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Eat, Pray, Die Humorous Mystery #2.5
Taste of Christmas
This is a 7500 word short holiday story (about one tenth of a full-length novel). If you enjoy funny romantic mysteries, you can read this one as a stand-alone or as part of the series.
Mistletoe seems a whole lot less romantic once you’ve been poisoned by it. Isobel Avery would know—it’s one of the perks of being an undercover poison taster for the rich and famous. Still, with the weather as cold as it gets in Los Angeles and a hot new date, Izzy has a few ideas on how to keep herself warm this Christmas. They just don’t start under mistletoe.
However, before her cozy plans can come to fruition, she needs to survive meeting her date’s family over Christmas lunch. With a long, awkward road trip that has her wondering whether she’s fallen for the Grinch, a mysterious poisoner intent on killing the holiday spirit, and a Santa’s sackful of secrets she’s not allowed to spill, Izzy will need a Christmas miracle to avoid disaster.
The real question is, will her evening be naughty… or not?
The series so far:
EAT, PRAY, DIE #1
THE HUNGER PAINS #2
TASTE OF CHRISTMAS #2.5
POISON IS THE NEW BLACK #3 (coming January 2017)
Mistletoe seems a whole lot less romantic once you’ve been poisoned by it. Isobel Avery would know—it’s one of the perks of being an undercover poison taster for the rich and famous. Still, with the weather as cold as it gets in Los Angeles and a hot new date, Izzy has a few ideas on how to keep herself warm this Christmas. They just don’t start under mistletoe.
However, before her cozy plans can come to fruition, she needs to survive meeting her date’s family over Christmas lunch. With a long, awkward road trip that has her wondering whether she’s fallen for the Grinch, a mysterious poisoner intent on killing the holiday spirit, and a Santa’s sackful of secrets she’s not allowed to spill, Izzy will need a Christmas miracle to avoid disaster.
The real question is, will her evening be naughty… or not?
The series so far:
EAT, PRAY, DIE #1
THE HUNGER PAINS #2
TASTE OF CHRISTMAS #2.5
POISON IS THE NEW BLACK #3 (coming January 2017)
37 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2016
537 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea Field
11 books295 followersChelsea Field has lived an exciting life for an introvert.
She’s fallen off a galloping racehorse, faced down dozens of Australia’s most dangerous animals (including vicious roosters, for those of you who’ve read EAT, PRAY, DIE), and while she’s never sold buns or coffee for a living like her protagonist, she’s consumed plenty of both.
Yes, all of those points are about animals or food. I told you she’s an introvert.
After writing a romantic comedy (no, you can’t read it) where the hero was a photographer from Burnside and then meeting and marrying a photographer from Burnside a few years later, she’s a little worried her writing has weird prophetic fate-like powers. So she makes sure nothing too bad ever happens to her characters, just in case life decides to imitate fiction again.
You can get to know her better at http://chelseafieldauthor.com. As the middle child of five, she’s used to being ignored, though, so don’t sweat it.
She’s fallen off a galloping racehorse, faced down dozens of Australia’s most dangerous animals (including vicious roosters, for those of you who’ve read EAT, PRAY, DIE), and while she’s never sold buns or coffee for a living like her protagonist, she’s consumed plenty of both.
Yes, all of those points are about animals or food. I told you she’s an introvert.
After writing a romantic comedy (no, you can’t read it) where the hero was a photographer from Burnside and then meeting and marrying a photographer from Burnside a few years later, she’s a little worried her writing has weird prophetic fate-like powers. So she makes sure nothing too bad ever happens to her characters, just in case life decides to imitate fiction again.
You can get to know her better at http://chelseafieldauthor.com. As the middle child of five, she’s used to being ignored, though, so don’t sweat it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 28, 2016
Fun short story - you'll enjoy it!
This story begins after the second book in the series, The Hunger Pains. (If you haven't read the 2 books in this Chelsea Field series, I highly recommend them.) The main characters, Connor and Isobel, work for the secretive company, The Taste Society. Isobel's job is to taste her wealthy client's food for poisons. Connor works as an Investigator, and he tracks down the criminals who are trying to kill their clients.
Connor invites Isobel to his family's Christmas dinner. We meet his mother and sister and it's a humorous gathering. But then someone tries to poison Isobel, and Connor investigates. So their potential romance is put on hold. The couple spend the day interviewing suspects and then figure out the puzzle. You can check out this story to find out if they end up finding romance.
It's a quick story, and may be more enjoyable to those familiar with the series. But either way it's a fun mystery that keeps you guessing as to who poisoned the food. I love this author, and encourage you to check out her writing. I'm really looking forward to her next book, Poison is the New Black (#3).
Since this story is free today on Amazon (28th), it's a good time to sample Chelsea Field's writing style. Although it's a short story, the characters are still developed and the plot is well thought out.
Note: I received a free copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. It did not influence my opinion in any way.
This story begins after the second book in the series, The Hunger Pains. (If you haven't read the 2 books in this Chelsea Field series, I highly recommend them.) The main characters, Connor and Isobel, work for the secretive company, The Taste Society. Isobel's job is to taste her wealthy client's food for poisons. Connor works as an Investigator, and he tracks down the criminals who are trying to kill their clients.
Connor invites Isobel to his family's Christmas dinner. We meet his mother and sister and it's a humorous gathering. But then someone tries to poison Isobel, and Connor investigates. So their potential romance is put on hold. The couple spend the day interviewing suspects and then figure out the puzzle. You can check out this story to find out if they end up finding romance.
It's a quick story, and may be more enjoyable to those familiar with the series. But either way it's a fun mystery that keeps you guessing as to who poisoned the food. I love this author, and encourage you to check out her writing. I'm really looking forward to her next book, Poison is the New Black (#3).
Since this story is free today on Amazon (28th), it's a good time to sample Chelsea Field's writing style. Although it's a short story, the characters are still developed and the plot is well thought out.
Note: I received a free copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. It did not influence my opinion in any way.
November 28, 2016
It was exactly what I would have expected of their first date or their Christmas!!! Loved it. I will say that I think it is a book for fans of a series more than a standalone. I have such hopes for those two. It carries the wit, suspense, and heart that each book of the series displays. I love this series and heartily recommend it.
July 22, 2017
A really cute short story!
This was a cute short with a quirky ending. Always enjoy reading another book by this author. Love Isobel and Connor. Can't wait for the next book!
This was a cute short with a quirky ending. Always enjoy reading another book by this author. Love Isobel and Connor. Can't wait for the next book!
September 21, 2017
1.5 stars.
I was hoping that this short would reveal a little bit more about the H, but it didn't. Needless to say, I was disappointed and still not liking the H all that much. I still don't understand why the MCs like each other. Well, maybe the h a little bit. The H has been there for her when it mattered. But he's also been a closed up, judgmental jerk most of the time, insulting her fashion sense and intelligence. It seems like the h is just attracted to the H because he's an exact opposite of her ex-husband. What I really don't understand is why the H likes the h at all. It seems like he's attracted to her almost begrudgingly, much like Mr. Darcy was in the beginning of Pride and Prejudice, and it is not endearing. I hope the rest of the series has his character improving. And we really need to hear from him sometimes. Only getting the h's pov is killing his character for me.
I was hoping that this short would reveal a little bit more about the H, but it didn't. Needless to say, I was disappointed and still not liking the H all that much. I still don't understand why the MCs like each other. Well, maybe the h a little bit. The H has been there for her when it mattered. But he's also been a closed up, judgmental jerk most of the time, insulting her fashion sense and intelligence. It seems like the h is just attracted to the H because he's an exact opposite of her ex-husband. What I really don't understand is why the H likes the h at all. It seems like he's attracted to her almost begrudgingly, much like Mr. Darcy was in the beginning of Pride and Prejudice, and it is not endearing. I hope the rest of the series has his character improving. And we really need to hear from him sometimes. Only getting the h's pov is killing his character for me.
November 28, 2016
What a tantalizing appetizer to the series for a Christmas Fun read!, November 28, 2016
This series is fantastic. It keeps you moving page to page and you don't want to put the book down. SO...the short Christmas story Taste of Christmas is a must read to keep the fun and mystery coming! Connor and Izzy are so much fun in this story. They are actually going to Christmas dinner at Connor's family's house. How strange for both of them who have no idea how to really date! They are so worldly naive, except when it comes to their jobs - she is a food tester and he is her superior. What a wierd profession, but like in ancient times, could be necessary as we see in the books in this series and again in this short story! What an impression she makes to his family...read and see why!
This series is fantastic. It keeps you moving page to page and you don't want to put the book down. SO...the short Christmas story Taste of Christmas is a must read to keep the fun and mystery coming! Connor and Izzy are so much fun in this story. They are actually going to Christmas dinner at Connor's family's house. How strange for both of them who have no idea how to really date! They are so worldly naive, except when it comes to their jobs - she is a food tester and he is her superior. What a wierd profession, but like in ancient times, could be necessary as we see in the books in this series and again in this short story! What an impression she makes to his family...read and see why!
December 16, 2016
I have not read the rest of the series, but I was looking for some holiday-themed books, so I grabbed this one. Obviously not my genre...
Isobel Avery is an undercover poison taster, and her date, Connor, is in the business, too. With a scheduling conflict cancelling their real first date, Isobel and Conner's first date ends up being Christmas at his folks'! Who does that? When she senses that the cookies she brought (which she thought were a delivered gift from Connor) are poisoned, she goes all out to prevent the family from eating them...and then she and Conner try to find out who really sent them. A good mystery, but Isobel's character was throwing herself at Connor, which was off-putting for me. Had she toned that down several notches, the book would have been much more enjoyable.
Isobel Avery is an undercover poison taster, and her date, Connor, is in the business, too. With a scheduling conflict cancelling their real first date, Isobel and Conner's first date ends up being Christmas at his folks'! Who does that? When she senses that the cookies she brought (which she thought were a delivered gift from Connor) are poisoned, she goes all out to prevent the family from eating them...and then she and Conner try to find out who really sent them. A good mystery, but Isobel's character was throwing herself at Connor, which was off-putting for me. Had she toned that down several notches, the book would have been much more enjoyable.
Read
December 20, 2016Without having read the first book in this series it would be unfair for me to give a star rating to this short story. The writing is appropriate for the event described. Connor is somewhat dry and colorless, so this story suits him. I have not read another book featuring a professional poison taster and don't know the relationship involved, other than this is a first date on a holiday and he takes Izzy to meet his mom and sister. An unusual situation all around.
The deduction portion of the book was intriguing.
I will check out other books in this series after reading this free download.
The deduction portion of the book was intriguing.
I will check out other books in this series after reading this free download.
November 28, 2016
Just finished Chelsea Field’s Holiday short story, Taste of Christmas. It continues the story with Connor and Izzy. We are introduced to two new characters: Mae, Connor’s mother and Harper, Connor’s sister. The fun begins when Connor and Izzy go to Mae’s for Christmas dinner and Izzy discovers the cookies she contributed to dinner were poisoned!!
It’s a good read and left me wanting the story to continue. Anxiously awaiting the next episode in this hilarious series.
Pamela S. Hopkins
Swanton, Ohio
Taste of Christmas is free on Amazon’s Kindle Store through 29 Nov.
It’s a good read and left me wanting the story to continue. Anxiously awaiting the next episode in this hilarious series.
Pamela S. Hopkins
Swanton, Ohio
Taste of Christmas is free on Amazon’s Kindle Store through 29 Nov.
November 20, 2018
Izzy and Conner are finally going to get their first date. But it's going to be on Christmas, at his mother's house. She is going to meet his mother, and sister, and she's unsure about a few things. Izzy isn't sure about Conner, as their date continues gets even more unsure about him.
This book was cute, short story about Conner and Izzy's first date. It takes off right where book two ends, and now I'm excited for the next book.
This book was cute, short story about Conner and Izzy's first date. It takes off right where book two ends, and now I'm excited for the next book.
December 1, 2016
Have really enjoyed this series. I enjoyed this short story but...I am not a fan of this form of literature so it colors my thoughts. Izzy and Connor on their first date was cute but (by necessity) it was just too abbreviated. And the ending seemed abrupt? That all being said it did help provide some background on Connor. I enjoyed it but left me wanting more!
December 13, 2016
Isobel doesn't seem to like mistletoe as much since she was poisoned by it. She's a poison detector for the rich. She's fine now and on her way to a holiday gathering. She has ideas, but they definitely don't include any mistletoe. Will she be lucky and meet someone nice or naughty. Lovely romance, light reading for the holidays
January 2, 2017
Cute
So I love this series and this was a short little Christmas story but I'm sort of disappointed. I feel like we know nothing about Connor and it's just dragging. I need more insight or discussion between the two because right now, it feels like a one sided relationship with a robot. Hopefully the third book will bring some things to light.
So I love this series and this was a short little Christmas story but I'm sort of disappointed. I feel like we know nothing about Connor and it's just dragging. I need more insight or discussion between the two because right now, it feels like a one sided relationship with a robot. Hopefully the third book will bring some things to light.
February 14, 2017
Don't read if you haven't read the other books in this series. You would be coming in in the middle of the story and it is important to get the back story to understand where this story is coming from. This was a wonderful opportunity for the author to introduce 2 new simply characters. I hope the author decides to use them again. I love the titles which shows the author's sense of humor.
May 23, 2017
Halfway between a 7/10: Good solid read, something to get your teeth into & an 8/10: Excellent read, well written, fell right into the fictional world created.
It’s not that I didn’t want him to have my back. I loved that about him. It was only that this evening, I wanted him to have my front as well.
Sweet little shortie. Well done.
It’s not that I didn’t want him to have my back. I loved that about him. It was only that this evening, I wanted him to have my front as well.
Sweet little shortie. Well done.
November 22, 2016
Isobel is meeting Connor's family for Christmas. Enjoyed this very short little morsel. I do wish there was a bit more passion, but maybe the next book - in January 2017! - will show another side of Connor.
I thank Chelsea for the ARC!
I thank Chelsea for the ARC!
December 1, 2016
Charming short story with a mystery. Christmas dinner with your boyfriend's relatives. What could be worse? Find out in the fun tale. Terrific series and this will have to tide me over until the next book is published. Love Connor's mother! Our delightful taste tester is at it again.
December 15, 2016
Cookies Can Be Deadly
When poison taster Isabol finds cookies on her front steps on Christmas she assumes they're from her boyfriend. She's wrong, they're from an old admirer and they're deadly. More romance than mystery.
When poison taster Isabol finds cookies on her front steps on Christmas she assumes they're from her boyfriend. She's wrong, they're from an old admirer and they're deadly. More romance than mystery.
December 24, 2016
This definitely was a quick read and I enjoyed the book ; however, if it was made into a full book it would have been a lot better. I definitely will go back and read the first few books as Izzy and Connor's relationship has piqued my interest.
November 21, 2016
This is a fun short story, just enough to whet the appetite for book 3 next year.
November 29, 2016
Cute
This story is just a few pages long but there is a lot of story packed inside. I haven't read the other books in the series but this has definitely piqued my interest.
This story is just a few pages long but there is a lot of story packed inside. I haven't read the other books in the series but this has definitely piqued my interest.
February 3, 2017
So fun! Great glimpse into Connors life and family. Love it
February 2, 2017
Enjoyable, light, humorous mystery.
November 26, 2017
Love this series, and thoroughly enjoyed this short story addition. Now waiting for the next one to come out.
December 16, 2017
Super short, cute read.
August 26, 2019
The romance in this series sucks.
I liked that the author brought it back to the poison aspect of this series. But this was a very simple story. Not enough emotion or thought.
I liked that the author brought it back to the poison aspect of this series. But this was a very simple story. Not enough emotion or thought.
March 6, 2018
A fun, short read. While it's billed as a possible 'stand alone,' I highly recommend reading The Hunger Pains (Book #2 in the Eat, Pray, Die series) first. In my opinion there just isn't enough time to fully develop the characters, nor fully appreciate them in such a quick read. This brief wink into Izzy and Connor's life could end up being a spoiler if you decide to jump back and start with the first two books.
So, that's a short review for a short book. Having said that, DO read the series, and start with #1. These are all well written, fun, and the characters draw you in. These books are great 'dismal weather books' where you aren't tempted to rush and finish to go do something outside. They deserve a nice slow read, so that you can fully absorb the plots and character quirks. I 'binge read' the first two (and a half), and am taking my time with #3, listening to my own advice!
So, that's a short review for a short book. Having said that, DO read the series, and start with #1. These are all well written, fun, and the characters draw you in. These books are great 'dismal weather books' where you aren't tempted to rush and finish to go do something outside. They deserve a nice slow read, so that you can fully absorb the plots and character quirks. I 'binge read' the first two (and a half), and am taking my time with #3, listening to my own advice!
December 9, 2021
A fun holiday short. I haven't read anything from this series before, and there were a few things I didn't understand, so I recommend reading at least the first book in the series. That being said, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story.
Isobel is on a bit of an awkward first date. She is spending Christmas Day having lunch at his parents' house. If that isn't enough, the cookies Isobel brought seem to be poisoned! Could someone from her past be involved?
A fun look into the relationship between Conner and Isobel. This is definitely a series I'd like to read.
Isobel is on a bit of an awkward first date. She is spending Christmas Day having lunch at his parents' house. If that isn't enough, the cookies Isobel brought seem to be poisoned! Could someone from her past be involved?
A fun look into the relationship between Conner and Isobel. This is definitely a series I'd like to read.
September 11, 2017
Thankful
I am so thankful that I am reading this series after a few books have come out because they are amazing... almost like great sex but then all of a sudden it is done. I am not left unsatisfied by any means but rather pleading 'really, that is where you ended"! As my other reviews in the series have stated- great series, great characters and a great read. Just be prepared to want to read the next book immediately when you finish.
I am so thankful that I am reading this series after a few books have come out because they are amazing... almost like great sex but then all of a sudden it is done. I am not left unsatisfied by any means but rather pleading 'really, that is where you ended"! As my other reviews in the series have stated- great series, great characters and a great read. Just be prepared to want to read the next book immediately when you finish.
March 9, 2020
Christmas first date with the family
As first dates go, you'd like to have a no pressure one. Spending Christmas day with your new boyfriend, wonderful. Spending Christmas day with his family you've never meet, scary. Professional poison taster Izzy does just that. She and Connor and the cookies he gave her. Thank God she ate the poisoned cookie first. Read and enjoy!
As first dates go, you'd like to have a no pressure one. Spending Christmas day with your new boyfriend, wonderful. Spending Christmas day with his family you've never meet, scary. Professional poison taster Izzy does just that. She and Connor and the cookies he gave her. Thank God she ate the poisoned cookie first. Read and enjoy!
August 24, 2017
Charming short story
Another winner! Great Christmas addition to a witty series. Perfect short read, adding to the overall character development or as a stand alone read
Another winner! Great Christmas addition to a witty series. Perfect short read, adding to the overall character development or as a stand alone read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews