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The Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries #6
A Campy Christmas
A Holiday novella. The Shoemakers and Ferraros plan to spend Christmas in Texas with Larry and Jane Ann’s brother and then take a camping trip through the Southwest. But those plans are stopped cold when they hit a rogue ice storm in Missouri and they end up snowbound in a campground. And that’s just the beginning. Includes recipes and winter camping tips.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2015
342 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
December 11, 2021
Even with the nasty winter weather halting their travels, the Shoemakers and Ferraros manage to maintain the spirit of Christmas when they find themselves stranded alone at a campground. This cozy read left me feeling charitable and filled with Christmas joy. I loved how their kind and generous hearts were open to helping animals caught in the cold, wintry weather. This light mystery with a nice healthy dose of Christmas spirit makes for a pleasant, fast read and an enjoyable holiday addition to the series.
December 5, 2016
Frannie Shoemaker was devastated to learn that both her daughter, and her son and his family wouldn’t be coming for Christmas – it would be just Larry and herself for the Christmas celebrations. That was until her sister-in-law and best friend, Jane Ann Ferraro and husband Mickey suggested they accompany them to spend Christmas with their family and get in a little camping as well.
As the two couples travelled in their campers toward Texas, the weather worsened – the rapid deterioration to a violent ice storm meant they needed to stop immediately; a nearby campground was as far as they would be able to go until the storm moved on. And as was usual for Frannie, the four of them found they had more adventures even while stuck in a snowstorm in a campground in Missouri…
A Campy Christmas is the 6th in the Frannie Shoemaker series and just as good as the first five. I love what the friends get up to – the mystery and intrigue plus light humour. A Campy Christmas is a fun and entertaining read and I highly recommend the complete series. I’m looking forward to the next already.
As the two couples travelled in their campers toward Texas, the weather worsened – the rapid deterioration to a violent ice storm meant they needed to stop immediately; a nearby campground was as far as they would be able to go until the storm moved on. And as was usual for Frannie, the four of them found they had more adventures even while stuck in a snowstorm in a campground in Missouri…
A Campy Christmas is the 6th in the Frannie Shoemaker series and just as good as the first five. I love what the friends get up to – the mystery and intrigue plus light humour. A Campy Christmas is a fun and entertaining read and I highly recommend the complete series. I’m looking forward to the next already.
November 3, 2016
After an unexpected change of plan, Frannie and Larry Shoemaker join the Ferraros on a camping trip for the Christmas holiday. Unfortunately they all get caught up in a snowstorm and find themselves stranded, with no electricity and no phone coverage. How are they going to get out of this difficult situation? And just who made those footprints in the snow?
This was a charming novella and I listened to the audio edition. I believe it is also available in print form and e-book. It is #6 in the Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries Series, and the first one I have read.
This is a wonderful way to while away an afternoon. What could be better than curled up by the fire with a cup of coffee, and listen to the Shoemakers and Ferraros struggle through a snowstorm! I really enjoyed myself, and will certainly check out the rest of the series. I was a little disappointed that there was no real mystery here, and certainly no body count, and I believe it was tamer than the other books in the series. Perhaps because this was a Christmas story it was a tad mild in the mystery stakes.
This audio version was narrated by Michelle Babb, and she did an excellent job of bringing the book alive for me.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
This was a charming novella and I listened to the audio edition. I believe it is also available in print form and e-book. It is #6 in the Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries Series, and the first one I have read.
This is a wonderful way to while away an afternoon. What could be better than curled up by the fire with a cup of coffee, and listen to the Shoemakers and Ferraros struggle through a snowstorm! I really enjoyed myself, and will certainly check out the rest of the series. I was a little disappointed that there was no real mystery here, and certainly no body count, and I believe it was tamer than the other books in the series. Perhaps because this was a Christmas story it was a tad mild in the mystery stakes.
This audio version was narrated by Michelle Babb, and she did an excellent job of bringing the book alive for me.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
September 20, 2016
A novella, Frannie Shoemaker's Christmas just disappeared with a call from her daughter telling she won't be home for the holidays. Frank's sister and her husband are heading to Texas to see their family. The Shoemakers joined them. Both RVs are trapped in a campground when a sudden blizzard occurs. First, they saved a bird, a dog and a homeless man from the weather. Frannie feels it is the best Christmas she has enjoyed. This is an excellent book for holiday reading.
November 2, 2016
I had a blast meeting Frannie, her husband and their friends once again on another camping trip. This is not really a mystery but a really great Christmas addition to the series. No need to read this within the order of the mysteries. Just enjoy it as a Christmas story with old friends from the mysteries.
Frannie Shoemaker is devastated that the family Christmas festivities she had planned are not going to happen since her daughter will be spending the holidays with her boyfriend skiing in Switzerland hand her son Ben is taking the family including the 2 grandkids to Disney World.
Last minute they decide to accompany Larry's sister Jane Ann and her husband Mickey for a camping trip to Texas to visit family. In Missouri they get stopped by a blizzard and make it just barely to a campground where they get stuck for Christmas. Despite everything that happens they are having a wonderful Christmas and not just for themselves....
Frannie Shoemaker is devastated that the family Christmas festivities she had planned are not going to happen since her daughter will be spending the holidays with her boyfriend skiing in Switzerland hand her son Ben is taking the family including the 2 grandkids to Disney World.
Last minute they decide to accompany Larry's sister Jane Ann and her husband Mickey for a camping trip to Texas to visit family. In Missouri they get stopped by a blizzard and make it just barely to a campground where they get stuck for Christmas. Despite everything that happens they are having a wonderful Christmas and not just for themselves....
December 15, 2016
It’s not going to be a very merry Christmas for the Shoemakers when both of their children make other plans for the holiday. Then, Frannie and her husband receive an invitation to join Larry’s sister and her husband on a camping trip to Texas with family. The Shoemakers get their camper ready and head on out for a very different type of Christmas celebration.
Things don’t go smoothly when they find themselves stranded in the middle of a blizzard. The Shoemakers and the Ferraros make the best of things despite a little mystery tossed into the mix.
This is a sweet Christmas novella with a little bit of mystery. No dead bodies or violence. It’s a “feel good” type of story. Perfect for this time of year.
I listened to the audio version of this one. The narrator, Michelle Babb, does an excellent job of drawing readers into the story. She’s become the voice of the Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mystery series. She makes each voice distinct and lively. Babb is a great storyteller.
This is the 6th book in the series, but it can be read on its own. It’s a great filler between full length books. Can’t wait for the next one.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an audio review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Things don’t go smoothly when they find themselves stranded in the middle of a blizzard. The Shoemakers and the Ferraros make the best of things despite a little mystery tossed into the mix.
This is a sweet Christmas novella with a little bit of mystery. No dead bodies or violence. It’s a “feel good” type of story. Perfect for this time of year.
I listened to the audio version of this one. The narrator, Michelle Babb, does an excellent job of drawing readers into the story. She’s become the voice of the Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mystery series. She makes each voice distinct and lively. Babb is a great storyteller.
This is the 6th book in the series, but it can be read on its own. It’s a great filler between full length books. Can’t wait for the next one.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an audio review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 6, 2021
I loved this novella which has an awesome Christmas message. This is the sixth book in a series I have been enjoying. Frannie’s plan for a family Christmas goes awry when her children decide to spend Christmas elsewhere. Her and Larry decide to join Larry’s sister and brother in law in a trip to see other family members. They are camping along the way when snow hits.
I was first drawn to this series by the main character sharing my name and being retired. The idea of a camping group of retired family and friends appealed to me in a big way. It’s been a long time dream of mine to have an RV and do just this. Well, minus the dead bodies that are a frequent occurrence. I was hooked on this series from the first book I read, (which I believe was out of order so you can read them that way). The mysteries are good. I find it more plausible to keep finding bodies when you are moving from campsites as opposed to a small town. Realistically, bodies are often found in national parks. There’s a lot of space to hide in. If I was in a small town where dead bodies kept showing up, I’d start looking for a new small town, just saying, ( though I adore many series set in them).
I really like the characters in this series. I feel like the author does a good job with giving everyone their own personalities and has them blending in realistic ways. In this story, we see how, even with differences, we can love each other and work together. I love the message I took from this story: even when your plans change, and then change again, you can still have a wonderful Christmas. Christmas, to me, has always been about who I was with, rather than what everyone got and what special food we had. I really enjoyed seeing that in a book. I’m not going into the mysterious part because you need something to discover on your own. There is a dog, though. My heart was happy.
I totally recommend this book if you need something with the Christmas Spirit. Otherwise, I would say, if you haven’t read this series, start now. It is an entertaining and interesting series. There are several goodies at the end of the book. Things like recipes and helpful camp hints. I loved the RV hints in this book.
I was first drawn to this series by the main character sharing my name and being retired. The idea of a camping group of retired family and friends appealed to me in a big way. It’s been a long time dream of mine to have an RV and do just this. Well, minus the dead bodies that are a frequent occurrence. I was hooked on this series from the first book I read, (which I believe was out of order so you can read them that way). The mysteries are good. I find it more plausible to keep finding bodies when you are moving from campsites as opposed to a small town. Realistically, bodies are often found in national parks. There’s a lot of space to hide in. If I was in a small town where dead bodies kept showing up, I’d start looking for a new small town, just saying, ( though I adore many series set in them).
I really like the characters in this series. I feel like the author does a good job with giving everyone their own personalities and has them blending in realistic ways. In this story, we see how, even with differences, we can love each other and work together. I love the message I took from this story: even when your plans change, and then change again, you can still have a wonderful Christmas. Christmas, to me, has always been about who I was with, rather than what everyone got and what special food we had. I really enjoyed seeing that in a book. I’m not going into the mysterious part because you need something to discover on your own. There is a dog, though. My heart was happy.
I totally recommend this book if you need something with the Christmas Spirit. Otherwise, I would say, if you haven’t read this series, start now. It is an entertaining and interesting series. There are several goodies at the end of the book. Things like recipes and helpful camp hints. I loved the RV hints in this book.
March 2, 2018
( Format : audiobook )
"Look at the size of those flakes."
Another camping trip with Frannie and Larry Shoemaker and friends, but this time it's a seasonal short. For the first time in 44years of marriage, the couple are preparing to spend a Christmas alone and Frannie is sad. So when a trip to Missouri to stay with in laws is suggested, they dust of the camper van and off they go.
Unfortunately, they are also pursued by a blizzard which strands the two families travelling together on a deserted campsite, for much of the time without power and little food, whilst snow piles up around them.
As always with these delightful stories, the characters are so well drawn, they could be the people next door. With some bickering and moaning, but also friendship and warmth, they face up to a Christmas Eve that they will never forget.
Perhaps this reader was slightly influenced by the blizzard blowing outside of her own window, but listening to this book was a thoroughly delicious hour and a half spent snuggled in front of the fire. As always, narrator Michelle Babb perfectly captures the conversational conflicts, the closeness of family and the general interest of all of the protagonists in their enjoyment of camping together. A good performance and, overall, a nice seasonal addition to the Frannie Shoemaker series.
"Look at the size of those flakes."
Another camping trip with Frannie and Larry Shoemaker and friends, but this time it's a seasonal short. For the first time in 44years of marriage, the couple are preparing to spend a Christmas alone and Frannie is sad. So when a trip to Missouri to stay with in laws is suggested, they dust of the camper van and off they go.
Unfortunately, they are also pursued by a blizzard which strands the two families travelling together on a deserted campsite, for much of the time without power and little food, whilst snow piles up around them.
As always with these delightful stories, the characters are so well drawn, they could be the people next door. With some bickering and moaning, but also friendship and warmth, they face up to a Christmas Eve that they will never forget.
Perhaps this reader was slightly influenced by the blizzard blowing outside of her own window, but listening to this book was a thoroughly delicious hour and a half spent snuggled in front of the fire. As always, narrator Michelle Babb perfectly captures the conversational conflicts, the closeness of family and the general interest of all of the protagonists in their enjoyment of camping together. A good performance and, overall, a nice seasonal addition to the Frannie Shoemaker series.
December 30, 2017
A campy Christmas, A Frannie Shoemaker Campground Adventure by Karen Musser Nortman
Frannie's kids and grandkids will not be at the Christmas this year. They all have other plans.
She had spent so much time decorating the house and getting tickets to the plays for them all...
On an impulse they get together their camper and go with their friends to TX and other places. Love how she organizes all the food and clothes they will need.
Road and nature hazards and they end up in a cmapground deserted for a night and witness strange happenings....
Men banter to no end...They find a man in the snow....love how this plays out.
Especially love the tips for when traveling in the winter and in the RV. Recipes and more tips at the end of the book.
Can't wait to read more of the books by this author. Many are summarized at the end.
Frannie's kids and grandkids will not be at the Christmas this year. They all have other plans.
She had spent so much time decorating the house and getting tickets to the plays for them all...
On an impulse they get together their camper and go with their friends to TX and other places. Love how she organizes all the food and clothes they will need.
Road and nature hazards and they end up in a cmapground deserted for a night and witness strange happenings....
Men banter to no end...They find a man in the snow....love how this plays out.
Especially love the tips for when traveling in the winter and in the RV. Recipes and more tips at the end of the book.
Can't wait to read more of the books by this author. Many are summarized at the end.
December 12, 2017
Although this story definitely works as a stand-alone, I probably would have liked it even more if I had read this series from the beginning. I loved this story, set at Christmas in a nearly-empty campground during a blizzard. Two couples end up there when they find themselves in the middle of the storm while traveling south. Though they are trapped by the storm with no power and spotty communication, they're determined to have a meaningful holiday together. I now want to find book #1 in this series so I can learn more about the characters and the fun camping theme this series offers!
December 14, 2017
Just a quick & easy read. Cute story with simply nice, endearing characters. I'll probably pick up the series of books for filler reading.
September 27, 2022
This was such a fun and short holiday story with some of my favorite characters. It demonstrates that not having a traditional Christmas celebration can still be a fun and meaningful time and really celebrates the reason for the season (taking care of others). Even with the terrible weather, I was left picturing a cozy, white Christmas in a camper with good friends and food.
October 26, 2016
I have to admit that I truly enjoy The Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mystery series by Karen Musser Nortman and “A Campy Christmas” is no exception. Unlike previous entries in the series, “A Campy Christmas” is not really a mystery; instead this is a lovely little tale that deftly weaves the spirit of Christmas into the story of a camping trip gone wrong without being overbearing.
Frannie Shoemaker is feeling a bit bereft as neither of her children will be home for Christmas. She and her husband Larry decide to pull their camper out of storage and join Larry’s sister, Jane Ann, and her husband Mickey on their trip to Texas to visit Larry and Jane Ann’s brother. Unfortunately, the four encounter a huge winter storm and are forced to take refuge in an isolated campground. How they deal with the consequences of the storm as Christmas approaches, make for a lighthearted but ultimately heartwarming story. I have always loved the interaction between the realistically drawn characters in this series and still do, as this book adds a little more depth to a couple of them. The relationships and banter between the four ring true, which is probably why I enjoy this series so much. It is rare to read a book where the characters really sound and act like real people.
Michelle Babb does a fine job with the narration. There is consistency from previous books to this one, and each voice is clearly distinctive. She does an excellent job with the pacing, as well.
I highly recommend this book. There is something about this series that truly resonates with me.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions stated are solely my own.
Frannie Shoemaker is feeling a bit bereft as neither of her children will be home for Christmas. She and her husband Larry decide to pull their camper out of storage and join Larry’s sister, Jane Ann, and her husband Mickey on their trip to Texas to visit Larry and Jane Ann’s brother. Unfortunately, the four encounter a huge winter storm and are forced to take refuge in an isolated campground. How they deal with the consequences of the storm as Christmas approaches, make for a lighthearted but ultimately heartwarming story. I have always loved the interaction between the realistically drawn characters in this series and still do, as this book adds a little more depth to a couple of them. The relationships and banter between the four ring true, which is probably why I enjoy this series so much. It is rare to read a book where the characters really sound and act like real people.
Michelle Babb does a fine job with the narration. There is consistency from previous books to this one, and each voice is clearly distinctive. She does an excellent job with the pacing, as well.
I highly recommend this book. There is something about this series that truly resonates with me.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions stated are solely my own.
May 22, 2017
No Christmas tree this year, Frannie is upset when neither her daughter or son is coming for home Christmas. Looks like it is just Frannie and Larry for the holidays, so Frannie decides not to decorate this year. At the last minute the Shoemakers decide to go to Texas with Ferraros to Larry and Jane Ann brother’s house. Due to a snowstorm the group has to make an unscheduled stop in Missouri. Snowed in and locked in a deserted campground, the power is out, they have limited supplies, and it’s Christmas Eve; Frannie can not think of a worse way to spend Christmas. After finding a set of footprints in the snow, Larry receives a call from the ranger says she would not be able to make it back the the campground any time soon. The amount of snow that fell overnight made the roads too dangerous for travel. The Ferraros and the Shoemakers decide to make the best out of the situation. Will the group have enough food and emergency supplies to get them through until the roads are reopened? Who does the mysterious footprints belong? Will this be a good Christmas?
This is a quick but enjoyable read. Author Karen Musser Nortman does not disappoint. Even though this book is much shorter than her typical Frannie Shoemaker books and the cast is limited, Nortman manages to pull off a well developed story including a mystery. I really enjoy how the families pull together to get through this storm. Being an animal lover, I really enjoyed that they took in the cold and hurt animals. I also enjoyed the way she had the group handle the other situation which I won’t spoil.
Once again narrator Michelle Babb was sensational in bringing the story and characters to life. Babb really is a delightful storyteller.
This is a quick but enjoyable read. Author Karen Musser Nortman does not disappoint. Even though this book is much shorter than her typical Frannie Shoemaker books and the cast is limited, Nortman manages to pull off a well developed story including a mystery. I really enjoy how the families pull together to get through this storm. Being an animal lover, I really enjoyed that they took in the cold and hurt animals. I also enjoyed the way she had the group handle the other situation which I won’t spoil.
Once again narrator Michelle Babb was sensational in bringing the story and characters to life. Babb really is a delightful storyteller.
May 12, 2017
Christmas is coming, and Frannie and Larry Shoemaker are not happy. Their children and grandchildren won't be coming.Their son is taking his wife and kids to Disneyland instead. Their daughter is headed to skiing in Switzerland with the current guy in her life, and promises, in lieu of the usual week at Christmas, a weekend near the end of January.
The Ferraros are similarly bereft of visiting offspring, and they all decide that, instead of sitting at home without their offspring, they'll hook up the campers and go visit Larry and Jane Anne's other brother and his family in Texas.
To get there, though, they have to travel through Missouri, where they get snowed in at a campground by a rogue storm.
There are no dead bodies or kidnappings this time, but Frannie and friends still find a mystery to solve: a homeless man who tells them to call him JC, and the dog he's been hanging out with.
This is just an enjoyable visit with old friends, a holiday trip that turns into a lot of fun in ways they never expected.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am reviewing it voluntarily.
The Ferraros are similarly bereft of visiting offspring, and they all decide that, instead of sitting at home without their offspring, they'll hook up the campers and go visit Larry and Jane Anne's other brother and his family in Texas.
To get there, though, they have to travel through Missouri, where they get snowed in at a campground by a rogue storm.
There are no dead bodies or kidnappings this time, but Frannie and friends still find a mystery to solve: a homeless man who tells them to call him JC, and the dog he's been hanging out with.
This is just an enjoyable visit with old friends, a holiday trip that turns into a lot of fun in ways they never expected.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am reviewing it voluntarily.
December 1, 2016
A good, clean, fun campground adventure. A cozy Christmas adventure. This is my first Frannie Shoemaker campground adventure. But it was just as enjoyable as her Time Travel Trailer series. It's a cute, light, entertaining and fun, spirit of Christmas story. I say spirit of Christmas but really it's about caring and helping someone in need no matter what time of year it is.
Setting off on a Holiday adventure they're plans suddenly change due to severe weather. Their adventurous holiday misfortune from weather turns into another mans miracle.
Michelle Babb did a great job with the narration. Pleasant voice. Easy to listen to. Clearly spoken with a nice even pace to her narration. Good character voices. She made the characters and the story come to life. Very enjoyable.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook by the narrator, author or publisher.
Setting off on a Holiday adventure they're plans suddenly change due to severe weather. Their adventurous holiday misfortune from weather turns into another mans miracle.
Michelle Babb did a great job with the narration. Pleasant voice. Easy to listen to. Clearly spoken with a nice even pace to her narration. Good character voices. She made the characters and the story come to life. Very enjoyable.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook by the narrator, author or publisher.
October 29, 2016
This was a short, fun novella in the Frannie Shoemaker series. It is unlike the others in the series in that there is no dead body, but hey, it's Christmas! The description was so good that I could feel the cold and the isolation that Frannie and her husband were experiencing in their trailer as the winter storm hit and the power went out in the campground. I loved that they and Frannie's brother-in-law and sister-in-law made the best out of a bad situation and had a good Christmas in spite of all the things that went wrong. I also really liked that the chapter titles were the names of Christmas carols. Nice touch!
The narration by Michelle Babb really puts you inside the story.
I was given a complimentary copy of this audio book.
The narration by Michelle Babb really puts you inside the story.
I was given a complimentary copy of this audio book.
February 11, 2018
I very much enjoyed this short but very good read. Dangerous weather can certainly make for a good suspense read, and this story did not disappoint. I liked all the characters(including the dog) and reading how they coped with a severe winter storm on their Christmas travel Holiday(why out- of-state roadtrips..... are a huge~ N-O for me after October!
Been there, done that, once was enough to learn our lesson!
Now going to start the second book in this author's Time Travel Trailer trilogy~
.
After I read Book-3, I will go back to reading her Campground series.
Been there, done that, once was enough to learn our lesson!
Now going to start the second book in this author's Time Travel Trailer trilogy~
.After I read Book-3, I will go back to reading her Campground series.
April 30, 2024
A Campy Christmas: A Frannie Shoemaker Campground ...
: Karen Musser Nortman
This is a clean little novella that goes along with the series. Frannie and Larry join the Ferraros as they head to Texas to spend Christmas with family. An unexpected blizzard in Missouri has them stranded at a campground.This is going to be a very different Christmas. I adore Frannie and friends, can't wait for the next book.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed, Michelle Babb made this story come alive!
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."
: Karen Musser Nortman
This is a clean little novella that goes along with the series. Frannie and Larry join the Ferraros as they head to Texas to spend Christmas with family. An unexpected blizzard in Missouri has them stranded at a campground.This is going to be a very different Christmas. I adore Frannie and friends, can't wait for the next book.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed, Michelle Babb made this story come alive!
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."
October 28, 2016
I always like a good cozy mystery, especially Christmas themed! My only issue with this story is it was over too soon.
Michelle Babb just has a wonderfully talented voice and you get drawn to each character and they become like old friends.
Frannie Shoemaker is disappointed this Christmas because non of her children are coming home this year to visit. When good friends Mickey and Jane Ann invite them to go camping on short notice they jump at the chance. Before long their trip turns into a life threatening situation and strange circumstances start taking place. What kind of trouble will Frannie and her friends find themselves into this time?
Michelle Babb just has a wonderfully talented voice and you get drawn to each character and they become like old friends.
Frannie Shoemaker is disappointed this Christmas because non of her children are coming home this year to visit. When good friends Mickey and Jane Ann invite them to go camping on short notice they jump at the chance. Before long their trip turns into a life threatening situation and strange circumstances start taking place. What kind of trouble will Frannie and her friends find themselves into this time?
January 8, 2017
Let's go camping! ...or not.
If you want a short escape from the real world, this novella is a good choice. It's got a lot of real world mixed into the book, which makes you feel like it's a story a friend would tell after the adventure they had. It's short, fast paced, and there's not a lot of fluff. Long enough to let you relax, yet short enough that you can read it in one sitting.
The story is told we'll, and I like the way this author writes. This is the first time I've read anything by Nortman, and I think I'll look up some of her other works.
Overall, a nice read. #housewisereview
If you want a short escape from the real world, this novella is a good choice. It's got a lot of real world mixed into the book, which makes you feel like it's a story a friend would tell after the adventure they had. It's short, fast paced, and there's not a lot of fluff. Long enough to let you relax, yet short enough that you can read it in one sitting.
The story is told we'll, and I like the way this author writes. This is the first time I've read anything by Nortman, and I think I'll look up some of her other works.
Overall, a nice read. #housewisereview
March 6, 2017
Frannie and Larry and Jane Ann and Mickey are spending Christmas on the road to Texas. Frannie's children made other plans for the holidays, so traveling with their best friends sounded like a great idea.
When a huge snow and ice storm hits in the middle of Missouri, the couples are lucky enough to find a camp ground. They pull their motor homes and set up to make it through the blizzard.
Events bring the true meaning of Christmas home to everyone. There is a bird, a dog and a stranger and all of them need help.
This is a lovely short story about the spirit of Christmas and the gift of family.
When a huge snow and ice storm hits in the middle of Missouri, the couples are lucky enough to find a camp ground. They pull their motor homes and set up to make it through the blizzard.
Events bring the true meaning of Christmas home to everyone. There is a bird, a dog and a stranger and all of them need help.
This is a lovely short story about the spirit of Christmas and the gift of family.
November 3, 2016
Frannie begins the holiday season in a funk, but when her sister-in-law/friend invites Frannie and husband (brother) to bring their trailer and go south to visit husband's brother for the holidays, she agrees that it is a good idea. The weather disagrees, and they wind up snowed in in a deserted but open state park. Their holiday mystery is a man who nearly freezes to death, and all are reminded of the true spirit of Christmas. Heartwarming.
Michelle Babb interprets the people and emotions very clearly and doubles the impact of this novella.
Michelle Babb interprets the people and emotions very clearly and doubles the impact of this novella.
December 4, 2015
Great Christmas read.
A short, fun, touching story. Karen is a great writer. I always enjoy her books. Camping in a snow storm is scary, but with your family along and new found friends it creates a warm scene. Great read for a chilly December evening. I was intrigued by the reason of one situation. ( Don't want to give anything away.) I especially liked the tips and recipes at the end of the book.
A short, fun, touching story. Karen is a great writer. I always enjoy her books. Camping in a snow storm is scary, but with your family along and new found friends it creates a warm scene. Great read for a chilly December evening. I was intrigued by the reason of one situation. ( Don't want to give anything away.) I especially liked the tips and recipes at the end of the book.
February 21, 2017
This was a cute short story about Frannie and Larry trying to figure out Christmas as the empty nest sets in. The kids made other plans and Frannie was so down and then her brother and his wife tell them to come with them and go west to spend Christmas with their brother Bob. On the way they get caught up in a blizzard with their campers and are lucky enough to find a campground to park their campers and ride out the storm. They have an adventure with no murders in this one. I loved it
November 3, 2018
A Campy Christmas by Karen Musser Nortman is another cozy mystery starring Frannie Shoemaker and her friends. This time it's Christmas and there's a storm on its way. All kinds of surprises await the gang and the author does a great job of keeping the reader's interest. A Campy Christmas is a great holiday book to read (or listen to as this reviewer did). The narrator, Michelle Babb, does a nice job of giving characters their unique voice, making for an enjoyable listening experience.
January 30, 2018
Christmas Made Simple.
Depressed and upset because for the first time neither one of their children or Brands will make it for Christmas Frannie and Larry decide to take their R V on a road trip. Along with Larry's sister and husband in their R V they set out to visit Larry's brother. Being trapped in a small camp ground by a snow storm, but vs about one of their most memorable Christmases ever. A great read.
Depressed and upset because for the first time neither one of their children or Brands will make it for Christmas Frannie and Larry decide to take their R V on a road trip. Along with Larry's sister and husband in their R V they set out to visit Larry's brother. Being trapped in a small camp ground by a snow storm, but vs about one of their most memorable Christmases ever. A great read.
January 25, 2016
This is book six of a series. I love the real life situations (or so it seems) that Frannie and her friends get into. The recipes and hints at the back of the book are a plus. To wake up to a snowstorm and no one else around - it happened to us! But having friends with you only makes it a great memory.
May 27, 2017
A Campy Christmas by Karen Musser Nortman was a great Read. This was a holiday novella in the Frannie Shoemaker Campground mysteries. The Shoemakers and Ferraro plan on spending Christmas in Texas. Their plans get thwarted by a storm and an unexpected death. I can't wait to read more by the author.
April 18, 2018
A Winner Indeed!
The Shoemaker series never disappoints! I like how the story progressed from a well planned idea to another adventure and finally a warm Christmas message for all. I have a tip of my own for Ms Nortman: To make homemade buttermilk, 1 cup of milk and add 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar. Let stand for 5-7 minutes and voila, buttermilk at your service!
The Shoemaker series never disappoints! I like how the story progressed from a well planned idea to another adventure and finally a warm Christmas message for all. I have a tip of my own for Ms Nortman: To make homemade buttermilk, 1 cup of milk and add 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar. Let stand for 5-7 minutes and voila, buttermilk at your service!
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