Christmas in the cozy town of Belhaven is a magical season, but this year it will be extra special for "Garden Girl" Gloria Rutherford. The much-anticipated wedding to the love of her life, Paul Kennedy, will soon take place and all of Gloria's children and their families will be coming home to celebrate.
Paul, only days away from retiring from Montbay County Sheriff's Department, drops a bombshell on Gloria when he tells her he's being investigated for criminal activity. Not wanting to drag Gloria into his crisis, Paul all but calls off the wedding and then suddenly disappears.
A heartbroken Gloria is ready to throw in the towel and run away until her friends, The Garden Girls, step in, determined to get to the bottom of Paul's investigation, clear his name and get the wedding back on track.
Will the girls be able to salvage Gloria's special day or will she soon be saying "Bah Humbug" instead of "I do?"
Home for the Holiday (The Garden Girls) was a sweet Christian Cozy Mystery. It gives you a small town feel and a tight ladies friendship throughout the story. After Paul is accused of extortion, Gloria and her lady friends try to solve the crime and exonerate Paul. The story moved a little slow in places but it was an enjoyable read. The ladies are funny, outspoken, and their true friendship to Gloria shines through.
3.5/5 This story takes place several books into the Garden Girls Mystery series. Although there are a lot of characters and relationships already established, I didn’t feel lost while reading. I think the author provides just enough background to allow new readers to catch up but not too much to detract from the actual story.
One thing I loved: The friendships shine through in spades. Gloria has tons of friends! I think more than five who feature! While it was hard to keep track of them all, the obvious affection they all have for one another is clear. I loved how they all do their part to help Gloria solve the mystery.
One thing that could be better: The investigation seemed to drag at times. I think for a shorter read, there may have been one too many red herrings.
The Christmas element: Gloria’s wedding and the Christmas celebrations intermingle but each event gets it’s own attention. Gloria’s grandsons’ performing at their church concert is cute and sweetly described… and a tradition many will have fond memories of from their own experiences.
read as part of the Cozy Mysteries Collection: Home & Holiday Edition collection Light read-typical cozy. never read any of the previous books in series so was not familiar with the characters and while some was apparent you definitely were at a loss. Gloria's soon to be retired cop fiancee is accused of extortion and runs off a few weeks before the wedding. Gloria and her band or merry women investigate to clear his name. I could have done without the prayer and christian comments but it wasn't too preachy so it did not detract from the story.
The Garden Girls are at it again. This time they have pulled together to help Gloria with a terrible situation. I love the way these ladies support each other. They work selflessly to help their friends in need. If you like a good clean Christian mystery then this is the series for you. You can read them separately, but I would recommend reading them in order to get to know each lady and her background. Ms. Callaghan has a wonderful way with storytelling and I m so glad she is sharing her talent with us.
Oh no,is Gloria's wedding a no go. Paul is accused of a crime that could destroy his and Gloria's future and put Paul into prison .Is it true did Paul do these horrible things?Will Gloria be able to face what's ahead, well one things for sure the Garden Girls can't just stand to side watching Gloria's life fall apart I'ts time to dig in and find out what really is truth and what's not. They pray thier own will find happiness once again. A great little cozey mystery. 🙄 Kat
Home for the Holidays: A Garden Girls Cozy Mystery (Garden Girls Christian Cozy Mystery Series Book10) by Hope Callaghan
Thank you Hope Callaghan for another awesome read in your christian cozy mystery book! These books get better and better as the series continues! With each one that carries onto the next one, the more pulled in I become. You have to give her books a try! You won't regret it!
Well at least I only spent 99 cents on the collection of six. I still admire anyone who finishes and publishes a novel. Amazon didn’t warn me this was a “Christian” cozy but I suppose that’s my fault for not reading the fine print. Anyway, the Christianity isn’t too overwhelming, they just pray before meals and there’s no sex.
Well, this was bad. Considering I didn't even know what a "cozy mystery" was until about 6 months ago and then had no interest in the genre, I'm not surprised. The things you read for team challenges... I'm sure there's a target audience for these books (and I'm definitely not it), but I'm also sure there are many better cozy mysteries out there than this one.
I enjoy reading good and clean cozy mystery books . This had a mixture of romance and intrigue. There was some nail biting when the girls set in motion a plan to catch the guilty ones, but all worked out. I look forward to more books by this author.
Home for the Holidays: A Garden Girls Cozy Mystery 4.6 stars
What a mix up for the mystery! I felt badly for Gloria getting the brush off when Paul had to dump her in order to figure out who set him up. Of course, Gloria was used to figuring out who dun it. Fortunately, Paul and Gloria attacked the problem from both ends and had it solved in no time.
Just wonderful, absolutely adore this series! I can't get enough of the Garden Girls. I love the relationships, truly what love is about. It is full of love, all kinds. A mood lifter for sure!!
Unbelievably Paul is accused of embezzlement! The Garden Girls must hurry to find the true embezzler in order for Gloria and Paul to finely have their long awaited wedding day.
Gloria and Paul finally have a wedding or will they. He can’t be accused of any wrong doing, just before retiring, like they are saying but why did he take off. Join the ladies as they solve, delightful, humorous .
I enjoyed this book so much. I love older people solving mysteries and o love cozy mysteries. It being a Christian mystery is even better. I read the first of the cruise ship mysteries not too long ago. I can’t wait to keep reading.
Another great addition to the series. I love these books. Yay. The wedding came together! Paul was asking for trouble. The mystery gets solved and all is well. Must read !
If you want a good mystery you need to read Hope Callahan's books. I have enjoyed several of her books and am never disappointed. I highly recommend these clean cozy mysteries.
As usual Hope has given us an excellent cozy mystery. I love all the characters. They seem like friends to me now. The wedding was lovely! I’m so glad they finally tied the knot! Please keep writing!
I enjoy reading Hope's mysteries because they are always good stories. The Garden Girls are kind, intelligent and have common sense. Very interesting plot and a few twist s and turns keep you thinking. Just a hint of romance and you have a perfect combination.
I love the garden girls series. Gloria has a group of wonderful close friends everyone deserves! I love that they turn everything in their lives over to the Lord and pray about everything.
The final story in the initial collection of 10 stories. The resolution was rather predictable, but enjoyable none the less. The lack of trust between Gloria and Paul is a bit disconcerting. A good resolution to the volume.
I absolutely loved it! A wonderful Christmas story! I’m so glad it worked out! I love all the characters! This is a must read series! I can’t wait to read the next one!