Customer Reviews: Read 24 more reviews...
 Holiday blues November 26, 2008
Jeanne Tassotto (Trapped in the Midwest)
Christmas is fast approaching and Lori Shepherd is anxious to have everything just perfect. She and her husband Bill are blissfully happy in their marriage and their cozy cottage in the Cotswolds, their nine month old twin boys are happy and healthy, everyone has settled into village life beautifully and even though her wonderful nanny has taken some time off Lori's adored father-in-law has stepped in to lend a hand. Lori was now ready to make up for the less than spectacular holidays of her childhood and was planning a holiday that would put Martha Stewart to shame. Her plans went awry though when a tramp was found in their driveway nearly dead from exposure and malnutrition. The next blow came when Bill was called back to the states on urgent business. The Aunt Dimity, the former owner of the cottage who often guided Lori into and through problems - despite being dead - urged Lori away from her hearth and home on a mission to discover the identity of this mysterious stranger. As Lori, accompanied by a Roman Catholic priest travel across the countryside to uncover the stranger's past Lori's vision of a perfect holiday seems less and less likely.
The AUNT DIMITY series is a bit difficult to describe, it is a cozy, romance/paranormal/mystery that focuses - usually on Lori Shepherd, her family and friends. The activities of Lori and her growing circle of family and friends is the main draw here rather than the mysteries but in this one most of the focus is on Lori's own inner journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas. The overall tone of this story is rather downbeat as opposed to the usual humorous one of the other stories. Plot holes both inconsistencies and unrealistic behaviors are the norm for this series but this particular tale goes much too far. For example Lori is concerned about her father-in-law's health but has no qualms about leaving him to cope with her infant sons, alone, in an isolated cottage while she goes off, even though Lori finds the daily care of the twins exhausting herself.
This is not one of the better entries into this series. Fans will not want to skip it if only because there is a strong overall story arc to this series but it is definitely not the place to begin.
 Awesome! August 10, 2008
F.Faulkner (Hartford, CT USA)
What an engaging character "Kit" was! I was as beguiled as Lori. The story really surprises the reader with its turn of plot. It starts out to give you the impression it'll be a kind of cozy perfect, fairytale story and ends up being something more touching and meaningful. I was compelled to finish this book in one day. I love the interwoven history, handsome men, the crusty but good-in-the-end townsfolk, and Will Sr. I sometimes miss the enchantment and wonder of the first book, but I don't think it can be recaptured once the secret is out so to speak. This Christmas novel was a very satisfying read indeed. Nancy Atherton is getting way up there on my favorites list which includes Candace Robb, Aaron Elkins, Maggie Osborne, Gary Jennings, Kate Ross, Diana Gabaldon, Stephen Lawhead, Elizabeth Peters, Preston/Child, Ken Follett, and Christine Feehan.
 No Room In the House November 23, 2007
Nash Black (Jamestown, KY)
Nancy Atherton delivers a delightful fun cozy. It is nearly Christmas and Lori Shepherd can't wait to celebrate with "all" of her family. When a tramp knocks at her door more dead than alive.
This adventure takes Lori and a friend, Father Julian, into the shelters for the homeless in London. Where they learn for themselves the true meaning of Christmas.
A good mystery that is guided by the ghost of Aunt Dimity, one of the stars of the haunting world. A holiday story with a touch of grim realism. Its been around a while, but still a good read when you are all snugly and warm.
Nash Black, author of TRAVELERS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.
Lots of Fun November 11, 2006
Sharon H. Shearouse (Florida USA)
As always, Nancy Atherton delivers a cozy mystery full of life in England. I collect all of her books as they come out, but I don't believe this one was one of her best. It did have a very unusual storyline & ending. I can guarantee it will keep you guessing...
Another great one August 23, 2006
Bookworm (USA)
I love this series. Aunt Dimity's Christmas is a great installment.
Sure, there are a few things that can be a tad annoying. Like Bill (Lori's husband) being too good to be true. He's perfect. He's almost always agreeable and accomodating and does whatever Lori needs, whenever she needs. A little one-dimensional. Same for Bill's father. And sure, in this book, Lori comes off as a bit elitist as she describes being turned off by the homeless people's ratty clothing. She does grow, though, and by the end of the book we realize what lies beneath her revulsion.
But, I overlooked these little things and just enjoyed the book. The mystery itself is pretty interesting and well written and as usual, there is a good sense of suspense that makes you keep reading. And maybe best of all, in the back of the book they give you the recipe for Lori's Angel Cookies. Yum!
If you hate "happily ever after" endings and seemingly perfect characters (except for Lori, who is flawed and the most "real" person in the book), skip this book (and series). But if you just want a fun, light, feel-good book to help you kill a couple of hours on a rainy Saturday afternoon, this is the book (and series) for you.
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