This book was simple and sweet. It was easy to see where it was heading almost immediately but sometimes that is what you need. If you are looking for a light holiday read, this one is perfect for the season.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an ARC of this book.

Short, sweet and adorable.
Molly and Juan are as cute as ever. The mystery is not a mystery to the reader, but it was a joy to take the quick trip with Molly as she figured it out.

I love Molly the Maid. She is such a fantastic character and this little inbetween book gave us a fun inside into her relationship with Juan. It showed her insecurities and how she navigated them and I loved seeing this vulnerable side of her. It did take me a minute to get into this novella, but overall, it was cute and fun to read. Looking forward to reading more of Molly’s life in the future.

This was so sweet and cozy! I enjoy the cast of characters in this series so much. While I knew everything was going to work out fine for Molly, I did share in her anxieties. It was great to have Juan in the story more, since he was scarcely there for the second book. I also enjoyed the subtle nods to The Monkey's Claw throughout the book. A very heartwarming book for the holiday season.

Thank you to Netgalley and Randomhouse Publishing Group - Ballantine for the eARC copy in exchange for a review.

This was a novella companion to the Molly the Maid series and it is not a murder mystery, but instead a Christmas story that involves Molly's long-term relationship with Juan Manuel. She's suddenly questioning his faithfulness to her, especially since she has low self-esteem to begin with because of how people have always treated her. While this "mystery" was kind of predictable, it was still a cute story and a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. I enjoyed Molly's flashbacks about her grandmother, which brought her back to life in some ways. It was also fun to revisit with the hotel staff, except for Cheryl, of course (because she's just awful).

Overall, a delightful Christmas story! I hope there will be more full-length mysteries involving Molly and the hotel as I would read those right away.

Movie casting suggestions (mostly from my previous reviews):
Molly: A newcomer, as I don't feel right casting someone famous for this role.
Juan Manuel: Daniel Zovatto
Mr. Preston: Richard Jenkins
Gran (in flashbacks): Kim Darby
Angela: Monica Barbaro
Lily: Ella Beatty
Cheryl: Amanda Fuller
Mr. Snow: Steve Martin (Just because it would be fun to have someone from Only Murders.)

A cute novella for the Molly the Maid series! I really enjoy the quirkiness of Molly and Juan. This was a great little book to get you into the Christmas spirit!

Great holiday story with a little Romance. Reminded me of Amelia Bedelia as I was reading this story.

3.5 stars rounded up. This was a cute festive story featuring Molly the Maid and friends. It was short, sweet, and simple. There isn't really much of a mystery in this one, but it's a fun, fast read if you already know and like the characters.

J read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

In The Mistletoe Mystery, Molly and her friends are gearing up for the holiday season at the hotel. Once again, the hotel employees will be participating in a Secret Santa gift exchange, but Molly has a special gift coming her way.

This novella is a cute, cozy read to help get in the holiday spirit. I really enjoy reading about a neurodivergent FMC and how she perceives the actions, emotions, and motives of others. If you’re looking for an innocent, closed-door read during the holiday season, I recommend this novella!

This was a cute holiday story but I was hoping for a bit more! The relationship with Molly and Juan Manuel felt over done. I would definitely read another book in this series but this short story wasn’t for me!

Doubt, diversion, and darling.

The devoted memories of Molly’s Gran, just make this book sparkle in a special way at Christmas time. This short story was less of a mystery, but more of a cozy book about memories, the Christmas season, and appreciating/trusting the ones who mean the most in your life (with true Molly fashion, who we all love).

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine and NetGalley for giving me this opportunity to read this novella.

I want to preface this review by saying that I adore the other two books in this series. Molly is such a lovable character, and solving mysteries alongside her has been a delight. Of course I wanted to read a Christmas novella about her!

This book is undeniably charming - so sweet it’ll make your teeth hurt. Ultimately, it wasn’t for me. The “mystery” here is more of a lighthearted romantic comedy mishap that tugs at the heartstrings but offers little in the way of intrigue. I had hoped for a festive hotel mystery for Molly to unravel, something with a bit more substance even if not as complex as the full-length novels. I was looking for for a bit more substance and less fluff.

If you enjoy light romantic stories with touches of humor, especially those set at Christmastime, you’ll devour this novella. But if, like me, you prefer less romance and more corpses in your mysteries, you might want to skip this one and save those two hours for something darker.

The Mistletoe Mystery is a delightful and cozy holiday read that captures the festive spirit with a touch of intrigue. Molly Gray, a lover of Christmas traditions, is determined to make this holiday season joyful despite the absence of her beloved Gran. With her boyfriend, Juan Manuel, by her side, Molly is ready to embrace the magic of the season—until a Secret Santa gift exchange at the Regency Grand Hotel raises unsettling questions about who she can trust.

The mystery is lighthearted yet engaging, with Molly diving into her most personal investigation yet. As the holiday cheer is tinged with suspicion, readers will enjoy the twists and turns, while also rooting for Molly to uncover the truth. If you’ve enjoyed Molly’s previous adventures, The Mistletoe Mystery is a charming addition to her cozy mysteries. The holiday setting, fun gift exchange, and Molly’s endearing character make this a perfect read for those looking for a heartwarming mystery with a seasonal touch.

This is an adorably written cozy mystery/ romance. It's full of Christmas cheer. It's important to me that a Christmas title sprinkle it's pages with Christmas activities and decorations that wouldn't normally be in an author's typical work. This book carries its Christmas theme throughout the whole story and ends well. A maid for a large hotel is about to share her fifth Christmas with her boyfriend who cooks for the same hotel. Molly uncovers a mystery when participating in the annual Santa swap.. This is a very fun Christmas read and I love the characters.

The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m a fan of Molly and The Maid series. If you are too, I think you’ll enjoy this one too.

What I liked:
•in the spirit of Christmas this was a light fun read, without any dark undertones of the previous books.
•a novella easy to read in a couple of sittings in front of the fire and Christmas lights
•Molly’s usual tone ~ I think it’s important to have read the first two books to understand Molly and the wonderful cast of characters in her life.
•those characters all make an appearance and if you grew fond of them like I did, you’ll appreciate the little cameos they all make!

What I didn’t like:
•a little too predictable, but a nice departure from the previous stories.

Thank you to @netgalley & @nitaprose for the digital arc.

Book 56 of 2024
Read November 22-26

Thank you to the publishers of The Mistletoe Mystery and Net Galley for allowing me to review Nita Prose's The Mistletoe Mystery.

I am such a big fan of The Maid series by Nita Prose, I flipped out (in the best way) when I had a chance to review it for Net Galley. And, as hoped, Prose doesn't disappoint. Molly the maid is such an endearing character, and this novella features the best blend of holiday coziness, mystery, and the characters - like Mr. Preston and Juan Manuel, Molly's chosen family and boyfriend, respectively - that readers adore. This is also a great introduction for a reader new to the series, or someone who is maybe an Agatha Christie, Murder She Wrote, Matlock, Columbo, or Masterpiece Theater Mystery fan. A perfect gift for readers and mystery solvers alike, and sure to make a great stocking stuffer. Plus - look at that gorgeous cover!!

I enjoyed Nita Prose’s book ‘The Mistletoe Mystery’. Molly the Maid finds Holiday happiness..
Definitely a feel good holiday book.

Many thanks to Netgalley for the E-ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I love Molly the maid. I love her relationship with her Gran and how Nita Prose tells us of moments between those two characters. They are heartwarming. I love how naïve Molly is. I love that she loves her job as head maid and her boyfriend, Juan Manuel.

Savvy readers will more than likely recognize what the "mystery" is in this book but it's still incredibly touching and loving. If you've read the Molly the Maid books you'll enjoy this book at Christmas time.

You see Molly and Juan Manuel decorating their apartment for Christmas. There are descriptions of holiday food and Nita Prose does a wonderful job of describing the overall look of the festive hotel. It was incredibly cozy.

It's quick read and would make a great Jolabokaflod gift for Christmas Eve with chocolate. Readers should note that this is more of a light Christmas romance than a full mystery. However, as a lover of all things "Molly" I was really happy with the outcome.

A quick novella featuring the ever lovely Molly the Maid. It was an enjoyable read with the same characters we have learned to love. I would not call this a mystery in any way though. It is a romance for sure.

Short and sweet! The author continues the voice of Molly seamlessly in this little novella following the deepening relationship between the maid and Juan Manuel. It was a heartfelt holiday tale.