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Annabelle Archer #12

Claus for Celebration

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Wedding disasters are one thing. A missing Santa (who is presumed dead) is quite another.

This is no normal holiday season for DC's top wedding planners. Not only is the weather too warm for their winter wonderland wedding, but their neighborhood's singing Santa, Kris Kringle Jingle, is missing. On top of that, Annabelle’s engagement party is looming, and someone seems to be sabotaging their wedding plans. Can the Wedding Belles and their colorful crew find Santa, save the wedding, and stop the person who’s trying to make their lives a holly, jolly catastrophe?

Claus for Celebration is the 15th standalone book in the hilarious Annabelle Archer Wedding Planner Mystery series. If you like larger-than-life characters, madcap capers, and an insider’s look at glamorous society weddings, then you’ll love Laura Durham’s award-winning cozy mystery series.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2019

107 people are currently reading
142 people want to read

About the author

Laura Durham

30 books268 followers
I'm a writer and reformed wedding planner who loves quiet mornings, great books, paddle boarding, and blackberry cobbler.

I write humorous cozy mysteries about a wedding planner because I like books that make me laugh and because, after planning weddings for twenty years, I have a long list of people to kill.

To try my first novel for free, go to http://www.freebook.lauradurham.com

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5 stars
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57 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Yvonne.
308 reviews5 followers
December 22, 2019
This is my favorite Annabelle Archer mystery yet! Well done!
Profile Image for Sandra.
643 reviews8 followers
December 12, 2019
Clause for Celebration by Laura Durham is another fun and engaging story in Annabelle Archer Mystery series.

This is a seasonal book right in time for the most magical time of the year. Annabelle is having her hands full. what with her own engagement party, her upcoming wedding but also an unplanned wedding for a client. The said client has diched her previous wedding planner, who unfortunately happens to be Brianna, Annabelle's long time nemesis, and the gang is giving their best trying to plan the perfect wedding.
At the same time Nick Claus, a local homeless man, who's Christmas carolling is Georgetown tradition has gone missing. His friends are more than worried about him, especially when his bloody Santa suit shows up but without Nick.
Annabelle and her trusty friends together with detective Reese start a search for the missing man. Even though Annabelle insists she has no intention of getting involved opportunities for asking few questions here and there can't be passed.

Absorbing and entertaining tale set during the holiday season is the perfect read for this time of year.
It has compelling mystery, it has holiday cheer, it has humor and drama already expected of the gang.
It is a really pleasure to be able to spend time with these characters during holidays as it feels like spending time with friends.
This is the great blend of Christmas magic and mystery.
Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa G. Hudson.
697 reviews62 followers
January 1, 2020
WHERE’S SANTA CLAUS?

There are a few authors that I can always count on to make me laugh and Laura Durham is definitely on that list! CLAUS FOR CELEBRATION is the latest release in her wonderful Annabelle Archer Mystery Series. In this novella, Annabelle & her associates find themselves in strange circumstances. They agreed to plan 2 Weddings during their self proclaimed “dead zone” of the Christmas Holidays. Of course, one Bride has requested “A Winter Wonderland” and DC is in the midst of a winter heat wave! Even more pressing, the beloved neighborhood Singing Santa has gone missing! Can Annabelle keep her promise to her hunky Detective fiancé and not get involved in the search? Will the two lovebirds EVER set their own Wedding date? Settle in and enjoy another delightful offering from this wonderful author. Didn’t read it before Christmas? Don’t worry! You’ll laugh just as much any time of the year!

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
6,020 reviews45 followers
December 10, 2019
For wedding planners who don’t plan general events, after Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is a down time. Time to get all your wedding wear repaired and polished; time for vacations, time to add holiday surcharges for the few events that did take place.

Somehow Annabelle managed to get booked into an holiday season wedding and her own engagement party in the same weekend. Especially crazy, since caterers and florists have insane schedules thru the new year, limited supplies and staff, as well as serious extra fees for any additions or changes.

Throw in a missing a Santa, and some supposed to be good guys behaving badly, and the season is even crazier.

Can’t wait until she finally walks down the aisle herself!

Fun and Santa-tastic read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
229 reviews5 followers
December 10, 2019
It's Christmastime in Washington, D.C. but a heat wave has made the city a little crazy. Annabelle and her Wedding Belles crew is busily getting ready for several holiday weddings and parties but when a Georgetown icon goes missing, it's all hands on deck to solve the mystery. Unfortunately, a rival wedding planner is causing additional problems for the gang and vigilantes seem to be taking over Georgetown. I love the quirky characters that make up Annabelle's close knit group and I especially love her curious nature and her inability to stay out of crime solving. Her fiancé, a local detective, is a lovable supporting and stabling force for them all. I love this series and I highly recommend this book especially if you love Christmas cozies.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
December 9, 2019
Brilliant! My favorite holiday book this year. The crew is back in all their seasonal eccentricity.

It is a few weeks before Christmas, D.C. is experiencing a heat wave, and Santa goes missing. A beloved street performer, Kris Kringle Jingle, goes missing and his suit is found covered in blood. Reese is busy investigating a rash of crimes and criminals are being caught by vigilante Santas. Annabelle and Kate are unusually busy at this time of year planning a few weddings and preparing for Annabelle and Reese's engagement party. Someone is sabotaging their winter wonderland wedding and the ladies need to get to the bottom of it. Typical day at Wedding Belles.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2 reviews
December 9, 2019
FEWER CORPSES BUT EXTRA SUSPENSE
In her latest Wedding-Planner mystery, Laura Durham ops for a slightly gentler plot without multiple murders. Instead, she supplies intriguing questions that force the reader to happily keep turning the pages. Someone is aiding the police by repeatedly catching criminals in the act, tying them up, dressing them in Santa hats, and notifying the authorities. But who and why? The author keeps us wondering until the very end. As with all Durham’s books, CLAUS FOR CELEBRATION features wacky but believable characters, memorably funny dialogue, and fast moving, colorful narrative. This sparkling addition to the series is a perfect holiday read but actually they all are due to the light touch and abundant humor. As always, I’m eagerly awaiting the next volume.
168 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2019
Books in this series never disappoint. It has a little of everything — mystery, romance, comedy, Christmas, weddings, backstabbing, crime fiction, friends helping one another, The plots were realistic and had lots of twists and turns. I figured out parts as the story progressed but got some surprises at the end. I love the madcap cast of characters and enjoy the inside look at the wedding and event industry. The police were kept busy in this novel as well. Definitely the best Christmas-themed book I have read this year. If you like mysteries and want a holiday pick-me-up, this book is for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
199 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2019
Only Annabelle Archer can remain so calm amid wedding and engagement party chaos in an unusually warm December. Perhaps because she's surrounded by very talented people who are her best friends. I love these books because there is so much humor and despite the glitz and glamour Annabelle is such a down to earth person. The story is well written and the characters are people I really want to know. It definitely kept my attention to the very end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
December 9, 2019
As with the rest of the books in Laura Durham's Wedding Belles series, this one hits the mark. Her memorable cast of characters is here in all their quirkiness. I enjoy watching them develop and interact. The plot of this one is clever, and the writing is smart and funny. I can't wait for the next one to see if we have one wedding or a double ceremony, which probably would drive the whole crew completely over the top. Enjoy this holiday romp.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amy Duke.
41 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2019
Loved this one but then again I love them all! Every time I start one of the books in the Annabelle Archer series I feel like I'm reconnecting with familiar friends. This one didn't disappoint. Love the twists and even if some of it seems predictable it was exactly what I needed to go into the Christmas season. I've been waiting to hear more about the characters history and the ending leaves me counting down for the next book. Great job Laura!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
709 reviews5 followers
December 9, 2019
As if holidays are not busy enough already, wedding planners Annabelle and Kate needs to pull off a last minute wedding amidst sabotage from a fellow planner, Annabell's own engagement party to cop fiancé Reese and trying to find missing singing Santa Kris Kringle Jingle. Will they be adding another body to their discovery count as another two go missing or will there be a happy ending this holiday?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,352 reviews18 followers
December 11, 2019
A perfect addition to the Wedding Belles series and a great mystery. When you have a Santa go missing, a winter wonderland wedding during a heat wave, drama, mystery and danger with some suspense and romance you have the makings of a great story. Grab your copy today and get ready to laugh out loud as you enjoy this wonderful holiday mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Profile Image for Susan Kierl carpenter.
15 reviews
December 14, 2019
Where did Kris Kringle Jingle disappear to? What is going on with Annabelle an Reese? Is Kate finally going to fall in love? What is going on when all of the crimes being committed are leaving the bad guys left tied up wearing Santa hats? Who is doing all of this sabotage to this weekend's wedding that Wedding Belles is planning. Kate is planning a engagement party for Annabelle and Reese will it happen?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,780 reviews9 followers
April 11, 2020
Santa is everywhere this year, but one has disappeared. Plus, criminals are being found dressed up in holiday Santa clothes and someone is messing with Annabelle and Kate’s wedding planning. Things are escalating and Annabelle is determined not to get in the middle of another investigation. Best laid plans and all....
Wonderful, funny, outrageously good!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dorothy  Scott.
919 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2019
Annabelle has overbooked her holiday down time, and is feeling stressed. However, her life becomes more complicated by spiteful sabotage and the suspicious disappearance of the neighborhood’s favorite singing Santa. Claus for Celebration is an excellent holiday escape I recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Evonne Hutton.
1,342 reviews10 followers
December 9, 2019
Santa is missing and presumed dead!
The entire homeless community is in an uproar!
A vindictive rival has in in for our Belles.
In the middle of all this plus weddings and events to take care of, they still have to investigate!
A riotous story line with a festive cast.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pat Eroh.
2,617 reviews32 followers
December 10, 2019
This is a fun cozy mystery with fabulous characters. I love Annabelle and all of her friends. This book is well-written with plenty of twists to keep me guessing to the end. I am looking forward to the next book by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.1k reviews8 followers
December 10, 2019
Book fifteen in the Annabelle Archer Wedding Planner Mystery series, missing Santa's, mystery, suspense, drama, danger, wedding plans going wrong, villains, romance, and the group of friends getting together. This story had me smiling as I read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,401 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2019
Annabelle’s engagement party is almost here. And of course, everything could go wrong. The winter-themed wedding complete with hot cocoa is set to go in 70-degree weather. A New Year’s wedding has been added at the last minute. And now the homeless, singing Santa is missing. Naturally, Annabelle won’t become involved .

Perfect for the Christmas season and sooo enjoyable.
18 reviews
July 23, 2020
A laugh a page!

The wedding planner pals will keep you laughing as you try to solve the mysteries with them. I love that they are working together and also are good friends. To the motley mix add Reese, Annabelle's plus one and a police officer to boot, Leatrice, her dotty friend and neighbor, with her Sweet Pea Sidney, and a few other characters just for fun.
Profile Image for Lorna Francis.
476 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2024
Festive reading at its best! Wonderful, witty, heartwarming and more. This action packed, high octane, highly entertaining read was wonderful, witty and heartwarming. Festive reading at its best! Laura Durham has a talent in creating wonderfully complex and interesting characters, that entice and intrigue. Needless to say, I love the Annabelle Archer series.
132 reviews
December 9, 2019
Another Annabelle wedding adventure! Comical, witty, just very entertaining! Can be read as an independent book but starting at the beginning will definitely allow you to see the characters grow. A wonderful way to help you get in the holiday spirit!
Profile Image for Christine Drum.
6 reviews
December 10, 2019
Brilliant read yet again, I always feel like I'm reading about my friends and I never manage to work out who did it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
297 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2019
Wedding plans for Christmas

Wedding planning with a side of crime. Fun cozy mystery series featuring Annabelle Archer as D.C. wedding planner. Quirky characters and offbeat adventure keeps this series fresh
26 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2019
Holiday Hilarity!

A perfect break from holiday stress. Sit back, relax and be entertained by Annabelle and her quirky entourage. I really enjoy how each character has developed over this series. There is always something new and unexpected as well!
Profile Image for Nicole.
589 reviews10 followers
December 15, 2019
Santa’s and crime!

I love weddings belles and annabelle archer! Great fun for a Christmas story without being a cheesy Christmas story. Love this merry band of wedding planners and team and the crimes they get involved in!
Profile Image for Jean Cummings.
9 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2019
A Cut Above

This novel is lots of fun to read! The mystery is well written and difficult to figure out early.

I enjoyed the main character and her fiancé who was a strong personality but demonstrated his love throughout.
Profile Image for Gisela Crossley-zels.
164 reviews
January 21, 2020
I always get very excited when Laura Durham comes out with a new book as I know I'll have a few hours of fun This time was no exception. Well written with quirky characters, humor and well formulated believable dialogues Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Shirley.
55 reviews
January 21, 2020
Fun, frothy and familiar yet I didn't enjoy it as much as the others in the series. Perhaps I should have read it as soon as I bought it during the Christmas season instead of January when the tinsel is a tangled heap and the baubles are packed away.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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