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The Women of Wynton #1
The Women of Wynton's
Mid-Century Glam Meets Murder Mayhem Get swept away to the glamor of a 1950’s department store where four women’s loyalties, vanity, friendship, and detective skills are put to the test. Audrey Penault once led a glamorous life as a model but now works as devoted secretary to Mr. Wynton. To her fellow employees, she is too vain and uppity. Mary Jo Johnson, a wife and mother, longs to find her worth in the cosmetics department, but it may take a while for the shy housewife to discover her voice. Vivian Sheffield owns and runs the bridal salon within Wynton’s. She is proud of her accomplishments and won’t let anyone take them away. Gigi Woodard dislikes her job as waitress in the store’s lunchroom, but she is determined not to let her secret shortcomings cause her to lose the position. These four women have much to dislike about each other, but they unanimously agree that Mr. Wynton is the best of employers and must be protected at all costs from someone who seems determined to see him gone for good. When other employee deaths occur, can the women band together to solve the murders, or will they discover it is one of their own bent on destroying Wynton’s from within?
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2024
33 people are currently reading
2024 people want to read
About the author
Donna Mumma
6 books196 followers Donna Mumma is an award-winning author who was blessed with two wonderful parents who taught her how stories enable readers to learn, escape, connect, and be inspired.
A native Floridian, she weaves her experiences of growing up in rural Florida into her works of southern fiction.
Before she started writing, she honed her story-telling skills as a first-grade teacher working to keep antsy six-year-olds enthralled. She believes the best stories grab a reader’s heart and mind and nudge them into discovering something about themselves.
A native Floridian, she weaves her experiences of growing up in rural Florida into her works of southern fiction.
Before she started writing, she honed her story-telling skills as a first-grade teacher working to keep antsy six-year-olds enthralled. She believes the best stories grab a reader’s heart and mind and nudge them into discovering something about themselves.
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August 24, 2025
3 stars, personally ⭐️ Christian Fiction (light) - 1950s Murder Mystery
About this book:
“Mid-Century Glam Meets Murder Mayhem
Get swept away to the glamor of a 1950’s department store where four women’s loyalties, vanity, friendship, and detective skills are put to the test.
Audrey Penault once led a glamorous life as a model but now works as devoted secretary to Mr. Wynton. To her fellow employees, she is too vain and uppity.
Mary Jo Johnson, a wife and mother, longs to find her worth in the cosmetics department, but it may take a while for the shy housewife to discover her voice.
Vivian Sheffield owns and runs the bridal salon within Wynton’s. She is proud of her accomplishments and won’t let anyone take them away.
Gigi Woodard dislikes her job as waitress in the store’s lunchroom, but she is determined not to let her secret shortcomings cause her to lose the position.
These four women have much to dislike about each other, but they unanimously agree that Mr. Wynton is the best of employers and must be protected at all costs from someone who seems determined to see him gone for good. When other employee deaths occur, can the women band together to solve the murders, or will they discover it is one of their own bent on destroying Wynton’s from within?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Women of Wynton’s Mystery” series.
Spiritual Content- A couple prayers (including a prayer at a funeral service asking God to hug the departed) & Thanking God; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Partially set around Christmas; Gigi notes she hasn’t been to church in years, but plans to pray for Mr. Wynton’s recovery; A main character says she hopes a man gets what is coming to him (for his actions) and another agrees and says “It’s hard to be Christian in circumstances like these”; Mentions of God & Him forgiving us for our mistakes; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church going, & ministers; A few mentions of those in the Bible; A mention of Heaven; A mention of a nativity; A mention of a Christmas Eve service; A mention of being Blessed; A mention of needing a miracle; A mention of a couple being “staunch Baptists” and do not drink alcohol;
*Note: The phrase “speak of the devil” is cut-off; Other phrases like ‘for Pete’s sake’ and ‘my heavens’ are said once and twice; Mentions of lucky & being lucky; Mentions of Santa Claus & elves; A mention of Father Time; A mention of a woman having a “spell” over a man.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘biddy’, a ‘blasted’, a ‘drat’, a ‘good golly’, a ‘good grief’, an ‘oh my word’, a ‘stupid’, two ‘dumb’s, two ‘oh my stars’s, and three ‘ever-loving’s; Mentions of curses (said, not written, including a man cursing at Audrey); Eye rolling; Being shot at, a Fire, & Being arrested (up to semi-detailed); Seeing murdered bodies & blood (barely-above-not-detailed); Going to a funeral service & seeing grief from the family; Gigi gets jealous of the other women for being pretty and getting promotions; Mary Jo tries to encourage her husband through his recovery when he makes negative comments about himself due to missing an arm (he picks a fight with her a couple of times, but she knows it’s because of their situation); Many mentions of murders, how they were done, the murderers, the bodies, blood/bleeding, & murder weapons (stabbing, being hit on the back of the head, & strangled; borderline barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Many mentions of crimes, criminals, thieves, thefts, stealing, stolen items, robberies, fraud, embezzling, jails, & arrests; Mentions of wars, deaths, battles, fighting, & men not returning the same; Mentions of car accidents, deaths, & injuries; Mentions of deaths & grief (including Vivian for her husband, another woman for her husband, a man for his son, & a boy for his mother); Mentions of deaths, wanting someone dead, attempted murders, poisons/poisoning, an allergic reaction (insect), & passing out; Mentions of Mary Jo’s husband who was in a construction accident and lost his right arm & his negative comments about himself that she hates hearing (including him being in dark moods, thinking he isn’t a man, and him not wanting to do anything); Mentions of a fire, being shot at, & a home being ransacked; Mentions of threats & blackmail; Mentions of injuries, pain, & a diagnosis of someone dying; Mentions of a (grown) son fighting with his father (verbally and physically throwing a chair at his father’s office door); Mentions of a married couple fighting, saying horrible things to each other, & not speaking for days after an intense situation; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of divorces (including Gigi who has been divorced twice); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, drunks, & a bar; Mentions of cigars & smoking; A few mentions of a bomb & a couple dying due to their injuries; A few mentions of a woman with cancer being “near the end”; A few mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of a possible burglar & break-in; A couple mentions of military men having nightmares of their time serving (including one ordering amputations in his dreams out loud); A couple mentions of a woman husband hunting for husband number six (she has buried three and divorced two); A mention of the Great Depression;
*Note: Audrey recalling two car sales men asking if she needed to talk to her husband before buying a car and then asks how no man has “snatched [her] up” (which grated on her nerves; Audrey calls this “archaic”); A comment about a woman never driving in the city’s Christmas parade before; Others gossip & spread rumors about Audrey (all unflattering, including about her controlling Mr. Wynton, firing people at her whim, & her being a home wrecker); Gigi often compares herself to others & makes negative comments about not belong and on her appearance; Mary Jo often thinks about what her mother would say and compares her life to her mother’s (often implying it’s the gold standard for a housewife); Racial comments and observations are made based on the time-period (such as: A Black man comments on lots of things not being how they should be (which makes Audrey think about that while he served for his country, the same country won’t allow him to use restrooms or drinking from water fountains that say “Whites Only” and can’t even shop in the department store he worked for; Audrey agrees that lots of things need changing); Audrey asks him if he was treated badly during the war, but he clams up on the topic only saying it was no different than how he is treated currently; Gigi noting that one of the cooks she works with can’t join them in the cafeteria, but those complainers who would comment on it will still eat the food she makes; Audrey thinks about how living in Paris opened her eyes to relations between Blacks and Whites, how no one was treated less because of their skin color, & that Blacks want the freedoms that was “already extended to Whites and the foreigners they’d fought [in wars] for”; Audrey tries to get Mr. Wynton to be an example for their city about treating his “colored” employees better, but he says he is too old to go against the rules concerning Coloreds and Whites; Audrey wishes to stand with the Black employees at a funeral but knows it wasn’t done in her city without causing trouble for everyone involved; Gigi hears her boss tell a Colored co-worker that she can easily replace her; The department store has a policy about Black customers having a note from their White employers giving them permission to shop there in their stead (Audrey has tried to campaign against this policy; A Black maid is accused of stealing from her White employer because she’s missing the note); A Black woman who works in the cafeteria is not allowed to drink the sweet tea she makes because it’s poured from the same pitchers that the Whites used in the dining room; One woman talks about Sheriff McCall and his corruption with shooting the young men from Groveland and killing other Colored folks “for all kinds of shady reasons and using the law to make it right”, Harry and Harriette Moore who were bombed and not treated at a hospital due to their skin color, “the Klan” coming after someone, & the woman being upset at being treated like she and others like her are “not even good enough to be second-best”; A man calls a Black man an unflattering name (which is cut-off); A police officer says he can’t confirm something with only “the word of one Colored guard”; A few mentions of a “sundown town” that will haul Black people off to jail for being there as soon as the sun sets); Audrey attended business school at night with other females as the administration thought the women would be too distracting to attend class with men; Mary Jo wishes she could go back to being a housewife and mother rather than work (noting that she would trade all the “sophisticated freedom” to do that, but has to work because of her husband’s injury); A couple mentions of working mothers being told they are “scarring” their children by not being home with them; Mentions of brand names (Maxwell House coffee, Revlon, Max Factor, Maybelline, Elizabeth Arden, Chanel, Dior, Trifari, Timex, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Chanel No 5, Youth Dew perfume, White Shoulders perfume, Evening in Paris perfume, English Leather cologne, Wonder Bread, Coke, RC Cola, Moon Pie, Ivory, Vicks VapoRub, Tupperware, & Mary Janes); Mentions of celebrities, actresses, movies, TV shows, & songs (Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, James Dean, Bill Haley and His Comets, Queen Elizabeth, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant, Father of the Bride, East of Eden, Bride and Groom, & Lucy); Mentions of car brands; A few mentions of magazines (Modern Brides, Vogue, & Better Homes and Gardens); A mention of Halloween costumes; A mention of Macy’s; A mention of a book (Peter Pan).
Sexual Content- Two cheek kisses, an ear kiss, a nose kiss, a forehead kiss, an almost kiss, a not-detailed kiss, and three barely-above-not-detailed kisses (most are between a married couple); Some touches, embraces, flutters/shivers, & nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Mary Jo’s husband sees her changing and does a wolf whistle; When Gigi is dancing and kissing her boyfriend, she realizes that thanks to her “two ex-husbands’ worth of experience”, she knows this moment needs a “cooldown” (her boyfriend wiggles his eyebrows with a suggestive comment, but she tells him that he isn’t getting what he wants); A man comments that the store owner knows what he’s doing with Audrey as his secretary and Gigi accuses him of having a mind that lives in the gutter; A few others make suggestions that Audrey and Mr. Wynton were involved and he was her paramour; A woman makes a teasing comment that married men look “miserable”; A man stares at Audrey like she’s a dessert; A ‘baby’; Mentions of boyfriends, dating, dates, & being stood up; A few mentions of kisses & kissing; A few mentions of flirty grins, winks, & blushes; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of a rumored/suggested affair (that did not actually happen); A couple mentions of a rumor about a woman dating a man twenty years her senior; A mention of a man being a better playboy than businessman; A mention of men just wanting a beautiful model to be their accessory; A mention of a wife mooning over his husband; A mention of a crush;
*Note: Gigi thinks of her figure as “straight and solid, lacking a waistline, with a few well-placed knots so folks knew she was a girl”; A man comments that his wife dislikes him working with young women & complains about him working with too many women at the department store; The same man refers to his wife as “the ball and chain”; Audrey thinks that a man wouldn’t recognize quality if it came and “bit him on his…chair cushion”.
-Audrey Penault
-Mary Jo Johnson
-Vivian Sheffield, age 50
-Gigi Woodard, age 35
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1955-1956
304 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
I’ve been meaning to read this one since it came out and now since the second book in the series will be releasing soon, it was time to finally read this book that is set at the end-of-the-year. It was neat that it covered fall through the New Year and all the excitement that came from the department store setting. I have learned this year that I like books set in department stores, there’s something about the wonder and class of them that interests me and this book covered that feeling well.
Before starting this book, I was a little leery about keeping track of the four main characters. Thankfully, that ended up not being as big as a concern as I was expecting because they were all very different characters with their own personalities and interests.
That said, Audrey didn’t deserve the hate she got from others. This book really highlighted how gossip and rumors are terrible and how you should never partake in them. Gigi and Cissy made my blood pressure rise every time they appeared. The catty women and people saying awful things about Audrey was partially what made me drop my rating from a 4 star. I was fully on her side and liked her professional, driven attitude. I can’t say I really liked any of the other women (Vivian, Mary Jo, and definitely not Gigi) and I thought they would be more helpful sooner on, but it was mainly Audrey trying to figure things out by herself for the majority of the book. I didn’t really see why she picked them to help (especially because two of them were suspicious of her already) and it felt a little forced to me.
The pacing and timeframe of this book was a little jumpy, which made things moved quickly and I had to keep up with the information shared. The ending felt a little rushed as well, but I think that was mainly because we’re told—rather than shown—a lot of the final results/solution to the mysteries (which I don’t really care for, but there was a lot of characters and details to keep up with so I suppose it made sense).
I almost added that Gigi is dating a bonafide loser to my content notes above, but I suppose that’s a matter of opinion, so I’ll stick that comment here. He was a loser and her self-confidence was so low that made her think it was opposite day and he was a winner. Gigi was already pretty insufferable for the first half of the book because of her attitude and spreading gossip, so I wasn’t a fan of reading her chapters let alone when that louse would appear.
I was expecting more faith content in this book, but there wasn’t much, which was disappointing (and another reason I dropped my rating). I hope the second book will have more Christian elements.
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.
About this book:
“Mid-Century Glam Meets Murder Mayhem
Get swept away to the glamor of a 1950’s department store where four women’s loyalties, vanity, friendship, and detective skills are put to the test.
Audrey Penault once led a glamorous life as a model but now works as devoted secretary to Mr. Wynton. To her fellow employees, she is too vain and uppity.
Mary Jo Johnson, a wife and mother, longs to find her worth in the cosmetics department, but it may take a while for the shy housewife to discover her voice.
Vivian Sheffield owns and runs the bridal salon within Wynton’s. She is proud of her accomplishments and won’t let anyone take them away.
Gigi Woodard dislikes her job as waitress in the store’s lunchroom, but she is determined not to let her secret shortcomings cause her to lose the position.
These four women have much to dislike about each other, but they unanimously agree that Mr. Wynton is the best of employers and must be protected at all costs from someone who seems determined to see him gone for good. When other employee deaths occur, can the women band together to solve the murders, or will they discover it is one of their own bent on destroying Wynton’s from within?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Women of Wynton’s Mystery” series.
Spiritual Content- A couple prayers (including a prayer at a funeral service asking God to hug the departed) & Thanking God; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Partially set around Christmas; Gigi notes she hasn’t been to church in years, but plans to pray for Mr. Wynton’s recovery; A main character says she hopes a man gets what is coming to him (for his actions) and another agrees and says “It’s hard to be Christian in circumstances like these”; Mentions of God & Him forgiving us for our mistakes; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church going, & ministers; A few mentions of those in the Bible; A mention of Heaven; A mention of a nativity; A mention of a Christmas Eve service; A mention of being Blessed; A mention of needing a miracle; A mention of a couple being “staunch Baptists” and do not drink alcohol;
*Note: The phrase “speak of the devil” is cut-off; Other phrases like ‘for Pete’s sake’ and ‘my heavens’ are said once and twice; Mentions of lucky & being lucky; Mentions of Santa Claus & elves; A mention of Father Time; A mention of a woman having a “spell” over a man.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘biddy’, a ‘blasted’, a ‘drat’, a ‘good golly’, a ‘good grief’, an ‘oh my word’, a ‘stupid’, two ‘dumb’s, two ‘oh my stars’s, and three ‘ever-loving’s; Mentions of curses (said, not written, including a man cursing at Audrey); Eye rolling; Being shot at, a Fire, & Being arrested (up to semi-detailed); Seeing murdered bodies & blood (barely-above-not-detailed); Going to a funeral service & seeing grief from the family; Gigi gets jealous of the other women for being pretty and getting promotions; Mary Jo tries to encourage her husband through his recovery when he makes negative comments about himself due to missing an arm (he picks a fight with her a couple of times, but she knows it’s because of their situation); Many mentions of murders, how they were done, the murderers, the bodies, blood/bleeding, & murder weapons (stabbing, being hit on the back of the head, & strangled; borderline barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Many mentions of crimes, criminals, thieves, thefts, stealing, stolen items, robberies, fraud, embezzling, jails, & arrests; Mentions of wars, deaths, battles, fighting, & men not returning the same; Mentions of car accidents, deaths, & injuries; Mentions of deaths & grief (including Vivian for her husband, another woman for her husband, a man for his son, & a boy for his mother); Mentions of deaths, wanting someone dead, attempted murders, poisons/poisoning, an allergic reaction (insect), & passing out; Mentions of Mary Jo’s husband who was in a construction accident and lost his right arm & his negative comments about himself that she hates hearing (including him being in dark moods, thinking he isn’t a man, and him not wanting to do anything); Mentions of a fire, being shot at, & a home being ransacked; Mentions of threats & blackmail; Mentions of injuries, pain, & a diagnosis of someone dying; Mentions of a (grown) son fighting with his father (verbally and physically throwing a chair at his father’s office door); Mentions of a married couple fighting, saying horrible things to each other, & not speaking for days after an intense situation; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of divorces (including Gigi who has been divorced twice); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, drunks, & a bar; Mentions of cigars & smoking; A few mentions of a bomb & a couple dying due to their injuries; A few mentions of a woman with cancer being “near the end”; A few mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of a possible burglar & break-in; A couple mentions of military men having nightmares of their time serving (including one ordering amputations in his dreams out loud); A couple mentions of a woman husband hunting for husband number six (she has buried three and divorced two); A mention of the Great Depression;
*Note: Audrey recalling two car sales men asking if she needed to talk to her husband before buying a car and then asks how no man has “snatched [her] up” (which grated on her nerves; Audrey calls this “archaic”); A comment about a woman never driving in the city’s Christmas parade before; Others gossip & spread rumors about Audrey (all unflattering, including about her controlling Mr. Wynton, firing people at her whim, & her being a home wrecker); Gigi often compares herself to others & makes negative comments about not belong and on her appearance; Mary Jo often thinks about what her mother would say and compares her life to her mother’s (often implying it’s the gold standard for a housewife); Racial comments and observations are made based on the time-period (such as: A Black man comments on lots of things not being how they should be (which makes Audrey think about that while he served for his country, the same country won’t allow him to use restrooms or drinking from water fountains that say “Whites Only” and can’t even shop in the department store he worked for; Audrey agrees that lots of things need changing); Audrey asks him if he was treated badly during the war, but he clams up on the topic only saying it was no different than how he is treated currently; Gigi noting that one of the cooks she works with can’t join them in the cafeteria, but those complainers who would comment on it will still eat the food she makes; Audrey thinks about how living in Paris opened her eyes to relations between Blacks and Whites, how no one was treated less because of their skin color, & that Blacks want the freedoms that was “already extended to Whites and the foreigners they’d fought [in wars] for”; Audrey tries to get Mr. Wynton to be an example for their city about treating his “colored” employees better, but he says he is too old to go against the rules concerning Coloreds and Whites; Audrey wishes to stand with the Black employees at a funeral but knows it wasn’t done in her city without causing trouble for everyone involved; Gigi hears her boss tell a Colored co-worker that she can easily replace her; The department store has a policy about Black customers having a note from their White employers giving them permission to shop there in their stead (Audrey has tried to campaign against this policy; A Black maid is accused of stealing from her White employer because she’s missing the note); A Black woman who works in the cafeteria is not allowed to drink the sweet tea she makes because it’s poured from the same pitchers that the Whites used in the dining room; One woman talks about Sheriff McCall and his corruption with shooting the young men from Groveland and killing other Colored folks “for all kinds of shady reasons and using the law to make it right”, Harry and Harriette Moore who were bombed and not treated at a hospital due to their skin color, “the Klan” coming after someone, & the woman being upset at being treated like she and others like her are “not even good enough to be second-best”; A man calls a Black man an unflattering name (which is cut-off); A police officer says he can’t confirm something with only “the word of one Colored guard”; A few mentions of a “sundown town” that will haul Black people off to jail for being there as soon as the sun sets); Audrey attended business school at night with other females as the administration thought the women would be too distracting to attend class with men; Mary Jo wishes she could go back to being a housewife and mother rather than work (noting that she would trade all the “sophisticated freedom” to do that, but has to work because of her husband’s injury); A couple mentions of working mothers being told they are “scarring” their children by not being home with them; Mentions of brand names (Maxwell House coffee, Revlon, Max Factor, Maybelline, Elizabeth Arden, Chanel, Dior, Trifari, Timex, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Chanel No 5, Youth Dew perfume, White Shoulders perfume, Evening in Paris perfume, English Leather cologne, Wonder Bread, Coke, RC Cola, Moon Pie, Ivory, Vicks VapoRub, Tupperware, & Mary Janes); Mentions of celebrities, actresses, movies, TV shows, & songs (Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, James Dean, Bill Haley and His Comets, Queen Elizabeth, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant, Father of the Bride, East of Eden, Bride and Groom, & Lucy); Mentions of car brands; A few mentions of magazines (Modern Brides, Vogue, & Better Homes and Gardens); A mention of Halloween costumes; A mention of Macy’s; A mention of a book (Peter Pan).
Sexual Content- Two cheek kisses, an ear kiss, a nose kiss, a forehead kiss, an almost kiss, a not-detailed kiss, and three barely-above-not-detailed kisses (most are between a married couple); Some touches, embraces, flutters/shivers, & nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Mary Jo’s husband sees her changing and does a wolf whistle; When Gigi is dancing and kissing her boyfriend, she realizes that thanks to her “two ex-husbands’ worth of experience”, she knows this moment needs a “cooldown” (her boyfriend wiggles his eyebrows with a suggestive comment, but she tells him that he isn’t getting what he wants); A man comments that the store owner knows what he’s doing with Audrey as his secretary and Gigi accuses him of having a mind that lives in the gutter; A few others make suggestions that Audrey and Mr. Wynton were involved and he was her paramour; A woman makes a teasing comment that married men look “miserable”; A man stares at Audrey like she’s a dessert; A ‘baby’; Mentions of boyfriends, dating, dates, & being stood up; A few mentions of kisses & kissing; A few mentions of flirty grins, winks, & blushes; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of a rumored/suggested affair (that did not actually happen); A couple mentions of a rumor about a woman dating a man twenty years her senior; A mention of a man being a better playboy than businessman; A mention of men just wanting a beautiful model to be their accessory; A mention of a wife mooning over his husband; A mention of a crush;
*Note: Gigi thinks of her figure as “straight and solid, lacking a waistline, with a few well-placed knots so folks knew she was a girl”; A man comments that his wife dislikes him working with young women & complains about him working with too many women at the department store; The same man refers to his wife as “the ball and chain”; Audrey thinks that a man wouldn’t recognize quality if it came and “bit him on his…chair cushion”.
-Audrey Penault
-Mary Jo Johnson
-Vivian Sheffield, age 50
-Gigi Woodard, age 35
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1955-1956
304 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
I’ve been meaning to read this one since it came out and now since the second book in the series will be releasing soon, it was time to finally read this book that is set at the end-of-the-year. It was neat that it covered fall through the New Year and all the excitement that came from the department store setting. I have learned this year that I like books set in department stores, there’s something about the wonder and class of them that interests me and this book covered that feeling well.
Before starting this book, I was a little leery about keeping track of the four main characters. Thankfully, that ended up not being as big as a concern as I was expecting because they were all very different characters with their own personalities and interests.
That said, Audrey didn’t deserve the hate she got from others. This book really highlighted how gossip and rumors are terrible and how you should never partake in them. Gigi and Cissy made my blood pressure rise every time they appeared. The catty women and people saying awful things about Audrey was partially what made me drop my rating from a 4 star. I was fully on her side and liked her professional, driven attitude. I can’t say I really liked any of the other women (Vivian, Mary Jo, and definitely not Gigi) and I thought they would be more helpful sooner on, but it was mainly Audrey trying to figure things out by herself for the majority of the book. I didn’t really see why she picked them to help (especially because two of them were suspicious of her already) and it felt a little forced to me.
The pacing and timeframe of this book was a little jumpy, which made things moved quickly and I had to keep up with the information shared. The ending felt a little rushed as well, but I think that was mainly because we’re told—rather than shown—a lot of the final results/solution to the mysteries (which I don’t really care for, but there was a lot of characters and details to keep up with so I suppose it made sense).
I almost added that Gigi is dating a bonafide loser to my content notes above, but I suppose that’s a matter of opinion, so I’ll stick that comment here. He was a loser and her self-confidence was so low that made her think it was opposite day and he was a winner. Gigi was already pretty insufferable for the first half of the book because of her attitude and spreading gossip, so I wasn’t a fan of reading her chapters let alone when that louse would appear.
I was expecting more faith content in this book, but there wasn’t much, which was disappointing (and another reason I dropped my rating). I hope the second book will have more Christian elements.
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.
August 6, 2024
Loved loved loved this story!!! I absolutely adored the setting, 1950s centered around a department store and four main gals. Audrey would be the ultimate main character but there are 3 other main gals, Mary Jo, Vivian, and Gigi. They all work at Wynton’s department store and I loved seeing them work in different areas. Murder is afoot and Audrey is being framed for it. I really loved how the women set aside their differences and work together. I loved seeing all their individual lives. The mystery is really well done, I knew who was behind it but that didn’t stop my jaw from literally dropping four times throughout the story, yes I counted. This is the 50s and I appreciated how the author showed a little of how colored people were mistreated while still showing that not everyone treated them bad. Showing the civil rights movement was around the corner. Overall, I just thought this was a great story and I’m so excited there is going to be more! I definitely recommend! also I listened to it on audiobook and the narrator does such a great job!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content:
Multiple murders, some mildly graphic
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content:
Multiple murders, some mildly graphic
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
June 22, 2024
Imagine stepping into a world of 1950s glamour, set against the backdrop of a bustling department store where intrigue and murder lurk behind the elegant displays. Donna Mumma's The Women of Wynton's transports you to this enchanting yet perilous setting, where four women’s lives intertwine in unexpected ways.
Audrey Penault, once a glamorous model, now serves as the devoted secretary to Mr. Wynton. Her elegance and poise often come off as vanity to her colleagues. Then there’s Mary Jo Johnson, a shy housewife yearning for more than her role in the cosmetics department. Vivian Sheffield, proud owner of the bridal salon, fiercely guards her accomplishments, while Gigi Woodard, a waitress in the store’s lunchroom, battles her own insecurities to keep her job.
These women, despite their differences, unite to protect their beloved employer, Mr. Wynton, from a threat that could destroy the very foundation of the store. As mysterious deaths occur among the staff, the women must pool their detective skills to unravel the mystery. Can they trust each other enough to solve the murders, or is one of them harboring a dark secret?
As a Christian reader, I initially craved more overt, impactful Christian faith content throughout the narrative. However, as I continued to read through a Biblical worldview, I prayed for discernment and viewed the narrative through that lens. The "Miss Evelyn" statements peppered throughout the book became more than just pearls of wisdom; they prompted me to reflect on Scripture, examining how these principles aligned with or challenged God’s perspective. This introspective journey enriched my reading experience, offering a blend of mid-century etiquette and timeless spiritual truths.
The story, rich with themes of self-respect and integrity, resonated deeply. The subtle yet profound life lessons made this book a standout for me.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book include:
"Miss Evelyn said a lady makes sure to appear relaxed and unrushed in all activities."
"Miss Evelyn taught her, no need to make a spectacle of oneself."
"True ladies remained calm in crises. Kept pleasant expressions on their faces and kind words spilling from their mouths. And no public tears."
"Miss Evelyn always said a true lady was measured by how well she could compose herself when she was in a fix."
The Women of Wynton's is a fabulous story that I hope will be the start of a series. I would love to see more of these characters and, ideally, a more integral inclusion of rich and authentic Christian faith in future stories. Donna Mumma has crafted a compelling narrative capturing the essence of the 1950s while weaving in suspense, drama, and the power of female friendship magnificently.
This book has it all—1950s glam, mysterious deaths, a beloved boss, and even a fashion show. It’s a captivating blend of historical fiction and cozy mystery that will keep readers hooked. Whether you're a fan of vintage murder mysteries or simply enjoy a well-told story with rich character dynamics, The Women of Wynton's is a fun, must-read.
I received a digital ARC of The Women of Wynton’s from the publisher, Barbour Publishing. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Audrey Penault, once a glamorous model, now serves as the devoted secretary to Mr. Wynton. Her elegance and poise often come off as vanity to her colleagues. Then there’s Mary Jo Johnson, a shy housewife yearning for more than her role in the cosmetics department. Vivian Sheffield, proud owner of the bridal salon, fiercely guards her accomplishments, while Gigi Woodard, a waitress in the store’s lunchroom, battles her own insecurities to keep her job.
These women, despite their differences, unite to protect their beloved employer, Mr. Wynton, from a threat that could destroy the very foundation of the store. As mysterious deaths occur among the staff, the women must pool their detective skills to unravel the mystery. Can they trust each other enough to solve the murders, or is one of them harboring a dark secret?
As a Christian reader, I initially craved more overt, impactful Christian faith content throughout the narrative. However, as I continued to read through a Biblical worldview, I prayed for discernment and viewed the narrative through that lens. The "Miss Evelyn" statements peppered throughout the book became more than just pearls of wisdom; they prompted me to reflect on Scripture, examining how these principles aligned with or challenged God’s perspective. This introspective journey enriched my reading experience, offering a blend of mid-century etiquette and timeless spiritual truths.
The story, rich with themes of self-respect and integrity, resonated deeply. The subtle yet profound life lessons made this book a standout for me.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book include:
"Miss Evelyn said a lady makes sure to appear relaxed and unrushed in all activities."
"Miss Evelyn taught her, no need to make a spectacle of oneself."
"True ladies remained calm in crises. Kept pleasant expressions on their faces and kind words spilling from their mouths. And no public tears."
"Miss Evelyn always said a true lady was measured by how well she could compose herself when she was in a fix."
The Women of Wynton's is a fabulous story that I hope will be the start of a series. I would love to see more of these characters and, ideally, a more integral inclusion of rich and authentic Christian faith in future stories. Donna Mumma has crafted a compelling narrative capturing the essence of the 1950s while weaving in suspense, drama, and the power of female friendship magnificently.
This book has it all—1950s glam, mysterious deaths, a beloved boss, and even a fashion show. It’s a captivating blend of historical fiction and cozy mystery that will keep readers hooked. Whether you're a fan of vintage murder mysteries or simply enjoy a well-told story with rich character dynamics, The Women of Wynton's is a fun, must-read.
I received a digital ARC of The Women of Wynton’s from the publisher, Barbour Publishing. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
July 3, 2024
1955 Florida
There are not many Christian Fiction novels set in the 1950s so I was delighted with the time period. And what a different time! Department stores were a treasure and women working outside the home wasn't commonplace and sometimes frowned upon.
In this novel, four women in different life situations all find working at Wynton's to be beneficial. There is a lot of gossip among workers in the store and the vast majority are not fans of Audrey ("The Hatchet"). Audrey shows so much class and character. She was my favorite.
It was fun to visit Wynton's in 1955. My gratitude to the author and publisher (Barbour) for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
There are not many Christian Fiction novels set in the 1950s so I was delighted with the time period. And what a different time! Department stores were a treasure and women working outside the home wasn't commonplace and sometimes frowned upon.
In this novel, four women in different life situations all find working at Wynton's to be beneficial. There is a lot of gossip among workers in the store and the vast majority are not fans of Audrey ("The Hatchet"). Audrey shows so much class and character. She was my favorite.
It was fun to visit Wynton's in 1955. My gratitude to the author and publisher (Barbour) for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 22, 2024
This book had a fairly fun vintage feel to it, but it felt a little unfocused and long, and the episodes of peril, arson, and off-scene murder sat a little strangely next to all the little interpersonal dramas. I didn't love the office politics at the heart of it, and I lost patience with how easily everyone was swayed to dislike Audrey, the totally put-together and competent assistant to the department store owner who has never actually caused anyone harm, as opposed to the obvious baddie in the story... who everyone adores for no reason. That all felt rather contrived to me. Still, I was interested enough in the story to want to know the conclusion.
Thanks to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for this digital review copy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for this digital review copy.
November 3, 2024
This book grabbed me because of its super cute cover! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I ended up loving it so much! This is a cozy mystery with a group of four women who all work at a department store together. In the beginning, they don’t really like one another, but as things happen to threaten their boss and the future of their store, they band together to solve the mystery before it’s too late. I loved getting to know each woman and her unique personality. I especially had a soft spot for Audrey, a former model and fashionista who is also very smart and kind. Your mind really changes towards her as you learn more about her. The history of the department store during the 1950’s was fascinating and the setting was so well done with references to pop culture of the time like “Audrey Hepburn” and “Marilyn Monroe.” The book also handled the racism of the time well. I’m so excited that there’s going to be a sequel. I already miss the women of Wynton’s.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️ Content: I give this book a PG rating. Examples of the content: the “N” word is used in historical context and not in a derogatory way; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; someone is drunk and there’s alcohol.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️ Content: I give this book a PG rating. Examples of the content: the “N” word is used in historical context and not in a derogatory way; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; someone is drunk and there’s alcohol.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
April 29, 2024
The Women of Wynton's is a delightful read. The pace is generally slow, although it gains momentum as we approach the climax, but it seems to fit the time and place: a small town in Florida in the 1950s. The period is lovingly brought to life via the life of a department store and the women who work there. The clothes of that time, the attitudes (particularly about women and race), the life styles of that time are strongly depicted. (I especially enjoyed the details lavished on the clothes but interior decor--and Tupperware parties--are also brought to life.
Audrey Penault is a former high fashion model who left town over a decade before the story begins to become a world famous model who left that glamorous world to go to college and get a degree in business. Now she's back, working with her late father's closest friend, Mr. Wynton (owner of the book's title--the Wynton store).
Smart, opinionated, independent, sophisticated--all of which add up to make Audrey unpopular in her hometown. There are many nasty rumors circulating about her--many of them started by Mr. Wynton's son, John, and his wife (Cissy).
The story features a group of strong, spirited women. There's Mary Jo, a wife and mother forced into the workforce when her husband is severely injured. She agonizes over becoming a working woman and not a stay at home mom to her two little girls. And there are certainly those who judge her for that. Then there's Gigi, a working class woman with a hard past, attractive and smart but with little self-esteem. There's Miss Vivien, who is the designer for Wynton's famed bridal shop, a feisty older woman accompanied by her just as feisty long time friend and assistant, Mirette.
There are men of course as well but they definitely take a back seat to the women driving this story.
I forgot this was a mystery until bodies started appearing. Mr. Wynton and his store are both in danger. Audrey does her best to save them but things aren't looking good for her either. So unlikely alliances are formed.
I enjoyed the characters and the setting at least as much as the mystery itself which for me actually took a back seat.
I also enjoyed Mumma's afterward (which I'll leave it up to you to read for yourself).
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read a bo0k that I otherwise would probably missed.
Audrey Penault is a former high fashion model who left town over a decade before the story begins to become a world famous model who left that glamorous world to go to college and get a degree in business. Now she's back, working with her late father's closest friend, Mr. Wynton (owner of the book's title--the Wynton store).
Smart, opinionated, independent, sophisticated--all of which add up to make Audrey unpopular in her hometown. There are many nasty rumors circulating about her--many of them started by Mr. Wynton's son, John, and his wife (Cissy).
The story features a group of strong, spirited women. There's Mary Jo, a wife and mother forced into the workforce when her husband is severely injured. She agonizes over becoming a working woman and not a stay at home mom to her two little girls. And there are certainly those who judge her for that. Then there's Gigi, a working class woman with a hard past, attractive and smart but with little self-esteem. There's Miss Vivien, who is the designer for Wynton's famed bridal shop, a feisty older woman accompanied by her just as feisty long time friend and assistant, Mirette.
There are men of course as well but they definitely take a back seat to the women driving this story.
I forgot this was a mystery until bodies started appearing. Mr. Wynton and his store are both in danger. Audrey does her best to save them but things aren't looking good for her either. So unlikely alliances are formed.
I enjoyed the characters and the setting at least as much as the mystery itself which for me actually took a back seat.
I also enjoyed Mumma's afterward (which I'll leave it up to you to read for yourself).
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read a bo0k that I otherwise would probably missed.
July 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this. I loved reading about the downtown 1950’s department store with their personalized customer service, glamour, fashions, specialties, and store events! It brought back memories of shopping at our downtown Carson Pirie Scott, as a young girl with my mom. 🛍️ I think I would have liked this, even if the story had been ho-hum, but I liked the story, Audrey, and the Wynton employees, too.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
June 25, 2024
I received a copy for review purposes; all opinions are honest and mine alone.
The 1950’s are alive and living on the pages of THE WOMEN OF WYNTON’S, by Donna Mumma. Full of strong female characters, fashion, makeup and sensibilities from the fifties, this is a book to enjoy by anyone who longs for the more genteel days gone by. But not to worry, there’s plenty of hijinx happening in WYNTON’S Department Store…
Make sure to read the author’s note at the back of the book. I’d suggest you do it before reading the story as it will help give a sense of what was happening in Florida at that time. Mumma does a very good job of weaving racial issues into the story and developing characters that buck stereotypes. I also appreciated that the “southern speak” was natural, not trumped up to absurdity by any of the characters, regardless of social or racial status.
One thing you’ll discover sooner rather than later is that the mystery in this story isn’t a secret. Readers are SURE who done it in short order. What we don’t know is how and that is quite a tangled up mess. Mumma uses the four POV’s to keep the story moving, filling in backstories, diverting attention and splitting allegiances; well done!
As a young, privileged woman, main character, Audrey, had the opportunity to attend charm school. She was impacted for life by Miss Evelyn, the owner of that establishment who plied the girls with brief but memorable life mandates, many of which come to the book in Audrey’s thot’s while gathering strength or patience in difficult circumstances. It’s via these nuggets that Mumma deliverers many of the same attributes Proverbs 31 does for godly women. The religious aspects are subtle in the story but rich if you take the time and choose to ponder them.
Moderately paced, an enjoyable cast of characters, (even the baddies have their moments), not the same old thing cozy mystery and a trip back to the 1950’s - what’s not to love📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
The 1950’s are alive and living on the pages of THE WOMEN OF WYNTON’S, by Donna Mumma. Full of strong female characters, fashion, makeup and sensibilities from the fifties, this is a book to enjoy by anyone who longs for the more genteel days gone by. But not to worry, there’s plenty of hijinx happening in WYNTON’S Department Store…
Make sure to read the author’s note at the back of the book. I’d suggest you do it before reading the story as it will help give a sense of what was happening in Florida at that time. Mumma does a very good job of weaving racial issues into the story and developing characters that buck stereotypes. I also appreciated that the “southern speak” was natural, not trumped up to absurdity by any of the characters, regardless of social or racial status.
One thing you’ll discover sooner rather than later is that the mystery in this story isn’t a secret. Readers are SURE who done it in short order. What we don’t know is how and that is quite a tangled up mess. Mumma uses the four POV’s to keep the story moving, filling in backstories, diverting attention and splitting allegiances; well done!
As a young, privileged woman, main character, Audrey, had the opportunity to attend charm school. She was impacted for life by Miss Evelyn, the owner of that establishment who plied the girls with brief but memorable life mandates, many of which come to the book in Audrey’s thot’s while gathering strength or patience in difficult circumstances. It’s via these nuggets that Mumma deliverers many of the same attributes Proverbs 31 does for godly women. The religious aspects are subtle in the story but rich if you take the time and choose to ponder them.
Moderately paced, an enjoyable cast of characters, (even the baddies have their moments), not the same old thing cozy mystery and a trip back to the 1950’s - what’s not to love📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
July 27, 2024
Very unfocused, off kilter “mysteries” with way too many references to people who had nothing to do with the story. If I read “what would mama say” one more time I was going to permanently damage my eyes from rolling them so hard. I loved the department store setting and some of the characters but the ending was way too drawn out and unbelievable. Too bad because this is one of my favorite eras and I was really looking forward to reading this.
May 6, 2024
1950s department store, suspense, likeable characters…This was a fun story. Initially I wasn’t sure if I could keep up with so many lead characters, but I’m glad I stuck with it. One thing I really appreciated was all the history tucked into the plot❤️👏 (Definitely take the time to read the Author’s note at the end, also!)
The mystery itself was not a big surprise, BUT I still enjoyed the journey so I have no complaints! There were some twists as the story progressed that added extra excitement.
Audrey and Vivienne were my favorites ❤️ AND the detective guy and Mirette were fun side characters! The other girls sort of drove me batty at times with their pettiness 🙈 BUT I loved how each of the main characters grow with the story.
As far as faith content… there wasn’t much. Some characters mention God or a prayer, and I remember one saying something was hard as a Christian, but there were no convos that are spiritual. If we’d had more depth, I actually think this would have been a 5 ⭐️. I DID love the reminders about the detriment of slander/gossip and also the theme of friendship and learning to let others help you.
This is my first book I’ve read by this author, and I was very pleased!
**Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy! (All opinions stated above are my own, and I wasn’t required to give a positive review).**
Content: multiple murders
The mystery itself was not a big surprise, BUT I still enjoyed the journey so I have no complaints! There were some twists as the story progressed that added extra excitement.
Audrey and Vivienne were my favorites ❤️ AND the detective guy and Mirette were fun side characters! The other girls sort of drove me batty at times with their pettiness 🙈 BUT I loved how each of the main characters grow with the story.
As far as faith content… there wasn’t much. Some characters mention God or a prayer, and I remember one saying something was hard as a Christian, but there were no convos that are spiritual. If we’d had more depth, I actually think this would have been a 5 ⭐️. I DID love the reminders about the detriment of slander/gossip and also the theme of friendship and learning to let others help you.
This is my first book I’ve read by this author, and I was very pleased!
**Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy! (All opinions stated above are my own, and I wasn’t required to give a positive review).**
Content: multiple murders
May 26, 2024
4.5 stars
This was such a fun 1950s mystery! I really liked this book especially the 50’s setting and characters involved in the department store. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good clean mystery. There are different povs which does make it a little confusing in beginning because of all the different characters but after the first few chapters I was hooked.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley. I was not required to write a review. These are my honest thoughts.
This was such a fun 1950s mystery! I really liked this book especially the 50’s setting and characters involved in the department store. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good clean mystery. There are different povs which does make it a little confusing in beginning because of all the different characters but after the first few chapters I was hooked.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley. I was not required to write a review. These are my honest thoughts.
November 28, 2024
I liked the uniqueness of this book, and I really enjoyed the setting! I was sad to have to leave Wynton’s after finishing. I thought it was cool how the plot demonstrated the dangers of gossip and making assumptions about people, and the characters were well written for this lesson. I especially liked Audrey, but all the characters were important to the story. I hope to see more books like this from Donna Mumma!
September 17, 2024
I loved this mystery! I hope Mumma will write more of these, because the characters were great!!! I loved the style, fashions, and nods to Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Perfection!!! 5/5 stars.
Read
July 29, 2024The Women of Wynton's by Donna Mumma is a cozy mystery set in the 1950’s in a widely popular Florida department store. The historical and suspense element drew me into wanting to read this story. Mumm crafts a historically, what I believe, accurate view of the time period. She placed women in the workforce who struggled with leaving their families, colored women, educated women, beautiful women, and an older lady. It is a unique, colorful cast of characters. I loved seeing them interact and develop into reliable, trustworthy friends. Because of the suspense element, it took a while for Mumm to dive into each individual instance to make the mystery occur. Also, the mystery had a little bit of distrust woven in. Gossip. Rumors. Evidence against one of the characters. Not really much spirituality in the novel. I don’t even think it was important to the characters. This would be categorized as a clean read for the general market. Safe. Mystery. Hints of real life in the 1950’s. Overall, The Women of Wyntons by Donna Mumm was a fun historical mystery to read.
I received a complimentary copy of The Women of Wynton's by Donna Mumma from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of The Women of Wynton's by Donna Mumma from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
July 29, 2024
What a wonderful story about women’s friendships and trying to forge your own way in a male-dominated society! I loved getting to know all these women and following along as they carved niches for themselves at Wynton’s department store. The descriptions of the settings and social mores of the time period were particularly fascinating and I loved everything about this. I wish this was a series!
September 1, 2025
What a fun read! I loved the characters and the setting. This was an engaging page-turner that had me staying up past my bedtime!
August 13, 2024
This book is an original surprise as it involves a murder mystery set in a historical department store setting. I found it to be strong on developing four women’s characters and their road to friendship while trying to solve who is trying to murder their boss. Each woman comes from a different background and you learn what makes them tick. I loved the descriptive writing style that lets me visualize the clothing styles of the fifties and the nostalgia of walking the aisles of a department store. This is true southern fiction and deals with the prejudices of the time period. It is a classy tale that has your imagination kick in and I found it throughly entertaining. Although labeled as Christian fiction I found it very weak in that area but all in all it is an enjoyable read. It reminded me of a Murder She Wrote episode. I was able to solve the murders early on but that didn’t deter me from reading on.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
September 28, 2025
The book started a little slow but the author was planting beautiful little seeds in every chapter. It all came together perfectly once the pieces started falling into place.
I loved how each narrating character was completely different. I have the habit of making my characters all react like how I would want to react in the situation even though everyone makes different decisions based on their lives. That's what I liked about these characters, because each one had varying motivations and flaws and beliefs. It made for realistic situations and responses.
I was also quite shocked by quite how much murder there was! Not in a bad way, I just kept finding myself surprised.
Very good twists and turns and "all is lost" moments. I'd read another book by this author for sure.
I loved how each narrating character was completely different. I have the habit of making my characters all react like how I would want to react in the situation even though everyone makes different decisions based on their lives. That's what I liked about these characters, because each one had varying motivations and flaws and beliefs. It made for realistic situations and responses.
I was also quite shocked by quite how much murder there was! Not in a bad way, I just kept finding myself surprised.
Very good twists and turns and "all is lost" moments. I'd read another book by this author for sure.
September 21, 2024
I am so glad our club took a chance on this new book from an unknown (to us) author! I’ve always loved the 1950’s and, to my knowledge, Mumma represented it with authenticity and none of the cheesiness (poodle skirts??) I was afraid of. The characters were wonderful and the mystery held up. Most of all, it was a clean, fun book, just what it aimed to be, which is why it earned 5 stars from me.
November 14, 2025
Started off slow, but I quite enjoyed it by the end. I especially loved the 50s department store setting.
May 26, 2025
4.5 stars✨ Really, really enjoyed this classy 1950s mystery!
See all of my thoughts & content notes here: https://boundlessbookshelfreviews.blo...
See all of my thoughts & content notes here: https://boundlessbookshelfreviews.blo...
July 15, 2024
3.5 stars
This was my first time reading this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed the cozy mystery set in the 1950s. I appreciated that it contained no explicit language or sexual content. However, it is important to mention that, due to the story's time period, there are some sexist and racist comments.
From the very beginning, I felt transported back to the 1950s. Mumma does a wonderful job of incorporating details from this era, from the clothes to the stores, buildings, decor, cultural behavior, and attitudes. It's evident that she conducted in-depth research on both the time period and the geographical location of Florida.
Initially, I found the number of characters a bit overwhelming, but as I delved deeper into the story, it became easier to follow. The four main characters each have distinct voices and personalities, making it easy to differentiate between them. The multiple POVs from each main character added depth, making the story more compelling and immersive. Watching the murder mystery unfold from various perspectives was enjoyable.
Audrey Penault, who once graced the runway as a glamorous model, now serves as Mr. Wynton's devoted secretary. Her colleagues often mistake her elegance and poise for vanity. Meanwhile, Mary Jo Johnson is a shy housewife longing for more than her current position in the cosmetics department. Vivian Sheffield, the determined owner of the bridal salon, fiercely protects her hard-earned success. On the other hand, Gigi Woodard, a waitress in the store's lunchroom, struggles with her insecurities while trying to keep her job.
Despite their differences, all of the women have their own motives for wanting to uncover the murderer and protect their beloved boss, Mr. Wynton. Each of the ladies values their job and wants to save their store from a scandal that threatens their very foundation.
This book is categorized as Christian fiction, but I found it to be lacking in substantial faith content. If not for its classification, I wouldn't have identified it as a Christian murder mystery. I would have appreciated more integration of faith elements throughout the story.
Another downside for me was the gossiping among the women and how easily some characters were persuaded to think a certain way about others. The women often became quite catty and petty, which I didn't particularly enjoy.
The pacing was also a bit slow. At times, the writing felt choppy, and the dialogue became confusing because it was difficult to determine who was speaking due to odd paragraph breaks and poor formatting. Reading became challenging, but this might have been specific to the ARC copy I read, and perhaps these issues were fixed before the final publication. Nevertheless, it did disrupt my enjoyment of the book.
Despite its flaws, I found this book enjoyable. It held enough action sequences to keep it gripping and entertaining. Watching the women bond and unite to solve the crime was particularly satisfying; the power of female friendships resonated as a central theme throughout the story. Additionally, unraveling the murder mystery was engaging—I managed to predict some elements while others took me completely by surprise.
If you enjoy slow-paced cozy mysteries intertwined with rich historical detail, particularly the glamour of the 1950s, this book may be a perfect fit for you. It blends drama, suspense, heartfelt moments, and entertainment seamlessly. I look forward to exploring more works by this author in the future and definitely recommend this book!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
This was my first time reading this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed the cozy mystery set in the 1950s. I appreciated that it contained no explicit language or sexual content. However, it is important to mention that, due to the story's time period, there are some sexist and racist comments.
From the very beginning, I felt transported back to the 1950s. Mumma does a wonderful job of incorporating details from this era, from the clothes to the stores, buildings, decor, cultural behavior, and attitudes. It's evident that she conducted in-depth research on both the time period and the geographical location of Florida.
Initially, I found the number of characters a bit overwhelming, but as I delved deeper into the story, it became easier to follow. The four main characters each have distinct voices and personalities, making it easy to differentiate between them. The multiple POVs from each main character added depth, making the story more compelling and immersive. Watching the murder mystery unfold from various perspectives was enjoyable.
Audrey Penault, who once graced the runway as a glamorous model, now serves as Mr. Wynton's devoted secretary. Her colleagues often mistake her elegance and poise for vanity. Meanwhile, Mary Jo Johnson is a shy housewife longing for more than her current position in the cosmetics department. Vivian Sheffield, the determined owner of the bridal salon, fiercely protects her hard-earned success. On the other hand, Gigi Woodard, a waitress in the store's lunchroom, struggles with her insecurities while trying to keep her job.
Despite their differences, all of the women have their own motives for wanting to uncover the murderer and protect their beloved boss, Mr. Wynton. Each of the ladies values their job and wants to save their store from a scandal that threatens their very foundation.
This book is categorized as Christian fiction, but I found it to be lacking in substantial faith content. If not for its classification, I wouldn't have identified it as a Christian murder mystery. I would have appreciated more integration of faith elements throughout the story.
Another downside for me was the gossiping among the women and how easily some characters were persuaded to think a certain way about others. The women often became quite catty and petty, which I didn't particularly enjoy.
The pacing was also a bit slow. At times, the writing felt choppy, and the dialogue became confusing because it was difficult to determine who was speaking due to odd paragraph breaks and poor formatting. Reading became challenging, but this might have been specific to the ARC copy I read, and perhaps these issues were fixed before the final publication. Nevertheless, it did disrupt my enjoyment of the book.
Despite its flaws, I found this book enjoyable. It held enough action sequences to keep it gripping and entertaining. Watching the women bond and unite to solve the crime was particularly satisfying; the power of female friendships resonated as a central theme throughout the story. Additionally, unraveling the murder mystery was engaging—I managed to predict some elements while others took me completely by surprise.
If you enjoy slow-paced cozy mysteries intertwined with rich historical detail, particularly the glamour of the 1950s, this book may be a perfect fit for you. It blends drama, suspense, heartfelt moments, and entertainment seamlessly. I look forward to exploring more works by this author in the future and definitely recommend this book!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
April 15, 2024
In this cozy mytery set in the 1950's four women who couldn't be more different band together to protect their boss from harm and save their place of work: Wynton's department store.
Miss Vivien, Mary Jo and Gigi all work in different departments in Wynton's department store. When Mr. Wynton, their kindhearted boss, takes ill, his secretary Audrey suspects foul play and starts snooping around. Soon she realizes she can't solve the mystery alone and asks for help. The four women have to navigate a net of sapotages, lies and murder to safe Mr. Wynton's life and their jobs.
The book is written in multiple POV - one for each of our main women. I'm usually not the biggest fan of multiple POV, but this was very well done! I also really enjoyed each chapter header, showing a gorgeous 50's style portrait of the woman whose POV it was.
I also really liked how diverse and interesting the characters were. Their ages are never explicetly stated, but I would guess the women are in the range of 25-50 years.
The end felt a little bit rushed, but all in all this is a 4,5 stars read for me and I would have liked to read more about the future lives of Audrey, Vivien, Gigi and Mary Jo.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with am ARC!
Miss Vivien, Mary Jo and Gigi all work in different departments in Wynton's department store. When Mr. Wynton, their kindhearted boss, takes ill, his secretary Audrey suspects foul play and starts snooping around. Soon she realizes she can't solve the mystery alone and asks for help. The four women have to navigate a net of sapotages, lies and murder to safe Mr. Wynton's life and their jobs.
The book is written in multiple POV - one for each of our main women. I'm usually not the biggest fan of multiple POV, but this was very well done! I also really enjoyed each chapter header, showing a gorgeous 50's style portrait of the woman whose POV it was.
I also really liked how diverse and interesting the characters were. Their ages are never explicetly stated, but I would guess the women are in the range of 25-50 years.
The end felt a little bit rushed, but all in all this is a 4,5 stars read for me and I would have liked to read more about the future lives of Audrey, Vivien, Gigi and Mary Jo.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with am ARC!
July 21, 2024
“...when my life fell apart, Mirette helped me pick up the pieces and glue them back together. Because that is what we southern women do for one another. We pull up our stockings, forgive one another, and hold our friends close no matter what."
I loved this unique mystery tale set in the classy 1950's!
This story features multiple points of view from the ladies who work in Wynton's department located in Levy City, Florida.
These ladies all come from different backgrounds and different store departments, but pull together to make an interesting team of sister sleuths who have each other's backs no matter what the circumstances or enemies they were up against.
The mystery was a complex one that I really enjoyed, and the author’s writing style made it easy to fly through this book.
I can't wait to see what she writes next!
This story was a fun romp of a read that I'd recommend to anyone.
I received a complimentary e-book from Barbour Publishing to review through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.
I loved this unique mystery tale set in the classy 1950's!
This story features multiple points of view from the ladies who work in Wynton's department located in Levy City, Florida.
These ladies all come from different backgrounds and different store departments, but pull together to make an interesting team of sister sleuths who have each other's backs no matter what the circumstances or enemies they were up against.
The mystery was a complex one that I really enjoyed, and the author’s writing style made it easy to fly through this book.
I can't wait to see what she writes next!
This story was a fun romp of a read that I'd recommend to anyone.
I received a complimentary e-book from Barbour Publishing to review through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.
June 30, 2024
Set in the 1950s, this book follows four women from different stations in life, all working for Wynton’s department store. Audrey Penault, secretary to Mr. Wynton and ex high fashion model. Mary Jo Johnson, a house wife and mother who’s just trying to help her family. Gigi Woodard, a waitress working in Wynton’s cafeteria.
Vivian Sheffield, owner of miss Vivian’s bridal salon. When mysterious things start happening, they must work together to save Wynton’s department store before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed this book! It has it all, 1950s glamor, mystery, workplace drama and so much more. Miss Vivian was my favorite character, I just loved her! The outcome for mystery aspect was kind of predictable, but I still had so much fun reading while the characters gathered clues and figured out who the culprit was. I loved reading about all of the fashion and imagining what all of the dresses looked like. Overall I think Donna Mumma did a wonderful job with this story, and she really makes you fall in love with her characters. I’m looking forward to seeing more from this author.
This book releases July 1st.
Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the ARC copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Vivian Sheffield, owner of miss Vivian’s bridal salon. When mysterious things start happening, they must work together to save Wynton’s department store before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed this book! It has it all, 1950s glamor, mystery, workplace drama and so much more. Miss Vivian was my favorite character, I just loved her! The outcome for mystery aspect was kind of predictable, but I still had so much fun reading while the characters gathered clues and figured out who the culprit was. I loved reading about all of the fashion and imagining what all of the dresses looked like. Overall I think Donna Mumma did a wonderful job with this story, and she really makes you fall in love with her characters. I’m looking forward to seeing more from this author.
This book releases July 1st.
Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the ARC copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
July 6, 2024
Four women that work at a downtown department store in the 1950's put their friendship and detective skills to the test.
I liked the general vibe of this book. It wasn't too slow. I also liked how much depth you got out of each character.
It was obvious who did it, but I still enjoyed the story 😊
I liked the general vibe of this book. It wasn't too slow. I also liked how much depth you got out of each character.
It was obvious who did it, but I still enjoyed the story 😊
February 14, 2025
What do you get when you put a secretary, a wife/mother, a bridal designer, a waitress, and a mystery, all together in one book? You get 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙒𝙮𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙣’𝙨, where mid-century glam meets murder mayhem!
I knew when I first laid eyes on this book that it was going to be a gem, and oh, how right I was! The 1950’s vibe paired with the element of a mystery made for a riveting tale of intrigue and delight! This book was the perfect cozy mystery for a day spent at home ☕️📖
Donna Mumma wrote such lovely characters from the 1950s in this Christian fiction story! They all felt very accurate for that time period and pulled me into the story right along with them. Donna had me feeling all of the emotions that the four main women dealt with as they went about their days at Wynton’s Department Store.
Audrey, Mary Jo, Vivien, and Gigi couldn’t have been more different, and yet, these differences made for such great friendships in the end. It was very entertaining watching these four women work together to solve the mystery of who was trying to get rid of their employer, Mr. Wynton. I loved how this classy 1950s mystery was written, keeping me constantly on my toes throughout the story.
I absolutely adored the fashionista side of this story as well! All of the descriptions of the gorgeous designer gowns and outfits made me so happy. The fashion show was definitely one of my top favorite scenes in this book!
I knew when I first laid eyes on this book that it was going to be a gem, and oh, how right I was! The 1950’s vibe paired with the element of a mystery made for a riveting tale of intrigue and delight! This book was the perfect cozy mystery for a day spent at home ☕️📖
Donna Mumma wrote such lovely characters from the 1950s in this Christian fiction story! They all felt very accurate for that time period and pulled me into the story right along with them. Donna had me feeling all of the emotions that the four main women dealt with as they went about their days at Wynton’s Department Store.
Audrey, Mary Jo, Vivien, and Gigi couldn’t have been more different, and yet, these differences made for such great friendships in the end. It was very entertaining watching these four women work together to solve the mystery of who was trying to get rid of their employer, Mr. Wynton. I loved how this classy 1950s mystery was written, keeping me constantly on my toes throughout the story.
I absolutely adored the fashionista side of this story as well! All of the descriptions of the gorgeous designer gowns and outfits made me so happy. The fashion show was definitely one of my top favorite scenes in this book!
August 1, 2024
This is a fun, unique book. It's a quick read. I haven't read many books set in the 50s, which is an interesting time period. I love all of the strong women characters that the storyline features, and the friendships that develop. These "women of Wyntons" include Audrey Penault, owner's secretary; Vivien Sheffield, who runs the Bridal salon and her assistant, Gigi Woodard, waitress in store cafeteria, and Mary Jo Johnson, wife and mother and store new hire. The ladies are surrounded by gossip, lies, mystery and even murder. They need to pull together to save both the store and Mr. Wynton himself. I really appreciate the themes (both overt and slightly more subtle messages/ lessons) within. I personally felt like there was a little too much drama or chaos, but it is a fiction novel, so it doesn't necessarily have to feel totally realistic. I would classify this as a cozy mystery, and I enjoyed it. You should check it out!
September 7, 2024
Confession: I immediately bought this book without reading the back because the cover looked incredibly cute.
I know you should never judge a book by its cover- but boy was I pleasantly surprised to find that the inside was really cute too. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was the glitz and glamor of the 50's, the fashion is fun, and I love the four main characters. Each of them has their own unique quirks, and they're so fun to read: how they step in and take care of each other, how they banter, it really was a delight.
The mystery kept me on my toes, and I think it had a perhaps predictable, but very well done outcome. One of those "we know who did it, but how will they get caught" sort of things. I'll be watching out for more books by Donna Mumma (and I would be over the moon if it was with the same characters, because Gigi deserves better). It's a high 4 stars from me.
I know you should never judge a book by its cover- but boy was I pleasantly surprised to find that the inside was really cute too. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was the glitz and glamor of the 50's, the fashion is fun, and I love the four main characters. Each of them has their own unique quirks, and they're so fun to read: how they step in and take care of each other, how they banter, it really was a delight.
The mystery kept me on my toes, and I think it had a perhaps predictable, but very well done outcome. One of those "we know who did it, but how will they get caught" sort of things. I'll be watching out for more books by Donna Mumma (and I would be over the moon if it was with the same characters, because Gigi deserves better). It's a high 4 stars from me.
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