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Aurora Aspen Magical Holiday Mysteries #1
Claus for Concern
It’s Christmastime in Shady Corners, and Aurora “Rory” Aspen is ready to sleigh the season with her fabulous holiday parties.
Rory has known she was a witch since toddlerhood. And it’s been all good—she has a knack for enhancing the natural magic surrounding holidays and uses that to its full advantage to spruce up her parties. She has a great life, with a supportive dad and a sweet but zany best friend.
But then the small-town sheriff keels over into the Christmas tree at one of her events. Rory’s ex-boyfriend, Cam, whom she absolutely has not been pining over . . . much . . . is accused of the murder. Unable to resist his pleas for help, Rory branches out to find the real killer and get Cam released.
As if that wasn’t enough to do, Rory’s absent mom pops up like the ghost of Christmas past. And she’s got news that could change Rory’s life forever. Add to that a strangely knowledgeable Santa with a sack full of dubious advice, a missing corgi, and a sweet but trouble-making German shorthaired pointer, and it looks like Rory’s in a jolly big pile of trouble!
Can Rory keep it together long enough to figure out who’s really on the naughty list? Or will she get run over by a reindeer and left for dead herself?
Rory has known she was a witch since toddlerhood. And it’s been all good—she has a knack for enhancing the natural magic surrounding holidays and uses that to its full advantage to spruce up her parties. She has a great life, with a supportive dad and a sweet but zany best friend.
But then the small-town sheriff keels over into the Christmas tree at one of her events. Rory’s ex-boyfriend, Cam, whom she absolutely has not been pining over . . . much . . . is accused of the murder. Unable to resist his pleas for help, Rory branches out to find the real killer and get Cam released.
As if that wasn’t enough to do, Rory’s absent mom pops up like the ghost of Christmas past. And she’s got news that could change Rory’s life forever. Add to that a strangely knowledgeable Santa with a sack full of dubious advice, a missing corgi, and a sweet but trouble-making German shorthaired pointer, and it looks like Rory’s in a jolly big pile of trouble!
Can Rory keep it together long enough to figure out who’s really on the naughty list? Or will she get run over by a reindeer and left for dead herself?
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2020
116 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 22, 2021
I was so excited to hear that the author was releasing a new story and what fun that it is a holiday story. I began the read with the intention to read a few chapters and then savor the rest of the weekend but that never happened, LOL. I read it all in one afternoon and loved every moment.
In this story we meet Rory in her fantastic themed small town during a very dramatic holiday party. Thus begins the mystery with clues and twists and an amazing case of characters. I loved the details of the town and how everyone is connected and supportive. I loved the side, small mystery as well. It was a fun addition.
The way the story is written the readers gets very involved not only in trying to figure out who the murder is but also in the lives of the characters. I found myself talking back to each of the characters and asking questions and telling them they may or may not be acting guilty. LOL.
This is a really enjoyable and fun story and I would highly recommend it to all readers looking for a quality story, a holiday read and for lovers of mysteries. I cannot wait to go back to this town and visit my friends again soon.
In this story we meet Rory in her fantastic themed small town during a very dramatic holiday party. Thus begins the mystery with clues and twists and an amazing case of characters. I loved the details of the town and how everyone is connected and supportive. I loved the side, small mystery as well. It was a fun addition.
The way the story is written the readers gets very involved not only in trying to figure out who the murder is but also in the lives of the characters. I found myself talking back to each of the characters and asking questions and telling them they may or may not be acting guilty. LOL.
This is a really enjoyable and fun story and I would highly recommend it to all readers looking for a quality story, a holiday read and for lovers of mysteries. I cannot wait to go back to this town and visit my friends again soon.
December 11, 2022
Claus for Concern by Paula Lester is the first in the "Aurora Aspen Magical Holiday" series of cozy, paranormal mysteries. The main character is event planner (and novice witch) Aurora "Rory" Aspen.
Rory's business, Aspen Events, is taking off and her services are in demand. That may change, however, when the sheriff of Shady Corners drops dead at one of her holiday parties. Once it's determined that he was poisoned, Rory's ex-boyfriend, Cameron Wright, is arrested for the crime. Rory is convinced that Cam had nothing to do with it, and she sets out to prove it. Rory has always been able to harness the elevated spirits and magic that surround holidays, and she'll need all the help she can get to find out who really murdered the sheriff and why.
The story was cute and entertaining. There were multiple suspects, but not so many as to be confusing. Rory's father is a steadying presence in her life, especially since her mother is abroad. Rory has a zany BFF named Isla who does the catering portion of the events that Rory handles. Most of the narrative dealt with the investigation, although there was a notable sub-plot in which Rory used her powers to help a little boy find his lost dog. Biggest complaint? Spoiler!!! One hot hour after the sheriff died, the inexperienced officer who was second in command marched into the party and arrested Cam. Why? Because he served the sheriff his drink. Um, first of all, a cause of death would need to be determined. Toxicology reports take WEEKS, not minutes. Also, various people would be questioned to determine motive and opportunity. I may be nit-picking, but that was absurd. The author could have portrayed Cam as the primary suspect and still had the story play out the way it did.
A charming holiday read, overall. Four stars.
Rory's business, Aspen Events, is taking off and her services are in demand. That may change, however, when the sheriff of Shady Corners drops dead at one of her holiday parties. Once it's determined that he was poisoned, Rory's ex-boyfriend, Cameron Wright, is arrested for the crime. Rory is convinced that Cam had nothing to do with it, and she sets out to prove it. Rory has always been able to harness the elevated spirits and magic that surround holidays, and she'll need all the help she can get to find out who really murdered the sheriff and why.
The story was cute and entertaining. There were multiple suspects, but not so many as to be confusing. Rory's father is a steadying presence in her life, especially since her mother is abroad. Rory has a zany BFF named Isla who does the catering portion of the events that Rory handles. Most of the narrative dealt with the investigation, although there was a notable sub-plot in which Rory used her powers to help a little boy find his lost dog. Biggest complaint? Spoiler!!! One hot hour after the sheriff died, the inexperienced officer who was second in command marched into the party and arrested Cam. Why? Because he served the sheriff his drink. Um, first of all, a cause of death would need to be determined. Toxicology reports take WEEKS, not minutes. Also, various people would be questioned to determine motive and opportunity. I may be nit-picking, but that was absurd. The author could have portrayed Cam as the primary suspect and still had the story play out the way it did.
A charming holiday read, overall. Four stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2021
I enjoyed this book but then again I haven't come across any book by this author that I haven't loved. She is that talented. She has a way of sucking the reader or listener into the story by creating wonderful characters that you want to spend time getting to know, well except the killer of course. Aurora is no different and is just as like able. How the author continues to come up with new and interesting heroines I have no idea but she does. The mystery was good and although I had guessed the killer, it was more because the person didn't seem to have a motive than anything obvious but thinking back there was clues. I liked the magic in this book, it wasn't over the top and just added a sparkle to this new fun cozy mystery. I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
Aurora "Rory" is rushed of her feet making sure that the mayor of Shady Conrners Christmas party goes off without a hitch but even her witch powers couldn't help when the sheriff crashes into the Christmas tree. With his death an inexperienced deputy is left in charge and she is quick to arrest the man who served the dead man his beer. The problem is Cam is Rory's ex boyfriend and was only hired as a server the day before by her best friend. She might have fallen out of love with him but that doesn't mean she wants to see him locked up for a crime he didn't commit. With the festive season in full swing Rory has lots of parties to plan giving her plenty of opportunities to investigate his wife and his rival the mayor. Can Rory use her spirit magic to find the killer before the holidays is over and when she is at her most powerful or will Cam spend Christmas in jail?
I think this book would make for a great audio book.
Aurora "Rory" is rushed of her feet making sure that the mayor of Shady Conrners Christmas party goes off without a hitch but even her witch powers couldn't help when the sheriff crashes into the Christmas tree. With his death an inexperienced deputy is left in charge and she is quick to arrest the man who served the dead man his beer. The problem is Cam is Rory's ex boyfriend and was only hired as a server the day before by her best friend. She might have fallen out of love with him but that doesn't mean she wants to see him locked up for a crime he didn't commit. With the festive season in full swing Rory has lots of parties to plan giving her plenty of opportunities to investigate his wife and his rival the mayor. Can Rory use her spirit magic to find the killer before the holidays is over and when she is at her most powerful or will Cam spend Christmas in jail?
I think this book would make for a great audio book.
December 15, 2021
To be fair, I cannot really take off points for this story having all the hallmarks of a proper cozy mystery (ergo, makes no sense): incompetent police, small town where everybody knows everything about everyone, nosy amateur sleuth who just happens to be related to or friends with the person wrongly accused of a crime and who, therefore, MUST figure out what happened. It's all there. Arrest made for a murder at a party while the party is still ongoing. That is some quick police work. For me, cozies only work if the people and place are particularly appealing. We really don't know much about the place except that it is a small town ... which begs the question of how does a party planner make a living in a small town? I'm left ambivalent about the main- and side-characters. I wavered between thinking the story was cute and had potential and thinking that the whole story was just stupid, because it was too, too much a cozy mystery. Cute cover, though.
January 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this story about a girl who can make the holidays brighter and happier by just infusing her intention behind her desire. This works because she she is a witch of course but I recommend this book be read at any time throughout the year because with the state our country and the world is in we need something to make us feel happier to even out the doom and gloom of our media and things in general!
This is the first of three books about this girl who is finally embracing the fact that she is a witch and may be able to do more than just making people happier though that would be enough in anyone’s book!
I recommend you get this book and then the next two in the series to follow Rory’s adventures. I believe you’ll be happy you did!
This is the first of three books about this girl who is finally embracing the fact that she is a witch and may be able to do more than just making people happier though that would be enough in anyone’s book!
I recommend you get this book and then the next two in the series to follow Rory’s adventures. I believe you’ll be happy you did!
December 7, 2021
Christmas Magic
Aurora (Rory) was a witch, a fact known only to a few people. Her father, her best friend, and her mother. She is an event planner and occasionally uses her magic to embellish her decorations. When the sheriff is murdered at her party at he mayors house, her ex Cam is arrested for it. Her world is turned upside down as she works free him. An enchanting tale of the magic of the holidays.
Aurora (Rory) was a witch, a fact known only to a few people. Her father, her best friend, and her mother. She is an event planner and occasionally uses her magic to embellish her decorations. When the sheriff is murdered at her party at he mayors house, her ex Cam is arrested for it. Her world is turned upside down as she works free him. An enchanting tale of the magic of the holidays.
December 25, 2021
This was a cute little read. Aurora aspen has a magical power because she is a witch, she uses the power of holidays to give things a little boost. Her life is going pretty good until someone dies at one of her parties and her ex boyfriend is charged with the murder. And on top of that she wonders why her mom just up and left one day. Discovering these secrets while learning to hown her craft makes one interesting book.
November 30, 2020
Five star fun!!
Rory has a way with the holidays that no one else will ever have. She can amplify all the wonders of any holiday with her heartfelt thoughts and a twist of her wrist. But will her powers be of any use when her former sweetheart is accused of murder???
Paula's new series promises to be a good one. Highly recommend for a good, clean, fun read.
Rory has a way with the holidays that no one else will ever have. She can amplify all the wonders of any holiday with her heartfelt thoughts and a twist of her wrist. But will her powers be of any use when her former sweetheart is accused of murder???
Paula's new series promises to be a good one. Highly recommend for a good, clean, fun read.
December 2, 2020
This story certainly was not what I expected when I started it. There is a lot going on in Rory's life: things she doesn't understand about who she is, the powers she has, where her mother is (why did she leave her & her father) & most importantly who committed the murder. I very much enjoyed this first book of a new series.
December 29, 2021
Cute book. Rory Aspen reminds me of Sabrina the teenage Witch, so if you are a fan of that TV series, then you will like this book. Rory is an event planner. At a holiday party she has planned for the Mayor, the sheriff is murdered. When Rory's ex-boyfriend is arrested, she knows she needs to step in to help him, of course, using her magic.
December 24, 2024
DNF. A book that felt like it was full of caricatures, not characters. The heroine stated that the town's gaol had 2 cells, then eight pages later, she stated that she didn't know the town's gaol had 2 cells! I read the first 6 or 7 chapters, then skipped to the end. Didn't feel like I missed anything.
September 14, 2025
For all Holiday lovers!
I’ve always been someone who loves the Holidays, especially the Fall through Winter ones. It can be 100 degrees outside, but, inside with the air on, and a Christmas story in my hand, I’m happy!
Rory is a great character, and her dad and friends, only make these stories better! I can’t wait to read the next book!
I’ve always been someone who loves the Holidays, especially the Fall through Winter ones. It can be 100 degrees outside, but, inside with the air on, and a Christmas story in my hand, I’m happy!
Rory is a great character, and her dad and friends, only make these stories better! I can’t wait to read the next book!
June 3, 2021
Smart mystery
I wasn't sure what to expect from this series though I have enjoyed Paula Lester books. This was an ingenious approach to the magic of holidays. This maybe my favorite series by Lester.
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I wasn't sure what to expect from this series though I have enjoyed Paula Lester books. This was an ingenious approach to the magic of holidays. This maybe my favorite series by Lester.
.
January 6, 2022
Magical Holiday
This is an entertaining first in series story about a witch coming into her abilities in a small town and solving a murder mystery. Thanks Paula Lester for sharing this fantastic book.
This is an entertaining first in series story about a witch coming into her abilities in a small town and solving a murder mystery. Thanks Paula Lester for sharing this fantastic book.
February 16, 2022
Magical
Aurora Aspen is such a charmer! The magic is unusual, her family backstory holds a reader's interest, and the murder mystery is competently written. Even Rory's break-up makes sense (although a simple conversation could have cleared the air). This is a real treat!
Aurora Aspen is such a charmer! The magic is unusual, her family backstory holds a reader's interest, and the murder mystery is competently written. Even Rory's break-up makes sense (although a simple conversation could have cleared the air). This is a real treat!
May 15, 2021
Very nice
This was a nice little cozy. Loved the idea of a spirit which and can't wait find ring out what Rory really can do.
This was a nice little cozy. Loved the idea of a spirit which and can't wait find ring out what Rory really can do.
December 8, 2021
Mystery and magic
Absolutely perfect for the Christmas season..I love the idea of a sweet young woman finding Her special kind of magic right before Christmas ..
Absolutely perfect for the Christmas season..I love the idea of a sweet young woman finding Her special kind of magic right before Christmas ..
December 12, 2021
Very enjoyable tale
Paula created a unique and fun plot to go with a great group of characters making this hard to put down
Paula created a unique and fun plot to go with a great group of characters making this hard to put down
December 20, 2024
Novella length, but it has a nice plot and I enjoyed the characters.
Give it a go!
Give it a go!
December 24, 2024
Loved it!
What a great Christmas story and beginning of a, hopefully, long series. There's nothing better than the magic of Christmas, unless it's actual magic.
What a great Christmas story and beginning of a, hopefully, long series. There's nothing better than the magic of Christmas, unless it's actual magic.
December 26, 2024
Okay
The book was good, just not my cup of tea. I am not into the supernatural, and I don't see how of fits into the cozy mystery genre.
The book was good, just not my cup of tea. I am not into the supernatural, and I don't see how of fits into the cozy mystery genre.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews