About the Book
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.
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My Review
This is an enjoyable addition to a fun series. The focus by far is on RaeLyn's wedding but Thompson has included some suspense and mystery with a raging prairie fire. That introduces a minor theme of trusting God in the face of possible tragedy. There are also the feel good family celebrations around Christmas. The emphasis is on the wedding happening shortly after Christmas. And what a wedding it is! Thompson has done a good job describing the touching outdoor setting and the wonderful actions friends and family take to make it a perfect celebration, right down to the sunset glow. This is a good novel for readers who like a touching one centering on family and friends and celebrations.
This novel is part of The Little Red Truck Mystery series and while it reads well on its own, reading the earlier books will help to experience the full impact of this one.
You can read my reviews of the earlier books in the series: Tracking Lilly and Sabotage at Cedar Creek.
My rating: 4/5 stars.
About the Author
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
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 3
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 5
Texas Book-aholic, October 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 7
For Him and My Family, October 8
Blossoms and Blessings, October 9 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, October 9
Leslie’s Library Escape, October 10
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 11
Holly’s Book Corner, October 12
Lights in a Dark World, October 12
Bizwings Book Blog, October 13
Pause for Tales, October 14
Cover Lover Book Review, October 15
Labor Not in Vain, October 16
(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)
5 comments:
I liked the review.
Sounds great!
What is your favorite space to do your writing?
This looks like a very intriguing novel. Thanks for sharing.
Very heartwarming cover.
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