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Secrets of Mary's Bookshop #2
Rewriting History
2012 Guideposts hardcover, Vera Dodge (To a Tea). Mary's Mystery Bookshop is hosting a very special beloved mystery author Addison Hartley. Hartley gives an intimate reading to the fans gathered in the store, but Mary's eyes are drawn not to the famous author but to a familiar face in the crowd. Could it be Mary's best friend from childhood, Claire Wilkes? As soon as Mary moves to greet her old friend, the woman disappears. Mary is certain it was Claire, but no one else seems to have recognized her and Mary begins to doubt herself. But when Mary reads Hartley's new novel, she finds eerie parallels to her own history. And when terrible rumors surface around town about a secret relationship between Claire and Mary's husband John, Mary is more determined than ever to track down Claire. - Google Books
263 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 25, 2024
Book #2 in this cozy, low stakes Christian mystery series.
It's so nice to read about this quaint, coastal Cape Cod village where Mary joyfully shares her love of mysteries at her brand new bookshop.
This time, there's a mystery around a woman Mary spots at an author signing that used to be her high school bestie. But the lady disappears when she and Mary make eye contact. Then Mary reads the author's newest book and it eerily resembles Mary's high school days with her boyfriend, John (that she later married and has since passed away) and this bestie that was also in love with John.
So many things pop up that make Mary doubt everything....
It was very intriguing. And while it went on a bit too long, I HAD to know how it turned out. The conclusion was very satisfying - I was worried there for a bit. Enjoyed it!
It's so nice to read about this quaint, coastal Cape Cod village where Mary joyfully shares her love of mysteries at her brand new bookshop.
This time, there's a mystery around a woman Mary spots at an author signing that used to be her high school bestie. But the lady disappears when she and Mary make eye contact. Then Mary reads the author's newest book and it eerily resembles Mary's high school days with her boyfriend, John (that she later married and has since passed away) and this bestie that was also in love with John.
So many things pop up that make Mary doubt everything....
It was very intriguing. And while it went on a bit too long, I HAD to know how it turned out. The conclusion was very satisfying - I was worried there for a bit. Enjoyed it!
December 29, 2017
Book 2 in the series the Secrets of Mary's Bookshop forces Mary to take a look back on meeting her husband and their courtship as well as facing her grief from his death. These books are written by various Christian authors so each can be read as a stand alone.
Mary hosts author, Addison Hartley, at her bookshop for a signing of his new book. Mary spots an old friend, Claire, that she is estranged from in the crowd. But when she tries to reach her, Claire suddenly disappears. When Mary reads Hartley's newest mystery novel, much to her surprise, she finds it is the story of her and John's courtship but told from Claire's perspective and her desire to be the one John wants. Names are changed but there are too many similarities for it not to be Mary's story. This leads Mary into finding out more about both Addison Hartley and Claire to try to discover the truth.
I enjoyed this quick, easy to read cozy; but didn't find enough twists and turns to make it as interesting as it could have been. I was able to figure out what was going on about 2/3 of the way through the book. It also bothered me that after 40 years of marriage Mary would even begin to suspect her husband. I did enjoy the surprise ending about the bank account. That was sweet.
Mary hosts author, Addison Hartley, at her bookshop for a signing of his new book. Mary spots an old friend, Claire, that she is estranged from in the crowd. But when she tries to reach her, Claire suddenly disappears. When Mary reads Hartley's newest mystery novel, much to her surprise, she finds it is the story of her and John's courtship but told from Claire's perspective and her desire to be the one John wants. Names are changed but there are too many similarities for it not to be Mary's story. This leads Mary into finding out more about both Addison Hartley and Claire to try to discover the truth.
I enjoyed this quick, easy to read cozy; but didn't find enough twists and turns to make it as interesting as it could have been. I was able to figure out what was going on about 2/3 of the way through the book. It also bothered me that after 40 years of marriage Mary would even begin to suspect her husband. I did enjoy the surprise ending about the bank account. That was sweet.
October 23, 2020
Another sweet Guidepost series
May 8, 2021
Mary's little bookshop in Ivy Bay is thriving as evidenced by an upcoming event with famous author Addison Hartley! She never imagined after being open such a short time, she would already be this far along. The day of the event comes and as the author is speaking Mary notices someone in the crowd. Could that be Claire? Her best friend from childhood? Before Mary has the chance to talk to her, she vanishes. Did she really see her or was it her imagination?
While reading Addison's new mystery, Mary realizes that the story is familiar as it describes moments from her childhood in Ivy Bay...moments only she and Claire would know about! Attempts at confronting Addison are futile so Mary turns back to Claire. Could she be the one that shared their stories? Why would Addison even agree to write about it?
I love Cozies. And sometimes cozies without murder and mayhem are fun and relaxing to read. I love this series so far and enjoy the everyday mysteries that Mary finds herself involved in. Definitely looking forward to more of these.
While reading Addison's new mystery, Mary realizes that the story is familiar as it describes moments from her childhood in Ivy Bay...moments only she and Claire would know about! Attempts at confronting Addison are futile so Mary turns back to Claire. Could she be the one that shared their stories? Why would Addison even agree to write about it?
I love Cozies. And sometimes cozies without murder and mayhem are fun and relaxing to read. I love this series so far and enjoy the everyday mysteries that Mary finds herself involved in. Definitely looking forward to more of these.
October 3, 2016
I am thoroughly enjoying this series: currently reading #3 and already have 4 others in the series on hand. In the midst of the many stresses of life, I can pick up one of these books and disappear into the story. They are light, not heavy, which is what I need when life's chaos abounds, however, the stories are engaging, the mysteries are interesting and so far are different, not run of the mill. The various authors who are writing this series have so far done an excellent job of creating and weaving the various mysteries throughout the story lines. Every time I have thought I had figured out the answer, I was wrong. They keep me guessing until the end. Of course, I've never claimed to be a great mystery solver. A very enjoyable series.
July 16, 2018
Mary is having an author do a reading at her bookstore and while he is reading she sees an old friend walk into the store and rushes out. Mary reads the author’s book and it is her story of young love with her future husband and how her best girlfriend had been his true love. She is shocked and can’t believe it is true. She spends most of the book searching for her old friend trying to find out the truth.
April 23, 2014
This is one of Guideposts' "Secrets of Mary's Bookshop" novels, each written by a different author. This one, particularly, is more romance than mystery; it probably will suit the women readers more than us men. (But what can I do? My wife is a subscriber to this series.) Nevertheless, I liked it, and recommend it as a gentle Christian-based story of suspicion and memories.
March 31, 2013
Mary gets a unwelcome surprise when she reads the latest novel by one of her favorite authors--her life told from an old friend's point of view. What is going on? Mary decides to discover who wrote about her!
March 14, 2021
This takes place in July. The story involves a book, a meet-and-greet, an old friend, and a love-triangle. I wanted a different story than what I got. I wasn't surprised that it ended the way that it did, but I didn't like it.
July 14, 2017
About this book:
“Mary’s Mystery Bookshop is hosting a very special guest: beloved mystery author Addison Hartley. Hartley gives an intimate reading to the fans gathered in the story, but Mary’s eyes are drawn not to the famous author but to a familiar face in the crowd. Could it be Mary’s best friend from childhood, Claire Wilkes? As soon as Mary moves to greet her old friend, the woman disappears. Mary is certain it was Claire, but no one else seems to have recognized her and Mary begins to doubt herself. But when Mary reads Hartley’s new novel, she finds eerie parallels to her own history. And when terrible rumors surface around town about a secret relationship between Claire and Mary’s husband John, Mary is more determined than ever to track down Claire. What brought her to Mary’s store? When did she run away? What was her connection to the best-selling novel? And, more importantly, were the rumors about Claire and Mary’s husband true?”
Series: Book #2 in the “Secrets of Mary’s Bookshop” series. Review of Book #1 Here!
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are remembered, mentioned, quoted, & prayed; Many Prayers & Blessings over food; Prayer Groups/Meetings; Church going; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Many mentions of churches, church going, a pastor, & prayer groups/meetings; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of faiths; A few mentions of those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of blessings.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a ‘oh my gosh’, and a ‘stupid’; Many mentions of gossip, rumors, lies, & lying; Mentions of threats; Mentions of a married couple separating; A couple mentions of World War II;
*Note: A mention of an actor (Sean Connery).
Sexual Content- Mentions of boyfriends, girlfriends, dating, boys, betrayal, jealousy, & drama; A few mentions of kisses & kissing (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of embraces & touches;
*Note: A couple mentions of a cat butting its head against its owner.
-Mary Fisher, age 62
P.O.V. of Mary
247 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
My first book on my Summer Reading List is done! I have to say, though, I enjoyed this book more than the previous book in the series. Even as it dealt with gossip and rumors mainly, Miss Mary’s faith was wonderful to read about. I loved all the Spiritual Content! I’m really looking forward now to reading the latter books in this series written by Vera Dodge.
Ivy Bay definitely has vibes of Cabot Cove from Murder, She Wrote. While not necessarily aimed for teens, the mystery/trouble started when Mary was a teen. I’m not sure why, but all Mary’s google searching had me giggling. Since I think we’ve all looked up old friends on the internet one time or more, it seemed like a likely way she would find hints.
However, Ashley took the book over. She is so cute! Such a cute and knowledgeable lil’ reader! I hope to see more of her and her personality in the future books. :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Mary’s Mystery Bookshop is hosting a very special guest: beloved mystery author Addison Hartley. Hartley gives an intimate reading to the fans gathered in the story, but Mary’s eyes are drawn not to the famous author but to a familiar face in the crowd. Could it be Mary’s best friend from childhood, Claire Wilkes? As soon as Mary moves to greet her old friend, the woman disappears. Mary is certain it was Claire, but no one else seems to have recognized her and Mary begins to doubt herself. But when Mary reads Hartley’s new novel, she finds eerie parallels to her own history. And when terrible rumors surface around town about a secret relationship between Claire and Mary’s husband John, Mary is more determined than ever to track down Claire. What brought her to Mary’s store? When did she run away? What was her connection to the best-selling novel? And, more importantly, were the rumors about Claire and Mary’s husband true?”
Series: Book #2 in the “Secrets of Mary’s Bookshop” series. Review of Book #1 Here!
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are remembered, mentioned, quoted, & prayed; Many Prayers & Blessings over food; Prayer Groups/Meetings; Church going; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Many mentions of churches, church going, a pastor, & prayer groups/meetings; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of faiths; A few mentions of those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of blessings.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a ‘oh my gosh’, and a ‘stupid’; Many mentions of gossip, rumors, lies, & lying; Mentions of threats; Mentions of a married couple separating; A couple mentions of World War II;
*Note: A mention of an actor (Sean Connery).
Sexual Content- Mentions of boyfriends, girlfriends, dating, boys, betrayal, jealousy, & drama; A few mentions of kisses & kissing (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of embraces & touches;
*Note: A couple mentions of a cat butting its head against its owner.
-Mary Fisher, age 62
P.O.V. of Mary
247 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
My first book on my Summer Reading List is done! I have to say, though, I enjoyed this book more than the previous book in the series. Even as it dealt with gossip and rumors mainly, Miss Mary’s faith was wonderful to read about. I loved all the Spiritual Content! I’m really looking forward now to reading the latter books in this series written by Vera Dodge.
Ivy Bay definitely has vibes of Cabot Cove from Murder, She Wrote. While not necessarily aimed for teens, the mystery/trouble started when Mary was a teen. I’m not sure why, but all Mary’s google searching had me giggling. Since I think we’ve all looked up old friends on the internet one time or more, it seemed like a likely way she would find hints.
However, Ashley took the book over. She is so cute! Such a cute and knowledgeable lil’ reader! I hope to see more of her and her personality in the future books. :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
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January 17, 2016good read
February 16, 2021
I chose "Writers" as one of my GoodRead shelves because this book in the series featured many writers. Being set in a bookshop, books, writers and mysteries go hand-in-hand. Mary is a sweet, astute woman, who has moments of confusion and unsurety. This makes her more real, and her dilemmas relatable to our own everyday lives. The solving of simple everyday mysteries or dilemmas provides us with entertainment that we can all relate to, in that, we all may experience these same circumstances. Mary has a strong faith but I have noticed that some of the scriptures used in the books are misapplied. More research should be done if there is to be no personal interpretation or misunderstanding as to the proper meaning and/or usage of those scriptures. (ex. John 8:32 - "...know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." The scripture is referring to the Good News or Truth that was declared by Christ Jesus, and knowing the Truth he taught and preached meant freedom from false religion, false teachings, and the only means for salvation, which would include freedom from inherited sin and death. The scripture could not be properly applied to learning the truth about a situation, or as in this book, the truth about a relationship between Mary's husband and her friend, Claire. Knowing "that truth" would provide personal relief just for that particular anxiety.
The "Secrets of Mary's Bookshop" is a delightful series, that tells a great story in an old-fashioned and clean manner . No profanity, wanton killing, violence, nor immorality.
The "Secrets of Mary's Bookshop" is a delightful series, that tells a great story in an old-fashioned and clean manner . No profanity, wanton killing, violence, nor immorality.
May 22, 2022
After her husband's death, Mary Fisher returns to her childhood vacation area, Ivy Bay, and opens a bookstore there. When she invites bestselling mystery author Addison Hartley for a book signing event, Mary thinks she sees a former friend from the area in the audience but when she tries to speak to her, the woman quickly leaves. Later when Mary begins reading Addison Hartley's latest book, she is surprised to find parts of it echo her own troubled history with the same friend. Mary then sets out to solve the mystery of who this woman is and how Addison Hartley knows so much about Mary's past.
I found this book in a thrift store and thought it looked interesting. I am a fan of mysteries and the back description held promise. However ... I found the book to be severely lacking. I guess this book is characterized as a Christian cozy mystery. Trouble is, there really is not a mystery. The plot is very obvious. The book is repetitive and the story really could have been more effectively told as a short story instead of a novel. There is a happy ending where everything is wrapped up but it feels contrived and forced. Readers of Christian cozy mysteries would probably enjoy this book but I prefer more realistic, gritty mysteries.
I found this book in a thrift store and thought it looked interesting. I am a fan of mysteries and the back description held promise. However ... I found the book to be severely lacking. I guess this book is characterized as a Christian cozy mystery. Trouble is, there really is not a mystery. The plot is very obvious. The book is repetitive and the story really could have been more effectively told as a short story instead of a novel. There is a happy ending where everything is wrapped up but it feels contrived and forced. Readers of Christian cozy mysteries would probably enjoy this book but I prefer more realistic, gritty mysteries.
February 21, 2023
A famous mystery author, Addison Hartley comes to Mary's mystery bookshop when he is speaking Mary notices an old friend from her childhood in the crowd. Claire, who Mary hasn't seen in over forty years because of Claire's interest in Mary's boyfriend at the time, disappears before Mary can reach her. Then Mary reads Hartley's book and sees similarities in three of the characters to her, her husband, John, and Claire. Also, when going through her dead husbands things she finds a passbook to a savings account, she knew nothing about. Was John really in love with Claire, what about the savings account? Will Mary find Claire, can their friendship be restored, and did Addison Hartley really write about Claire, John, and Mary. Read this good book to find out.
January 29, 2019
This is one of Guideposts' "Secrets of Mary's Bookshop" novels, each written by a different author. Mary has been widowed about a year now and is running her bookshop. She spots a former friend who hates her and hasn't spoken to her in 40 years at an author event but the x-friend slips out before Mary can speak to her. I don't think that it's a spoiler to say that Mary spends the rest of the book stalking her. It's actually a pleasant story for the most part but, sorry to say, a pretty lame mystery.
October 12, 2022
I absolutely adored this cozy mystery. It’s been a long time sense I finished a book in one day. This book had wonderful characters, mystery, intrigue, Faith, beautifully detailed scenery, and suspense to keep you flipping pages for hours.
Secrets of Mary’s Bookshop series by Guideposts definitely has another book fan in me. Already placed this series on my wish list.
This series is written by multiple different authors.
Vera Dodge did a fabulous job with this one. I hope I love these others as much. Fingers crossed 🤞🏼 😊
Secrets of Mary’s Bookshop series by Guideposts definitely has another book fan in me. Already placed this series on my wish list.
This series is written by multiple different authors.
Vera Dodge did a fabulous job with this one. I hope I love these others as much. Fingers crossed 🤞🏼 😊
March 26, 2018
Claire is the famous writer's secretary. But why is this marked a mystery not a drama?!?!?!?!??!?!??!?!??!?!??!??!?!?!??!?!??!?!???!?!??!?!?!?!??!?!??!??!?!??!??!??!?!??!?!?!??!??!??!??!?!??!?!?!?!?!??!?!??!?!??!?!??!??!?!?!??!?!??!?!???!?!??!?!?!?!??!?!??!??!?!??!??!??!?!??!?!?!??!??!??!??!?!??!?!?!?!?!??!?!??!?!??!?!??!??!?!?!??!?!??!?!???!?!??!?!?!?!??!?!??!??!?!??!??!??!?!??!?!?!??!??!??!??!?!??!?!?!?!?!??!?!??!?!
December 5, 2018
My first read in the Mary's Bookshop series and it was a miss! I liked Mary just fine but all the gossip and rumors and misunderstandings just became to tedious to read about. Mary had not seen Claire in forty years and I found it ridiculous that she would care about what was or wasn't said. All of Mary's worries just became the focus and quite repetitive. I will try one more in the series and see if it's any better.
January 15, 2019
I'm not a big fan of multi-author series, I always feel that the different authors writing styles don't flow together, but so far I'm very happy with this series. Mary's doubt about John was so painful and relatable that I had to step away and take a breath. (that's good writing) Mary being so forgiving of Claire is frightening. (I couldn't do it). John's secret bank account made me think bad things about him but in the end I cried. I really hope the series continues to be amazing.
June 5, 2020
Overall this is a fantastic series! The characters are quirky and fun, and relatable. I really enjoy reading book series that are light, funny, and share much needed lessons. Set in an idyllic setting, I can picture it clearly due to the all the details provided. All of the books in the series hold my attention - I don't want to put them down until I know how the mystery ends!
June 26, 2025
I really like these cozy mysteries from Guideposts for several reasons:
1. Mary, the mystery book store owner, is a logical sleuth.
2. All the twists are well-foreshadowed.
3. No one dies! (There is such a thing as a non-murder mystery).
4. The religious references are tactful and not preachy.
5. Mary has a giant gray cat named Gus.
In short, this series hits all the right notes for me.
1. Mary, the mystery book store owner, is a logical sleuth.
2. All the twists are well-foreshadowed.
3. No one dies! (There is such a thing as a non-murder mystery).
4. The religious references are tactful and not preachy.
5. Mary has a giant gray cat named Gus.
In short, this series hits all the right notes for me.
September 27, 2022
Lesson. People need to let go of childhood wrongs, not instantly think the worst of another and realize that so many people simply grow hate in their hearts. The religious righteousness in this book was a little overbearing.
November 1, 2025
This was a good story. Mary is determined to mend a relationship after reading a story that reminds her of her past. She tracks her down and starts to mend fences. I read four books this week and this was the best story of them all.
September 30, 2018
I am loving this series....it is so good. This book is so good.
I give this book 5/5 Stars.
Now onto Book #3 which is called "Reading The Clues" by Charlotte Carter
I give this book 5/5 Stars.
Now onto Book #3 which is called "Reading The Clues" by Charlotte Carter
March 13, 2019
Another easy read about Mary's bookshop and another mystery to solve.
June 2, 2019
A mystery every mystery lover will love.
June 17, 2019
Great book best read in a long time.
December 17, 2019
Loved it :-)
February 17, 2021
Great read! Well written! Enjoyable! Clean read! Curl up on a cold day and read this delightful book! Enjoy!
March 12, 2021
Books and Mystery - I loved it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews