Kiki and Cara Mia’s Holiday Celebration by Joanna Campbell Slan is a Kiki Lowenstein and Cara Mia Delgatto holiday mystery. Publisher: Spot On Publishing, December 2013

It might just take a holiday miracle. Separated by 1,100 miles, two friends struggle to support each other.

In Stuart, Florida, there’s Cara Mia Delgatto. Her new store, The Treasure Chest, has been turning a profit (just barely) by selling things that have been overlooked, undervalued, and left behind. But Cara Mia’s ex-husband has put her in a no-win situation. She can walk away from her store or deny her son Christmas with his father.

In St. Louis, Missouri, there’s Kiki Lowenstein. When her newly adopted five-year-old son is hospitalized with pneumonia, Kiki must abandon her plans to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah in their new home. Meanwhile, she keeps her fingers crossed that Time in a Bottle, her scrapbook and crafting store, can carry on without her.

Meanwhile, a third mother needs help as she seeks shelter from her abusive husband. Can Cara Mia and Kiki work a little holiday magic and still keep their own priorities straight?

I love the messages that is always received after reading this character-driven story with Kiki at the helm and her no-bars-hold attitude in getting things done for her friends and family. This was such a heart-warming and comforting story that brought the holiday spirit to the forefront. A wonderfully crafted story that is a delight to read during this holiday season.