“My husband, Steve, and I have always had a great relationship, married, for the last five years. He’s a private investigator, and I have my artwork. Much of his work involved using a special laptop, one that was rugged and lockable, in his home office and I had my art studio where I could lose myself in painting and creativity. Life was wonderful, until the day I read a completely chilling and startling “Hit List” on his computer screen. Confusion ran supreme in my brain and then it hit me. My name was at the top of that list! Wait! What? No! Never! Yet I read “Kim Daily” plain as day. What would you do if you found out you were the next target on your husband’s hit list? Steve intentionally left his laptop open for me to read. He simply can’t be an assassin! I would know. Or would I? No! That’s impossible! Steve has been the kindest husband for five years and he was a crack ass private investigator; not an assassin. Yet why was my name at the top of his hit list? Why did he even have a hit list? My mind reeling in shock, I had to do something to stay alive! Think, Kim, think! Get your best game on right now as time is running out!”

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Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite

Christmas in Evergreen is the first book in the Heart of Evergreen series by Mary L. Schmidt. It has been five years of blissful marriage for Kim, an artist, with her seemingly loving husband, Steve, a private investigator, when one day, Kim inadvertently comes across a hit list on her husband’s laptop with her own name on top. Upon realizing that Steve is an assassin, Kim leaves her home and discovers that her neighbor, Gary Moore, and Steve plan to assassinate the US president. But fortuitously, Kim and her friend, Nancy, manage to escape Steve and Gary’s clutches and arrive in the serene town of Evergreen, Colorado, where Kim meets Dr. Paul Smith. As Paul treats Kim’s back pain, the two develop mutual feelings neither can deny, and soon, Kim finds a way to leave her past behind.

A cozy romance tale with a tinge of suspense and intrigue, Christmas in Evergreen is an engaging read from beginning to end. Mary L. Schmidt doesn’t take much time to put readers into the scheme of things and weaves a plot as unpredictable as it is entertaining. While the book’s first half plays out like a thrilling mystery, the second half turns into a heartwarming slice-of-life story full of romance and drama. Each character brings something of their own to the narrative, and I especially enjoyed the friendship between Kim and Nancy, who stick together through thick and thin. If you’re into romance stories with plots that take you by surprise, this is just the book for you. I very much enjoyed it and you should too.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favorite

Kim Daily believed that her marriage to Steve was perfect. They had a beautiful, welcoming home and a great group of friends. Unfortunately, everything was a lie. While attempting to shut down Steve’s laptop, Kim discovers a hit list with her name at the top. Realizing that her life is in danger, she decides to flee. The incident leads to a series of events, including involvement with the CIA, a fatal accident, and Kim and her best friend Nancy relocating to the town of Evergreen. There, they start a new life, healing from old wounds, making new friends, and finding love. Pick up Christmas in Evergreen by Mary L. Schmidt to enjoy this captivating story.

Christmas in Evergreen is the first book in the Heart of Evergreen series, and Mary L. Schmidt does an excellent job laying the foundation for future installments. Kim is an admirable character and I could not help but fall in love with her. I felt her turmoil when she discovered the true nature of her husband of five years. It was heartwarming to see that she found people who helped her get through a difficult time and helped her learn to trust and love again. The story takes place during the festive season, and themes of family, friendship, and love perfectly describe it. The author’s detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of Evergreen and its intriguing residents, whom I am excited to read more about in the upcoming books. I enjoyed Christmas in Evergreen because it is entertaining and has an exciting plot.

Reviewed by Adanna Ora for Readers’ Favorite
Kim Daily thought she had the best life. A successful career, a happy marriage to her private investigator husband, Steve, and a life of affluence. All this crashed down when she saw her name as the first person to be assassinated on her husband’s hit list. Not waiting for any explanations, Kim runs for her life and seeks help. Steve and Gary Moore, his partner, lose their lives in a fatal accident while trying to apprehend Kim. Kim and her best friend, Nancy, Gary’s wife, relocate to Evergreen City, Colorado. What awaits them there? Will their past haunt them? Find out in Christmas in Evergreen: Heart of Evergreen.

From Literary Titan

Christmas in Evergreen is beautifully written by Mary L. Schmidt, with themes spanning love, betrayal, disappointment, healing, and new beginnings. The first-person narrative used made reading this book so much easier and worth anticipating the events. I loved the switch in the narration, especially when we read the innermost thoughts of the characters. Another thing I enjoyed was the suspense. The author’s way of narrating scenarios always kept you on edge and itching to discover what would happen next. Most importantly, I enjoyed the love scenes and the lessons of moving on and leaving the past behind that one can learn. Another thing to look out for is Mary L. Schmidt’s unique way of describing places, people, and events which gives you a clear picture of what is happening. Readers who love romances and thrillers will find Christmas in Evergreen an amazing read. It is a book that is
definitely worth your time reading

Christmas in Evergreen: Heart of Evergreen by Mary Schmidt presents a riveting narrative centered around Kim Dailey’s profound personal upheaval. The story begins as Kim uncovers a shocking truth about her husband of five years, leading her into a vortex of emotional and physical danger. The discovery of her name atop her husband’s ominous hit list propels Kim into an unforeseen journey of survival and self-discovery.

The novel is captivating from the outset, with Schmidt’s meticulous writing effortlessly drawing the reader into Kim’s world. The intimate portrayal of Kim’s life with her husband, Steve, and the subsequent unraveling of their seemingly idyllic existence is both compelling and emotionally resonant. Schmidt’s narrative deftly navigates the complexities of betrayal and resilience, making Christmas in Evergreen a page-turner. Kim’s character is particularly engaging, her strength and vulnerability painted with a realistic brush. The suspenseful elements, particularly the looming threat of assassination, add a thrilling dimension to the plot. Schmidt’s ability to intertwine themes of suspense, romance, and mystery is noteworthy, crafting a story that is as much about self-discovery and new beginnings as it is about love and danger. The novel’s detailed settings and well-crafted dialogue enhance its immersive quality. Each character is rendered with depth, allowing readers to feel a genuine connection to their journeys. The twists and turns of the plot maintain a gripping pace, ensuring that readers remain engaged until the final page.

Christmas in Evergreen is a commendable work by Mary Schmidt, showcasing her talent for creating a multifaceted story that blends mystery, thriller, and romance elements. It is a recommended read for those who appreciate a story that skillfully combines suspense with emotional depth, set against the backdrop of a festive season. Schmidt’s next work is eagerly anticipated as she continues to establish herself as a versatile and skilled storyteller.

Pages: 165 | ASIN : B0CRGH8ZVY

From Literary Titan on Christmas in Evergreen

Christmas in Evergreen by Mary Schmidt takes readers on a gripping journey into the world of
psychological thrillers and crime fiction, interweaving elements of a troubled marriage with suspenseful twists. The protagonist, Kim Daily, is an artistically inclined individual married to a private investigator. Her world turns upside down when she uncovers a chilling secret: her own name on her husband’s hit list. This discovery propels Kim and her best friend Nancy to escape to Evergreen City, where they strategize their survival.

Schmidt’s storytelling prowess shines through in her intricate weaving of suspense and romance. The novel’s structure can be perceived as bifurcated, with the first part delving into a labyrinth of mysteries and the latter transitioning into a more intimate exploration of romantic drama. The author’s talent for creating suspense is notable, with each cliffhanger keeping readers eagerly turning pages. A significant strength of this novel is its authenticity and unpredictability. Schmidt skillfully portrays how the slow divergence of goals and aspirations can strain a relationship, culminating in a dramatic crescendo. Her vivid descriptions bring the setting of Evergreen City to life, immersing readers in its unique ambiance. The narrative flows with rich and engaging language, making it a delightful read. Among the characters, Kim stands out as a particularly compelling figure. Her fearless nature and the realistic portrayal of her challenges make her journey resonate deeply with readers.

Christmas in Evergreen is a compelling blend of suspense and romance, marked by Schmidt’s deft storytelling and rich character development. It’s a novel that entertains and offers a nuanced look at the complexities of relationships under strain. The anticipation for a sequel is a testament to the novel’s engaging and immersive nature.

Pages: 165 | ASIN : B0CRGH8ZVY