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Moonglow Christmas #3

Gingerbread at Moonglow

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The small town of Timberton, Montana, boasts an ambiance of near-magical proportions during the Christmas season, due in no small part to resident artist and chef Mist's mysterious way of working small miracles in people's everyday lives. Each year, return guests and new arrivals mingle with local townsfolk to enjoy companionship, exquisite decor, and exceptional cuisine at The Timberton Hotel.

As the aromas of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and molasses mix with heartfelt camaraderie and sweet romance, guests share reflections on family, friendship, and life. Although decorating the outside of a gingerbread house may prove easier than deciding what goes inside, no one leaves Timberton without renewed hope for the future.

113 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2017

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297 people want to read

About the author

Deborah Garner

36 books883 followers
Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for ♏ Gina☽.
902 reviews168 followers
November 28, 2020
The Moonglow series is one of my very favorite series especially when I'm looking for a sweet, heartwarming, holiday read. This one is no exception.

In this, book #3 of the Christmas series, The Timberton Hotel in Timberton, Oregon is, as expected, holiday central for the guest who return faithfully every year and the locals who stop in for the amazing Christmas Eve dinner. All of this is thanks to Mist, who seems to just have a way with making everyone's holiday a lot brighter, and their stomachs oh-so-grateful for the treats she prepares. Mist is a most lovable character, a person I'd easily make friends with for a lifetime.

As the guests return, they are greeted warmly with rooms set up especially for them, including whatever Mist knows they love, be it literature, or collectibles, or toys for visiting children. Mist is especially happy to see Michael return as there are definitely sparks between them, but this time, he seems a little reserved and maybe even a bit down.

I included this book on my cooking/recipes shelf because the author always includes recipes for the treats that are featured throughout the book.

I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it for a snowy day, or one spent inside with a roaring fire and a cup of hot chocolate.
Profile Image for Julie Baswell.
724 reviews29 followers
November 12, 2017
It’s Christmas time at the Timberton Hotel, and as always, Mist is working her magic to make everything perfect for the guests this year. There are the returning favorites, like Miss Clara, the Professor, and of course Mist’s favorite Michael Blanton. A few new faces show up also. This year’s theme has unofficially become everything gingerbread. The only glitch to come along was in relaying the measurements of the gingerbread house needed for the guests to decorate. But as with everything that involves Mist, it still turns out perfect.

Like the guests, I love returning to the Moonglow Café at the Timberton Hotel. The magic of the place is so palpable that you feel like you are part of the story. Every time I read this series, I feel peaceful and relaxed. I would love to find a place like this to spend, no, make that hide away, every Christmas. Maybe that way I can actually taste all the sweets and special meals instead of just imagining how they taste.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,462 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2020
Gingerbread at Moonglow by Deborah Garner is just one of those easy reads that remind me of how special Christmas can be when surrounded by friends and family. These books are short and sweet.
Profile Image for Laura Frost.
172 reviews4 followers
November 17, 2017
Are you looking for a feel good Christmas time story? Well, this is it! Gingerbread at Moonglow has everything you need to get yourself into the holiday spirit--a great gentle romance, some amazing holiday recipes, and characters to fall in love with. Garner has written a beautiful novella that makes me want to take a Christmas vacation to Montana. This novella celebrates all that is good in the world without needing to show the negative side to prove a point. A truly great feel good story.

This is not the first in the Moonglow series, but it is the first that I have read. I didn't feel like I was missing any of the backstory, although, now I want to go get the prior two novellas--Guess I found my Christmas wish list!
Profile Image for Ana Paula .
854 reviews29 followers
November 13, 2017
Every year at Christmas time I long for a Deborah Garner new book of her Moonglow Cafe series.
It is funny because in Brazil we do not have snow and frankly it is summer at Christmas time, so we are rather at the beach than making snowmen. But if I do not prepare one of Mist's receipts (specially her cookies) my family has no Christmas spirit at all!

The small, old western town of Timberton, Montana and the Timberton Hotel are a place of good people, good stories and most of all good writing and characters. Deborah Garner constructs lovely and delicate arcs for these characters and we look forward every year to see how their adventures in Christmas will be like. I am in love with Mist and the gang and the recipes are so delicious.

I am very tempted in giving up the beach and enjoy snow time at Montana one year! Great book and you will not regret it to know these wonderful characters.
Profile Image for Nicki Conroy.
631 reviews11 followers
November 13, 2017
Let me start by saying I have read now all three of the Moonglow books. You do not have to but I would highly recommend it. I love each and every Christmas in Timberton Hotel.

Mist, who was the new woman in town in the first book, is now an integral part of the town's holiday celebrations. And there is nothing I love more than a book about Christmas. Deborah Garner has written such a great book that I want to go to the Timberton Hotel for Christmas myself.

I want to be able to receive, or maybe even paint one myself, a tiny canvas from Mist.

I strongly recommend you pick up Gingerbread at Moonglow and the previous two Moonglow books today. I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews63 followers
November 10, 2017
I'm not exactly sure how to express my love for this series. There is no violence, no murder investigations, no bad guys--just pure love for humanity. The way the world should be.

The Timberton Hotel is more like a great big happy family gathering place--in no small part to Chef, artist Mist. She has a way of making even the most troubled individuals become happy! She also is a phenomenal chef!! Villagers always come to her cafe which is in the hotel year round.

Every Christmas people come back to this hotel along with new comers probably because of the true welcome they receive and the small things Mist does for each and every one of them.

They all can be read as stand alone--but if you want to be transported to a world filled with love--then read them all!
Gingerbread at Moonglow
Profile Image for Lily.
3,383 reviews118 followers
November 15, 2017
First, let me say you might just put on weight reading about the yummy sweets in this book! But once you get past the craving for delicious goodies, you'll find yourself falling in love with some amazing characters. An absolutely heartwarming read that's perfect to kick off the holiday season, Gingerbread at Moonglow is anything but your typical Christmas read. Definitely a book I wouldn't mind finding in my stocking.

Received for free
Profile Image for lisa jung.
5,448 reviews46 followers
November 14, 2017
A perfect book for this Christmas season. And we are back at the Timber-ton Hotel and the Moon glow Cafe. And like every year its filled with guest some old and new but Mist makes them all feel welcomed . Because Christmas is a time for friends,family ,good memories and sharing what makes life special just like the decoration on a Ginger Bread House.

It was My pleasure to read & review this holiday book . Given to me as part of the book tours.
Profile Image for Nola Arganbright.
1,592 reviews32 followers
January 19, 2020
Warm fuzzies

Another beautifully written book in this warm and feel good series. I would love to spend a Christmas with Mist and her guests. Fantastic recipes included.
Profile Image for Tracy Helps You.
48 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2017
This is the 3rd installment of the Moonglow Christmas themed novellas. Deborah Garner always does a wonderful job of developing her characters, it almost feels like they are real people, at a real hotel, in a real town, in Montana. It is a heart-warming story set at Christmastime that shows how important simple kindness & caring is to people. Mist certainly has a gift for making the guests at the Timberton Hotel feel welcome & special.
Sometimes the Holiday season can get so hectic that you forget what Christmas should be about. It’s not about shopping for numerous gifts, attending countless parties and extravagant decorations, but about the simple joys in life. Slowing down and taking time to spend with a dear friend – taking a walk in the snow or building a snowman with your kids – stealing a kiss under the mistletoe - baking some cookies from your grandma’s recipe that brings back fond memories of times spent with her … or maybe trying a new recipe from this book 😊
This book helped put me in the Christmas spirit. It is a feel-good story with no violence – just people being kind to one another, and I loved just loved it. Definitely 5 stars and 2 thumbs up ~ can’t wait to read the next one 😊
Profile Image for Cryssie Addis.
146 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2017
Gingerbread at Moonglow by Deborah Garner is such a warm and feel good story! It started off right away with a warm and comfy beginning that made me want to cuddle up in my blanket and read all night! I felt so snug reading this and truly enjoyed it! The Timberton Hotel is a hotel in Timberton, Montana, that is having a big gingerbread making celebration. Most of the guests have been visiting this hotel for years, so you get a feel of a tight nit group! I loved imagining decorating a huge gingerbread house and loved how all the characters seemed like old friends of my own! The characters are lovely, and Mist makes it a point to make each guest that comes through feel at home and welcomed!

I love Christmas and this story fits right into my vision of how Christmas should be! It’s filled with joy, love and friendship! This book can be read as a standalone, but I plan on going back and reading all the Moonglow books! If you love Christmas, you will LOVE this book! You will get all the delightful Christmas feels in this read!
Profile Image for K.A. Davis.
Author 4 books492 followers
November 17, 2017
The beginning of the holiday season always has me anticipating the sweet Christmas Moonglow novellas written by Deborah Garner. Her newest release, GINGERBREAD AT MOONGLOW, is no exception, spreading magical holiday cheer to readers! Not only is this a heartwarming tale, the author provides a cornucopia of delectable holiday treat recipes at the back of the book, submitted by her fans… 21 recipes in all! The protagonist, Mist, runs Moonglow Café at the Timberton Hotel. She is also in charge of accommodations, meals and activities for the Christmas guests who spend the holiday at the hotel. In her spare time, Mist is an artist, specializing in miniature paintings that celebrate each season. She uses her gift to create treasured and meaningful keepsakes for each of her guests, providing insights into issues they may be facing. Mist has a special tranquility about her that brings calmness to her guests. I also found myself relaxing as I turned the pages, losing myself in the story. I love how the author helps the reader see and experience what Mist sees using lyrical descriptions of items melded into memories that Mist wants to share with those around her.
Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 2 books37 followers
November 21, 2017
The holidays are stressful so grab the latest book of The Moonglow Series, make cookies with one of the recipes, pour a cup of coffee or cocoa, and spend hours getting lost in this book! You'll be whisked away into a story that will kick your holiday season off with warm, cozy feeling. Living in a small town myself, I can relate to the feeling of togetherness that the townspeople feel when they get together. They enjoy fellowship, the breath-taking decor, and delicious foods created by Mist. Through the regular guess and new arrivals, Mist works miracles to create a magical event for everyone! If you're feeling down about the holidays, this book is the perfect pick-me-up to give you hope (just like those in Timberton, Montana) for the upcoming new year!

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
216 reviews8 followers
November 20, 2017
This is such a warm, cozy story that embodies the holiday spirit! The Timberton Hotel is such an amazing place to spend Christmas that I wish I could take my family for a vacation for the season!

This year Mist has not only created small miracles, but she created a giant one in the lobby of the hotel! She's also created a ton of holiday traditions, both new and old, and made the hearts of all of her guests full.

This novella is a great addition to the Moonglow series, packed with tons of recipes and lots of Christmas warmth!

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Linda.
781 reviews15 followers
December 24, 2018
Come to the Timberton Hotel for the Christmas Holidays and discover the magic of the season. The story transports the reader to virtually join in, sampling all the delectable foods, especially the myriad cookies (recipes included at the end), as well as the festive decorations throughout the Hotel, with tiny personal touches in each room. Join in the activities such as decorating a gingerbread house, play chess with a fellow guest, or just relax by the cozy fire. And be sure to share stories and reminisces with the residents and guests, as all combine to make this a truly holiday entertaining story to warm the heart and soul.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,256 reviews53 followers
November 30, 2017
This was a delightful holiday story. While reading all I can think of was I want to stay at the hotel. It's the perfect place to be during the holiday season. I also thought it'd make a good Hallmark movie. I loved Mist. She has a way about her that's calming and relaxing. I love the little touches she has to make the holiday special for the guests. She has such a kind heart. She is someone you'd love to be friends with and be glad to have her in your life. This is a good book to get into the holiday spirit.
578 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2018
I love reading this author and enjoyed this series of 3 holiday novellas centered around the Moonglow Cafe in the Timberton, Montana. The 3 novellas were really too short to count as 3 individual books (at least in my opinion) so I am putting them altogether here. The first Mistletoe at Moonglow, followed by Silver Bells at Moonglow and ending with Gingerbread at Moonglow were a heartwarming trio to read!
Profile Image for Jessie Chick.
Author 14 books12 followers
November 14, 2017
Food and happiness, what more can you want! First of all, I love food, especially during Christmas. Second of all, I love books with all kinds of happiness.

This was the first book I have read in this series and now, I want to read the rest. Mist is the most amazing character I have ever read and she is a phenomenal chef. And the way she brings everyone together just warms my heart. She has this way of making all the visitors to The Timberton Hotel, more than just guest. They sort of become a family and it's beautiful.

If you are looking for the perfect book that is full of happiness, love, magic, and food, then this book is for you. This book will get you into the holiday spirit and the mood to cook! This book also has recipes! I mean who doesn't love that!
Profile Image for Lillie.
Author 21 books44 followers
December 16, 2019
This is less a story than a vignette of an idyllic Christmas at the Timberton Hotel. There's little action or character development, but it's a pleasant diversion to relax among the chaos of the holiday season.
Profile Image for Ginger Poulsen.
650 reviews7 followers
February 27, 2023
I might’ve liked it better with a different narrator for the audiobook. The woman’s voices for the characters annoyed me.
481 reviews12 followers
November 15, 2017
Feel good. Don't we all want just a feel good book sometime?
Gingerbread at Moonlight is just that!
I felt like I was in a Hallmark movie.
And I loved it!
The reader will receive a sweet spirit as the guests share their holiday memories and reflections on family.

Even if you don't have a sweet spirited family you'll be left hoping it is possible.

Maybe a trip to the Timberton Hotel should be on the agenda.

The Timberton is a place that I wished was real so I could visit.
The decor. The food. Oh my. I wish I could go there!

I loved my first visit and look forward to many more!

I received a complimentary copy from Beck Valley tours.
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,172 reviews108 followers
December 24, 2019
I adore this series. We return to Timberton and are embraced warmly, once again, by Mist. No matter how stressed or out of sorts I feel, reading the Moonglow Christmas books refreshes and calms me.

In this book Clare, the Professor and Michael have returned. New people are introduced, including ones who came with the people we already know and love. The staff of the Timberton Hotel are also in attendance. There is a special gingerbread house involved this year.

There is no sex, violence or harsh language in the story. There are some absolutely delicious recipes included. I read these books every year and always look forward to a new one. I most definitely recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader).
1,478 reviews47 followers
December 17, 2022
Did you ever want to create a gingerbread house? At the Timberton Hotel, every detail is incredible. Your stay will be magical whether you're a first-time or recurring guest. Mist always surprises her guests, or maybe this time, there is a surprise for Mist.

Are you a fan of gingerbread? Well, remember creating a gingerbread house means decorating. Do you like to decorate? You may have said no to both of my questions. You can participate with your presence, and no one will tell if you enjoy a sweet treat of delicious candy.

What an enchanting Christmas delight created by hotel owner Betty, resident chef and artist Mist, and their friends, who never fail to add their unique talents. Friendships sparkle like twinkling lights, and guests quickly become family, whether arriving for a stay from out-of-state or coming from town to mingle and enjoy a breakfast or dinner reservation.

This has become my favorite series to read at Christmas. I wish it were possible to step in between the book covers and experience the setting and hotel stay in Timberton, Montana. Imagine meeting the characters and being one of the returning guests. It is simply enchanting. Although it's not possible, and I can't invite you all to join me as a guest, I can highly recommend a visit by snuggling in your coziest Christmas setting with your favorite holiday drink and enjoying the ambiance with this year's guests by reading this story. You'll never forget the magic!

p.s. Yes, this story can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, but I suggest starting with "Mistletoe at Moonglow" (Book 1) for the complete pleasure of the growth of friendships with sprinkles of Christmas stardust.
Profile Image for Sharon Martin.
374 reviews48 followers
December 7, 2017
A truly satisfying, enjoyable read, wrapping the real Christmas spirit around you as you follow the lovable staff and delightful guests for the Christmas celebrations at the Timberton Hotel once again. A heartwarming simple story of days gone by without the need of technology, enjoying this magical season with love, friendships, kindness, tales around the fire, laughter and games. Not forgetting the most delicious cooking from Mist as she begins to prepare for the celebrations, the aromas from the kitchen not only work it's way around the hotel but into the readers mind. And the most realistic smell of orange pomanders Betty had organized for the guests drifted so easily into my mind!

Mist, Betty, Clive and the gang are the most accommodating people you could wish for, giving to all their guests needs and more as they spread their special touches throughout the hotel. Mist as ever, with her spiritual creativity is an absolute delight. One special touch, and a fun opening to the story, was how one of these ideas went a little crazy, what followed was a story full of charm and a pleasure to read.

Reading these stories by Deborah Garner has now become my tradition to the lead up to Christmas, I read this just before we started to put up the Christmas decorations, it was the perfect way to start my favorite time of the year. Numerous cookie recipes at the end of the book was a fabulous bonus to this uplifting read.
Profile Image for Stephanie (Between the Coverz).
578 reviews6 followers
November 24, 2017
A cozy and sweet holiday story!

Gingerbread at Moonglow is another installment in the Moonglow series. It is a novella so I expected a short sweet story and it didn’t disappoint. I have read the other books in the series and loved them equally as well. This is a feel good read, which is what I think the author intended. Just be prepared when you are done reading it, you will want to start baking up all the yummy treats that you read about.

The characters are so sweet and delightful. They are friendly and so thoughtful of others. I really like how the guests come back each year and create a stronger bond with each other. It is as if you are seeing family again after being away from them for a long time. I love that there is humor added throughout this sweet and cozy holiday story. I giggled at several of the little things – like the misunderstanding of the gingerbread house size. I will definitely be reading more books by Deborah Garner soon.

I have had the pleasure to read several books by Deborah Garner. It was hard to put the book down as it kept me entertained from the beginning to the end. Deborah Garner is a talented author that tells remarkable stories that captivate you. If you are looking for a delightful, sweet, feel good short read, then this book is one that you need to read.
Profile Image for Jennifer Tooker.
436 reviews10 followers
November 15, 2017
Christmastime – Mist style!

Gingerbread at Moonglow is the third in the “Moonglow” Christmas themed novellas by Deborah Garner. Set in the Timberton Hotel in the fictional town of Timberton, Montana we catch up again with Mist, Betty, Clive and the others as they prepare for their third annual gathering of friends old and new. Moonglow Café Proprietor Mist makes it her priority to ensure that all guests of the Timberton for this year’s festivities feel welcomed from start to finish. For the repeat guest and the new arrival, once your stay at the Timberton is complete, you will feel like family.

I must confess that this is the first of the Christmas themed novellas that I have had the opportunity to read but the characters are not new to me. Having first been introduced to Mist, Betty and the rest of the Timberton crew in the Paige McKenzie mystery “The Moonglow Café” I was immediately enamored by this close knit Western town where even the local homeless resident is taken care of. This is a bit of a different type of story as the theme is less of a plot line and more of a moment in time where the reader is an observer in the lives of those in the hotel as they celebrate the holidays. It was refreshing, and I look forward to going back and reading the prior years’ offerings as well as the new ones to come. It’s like to have a book now and then that you don’t have to think about and can just enjoy. The Timberton Christmas novellas really fit that bill and I am looking forward to checking in with Betty and the gang for years to come.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,571 reviews19 followers
November 25, 2017
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I’ve read a few Deborah Garner books and enjoyed them so I was looking forward to reading Gingerbread at Moonglow, although this is the first book I’ve read about the Timberton Hotel in Montana. It is a stand alone novella but I can see how reading all of them would be like reading about old friends.

There isn’t really a plot to Gingerbread at Moonglow. It’s more like reading about Christmas preparation and celebration with old and new friends. Interesting tidbit to me: it’s the first time I’ve seen pepperkaker (a Swedish cookie) mentioned in a book. My grandma was Swedish and made it every year. It’s my son’s favorite Christmas cookie so I’ve made it for many years also.

At the end of the book are several recipes. I always enjoy trying at least one new cookie recipe during the holidays so I plan on trying one of these.
285 reviews
December 28, 2024
Magical!

A giant Gingerbread House, and a hotel full of guests at Christmas. What a perfectly marvelous story. Due to a slight miscommunication, instead of 4 inch x 4 inch individual houses for guests to decorate, there is one huge 4 foot x 4 foot giant one. Aside from where to actually set it up, how much gingerbread will be needed to bake to cover it? As usual Mist uses her logic and wonderful way of putting everything into perspective to solve the dilemma and keep everyone calm. Another delightful, enjoyable and entertaining read. I am absolutely in love with this series. I am so glad I discovered it. The holidays can be a bit sad sometimes when you start to think about family and friends who are no longer with us, or about the chaos of the state of world affairs. But this is such a delightful, well written and uplifting series you can't help but smile. Since I am binge reading them all at once I am feeling extremely happy. 5 Glittering Stars! 🎉🎉🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟📚
Profile Image for loopyloulaura.
1,538 reviews21 followers
November 30, 2017
Getting in the mood for Christmas? I was lucky enough to be sent ‘Gingerbread at Moonglow’ to review and it has made me feel very festive!

The novella begins just before Christmas where a hotel owner is getting all set to provide her guests with a wonderful Christmas. This involves an accidentally supersized gingerbread house (hence the title)!

Although it is a novella rather than a full novel, the characters are well developed and the plot is both engaging and heart-warming. I am interested to see how it fits with the 2 earlier novellas in the series (see descriptions below) but it works perfectly well as a stand alone read.

As if the story isn’t enough, the author has also included some recipes at the end which sound very tempting!

My only complaint is that I wanted it to last longer and I want to know what happens to the characters. Maybe next Christmas…

Score 4/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews

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