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Garden Girls #1-3

Garden Girls Cozy Mysteries: Box Set

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Garden Girls Christian Cozy Mysteries Box Set (Books 1-3) Contains The First 3 Books In The Series In One Thick Book BONUS: RECIPES INSIDE! Contents: BOOK 1: Who Murdered Mr. Malone? BOOK 2: Grandkids Gone Wild BOOK 3: smoky Mountain Mystery BOOK 1: Who Murdered Mr. Malone? Nothing exciting ever happens in the small town of Belhaven. Nothing that is, until a body was found in the woods behind the local elementary school. With the entire town in an uproar, "Garden Girl" Gloria Rutherford makes it her personal mission to find the killer or killers and solve the mystery with some help from her friends. With a little amateur detective work, Gloria is able to uncover enough clues that point right to the murderer. She's about to discover, however, things aren't always as clear cut as they would appear. BOOK 2: Grandkids Gone Wild "Garden Girl" Gloria Rutherford, has her hands full. Her mischievous and energetic grandsons are coming for a weekend visit. To top things off, she discovers someone is living in her barn. But who and why? As this amateur sleuth investigates what's going on in her own backyard, another murder victim turns up in their sleepy little town. Hot on the trail of a murderer, trying her best to make sure her grandkids don't end up in the ER and facing a budding romance, Gloria and her small town of Belhaven are once again about to be turned upside down. BOOK 3: Smoky Mountain Mystery Life is good for "Garden Girl" Gloria Rutherford. Spring has finally sprung, love is in the air, and no dead bodies have turned up in the small town of Belhaven...lately. It seems as if it's almost too good to be true. Just as Gloria starts to get settled into her familiar routine, she receives a mysterious message from her older sister, Liz. Certain that her sister, the drama queen, is once again bent on turning Gloria's life upside down for no good reason, she almost chooses to ignore the dire message that she may be in danger. When a key to her sister's place shows up in her mailbox after Liz mysteriously vanishes, Gloria jumps in with both feet to track her down. Crisscrossing the country with one of the other Garden Girls in tow, the two amateur sleuths find themselves on an adventure of a lifetime. Gloria soon discovers her sister's mysterious disappearance is the least of her worries.

724 pages, Paperback

First published April 17, 2015

846 people are currently reading
393 people want to read

About the author

Hope Callaghan

185 books767 followers
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★ AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR ★
★ 2017 Mom's Choice Award ★

Hope Callaghan is an American author who loves to write clean fiction books, especially Christian Mystery and Cozy Mystery books.

She has written more than 70 mystery books (and counting) in six series.

Born and raised in a small town in West Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her husband. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful children.

When she's not doing the thing she loves best - writing books - she enjoys cooking, traveling and reading books.

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5 stars
422 (63%)
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159 (24%)
3 stars
65 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Mary.
922 reviews38 followers
August 9, 2016
They just keep getting better!

In this book Gloria Has to deal with her older sister, Liz who is always a problem. This time around Liz sends Gloria on a wild goose chase thru the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. On a train no less with one of her Garden Girls, Margaret and her beloved dog Mally, who gets a bullet in her paw.

The book is a special one and kept my interest all day. I was Able to finish it in a day!

I look forward to reading more of Hope's books!
Profile Image for Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader).
1,476 reviews46 followers
April 30, 2022
I was attracted to the series by the name of the series Garden Girls and due to the illustration on the cover I thought the girls would be flower gardening which I love. From the advertisement for the download it seemed Book 1 was free with a nominal price for Books 2 and 3 that I would have paid if interested in the series. To my delight as I finished the 1st story I realized the entire box set was available within the download so I happily kept reading Books 2 and 3.

The Garden Girls Club is formed as the girlfriends decide to visit shut-ins in their neighborhood to share the fruits and vegetables from their own gardens. Knowing how much a loved one appreciated being able to order fresh fruits and vegetables last year (2020) when the surrounding counties in our area were under months of "stay-at-home" orders it was lovely to learn the mission of the group even sans flowers. The "Garden Girls" are Gloria Rutherford, Lucy Carlson, Dorothy (Dot to her friends) Jenkins, Margaret Hansen, and Ruth Carpenter. The neighborhood is Belhaven, a small town in West Michigan, and there's one "field trip" for two of the friends to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

After reading the series I viewed the publisher advertisement of "Golden Girls" meets "Murder She Wrote" and I must confess I laughed out loud as it captures the charm of the series.

For those that like to try new recipes from cozy mysteries, the opening stories have 2 comfort food recipes for humans of Gloria's Pot Roast and Gloria's Blissful Baked Macroni 'n Cheese and for canine pleasure there's Pumpkin Dog Biscuits.

I enjoyed the 3 stories and I was quite happy to spend more time with the girls. Although each story can be read as a stand-alone some of the delight within each story would definitely be missed as it builds on past experiences. I'll simply ask those new to the series to take my word for it as I don't ever include spoilers. To date, there are 23 novels in the series so there are many adventures ahead for reading pleasure.
Profile Image for Ruth Mccurry.
92 reviews
December 31, 2016
Great book, I loved it.

I loved this book, because it's stories written about the escapades of older women. I'm glad someone finally thinks of those of us who are older and don't always want to read love stories.

Thank You Ms Hope Callaghan.

Now off to start set with books 3 and 4.

2,284 reviews7 followers
January 31, 2016
I have read other books by this author. This is not my favorite series of the ones that she writes. I feel that we don't really know much about any of the "Garden Girls". Supposedly, they garden, but we rarely see them doing anything related to gardening.
Profile Image for Musings of a Middle-aged Mum.
188 reviews
December 29, 2019
When books describe themselves as clean/cozy/sweet or other adjectives of that nature, it means that there is no swearing or sex or gore or anything else that may be considered 'adult'. I like them because sometimes I want to read a thrilling mystery without having to delve into the dark/seedy side of murder (if that makes sense, lol).

The main character, Gloria, is a bit of a character - she is an older woman with a penchant for sticking her nose into other people's business, not offensively, but definitely likes to know what is going on in her small town. As time goes on, she is on the other end of the gossip grapevine when she starts a romance with a local cop. The stories are not too far-fetched (if you are happy with the idea of an amateur sleuth getting involved in this type of thing!), and thrilling enough to keep me interested. I will be putting book 4 on my wishlist to read when I start buying books again!
Profile Image for Lillie.
Author 21 books44 followers
July 22, 2017
This is billed as a Christian cozy mystery, but the faith element is very mild and the characters do some things in their detecting that don't comport with Christian belief. The stories were entertaining enough that I finished reading them, but not intriguing enough that I have any desire to read the rest of the series. Gloria and her fellow Garden Girls break and enter and contaminate evidence, and rather than warning them, the police detective becomes Gloria's beau.
80 reviews
December 6, 2019
Fantastic I enjoy Hope Callaghan book so much, her writing has a way of making you feel comfortable in the story when suddenly there is that turn of events that makes you sit up your interest has peaked sky high. Love it ¡

I enjoy Hope Callaghan book so much, her writing has a way of making you feel comfortable in the story when suddenly there is that turn of events that makes you sit up your interest has peaked sky high. Love it ¡
15 reviews
May 1, 2018
Great Read.

I absolutely loved this bookset. Book one they three. A great read and very hard to put down. And then when you had to put it down, you couldn't wait to hurry and pick it back up to finish reading. I was so excited I bought the other two box sets. Four thru six and Seven thru nine. Got a great price for them both. I hope all enjoy them as much as I did.
Profile Image for Shelly.
31 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2020
Love the Christian aspect of these books!

I am in love with writings of Hope Callaghan! I’ve read all of the Cruise Ship Cozy mysteries with Millie. Now enjoying the Garden Girls mysteries. Each one has its own mystery & yet connected to the previous book. These books are a good clean read with scripture & prayers. My favorite!
84 reviews
July 18, 2020
I'm hooked

I thought there was no way I was going to enjoy another series from this author after Millie and the cruise ship cozy mysteries. Happily I was wrong. After finishing book 3 of the Garden Girls I am settling down to binge read the entire series. Callaghan has mastered the art of the true Cozy. No four letter words, no graphic sex scenes just honest quirky storylines.
88 reviews
May 22, 2021
Wonderful books.

I love reading her books this was the first time reading Garden Girls. It was hard putting them down to do other things but they went pretty fast if nothing else interrupted me. I’ve read 6 of the cruise ship series & some of her other books & I want to get back to them. Gloria & the girls & Mally are fun to read I got quite a few chuckles from them.
Profile Image for Rene Freeman.
24 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2023
Great plots

These books were enjoyable to read. I love that the characters are older and great friends. The Bible passages we're inspiring to me as well. I appreciate the details in describing the scenery at different locations. I felt like I could see it. The animals were a great addition. I did not know who the culprit was until the end.
15 reviews
October 23, 2017
I’m enjoying my new found Garden Girls mystery books. It’s like having my own circle of friends and I like all the adventures they get in to. I have found a new favorite author to add to my list! Hope Callaghan!
203 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2018
Great

This was a very good mystery. I loved the characters. It was an easy read funny,clean , descriptive books. My first introduction to your writing but look forward to the next series. Thank you ,stay well and keep writing.
12 reviews
January 20, 2018
Quick reading!

A bunch of old ladies and a dog getting together to find murderers and are treasure hunters also, I liked these books because you just want to keep reading about them!
Profile Image for Gaynell.
47 reviews
April 10, 2019
Clean fun mysteries

Got a quick fun read these little mysteries are great. Gloria, along with her friends, solve an assortment of mysterious events. All this done without one curse word.
Profile Image for Dorothy   Peterson.
91 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2019
Garden Girls Mystery

This book was true pleasure to read. I have enjoyed the series very much. I love the way the girls get into so much trouble without trying. They keep you laughing and trying to decide what going to happen next.
Profile Image for Linda Buzard-Moffitt.
661 reviews18 followers
January 18, 2021
Garden Girls

These are fun, cute and clean quick read mysteries. You'll get to see the who done it at the end of every book. They do stand alone but to keep up with the characters and all of the going ons, I'd recommend reading them in order.
121 reviews7 followers
January 30, 2021
Love it

What can I say I just love this write so try a different range of her book was a real joy to read.. I was gripped from start to finish on these books .I was left guessing who could of done it and i enjoyed that . Will be reading more
35 reviews
February 26, 2022
Light and fun

I bought this series of 3 cozy mysteries after liking the description. I seldom read this gene but I really enjoyed these. They seemed short; always hard to tell on a device, but they were fun, light hearted, reasonably realistic and made me smile.
105 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2022
What a great box set

I loved every single story in this cozy box set. Gloria sure does have an inquisitive mindset. The characters and plots are quite believable. As always Hope's books are a pleasant read.
Profile Image for Julie Holdsworth.
264 reviews
February 17, 2017
Unusual and fun

I thoroughly enjoyed this set of mysteries. Nancy Drew all grown-up! I must be getting a bit long in the tooth myself to relate so well to the heroine.
Profile Image for Sandra.
29 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2017
C soy Mysteries

Clean, but exciting enough to keep one interested. Funny, Christian sharing with out pushing one denomination. I love all I have read so far.
Profile Image for Marci K.
32 reviews
June 23, 2017
Good, clean fun

These books are just so cute. Easy, fun and entertaining! You immediately fall in love with the characters. I can't wait to read the next set.
Profile Image for Karen Jukes.
36 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2017
I love these quick, clean and entertaining stories! This set was no disappointment. As I was visiting Gatlinburg at the time, the one including Liz was perfect.
785 reviews
January 8, 2018
Loved this set

I just ordered Set 2 and can't wait to start reading. I love the characteristic and the store line is wonderful.
Profile Image for Suzanne Homeier-poe.
491 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2018
I loved it.

I love the fact Hope writes about older ladies. This was just as good as The ship stories. I can't wait to read the next books. It is funny and well written.
186 reviews
February 11, 2018
New stories

This series is really good I thoroughly enjoyed these books the characters are really interesting and the stories are really colourful a really good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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