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Cinnamon and the Spirit of Spruce: A Catmint Chronicles Christmas Novella
A dying Christmas tree. A missing Baby Jesus. And a cat who must translate for two French-speaking pugs to crack the case.
It’s December in Cresswell-on-Wyrd, and shop owner Rowan Thorne is feeling the pressure. The village is a finalist for the prestigious "Cotswold Village of the Year" award, and the cash prize is the only thing that can fix the leaking church roof before winter destroys the history inside. But three days before the judges arrive, the village’s legendary outdoor Spruce turns brown and brittle overnight.
Desperate to save the festival, Rowan brews a potent recipe from her aunt’s secret The Spirit of Spruce. The herbal tonic works like magic, turning the tree a vibrant green, but the miracle is short-lived. A few days later, chaos strikes the church sanctuary. The priceless, hand-carved Nativity figures have vanished, leaving the stable empty and a frantic Reverend Primrose pointing fingers.
To make matters worse, the official adjudicator for the competition is none other than Lewis Culpepper—the village’s exiled nemesis—who is looking for any excuse to disqualify them. With a snarky talking cat calling the shots and two visiting pugs acting as undercover agents, Rowan must track down the wooden figures before the judging begins. But the thief isn't looking for profit; they are driven by a personal grudge involving the leaky roof, a stubborn Reverend, and a desperate bid to save their family legacy from a watery grave.
The tea is hot, the snow is falling, and the cat has a lot to say. Curl up with this festive novella in The Catmint Chronicles !
It’s December in Cresswell-on-Wyrd, and shop owner Rowan Thorne is feeling the pressure. The village is a finalist for the prestigious "Cotswold Village of the Year" award, and the cash prize is the only thing that can fix the leaking church roof before winter destroys the history inside. But three days before the judges arrive, the village’s legendary outdoor Spruce turns brown and brittle overnight.
Desperate to save the festival, Rowan brews a potent recipe from her aunt’s secret The Spirit of Spruce. The herbal tonic works like magic, turning the tree a vibrant green, but the miracle is short-lived. A few days later, chaos strikes the church sanctuary. The priceless, hand-carved Nativity figures have vanished, leaving the stable empty and a frantic Reverend Primrose pointing fingers.
To make matters worse, the official adjudicator for the competition is none other than Lewis Culpepper—the village’s exiled nemesis—who is looking for any excuse to disqualify them. With a snarky talking cat calling the shots and two visiting pugs acting as undercover agents, Rowan must track down the wooden figures before the judging begins. But the thief isn't looking for profit; they are driven by a personal grudge involving the leaky roof, a stubborn Reverend, and a desperate bid to save their family legacy from a watery grave.
The tea is hot, the snow is falling, and the cat has a lot to say. Curl up with this festive novella in The Catmint Chronicles !
70 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 22, 2026
I received this book courtesy of Booksprout for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Cinnamon and Rownan are looking forward to the Cresswell-on-Wyrd's village Christmas contest. Unfortunately, the village's spruce doesn't look the best. Add to that, a familiar face to judge the contest. Now the Nativity scene goes missing. What could be going on? Will the village lose the contest? And can Rowan, Pudding, Pickles, and Cinnamon solve the case of the missing Nativity? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Lewis has some serious problems. You cannot make yourself noxious to those around you, then expect to be able to blame them for your failings. He was the cause of his own problems, and held a needless grudge.
Likes: Pudding and Pickles are down to a single language. Let's face it, pugs are adorable regardless, and they don't need much help talking as many an owner will tell you.
And Stand is a great guy. He just wanted to do what was right for his grandfather's gift to the village, and for the village as a whole. It's great to see someone respect hand carved work so much.
Conclusion: This was a fun book. If you like magical cozy mysteries, are just a fan of Cinnamon and Rowan, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Cinnamon and Rownan are looking forward to the Cresswell-on-Wyrd's village Christmas contest. Unfortunately, the village's spruce doesn't look the best. Add to that, a familiar face to judge the contest. Now the Nativity scene goes missing. What could be going on? Will the village lose the contest? And can Rowan, Pudding, Pickles, and Cinnamon solve the case of the missing Nativity? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Lewis has some serious problems. You cannot make yourself noxious to those around you, then expect to be able to blame them for your failings. He was the cause of his own problems, and held a needless grudge.
Likes: Pudding and Pickles are down to a single language. Let's face it, pugs are adorable regardless, and they don't need much help talking as many an owner will tell you.
And Stand is a great guy. He just wanted to do what was right for his grandfather's gift to the village, and for the village as a whole. It's great to see someone respect hand carved work so much.
Conclusion: This was a fun book. If you like magical cozy mysteries, are just a fan of Cinnamon and Rowan, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
May 23, 2026
I enjoyed this cozy mystery novella story with a snarky cat named Cinnamon and 2 pugs speaking French, who couldn’t resist that? Found myself giggling at the animals who have special collars on and could talk to their humans. This is the first cozy mystery I’ve read where there wasn’t a murder involved but a mystery to solve right before the holidays and before the judging begins for the big prize. I enjoyed the diverse quirky characters and how they all worked together to solve the mystery. Just a heart warming mystery with funny furry sidekicks.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2026
'A dying Christmas tree. A missing Nativity. And a snarky cat who must translate for two French-speaking pugs to save the village's reputation.'
Fun enchanting holiday mystery.
The characters were very appealing and likeable and quirky. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fun enchanting holiday mystery.
The characters were very appealing and likeable and quirky. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2026
loved it !! love this series !!! a wonderful Christmas novella... set in Creswell-on -Wyrd...love Rowan and Cinnamon ... and those two French pugs... this is a holiday mystery... it's three days before the judging... the giant spruce turns brown over night... the nativity scene is stolen... and that judge..well, he seems more than judgy !! this was so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2026
Give me a story with a small town/village, quirky but lovable characters, and some talking animals and I'm in heaven. This series checks all the boxes!
I was so glad to see that there is a Christmas mystery in this series. It's a quick, really fun read! Perfect for all ages, too.
I highly recommend this!
I was so glad to see that there is a Christmas mystery in this series. It's a quick, really fun read! Perfect for all ages, too.
I highly recommend this!
May 24, 2026
Cinnamon has stereotypical cat personality as to be expected, except for the fact that he can talk. This is what makes this a great quirky series. This particular book doesn't actually have a murder to solve but rather an interesting mystery to solve. A very well written cozy with wonderful characters.
Review of advance copy
This book is about a pageant for Christmas decorations that earns the winner A big payout. I can't give it a five star but it would get a four and a half star rating if I could give it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2026
The characters in this book are delightful. Rowen, Daniel, Tilda and Cinnamon solve a mystery of magical recipes book.
I recommend this book for cat lovers and mystery lovers and for the holidays.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I recommend this book for cat lovers and mystery lovers and for the holidays.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2026
Cinnamon is back in this adorable short story and she has the pugs tagging along too. This was such a fun, cosy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A short, fun read. A Christmas story with mishaps happening that Rowan and Cinnamon help sort out.
Review of advance copy
A cute and cozy novella in the spirit of Christmas with a sick christmas tree and a missing baby Jesus.
I love Rowan and Cinnamon and love to follow them along as they solve yet another mystery!
I love Rowan and Cinnamon and love to follow them along as they solve yet another mystery!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews