The Christmas Stranger — Leslie Budewitz

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Food Lovers' Village Mysteries, we're bringing out stand-alone editions of readers' favorites from Carried to the Grave and Other Stories. Our second selection, after An Unholy Death, is the holiday short story The Christmas Stranger.Amid the holiday rush of keeping the shelves stocked and filling orders for the Merc, the grocery her family has run for more than a century, proprietor Erin Murphy treasures the way her tight-knit community of Jewel Bay seems to grow even closer during the Christmas season. And this year, when she slows down to do a simple favor for a mysterious stranger, he shows his thanks with a small, quiet gesture—a gift that changes lives, and so much more . . .Praise for the Food Lovers' Village Mysteries:Treble at the Jam Fest has all the necessary elements to satisfy cozy mystery lovers: likeable, believable characters, a fast-moving plot, and a logical ending. Great fun! —Suspense MagazineA pleasing read with a thoughtful heroine, a plethora of red herrings, and some foodie tips. —Kirkus ReviewsA delicious mystery as richly constructed as the layers of a buttery pastry. Wine, enchiladas, and song make for a gourmet treat in the coziest town in Montana! —Krista Davis, New York Times bestselling author of the Domestic Diva MysteriesLeslie is a fellow foodie who loves a good mystery and it shows in this delightful tale! —Cleo Coyle, New York Times bestselling author of the Coffeehouse MysteriesMusic, food, scenery, and a cast of appealing characters weave together in perfect harmony in Leslie Budewitz's Treble at the Jam Fest. —Sheila Connolly, New York Times bestselling author of the Orchard Mysteries and the County Cork MysteriesSmall-town charm and big-time chills. Jewel Bay, Montana, is a food lover's paradise. —Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author