Monday, October 6, 2025

Mistletoe and Mayhem Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Mistletoe and Mayhem (The Little Red Truck Mysteries: Book Three)

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction/Christmas

Release Date: September, 2025

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.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she’s not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you’ll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.

More from Janice

In the mid-90s, as my children and I drove up to the Mabank area from our home in Houston, we saw smoke off in the distance. The closer we got to my mother and stepfather’s acreage—sixty-three gorgeous acres of cattle land—the thicker the smoke got.

When we arrived on Mom’s street the reality of what faced us was unavoidable. The property across the road, to our left, was in a roaring blaze, flames moving so fast my car could barely get past them on the narrow country road.

We miraculously made it to Mom’s driveway and went inside her home, hearts racing. In that moment, a decision was made to gather in a circle and pray. We offered up a passionate plea for the Lord’s protection then rushed outside to grab hoses to help water everything down.

As I sat to write Mistletoe and Mayhem, my latest cozy mystery from Barbour Publishing, I was faced with the memories of this terrifying trip. Just as you read in this story, firefighters got that massive blazed stopped, right at the edge of her property. And I can tell you as a first-hand witness that not a spark landed on any of us. Whenever I reflect on this event I’m reminded of God’s ultimate faithfulness. He spared us from certain catastrophe.

I can assure you, we as a family never forgot the mercy and grace of God as we faced our Isaiah 43 moment. No doubt you’ve been through a few fires, too. Fear not. The Lord is right there, ready to carry you through. You can trust Him, even in the fiery trials of life.

Blessings on you all,

Janice Thompson

“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 43:1b-3

MY REVIEW

If you are looking for a fun and faith filled cozy mystery look no further. The author is very gifted in creating stories that are relatable with characters that you fall in love with. This is part of a series but I think you could still read it and jump right in without feeling lost. Although reading the entire series gives you a better feel of the characters and how they each play a role in the overall series.

This is written with a southern feeling and boy does it give you some belly laughs. From iced tea to country living you will be transported to a small town in Texas. They love Blue Bell cream, family get together and Aunt Bessie’s cooking. Don’t miss the laugh out loud southern sayings that show the author’s personality.

When the threat of wildfire, chaos breaks out. Scrambling to save their land, salvage an upcoming wedding and rescuing the old red truck, the story takes on energy. I loved how the family works together while sharing precious memories during this unexpected interruption to their lives. I was thinking about the fires that have destroyed cities lately and how devastating it was.

RaeLyn is a few days away from her wedding but sees it slipping away as the smoke can be seen getting closer. She has dreamed of this special day for so long. Will it be ruined by a fire that was mysteriously set? She tries to stay calm but as you know brides want everything to be perfect on their special day. I love how she thinks of her family and makes sure everyone is safe from the impending disaster.

Now my favorite character is Aunt Bessie Mae. Her spunk is contagious and I feel like she holds the family together. Her cooking is so special that I want to be invited to eat with her. I can imagine the country fried steak, mashed potatoes with homemade gravy, black-eyed peas, made from scratch cornbread and of course her mouth watering apple pie with crust that melts in your mouth. Who’s ready to get an invitation from Aunt Bessie Mae?

There is a little mystery with the fire that I really enjoyed. Was it set out of greed or by accident? Will the wedding still take place? Can this family save their land or will it be destroyed? Get ready for lots of laughs and enjoyable characters in this small town cozy mystery.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.