(3.5 rounded to 4.0).
This boxed set includes the first three titles of the “Winter Witches of Holiday Haven” series: 1) Reindeer Runes, 2) Peppermint Pixies, and 3) Evergreen Elves. This series follows Lumi Northrop, a manager of the North Star Reindeer Sanctuary, is also a witch charged to be a guardian of the older reindeer, those with special needs and the reindeer young born each spring. Along with her parents and brothers, they oversee the spin off from the North Pole. They are clear, cozy mysteries that crop up along the way. They also deal with bad-boy royalty, Santa’s favorite reindeer gone missing, the usual family dynamics and conflicts, indiscreet reindeer and a little magic and romance.
This is the first of Ms. Garrett’s oeuvre featuring holiday fantasies. The world view is well built, the characters are interesting and engaging and the cozy mystery elements are a fresh look. It is entertaining, sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed them and look forward to more of the series). Recommend to readers enjoying Christmas, fantasy, family dynamics and romance.