This is the third book in the Molly the Maid series. It is actually a seasonal novella so it is 2.5 in the series. It’s Christmas time and Molly and Juan Manuel are busy decorating and getting ready for the holidays. They are also preparing for the Secret Santa gift exchange at the Regency Grand Hotel where they both work. But as the exchange gets closer, Molly begins to feel uneasy. She senses that something is going on with Juan Manuel and begins to question her trust in him and their relationship. Was she wrong about him all this time? This was a fun little story and had a sweet, heartwarming ending. I’m a fan of this series and look forward to more from Molly and her friends at the Regency Grand Hotel.

The Mistletoe Mystery is a fun, easy read that will warm the hearts of Molly the Maid fans! This is a light-hearted read that centered around Juan Manuel’s proposal to Molly. There was no real mystery, just a short novella that will make your heart happy!

More fun with Molly the maid! This time it's December , with all the busyness of the holidays. Molly and Juan Manual are busy working at The Regency Grand Hotel, Molly as head maid, and Juan , recently promoted to pastry chef. The usual characters are also here; Mr. Snow, Mr. Preston, Angela, Cheryl and lily.
As the month of December progresses, Molly gets suspicious about Juan's schedule and sneakiness. We also learn about Molly's time growing up; how she was bullied by classmates and made fun of. All I can say is that this novella has the perfect ending! A wonderful short, romantic, funny Christmas story! Can't wait for more of Molly's adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing me with this digital copy in exchange for. my honest review.

I have been a Molly fan from the start and loved spending some holiday time with her! This heartwarming novella is set at Christmas, and the Regency Grand Hotel is beautifully decorated for the season. Molly and her boyfriend, Juan Manuel, have been happily cohabitating, and they are preparing for the season with their traditions and celebrations. I enjoy the sweetness of their relationship.

At work, a Secret Santa gift exchange has Molly worried due to past issues, but that's not the only thing worrying Molly, and she tries to get to the bottom of things. The mystery to be solved in this one differs from the first two books but works very well for a lighthearted holiday installment and shows more of Molly's personal day-to-day life with Juan Manuel. There is also a delightful nod to O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," and nostalgic memories of Gran and her wise words. A quick, cozy read that is festive and feel good!

Thank you to Random House Ballentine and Netgalley for the gifted ARC.

Molly is seriously one of my favorite characters ever, while having an autistic child sometimes you forget they don’t think or feel the same way as everyone. Molly always reminds me that although different she is truly special in so many ways. While I would have loved another full book of her shenanigans this books is absolutely perfect to me and such a wonderful short story. Her romance is one that is very sweet and wonderful that reminds you not all romance is the same.

Fans of Molly the Maid will love cozying up with this novella this Christmas season. This book brings the Christmas spirit to life, you can nearly taste the gingerbread and envision the twinkle lights

This may have a predictable story arc but the journey to the conclusion is a joy to read.

Thanks to NetGalley & Ballantine Books for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I just love Molly the Maid!! Nita Prose writes some of the best mysteries that take me back to my Nancy Drew/Agatha Christie days. Always a really great whodunnit! This was the perfect cozy little holiday read and I’ll definitely be picking it up again during Christmas.

I have never been one for series, but I absolutely loved this one. Molly the Maid is such a likeable character and add that to Christmas and this book has it all. This book was more of a romance with a bit of mystery but such a fun and coxy read. I will be buying a copy to read again at Christmas time. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I was so happy to read this one early. :)

"The Mistletoe Mystery" is a delightful and engaging holiday read that deftly combines festive charm with an intriguing whodunit. The author excels at creating a cozy atmosphere that captures the essence of the season, while weaving a compelling mystery that keeps readers guessing. The characters are well-drawn and add warmth to the story, making it a pleasure to spend time in their company. Though the plot unfolds predictably at times, the overall execution is satisfying and enjoyable. This book is a perfect choice for fans of lighthearted mysteries and holiday cheer, offering both entertainment and a touch of seasonal magic.

An easy novella to get through featuring Molly and Juan during the holiday season. No fluff, not too much to the story and very predictable, just a little cozy mystery - it makes for a quick read to enjoy if you are a fan of Nita Prose.

The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella by Nita Prose, book 2.5 in the maid series.

I rated this book 3.25 stars.

Was very excited to get back to Molly the Maid! Enjoyed the book, a quick and easy read. This novella follows Molly and Juan Manuel in the time leading up to Christmas, they have been together a couple of years now. Liked seeing a development in their relationship compared to the second book where you don’t really see much of him.

Did this book need to be its own book of 11 chapters… No, but it at least gives readers that bit of romance some were looking for in the 2nd book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

If you loved The Maid and The Mystery Guest, get ready to have a Molly Jolly Christmas with this charming novella featuring loveable, literal Molly the Maid and her devoted boyfriend Juan Manuel. Christmas is just around the corner, and the staff at the Regency Grand Hotel is preparing for their annual Christmas party and Secret Santa gift exchange.

Although the mystery was easier for me as the reader to suss out than it was for Molly, this novella is everything I want in a heartwarming Christmas story. At 128 pages, it’s short and just as sweet as Juan Manuel’s Christmas cookies! I loved the focus on Molly and Juan’s romance and the nods to O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi.” All your favorite Regency Grand staff members make an appearance, from the adorable Mr. Preston to lazy shirker Cheryl.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Books for providing me advance copies of this book.

Molly the Maid is back in this Christmas twist. Molly misses his Gran terribly this season. Her Gran used to make magical and now her boyfriend, Juan Manuel has taken over that tradition.
As the Christmas work party nears, Molly notices that Juan Manuel is acting stranger and another mystery is upon us. But not to worry! This one doesn’t involve murder and everything will be just as it should.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House- Ballentine for the ARC.

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★
𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: October 01, 2024
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

This was a great little addition to the Molly The Maid series. I loved all of the characters, the backdrop/setting of the story and I think that if you are looking for yet another cute little mystery read for this holiday season, this book is a great one to pick up and sit down to devour. This was fun, fast & cozy little read.

𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Christmas Atmosphere, Secret Santa, Cozy, Nostalgia, Mystery

Cute, fast, and cozy. The Mistletoe Mystery is a fun entry in The Maid series. Molly’s unique set of rules and logic on full display. This novella was light on mystery, but still enjoyable. I look forward to whatever comes next. Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC through NetGallery.

This book is the perfect Christmas gift to give yourself, or to another reader!

The title stating the word “mystery” intrigued me as much as the fact that it was book 3.5 in the series by the brilliant Nita Prose featuring the endearing character, Molly The Maid. From the fact that it is only 128 pages, I knew it was a novella I would read quickly.

I was expecting a murder mystery like in the first 2 books, and was a bit disappointed halfway through that no crime had been committed, yet the books is enchanting, and lured me to continue to read the smooth as butter narration in the first person (Molly). The entire book was fascinating.
The Mystery part of the plot is slowly unraveled in the last third of the book. The ending is so fulfilling, and appeals to all of us. I was in tears as I read the final pages that came too soon.

This book has a lesson for all of us: We need to remember that the greatest gift is love.

The Mistletoe Mystery was a decent read, but it didn't quite live up to the hype for me. Prose's writing style is quirky and charming, and the holiday setting adds a festive touch. I enjoyed following along as protagonist Nell unraveled the mystery, but the plot itself felt a bit predictable. The clues were a bit too obvious, and the resolution lacked the satisfying twist I was hoping for. It's a lighthearted and enjoyable cozy mystery, perfect for curling up with on a winter evening, but it didn't leave a lasting impression.

This was okay, I think I'm too the point that I don't need anymore of Molly the maid. I don't think it's a series that should continue past the two main novels. I was okay with a Novella but it disappointed me. I think we just aren't getting anything new, each book is very similar.

Thank you for this arc.

I’ve always cherished Molly and Juan, and I had high hopes for this novella, especially with the Christmas season approaching. While there were a few misunderstandings along the way, my affection for Molly never wavered. The author's touch was evident, and I trusted they’d bring the story to a satisfying close. Overall, this novella was a pleasant read for the holiday time, and Molly remains my forever favorite character. A warm and enjoyable addition to the festive season!

Nita Prose returns with The Mistletoe Mystery, a heartwarming novella that brings back Molly Gray, the lovable maid from her previous works (The Maid and The Mystery Guest). This time, Prose shifts away from high-stakes murder mysteries and delves into the complexities of romantic relationships, offering a cozy holiday read that retains her signature charm and wit.

Molly, now head maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, is living in bliss with her boyfriend Juan Manuel. However, cracks begin to appear when Juan’s behavior becomes increasingly secretive, particularly regarding the staff's Secret Santa exchange. Prose explores Molly's insecurities in a way that feels deeply relatable and reflective of the uncertainties we often face in relationships. The novella’s tone is light and humorous, with Molly and Juan’s antics providing a sitcom-like feel, as noted by Publishers Weekly. The suspense is low-key, but the joy lies in Prose's engaging writing and the endearing personalities of her characters.

Readers looking for a high-stakes mystery might find this installment a little too light, but it’s perfect for those wanting to curl up with a sweet, festive story. Despite its predictability, The Mistletoe Mystery is packed with holiday cheer, making it a charming addition to your seasonal reading list.

This novella is ideal for fans of cozy mysteries and holiday romances who are more interested in character-driven plots than intricate mysteries​.