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Ruth Galloway #4.5
Ruth's First Christmas Tree
It is three days before Christmas and a bitter wind is blowing across Norfolk.
Until her daughter was born, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway didn’t do Christmas, but now that Kate is a year old, she wants it to be special.
She must get a tree, shop for food, clean the house, buy presents, including one for her new boyfriend—who she isn’t even sure is her boyfriend—and remember to get the turkey out of the freezer.
But time is rushing by and the best-laid plans don’t always work out …
Until her daughter was born, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway didn’t do Christmas, but now that Kate is a year old, she wants it to be special.
She must get a tree, shop for food, clean the house, buy presents, including one for her new boyfriend—who she isn’t even sure is her boyfriend—and remember to get the turkey out of the freezer.
But time is rushing by and the best-laid plans don’t always work out …
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2012
2553 people are currently reading
4648 people want to read
About the author
Elly Griffiths
78 books9,235 followersElly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway novels take for their inspiration Elly's husband, who gave up a city job to train as an archaeologist, and her aunt who lives on the Norfolk coast and who filled her niece's head with the myths and legends of that area. Elly has two children and lives near Brighton. Though not her first novel, The Crossing Places is her first crime novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 520 reviews
November 23, 2019
*3.5 stars *
This is a very short story, primarily to promote Elly Griffiths ‘Dying Fall ‘ with Norfolk’s bleak winter landscape as the backdrop.
Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway doesn’t normally celebrate Christmas, but since daughter Kate was born a year ago, she’s decided that this year she’ll go the whole hog - Christmas tree, turkey, mince pies, festive music and presents. With an invitation to her new boyfriend to come stay, she’s really looking forward to it, but with just three days to go and a bitter wind bringing with it the first snow of winter, not everything goes to plan.
Though it was very short, it was a sweet little read, and felt quite magical!
This is a very short story, primarily to promote Elly Griffiths ‘Dying Fall ‘ with Norfolk’s bleak winter landscape as the backdrop.
Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway doesn’t normally celebrate Christmas, but since daughter Kate was born a year ago, she’s decided that this year she’ll go the whole hog - Christmas tree, turkey, mince pies, festive music and presents. With an invitation to her new boyfriend to come stay, she’s really looking forward to it, but with just three days to go and a bitter wind bringing with it the first snow of winter, not everything goes to plan.
Though it was very short, it was a sweet little read, and felt quite magical!
December 10, 2023
This is a cute lil story of how Ruth & her kiddo get their tree, despite a lot of mishaps. I enjoyed it, but prolly would have gotten more out of it if I had read some of the series... still, I got it free on "stuff your Kindle" day, so there's that! (FYI - this is #150 for 2023 for me, so taking a holiday reading break while trying to figure out my 2024 TBR & coordinate with all my yearly challenges, etc.). Seasons Greetings & Happy Holidays to all who celebrate!
December 19, 2021
3.5⭐
A short story in Ruth Galloway Series #4.5. Ruth's first Christmas tree debacle, and a (dull) holiday party at Shona and Phil's with faculty and grad students.
It's a sweet little story with your favorite characters set against a snowy backdrop of lonely Saltmarsh coastline and makes me want to try this beverage they're drinking... Mulled wine. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have a favorite recipe! 😍🍷🎄
(Is this new? What's with reCAPTCHA when I post reviews?!)
A short story in Ruth Galloway Series #4.5. Ruth's first Christmas tree debacle, and a (dull) holiday party at Shona and Phil's with faculty and grad students.
It's a sweet little story with your favorite characters set against a snowy backdrop of lonely Saltmarsh coastline and makes me want to try this beverage they're drinking... Mulled wine. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have a favorite recipe! 😍🍷🎄
(Is this new? What's with reCAPTCHA when I post reviews?!)
December 21, 2019
Sweet, but slightly unsatisfying.
Read
June 18, 2020I really like this series. However, this short story is not worth the price. And it was free.
November 24, 2019
Short - Sweet - Atmospheric - and Free!
September 11, 2019
I’d just read this series 4th novel. This Kindle short story is number 4-1/2 in the series and was free to download so I decided to read it in its proper order.
From the story description I had expected a pleasant diversion and it is, but there is a just a tad of not quite scary mystery included, and it feels as though there are some crucial relationship updates information too. I’m wondering why it wasn’t an extra chapter in book 4 or book maybe 5. Perhaps there is a gap in time between these events and book 5? Not much between book 4 and this story though.
The story has a lot of humor and I got to visit more with characters I now greatly care for. And it has a lovely, sweet, amusing, and smart ending. There are still a few small unsolved mysteries brought up by this short story but I expect to find out answers to them in book 5.
I’m not always a huge short story fan, especially when they’re extra material in-between novels but I’m glad I read this. I guess it would be a good thing to read around Christmas but I think it’s even better to read it between books 4 and 5, no matter what the time of year.
From the story description I had expected a pleasant diversion and it is, but there is a just a tad of not quite scary mystery included, and it feels as though there are some crucial relationship updates information too. I’m wondering why it wasn’t an extra chapter in book 4 or book maybe 5. Perhaps there is a gap in time between these events and book 5? Not much between book 4 and this story though.
The story has a lot of humor and I got to visit more with characters I now greatly care for. And it has a lovely, sweet, amusing, and smart ending. There are still a few small unsolved mysteries brought up by this short story but I expect to find out answers to them in book 5.
I’m not always a huge short story fan, especially when they’re extra material in-between novels but I’m glad I read this. I guess it would be a good thing to read around Christmas but I think it’s even better to read it between books 4 and 5, no matter what the time of year.
July 31, 2023
This is a short story from the author's Ruth Galloway series, set when Kate is just over a year old. It is the first Christmas that Kate will be aware of, and Ruth finds herself trying to make it picture perfect, especially the tree. What happens to it is the reality of life, a cat and a small child.
It is a delightful read, sentimental, full of humour and plenty of Christmas spirit. It was good to see Cathbad in babysitting mode, and even Nelson managed to pop in. There was also a small but interesting mystery about the disappearance of a small part of the Henge from the museum.
A nice little interval and a reminder to me of how excellent the whole series is.
It is a delightful read, sentimental, full of humour and plenty of Christmas spirit. It was good to see Cathbad in babysitting mode, and even Nelson managed to pop in. There was also a small but interesting mystery about the disappearance of a small part of the Henge from the museum.
A nice little interval and a reminder to me of how excellent the whole series is.
April 14, 2023
Ruth's First Christmas Tree is a charming yuletide short story, which chronologically fits between books #4 (A Room Full of Bones) and #5 (A Dying Fall) in Elly Griffiths' series featuring forensic archaeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway.
The format doesn't allow for the usual multi-thread storyline readers are used to, but follows Ruth as she makes preparations for the Christmas holiday, something she hasn't really taken the trouble to do in recent years. Her daughter Kate is now almost 14 months old and Ruth feels that the time is right to fall in with English traditions such as buying and decorating a tree, enjoying mince pies and mulled wine and wrapping gifts to leave under the tree. She's also hosting her love interest (not quite "boyfriend") Max over the Christmas break and is expected to put in an appearance at her friend Shona and ex-boss Phil's glamorous Christmas cocktail party.
Not unexpectedly, Ruth's plans don't go quite as smoothly as she hopes, and she's drawn by Cathbad into an intrigue surrounding the disappearance of a wood fragment from the Bronze-Age wooden Henge (inspired by the real-life "Seahenge") whose removal and preservation they once butted heads over.
Ruth's First Christmas Tree is a charming and gentle story, featuring many of readers' favourite characters from the series. It will appeal mostly to existing Ruth Galloway aficionados, as there are references to past and more recent series events and a familiarity with the characters would be a distinct advantage.
The format doesn't allow for the usual multi-thread storyline readers are used to, but follows Ruth as she makes preparations for the Christmas holiday, something she hasn't really taken the trouble to do in recent years. Her daughter Kate is now almost 14 months old and Ruth feels that the time is right to fall in with English traditions such as buying and decorating a tree, enjoying mince pies and mulled wine and wrapping gifts to leave under the tree. She's also hosting her love interest (not quite "boyfriend") Max over the Christmas break and is expected to put in an appearance at her friend Shona and ex-boss Phil's glamorous Christmas cocktail party.
Not unexpectedly, Ruth's plans don't go quite as smoothly as she hopes, and she's drawn by Cathbad into an intrigue surrounding the disappearance of a wood fragment from the Bronze-Age wooden Henge (inspired by the real-life "Seahenge") whose removal and preservation they once butted heads over.
Ruth's First Christmas Tree is a charming and gentle story, featuring many of readers' favourite characters from the series. It will appeal mostly to existing Ruth Galloway aficionados, as there are references to past and more recent series events and a familiarity with the characters would be a distinct advantage.
September 7, 2015
I read this one yesterday because I was so tired and I just couldn't muster up energy enough to read any books. So a short story felt very nice. Btw, I got this one for free a couple of days ago and it's probably still free.
I have read every book that have been published in the Ruth Galloway series (quick check on GR, yes now I have with this little one) and I like the series. Ruth Galloway is an archaeologist and since I wanted to be one when I grew up am I always happy to stumble over one in a book. Also, it's crime since Ruth seems to be a magnet for trouble. So archaeology + crime = happy Magdalena.
Anyway since this is a short story isn't it much to the story, but it was nice to read. A bit weird to read about Christmas in the middle of summer. This is a story about finding the right Christmas tree and a missing tree peg that seems to be linked to a dying old Curator.
I have read every book that have been published in the Ruth Galloway series (quick check on GR, yes now I have with this little one) and I like the series. Ruth Galloway is an archaeologist and since I wanted to be one when I grew up am I always happy to stumble over one in a book. Also, it's crime since Ruth seems to be a magnet for trouble. So archaeology + crime = happy Magdalena.
Anyway since this is a short story isn't it much to the story, but it was nice to read. A bit weird to read about Christmas in the middle of summer. This is a story about finding the right Christmas tree and a missing tree peg that seems to be linked to a dying old Curator.
November 21, 2019
3.5 stars. This is a very quick read, 25 pages I think. Thank you to Lisa Vegan for screen shoting this for me, this is available free with a kindle app but for some reason this wasn't working for me.
I enjoyed this look into Ruth's life at Christmas and the chance to see these characters relaxing and briefly enjoying not being in danger! Interesting to read of Cathbad's idea of hanging the Christmas tree from the ceiling, something I have just read in an historical book about the Christmas tree.
Highly recommended to Ruth Galloway fans especially in the run up to Christmas.
I enjoyed this look into Ruth's life at Christmas and the chance to see these characters relaxing and briefly enjoying not being in danger! Interesting to read of Cathbad's idea of hanging the Christmas tree from the ceiling, something I have just read in an historical book about the Christmas tree.
Highly recommended to Ruth Galloway fans especially in the run up to Christmas.
December 7, 2020
A Christmas story as a breather from Obama's A promised land :)
April 17, 2023
EXCERPT: As Ruth approaches, the security light flares into life, almost shockingly bright, and Ruth sees a figure silhouetted against her front gate. The figure, looming out of the swirling snow, looks sinister in the extreme, cloaked and hooded like the grim reaper, but Ruth finds herself smiling in mingled exasperation and pleasure. Cathbad.
ABOUT 'RUTH'S FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE': It is three days before Christmas and a bitter wind is blowing across Norfolk.
Until her daughter was born, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway didn’t do Christmas, but now that Kate is a year old, she wants it to be special.
She must get a tree, shop for food, clean the house, buy presents, including one for her new boyfriend—who she isn’t even sure is her boyfriend—and remember to get the turkey out of the freezer.
But time is rushing by and the best-laid plans don’t always work out …
MY THOUGHTS: A delightful way to spend half an hour or so. I love this series, but didn't know about the existence of this brief novella/short story, which I discovered quite by accident.
Unless you have read or are reading this series, this short story won't make much sense to you falling, as it does, between the 4th and 5th books of the Ruth Galloway series, and featuring the regular cast of characters.
Ruth's plans for a Christmas tree seem to be thwarted at every turn and Ruth attends a party she really doesn't want to go to and in doing so solves a mystery and perhaps saves a life.
I love this series and greatly enjoyed this Christmas outing.
As a bonus, there is a sample chapter from the 5th book in this series, A Dying Fall, and also a sample chapter from Elly Griffiths stand alone mystery, The Stranger Diaries, both of which I have read previously and loved.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#RuthsFirstChristmasTree
ABOUT 'RUTH'S FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE': It is three days before Christmas and a bitter wind is blowing across Norfolk.
Until her daughter was born, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway didn’t do Christmas, but now that Kate is a year old, she wants it to be special.
She must get a tree, shop for food, clean the house, buy presents, including one for her new boyfriend—who she isn’t even sure is her boyfriend—and remember to get the turkey out of the freezer.
But time is rushing by and the best-laid plans don’t always work out …
MY THOUGHTS: A delightful way to spend half an hour or so. I love this series, but didn't know about the existence of this brief novella/short story, which I discovered quite by accident.
Unless you have read or are reading this series, this short story won't make much sense to you falling, as it does, between the 4th and 5th books of the Ruth Galloway series, and featuring the regular cast of characters.
Ruth's plans for a Christmas tree seem to be thwarted at every turn and Ruth attends a party she really doesn't want to go to and in doing so solves a mystery and perhaps saves a life.
I love this series and greatly enjoyed this Christmas outing.
As a bonus, there is a sample chapter from the 5th book in this series, A Dying Fall, and also a sample chapter from Elly Griffiths stand alone mystery, The Stranger Diaries, both of which I have read previously and loved.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#RuthsFirstChristmasTree
January 11, 2015
RUTH’S FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE is a short story free download by British mystery author Elly Griffiths. Ruth doesn’t do Christmas but now her daughter Kate is one she decides to try and do the right thing. You wouldn’t think buying a Christmas tree, shopping for food and buying a few presents would be that difficult. At just 45 pages RUTH’S FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE gives a little peek into Ruth’s personal life when she isn’t out solving murders. If you haven’t caught up with the Ruth Galloway series yet the first one is The Crossing Places and the latest one (due for release in 2015) is The Ghost Fields. While this is not specifically a crime or mystery investigation, and the only threat is a white out on the way home in a snow storm – Griffiths was able to sneak in a tiny little wood related mystery – a piece of wood, from some henge timbers, is missing from the local museum display and quite inadvertently Ruth finds it. Her Druid friend and advisor Cathbad and temporary babysitter was able to elaborate on the traditional Christmas symbols and where their roots came from. Which like all Griffiths’ books gives a sweet little historic insight into what is going on. I love it.
January 1, 2022
A very brief stocking-filler of a novella, which takes place I think between the fourth and fifth of the main Ruth Galloway series and is perhaps most notable for Cathbad repurposing the eponymous tree (rather ruined by Flint and Kate) as Yggdrasil and hung upside down in line with Sea Henge.
March 9, 2016
This was a free, quick 25 page story about Ruth getting ready to celebrate her first Christmas. It was cute!
July 1, 2025
Una historia cortita y con espíritu navideño que se debe leer entre la cuarta y la quinta entrega de la saga protagonizada por la arqueóloga forense Ruth Galloway.
Como anuncia el título, Ruth sale en busca de su primer árbol de Navidad y en el camino surge un contratiempo. Hay algunos elementos siempre presentes en la saga, que tienen que ver con hallazgos o desapariciones... Poco más puedo decir sin hacer spoilers. Es una historia en donde nos reencontramos con los personajes ya conocidos. Una novela muy sencilla que no aporta nada nuevo a la saga, pero que, en mi caso, me sirvió para mi reto de leer libros en inglés.
Como anuncia el título, Ruth sale en busca de su primer árbol de Navidad y en el camino surge un contratiempo. Hay algunos elementos siempre presentes en la saga, que tienen que ver con hallazgos o desapariciones... Poco más puedo decir sin hacer spoilers. Es una historia en donde nos reencontramos con los personajes ya conocidos. Una novela muy sencilla que no aporta nada nuevo a la saga, pero que, en mi caso, me sirvió para mi reto de leer libros en inglés.
October 25, 2024
A sweet, short story about Ruth’s plan to celebrate Christmas with Kate and the mishaps that befall her.
July 12, 2022
5 stars- English Ebook
A spirited stocking stuffer for fans craving a taste of Ruth Galloway in their holiday season. It is three days before Christmas and a bitter wind is blowing across Norfolk.
Until her daughter was born, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway didn’t do Christmas, but now that Kate is a year old, she wants it to be special.
She must get a tree, shop for food, clean the house, buy presents, including one for her new boyfriend, who she isn’t even sure is her boyfriend, and remember to get the turkey out of the freezer.
But time is rushing by and the best-laid plans don’t always work out …
Ruth is planning the first Christmas that her daughter Kate will truly remember, as she was just a few months old for the last one.
Everything is planned...from purchasing the tree from a druid friend of Cathbad, to cleaning house and backing cookies before going to a party at her best friends home , and her male friend arriving sometime Christmas Eve day!
But nothing goes as planned....from the baking, who could image so many ingredients needed? To the ruined tree, never leave a child and cat alone, to the weather being totally uncooperative!
But all is not lost...I won't give the rest away, but I will say this is a wonderful Ruth story if you are a fan if the series! 5star!
Real christmas short read.
A spirited stocking stuffer for fans craving a taste of Ruth Galloway in their holiday season. It is three days before Christmas and a bitter wind is blowing across Norfolk.
Until her daughter was born, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway didn’t do Christmas, but now that Kate is a year old, she wants it to be special.
She must get a tree, shop for food, clean the house, buy presents, including one for her new boyfriend, who she isn’t even sure is her boyfriend, and remember to get the turkey out of the freezer.
But time is rushing by and the best-laid plans don’t always work out …
Ruth is planning the first Christmas that her daughter Kate will truly remember, as she was just a few months old for the last one.
Everything is planned...from purchasing the tree from a druid friend of Cathbad, to cleaning house and backing cookies before going to a party at her best friends home , and her male friend arriving sometime Christmas Eve day!
But nothing goes as planned....from the baking, who could image so many ingredients needed? To the ruined tree, never leave a child and cat alone, to the weather being totally uncooperative!
But all is not lost...I won't give the rest away, but I will say this is a wonderful Ruth story if you are a fan if the series! 5star!
Real christmas short read.
October 21, 2018
I have a love/hate relationship with novellas, especially ones with Christmas settings. I love the thought of them and I love the fact I can finish them in one sitting but contrarily I hate their brevity. Usually I find I can't connect with the characters but this time the characters are ones who are already established and ones I already adore after reading the first four books in the Ruth Galloway series. However, if you don't know the characters, or love them as I do, I'm not sure this novella would be worth your while. There is a tiny mystery, but wouldn't class it as entertaining (sorry Elly) and due to the ambiguous ending the plot involving the two lead characters did not move forward in any way. There is the typical humour of the other books, and that was probably my favourite part of this novella. If you enjoy this humour, it will be a good indication you will enjoy the other books in the series. There is also a couple of sweet moments near the end but I am still cranky about the abrupt ending. All in all, I'd recommend you include it if you read the series (it's free after all, so no biggie).
July 7, 2015
Cute little holiday story. And free to boot!
August 18, 2023
Entertaining holiday listening 🎶🔰
This was a free novella on Amazon.
This is Ruth's first Christmas with her eighteen month old daughter. This is a fun 🌙 read if it can go wrong it does. I would recommend this holiday novella and author to 👍 readers of holiday novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒👒😀 💘
This was a free novella on Amazon.
This is Ruth's first Christmas with her eighteen month old daughter. This is a fun 🌙 read if it can go wrong it does. I would recommend this holiday novella and author to 👍 readers of holiday novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒👒😀 💘
December 4, 2020
Fun Short Christmas Story from the Ruth Galloway Series
I absolutely love this series. It was so fun to have a short Christmas story to read about Ruth, her daughter and their friends.
I absolutely love this series. It was so fun to have a short Christmas story to read about Ruth, her daughter and their friends.
December 11, 2014
Ruth’s First Christmas Tree is a short story free download in the Ruth Galloway series by British author, Elly Griffiths. While Ruth doesn’t believe in Christmas, her daughter, Kate is now a year old and she realises she will have to do something to mark the holiday in the way of gifts and decorations. She buys a Christmas Tree, her very first, but it ends up being not quite the one she wanted, and further mishaps occur. On December 23rd, she reluctantly attends her boss, Phil’s party, but makes a discovery that allows her to do a good deed for a friend, to set right a wrong.
Even readers who are unfamiliar with the series will enjoy this short story, although, positioned as it is between the fourth and fifth book, it may contain some spoilers. Nonetheless, this is an excellent taster: the characters are appealing and newcomers to this series will certainly want more. An inspired Christmas tale which also includes an extract of the fifth book in the series, Dying Fall.
Even readers who are unfamiliar with the series will enjoy this short story, although, positioned as it is between the fourth and fifth book, it may contain some spoilers. Nonetheless, this is an excellent taster: the characters are appealing and newcomers to this series will certainly want more. An inspired Christmas tale which also includes an extract of the fifth book in the series, Dying Fall.
August 25, 2015
First Sentence: “The Spirits are strong in this one,” says the man in the white robe and gumboots.
For a woman who didn’t do Christmas, forensic anthropologist Ruth Galloway is challenged by making her 1-year-old daughter’s first Christmas special. Nothing is quite going to plan, including learning from her druid friend, Cathbad, informing her that a Bronze Age wooden peg is missing.
Griffith’s Ruth Galloway is a delight, particularly for those of us who have been known to eschew the accepted sentiments and traditions of the holidays, yet find ourselves attracted to them. Some may even relate to the “Doctor Who” reference.
The story contains delightful humor. There is the inclusion of the character’s back story, references to previous books and fascinating factual information which is interesting and doesn’t detract from the pace of the story. Griffith’s provides a very strong sense of place, often using weather to increase suspense.
Like her description of faith…”It’s enough that someone, somewhere genuinely believes that the magic will work.”
“Ruth’s First Christmas Tree” is not overly sweet, but much more a reflection of many of us, particularly those of us in our middle years, but still with a warm ending. It’s not a deep, rich book; it’s a small treat, particularly for those who love this character.
RUTH’S FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE (Short Story-Ruth Galloway-England-Contemp) - G+
Griffiths, Elly – Christmas Short Story
Amazon Kindle Services – Dec 21014
For a woman who didn’t do Christmas, forensic anthropologist Ruth Galloway is challenged by making her 1-year-old daughter’s first Christmas special. Nothing is quite going to plan, including learning from her druid friend, Cathbad, informing her that a Bronze Age wooden peg is missing.
Griffith’s Ruth Galloway is a delight, particularly for those of us who have been known to eschew the accepted sentiments and traditions of the holidays, yet find ourselves attracted to them. Some may even relate to the “Doctor Who” reference.
The story contains delightful humor. There is the inclusion of the character’s back story, references to previous books and fascinating factual information which is interesting and doesn’t detract from the pace of the story. Griffith’s provides a very strong sense of place, often using weather to increase suspense.
Like her description of faith…”It’s enough that someone, somewhere genuinely believes that the magic will work.”
“Ruth’s First Christmas Tree” is not overly sweet, but much more a reflection of many of us, particularly those of us in our middle years, but still with a warm ending. It’s not a deep, rich book; it’s a small treat, particularly for those who love this character.
RUTH’S FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE (Short Story-Ruth Galloway-England-Contemp) - G+
Griffiths, Elly – Christmas Short Story
Amazon Kindle Services – Dec 21014
December 14, 2017
This was a nice and sweet addition to the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths - it was easy to read and it didn't take very long. To be honest I think I enjoyed it as I know Ruth, Nelson and the gang from reading the books in the series but it may not read as a complete book or make that much sense if it read outside of that as it doesn't touch too much on their backgrounds and how everyone knows each other - 4 stars from me and best read is you already know the series.
November 27, 2014
Ruth Galloway is wonderful even in small doses.
December 15, 2020
So very Ruth! Thoroughly enjoyed this novella. However, I was left wanting more... why Phil stole the ancient peg, would the caretaker recover, what happens with Max...
Truly enjoying this series!
Truly enjoying this series!
April 4, 2020
Well, this is my second Christmas-themed book for today's reading, so apparently I had better adjust the thermometer as I am freezing and reading about snowy evening driving.
This is a cute little story from early days in Ruth's story line with her young child seeing her first Christmas tree peppered with the history of them from Cathbad himself. All the cast of characters make their brief appearances.
Kindle Unlimited
This is a cute little story from early days in Ruth's story line with her young child seeing her first Christmas tree peppered with the history of them from Cathbad himself. All the cast of characters make their brief appearances.
Kindle Unlimited
December 5, 2022
Ruth's First Christmas Tree by Elly Griffiths is a short story in the Ruth Galloway series.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Ruth is a Forensic Archaeologist who lives in a rather remote cottage on the edge of the Saltmarsh near Norfolk England. She teaches at the university, and has a daughter (Kate) by DCI Harry Nelson, an already married police officer. Although Ruth is not religious, Harry is a lapsed Catholic, their friend Cathbad is a Druid, and all of their families are quite religious.
My Synopsis and Opinions:
This is a very old Ruth Galloway short story. Kate is less than 2 years old, and Ruth is dating Max.
As the title suggests, Ruth decides to celebrate Christmas for the sake of her young daughter. Cathbad is involved, and we all get a history lesson into the origin of the Christmas tree, from the druid's perspective.
Even in such a short story, there is a plot, a mystery, and humour.
I loved it! Bottom line, I can't get enough of Ruth.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
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