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Rose Gardner Mystery #6.4
Rose and Helena Save Christmas
Rose Gardner and Neely Kate Colson are thrilled with Mason’s early present to Rose — a trip for the two of them to New Orleans for shopping, great food, and awesome seats to Wicked. Neely Kate plans to use the opportunity to visit a psychic and find out once and for all what her paranormal ability is. But when the psychic is murdered, and Neely Kate and Rose were the last people to see her alive, they find themselves the main suspects in a Christmas killing.
Taylor Beaumont has exhausted all resources in trying to figure out her new ghostly roommate, Helena. Seeing a psychic is the last resort. Taylor hoped for answers about Helena’s worldly existence but, instead, finds herself embroiled on the wrong side of a murder investigation. Seeing no other option, Taylor and Helena combine forces with Rose and Neely Kate to clear their names.
But can they solve the mystery in time to save Christmas?
The Rose Gardner Series and the Ghost-in-Law Series combine to bring you a rollicking round of holiday fun! This book may be read as a standalone novella; you do not need to have read either series to enjoy it.
Taylor Beaumont has exhausted all resources in trying to figure out her new ghostly roommate, Helena. Seeing a psychic is the last resort. Taylor hoped for answers about Helena’s worldly existence but, instead, finds herself embroiled on the wrong side of a murder investigation. Seeing no other option, Taylor and Helena combine forces with Rose and Neely Kate to clear their names.
But can they solve the mystery in time to save Christmas?
The Rose Gardner Series and the Ghost-in-Law Series combine to bring you a rollicking round of holiday fun! This book may be read as a standalone novella; you do not need to have read either series to enjoy it.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2014
225 people are currently reading
1342 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
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December 23, 2014
Rose and Helena Save Christmas was co-written by Denise Grover Swank and Jana DeLeon. The character Rose is from DGS’s series, The Rose Gardner Mysteries and Helena the ghost and her human Taylor Beaumont are from J. DeLeon’s series, Ghost-In-Law. I am forever obsessed with the Rose Gardner series but have never read anything by Jana DeLeon before.
If you are up to date with Rose, the end of the last book Mason gave Rose and her best friend Neely Kate an all expense paid trip to New Orleans for Christmas shopping and to go to the show, Wicked. They are so excited about this little mini vacation. Neely Kate is pregnant and is worried about the baby. She wants to visit a psychic there to make sure the baby is going to be okay. She is also convinced she has some hidden paranormal talent and wants the psychic to tell her what it is.
Taylor Beaumont is a private investigator and has a new buddy, the oh so flamboyant ghost, Helena. The descriptions of Helena’s outfits were hilarious. As a last resort, Taylor wants to visit a psychic to help her to figure out why Helena is here.
These two pairs each get more than they bargained for as they are the last to see Madame Serafine alive. She is murdered shortly after they leave from their appointments. A very unscrupulous cop who wants to wrap up the case quickly and get credit for it, regardless of whether he has the correct culprits or not, has decided to pin the murder on Neely Kate. So they all decide to work together to solve the case themselves.
Of course, Rose and Neely Kate get themselves into all kinds of trouble as only Rose Gardner can do. And this time they have the help of one slightly wacky ghost.
“You know I don’t go lookin’ for trouble, Mason.”
“Trouble seems to find you like a divining rod finds water.”
I really did enjoy this. It was a fun little who-dun-it. I did miss Mason and Joe. I was sort of hoping Rose would have to bring in either one of them to get them out of trouble. But, alas, this was a girl’s (and ghost) weekend. So if you want to add a little chuckle to your Christmas reading list, this one is for you.
If you are up to date with Rose, the end of the last book Mason gave Rose and her best friend Neely Kate an all expense paid trip to New Orleans for Christmas shopping and to go to the show, Wicked. They are so excited about this little mini vacation. Neely Kate is pregnant and is worried about the baby. She wants to visit a psychic there to make sure the baby is going to be okay. She is also convinced she has some hidden paranormal talent and wants the psychic to tell her what it is.
Taylor Beaumont is a private investigator and has a new buddy, the oh so flamboyant ghost, Helena. The descriptions of Helena’s outfits were hilarious. As a last resort, Taylor wants to visit a psychic to help her to figure out why Helena is here.
These two pairs each get more than they bargained for as they are the last to see Madame Serafine alive. She is murdered shortly after they leave from their appointments. A very unscrupulous cop who wants to wrap up the case quickly and get credit for it, regardless of whether he has the correct culprits or not, has decided to pin the murder on Neely Kate. So they all decide to work together to solve the case themselves.
Of course, Rose and Neely Kate get themselves into all kinds of trouble as only Rose Gardner can do. And this time they have the help of one slightly wacky ghost.
“You know I don’t go lookin’ for trouble, Mason.”
“Trouble seems to find you like a divining rod finds water.”
I really did enjoy this. It was a fun little who-dun-it. I did miss Mason and Joe. I was sort of hoping Rose would have to bring in either one of them to get them out of trouble. But, alas, this was a girl’s (and ghost) weekend. So if you want to add a little chuckle to your Christmas reading list, this one is for you.
March 24, 2018
4.5 Hauntingly Hilarious Stars... This was such a fun read from start to finish....a seamless blending of writing between two talented authors, Lana DeLeon and Denise Grover Swank, combining the characters of their "Ghost In-Law Mystery" and "Rose Gardner Mystery" series.... This was my first exposure to Lana DeLeon, and I can safely say it will not be my last; her characters, Taylor and Helena, were a dynamic duo bringing laughs galore and a unique relationship that was filled with heart and a bit of mischief; I look forward to delving into their story and truly understanding the events that shaped their relationship.... A huge fan of Denise Grover Swank and the "Rose Gardner" series, I looked forward to watching the shenanigans that Rose and Neely Kate would get up to in New Orleans; they did not disappoint; their witty banter and heartfelt relationship shined forth in this story propelling them through yet another crazy adventure... once again I was treated to a ghostly story that mixed humor, friendship, a bit of mystery, and a lot of heart in this exciting and fun read:)
June 30, 2015
Two popular authors join forces (and characters) in a mystery novella.
When Rose and her friend Neely Kate visit Louisiana for a holiday they find themselves suspects in a murder. They join forces with P.I. Taylor and her other-worldly sidekick Helena to solve the crime and hopefully stay out of jail.
This is a quick and fun read. Joining characters from different series' might be a hard ask, especially when one of those characters is a ghost but it seems to work here. Not the greatest book ever written but pretty good fun.
When Rose and her friend Neely Kate visit Louisiana for a holiday they find themselves suspects in a murder. They join forces with P.I. Taylor and her other-worldly sidekick Helena to solve the crime and hopefully stay out of jail.
This is a quick and fun read. Joining characters from different series' might be a hard ask, especially when one of those characters is a ghost but it seems to work here. Not the greatest book ever written but pretty good fun.
December 13, 2014
What a fun and fantastic gift from these two wonderful writers!!! Rose and Helena are both so much fun and together they tore up the town!!! Thank you so much for a fantastic holiday read!!!!
December 17, 2014
I am a huge fan of Denise Grover Swank so when she teamed up with Jana Deleon, it was like Christmas!
But wait, its a book about Christmas!
I enjoy this novella as it involves my favourite character Rose. Again she gets her self into some trouble with Neely Kate her best friend.
It was fun to read other characters from a series I have followed and come together to solve this mystery.
It was very well written, kept me thinking and laughing all the way.
My only criticism would be I would have loved more Mason in the story, can never get enough of Mason!
But wait, its a book about Christmas!
I enjoy this novella as it involves my favourite character Rose. Again she gets her self into some trouble with Neely Kate her best friend.
It was fun to read other characters from a series I have followed and come together to solve this mystery.
It was very well written, kept me thinking and laughing all the way.
My only criticism would be I would have loved more Mason in the story, can never get enough of Mason!
January 1, 2025
This was the weakest entry from either series, but it was fun to combine the two. The story was entertaining.
December 18, 2017
This was an excellent merging of the series characters and styles of two prolific authors. It reminded me that, once again, I've been neglectful of two series that I started reading many moons ago. I will work on getting back to them this coming new year! A good, easy read with a very good mystery.
December 23, 2018
Two seties combined. Only having read one (ghost-in-law, Mudbug) it took me a little bit to sort out the characters from the other series, but not too long. A fun story with an interesting twist.
June 12, 2019
This novella was a little far fetched but none the less it was entertaining. It contained my favorite characters, like Rose and NK, and it did provide some content that is added to the Rose series. I especially found NK to be in her element. It ended up being quite the adventure for Rose's first time leaving the state of Arkansas and as usual she finds herself and NK in a bit of trouble. Mason is not able to bail them out since they are across state lines but with the help of their new friends they are able to solve a mystery and remain free. Cute and a little silly - it was a good read.
December 9, 2014
If someone were to ask what my all time favorite series is, I'd have a hard time picking just one. However the Rose Gardner series is one I'd mention because it is awesome. Rose gets into shenanigans, sometimes through no fault of her own, and has a devil of a time trying to get out if it. There is suspense, drama, action, humor, and love. The characters are great and the writing is superb.
I have not read anything by Jana DeLeon except this but that's about to change. The eccentric ghost Helena is a hoot and I'd like to read more about her hoodlumery. These two characters mesh well together and I could envision lots of scenarios where they end up having to help each other out.
I have not read anything by Jana DeLeon except this but that's about to change. The eccentric ghost Helena is a hoot and I'd like to read more about her hoodlumery. These two characters mesh well together and I could envision lots of scenarios where they end up having to help each other out.
December 12, 2014
Loved it!
I'm not sure I could ever read one of Denise Grover Swank's Rose Gardner mysteries without loving it, but throwing in Jana DeLeon's Helena, from the Ghosts in Mudbug series, just put the cherry on the top of the cupcake! Rose & Neely Kate take off for the weekend pre-Christmas trip Mason gave her. They happen to get mixed up in a bit of trouble along with Helena and Taylor. That's when the fun begins! Sit back and enjoy the antics as they try to prove their innocence. This is a Christmas story like no other you will read, I can pretty much guarantee, and if you do find one like it? Please let me know, because I wouldn't want to miss it!
I'm not sure I could ever read one of Denise Grover Swank's Rose Gardner mysteries without loving it, but throwing in Jana DeLeon's Helena, from the Ghosts in Mudbug series, just put the cherry on the top of the cupcake! Rose & Neely Kate take off for the weekend pre-Christmas trip Mason gave her. They happen to get mixed up in a bit of trouble along with Helena and Taylor. That's when the fun begins! Sit back and enjoy the antics as they try to prove their innocence. This is a Christmas story like no other you will read, I can pretty much guarantee, and if you do find one like it? Please let me know, because I wouldn't want to miss it!
December 16, 2014
As a Jana DeLeon fan I am pleased at the result of blending the work of two authors smoothly. I love the character of Helena and she gets a good amount of on page time for me. Her wild getups and crazy situations are right on par with Jana's Mudbug series. I've never read a Denise Grover Swank book and find her characters to be quite funny and interesting too. A nice, quick read during the busy season.
December 10, 2014
Rose and Helena Save Christmas review
What a treat! Jana DeLeon and Denise Grover Swank have teamed up and written this Christmas novella featuring Helena and Taylor from the Ghost-in-law series plus Rose and Neely Kate from the Rose Gardner series. It's a short murder mystery that takes place in New Orleans.
What a treat! Jana DeLeon and Denise Grover Swank have teamed up and written this Christmas novella featuring Helena and Taylor from the Ghost-in-law series plus Rose and Neely Kate from the Rose Gardner series. It's a short murder mystery that takes place in New Orleans.
December 11, 2014
Well what could be better than two of my most favourite authors coming together and making a novella christmas mayhem! Rose and Neeley Kate travelling to new Orleans for a girlie weekend making acquaintances with Taylor and Helena the ghost. They all get mixed up in murder and only they can save the day. A lovely little story breaking up the wait until the next one in the series for both authors.
February 28, 2020
Great fun read!
I LOVE both of these authors. I have read both of their series and this is an excellent incorporation of the two. This is a fun easy read. Rose and Neely Kate are just as spunky as ever. And Helena has her usual lol moments. If you haven't read one or either of these authors what are you waiting for??
I LOVE both of these authors. I have read both of their series and this is an excellent incorporation of the two. This is a fun easy read. Rose and Neely Kate are just as spunky as ever. And Helena has her usual lol moments. If you haven't read one or either of these authors what are you waiting for??
August 12, 2017
This was a great Christmas gift from two very talented authors. I have to admit this was my first reading experience with Jana Deleon. And the book was just amazing! Full of fun and joy! I'm fun of Rose and Neely Kate , and hilarious ghost Helena was just brilliant addition for my liking! Wow I loved this in-between-story!
May 1, 2016
Absolutely fabulous!!
Absolutely fabulous !!! I will never look at tinsel and bells the same way ever again. This book was far from being Crappy Doodles. Long live Rose and may Helena haunt forever!!!
Absolutely fabulous !!! I will never look at tinsel and bells the same way ever again. This book was far from being Crappy Doodles. Long live Rose and may Helena haunt forever!!!
December 18, 2014
OMG!
This book was fabulous! However I don't now if the world is able to handle Rose, Neely Kate AND ghost humor all at one time.... I laughed til I piddled myself! Denise strikes again with another best seller!!!!
This book was fabulous! However I don't now if the world is able to handle Rose, Neely Kate AND ghost humor all at one time.... I laughed til I piddled myself! Denise strikes again with another best seller!!!!
December 12, 2014
Excellent as always Jana Deleon! It had all the funnies and mystery as your other books!
December 12, 2014
Fantastic fun! I love both these authors and this is a wonderful holiday read!
October 15, 2017
I am a huge fan of the Rose Gardner series but this is my first time reading anything from the Ghost-in-Law series. This novella was a quick and entertaining read. Initially, it was difficult for me to get into the book since it was written in 3rd person (I am used to 1st person from Rose's POV) and involved characters from a whole different series/author. I did think that both authors managed to smoothly blend both of their stories in this book and it was easy to forget that the authors of two different series wrote this book together.
Reading Rose and Helena Save Christmas has made me want to read more about Taylor and Helena in their Ghost-in-Law series. The writing was very enjoyable from both authors and I liked the mystery in this book. I always love reading between the book novellas from Denise Grover Swank and I am glad that I have been introduced into a new series.
Reading Rose and Helena Save Christmas has made me want to read more about Taylor and Helena in their Ghost-in-Law series. The writing was very enjoyable from both authors and I liked the mystery in this book. I always love reading between the book novellas from Denise Grover Swank and I am glad that I have been introduced into a new series.
August 18, 2019
Rose and Neely Kate get to have a girls trip to New Orleans while Mason needs to take a trip to Little Rock to do who knows what.
Of course these two cannot go anywhere without getting into trouble. They meet Taylor and her new Ghost Roommate who also have a tendency of having crazy things happening to them.
Why have these people (and ghost) not come together sooner! Going in you need to be able to take in crazy off the wall things. Helena is a ghost and she is wacky. Remember that this is a fiction book and it is absolutely hilarious, if humor and mystery is what you like then you are sure to enjoy this.
Of course these two cannot go anywhere without getting into trouble. They meet Taylor and her new Ghost Roommate who also have a tendency of having crazy things happening to them.
Why have these people (and ghost) not come together sooner! Going in you need to be able to take in crazy off the wall things. Helena is a ghost and she is wacky. Remember that this is a fiction book and it is absolutely hilarious, if humor and mystery is what you like then you are sure to enjoy this.
March 9, 2018
Rose and Helena Save Christmas is a wonderful mashup of two great series by two amazing authors. Prior to reading this book, I only had read Denise Grover Swank’s Rose Gardner series so I was clueless about Helena but I was able to read this book without being confused or feeling left in the dark. I love how the book flowed together and made it seem as if it were written by one person instead of two stories fighting with each other. Both sides complimented each other beautifully and it turned out to be a fantastic book.
December 23, 2022
Ugh…I didn’t like this one. Maybe I’m just not a fan of slapstick comedy, but the zany characters were way too over the top for me. The story follows a foursome of women (including a flamboyantly dressed granny ghost) who haphazardly find themselves in the center of a jewel heist while visiting a psychic shop. This isn’t really a whodunnit, but a series of mad-capped hijinks as the women track down the killer and deal with a horrible redneck sheriff. This played out like a Scooby Doo cartoon in my mind, making me reach for my bottle of Tylenol.
April 11, 2018
4.5 stars. I'm currently waiting for the most recent Rose Gardner book to come out and was going through the list of books DGS has written when I saw this title. Somehow I missed this short novella! This was a really cute read. Quick, easy reading and I chuckled quite a few times. I had no idea who Taylor and Helena were going into this, but I'm intrigued enough to check them out in the future. I'm not Team Mason, but the ending was adorable as well. Good read!
December 24, 2016
I really didn't get on well with this book. I found Taylor and Helena to be very one-dimensional characters, and I didn't really enjoy the writing style. I normally love Denise Grover Swank, but this didn't feel like one of her instalments at all. The story wasn't all that gripping either, but at least it's only a novella so was over quickly.
September 20, 2017
Just wanted to say that I can only hope I have as much fun in my eternal afterlife that Helena Henry has in hers! Thank you Denise Grover Swank for introducing me to the fabulous Helena and thank you Jana for sharing Helena with the world!
Neely Kate and Helena are definitely two peas in a far out pod! Literally laughing out loud...(with the occasional snort!)
Neely Kate and Helena are definitely two peas in a far out pod! Literally laughing out loud...(with the occasional snort!)
February 26, 2018
A good lead in.
I'm not sure about the Rose character, could be a new series to look into. Seeing Helena and Taylor working together however is wonderful. I was worried taking the ghost out of Mudbug would end the series but it looks more like a new beginning with a brand new cast.
I'm not sure about the Rose character, could be a new series to look into. Seeing Helena and Taylor working together however is wonderful. I was worried taking the ghost out of Mudbug would end the series but it looks more like a new beginning with a brand new cast.
July 12, 2018
When I saw that two of my favorite authors got together I wondered what trouble could all of these characters get into.
I thoroughly enjoyed how they brought the two worlds together and made it seem like they had been together before. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to read more by this duo.
My only complaint is that it ended to quickly.
I thoroughly enjoyed how they brought the two worlds together and made it seem like they had been together before. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to read more by this duo.
My only complaint is that it ended to quickly.
January 7, 2019
This was my first experience reading anything by Jana DeLeon and she didn't disappoint. I loved the mischief these characters find themselves in! It was good to see a witty side to Neely Kate and Rose without all the troubles in Fenton County. I love that Rose and NK took the time to have a girl's trip, even if they did find themselves in tons of trouble! This was a fun, cute, witty read!
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