Title: “Christmas Caramel Murder” 

Author: Joanne Fluke 

Reading Level: Adult 

This book is part of a series that focuses on a small–town baker, Hannah Swenson, who seems to always be discovering a dead body at the worst times.    

In this installment, Hannah and her friend Lisa are watching the rehearsal for the local Christmas play.  Lisa’s husband plays Santa, and his ex-girlfriend Phyllis is Mrs. Claus.  

When a stage kiss goes awry, Lisa storms out and says she will meet Hannah at a restaurant later.  

After Hannah has been waiting for Lisa for more than an hour, she finally shows up. After dinner they continue out to the parking lot, and Hannah spies a body lying in the snow.   

When she approaches the body, she finds it is none other than Santa’s ex-girlfriend, Phyllis.   

With all the possible suspects, this book will have you guessing until the end. This is a light read with recipes inserted here and there for the baked goods mentioned in the story.   

Reviewer: Patricia Poe 

Title: “Modern Comfort Food”  

Author: Ina Garten 

The William Bradford Huie Library of Hartselle has a new cookbook for you to check out and enjoy this holiday season.  

Ina Garten has created a cookbook that will elevate your childhood favorites, such as Cheddar and Chutney Grilled Cheese Sandwich. There are foolproof and dependable recipes that will soothe your soul and feed your cravings.  

Ina has wonderful dessert options, too, such as Boston cream pie and black and white cookies. 

To start your day off right, she has a vanilla cold-brewed iced coffee and waffle iron hash browns.  

What better way to take the stress out of your holiday season than to pick up a great cookbook and share a wonderful meal with your family?