I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This is a great read for around Christmas time. A good mix of mystery and suspense, little romance and family relationship dynamics.

A Christmas wedding was on the agenda but could a wildfire threaten the site of the wedding?

This is the third book in the Red Truck Mysteries series and unfortunately I have not read the first two books as yet (not realising it was part of a series when I requested it. But having said that I still enjoyed reading this book and found it quite sweet, a bit of fun, cosy and a quick and easy read.

Set over just a few days with wedding preparations, a wildfire, a mystery and of course Christmas fast approaching. The characters in this book are so warm and fuzzy, the story is cute and fun yet there is that element of mystery. It is a bit jumpy with the writing and story and at times a bit slow but all in all it is a good read and one that entertained me and I did enjoy. 3 1/2 stars from me on this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

With less than a week before Christmas and RaeLyn and Mason’s wedding on Hadley ranch, a fast moving wild fire is spreading. RaeLyn wants to know who started the fire and why? As they rush to evacuate, will RaeLyn be able to have the wedding of her dreams? While the book concentrated on the prep for the wedding, the mystery side was a little disappointing. I love fall and holiday cozies which this was but it needed just a little more mystery for me. I look forward to more in the series. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Mistletoe and Mayhem by Janice Thompson
Red Truck Mysteries Book 3)
A Wildfire Races toward the Hadley Ranch
Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book three of a new cozy mystery series.
It’s less than a week until Christmas in Mabank, Texas, and just a few days away from RaeLyn and Mason’s wedding on Hadley ranch. Unfortunately, a wildfire with mysterious origin is rapidly traveling across several counties and headed right for the Hadley acreage. Fire fighters rush to put it out before the family homestead goes up in flames, taking the business and the old red truck with it. Their perfect wedding may be ruined, and RaeLyn and Mason are determined to find the source of the fire.
This is RaeLyn Hadley and Mason Fredericks's story.
My favorite quote is Dad I've been dreaming of getting married on our property since I was seven."
This story is about family, friends, the wedding and the mystery.
I recommend this book.
Mistletoe and Mayhem by Janice Thompson is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Janice Thompson .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.

Mistletoe and Mayhem is a sweet story set around Christmas time in Texas. It’s the third book in the series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I do think my experience would have been richer if I had read the first two books beforehand, as they likely provide more background on the characters, and set the stage for the events of this story.

This book was very unique in several ways. The first unique element was the entire story takes place over the course of just a few days. With that, new chapters often start mid-day, and are a continuation of the previous chapter, more than providing a transition of time or action. Another interesting choice is how the story introduces a wildfire and mystery fairly early on, which initially feels like the central conflict. But as the book progresses, the heart of the story really focuses on the wedding preparations and time spent with family and friends. At times, it almost felt like two stories - the mystery on one side, and the sweet, slower-paced family and wedding moments on the other. I suspect this balance might feel less disjointed to returning readers who already know the characters.

Things I enjoyed about the book:
-The characters and family were really warm, I would like to go back and read the first 2 books to better get to know the characters
-Raelyn and Mason's relationship was enjoyable and sweet
-Tilly, the red truck, because who doesn't love a vintage red truck?
-The sweet memories and reflections of Raelyn's grandfather
-The wedding was described in beautiful detail and was very sweet
-The last 1/3 of the book felt more enjoyable than the first portion

Things that I didn't enjoy about the book:
-The wildfire story felt underdeveloped & not pivotal to the story
-Many of the same conversation about the wedding took place, it was the focus in most chapters and often felt repetitive
-The first 2/3 of the book moved slowly at some points. Maybe it's that slow southern lifestyle?
-The conclusion of the wildfire mystery was abrupt and moved on from in one sentence
-I would have enjoyed just a bit heavier Christmas vibes...they were there, but brief and subtle

If you enjoy stories that take their time, leaning into sweet conversations and relationships with a cozy small-town feel, this book is a great pick. While it wasn’t a personal favorite of mine, it was an enjoyable read, and I’d be interested in going back to the first two books to see the bigger picture of this series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 stars)

A Kindle version of this book was kindly provided to me by NetGalley & Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Loving this heartwarming and entertaining cozy mystery. It's cute and well plotted
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I really enjoyed "Mistletoe and Mayhem" by Janice Thompson. It's a light cozy mystery that takes place right around Christmas that mainly focuses on the main character RaeLyn, who is getting married in this one! The mystery surrounds who caused a fire that nearly burnt down her family ranch which is also her wedding venue. This happens a week before her wedding and other happenings have her wondering if she's going to have to change her venue.

This story centers around family, friends and the perfect wedding. This series is so fun and I'm hoping there are more stories past this one in it. Mabank, TX is certainly a town with some mysteries to solve, but great family and friends are still to be found.

This is definitely a series that you will want to read in order. The reader will miss much if they don't read this series in order. It's a series appropriate for ages 16+ and is in the Christian fiction genre. Mystery with romance at the center of it all.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book is full of family, friends and a touch of mystery. It's a clean faith filled read that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.
I highly recommend this entire series.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

https://simbasbookreview.com/blog-posts/

Check out my blog post and Simba's newest three paw book! Janice Thompson's Mistletoe and Mayhem is the perfect cozy Christmas read for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies, RaeAnne Thayne and Debbie Macomber. Also, fans of Christian fiction will not want to miss her newest book in the Red Truck Mysteries, as she centers her book around Isaiah 43:2-3. When we go through the floods we will not drown and when we go through the fire we will not be burned.

Fans will fall in love with RaeLyn and Mason as they plan her dream Christmas wedding on the Hadley ranch. When circumstances arise that seem to prevent this wedding, Raelyn clings to the promises found in this verse. When Mason starts to miss texts and meetings, she then becomes worried that Mason will leave her at the altar. What follows is the sweetest surprise, and one readers will not soon forget. You do not want to miss this cozy, Christmas romance.

Tilly, the little red truck, has a very special task in this third installment. Raelynn and Mason are about to get married on the family acreage and Tilly will take the bride to meet her groom.

I discovered this third book just as I was reading books 1 & 2. It was a joy to read the three so closely together and spend an extended time with the Hadley family and their Mabank friends.

Here are some things I especially loved about this third book:

🚗Tilly begins the book with a bad carburetor. Mason gets her up and running to get Raelynn where she needs to go during wedding planning. On the wedding day, she will be decorated and put to use.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Family can be messy! The Hadley family was made up of four boys and one girl. With all the boys getting married off along with Raelynn, her parents are adjusting to being empty nesters. It's a reality that takes grace to navigate.
🔥A drought has turned the grass and trees around Mabanks into a fire threat. When a fire approaches their property, they pray and get out their sprinklers. Janice Thompson shares a real-life story that inspired this part of the plot.
👰We get to ride along with Raelynn as she works through her wedding spreadsheet. Brings back memories of my own wedding and those of my three sons. Precious family time!🥰
🕵️‍♂️While this one is a bit lighter on the mystery front, we do get resolution in the end. It was nice to have the focus more on the wedding.

If you are looking for a faith-forward, clean read with a bit of mystery then you will love this series. Thank you to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. ~ Isaiah 43:1-3

This is the third and final book in the Red Truck Mysteries series, and it just feels so nice to be back with Raelyn and Mason. This time, we’re diving into wedding prep and Christmas.
Like the first two books, it’s packed with family, love, friendship, and a little sprinkle of suspense. The values are solid, the writing flows well, and the story keeps you engaged without going overboard. I’ve really enjoyed reading Thompson’s books; they’re cozy, heartwarming, and just what I need when I want something feel-good. I’ll definitely be picking up more of her work.
If you’re in the mood for a charming, easygoing read, this one’s a great pick.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

Mistletoe and Mayhem by Janice Thompson completes the Red Truck Mysteries Trilogy. What a great finish it is too with a few days from Christmas and Raelyn wedding to Mason. Still there are troubles and problems with a wildfire that has been burning with it now heading in the direction of Hadley’s land. Fun of family, community, hope and Christian inspiration as all work to stop the wildfire while also finding the cause of it. A mystery within a story of wonderful characters in a place where you would love to live and become part of it. A satisfying conclusion to this trilogy.

Mistletoe and Mayhem is the latest in the mystery series about Tilly, the red truck. RaeLyn and Mason are planning their outdoor December wedding on the family ranch in Mabank, Texas. Lots of Mayhem ensues in the form of a drought, wildfire, and rain storm. Will they have to move the wedding indoors? There is a mystery surrounding the fire; was it lightening or intentionally set? Of course RaeLyn is in sleuthing mode.
There is a lot going on in this story of the week leading up to RaeLyn and Mason's wedding. I love all the characters in this series and how they work together and are supportive of each other. Raelyn’s dog, Riley is amazing and a great addition to the stories. There are a few suspects who might have started the fire but one story didn’t quite add up for me from the beginning. The story deals with life changes and how they can be very difficult for some, especially when coming close together. I enjoyed this book tremendously, a real page turner that was hard to put down.
Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.

I enjoyed this third installment of the Red Truck Mysteries. It’s always a joy to take a trip to Mabank, Texas, and see what the Hadley family is up to these days.

It’s wedding time for RaeLynn and Mason, but a wildfire threatens not only their upcoming nuptials but the Hadley family ranch as well. Questions swirl about whether the fire was naturally occurring or man-made.

This was a lighter cozy mystery that focused more on family dynamics and wedding planning. So while it was slower paced, it was still an enjoyable and comforting read.

It always feels like coming home when I pick up a Janice Thompson book. And the Hadleys feel like they’d fit right into my own family. If you’re looking for a lighter cozy mystery with small-town vibes and down-home characters, you’ll enjoy this series.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

I love this book! The characters are so fun I want them to be real. This story has so much to love about it from romance, family, dreams that come true, to how God hears and answers prayers. I love the mystery that is embedded into the story. No, gruesome crime but crimes like Arson or stealing, and who is behind it. The Hadley family with their traditions and love for one another is my favorite theme in this series. It takes me back to my childhood and how family life is best lived. This book is entertaining from beginning to end, I couldn’t put it down!

I never hesitate to recommend a book by Janice Thompson. Having read her work for years, I’ve come to appreciate her signature style—clean, uplifting stories filled with lovable and memorable characters. Mistletoe and Mayhem is no exception. Reading it felt like catching up with old friends, wrapped in the warmth of holiday cheer.
Though this book can easily be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first two in the series as well. Each installment offers its own heartfelt journey, and together they create a rich, cozy tapestry of small-town charm and enduring love.
As Christmas approaches, RaeLynn is preparing for the wedding of her dreams to Mason, set to take place on the family ranch just two days after the holiday. But as with any good story, mayhem ensues—unexpected twists threaten to derail her carefully laid plans. What follows is a delightful blend of romance, humor, and holiday spirit that will leave readers smiling and maybe even reaching for a mug of cocoa.
If you're looking for a feel-good read to brighten your season, Mistletoe and Mayhem delivers with charm and heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.

Readers who have previous read the Red Truck Mysteries will enjoy this third book in the series. RaeLyn and Mason are on their way to the altar when a fire breaks out that may ruin the day. I found the story to be more about the wedding planning than the mystery. The culprits were obvious to me. The minute by minute account of the wedding planning grew tedious but beautifully executed in the end.

I really enjoyed this book, I didn't realize it was actually apart of series. This story had good family dynamic, faith, and had me wanting to read more. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series!

Raelynn and Mason live in Mabank Texas. they are planning a wedding on the Hadley ranch. a wildfire threatens the ranch and the wedding might not take place.

Most of us know what happens when we make plans, especially ones, planned down to every little detail. RaeLyn has planned her wedding day since she was a child. It is less than a week away from her wedding to Mason, and unexpected things begin to happen. RaeLyn's family is very close, but some of them are starting to move out of the family home. So many changes, some good, some bad, and some that challenges them to not give up, carry on with what needs to be done. It in some ways reminded me of my life, because you have to go through today, which will bring what happens tomorrow. It is an amazing story with the mysteries, the ups and down, the love, caring, and the people who are there for each other.
I received an ARC from Barbour Fiction through NetGalley.