Wedding to Die For

Christmas Book Club #1

by Jovie Grace

Falling in love is risky in his line of work. This Christmas, it may be unavoidable.

Three years after breaking off her engagement to please her wealthy family, Bea Hazelwood’s fortune changes. She finds herself penniless and seeking work at the inn owned by the cowboy she’s never stopped loving.

Griff Jameson is no longer the poor, dusty rancher she walked away from. He’s built a life as a successful businessman…brick by brick. The last thing he needs is Bea returning to stir feelings he’s long since buried, especially while he’s embroiled in an undercover investigation—his other job that no one else in their small town knows about.

But Bea’s secret family recipes, hard work, and unexpected humble streak make it difficult to keep his heart (or his cover story about a fake second engagement) intact. All too soon, she, her Christmas Book Club friends, and a nosy cat are stumbling into clues to his case that land them in grave danger.

If you love sweet and swoony cowboys, cozy mysteries, and a furry amateur sleuth with plenty of cattitude, then the case files of the Christmas Book Club are purr-fect for you!

Genres: Mystery, Christmas, Historical Romance, Romance

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2025

About the author

Jovie Grace is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet historical romance full of faith, hope, love, and cowboys. Readers can connect with her at Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa....

She also writes sweet romantic thrillers as Jo Grafford. To join her New Release Email List, visit www.JoGrafford.com.

Reviews

[Beverly Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! I loved the Christmas Book Club, the bookstore, the hidden room, the cat, and the women who needed to find answers! Griff was in a tight spot with his undercover work and fake engagement, but I thoroughly enjoyed his interactions with Bea, as well as all of his attempts to solve his case. As Griff tried to find answers concerning the deadly gang of train robbers, he was horrified to find out that Bea and her friends had become involved in trying to solve the mysteries around town. There were definitely twists and turns to crime solving and a happily ever after, but this was a great story! I look forward to the next Christmas Book Club mystery.

[Ausjenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I have to say it was the cat on the cover that made me want to check this book out. I am so glad I did. This is the first book I have read by this author and I can't wait for the next in the series.

The book takes place in Cedar Falls Texas in 1870. It is refreshing to have a Cozy Mystery historical book. Bea is working at the local inn after her family fell on hard times. Gone from being weathly to needing her wage to help put food on the table. Tessa is her friend who is now owner of her own bookstore with a hidden room. It is in this room they start their book club which is actually where they intend to solve mysteries.

Griff is the owner of the Inn and Bea's former beau. He is also working for the Pinkerton detective agency. She still loves him but when he has to say he's engaged to Flo a fellow agent as a cover story. Bea doesn't like Flo and this becomes the first mystery. Who is Flo and what is she up to.

I can't forget about Mr Frost Tessa's cat who is so delightful and full of mischief. Makes for some very funny scenes. I enjoyed the whole story with the way it played out and the fact it wasn't so much a murder mystery. There is mystery and danger, along with romance and humour. It was a refreshing read and as I mentioned am eagerly awaiting the next in the series. Will be checking out previous books by this author. There is also a light faith element in the book.

If you are looking for a Cozy Mystery with a difference and a fast read give this a try.

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing isn't amazing and it's as Christmasy as Die Hard, but the story is cute

[LisaA · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frankly, I thought this book was written for a young teenage audience. The language was not realistic to the time period. There were multiple grammatical mistakes and the 3 archaic words in the whole book, that I had to lookup, seem to be so random it left me scratching my head. The story line was very predictable with few surprises. It was very elementary reading so it should've been easy to finish this short book, however, it was very difficult for me to stay interested.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY SEEM

The story takes place in Cedar Falls, Texas, in 1870. Life has changed for several people—the Hazelwood family has fallen on hard times, losing their home and status. Bea Hazelwood works for the Jameson family at the Cedar Fall Inn.

Griff Jameson may run the Cedar Falls Inn, but he is always a man with secrets. When a woman shows up in Cedar Falls, claiming to be a lead Pinkerton Agent on a case, she works closely with Griff and devises a ruse of an engagement and impending marriage.

Bea, along with her best friend, Tessa Kingsley, starts The Christmas Book Club, and eventually adds stranded mail-order bride, Maisie Bell, to their private book club. Only this book club is more, it is the three women as amateur sleuths.

The story is mystery, suspense, secrets, lies, deception, and discovery. While Griff is an undercover agent with the Pinkertons, he finds himself working with Florence ‘Flo’ Wetherford. She is crass, condescending to people around her and likes to assert her status as lead agent on the case of train robberies with Griff. While they are supposed to be working together, it seems that the Christmas Book Club girls are discovering their own information.

The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. It is discovering that not everyone is truthful, and that sometimes, things from the past can be rekindled. While the story does have a resolution, it also will have things that will segue into the next book, ‘Secret Room to Die For,’ and will revolve around Tessa Kingsley and Pinkerton Detective Bowen Taggert.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bea Hazelwood and her best friend, Tessa Kingsley, have started The Christmas Book Club. They decide that they will read and discuss one book per month; but the real reason for the club is for these two amateur sleuths to solve a few mysteries that are happening in their small Texas town. The first mystery concerns Florence Wetherford. This woman got off the train several weeks ago and for some reason she is sticking around town. Bea doesn't like her because Flo has been seen in the company of Griff Jameson, the owner of the local Inn and the man that Bea jilted three years ago. Bea regrets what she did; and worries that Flo is taking advantage of Griff.

Griff is keeping secrets. First of all, he is still not over Bea. Her family has fallen on hard times, and he has given her a job at the inn. Griff is also an undercover Pinkerton Agent working on uncovering a gang who has robbed several trains. Flo is his partner at the agency. In order for her to stop tongues from wagging about her reason for being in town, she has started telling people that she and Griff are getting married. Griff doesn't want to hurt Bea who he suspects still loves him, but he can't let anyone know about his job with Pinkerton.

This book took me a couple of chapters to get into and get the characters sorted out. This story is a historical romance with a little bit of mystery and suspense thrown in. It takes place at Christmas time, but I wouldn't call it a Christmas story. I enjoyed this book and plan on reading the other books in the series. My rating: 4 Stars.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Jovie Grace, I really enjoyed it and recommend it to all who love romance, mystery and great characters. The H is an inn keeper and an undercover detective. The h is his employee and ex fiancé who has two friends who are other h’s. Two of the women decided to form a Book Club and since they have learned so much about being sleuths they decided to pursue that also. Soon they have their first person to help, they add her to the book club. Mission, find a job and a place to live. They soon accomplish their mission. Next determine what is happening with the H and his partner who claim to be engaged. It was the H’s cover story as he and a female partner investigate train robberies occurring around the town. It is enjoyable to read about the things the Club noticed and pass on to the H. Eventually the H becomes suspicious of what is occurring and does some investigating on his own. What he finds out changes everything. He with a lot of help closes the case. Then he finds out he needs to rescue the Christmas Club. How all this happens will keep you reading because it is not anything like you might imagine. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Enjoy! Received this book free from the author as a member of her ARC team.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story set in the old days about a young, well-to-do girl, Bea Hazlewood, who was in love with Griffin “Griff” Jameson. They were engaged to be married when her parents decided she could marry a better man. They meant wealthier. Well, the tables turned during the three years after Griff was jilted. Bea became the person looking for a job at the inn that the Jameson’s owned. She worked very long hours and worked very hard waitressing. There was something about Griff that Bea didn’t know. She and a couple of friends started a book club, in a very unusual spot that you’ll have to read the book to find out about, but it was really a detective group of girls, and the first thing Bea wanted to know about was this woman who had suddenly appeared and claimed to be engaged to Griff. Boy, does it get interesting…lots of strange things occur in this cleverly written novel and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great, light mystery with a dash or two of romance on the side! I received an early copy of the book and this is my honest opinion of the same.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Book Club: A wedding to Die For is three women that decide to be amateur sleuths under the guise of pretending to talk about books.  Bea, Maisie, and Tessa have decided that the woman that had attached herself to Griff, Bea’s previous fiancée is a fraud and decide to prove it.  Griff and Flo are undercover Pinkerton agents trying to find the Dirty Dozen gang that is robbing the trains.  Flo said that the Pinkerton’s wanted them to use the ruse of getting engaged as their cover and she was wanting to misuse Bea for her previous engagement to Griff.  When things start happening, Griff calls in his Pinkerton friend Bowen who comes in telling him about finding their agent Flo deceased in a well back in Texas.  Since Flo had disappeared a few days ago, they decide to have a memorial service for her.  And who would be looking through the church window for Bea to see but the imposter Flo during her memorial.,  when Bea decides to leave the church and follow her it brings trouble to all the Christmas Book Club.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cedar Falls Inn and the nearby bookshop are the primary venues for this latest novel from Ms Grace and readers of her Brides of Cedar Falls series will remember the unique check-in desk at the inn.
Former socialite, Bea, now serves meals and works in the kitchen of the local inn, which belongs to her former fiancé, Griff. Seeking an outlet for her dreary life, Bea creates a pseudo–Book Club, with her best friend, Tessa, investigating Flo, a new arrival in town who appears to have set her sights on Griff.
Ms Grace’s includes humour, despondency, danger and lots of excitement for a set of interesting characters who elicit variable reactions from the reader. She creates a captivating plot which twists in several different directions before Griff and the “Book Club” members resolve the mystery of Flo’s role to their satisfaction. Although not quite a cliffhanger, the author leaves her readers with a tantalising taste of the next Christmas Book Club instalment.
I received an ARC from the author and have written a voluntary and honest review.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Bea and Griff's story!! Griff has loved Bea for years, and three years ago, he thought they'd get married, until suddenly she broke their engagement. Now, unknown to his family and friends, he's a Pinkerton agent and is working a case. He's also pretending to be engaged to Flo, a fellow Pinkerton agent. Bea is heartbroken that it seems Griff is over her. She hadn't wanted to end their engagement three years ago; her father had made her. Now, she's working as a waitress in Griff's family's Inn. She's also a member of The Christmas Book Club. She wants to get to the bottom of the engagement between Griff and Flo, as she KNOWS Flo is NOT the woman for Griff!! Will she be able to find out anything, and keep Griff from marrying Flo?? Or, will she lose her love forever? Love how Tessa, Frost, and Maisie help Griff and Bea figure things out and get their HEA!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bea and her best friend, Tessa, have started a book club, but it's really an excuse to solve mysteries. The first mystery is why Griff is courting Flo. Bea and Griff were engaged, but Bea's father didn't think Griff - a rancher and owner of the inn - was good enough for her. When they lost it all, Bea had to work as a waitress at the inn with Griff as her boss. It's been 3 years and Bea has proven herself to the townspeople. She is no longer the snob that she was. When she learns that Griff is courting a lady he met on a train, she knows that Flo is up to something. Griff is secretly a Pinkerton agent investigating the train robberies in the area. Flo is an agent that is working with him. The courting is a rouse to help them find the robbers. As Bea, Tessa and Maisie investigate Flo, they discover other things going on. Such a fun book! Tessa has a cat named Mr. Frost who is more human than cat.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

You had me at hidden room! I fell in love with these characters from the beginning. Griff has a broken heart after Bea broke their engagement 3 years prior. Bea didn't want to but her father made her. Neither has been the same since. Now, Bea works for him at his family's inn! How awkward is that? Bea doesn't know that along with being an innkeeper, Griff is also an undercover Pinkerton detective trying to find a dastardly train robbing gang! And then there's Bea who is in a secret book club with other ladies whose mission is to hunt down mysteries! Talk about secrets galore! Throw in a fake fiancée and you have a mighty fine story! I love going back to Cedar Falls! This book has a lot of action and romance! I couldn't get enough of it!

[Georgiann Suhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cowboy, Christian romance mystery. Bea Hazelton broke up with her fiance, Griff Jameson 3 years previous and broke both of their hearts, never revealing to Griff the reason she broke off the engagement. This mystery begins 3 years later with Bea working for Griff at his family's Inn.Tessa, Bea's friend, buys a bookstore that contains a secret room. She invites two of her friends, Bea and Maisie to form a book club which they call The Christmas Book Club and they do much more than read and discuss books. Tessa, has a sidekick, a beautiful white cat named Mr. Frost, who helps the clever young women in discovering clues about the suspicious characters in town. Fun. danger, and mayhem ensue.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun beginning of new series The Christmas Book Club by Jovie Grace.
You will recognize many characters from the town of Cedar Falls.
Tessa and Bea have started a book club but that’s only the cover for for the real mission of the club.
Once rich, Bea is now forced to work for Griff and his siblings. She followed her parent’s demands and jilted him more than three years ago.
The mission of the Club is to solve mysteries of the heart, the first being why Flo is in town.
Griff has a secret that could change all their lives. Too much rides on him keeping it but their happiness hangs in the balance.
Such fun interactions between characters along with a mystery to solve.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Train robbers in the Old West.

Bea and Griff had been engaged until Bea’s father caused their estrangement; now, three years later, the handsome innkeeper is engaged to Flo, a newcomer in town. But Bea and her friends, Maisie and Tessa, all part of the Christmas Book Club, pledged to sleuthing to find out who the evil Flo truly is. Griff also is working undercover with Flo as members of the Pinkerton Agency and his relationship with Flo is purely professional. Bea and Griff have never lost their love for one another, but their road back to one another isn’t a smooth one. And theirs isn’t the only romance blooming in this horse-and-buggy town as the Pinkerton detectives and the Christmas Book Club join forces to put the Dirty Dozen train robbers in jail.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to love in Wedding to Die For. A bookstore with a secret room and a secret passage, a cat, the book club, a woman determined to find answers, undercover Pinkerton agents, a deadly gang of train robbers and a fake engagement to name some. Griff could not tell Bea and her friends to quit snooping because he was undercover, but he was terrified for them. I was delighted to find myself back in Cedar Falls and at the inn. I just plowed through this delightful, second chance, romantic, cozy mystery. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. The ending was absolute perfection!

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader, who attends Book Club meetings and whose favorite holiday is Christmas, I found this story fascinating. An excellent start to Jovie Grace's new series The Christmas Book Club. A perfect combination of romance and mystery with its Cedar Falls, Texas - November 1870 setting. A well-crafted, page turning read at a bookstore with a secret room and passage. Also in the story is a white fluffy cat, the book club, Bea and friends, who are determined to find answers, undercover Pinkerton agents - Griff, a deadly gang of train robbers, who take the reader and Griff by surprise and a fake engagement. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Tania Hubmayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable historical - Jovie Grace doing what she does best - entertaining us and keeping us interested all the way.

Bea and Griff are no strangers to those who have read the previous Cedar Falls series. I enjoyed the way they were portrayed in the previous novels and how new characters have been introduced in this one. The cute white cat Mr. Frost, Tessa, Maisie, Bowen and Ace are obviously going to be a big part of this new series, and Jovie Grace has done a lovely introduction for them in this book.

This a genre I would never voluntarily choose to read or review but the author has kindly allowed me to read an early copy in return for an honest ARC review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful adventure in Cedar Falls, Texas.
Bea's friend Tessa buys a bookstore and starts a book club that is more than just a book club.
Bea and her friends decide to start investigating crimes around town not realizing that someone else in town is also and not everyone is who they seem to be. What happens when they all stumble onto each others secret investigating? Will the men realize that the women can be a big help to them and work together to bring down some criminals?
This book has danger with a twist, wonderful characters, a cat named Frost that you will just love and of course a hea.
I voluntarily read an arc and this is my honest opinion.

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a great time to visit Cedar Falls, Texas in Wedding to Die For, the first installment of the Christmas Book Club series. Familiar characters from Cedar Falls are featured, especially Griff and Bea. In this book we find three proper ladies taking an unusual interest in solving crime. Horror of horrors, they’re really good at it, much to the chagrin of the men around them! As always, the author delivers a clean entertaining story with more depth than I ever expect. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Every character in this story was fantastic, even the bad guys were fun to dislike. Frost… I love him! From beginning to end this book was fun, romantic, mysterious, and filled with action. Twist and turns a plenty with amateur sleuths and Pinkertons. Even the hidden love between Bea and Griff was swoony and kept me rooting for what could be. Each character and their different personalities kept me tied to this story. I’m so upset that I finished it, I’ll be thinking on it for days! I can’t wait to read the next book!!!

[Gail Midgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a GREAT beginning to a new series! Jovie is a gifted writer who has a skill that enables her to bring each character to life. I loved the plot and the plethora of emotions that it invoked throughout this engaging book. Bea and Griff’s story takes the reader on an emotional journey as they traverse many unexpected moments to reach their HEA! Grab your copy to find out how the Pinkerton’s case is solved with the help of three amazing women. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. WINNER 🥇🏆

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this action packed romantic suspense revolving around Bea and Griff. This is a second chance romance for the couple after they broke up three years earlier when Bea's family fell on hard times. The characters are likeable. Bea and two friends start a book club as a disguise to hide their sleuthing activities to find out who the thieves are who are robbing trains near their town. The book club meets in a secret room in her friend's book store. I recommend this book if you enjoy a romantic suspense cozy mystery. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Anna Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect cowboy western Christmas romance. Jovie Grace does a wonderful job of weaving the main story of Bea Hazelwood and Griff Jameson with secondary charcters (Bea's good friends, her father, and the characters at Griff's family inn). Joim Griff and Bea as in the process of finding their way bacl to each other as they take down a deadly gang of train robbers. Will they solve the mystery in time for Christmas and a Christmas wedding? You don't want to miss this cozy, cowboy Christmas Romance. I highly reccommend reading!!

Simba gives this book four paws. I was able to read this book through my Kindle unlimited subscription.

[D'anah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is WAY better than the blurb suggests. Who doesn't love hidden rooms, mysterious passageways and concealed entrances? Add to this 3 intrepid self-proclaimed sleuths plus a number of nefarious undergoings in the town. As usual, some good twists that get revealed at the end. As they say, sometimes the worst that can happen turns out to be the best, in the end. A really fun and entertaining read. Always recommend her books. Outstanding page-turners.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. I loved all the characters especially Frost. Bea is a very strong female that has only grown stronger and more resilient navigating the past three years. I enjoyed all the secrets that abound in this story. A very engaging story will keep you reading. Looking forward to the next one in this series.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series that has a lot of my favorite kinds of stories: Christmas, weddings, mysteries, cowboys, 2nd chance romance, a cat, + more.
To spice up their lives a bit, three single women decide to start a Christmas Book Club when they discovered secrets. A lot of secrets! The Book Club itself has secrets.
I loved this story so much and I highly recommend it!
I was provided with a copy of the book, this review I voluntarily and honestly give.

[Ann Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book to read. Yes, there are mysteries, and a hint of more to come, but there are also some moments that brought laughter to me. If you like clean romance, mysteries, westerns and stories set in the 1800's, I think you would like this I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I look forward to more in this series.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

A great beginning to a new series. I totally enjoyed Bea and Griff’s story. Theirs is a second chance romance filled with mystery, danger and intrigue. She broke his heart 3 years before because of her family. He has never stopped loving her. As they worked to solve a case everything changes. Lots of action, sleuthing and romance make for a captivating read.