Christmas at Swans Nest

Lotus Bay Mysteries #1.5

by Lorraine Bartlett

The holidays are fast approaching, and Kathy Grant is hard at work on the renovations of her soon-to-be bed and breakfast. An unexpected winter storm disrupts her friends’ plans, and it looks like her B&B will have to open a little early. And then there are the cryptic notes that hint of a treasure to be found somewhere in the house. Will Kathy and her friends find the cache of cash?

Genres: Mystery, Holiday, Cozy, Cozy Mystery

47 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

The immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorraine Bartlett’s pen name Lorna Barrett on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent -- whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett -- that keeps her in her readers' hearts. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square Mystery series, and now the Tales of Telenia fantasy saga, and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s). Check out the descriptions and links to all her works, and sign up for her emailed newsletter here: http://www.lorrainebartlett.com

She lives in Rochester, NY, with her husband and two cats.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Years Eve I bought myself Christmas at Swans Nest from Amazon.ca. I love Lorraine Bartlett and the Lotus Bay Series, this is book three and it is the perfect holiday short cozy mystery. I find that with each of the stories I read from Lorraine my heart grows for each and every character she writes. The best friend due of Kathy and Tori is one I could totally relate to. Through all these girls go through you cannot help but be thrilled when things start to go so much better for Kathy! Makes one wish they too could be snowed in at Christmas and a mysterious treasure hunt to go on! Great read and very cozy indeed! A Holiday Must Read, even after the big day!

[Wulfwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short but fun story. I have not read any of the other books in this series. I liked the group of friends and am curious about them. Imagine having a home you are renovating and you find a clue that sends you on a treasure hunt! This is what happened to Kathy. I love how the author kept it Christmassy with talk about Christmas past and having Christmas dinner. I think it really set the Christmas spirit.
This is a short, fast book. I think it took about an hour to read. Definitely for those times you need some Christmas spirit but don’t have a lot of reading time. I’m looking into the series now.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy holiday tale

Kathy's hard work renovating a neglected old house into a bed and breakfast is becoming a stressful job in spite of the support of her wonderful friends but a little Christmas magic could change her outlook.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Christmas, just days away and Kathy and Tori having recently acquired their new properties they plan on staying at Tori’s and having a no frilly’s celebration. An unexpected winter storm changes Anissa, Noreen and Paul's plans of leaving town so they join Kathy and Tori at the Swans Nest for a Christmas Celebration.

This is a really great short story to read at any time but especially around the Holidays. I enjoyed reading more about Tori, Kathy, Anissa, and Noreen friendship. Also, I liked learning about the remodeling process for Swan’s Nest progressed from book 1 to book. The mystery in this book is light-hearted and entertaining.

This is the perfect cozy for the holidays. I received a copy of this short story in hopes I would give a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way been influenced.

[Diane Yonchuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second visit to Lotus Bay and I'm enchanted! The characters are rich with depth yet to be plumbed in future volumes. Lorraine Bartlett has a real talent for forging realistic relationships between her characters that make the reader wish to be part of their close knit circle. I was tickled to see the trio of Tori, Kathy and Anissa, expand to include Noreen and Paul. Their "adventure" during the snowstorm and power outage was a lot of fun, and as all Christmas stories should, had a warm, wonderful and happy ending. I'm looking forward to my next visit to Lotus Bay! Who knows, maybe I'll stay for good.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely short Christmas story

If you are looking for a little Christmas cheer, look no further than 'Christmas at Swans nest.' Lorraine Bartlett is so entertaining. Writing under several pen names, the Jeff Resnick's mysteries are my favorite. But there are others just as captivating. Such great writing!

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Very short but still a very good story. I think I will be reading more books by this author. definitely.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story. Now am going to start the series.

[Rita Pierrottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This is a short story and a great segue to the next book of this series. I enjoyed reading it.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyable story, looking forward to the next...

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short follow-up to With Baited Breath. Didn’t advance the series—just a quick holiday story involving the series characters.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathy is working hard to get all the renovation work left to due on Swans Nest done before the May 1st opening date. Christmas is approaching and not looking the merriest this year.
A snow storm, power outage, good friends and a treasure hunt that leads to a surprise from the past bring the meaning of the holidays and friendship to light.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathy has no time to think about anything but all the chores remaining to finishing her renovation of the Swan's Nest before its opening date of May 1st. But a snow storm, power failure, good friends and a mysterious treasure hunt all help remind her of the true meaning of the holidays and friendship. Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this mini mystery. The setting is Christmas at the Inn that Kathi is trying to get up and running on a low budget. A power failure, snow storm and her friends help her discover the meaning of Christmas despite her worries. The treasure hunt that weaves through the story line adds some holiday fun.

[Pamela Priest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Lotus Bay short story. Having lived near Lake Ontario, the author has described just what it is like during the winter time there, and I love it! I love the feeling of home and friends this story exudes. It is well worth the short time it takes to read it! You come away feeling good!

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet littleMystery

A lovely holiday mystery of wonder and delight. Have you ever had a mysterious note send you on a wild hunt that ended in wonder and joy? Well, neither have I but with this book I was able to do that and more. I love that this sweet and quick read gave me the delight of a mystery and a bit of a background to a place I love to visit in books.

[Kandi A. Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Short Story

This was an interesting story about a hidden treasure, good friends, and good times at the Christmas season. I enjoyed the characters and nothing beats a quick cozy mystery for a quick read.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kathy Grant is busy renovating the B&B she hopes to open soon when she finds herself and her friends stranded because of a huge winter storm.

An interesting story but like many short stories it left me a little wanting.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this cute story about Kathy and her friends.
I really was not sure what to expect but it was a pleasant surprise. Short little stories are a nice break from a heavy read.
It was a nice touch to add the recipes of Kathy's cookies at the back.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I love all of Lorraine Bartlett books no matter what name she uses they are all great to read. I can't wait till the next

[Stephanie Hobrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Gift

Great little story about the folks in this series. I love to read about good friends, and renovating old homes, who knew Tori would give Kathy the best gift after all!

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

good series

[Barbara Boykin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I really enjoyed reading this short story. I liked the characters and how they all enjoyed being with each other.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read of friends celebrating Christmas with a small mystery added in.