I'm here today with author Wendy Kendall to talk about her lovely little Christmas Novella, Snow Kiss Cookies to Die For. I was one of the lucky ducks who picked up this gem, and I think my review speaks for itself!
Review: 5 stars!! Snow Kiss Cookies to Die For, by Wendy Kendall was a sweet, fun, and heart-pounding Christmas novella. Desiree’s pretty content with her job as an elementary school teacher and is ecstatic to harness her budding romance with Leo, the gorgeous maintenance man. But things go awry when she begins receiving ominous love notes from an unknown admirer. Will they catch Desiree’s stalker before things take a deadly turn? Kendall’s writing really pulled me into the story, and I had no trouble feeling what Desiree was feeling. I could picture every setting and every character. I would highly recommend cozying up with this little gem on a cold winter’s day.
Wendy was also kind enough to share a blurb and short excerpt with us...just in case some of you were still on the fence about clicking that "buy" button. :)
Blurb: First-grade teacher Desiree Tucker is on the brink of winter holidays with her new, romantic boyfriend when danger encroaches on her joy. Ominous, untraceable texts buzz on her cell phone. Terrifying secret Santa gifts show up for her in the classroom. As the stalker moves closer to the prey, Desiree doesn't know who she can trust. Her charming new man is a prime suspect. Is he a deadly stalker? If not him, who? What can she learn from the legend of the snow kiss cookie? Just when she's starting to believe in magic again, she finds herself fighting for her life.
Short Excerpt: Dez made a beeline for her secret Santa stocking. Her excitement matched her students' as she took down her stocking and reached inside. She pulled out the cardboard, and her heartbeat sped up. One look and her heartbeat pounded.
The card was a picture of Santa in his sleigh with reindeer. Her smile faded seeing a cut out photo of her face pasted on the drawn figure next to Santa. Where did that picture come from? The caption read: Secret Santa may sleigh you if you're not a good girl
No signature. A secret and creepy Santa. Would Leo give her this? There was a bump in the toe of the stocking. She shook it upside down over the counter and a sprig of holly with berries fell out. From Saturday night's heart wreath?
Dez looked around, including out the windows. Was anyone watching? The idea of someone putting up a stocking with her name was odd enough, but with this inside?...her phone vibrated… It was from the anonymous sender.
Her hand shook as she clicked on it and read. How did you like your card?
Let's hear how Snow Kiss Cookies to Die For came to be...
Author Interview:
1. How did you come up with the idea for Snow Kiss Cookies to Die For?
I had so much fun writing this story. The idea started from the wish to write true romantic suspense within the fictional community of Bayside. That's the town of my cozy mystery series In Purse-Suit of Mystery. As I created the intriguing character of Desiree, her story spilled forward into this suspenseful tale. The clues Desiree uncovers take her on an exciting and perilous life and death journey. The Snow Kiss cookies also contributed to the plot ideas. The recipe, included in the book is an original creation by my son who is a gourmet cook. The Legend of the Snow Kiss Cookies charms.
2. Will we ever get a follow-up for Desiree and Leo?
You just may. Stay tuned as the In Purse-Suit Mystery Series continues.
3. Are any of the characters based on people you know in real life?
Desiree is inspired by the energetic, motivated, creative, knowledgeable, and professional teachers I've had the privilege to know. Some were part of my own education. Some were part of my sons' lives, and some are friends I know.
4. Leo and Desiree both had some admirable qualities. Which of their personality traits do you like the most?
What they have in common is how much they care about educating children. Desiree has a wonderful sense of humor and certainly enjoys dabbling in fashion. She has some biting insights into other characters' personalities. Leo is admirably handsome and passionate nature. He does spend a lot of his time secluded, on his own – he's a bit suspicious that way and in some other aspects.
5. Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I'm a hybrid. I do plot, but then as I write what I've outlined the characters themselves often create their own actions and paths that surprise me. The characters get their way far more often than not.
You can buy Snow Kiss Cookies to Die For here:
Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For
Dez & Leo tangle in romance and mystery
Follow Wendy here:
Website – WendyWritesBooks.com
Facebook – WendyKendallMysteries
Twitter - @wendywrites1
Instagram - wendyekendall
Author Bio:
Wendy Kendall has a passion for purses, mystery, and romance. Her cozy mystery Kat Out of the Bag introduces Katherine Watson purse designer/sleuth, investigating murder at her gala opening. The prequel, Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash delves into a chilling cold case. Her newest, Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For is an intriguing tangle of mystery and love. Wendy enjoys the Pacific Northwest life and time with her two sons. She's a blogger, YouTube podcaster, speaker, project manager, and syndicated columnist. She's finishing the next of the In Purse-Suit Mysteries. Just wait until you see what Katherine Watson and her friends in Bayside face next.
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