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Moonglow Christmas #4

Nutcracker Sweets at Moonglow

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The small Montana town of Timberton tends to bring magic to the holidays, especially for guests of the local hotel. Resident artist and chef Mist has a way of touching people's lives with exquisite cuisine, imaginative art, and her own ethereal nature.

When a nearby theatre burns down just before Christmas, cast members of The Nutcracker arrive at the Timberton Hotel with only a sliver of holiday joy. Camaraderie, compassion, and shared inspiration combine to help at least one hidden dream come true. As with every Christmas season in Timberton, this year's guests will face the New Year with a renewed sense of hope.

*Recipes included!

105 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2018

263 people are currently reading
242 people want to read

About the author

Deborah Garner

36 books883 followers
Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

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5 stars
338 (55%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Baswell.
724 reviews29 followers
November 17, 2018
It’s that magical time of the year again at the Timberton Hotel. There’s new faces as well as old. Mist always weaves her magic to make every aspect of their Christmas stay unforgettable. This one seemed even more special than usual.

I so wish I could stay at the hotel, whether it’s Christmas or not. The stories draw me in every time. They make Christmas feel brighter, more festive and, yes, truly magical. Every time I finish the read, I want to start preparing for the holidays immediately. It is amazing how high my spirits become. If you ever need to get into the spirit of Christmas, this story will certainly do it.
Profile Image for Fee (Ebook Addicts).
1,471 reviews45 followers
November 18, 2018
One thing I have come to look forward to at this time of year is the lovely little Moonglow Christmas book that Deborah brings out.

There is something magical about these stories, and I am always left with a warm fuzzy feeling after reading one. Nutcracker Sweets at Moonglow was no exception.

The Timberton Hotel has a few new guest this year in the form of ballet dancers who are stranded after a fire broke out at the theatre and they were unable to make it home. Mist in her usual way manages to make each and every one of the guests feel welcomed and at home, and make dreams come true.

The cast of the Nutcracker, other guests and the ethereal Mist all leave you feeling warmhearted and also mouthwatering from all the delicious cookies (recipes of which can be found at the back of the book) that are described.

This a great little Christmas story read all snuggled up in a comfy spot with a warm cuppa. I can't wait to see what is in story next for Mist next year and how her romance blossoms with John.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews63 followers
November 16, 2018
All of the books in the Deborah Garner's "Moonglow" series are a treat for whatever ails you! They are sweet, thoughtful, clean books that will remind you about happiness and compassion and how easy it really is to achieve.

Dreams do and can come true as this story will prove--and yes--it sometimes takes more then one to make it happen.

There are no mysteries or thrills in these books--and they are not needed when you spend the holidays at Timberton hotel! Sit back with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and maybe a plate of cookies that you just made (quite a few delicious recipes at the back of the book) and get ready to be immersed in Love, Joy and caring!

Any of these can be read as a stand alone--but may I suggest you read them all!!
Profile Image for Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader).
1,475 reviews46 followers
December 14, 2023
The Timberton Hotel in Timberton, Montana, is a delight for guests and locals at any time of year, but it becomes simply magical at Christmas. Many individuals provide helping hands, but everyone knows that Mist, the resident artist and chef, is the magician of artistry for a breathtaking and festive experience combining her artistic talents, décor designs, chef innovations, kindness, thoughtfulness, and wisdom. As a local theater has had a fire, there are more needs than ever this year. Can Mist meet these unexpected needs of the cast members too?

If Christmas wishes could come true, I would be a guest at The Timberton Hotel every year. Thankfully, armchair travel is available as it is my favorite holiday series filled with enchantment from the 1st page to the last. The author's skill in sensory writing is flawless, creating imagery that enhances the storyline, characters' actions and reactions and evokes beautiful scenes in a reader's imagination as though the reader is one of the characters on the pages having the experiences too. History of a Christmas tradition is also brought to light, and all who have experienced the beauty of attending a performance of "The Nutcracker" will find special meaning in the storyline and/or may add it to next year's wish list of things to experience during the holiday season.

For all who love cookie exchanges, you'll be delighted to find many recipes from this year's annual cookie exchange event at the hotel included at the back of the novella.

p.s. Yes, the story can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, but I suggest starting with "Mistletoe at Moonglow" (Book 1) for the complete pleasure of growing friendships with sprinkles of Christmas stardust.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,459 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2020
Nutcracker Sweets at Moonglow by Deborah Garner was another sweet addition to this Christmas series set at the Timberton Hotel. I enjoyed seeing the regulars visitors as well as meeting those who are visiting for the first time. An easy afternoon "escape" read.
Profile Image for Nicki Conroy.
631 reviews11 followers
November 13, 2018
I have read and loved everyone of the Moonglow series but do not wait until you have time to read the whole series to get started. Nutcracker Sweets at Moonglow can be read as a standalone and you will not need to worry about the previous three. My guess is, once you've had a taste of the Moonglow series, you will want to read them all.

While I would not say I'm a gypsy type person, I love Mist's way of bringing art and longing into everyone at the TImberton Inn's life, whether you are a guest or a townsperson. She paints, she sews, she cooks. All of these are ways her art is given to everyone. I particularly love the small paintings she does for everyone staying at the Inn for Christmas.

Add to this a cookie exchange that you are given all the recipes for and you have a picture perfect Christmas at the Timberton. I cannot wait to try some of these recipes this year.

Get in the holiday spirit! Pick up a copy of Nutcracker Sweets at Moonglow and give it a read. You'll be ready to bake and decorate for Christmas in no time. I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Lily.
3,375 reviews118 followers
November 18, 2018
I love the Moonglow series, and I've started to look forward to reading a new installment each year. They're perfect for getting you into the spirit as days get shorter and colder. The Timberton Hotel is a place anyone can call home, and Mist always has something interesting up her sleeve. Even a fire at a local theater can't dampen the holiday spirit that permeates every nook and cranny of this charming tale.

Received as a gift
Profile Image for Ana Paula .
854 reviews29 followers
November 11, 2018
Each year the one book in Christmas I expect is The Moonglow Christmas series.
These are the sweetest books ever, literally, because the recipes at the back of the book are delicious.
Misty and Beth are wonderful hostesses at their dream hotel in Montana, cooking and greeting guests with love, friendship and so much care.

When a nearby theater burns down just before Christmas, cast members of The Nutcracker arrive at the hotel and are captured by their camaraderie, compassion, and shared Christmas spirit.

Misty is a wonderful character and now she has a companion in the professor John, which is so sweet.

I just loved this series and hope to be reading these books forever.
Profile Image for Erika Messer.
176 reviews19 followers
December 5, 2018
Christmas is without a doubt my favorite time of year, and I love to read holiday stories of all kinds. But there was something about the name of this series that just drew me into it, and I plan to read the other 3 books asap so I can put my reviews up for them as well! However, I did start with the book of the day - Nutcracker Sweets at Moonglow. The moment I started reading it I felt that warmth that the holiday season brings - including the baking aromas, the happiness, and the joy that comes along. Since I haven't read the first 3 books, I didn't know the characters - but I immediately fell in love with Mist and her beau Michael. And the fact that this story is set in a country inn was much better, it just is one of those perfect settings for a Christmas story :) Mist is one of those people who makes everyone feel good, plus she paints AND can cook! And you can feel her holiday spirit throughout the book - even though things are busy and they are rushed, she is still looking forward to the cookie exchange, the Christmas breakfast and dinner and all of the other parts. And of course since this is a small Montana town, the scenery is straight out of a Hallmark movie - the candy shop, the Timberton Hotel, all the decorations and festivities that go along with a great holiday. One of the things I really liked about this book was the characters - there are a lot of wonderfully diverse characters and names like Luisa and Rafael and Maisie and Clive. And for some reason they all reminded me of the names in the beautiful Nutcracker ballet, even if I can't remember the real names :) And then there is Maria, just a sweet little girl who had dreamed of becoming a ballerina - until an accident took away that chance and left her in a wheelchair. So the ballet really does impact this book a lot, as we see Maria still happy and dancing with her arms. And while a few people don't think that is enough, Mist can see that even if she can't actually dance, she is living her dream in another way. It's very heartwarming. And then on top of all that, they decide to do a miniature ballet skit for Christmas Eve so that Maria can participate. My heart melted, and I couldn't put this book down! I did love that there was a LOT of information and facts about the original Nutcracker ballet, such as it being in German and when it was performed - it added that little something extra to the story. And also a lot of information I didn't know before reading this! But when the reader and Maria learns that in the very first Nutcracker version the lead character was not Clara but Marie, I start bawling. It was just like it was made for little Maria. So when the ballet skit begins, I expected to see that Clara was being played by Maria - but it wasn't, she was being played by her friend Keira. Until the dream sequence, and then all of a sudden to everyone's astonishment, Clara is now being played by Maria. And when it's over everyone is amazed and awed. They brought joy to everyone and being able to be in the ballet brought the 2 girls joy. I can't help thinking of other children who never get the chance to do anything like this and I would just love for it to happen for all of them. Now I can't give away any more surprises, but trust me there are a few :) And I think you will be smiling as heartily as I was when you finish this book! Look for surprises at the end too :)

**I received a complimentary book to read but no review was required.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
November 21, 2018
While you can read this as a stand alone and enjoy it, especially with the plethora of fantastic recipes included (warning- you may gain weight just by paging through this delicious volume) I hope you will read this entire delightful series. A comfy spot is required for reading; soft, instrumental music as background is suggested.
Picking up a Moonglow book feels like visiting favorite friends.
You will not want to leave.

I did give this book 5 stars, because I loved it, but I found it a bit lacking in story compared to the previous installations of this series. As I said, you can read it as a stand alone but the magic is a continuation of Mist's residence and creations at the Timberton Hotel. Betty seemed sort of an afterthought this time. Not that having the book Mist centric is a bad thing.

The tension in the story seems to have happened before the book began. A nearby theatre burned down, leaving several of the players stranded. Fortunately they joined the celebrations at Timberton.
A mysterious person is among the guests this year, as well as two young girls. This all serves for an interesting mix as is found each Christmas at this particular hotel.

The book is sweet and warm, definitely clean, a worthy addition to a loved series. It was just lacking in some tension, even as there were unknowns included in the storyline.
If you love small town settings and holiday romance, nothing dangerous and scary , this is an escape read you will enjoy. Come for the desserts, stay for the story. I do recommend you read more than just this one book in the Moonglow Christmas series.
Profile Image for Ruth Hill.
1,115 reviews646 followers
November 28, 2018
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

This was my introduction to the Timberton Hotel, and I must say that I think I would have enjoyed the book much better had I read the other books. However, this is a charming Christmas tale in the most idyllic community imaginable. And featuring the Nutcracker in the way the story unfolded definitely made some Christmas magic for me. The author did a fantastic job of painting the scene and showing the hearts of these individuals. The fact that there was little conflict in the book was not necessarily a detriment to the story. After all, this is a light, holiday novella. And I could definitely see the possibility of Hallmark crafting an entire series of movies based on these novellas. However, I still would have appreciated just a little more conflict, but that is merely my opinion.

To be honest, my favorite part of the book was the RECIPES! That may sound trite or cheesy, but these recipes sounded so phenomenal that it made me want to drop everything immediately and start making every single one of them! I love the fact that some of the recipes are updated versions of holiday classics, but they still sound amazing.

If you are looking for a sweet story that encapsulates the meaning of the holiday season as well as a few timely holiday recipes, this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Tracy Helps You.
48 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2018
I always enjoy my annual visit to the Timberton Hotel, I enjoy catching up with old friends (that I met in the previous books). Reading these short novellas always helps me get in the Christmas spirit. I also love that she includes recipes that are mentioned in the story. This year I plan to make, Glazed Cinnamon Nuts, Peanut Butter Fudge & Lemon Crinkles 😊

This year Betty and Mist are expecting more than the guests actually in the reservation book … they will have guests from the local theater group as well. After a tragic fire burned down the theater, the a few of the dancers performing “The Nutcracker” need to find a place to stay. In addition to the actors and their regulars, we meet a young family whose daughter, Maria, is in a wheelchair, and an elderly woman, Olga, who has a bit of a mysterious air about her.

As usual, Mist has a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner planned, along with a special surprise …

If you love feel good, happy endings kind of stories, do yourself a favor and read this one … you’ll be glad you did!

5 Stars and 2 Thumbs Up 😊
Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 2 books37 followers
November 27, 2018
My husband caught me reading this in late October and gave me a hard time about getting started on the holidays "too early". As I age, I think my ice heart is melting because I am pulled right into books like this. I've read the first three books in this series and HAD to get my hands on this fourth one. I now consider them a part of my holiday tradition.

Within the first few pages, you'll be transported back into the magic of the Timberton Hotel. Mist is who I truly inspire to be. She is incredibly kind, caring, and full of compassion. Deborah Garner's characters and beautiful writing bring the scenes to life -- almost as if you're right in the middle of them. The magic in the performance brings everyone together and makes you believe in the good of people again! The cookie recipes included might also help....they're quite delicious!

I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for K.A. Davis.
Author 4 books492 followers
November 30, 2018
NUTCRACKER SWEETS AT MOONGLOW, the fourth book in the Moonglow Christmas novella series by Deborah Garner, is a delectable holiday story! While it’s not a mystery, it is a cozy read that imbues the reader with Christmas spirit. I was immediately drawn to the book by the cover… it’s probably one of my favorite holiday covers because I so enjoy the story of the Nutcracker. I greatly appreciate the bits of history surrounding this famous ballet that the author weaves into the tale. Once I started reading the book, I loved it even more because of the special way the Nutcracker ballet was woven in. I’ve been taking my granddaughter to see the Nutcracker ballet every December for 12 years now. No matter how hectic the season may be, we each make a huge effort to schedule the date months in advance so we don’t miss out. The ballet not only brings us the seasonal story but reaffirms that this is our special time together, not only creating a tradition but reliving our past experiences together. Ms. Garner so eloquently has the protagonist say in the book, “Memories are part of the magic of holidays.” And that is so very true. I look forward to reading the Moonglow Christmas stories each and every holiday because they are such a sweet way to get into the spirit of the season!

And speaking of sweets, there are the recipes at the back of the book… oh my, so many mouthwatering recipes! Timberton Hotel, the setting where the protagonist, Mist, works, hosts an annual Cookie Exchange party. I love how Ms. Garner weaves in several of the recipes that her fans provide for the book. They all sound amazing and perfect for the holidays.

I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2,130 reviews46 followers
November 26, 2018
Mist is working her magic at the Timberton Hotel. She intuitively knows what her guests need to bring them peace and contentment. I love reading The Moonglow Christmas series. Mist is such a wonderful character. Her goodness shines through and reminds me that there are caring people around. Her tender romance with Michael made me smile. I love that all of the characters in this novella are sharply defined. It's so easy to be drawn into their world. The sweet surprise was heartwarming. Deborah Garner has done a wonderful job with this series. Each story is a gem. I love that Nutcracker Sweets at Moonglow is filled with interesting facts about The Nutcracker as well as wonderful recipes that made my mouth water. I couldn't ask for more.
13 reviews
November 19, 2018
Nutcracker Sweets at Moonglow by Deborah Garner (The Moonglow Series, Book 4) is a delightful read to get into the Christmas spirit. A magical setting at The Timberton Hotel and all the characters in this book help in bringing a little girls dreams into reality. This book is light, delightful and the meals and treats sound amazing in it. I was delighted to find the recipes are included at the end of the story as some of them sounded so delicious. I have a couple picked out I want to make. I really enjoyed reading this story and now it’s time to get some baking done.

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
216 reviews8 followers
November 27, 2018
I absolutely love the Moonglow series, and this might be my very favorite of the books! Mist has an amazing way of making everyone feel at home, even in terrible circumstances. After a fire at a nearby theater some of the dancers stay at The Timberton for Christmas, and Mist makes magic happen, for the returning and new guests alike.

This is such a wonderful, feel-good holiday story, and it's a beautiful way to ring in the holiday season!
Profile Image for Cryssie Addis.
146 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2018
The only complaint I have about this book is not knowing how to check into Timberton Hotel for the holidays or how to become besties with resident chef, Mist?! I LOVE these books! Such a comfy read for the holidays that provide holiday cheer and hope. 
Profile Image for Joy Kidney.
Author 10 books59 followers
December 25, 2023
Another sweet story at a hotel over Christmas, complete with lots of guests, townspeople, food, and even a ballet. Dancers and those familiar with the Nutcracker ballet will enjoy it the most. A couple dozen recipes from the cookie exchange are included at the end.
Profile Image for Pat.
29 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2020
Easy and delightful holiday book

Great addition to the series about the Moonglow cafe in Montana. A real feel good book for Christmas that is a quick read.
Profile Image for Rachel.
655 reviews35 followers
November 16, 2018
Even though this is book four in the Moonglow series it is the first one I have read. It is a standalone book full of Christmas cheer. Misty and Beth are so welcoming and warm to everyone that enters Timberton hotel.

Coming through their doors this Christmas was some of the cast from a theatre production needed a place to stay because the theatre had burnt down. And they really couldn't have dreamed of a nicer place to spend their Christmas, it had a huge sense of togetherness and family even when the visitors were nothing more than strangers.

I really enjoyed this book, because it was such a nice, happy and joyful book to read. You can read it in one sitting and there is no suspense or drama just happiness in it. What is even better is all the recipes in the back of the book. I'll be making some of those soon.

I will definitely be grabbing the other three books in the series as it was a pleasant read.
Profile Image for Heather Jean.
10 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2018
I just discovered this series thanks to my daily BookBub emails. I love the characters and the sweet (pun intended) storylines that weave through the years. In fact, I bought my mom the series for her Kindle before I even finished the 2nd novella.

What disappoints me about the 4th installment is that it feels very rushed, like it was sent to the printer before a final edit. I read the Kindle version, so hopefully the print copies are cleaner, but there were so many typos and characters being misnamed that it detracted from the magic of the hotel and its guests.

Additionally, what happened to the professor’s family? Why didn’t they join him for the holidays? They live in the US now, so that was a plot hole for me.

I hope we get another chapter in the story next Christmas. I’m not giving up hope on the author. In fact, I’d like to read more of her novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nola Arganbright.
1,592 reviews32 followers
February 2, 2020
Sparkling

Another beautiful Christmas at the Moonglow Cafe. Heart warming and joyful are the words that come to mind when thinking of this series. An added bonus of Christmas recipes are included.
481 reviews12 followers
November 21, 2018
Delightful. This was the best Christmas book I've probably ever read. But that is probably because it was my introduction to the
Moonglow series.
Each of the books are written as a standalone. I was enchanted as I read and had a hard time putting this one down.

It was just a sweet story. Christmas is my favorite time of the year and meeting these characters brought out the spirit of the holidays.

The sweet spirit that Mist brings to the 'party' is charming and delightful. I wanted to join everyone for the holiday season.

The story revolved around the guests at the Inn. A few folks from a theatre group that got displaced by a fire and then a few random
or so it seems guests. Included in the mix is a couple and their
wheelchair bound daughter and a mother/daughter from the theatre group. The girls become fast friends with each other and an elderly woman guest.

When the theatre group offers to do a performance on Christmas
Eve everyone is delighted. With help from towns folks the inn is transformed into a lovely little theatre venue and everyone is entertained by a magical performance.

Nutcracker Sweets made me smile. I hated for the story to end.
I recommend this book to all readers. Since there is a lot about the two young girls I think it is great for any audience.

My only disappointment was there were no recipes for the fantastic food described that were served at the Christmas Eve Dinner buffet or the Christmas Day Brunch. But the reader gets a bunch of
Christmas cookie recipes!

I received a complimentary copy.
Profile Image for Andrea Guy.
1,482 reviews67 followers
November 28, 2018
Nutcracker Sweets At Moonglow is the first book by Deborah Garner that I've read and it was absolutely sweet! This is the fourth book in the series, but each book can be read as a standalone novel.



The Timberton Hotel has different guests this holiday season. A nearby theater had a fire and some of the performers need a place to stay. I absolutely love the way the ballet guests play a huge part in the holiday celebration at the hotel. I love the guests, especially the two young girls, Keira and Maria. Their role in the story is a perfect one and one that will warm even the coldest of hearts.


This was a sweet holiday read. I adored Mist and the other characters at the hotel. Mist is a new agey type girl and she has a sort of relationship with one of the regular guests, Michael. Then there's the relationship between Betty and Clive.


It is an absolutely sweet read that will get you in the mood for the holidays.
253 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2024
I am loving this series about the Timberton Hotel. This is just the sort of Hotel you want to stay in, cosy,personal, friendly and just yhe right season. I just love reading about all the guests, Betty, Mist who is so magical and just makes everyone so welcome. Some arrive with a lot on their mind but soon they are opening up to the other guests and building new relationships. Mist never has a price for the food or a set menu.,. The restaurant is open to both the public. You pay what you hotel guest alike. You just put inn what you think is an acceptable amount. Mist says they always had more than enough money for the next meal. Mist and her lovely little painting for each guest. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Elizabeth H..
1,075 reviews77 followers
December 14, 2024
This Christmas, a production of the Nutcracker makes one special young lady's dreams come true! Mist and the townsfolk of Timberton make this Christmas magical for the guests of the Timberton Hotel.

Things are looking up for Mist and Michael's courtship. Their romance is on a very slow simmer but I have hope that Mist will take some of her own advice and grab a little happiness for herself.

I keep forgetting to mention that after every book, there are cookie recipes from cookies showcased from Betty's cookie exchange event she puts on every year! They all sound so delicious!

I love reading these books and am looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Sophie Fox.
Author 2 books17 followers
December 18, 2024
This is the 4th story in the Moonglow Christmas series. It is the continuing story of Mist working at the Timberton Hotel at Christmastime. I'm enjoying the slow burn romance of Michael and Mist. Michael originally showed up as a guest at the hotel and returns each year. Over his visits, they have formed a bond and grow closer with each visit.
What I love about this series is that while there is no real in-your-face plot, it reads to me like I'm visiting the hotel and observing from the background. The author makes you feel like you're one of the hotel guests, too.
Bonus, there are tons of Christmas cookie and treat recipes at the end.
281 reviews
December 28, 2024
Enchanting!!

Another wonderful, magical read. Each story just gets better. This one which has a Nutcracker theme was especially poignant. I love the Nutcracker ballet and used to attend every year when my city had a full time ballet company. I love stories you can get lost in, imagining being there and partaking of all the festivities. The story line was another enchanting magical one. I see Mist as a Christmas Angel of sorts, weaving her special kind of wisdom, optimism and spreading good vibes and cheer. I recommend this book and series for anyone looking for a sweet, clean and delightful holiday story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews

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