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The Women of Wynton #2
First Comes Marriage… Then Comes Murder
Vivien’s Bridal Creations Found at Murder Scenes
Mid-century glam meets murder mayhem in a series of cozy mysteries at Wynton’s Department Store.
It is 1956 in Levi City, Florida. Vivien Sheffield, renowned bridal gown designer and consultant for Wynton’s Department Store, is facing the greatest challenge of her career. Someone has been killing brides who wore one of her custom gowns in their wedding! Vivien’s fellow employees and close friends—Audrey, Mary Jo, and Gigi—and her assistant Mirette spring into action to save Miss Vivien and the young brides of Levy City before the murderer succeeds at destroying Vivien’s business at Wynton’s. . .and her reputation.
Be sure to also read The Women of Wynton’s by Donna Mumma
Mid-century glam meets murder mayhem in a series of cozy mysteries at Wynton’s Department Store.
It is 1956 in Levi City, Florida. Vivien Sheffield, renowned bridal gown designer and consultant for Wynton’s Department Store, is facing the greatest challenge of her career. Someone has been killing brides who wore one of her custom gowns in their wedding! Vivien’s fellow employees and close friends—Audrey, Mary Jo, and Gigi—and her assistant Mirette spring into action to save Miss Vivien and the young brides of Levy City before the murderer succeeds at destroying Vivien’s business at Wynton’s. . .and her reputation.
Be sure to also read The Women of Wynton’s by Donna Mumma
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2025
15 people are currently reading
1759 people want to read
About the author
Donna Mumma
4 books194 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
September 5, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️ Christian Fiction - 1950s murder mystery
About this book:
“Vivien’s Bridal Creations Found at Murder Scenes
Mid-century glam meets murder mayhem in a series of cozy mysteries at Wynton’s Department Store.
It is 1956 in Levi City, Florida. Vivien Sheffield, renowned bridal gown designer and consultant for Wynton’s Department Store, is facing the greatest challenge of her career. Someone has been killing brides who wore one of her custom gowns in their wedding! Vivien’s fellow employees and close friends—Audrey, Mary Jo, and Gigi—and her assistant Mirette spring into action to save Miss Vivien and the young brides of Levy City before the murderer succeeds at destroying Vivien’s business at Wynton’s. . .and her reputation.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Women of Wynton’s Mystery” series. Review of Book #1 Here!
Spiritual Content- A Scripture is remembered; Some prayers & Thanking God; Some 'H's are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & Thanking God; Mentions of churches, church going, a pastor, & Sunday school classes (including for funerals); Mentions of the Ten Commandments (mostly to honor one’s father and mother); A mention of “fixing it” with the Lord so someone knows where she’s going when she dies; A mention of the “pearly gates”; A mention of Vivien’s father telling her that discussing religion or politics was the best way to lose a friend;
*Note: Mentions of luck.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘golly’, an ‘oh my stars’, two ‘ever-loving’s, two ‘good grief’s, two ‘idiot’s, two ‘oh my word’, three ‘dumb’s, four ‘gosh’s, and four ‘stupid’s; Some eye rolling; Finding a murdered body (someone who was ran-over/hit by a car), Someone else seriously injured, & Blood/Bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Seeing grieving families (including mothers for their daughters, up to semi-detailed); Mary Jo tries to encourage her husband through his recovery, but he gives her and their daughters the silent treatment for some time; Mary Jo also tells another character about sometimes playing with the idea of running away to a place where no one wants something from her & the other character encourages her about being a wife and mother; All about & Many mentions of murders, how they happened, the bodies, the weapons, crimes, crime scenes, & the murderer (four murders all where the woman is bludgeoned to death, up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of deaths & grief (including mothers for their daughters who were murdered, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of murders & events from the prior book (including who the murderer was in that book, stealing, & being locked in jail); Mentions of a death, hit-and-run, someone being hit by a car, someone being hit and attacked, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of wars & some of the men who fought overseas not wanting to talk about it; Mentions of a robbery, thief, stealing, & prisons/jail time; Mentions of an ill family member (a father; including going to the hospital and coughing up blood); Mentions of Mary Jo’s husband who was in a construction accident and lost his right arm & her having to become the breadwinner of the family (including his bitterness about the situation, negative comments about him from her mother, him being in dark moods, & some others seeing him as a “cripple”); Mentions of cocktails & champagne at parties; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of hatred & jealousy (including a sister putting down her sister meanly); Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of hunting & hunting trips; A few mentions of nightclubs; A few mentions of smoking, cigarettes, & cigars; A few mentions of divorces (including Gigi who has been divorced twice); A few mentions of throwing up; A couple mentions of bullies & kids being teased at school; A couple mentions of poker; A mention of a child dying from scarlet fever (a sibling); A mention of con-artists; A mention of vandalism; A mention of someone looking like someone else “just shot their dog”;
*Note: Discussions about someone who could have a grudge against wives and marriage (with strong hatred); A comment about a man letting his wife and daughter “wear the pants” in their home; A woman comments about not wanting to give her “best years or her brain to a man” (which is what would happen if she got married, according to her); Gigi has low self-confidence (also called an inferiority complex), compares herself to others, feels as if other clerks look down on her, & negatively comments on her appearance and build (which Audrey tries to help and tells her that she is her own worst enemy); Mary Jo has a strained relationship with her mother due to her husband not working and Mary Jo having to work to provide for their family (she harps on and bashes Mary Jo, *Spoiler* ); Racial comments and observations are made based on the time-period (such as: Black employees being treated rudely or nitpicked at their jobs; How “Coloreds” aren’t allowed in the department store without a note from a white employer and any workers from the store has to go through the back; Seeing Coloreds wait to board the buses until after the white people have gotten on and then having to wait to get off last; Gigi complements a Black girl’s outfit on the bus and another white person makes a disapproving face; Gigi notes that “the rules for no interaction between the races were set in stone” in her city; A side character has difficulty getting to her job at the department store due to a security guard not allowing her in; A group of Black employees are physically forced off of a bus because there wasn’t enough space for the white people that wanted on and didn’t receive a refund from the bus company; Gigi thinks about how most times she never thought about the difference in skin color compared to her Black friend or other Black employees, but when something happens, the divide between Black and white split further with her wishing she knew how to make it where they can all be people together; A story is relayed about a white rich girl ordering a Black man like “he was her dog” and that she didn’t want to be at a Color’s station all day; Mentions of protests demanding change and The Klan burning crosses on a campus for allowing a Black woman to be entered into a university and riots happening (Autherine Lucy); Gigi wishes she could invite her friend to her apartment, but knows her landlady wouldn’t let her set foot in the door unless she was the help; The Black employees at Wynton’s not being allowed in the parking garage; A woman asks if a Black girl is with Vivien, ignoring the girl completely; The author’s note at the end of the book also has more information about segregation, racism, and “unfair social practices”); A side character had polio as a child and it’s noted that her family lived through “quarantine and shunning” including from other parents fearing that their children will catch the disease from her (The character refers to her affected leg as “dumb” and “weird”; She is also referred to as a “cripple”); Many mentions of brand names & items (Revlon, Estée Lauder, Youth Dew perfume, L’Air du Temps, Chanel No 5, Lady Dior, Baccarat, Evening in Paris, Woodbury, Cashmere Bouquet, Cutex, Helena Rubinstein, Charles of the Ritz, Max Factor, Elizabeth Arden, Dubarry, Shalimar, Monet necklace, Rodier, Traina-Norell, Dior, Givenchy, Charles James, Emeraude, Marc Cross, Chanel, Ann Lowe, Claire McCardell, Jeanne Lanvin, Trifari, Noxema, Pond’s cold cream, Hamilton Beach, Joy dish soap, McCall’s, Maxwell House coffee, Coke, Wonder Bread, Pepto-Bismol, Tums, Formica, Greyhound buses, & Miss Revlon dolls); Mentions of magazines (Brides, Modern Brides, Bride To Be, Vogue, & Good Housekeeping); Mentions of celebrities, public figures, actresses, movies, TV shows, & songs (Mamie Eisenhower, Jackie Kennedy, Rosa Parks, Autherine Lucy, Queen Elizabeth, the Grimm brothers, Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Ginger Rogers, Ann Miller, Grace Kelly, Barbara Stanwyck, John Wayne, Alan Ladd, Fred Astaire, Lassie, Alfred Hitchcock, Elvis Presley, Sabrina, Seven Year Itch, Rear Window, Lady and the Tramp, Meet John Doe, MGM, Warner Brothers, The $64,000 Question, Howdy Doody, The Ed Sullivan Show, ‘Unforgettable’ by Nat King Cole, & ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ by Elvis Presley); Mentions of stores (Sears & Macy’s); Mentions of car brands; A few mentions of a mother being upset about her daughter eloping with a man who “comes from nothing and has no prospects”; A mention of the murders seeming as if they were from a horror movie; A mention of brownnosing.
Sexual Content- A head kiss; A few touches, embraces, cuddling, & nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Some noticing & staring (barely-above-not-detailed); Mary Jo and her husband share a bed (nothing sexual happens); Mary Jo’s husband whistles at her & she blushes; Mentions of boyfriends & dates; A couple mentions of kisses & kissing; A couple mentions of seeing married couples kiss; A mention of a kiss-proof lipstick; A mention of a possible affair (implied);
*Note: Gigi negatively comments on her appearance and build (pointing out her “flaws” of large feet, pudgy “sausage”-like fingers, and watching her figure; Later she recalls coming home crying when she was twelve because of her classmates calling her a “man-girl” because of her big feet and hands); Mary Jo comments on a type of doll having “grown-up figures” (Miss Revlon dolls); Mentions of women’s figures; A couple mentions of a man who tried to get Audrey and other models to pose for his “sordid” or “tawdry” book covers; A mention of lingerie.
-Audrey Penault
-Mary Jo Johnson
-Vivian Sheffield, age 50
-Gigi Woodard, age 35
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1956
304 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
I’ll admit two things first in this review: 1. I went into this book a bit concerned because I didn’t personally love the first book and 2. I compared this sequel to the first book nearly the whole time. Perhaps I shouldn’t have done that second one, but I enjoyed this one much more than the first book in the series—especially because of the lack of catty women in it. The women were much better in this story and were an unlikely friend group, but have each other’s backs now. I did think this story was sadder, though, because of the murders of the young brides. Those were hard to read about and I would give a caution to readers who are sensitive to that element.
Just like in the first book, I really liked Audrey the best in this sequel as well. Maybe it’s my marketing degree showing, but I enjoyed the scenes of her, her job, and all the details she has to come up with for the department store the most. Her talent and brilliance at her job is really fascinating and I enjoyed her chapters.
I will also say that I say the murder/culprit coming before the half-way point, but as someone who often figures out the killers in suspense books, that isn’t really surprising. It was surprising, however, how long it took the group to figure it out and—like the first book—everything comes together quickly in the final few chapters. After figuring it out for myself, the book dragged a bit to me, but picked back up again once the characters started to figure it out as well.
I appreciated that there was a bit more Christian content in this book compared to the first, though it was still on the very light side. I liked how all the characters seemed to have a faith, but I wish I could instantly confirm they all do. I think certain faith conversations that could have happened didn’t happen due to the main cast of characters being four POV points and there being a lot to cover with their lives, backgrounds, the murders, and other work-related events.
All of this said, I would potentially read another book in this series if there was one—though Mr. Wynton is really going to have to do some serious PR if even more murders happen at or are connected to his store!
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.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Barbour) for this honest review.
About this book:
“Vivien’s Bridal Creations Found at Murder Scenes
Mid-century glam meets murder mayhem in a series of cozy mysteries at Wynton’s Department Store.
It is 1956 in Levi City, Florida. Vivien Sheffield, renowned bridal gown designer and consultant for Wynton’s Department Store, is facing the greatest challenge of her career. Someone has been killing brides who wore one of her custom gowns in their wedding! Vivien’s fellow employees and close friends—Audrey, Mary Jo, and Gigi—and her assistant Mirette spring into action to save Miss Vivien and the young brides of Levy City before the murderer succeeds at destroying Vivien’s business at Wynton’s. . .and her reputation.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Women of Wynton’s Mystery” series. Review of Book #1 Here!
Spiritual Content- A Scripture is remembered; Some prayers & Thanking God; Some 'H's are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & Thanking God; Mentions of churches, church going, a pastor, & Sunday school classes (including for funerals); Mentions of the Ten Commandments (mostly to honor one’s father and mother); A mention of “fixing it” with the Lord so someone knows where she’s going when she dies; A mention of the “pearly gates”; A mention of Vivien’s father telling her that discussing religion or politics was the best way to lose a friend;
*Note: Mentions of luck.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘golly’, an ‘oh my stars’, two ‘ever-loving’s, two ‘good grief’s, two ‘idiot’s, two ‘oh my word’, three ‘dumb’s, four ‘gosh’s, and four ‘stupid’s; Some eye rolling; Finding a murdered body (someone who was ran-over/hit by a car), Someone else seriously injured, & Blood/Bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Seeing grieving families (including mothers for their daughters, up to semi-detailed); Mary Jo tries to encourage her husband through his recovery, but he gives her and their daughters the silent treatment for some time; Mary Jo also tells another character about sometimes playing with the idea of running away to a place where no one wants something from her & the other character encourages her about being a wife and mother; All about & Many mentions of murders, how they happened, the bodies, the weapons, crimes, crime scenes, & the murderer (four murders all where the woman is bludgeoned to death, up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of deaths & grief (including mothers for their daughters who were murdered, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of murders & events from the prior book (including who the murderer was in that book, stealing, & being locked in jail); Mentions of a death, hit-and-run, someone being hit by a car, someone being hit and attacked, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of wars & some of the men who fought overseas not wanting to talk about it; Mentions of a robbery, thief, stealing, & prisons/jail time; Mentions of an ill family member (a father; including going to the hospital and coughing up blood); Mentions of Mary Jo’s husband who was in a construction accident and lost his right arm & her having to become the breadwinner of the family (including his bitterness about the situation, negative comments about him from her mother, him being in dark moods, & some others seeing him as a “cripple”); Mentions of cocktails & champagne at parties; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of hatred & jealousy (including a sister putting down her sister meanly); Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of hunting & hunting trips; A few mentions of nightclubs; A few mentions of smoking, cigarettes, & cigars; A few mentions of divorces (including Gigi who has been divorced twice); A few mentions of throwing up; A couple mentions of bullies & kids being teased at school; A couple mentions of poker; A mention of a child dying from scarlet fever (a sibling); A mention of con-artists; A mention of vandalism; A mention of someone looking like someone else “just shot their dog”;
*Note: Discussions about someone who could have a grudge against wives and marriage (with strong hatred); A comment about a man letting his wife and daughter “wear the pants” in their home; A woman comments about not wanting to give her “best years or her brain to a man” (which is what would happen if she got married, according to her); Gigi has low self-confidence (also called an inferiority complex), compares herself to others, feels as if other clerks look down on her, & negatively comments on her appearance and build (which Audrey tries to help and tells her that she is her own worst enemy); Mary Jo has a strained relationship with her mother due to her husband not working and Mary Jo having to work to provide for their family (she harps on and bashes Mary Jo, *Spoiler* ); Racial comments and observations are made based on the time-period (such as: Black employees being treated rudely or nitpicked at their jobs; How “Coloreds” aren’t allowed in the department store without a note from a white employer and any workers from the store has to go through the back; Seeing Coloreds wait to board the buses until after the white people have gotten on and then having to wait to get off last; Gigi complements a Black girl’s outfit on the bus and another white person makes a disapproving face; Gigi notes that “the rules for no interaction between the races were set in stone” in her city; A side character has difficulty getting to her job at the department store due to a security guard not allowing her in; A group of Black employees are physically forced off of a bus because there wasn’t enough space for the white people that wanted on and didn’t receive a refund from the bus company; Gigi thinks about how most times she never thought about the difference in skin color compared to her Black friend or other Black employees, but when something happens, the divide between Black and white split further with her wishing she knew how to make it where they can all be people together; A story is relayed about a white rich girl ordering a Black man like “he was her dog” and that she didn’t want to be at a Color’s station all day; Mentions of protests demanding change and The Klan burning crosses on a campus for allowing a Black woman to be entered into a university and riots happening (Autherine Lucy); Gigi wishes she could invite her friend to her apartment, but knows her landlady wouldn’t let her set foot in the door unless she was the help; The Black employees at Wynton’s not being allowed in the parking garage; A woman asks if a Black girl is with Vivien, ignoring the girl completely; The author’s note at the end of the book also has more information about segregation, racism, and “unfair social practices”); A side character had polio as a child and it’s noted that her family lived through “quarantine and shunning” including from other parents fearing that their children will catch the disease from her (The character refers to her affected leg as “dumb” and “weird”; She is also referred to as a “cripple”); Many mentions of brand names & items (Revlon, Estée Lauder, Youth Dew perfume, L’Air du Temps, Chanel No 5, Lady Dior, Baccarat, Evening in Paris, Woodbury, Cashmere Bouquet, Cutex, Helena Rubinstein, Charles of the Ritz, Max Factor, Elizabeth Arden, Dubarry, Shalimar, Monet necklace, Rodier, Traina-Norell, Dior, Givenchy, Charles James, Emeraude, Marc Cross, Chanel, Ann Lowe, Claire McCardell, Jeanne Lanvin, Trifari, Noxema, Pond’s cold cream, Hamilton Beach, Joy dish soap, McCall’s, Maxwell House coffee, Coke, Wonder Bread, Pepto-Bismol, Tums, Formica, Greyhound buses, & Miss Revlon dolls); Mentions of magazines (Brides, Modern Brides, Bride To Be, Vogue, & Good Housekeeping); Mentions of celebrities, public figures, actresses, movies, TV shows, & songs (Mamie Eisenhower, Jackie Kennedy, Rosa Parks, Autherine Lucy, Queen Elizabeth, the Grimm brothers, Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Ginger Rogers, Ann Miller, Grace Kelly, Barbara Stanwyck, John Wayne, Alan Ladd, Fred Astaire, Lassie, Alfred Hitchcock, Elvis Presley, Sabrina, Seven Year Itch, Rear Window, Lady and the Tramp, Meet John Doe, MGM, Warner Brothers, The $64,000 Question, Howdy Doody, The Ed Sullivan Show, ‘Unforgettable’ by Nat King Cole, & ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ by Elvis Presley); Mentions of stores (Sears & Macy’s); Mentions of car brands; A few mentions of a mother being upset about her daughter eloping with a man who “comes from nothing and has no prospects”; A mention of the murders seeming as if they were from a horror movie; A mention of brownnosing.
Sexual Content- A head kiss; A few touches, embraces, cuddling, & nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Some noticing & staring (barely-above-not-detailed); Mary Jo and her husband share a bed (nothing sexual happens); Mary Jo’s husband whistles at her & she blushes; Mentions of boyfriends & dates; A couple mentions of kisses & kissing; A couple mentions of seeing married couples kiss; A mention of a kiss-proof lipstick; A mention of a possible affair (implied);
*Note: Gigi negatively comments on her appearance and build (pointing out her “flaws” of large feet, pudgy “sausage”-like fingers, and watching her figure; Later she recalls coming home crying when she was twelve because of her classmates calling her a “man-girl” because of her big feet and hands); Mary Jo comments on a type of doll having “grown-up figures” (Miss Revlon dolls); Mentions of women’s figures; A couple mentions of a man who tried to get Audrey and other models to pose for his “sordid” or “tawdry” book covers; A mention of lingerie.
-Audrey Penault
-Mary Jo Johnson
-Vivian Sheffield, age 50
-Gigi Woodard, age 35
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1956
304 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
I’ll admit two things first in this review: 1. I went into this book a bit concerned because I didn’t personally love the first book and 2. I compared this sequel to the first book nearly the whole time. Perhaps I shouldn’t have done that second one, but I enjoyed this one much more than the first book in the series—especially because of the lack of catty women in it. The women were much better in this story and were an unlikely friend group, but have each other’s backs now. I did think this story was sadder, though, because of the murders of the young brides. Those were hard to read about and I would give a caution to readers who are sensitive to that element.
Just like in the first book, I really liked Audrey the best in this sequel as well. Maybe it’s my marketing degree showing, but I enjoyed the scenes of her, her job, and all the details she has to come up with for the department store the most. Her talent and brilliance at her job is really fascinating and I enjoyed her chapters.
I will also say that I say the murder/culprit coming before the half-way point, but as someone who often figures out the killers in suspense books, that isn’t really surprising. It was surprising, however, how long it took the group to figure it out and—like the first book—everything comes together quickly in the final few chapters. After figuring it out for myself, the book dragged a bit to me, but picked back up again once the characters started to figure it out as well.
I appreciated that there was a bit more Christian content in this book compared to the first, though it was still on the very light side. I liked how all the characters seemed to have a faith, but I wish I could instantly confirm they all do. I think certain faith conversations that could have happened didn’t happen due to the main cast of characters being four POV points and there being a lot to cover with their lives, backgrounds, the murders, and other work-related events.
All of this said, I would potentially read another book in this series if there was one—though Mr. Wynton is really going to have to do some serious PR if even more murders happen at or are connected to his store!
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.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Barbour) for this honest review.
September 4, 2025
This is the second book in the Women of Wynton series. This book works as standalone but if you want some background information I recommend reading the first one. These four ladies are back again and once again there are murders going on. This time the blame is being put on Vivien. Vivien makes bridal gowns and someone is murdering her brides and making it look like she is the one doing it. Audrey, Gigi and Mary Jo are at her side to help her figure out who is behind it. I really enjoyed this story! I love these characters and I love watching their stories continue on. There are four povs in the book so we get all the girls perspectives and what’s going on in their lives. There is light Christian content. Overall a great story and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
August 10, 2025
First Comes Marriage … Then Comes Murder by Donna Mumma sweeps you into a mid-century department store where satin, lace, and whispered secrets mingle behind the fitting room curtain. In 1956 Levi City, Florida, Vivien Sheffield designs bridal gowns that promise happily-ever-after … until murder turns her aisle of dreams into a trail of fear.
The real sparkle here is the cast: Vivien’s loyal circle of friends … sharp, warm, and full of personality … make every scene feel like an invitation to linger. Their banter, determination, and unshakable friendship turn the sleuthing into something as entertaining as it is clever. Add in the bustle of the sales floor, the hush of the bridal salon, and the period-perfect fashion details, and it’s like stepping into a mid-century snapshot where glamour meets gossip.
For Christian fiction, the faith thread felt faint … more like barely-there trim than the fabric itself … and I found myself wishing it had been stitched in with greater depth and conviction. This cozy mystery delivers a bouquet of nostalgia, friendship, and fashion, all tied with a ribbon of murder-mayhem. Perfect for readers who love a little sparkle with their sleuthing.
If you’re ready to slip on your gloves, sip a soda at the lunch counter, and wander the aisles of a mid-century department store where friendship sparkles and secrets lurk, this one might be your perfect fit.
I received a digital version of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing, narration, and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
The real sparkle here is the cast: Vivien’s loyal circle of friends … sharp, warm, and full of personality … make every scene feel like an invitation to linger. Their banter, determination, and unshakable friendship turn the sleuthing into something as entertaining as it is clever. Add in the bustle of the sales floor, the hush of the bridal salon, and the period-perfect fashion details, and it’s like stepping into a mid-century snapshot where glamour meets gossip.
For Christian fiction, the faith thread felt faint … more like barely-there trim than the fabric itself … and I found myself wishing it had been stitched in with greater depth and conviction. This cozy mystery delivers a bouquet of nostalgia, friendship, and fashion, all tied with a ribbon of murder-mayhem. Perfect for readers who love a little sparkle with their sleuthing.
If you’re ready to slip on your gloves, sip a soda at the lunch counter, and wander the aisles of a mid-century department store where friendship sparkles and secrets lurk, this one might be your perfect fit.
I received a digital version of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing, narration, and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
August 19, 2025
As soon as I finished the first book in this series, I snatched this one up! I couldn't wait to return to the world of Wynton's and the characters I had so quickly fallen in love with 😍
The mystery in this one had me scratching my head for much longer, and the big reveal at the end had me gasping! While some of the descriptions were a little gory (not majorly so, but enough that I wouldn't recommend eating while reading 😅), I enjoyed the story and it kept me hooked all the way through!
Since the first book focused on Audrey and this one on Miss Vivian, I'm hopeful we'll have two more books about Mary Jo and Gigi 😆💕
The mystery in this one had me scratching my head for much longer, and the big reveal at the end had me gasping! While some of the descriptions were a little gory (not majorly so, but enough that I wouldn't recommend eating while reading 😅), I enjoyed the story and it kept me hooked all the way through!
Since the first book focused on Audrey and this one on Miss Vivian, I'm hopeful we'll have two more books about Mary Jo and Gigi 😆💕
September 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
July 18, 2025
Talk about a gripping title!
I loved Mumma’s The Women of Wynton’s last year and was thrilled to see the series continue! Since the first book lays quite a bit of groundwork for the series & characters, I would recommend reading it first.
While I’ve come to the conclusion I would never want to live in the ‘50s for *reasons*, I’m more than happy to step through the pages for a visit! Mumma captured the era (1950s) and the setting (Southern department store) with such poignancy it danced to life, which also acknowledging problems of the era (segregation). Opening this book makes you smell the perfume department, hear the click of shopgirls’ pumps on the crisp floor, feel the rustle & silkiness of the bridal gowns in Miss Vivien’s shop.
And don’t get me started on just how incredible the historical detailing was. I feel like I got a crash course in 1950s bridal trend’s, preparations, & cosmetics! Maybe I’m naive or simply haven’t experienced enough modern bridal business, but the level of care Miss Vivien had for her brides and her involvement in their lives melted me. Why don’t we still have that?
Like The Women of Wynton’s, First Comes Marriage… Then Comes Murder treks through the POVS of 4 best friends who work in different departments of the store. Audrey was the main focus in the last book, and here we get more of Miss Vivien. I will confess that Gigi was the hardest pov for me to read through, even though I like her as a character. I just love the other women more. 🙈
Another thing, this book is pretty much romance free (if that’s something of interest to you)! We got teases of a potential ship in book 1 that I’m very hopeful for. But alas, the male love interest didn’t show up till a few chapters in the middle and then was gone again. If Mumma is setting this ship up to sail, it’s most definitely a slow burn, haha. Other than that, a married couple on the rocks reconciled. This is women’s fiction crossed with a murder mystery.
Speaking of murder, I called the perpetrator very early on, which I’m not mad about, haha.
So, if you love everyday faith in action, strong female friendships, a chance to step back into an immersive historical world, fashion & cosmetics, and a dastardly string of murdered brides—definitely try this one!
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I loved Mumma’s The Women of Wynton’s last year and was thrilled to see the series continue! Since the first book lays quite a bit of groundwork for the series & characters, I would recommend reading it first.
While I’ve come to the conclusion I would never want to live in the ‘50s for *reasons*, I’m more than happy to step through the pages for a visit! Mumma captured the era (1950s) and the setting (Southern department store) with such poignancy it danced to life, which also acknowledging problems of the era (segregation). Opening this book makes you smell the perfume department, hear the click of shopgirls’ pumps on the crisp floor, feel the rustle & silkiness of the bridal gowns in Miss Vivien’s shop.
And don’t get me started on just how incredible the historical detailing was. I feel like I got a crash course in 1950s bridal trend’s, preparations, & cosmetics! Maybe I’m naive or simply haven’t experienced enough modern bridal business, but the level of care Miss Vivien had for her brides and her involvement in their lives melted me. Why don’t we still have that?
Like The Women of Wynton’s, First Comes Marriage… Then Comes Murder treks through the POVS of 4 best friends who work in different departments of the store. Audrey was the main focus in the last book, and here we get more of Miss Vivien. I will confess that Gigi was the hardest pov for me to read through, even though I like her as a character. I just love the other women more. 🙈
Another thing, this book is pretty much romance free (if that’s something of interest to you)! We got teases of a potential ship in book 1 that I’m very hopeful for. But alas, the male love interest didn’t show up till a few chapters in the middle and then was gone again. If Mumma is setting this ship up to sail, it’s most definitely a slow burn, haha. Other than that, a married couple on the rocks reconciled. This is women’s fiction crossed with a murder mystery.
Speaking of murder, I called the perpetrator very early on, which I’m not mad about, haha.
So, if you love everyday faith in action, strong female friendships, a chance to step back into an immersive historical world, fashion & cosmetics, and a dastardly string of murdered brides—definitely try this one!
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
August 16, 2025
The heart of the story lies within its richly crafted characters, each bringing their unique personalities and life challenges to the forefront. Set against a historical backdrop, this tale explores the lives of women navigating the intricacies of friendship, fashion, and the bustling world of the bridal industry. Each woman hails from a distinct social class, yet their bond transcends those differences, weaving a tapestry of camaraderie and shared experiences. With a delightful Hallmark vibe infused with just a touch of murder mystery. It was a 3.5🌟 read for me. I wanted more murder mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
September 28, 2025
“I squeeze the juice from every story until we get to the seeds of truth.”- Robbi
Donna Mumma’s historical mystery, The Women of Wynton’s, set us up for this warm-hearted sequel, First Comes Marriage… Then Comes Murder. I will say while I believe this second book is richer for having read its predecessor first, I don’t think it is a deal breaker. Mumma gives enough explanation to catch a new reader up with the five friends, who all work at an upscale Florida department store in the 1950s.
However, “You can’t make old friends!” These ladies: Audrey, Vivien, Mirette, Mary Jo, and Gigi are so different in background, personality, and life experiences. Yet, they gather around each other in their various difficulties. Audrey, the polished one, lends Gigi her expertise and advice as Gigi gets a promotion in the store that seems out of her league. Gigi is especially supportive of Mary Jo during her difficult family time. Even when all have issues, all come together to defend and protect Vivien, whose brides are being picked off one by one. Will they be able to discover who the murderer is before Vivien’s name and that of Wynton’s Department Store is forever tarnished? I loved these unlikely relationships!
There were a few characters I could have done without, but they certainly helped to create conflict. Mary Hadley Bell is quite the Bridezilla, and Mama is no better. Robbi Dever is a reporter who claims to be visiting the bridal salon to write a positive story on it, but every story she prints ratchets up the guilty stain on Vivien’s name. Then there is the businessman who has vowed to exact revenge: “but I’m not going to let you ruin our business. I’ll ruin yours first.” Plus, a few sleezy folks we meet here and there, looking to make a quick buck.
One part of this book stands out as painful from the rest, because it was so sadly true of the times. That is the depiction of the segregation of races. Hard to imagine people believing it was ok to treat others in this way, as less than, so much inferior. Indeed, “beauty was only skin deep, but ugly went all the way to the bones.”
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“God made each of us unique for a reason.” - Audrey
“‘Sadness does strange things to people, doesn’t it?’ ‘It’s more than that…It’s sadness that doesn’t see any hope on the other side.’”
“You are your own worst enemy, and only you can change how you feel.”
Donna Mumma’s historical mystery, The Women of Wynton’s, set us up for this warm-hearted sequel, First Comes Marriage… Then Comes Murder. I will say while I believe this second book is richer for having read its predecessor first, I don’t think it is a deal breaker. Mumma gives enough explanation to catch a new reader up with the five friends, who all work at an upscale Florida department store in the 1950s.
However, “You can’t make old friends!” These ladies: Audrey, Vivien, Mirette, Mary Jo, and Gigi are so different in background, personality, and life experiences. Yet, they gather around each other in their various difficulties. Audrey, the polished one, lends Gigi her expertise and advice as Gigi gets a promotion in the store that seems out of her league. Gigi is especially supportive of Mary Jo during her difficult family time. Even when all have issues, all come together to defend and protect Vivien, whose brides are being picked off one by one. Will they be able to discover who the murderer is before Vivien’s name and that of Wynton’s Department Store is forever tarnished? I loved these unlikely relationships!
There were a few characters I could have done without, but they certainly helped to create conflict. Mary Hadley Bell is quite the Bridezilla, and Mama is no better. Robbi Dever is a reporter who claims to be visiting the bridal salon to write a positive story on it, but every story she prints ratchets up the guilty stain on Vivien’s name. Then there is the businessman who has vowed to exact revenge: “but I’m not going to let you ruin our business. I’ll ruin yours first.” Plus, a few sleezy folks we meet here and there, looking to make a quick buck.
One part of this book stands out as painful from the rest, because it was so sadly true of the times. That is the depiction of the segregation of races. Hard to imagine people believing it was ok to treat others in this way, as less than, so much inferior. Indeed, “beauty was only skin deep, but ugly went all the way to the bones.”
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“God made each of us unique for a reason.” - Audrey
“‘Sadness does strange things to people, doesn’t it?’ ‘It’s more than that…It’s sadness that doesn’t see any hope on the other side.’”
“You are your own worst enemy, and only you can change how you feel.”
August 26, 2025
4.5 🌟
In First comes marriage ... then comes murder we are following Miss Vivien. She owns a bridalshop at Wynton's. Everything is going very well but then several brides who got original gowns are being killed. Vivien has to find out who is behind all of this in order to keep her shop. She doesn't have to do it all alone. Together with her friends and colleagues Audrey, Mary Jo and Gigi are determined to find out who the killer before it will be to late
This book was so good. I loved the women of Wynton's they were such a tight friendgroup. All the women were different but lovely in their own way and I loved that. I really liked the writing style it was really easy to follow. I really liked the four pov's and the headings from the chapters were so cute and pretty. When the brides were gettibg murdered I was like how are there no clues or whatsoever of who did it. I loved that Audrey got a lot of clues in New York fashion week. The fact that I thought it was Mirette for like 50 pages of the book was so funny. I didn't like how the people with coloured skin were treated in the book. I mean yes that was what mostly happened in the 1950's but it wasn't fair. I loved this book and the fact that christianity was involved. I gasped when we found out who did it and how and why so I recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for this Arc! This is my own oppinion
In First comes marriage ... then comes murder we are following Miss Vivien. She owns a bridalshop at Wynton's. Everything is going very well but then several brides who got original gowns are being killed. Vivien has to find out who is behind all of this in order to keep her shop. She doesn't have to do it all alone. Together with her friends and colleagues Audrey, Mary Jo and Gigi are determined to find out who the killer before it will be to late
This book was so good. I loved the women of Wynton's they were such a tight friendgroup. All the women were different but lovely in their own way and I loved that. I really liked the writing style it was really easy to follow. I really liked the four pov's and the headings from the chapters were so cute and pretty. When the brides were gettibg murdered I was like how are there no clues or whatsoever of who did it. I loved that Audrey got a lot of clues in New York fashion week. The fact that I thought it was Mirette for like 50 pages of the book was so funny. I didn't like how the people with coloured skin were treated in the book. I mean yes that was what mostly happened in the 1950's but it wasn't fair. I loved this book and the fact that christianity was involved. I gasped when we found out who did it and how and why so I recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for this Arc! This is my own oppinion
September 27, 2025
Technically, this should be a -1. I didn’t finish it. I really thought it was going to be a cute cozy mystery but the first chapter was chaotic and it never stopped nor made sense.
I hate writing a negative review, for me there wasn’t anything positive.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this via the publisher. I wasn’t required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I hate writing a negative review, for me there wasn’t anything positive.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this via the publisher. I wasn’t required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 30, 2025
i read about 50% but i didn’t want to continue. the mystery wasn’t very interesting and i was extremely bored.
thank you to netgalley for the arc (:
thank you to netgalley for the arc (:
August 23, 2025
Cocooned in a unique format where multiple women use their individual points of view, The author brings to life a period of history rarely fictionalized. The 1950s is the decade of my parents and grandparents, that contemporary yet historical valley between present and WWII. Fascinating.
The author draws together department store drama and the bridal craze with segregation, laced with multiple murders. The pre-modern issues spill over into our world today.
Thank you, Donna, for a glimpse into our past.
The author draws together department store drama and the bridal craze with segregation, laced with multiple murders. The pre-modern issues spill over into our world today.
Thank you, Donna, for a glimpse into our past.
July 6, 2025
Donna Mumma has done it again with this next installment in the Women of Wynton series! I loved the first book she released last year--the whole 1950s vibe with fashion and a department store mixed into murder and mystery was delightful! We've got book 2 and it's back to our favorite cast of characters in Audrey, Gigi, Mary Jo, Miss Vivian, and Minette!
This book focuses on the bridal salon and the mystery of who is killing all of the brides and trying to destroy Miss Vivian's reputation? Gigi plays a bit more prominent role in this story--and of course Miss Vivian. I love the bridal shop. So sweet.
And we also get to see more about the Civil Rights and segregation that was rampant during this era. It's uncomfortable and that's okay. It wasn't a good time in our history.
Even though I was 98% sure who the villain was, I didn't know the WHY until much closer to the end.
4 solid stars and I look forward to more in this series!
*Thank you to the publishers and Net GAlley for my ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
This book focuses on the bridal salon and the mystery of who is killing all of the brides and trying to destroy Miss Vivian's reputation? Gigi plays a bit more prominent role in this story--and of course Miss Vivian. I love the bridal shop. So sweet.
And we also get to see more about the Civil Rights and segregation that was rampant during this era. It's uncomfortable and that's okay. It wasn't a good time in our history.
Even though I was 98% sure who the villain was, I didn't know the WHY until much closer to the end.
4 solid stars and I look forward to more in this series!
*Thank you to the publishers and Net GAlley for my ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
August 3, 2025
I was not sure if I was going to like this book.
And then the last third grabbed me by the neck and gave me little choice.
This book is about a bunch of fictional Southern White women living in 1950s North Florida that all happen to work at a department store. They tackle rude customers, clique-y coworkers, their own ignorance to the racism built into their town, and ~murder~ (dun dun dun).
The way the investigation of serial murders took a backseat for most of this book was so strange to me. Our cast of characters didn’t seem to have any interest in playing detective until their livelihoods started to depend on it, and even then the best they could get was some circumstantial evidence and hearsay that wouldn’t hold up too well in court. This book really was about following the day-to-day of these women as they pursue success in various forms through their work at the department store, as well as their relationships with both friends or family. I liked the characters by the end, but found some of their characteristics to be a little less than complex.
When the author started to address the racism that was normalized in that time period, I got real nervous that we were in for some White Savior plot points. Which, don’t get me wrong, we kinda did in that our White characters thought they were just going to proclaim an end to racism for their new coworker (with obviously minimal results). What I appreciated is that Imogene (the recipient of all that allyship) at no point relied on anyone for her success. She didn’t applaud her coworkers for getting their heads out of the sand and doing the bare minimum. She advocated for her work and her skills. And when they started sticking their nose in a murderer’s business, she said, “Not my problem, y’all have fun, see you at work tomorrow” and BOUNCED. Love. Her.
Overall, I liked this book! I would definitely check out another book to see what these characters get up to next!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the advanced copy!
And then the last third grabbed me by the neck and gave me little choice.
This book is about a bunch of fictional Southern White women living in 1950s North Florida that all happen to work at a department store. They tackle rude customers, clique-y coworkers, their own ignorance to the racism built into their town, and ~murder~ (dun dun dun).
The way the investigation of serial murders took a backseat for most of this book was so strange to me. Our cast of characters didn’t seem to have any interest in playing detective until their livelihoods started to depend on it, and even then the best they could get was some circumstantial evidence and hearsay that wouldn’t hold up too well in court. This book really was about following the day-to-day of these women as they pursue success in various forms through their work at the department store, as well as their relationships with both friends or family. I liked the characters by the end, but found some of their characteristics to be a little less than complex.
When the author started to address the racism that was normalized in that time period, I got real nervous that we were in for some White Savior plot points. Which, don’t get me wrong, we kinda did in that our White characters thought they were just going to proclaim an end to racism for their new coworker (with obviously minimal results). What I appreciated is that Imogene (the recipient of all that allyship) at no point relied on anyone for her success. She didn’t applaud her coworkers for getting their heads out of the sand and doing the bare minimum. She advocated for her work and her skills. And when they started sticking their nose in a murderer’s business, she said, “Not my problem, y’all have fun, see you at work tomorrow” and BOUNCED. Love. Her.
Overall, I liked this book! I would definitely check out another book to see what these characters get up to next!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the advanced copy!
August 23, 2025
Is it strange to call a murder mystery charming? Because that’s exactly how First Comes Marriage, Then Comes Murder felt to me—completely charming. Even as the bodies piled up, I wanted to step back in time and wander through Wynton’s department store, eating in the cafeteria, shopping for cosmetics, and flipping through my own bridal guide!
This is actually the second book in a series, though I didn’t realize that at first. While reading the first installment might have given me more background on the characters, it wasn’t necessary—I had no trouble jumping right in.
What really made this book shine were the women. They aren’t the stereotypical characters you’d expect in a murder mystery. Instead, they’re strong, unique, and refreshingly real. They’re not all young or chasing romance; each one is simply trying to find her place in the world. Mary Jo is struggling to hold her family together after her husband’s tragic accident. Audrey, newly promoted at Wynton’s, must prove she’s more than a pretty face. Gigi wrestles with her self-worth. And Vivien, the determined bridal consultant, is fighting to save her business—and her brides—before the killer puts her out of work for good. They’re unlikely heroines, but together they form an incredible bond of friendship and loyalty, even banding together to bring justice once again.
The murders themselves were surprisingly grisly—more twisted than I expected from the pastel cover (a good reminder not to judge a book by its packaging!). While I had a hunch about who the culprit might be, the “why” kept me guessing until the end.
Beyond the mystery, I also appreciated the way the story touched on deeper themes. Set in the years following World War II, it doesn’t shy away from exploring tough issues like race relations and the shifting cultural landscape, yet it does so with taste and nuance. It gave the novel an added richness, and I suspect there’s more to come in future books. I hope so, because I’d love to spend more time with these characters!
I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is actually the second book in a series, though I didn’t realize that at first. While reading the first installment might have given me more background on the characters, it wasn’t necessary—I had no trouble jumping right in.
What really made this book shine were the women. They aren’t the stereotypical characters you’d expect in a murder mystery. Instead, they’re strong, unique, and refreshingly real. They’re not all young or chasing romance; each one is simply trying to find her place in the world. Mary Jo is struggling to hold her family together after her husband’s tragic accident. Audrey, newly promoted at Wynton’s, must prove she’s more than a pretty face. Gigi wrestles with her self-worth. And Vivien, the determined bridal consultant, is fighting to save her business—and her brides—before the killer puts her out of work for good. They’re unlikely heroines, but together they form an incredible bond of friendship and loyalty, even banding together to bring justice once again.
The murders themselves were surprisingly grisly—more twisted than I expected from the pastel cover (a good reminder not to judge a book by its packaging!). While I had a hunch about who the culprit might be, the “why” kept me guessing until the end.
Beyond the mystery, I also appreciated the way the story touched on deeper themes. Set in the years following World War II, it doesn’t shy away from exploring tough issues like race relations and the shifting cultural landscape, yet it does so with taste and nuance. It gave the novel an added richness, and I suspect there’s more to come in future books. I hope so, because I’d love to spend more time with these characters!
I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 18, 2025
MISCHIEF, MAYHEM, MALICE, AND MURDER!
Author Donna Mumma returns with Book #2 of the Women of Wynton’s Mystery Series, delivering an exciting new installment! “First Comes Marriage…Then Comes Murder” is set in Wynton’s Department Store in Levi City, FL, during the 1950s. The series explores the lives of women from various ages, economic backgrounds, and life stages who form deep, enduring friendships that feel like family. Their bond becomes more secure when they face rumors, threats, mischief, mayhem, malice, and murder.
In this second book, Mumma brings back all the beloved characters. Readers will again meet Audrey, Mary Jo, Gigi, the talented bridal gown, bridesmaid dress, and evening gown designer Vivien Sheffield, and her longtime assistant, Mirette. However, trouble looms when someone with a vendetta against Miss Vivien begins murdering her former brides. The only clues pointing to the murderer lead back to her, and the brutality of the crimes is appalling. It’s especially tragic because Miss Vivien has cherished her brides as if they were her daughters!
Meanwhile, the Women of Wynton’s have all experienced significant changes in their personal and professional lives. Audrey has gone to market to buy clothes for the store. Will the women be able to come together, solve the crime, and save Miss Vivien?
Barbour Fiction and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Author Donna Mumma returns with Book #2 of the Women of Wynton’s Mystery Series, delivering an exciting new installment! “First Comes Marriage…Then Comes Murder” is set in Wynton’s Department Store in Levi City, FL, during the 1950s. The series explores the lives of women from various ages, economic backgrounds, and life stages who form deep, enduring friendships that feel like family. Their bond becomes more secure when they face rumors, threats, mischief, mayhem, malice, and murder.
In this second book, Mumma brings back all the beloved characters. Readers will again meet Audrey, Mary Jo, Gigi, the talented bridal gown, bridesmaid dress, and evening gown designer Vivien Sheffield, and her longtime assistant, Mirette. However, trouble looms when someone with a vendetta against Miss Vivien begins murdering her former brides. The only clues pointing to the murderer lead back to her, and the brutality of the crimes is appalling. It’s especially tragic because Miss Vivien has cherished her brides as if they were her daughters!
Meanwhile, the Women of Wynton’s have all experienced significant changes in their personal and professional lives. Audrey has gone to market to buy clothes for the store. Will the women be able to come together, solve the crime, and save Miss Vivien?
Barbour Fiction and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
September 1, 2025
First Comes Marriage, Then Comes Murder by Donna Mumma is a slight mystery with four friends who work at Wynton’s, a department store in the 1950’s. I love how eccentric and different the four women are. They spend time together, encourage each other, and lean on each other in hard times. Personally, I wish the story had a deeper spiritual thread for the characters. Maybe show them reading the Bible together and praying. I believe more women need women that will pour into each other’s lives. On the other hand, the mystery is really, really tame. Occasionally, another bride appears dead, and the four women talk about it, but then they move back on with their daily lives. It is not the central aspect of the story, which is what the title does lead the readers to believe that it is. Readers will find the tiny details like the bus ride to ring true for the time period that the story takes place in. Readers will enjoy the little details like the clothes and the order of what women can and cannot do. Mumma has spent some time trying to research and stay true to the time period. Overall, First Comes Marriage, Then Comes Murder by Donna Mumma reads okay for a historical fiction piece, but I needed more spirituality in the character’s lives and more attention to the mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of First Comes Marriage, Then Comes Murder by Donna Mumma from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of First Comes Marriage, Then Comes Murder by Donna Mumma from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
August 26, 2025
Loved this 1950's murder mystery set in a department story, centered around the bridal section of the story. The story is very fast paced full of twist and turns with multiple points of view. This story is very engaging and well-written. I hadn't read the first in this series but was able to pick up right at the beginning. Definitely want to go back and read the first one though this one gives away what happened.
Even though there is one that wants to tear one of the main characters apart, the women of Wynton's department store work to build one another up. White and black - these women of different backgrounds come together to support one another, help one another achieve what they think are impossible and work to solve a mystery targeting the reputation of one of their own. There are stories from the segregation era that show how tough it was for Black Women in the 50's, but there's also a silver lining of hope because there are those that worked for the betterment of their fellow women, regardless of color or socioeconomic background. This is what I loved reading about most.
I'm hoping there are more books in this series. I loved the character growth in this story and hope to see more from this author and the women of Wynton's in the future.
Thank you Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Even though there is one that wants to tear one of the main characters apart, the women of Wynton's department store work to build one another up. White and black - these women of different backgrounds come together to support one another, help one another achieve what they think are impossible and work to solve a mystery targeting the reputation of one of their own. There are stories from the segregation era that show how tough it was for Black Women in the 50's, but there's also a silver lining of hope because there are those that worked for the betterment of their fellow women, regardless of color or socioeconomic background. This is what I loved reading about most.
I'm hoping there are more books in this series. I loved the character growth in this story and hope to see more from this author and the women of Wynton's in the future.
Thank you Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 18, 2025
Donna Mumma has done it again with this next installment in the Women of Wynton series! I loved the first book she released last year--the whole 1950s vibe with fashion and a department store mixed into murder and mystery was delightful! We've got book 2 and it's back to our favorite cast of characters in Audrey, Gigi, Mary Jo, Miss Vivian, and Minette!
This book focuses on the bridal salon and the mystery of who is killing all of the brides and trying to destroy Miss Vivian's reputation? Gigi plays a bit more prominent role in this story--and of course Miss Vivian. I love the bridal shop. So sweet.
And we also get to see more about the Civil Rights and segregation that was rampant during this era. It's uncomfortable and that's okay. It wasn't a good time in our history.
Even though I was 98% sure who the villain was, I didn't know the WHY until much closer to the end.
4 solid stars and I look forward to more in this series!
*Thank you to the publishers and Net GAlley for my ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
This book focuses on the bridal salon and the mystery of who is killing all of the brides and trying to destroy Miss Vivian's reputation? Gigi plays a bit more prominent role in this story--and of course Miss Vivian. I love the bridal shop. So sweet.
And we also get to see more about the Civil Rights and segregation that was rampant during this era. It's uncomfortable and that's okay. It wasn't a good time in our history.
Even though I was 98% sure who the villain was, I didn't know the WHY until much closer to the end.
4 solid stars and I look forward to more in this series!
*Thank you to the publishers and Net GAlley for my ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
August 1, 2025
The second in A Women of Wynton's Mystery series. Someone is creating havoc for Vivien Sheffield, bridal gown designer and consultant for Wynton’s Department Store. Brides are dying and Audrey, Mary Jo, and Gigi, and her assistant, Mirette, are determined to find the killer. With unexpected twists, surprising discoveries, and bonds of friendship—the women work together to stop the killer. If you enjoy mysteries, you’ll be intrigued by Vivien’s story. I also enjoyed the bridal gown designing and sewing by Mirette. I received a free copy, and opinions are my own.
August 31, 2025
This is the first book in the Women of Wynton’s series. I have had the opportunity to read. I enjoyed this one so much that I will go back and read the first book and hopefully there will be more books to be released. It was a pleasure spending time in the pages of a good clean cozy mystery. As you travel back in time to the 1950s, you will learn how different the wedding business was at that time. I fell in love with Vivian, Audrey, Mirette, Gigi, and Mary Jo. Their friendship was so refreshing and made me think of the ones I have with my college girlfriends. We are there for each other in the good, the bad, and the ugly. The prejudices that are demonstrated were what was experienced at that time. And while it will have you cringing at the treatment the blacks received, it also helps you appreciate the fact we have come so far in our opinions. A group of strong ladies who are normal individuals who could be your aunt, your cousin, your neighbor. I strongly encourage you to get lost in the pages of this delightful and insightful book that deals with brides, murder, friendship, marriage, insecurities and self-doubt, and encouragement and support. Get to know the ladies of Wynton’s Department Store. You will absorb the last word and close the cover with a smile on your face.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
August 24, 2025
If you are looking for a m*rder mystery novel that has the vibes of a hallmark movie then this is the book for you! This is actually a sequel to another book that I haven't had the opportunity to read but I'm sure I will in the future. I will say that this is a novel that focuses a lot on friendship and female empowerment. I will say there were parts that also made me laugh and the characters were also very likable.
In the 1950's we are introduced to Vivien who is a bridal gown designer. However, in this small community the moment things go wrong the whole town knows about it. When a string of mysterious deaths of soon to be brides wreaks havoc Vivien who is determined to seek justice and save her business puts her amateur sleuth skills to the test. Will she find the killer without becoming a victim herself?
Thank you to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of the novel all opinions are of my own. This fabulous read is set to be released September 1st!
In the 1950's we are introduced to Vivien who is a bridal gown designer. However, in this small community the moment things go wrong the whole town knows about it. When a string of mysterious deaths of soon to be brides wreaks havoc Vivien who is determined to seek justice and save her business puts her amateur sleuth skills to the test. Will she find the killer without becoming a victim herself?
Thank you to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of the novel all opinions are of my own. This fabulous read is set to be released September 1st!
August 25, 2025
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I love love love the cover! I was instantly drawn to it because of that.
I want to say that I absolutely loved this book! I loved all the characters and the time period. I got an absolute kick out of the scene with Libby and GiGi when they were talking about movies. The author does such a great job just sucking the reader into the story. I felt like I was actually there shopping in this beautiful shopping mall in the 1950's. I did not know this book was part of a series and so I hope she continues with this series! Highly recommend!
I want to say that I absolutely loved this book! I loved all the characters and the time period. I got an absolute kick out of the scene with Libby and GiGi when they were talking about movies. The author does such a great job just sucking the reader into the story. I felt like I was actually there shopping in this beautiful shopping mall in the 1950's. I did not know this book was part of a series and so I hope she continues with this series! Highly recommend!
October 28, 2025
Good mystery with a fantastic group of characters. I really like the group of friends that are trying to solve the murders. Each woman has their struggles and those struggles bring a great layer to the story. I also love the setting and era of the story as it’s a setting you don’t see in a lot of stories. Enjoyed.
August 26, 2025
Nostalgic for those of us who, in the 50’s and 60’s, shopped at department stores, decked out in our dresses, gloves, patent leather shoes and matching purses. The setting is perfect for a mystery and is enhanced by the intelligent ladies who work at Wynton’s. These intriguing ladies band together to encourage one another and to figure out who-done-it.
Clean read.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this mystery from the publisher, but am not required to review it. I have chosen to leave this review because I enjoyed the book and will buy a copy as a gift to share.
Clean read.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this mystery from the publisher, but am not required to review it. I have chosen to leave this review because I enjoyed the book and will buy a copy as a gift to share.
September 11, 2025
I liked this book even better than the first in the series. The mystery part was ok, but I really enjoyed the women's relationships with each other even more. :) This could be understood without reading book one, but it is also worth the read.
September 2, 2025
Did you enjoy The Women of Wynton's by Donna Mumma? If so, her characters and witty style return for more murder and mayhem in First Comes Marriage... Then Comes Murder. This was another lighthearted, nostalgic murder mystery. I think this is better when you're already familiar with the characters so I recommend reading The Women of Wynton's first. Thanks to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2025
Review to come 🩷
November 19, 2025
This book is about Vivien's Bridal salon at Wynton's department store's brides being killed and someone seems to be blaming Vivien and the girls work on finding the killer.
August 26, 2025
First Comes Marriage...Then Comes Murder was a fun read! It takes place in the 1950's and features a group of ladies who all work at Wynton's Department Store. I recently read Mumma's book The Women of Wynton's and this sequel brings back all the women from that first book.
It's a little bit of romance (several of the ladies at Wynton's work in the bridal department) and a little bit of mystery. It features strong characters with interesting and often quirky personalities. Things were indeed different for women in the 50's so it is fascinating to go back in time and see what life was like then. I enjoyed First Comes Marriage...Then Comes Murder and you will too!
I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher, however this review is completely my own opinion.
It's a little bit of romance (several of the ladies at Wynton's work in the bridal department) and a little bit of mystery. It features strong characters with interesting and often quirky personalities. Things were indeed different for women in the 50's so it is fascinating to go back in time and see what life was like then. I enjoyed First Comes Marriage...Then Comes Murder and you will too!
I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher, however this review is completely my own opinion.
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