Sisters of the Last Straw Volume 5: The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers

This book arrived in a box, and was unexpected. I have not read any others in the series, but they have been on my radar for a while. So I thought I would give it a try. The book is written for ages 6-12, and as such I was able to read it over a snowy Sunday afternoon. The book feels like it is a mash up of Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, and Amelia Bedlia. But with nuns, and nuns that are all working to overcome something. And yet it works. I felt that I was missing something occasionally while reading this book, and after looking at the titles of others in the series that feeling was confirmed. So I think this would be a good series to read as a series and in order. AT least that is my impression after reading this first story which was the fifth volume. In this story the Sisters of the Last Straw have decided to set up a Christmas tree lot to raise funds to provide Christmas presents for those who would not get them. But they have not really planned how to do this. So once the 50 trees they bought from Canada are piled in their drive they need to figure this out and figure it out quick. They start with a plan and the plan keeps growing and changing. They try to be stealthy and check out a Lot across town. And they hire a handyman to help. But the next moring 5 trees are missing, and the next 2. They have a tree nabber and they need to figure out what is happening and why. Or they will not be able to give the gifts they planned this Christmas. The characters in this story are fun, and the tale is often funny. Sister Krumbles Sister Shiny Sister Lovely Sister Wanda Sister Lacey Mother Mercy The black and white illustrations by Sue Anderson Gioulis add to the story. The book teaches us about human nature, about living the gospel, and about trusting God. All great lessons for the young readers the series is written for, and also for us older folks who might read it to them. In some ways it reminds me of Tales of a Magic Monastery by Theophane the Monk. It was a cute read, and I plan on picking op some others and starting at the beginning with my children. A fun story it what looks like a very entertaining series.

Very cute story! Purchased for grandchildren for their parents to read to them, because theyre still pre-readers, but I think (hope!) theyll enjoy the story.

Fun reads!