of Bubble and Bake, a winery and bakery. In the mornings, she and her team make luscious baked goods, Kringle, cookies and filled Danish pastries. By evening, the shop opens for wine tasting and local brew. Frankie is so busy preparing for the holidays that a little magic might help. That's when things start to happen that she can't explain.
Joy brings her Scandinavian roots to this fun holiday tale. Recipes at the end look so good you can taste them!
Joy brings her Scandinavian roots to this fun holiday tale. Recipes at the end look so good you can taste them!
January 2, 2021
This is part of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery Series and I had so much fun reading this. This was such a great Christmas read and I really had such a fun time throughout this story. The characters were great and I really enjoyed the Christmas setting.
Very well formatted that I got through this very quickly. I really enjoy reviewing these types of books because usually would tend to not read these and read more popular ones, but wow I was blown away with this. These authors deserve more attention!!
I highly recommend this as a winter read, but it would still be great all year long. Such a fantastic book buy someone not so well known. Many great authors deserve so much more hype. I’m so glad I started reviewing these because usually I wouldn’t go for something like this, but something more popular. I had such a fun time with this! Such a great way to end off my Bookmas reviews!
Huge thank you to @authorjoyribar for sending me a copy for an honest review. I had a great time!!
Very well formatted that I got through this very quickly. I really enjoy reviewing these types of books because usually would tend to not read these and read more popular ones, but wow I was blown away with this. These authors deserve more attention!!
I highly recommend this as a winter read, but it would still be great all year long. Such a fantastic book buy someone not so well known. Many great authors deserve so much more hype. I’m so glad I started reviewing these because usually I wouldn’t go for something like this, but something more popular. I had such a fun time with this! Such a great way to end off my Bookmas reviews!
Huge thank you to @authorjoyribar for sending me a copy for an honest review. I had a great time!!
August 23, 2024
Deep Flakes Christmas is the prequel to Joy Ann Ribar's Deep Lake Cozy Mystery series. No dead bodies, but lots of Deep Lake Snow storms which upend the annual holiday festivities. This book is basically an introduction to the town, the kind hearted characters and the spirit of Deep Lake. It's a warm, endearing story full of the holiday spirit not to mention some female superpowers and some Nisse (Scandinavian folklore) mischievous holiday help that's sure to rekindle your own Christmas spirit while it sets the stage for the Deep Lake Cozy Mystery series. A sweet and enjoyable read.
September 21, 2021
This is soooo cute, a perfect holiday story. The focus is on the community Christmas doings and the real mystery is whether or not a big snowstorm is going to ruin the festival. But there are many other mysteries woven into this including a lost cat. Did I mention this is just cute, CUTE all around? Lovely writing and ideal for those who want their mysteries with no blood and lots of sugar. And oh, add the glass of wine! This is a perfect stocking stuffer book.
December 29, 2021
Loved this book! When we least expect it, our wishes and dreams may just come to fruition. As children we always believe in something. As adults that kind of fades away. But then one day...a miracle might just happen because we believe again.
When the chaos of the season surrounds our every thought, this is the book to read. It is a book that will make you smile. Would love to visit this little town and perhaps, just by chance, meet Jewel and Forrest.
When the chaos of the season surrounds our every thought, this is the book to read. It is a book that will make you smile. Would love to visit this little town and perhaps, just by chance, meet Jewel and Forrest.
June 22, 2021
Complications abound in this delicious cassoulet of Scandinavian baked goods, fine wine, and record-breaking snowstorms. But add in a pair of delightful Norwegian Nisser, and you’ve got a merry tale that lifts the heart not only during the holiday season but any time of year.
March 5, 2025
Such a cute Christmas mystery. I was expecting a murder but thoroughly enjoyed that there wasn’t one and just let the story take me to this cute Wisconsin town. I would definitely recommend and plan on reading the other books in the series.
January 24, 2022
A good holiday read.
January 27, 2025
DNF 2.5/5
Not for me. I just can't relate to anything that was going on and the writing itself wasn't very engaging.
Not for me. I just can't relate to anything that was going on and the writing itself wasn't very engaging.
June 7, 2025
Heartwarming and fun read. Love this series and how the characters are developing.
October 15, 2025
The Green County mystery hooked me right away. Loved that the FreshFiction club chose this for discussion week!
December 14, 2025
Enjoyable read
July 3, 2023
This is a warm Christmas story featuring a main character with whom most of us can relate. Frankie is frazzled as Christmas approaches, and has allowed life to batter her to the point that her holiday spirit seems to have become irretrievable. And events leading up to the main event seem determined to keep it that way. But in true Christmas story fashion, help arrives in the nick of time and her wonder in the season returns.
The book is heavy on details in spots that, for me, are a bit detracting from the main story, but overall it is a well written and warm addition to the series that accurately depicts the holidays in a small town. It's a worthy addition to the Christmas magic section if your bookshelves.
The book is heavy on details in spots that, for me, are a bit detracting from the main story, but overall it is a well written and warm addition to the series that accurately depicts the holidays in a small town. It's a worthy addition to the Christmas magic section if your bookshelves.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews