An Invitation for Imogen

The Hidden Bookshop #1

by Kristie Self

There’s nothing Imogen loves more than hunting down the truth behind mysterious secrets, until she realizes the most dangerous secret of all may well be right under her nose.

Imogen Tewksbury leads a calm and well-ordered life. The eldest of five sisters, she is trustworthy, responsible, and spends most of her time working at the family bookshop; however, she’s always harbored a secret wish to become a detective. When she receives an invitation to meet her favorite mystery author at a neighbor’s dinner party, she is overjoyed. Swept off her feet by the author’s charm and good looks, she’s instantly enamored, but when his life is threatened, she vows to do whatever she can to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Detective Harvey Price has known author Sturgis Cleveland for most of his life, and he isn’t swayed by either his fame or large bank account. Certain the author is hiding something which led to the attempt on his life, Harvey reluctantly agrees to allow Imogen to help with the investigation.

Imogen quickly learns that solving mysteries is much more difficult than it appears in the novels she loves so much. As the case grows more complicated, she’s dismayed to discover the existence of secrets much closer to home, secrets that threaten her relationships with those she loves most. And as she and Detective Price grow closer, she begins to realize that love doesn’t need to be flashy or extravagant to be real. Honesty, loyalty, and steadfast faith may be the foundation of a love beyond anything she’s ever dreamed.

Welcome to the first book of the Hidden Bookshop, a world filled with stories, adventure, romance, intrigue, and quirky, loveable characters.

Paperback

Published July 21, 2026

About the author

Kristie Self has always had a love for books and has been writing since she was a child. She combines her love of history and romance to write faith-filled love stories with memorable characters and intriguing plots. A banker by day, she spends most of her nights and weekends focused on writing. She enjoys traveling, watching movies, and curling up with a good book. An avid lover of music, she plays several instruments and also teaches piano. She is a graduate of Howard Payne University and lives in Lott, Texas, with her cat, Arlo.

Reviews

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! It was really well done! Imogen is a great character! She works at a bookshop, loves mysteries and gets herself involved in a real one. Detective Harvey Price doesn’t want her involved but soon allows it. I loved watching their relationship change over the course of the book! This book has a large cast of characters so there are lots of povs so give it time to get familiar with them all. I loved all the characters and their side stories. I can’t wait to read more about them in future books! Imogen and her sisters are quite odd, crazy and unique and I love it! The mystery was great! I did NOT see who the villain was coming! I loved the ending! Good Christian content! I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content: attempted murder

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

1882 England

After adoring the many characters in The Ladies of Roderick Glen, it's a new cast to love in The Hidden Bookshop. Readers are only given a small glimpse into what is involved with the hidden bookshop so look forward to learning more as the series continues.

Oldest sister Imogen carries a lot of weight on her young shoulders after the death of her parents. Fortunately, her two bachelor uncles have provided a home for them. I can hardly wait for the youngest Finny to get her own novel. It's sure to be fun filled just like her.

Detective Harvey Price and Imogen Tewksbury are both great leading characters. This was a wonderful introduction to the series and I look forward to reading more.

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Ethan Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Invitation for Imogen is a charming and heartfelt story about curiosity, truth, love, and the quiet courage it takes to face what lies beneath the surface. Imogen’s journey is especially engaging because she begins with a love for mystery, only to discover that real life is far more complicated than the stories she admires. Her growth from observer to participant creates a meaningful emotional arc filled with discovery and self-reflection. What makes this story stand out is its message about honesty, trust, and the kind of love that is built not on excitement alone, but on loyalty and understanding. As secrets unravel, the story gently reminds us that truth can be both painful and necessary for healing.

A warm and thoughtful blend of mystery and romance that highlights the beauty of ordinary strength and the power of sincere connection.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imogen has a job that I’d love- working in a bookstore. It’s even better because it’s family owned! When one of her beloved mystery authors comes to town, secrets, deception, and danger follow.

I enjoyed Imogen’s sisters and their loyalty and willingness to help her with a rescue. You’ll love the developing relationship between Uncle Theo and the new bookstore partner, Wren, who have a past that I hope we’ll learn more about in a future book.

This is the beginning of The Hidden Bookstore series, which has a kisses-only romance. Readers from teens through adults will enjoy this book.

I received a copy of the book from the author with no obligation to write a positive review.

[Michelle Houghton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysteries to solve and the introduction to a whole new community of characters. An Invitation for Imogen takes the reader into a fully developed cast of characters that I will be excited to learn more about as the series continues. They are likable and quirky and quick witted. We follow multiple characters through this first book including glimpses at 5 sisters and their two uncles and all the side characters and possible partners they may encounter down the line. We also have the first glimpses into the hidden bookshop and its elderly leader. Lovely story appropriate for teens and above with very quiet romance and glimpses of Christian faith included.

[The_Power Of_The Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book! Kristie Self is such a talented storyteller! I love her books! This is a great start to a new series! If you love mysteries and romance this is the book for you. The characters are all so fun and quirky. They provide great entertainment as well as intrigue.

I can’t wait for the next books! I’m so invested in these characters. And I need to find out the answers to some questions.

This is a clean, kisses only story. It does have an attempted murder, but no gory details. You will enjoy the suspense. There is an element of faith that is refreshing, but not overbearing. A wonderful book, I highly recommend!

[Rebecca Trump · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Invitation for Imogen by Kristie Self was such a clever and exciting start to her new series, The Hidden Bookshop. There was mystery and danger, hilarity and family life, romance and a faith connection. I was so taken again by this author’s talent for storytelling. And…I’m clamoring for book 2!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The Tweksbury family is so charming and endearing. Imogen is the perfect FMC for those of us who love books and a mystery to solve. I also really liked Harvey. He is kind, compassionate, smart, and quick thinking. I loved watching their relationship grow.

This book has a couple of mysteries in it. There is the mystery of the crime that Imogen and Harvey are trying to solve. Then there is the mystery of the Hidden Bookshop. While the author provides closure to the mystery Imogen and Harvey set out to solve, there is still more to learn about the Hidden Bookshop. There is also more to learn about the additional Tewksbury sisters as well as a few of the other characters. This book is a great launch to a new series and look forward to what is to come in this series.

I received an advanced readers copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and loved all of Kristie Self's previous books so I was very excited when I found out about this one and it did not disappoint! With plenty of intriguing characters, mystery, and romance, An Invitation for Imogen is a delightful start to The Hidden Bookshop series. I already can't wait for the next one!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Jared Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story! Worth your time!

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come