Once Upon a Cove Christmas by Maryann Ridini Spencer
a Lavender Hill Cove novel
a Christmas mystery, a little romance, and a touch of heaven
When a series of malicious acts of Christmas display vandalism destroy holiday cheer in the charming town of Lavender Hill Cove, Ella Martin and her detective sister, Julie, get embroiled in another who-done-it. Adding a bit of romance into the holiday mix, Ella runs into her old beau, famous musician Carter Huxley, who, after breaking things off, now wants to turn up the heat once more. However, this time, he faces competition from another prominent town member, Harrison Grant. As the two men vie for Ella’s affections, Ella’s new neighbor, Rosemary, a sweet but mysterious lady, helps Ella and Julie reeducate teen boys to the true meaning of how to live in the holiday spirit when they are caught in the copy-cat act of vandalizing Rosemary’s Christmas nativity scene.
Books, conversation, friendship, and a little “angelic” intercession culminate in the much-anticipated Lavender Hill holiday gala coordinated by Ella and her friend and Firefly Lane Farms Catering and Events partner, Sophia Abrams, to facilitate and promote understanding, community unity, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Book Cover
Author Photo
Press Release
Author Bio
Advanced Praise for "Once Upon a Cove Christmas"
“Once Upon a Cove Christmas is an engaging read that wraps the reader in the textures, aromas, and cozy beauty of Christmas in a small town on Long Island, New York’s North Fork. This second novel in the Lavender Hill Cove series follows a grieving widow who finds solace in faith, family and community while encountering mystery and romance—and maybe even a Christmas miracle. A holiday ‘must read!’”
~Kristina Van Kirk, Screenwriter, Persephone, Stay Where You Are and Nobody Gets Hurt, The Box
“Maryann Ridini Spencer weaves a Christmas holiday tale of love, rivalry, human errors, and reconciliation set against the backdrop of the small village of Lavender Hill Cove. Romantic competitors, juvenile offenders, and village leaders come together to rise above their flaws, awakening to a deeper understanding of the essence of Christmas in their community. There is a message in her words to be cherished by her readers.”
~Father Gregory Elder, Ph.D., Pastor, Sacred Heart Church, Palm Desert, CA
“Lavender Hill Cove, a New England village, is decorated in holiday splendor, and Ella Martin is captivated by the magic of this most wonderful season of the year. But everyone doesn’t feel the magic or understand it. Vandals are destroying holiday scenes. But who? And why? So, the mystery begins, and as it unfolds, recently widowed Ella unexpectedly discovers she can fall in love again. Once Upon a Cove Christmas is a beautiful holiday story of love, redemption, and second chances. You’ll tell your friends about this one!”
~Joanne Hardy, author, The Girl in the Butternut Dress, Random Truths, and ABANDONED
“When vandals wreak havoc, destroying holiday displays in the charming seaside town of Lavender Hill Cove, Ella and her detective sister, Julie, tackle the mystery. A captivating ‘who-done-it’ spiced with romance, intrigue, and a little angelic magic, Once Upon a Cove Christmas delivers all the requisites for a delightful and insightful Christmas story.”
~Rachel Druten, author of nine historical romances for Barbour Publishing and writer and illustrator of the award-winning Hazel Flick series
“As the Christmas season approaches and vandalism on local businesses dampens holiday spirits, Ella and her business partner, Sophia, dream up an event to reclaim the season’s joy. Meanwhile, Ella and her detective sister, Julie, work to discover who’s behind the crimes. Once Upon a Cove Christmas, the second novel in the Lavender Hill Cove series mixes intrigue, romance, and a little holiday magic to recapture the true spirit of Christmas in this insightful and engaging novel.”
~D. Marie Fitzgerald, author of A Perfect World, I Have Pictured Myself for Years, F&G, and The Love Song
