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Winter Witches of Holiday Haven #3
Holiday Hexes
Top toy designer Star Clearwater is convinced that Christmas is cursed. What’s supposed to be her hard-earned vacation turns into chaos when her mother lures her to the North Pole only for all spell to break loose at her arrival.
A heinous hex threatens the entire toy production inside Santa’s Toy Workshop, putting millions of children’s wishes in jeopardy. If her mother—who reports directly to Mrs. Claus—can’t get things under control, Christmas won’t be the only thing getting canned.
Star has no choice but to crash at her mother’s cottage in the charming magical town of Holiday Haven. The sooner she can find the Scrooge responsible for the crime, the faster she can get back to her normal life.
Armed with her witchy wits, Star accepts help from a talking husky and the cute guy running the town bookstore as she follows the trail while the countdown to Christmas Day ticks away.
Will Star find a way to catch the criminal and reverse the hex? Or will Christmas be canceled this year?
A heinous hex threatens the entire toy production inside Santa’s Toy Workshop, putting millions of children’s wishes in jeopardy. If her mother—who reports directly to Mrs. Claus—can’t get things under control, Christmas won’t be the only thing getting canned.
Star has no choice but to crash at her mother’s cottage in the charming magical town of Holiday Haven. The sooner she can find the Scrooge responsible for the crime, the faster she can get back to her normal life.
Armed with her witchy wits, Star accepts help from a talking husky and the cute guy running the town bookstore as she follows the trail while the countdown to Christmas Day ticks away.
Will Star find a way to catch the criminal and reverse the hex? Or will Christmas be canceled this year?
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2020
472 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Collins
33 books54 followersJ. L. (Jerri) lives in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, with her family and feisty canine. She loves delicious southern food, dogs, Carolina sunrises on the beach, shopping on King Street, and curling up with about twenty different books on the weekends. When she gets the rare chance, she also likes to go exploring and learning more about Charleston's rich history.
Make sure to sign up for Jerri's mailing list to receive her newsletter so you can find out all about her new releases, check out cover reveals, take part of fun giveaways, PLUS receive an exclusive cocktail recipe book from J. L. for free! https://www.subscribepage.com/u0d6c6
Feel free to contact J. L. Collins here: jlcollinsbooks@gmail.com
Make sure to sign up for Jerri's mailing list to receive her newsletter so you can find out all about her new releases, check out cover reveals, take part of fun giveaways, PLUS receive an exclusive cocktail recipe book from J. L. for free! https://www.subscribepage.com/u0d6c6
Feel free to contact J. L. Collins here: jlcollinsbooks@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
March 2, 2022
No rhythm
Something didn't click with this one. It didn't flow, there was a lack of background on why Star and her mother don't talk to each other. The reason for kidnapping her seems obscure because there is no depth to the story, we don't know why her mother doesn't speak to her either.
Apparently her mother talks about her all the time.. but is as equally off hand and rude as Star. Wandering around with no money buying things, demanding coffee next door and ordering chai latte.. I don't know.. major deal going down in your own company and you go awol and.. well.. I don't think it works.. none of the characters were particularly likeable and she's even made Clara Claus look bad..
Shame because I had enjoyed the previous two in the series.
Something didn't click with this one. It didn't flow, there was a lack of background on why Star and her mother don't talk to each other. The reason for kidnapping her seems obscure because there is no depth to the story, we don't know why her mother doesn't speak to her either.
Apparently her mother talks about her all the time.. but is as equally off hand and rude as Star. Wandering around with no money buying things, demanding coffee next door and ordering chai latte.. I don't know.. major deal going down in your own company and you go awol and.. well.. I don't think it works.. none of the characters were particularly likeable and she's even made Clara Claus look bad..
Shame because I had enjoyed the previous two in the series.
December 29, 2022
Holiday Hexes
Winter Witches of Holiday Haven, Book 3
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Scribd
Dates Read: 12/26/22 - 12/27/22
Stars: 3.5
Narrator(s): Amanda Ronconi
The Characters:
Star Clearwater:
Chaser, Star’s Mother, Clover Busylight (the elf), Mr & Mrs Clause, other residents of Holiday Haven
The Story:
A quick, fun holiday mystery.
Winter Witches of Holiday Haven, Book 3
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Scribd
Dates Read: 12/26/22 - 12/27/22
Stars: 3.5
Narrator(s): Amanda Ronconi
The Characters:
Star Clearwater:
Chaser, Star’s Mother, Clover Busylight (the elf), Mr & Mrs Clause, other residents of Holiday Haven
The Story:
A quick, fun holiday mystery.
December 21, 2020
Not great
I normally love paranormal cozy mystery books and really enjoyed the rest of the Holiday Haven series, but this one really didn't hold up. My primary complaint is that the main character really just had an obnoxious personality. Beyond that, nothing really happened for the majority of the book and the romance was very poorly developed. I highly recommend the series as a whole, just skip this book!
I normally love paranormal cozy mystery books and really enjoyed the rest of the Holiday Haven series, but this one really didn't hold up. My primary complaint is that the main character really just had an obnoxious personality. Beyond that, nothing really happened for the majority of the book and the romance was very poorly developed. I highly recommend the series as a whole, just skip this book!
December 13, 2023
Such a great read for the holidays 🎄
January 29, 2022
These books in the series are cool. Different Authors different stories but same places some of them. Star has a electronic toy shop. She could not stand Christmas probably cause of her momma. They butted heads all her life. But suddenly a dog Chaser ( he could talk) that Star knew all her childhood life appeared out of the blue. And then she was in another place.right beside her mom. Her mom told her Clara Clause and Santa Clause needed tips about the electronic toys. Star asked why she has a ton of hep. Her mom said they are old fashioned. Star mom showed her around the Christmas Haven place and the work shop that mom worked. The place was not her cup of tea. Especially In a 1950 setting Christmas time. It was neat all the cool places. Especially the place with all the sweets. But watch out Fairies will put fairy dust in the baked goods. All the witches and fairies and elves worked for the Clauses. Working to make it perfect for the little kids to have Christmas presents on the day 3 days away. Then some hex was set upon the work place. And Star mom said now not all of the kids will get gifts because nothing will work. So Star felt bad so she stayed awhile longer to help find out what it really was. Star and mom see eye to eye and Star found a cute witch guy Everett. Love this one. So far the ones I have read a cool
November 11, 2020
Wonderful, warm, wintery, and well-written!
Such a lovely book! I love love loved it! I LOVED the characters! I loved that wintery, Christmassy feel! Sweet and cute and just more-ish! On to the next Winter Witch!
I’m re-reading what I wrote, and I used a lot of exclamation marks, which gives you a great insight in to how much I liked this book!
Don’t worry about reading this series in order, this works perfectly fine as a standalone.
Such a lovely book! I love love loved it! I LOVED the characters! I loved that wintery, Christmassy feel! Sweet and cute and just more-ish! On to the next Winter Witch!
I’m re-reading what I wrote, and I used a lot of exclamation marks, which gives you a great insight in to how much I liked this book!
Don’t worry about reading this series in order, this works perfectly fine as a standalone.
November 30, 2023
Pros:
I really love that despite having different authors the magic of the world and town stays the same. It’s fun seeing how they describe things through different character’s perspective and it just makes sense that it is how the character sees it.
Cons:
I can’t place what it is but the characters weren’t as strong to me, didn’t have the kind of development we saw in the first book.
I really love that despite having different authors the magic of the world and town stays the same. It’s fun seeing how they describe things through different character’s perspective and it just makes sense that it is how the character sees it.
Cons:
I can’t place what it is but the characters weren’t as strong to me, didn’t have the kind of development we saw in the first book.
November 20, 2020
Was terribly disappointed. This MC was not charming or whimsical or likable in any way, really. The story was 40%, at least, absolutely nothing but fill. Little interaction with the denizens of Holiday Haven. Just didn't work for me at all.
November 20, 2020
I absolutely loved this sweet story, it has all the magical christmas feeling we need, especially this year. It was very well written and Star is a great character, she wants to do things by herself not by magic to know her success is hers and hers only and i admire that. However no matter how busy she is when her mother and Christmas needs her help she step in and do her best!
i really loved all this universe, yes i guessed easily and quite soon the culprit and motive but i still had to keep reading as i was immersed into the story
if you want some Christmas magic this is a great story for you!
i really loved all this universe, yes i guessed easily and quite soon the culprit and motive but i still had to keep reading as i was immersed into the story
if you want some Christmas magic this is a great story for you!
April 8, 2021
An Hallmark movie
I absolutely love the take Collins has on Holiday Haven, finding myself happily smiling at the descriptions of places and characters. Her contribution to the series has more the taste of a cheesy Xmas flick than a cozy mystery though, and that's the only negative for me, but is a matter of personal taste.
I absolutely love the take Collins has on Holiday Haven, finding myself happily smiling at the descriptions of places and characters. Her contribution to the series has more the taste of a cheesy Xmas flick than a cozy mystery though, and that's the only negative for me, but is a matter of personal taste.
December 8, 2022
This series may be my favorite holiday series. These witches have the best familiars. The North Pole is already full of Magic but when the magic goes awry, can the witches fix it before Christmas Day?
January 27, 2022
I love this series! An absolute delight to read especially with the unusual characters. Now if only I could find the next two books.
January 31, 2022
I really like this series and hope there will be more.
December 12, 2020
A Christmas Paranormal Mystery #3
A fun story with cute characters. I personally loved the familiar, definitely had a cute personality. This is the 3rd Holiday Haven book and I look forward to reading the other 2.
A fun story with cute characters. I personally loved the familiar, definitely had a cute personality. This is the 3rd Holiday Haven book and I look forward to reading the other 2.
November 19, 2021
We are back in Holiday Haven where this time the chaotic Christmas disaster has to do with the Master List. The toy and mail departments are in a mess and it looks like lots of kids may be disappointed this year. And this is on top of the other mysteries in town which are briefly mentioned.
Star is visiting her mom and wants to help solve the problem. Star is a good character. She has built a toy business outside of Holiday Haven and the North Pole. She has done it through hard work, good ideas, and no magic.
The mystery here is a perfect one for Star to solve. She learns some things about herself and other people, becomes closer to her, even meets an nice, attractive man.
I didn’t love this one. It was Christmassy, but I was not invested in the potential romance. The mystery, while high stakes in that world, was rather bland.
I’m enjoying this series a lot, this just wasn’t my favorite entry.
Star is visiting her mom and wants to help solve the problem. Star is a good character. She has built a toy business outside of Holiday Haven and the North Pole. She has done it through hard work, good ideas, and no magic.
The mystery here is a perfect one for Star to solve. She learns some things about herself and other people, becomes closer to her, even meets an nice, attractive man.
I didn’t love this one. It was Christmassy, but I was not invested in the potential romance. The mystery, while high stakes in that world, was rather bland.
I’m enjoying this series a lot, this just wasn’t my favorite entry.
February 13, 2023
These books in the series are cool. Different Authors different stories but same places some of them. It so wonderful and wintery and has been very well written. I gave it 3.75 stars because I feel it was a bit childish for me but i still enjoyed reading it. I absolutely love the take Collins has on Holiday Haven, finding myself happily smiling at the descriptions of places and characters.
February 13, 2021
We are back in Holiday Haven where this time the chaotic Christmas disaster has to do with the Master List. Star Clearwater is visiting her mom when chaos breaks loose and alarms are sounding all over Santa's workshop.
Someone has put a hex on production and now the entire toy department has shut down. To make matters worse the mail department has also been affected and the children's letters are backing up. With Christmas on the horizon can the mystery of the hexed list be solved in time?
Another magic and fun-filled Christmas mystery. I absolutely love that these books can be read standalone. Each book so far has it's own story BUT share the same setting...Holiday Haven. This series is definitely going to be on the favorites list.
Someone has put a hex on production and now the entire toy department has shut down. To make matters worse the mail department has also been affected and the children's letters are backing up. With Christmas on the horizon can the mystery of the hexed list be solved in time?
Another magic and fun-filled Christmas mystery. I absolutely love that these books can be read standalone. Each book so far has it's own story BUT share the same setting...Holiday Haven. This series is definitely going to be on the favorites list.
January 1, 2021
I have to say out of all 5 books in the series, this was my least favorite. I still liked it, but I'm not a fan of type A executive types, so I never warmed up to the main character. And either I went into one of those reading trances where my eyes follow words while my brain is elsewhere, or there was an plot point left dangling.
December 26, 2020
Hmm, I'm a bit divided on this one.
For the most part it was a short and sweet holiday read.
I liked how independent the MC is and that she's closer to PWF age was a definite plus.
On the other hand I wasnt too crazy about the storyline with her mom and their issues. The way they resolved or not as it were felt very unsatisfactory.
For the most part it was a short and sweet holiday read.
I liked how independent the MC is and that she's closer to PWF age was a definite plus.
On the other hand I wasnt too crazy about the storyline with her mom and their issues. The way they resolved or not as it were felt very unsatisfactory.
April 15, 2023
Pretty much a teen read. Not too interesting. Predictable. Resolution is too simple.
December 14, 2022
With Christmas fast approaching I fancied reading something to help get the season off to a good start and I certainly did by discovering this series. This is the third book in this Christmas themed series written by five very talented authors. Each author writes about a different set of characters with just the location and season being the same (so can be read in any order) and I am just loving it. This is a cute, fun cozy mystery with no murder. I liked the characters and the budding romance. I could very easily see the series being played on the hallmark channel and with the cool cute covers it shows you exactly the type of story to expect. Off to start the next book.
When Star suddenly finds herself in the North Pole, she had no idea that she would find herself racing to save Christmas for every big and girl in the world. Her mother as head of the toy workshop finds herself facing the biggest crisis to face the North Pole. Something is wrong with the Christmas toy wish list and the letters aren't getting processed properly. Can Star find out who would want to Sabotage? Is it someone who hates Christmas like she does or does somebody want her mother to fail? Time is running out.
When Star suddenly finds herself in the North Pole, she had no idea that she would find herself racing to save Christmas for every big and girl in the world. Her mother as head of the toy workshop finds herself facing the biggest crisis to face the North Pole. Something is wrong with the Christmas toy wish list and the letters aren't getting processed properly. Can Star find out who would want to Sabotage? Is it someone who hates Christmas like she does or does somebody want her mother to fail? Time is running out.
January 3, 2024
💖 Rating: DNF
📚 Genre: Cozy mystery, urban fantasy
💕 Positives: None
🚫 Negatives:
* The main character isn't very likable. The mother is outright toxic.
* I really don't like reading about the mother/daughter struggle. What happened to being a cozy story?
* There are some plot holes. What happened to the fire that she left on before the kidnapping? Why did Star demand coffee then ask for chai?
⚡Content Warning: None.
🌟 Overall, I really didn't like this book at all. There was no world building, the characters had no depth and the storyline wasn't entertaining.
The main character isn't very likable and actually verges on annoying. I understand the squabbles with her mother (been there, done that), but she promises to pay everyone? Also, she tried re-styling the bookstore immeadiately. I'm in advertising with a business background and while I do the same thing when entering a business, at least I have enough sense to keep the thoughts in my head. Then the toxic mother/ daughter relationship was bizarre at best.
Definitely don't recommend this book. Ugh. I'll read the rest of the series, but I'm going to skip over this author.
📚 Genre: Cozy mystery, urban fantasy
💕 Positives: None
🚫 Negatives:
* The main character isn't very likable. The mother is outright toxic.
* I really don't like reading about the mother/daughter struggle. What happened to being a cozy story?
* There are some plot holes. What happened to the fire that she left on before the kidnapping? Why did Star demand coffee then ask for chai?
⚡Content Warning: None.
🌟 Overall, I really didn't like this book at all. There was no world building, the characters had no depth and the storyline wasn't entertaining.
The main character isn't very likable and actually verges on annoying. I understand the squabbles with her mother (been there, done that), but she promises to pay everyone? Also, she tried re-styling the bookstore immeadiately. I'm in advertising with a business background and while I do the same thing when entering a business, at least I have enough sense to keep the thoughts in my head. Then the toxic mother/ daughter relationship was bizarre at best.
Definitely don't recommend this book. Ugh. I'll read the rest of the series, but I'm going to skip over this author.
November 10, 2020
When Star is kidnapped by her mother to visit her mother at the North Pole, Star is frustrated because she has so many obligations at her own business in Texas. Still when the magic list of names and requested presents is found hexed shortly after her arrival, Star is glad she is there to offer assistance to her mother in solving the crime. Along the way she meets an interesting man and it turns out to be the beginning of a special relationship. She also has the chance to get their mother-daughter relationship straightened out. Star discovers changed opinions about things she thought she wouldn't ever like. A mystery, a little romance, learning to accept things, and reopening her heart to her mother's love, this is a sweet book about Star and the true spirit of the season.
Delightful story, great characters, amazing descriptions, and a book that was over too quickly! A perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. I loved it!
Delightful story, great characters, amazing descriptions, and a book that was over too quickly! A perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. I loved it!
November 16, 2021
entertaining holiday themed supernatural cozy mystery series
This is a holiday themed multi author supernatural cozy mystery series. With a great cast of characters and unique and entertaining storylines. Each book is a different character based in the same world which basically is the north pole and the small towns surrounding it. It is inhabited by Santa and Mrs. clause of course the elves that make the toys and work for the Klaus family as well as many other supernaturals including witches and wizards and trolls vampires shifters etc. Those who have magic can live at the pole and made them work in and around the Christmas industry. Read on and hear their stories and enjoy a wondrous world filled with different mysteries that are solved by different people in different ways. Very entertaining and a fun read.
This is a holiday themed multi author supernatural cozy mystery series. With a great cast of characters and unique and entertaining storylines. Each book is a different character based in the same world which basically is the north pole and the small towns surrounding it. It is inhabited by Santa and Mrs. clause of course the elves that make the toys and work for the Klaus family as well as many other supernaturals including witches and wizards and trolls vampires shifters etc. Those who have magic can live at the pole and made them work in and around the Christmas industry. Read on and hear their stories and enjoy a wondrous world filled with different mysteries that are solved by different people in different ways. Very entertaining and a fun read.
December 6, 2025
I seem to read it awful lot. These are the books that I enjoy most.
Books on Christmas with a lot of mixup and everything not so much murder. I get so tired of the murder but I enjoy those because they’re usually not that crazy. I drift away from these quite a while, but I’m glad I have them to go back to. I really enjoyed this book and will be enjoying the rest of the series and look into some more books that she has written, and I have read quite a few, but if you want to read a book this enjoyable, but not real crazy. This set is one of the best it’s about Christmas and the holidays which I had to get used to enjoying since years ago, my life turned I lost one of the most important person in life my son with my reading and thinking things have been better and I have to continue the reading. Just read the books. I know you’ll enjoy them.
Books on Christmas with a lot of mixup and everything not so much murder. I get so tired of the murder but I enjoy those because they’re usually not that crazy. I drift away from these quite a while, but I’m glad I have them to go back to. I really enjoyed this book and will be enjoying the rest of the series and look into some more books that she has written, and I have read quite a few, but if you want to read a book this enjoyable, but not real crazy. This set is one of the best it’s about Christmas and the holidays which I had to get used to enjoying since years ago, my life turned I lost one of the most important person in life my son with my reading and thinking things have been better and I have to continue the reading. Just read the books. I know you’ll enjoy them.
November 8, 2020
What a wonderful mystery. I totally enjoyed the third in the series. This is a standalone story. Top toy designer Star Clearwater is whisked away from Austin shortly before Christmas. Her mother works for Mrs. Santa Claus.
So the wish list is corrupted and the search is on to how it was corrupted, why and how do we fix it. I liked how Star tracked down clues, processed them, and put them together to figure it out.
Star also meets the neighbor bookstore owner who provides her coffee. They become friends. I liked all aspects of this story, it was like a Hallmark Christmas Story in a book.
I highly recommend this book.
I was given an Advanced e-copy of this book and am not required to leave a positive review.
November 23, 2020
Star Clearwater is a top toy designer and a witch down south. When her mom comes to get her for a visit just before Christmas, Stsr isn't very happy at first. Star's mom lives in Holiday Haven and works in the toy factory at the North Pole and Star doesn't really care for Christmas. But something goes awry during Star's first visit to the toy factory as it seems a hex is threatening toy production. Can Star figure out what happened and save Christmas?
I'm really enjoying this series and this book is a great read. It's well-written with wonderful characters especially Star who really comes into her own as a witch by the end of the book. There was a thing or two that I felt was left unanswered but overall I really liked the book. I very much recommend both book and series.
I'm really enjoying this series and this book is a great read. It's well-written with wonderful characters especially Star who really comes into her own as a witch by the end of the book. There was a thing or two that I felt was left unanswered but overall I really liked the book. I very much recommend both book and series.
December 7, 2020
Star Clearwater owns a toy company based in Texas.
When her mom's familiar shows Staup and takes Star with him to the North Pole because her mom needs her to help Mrs. Clause with something.
While there, Alarms suddenly go off and the production of the entire NP Toy factory is shut down with what everyone thinks is a hex.
Luckily, Star is a problem troubleshooter and may be able to figure out what's going on.
Pro's:
Developed characters, and a good storyline.
Con's:
Star is from Austin TX, but there are several references to South Carolina?
No reason is given, nor an explanation of the meaning, leaving me to conclude that the Star's factory was supposed to be in S.C. instead of Texas, and the author made the change without changing all of the relevant references.
When her mom's familiar shows Staup and takes Star with him to the North Pole because her mom needs her to help Mrs. Clause with something.
While there, Alarms suddenly go off and the production of the entire NP Toy factory is shut down with what everyone thinks is a hex.
Luckily, Star is a problem troubleshooter and may be able to figure out what's going on.
Pro's:
Developed characters, and a good storyline.
Con's:
Star is from Austin TX, but there are several references to South Carolina?
No reason is given, nor an explanation of the meaning, leaving me to conclude that the Star's factory was supposed to be in S.C. instead of Texas, and the author made the change without changing all of the relevant references.
December 7, 2020
First-rate read!
I'm beginning to think something big is going on in Holiday Haven! Now there's apparently a hex on Santa's workshop, which could mean a lot of toyless (and joyless!) kids come Christmas morning. Star Clearwater has no reason to appreciate the holiday or Santa and the Mrs.; they're the reason for the distance between Star and her mother. The irony of Star being coerced into coming to the rescue drives this beautifully crafted story. The carefully layered relationships and motivations make this magical environment feel plausible and the characters worth getting to know. The touch of romance is charming and not cloying. The mystery yields some surprises; however, my enjoyment of this latest visit to Holiday Haven comes as no surprise at all!
I'm beginning to think something big is going on in Holiday Haven! Now there's apparently a hex on Santa's workshop, which could mean a lot of toyless (and joyless!) kids come Christmas morning. Star Clearwater has no reason to appreciate the holiday or Santa and the Mrs.; they're the reason for the distance between Star and her mother. The irony of Star being coerced into coming to the rescue drives this beautifully crafted story. The carefully layered relationships and motivations make this magical environment feel plausible and the characters worth getting to know. The touch of romance is charming and not cloying. The mystery yields some surprises; however, my enjoyment of this latest visit to Holiday Haven comes as no surprise at all!
December 28, 2021
Another mystery set in Holiday Haven, the home of all magical beings outside of North Pole. It is also the home of those running Santa's toy workshop. Star's mother runs the workshop and it's all hands on deck with the wishlist from all the children of the world is corrupted and the workshop is unable to prepare toy production the week before Christmas. Star, a tough CEO of her own toy workshop, in Texas is unexpectedly in town and able to help solve the problem while reacquainting herself to magic and her mom's chosen home.
This was actually my least favorite of the 3 in the series that I've read. I'm not quite sure, maybe since it was mostly centered only on elves and witches and the awkward mother/daughter relationship. I'm still in for more next Christmas season though.
This was actually my least favorite of the 3 in the series that I've read. I'm not quite sure, maybe since it was mostly centered only on elves and witches and the awkward mother/daughter relationship. I'm still in for more next Christmas season though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews