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Divine Christian Cozy Mystery #1
Divine Intervention
After relocating to the tiny town of Divine, Kansas, strange and mysterious things begin to happen to businesswoman, Jo Pepperdine and those around her.“Divine Intervention,” is Book 1 in the Divine Cozy Mystery Series Recipe Included!----------------------------------At the centermost point of the United States, lies the tiny town of Divine, Kansas, boasting a population of just over 1,200 and yet, thousands of tourists flock there every year. So what’s so special about this mysterious little town smack-dab in the middle of nowhere?For newcomer and businesswoman Jo Pepperdine, it’s the perfect site for not only a home for women to get back on their feet after being released from prison, but also her Second Chance Mercantile and Divine Baked Goods Shop.After purchasing the sprawling McDougall property on the outskirts of town, she begins to experience strange and mysterious events in her life and the lives of those around her.But not everyone is ready to welcome Jo and the “outcasts,” and it seems someone is determined to destroy their dream of a second chance, after vandalizing her property and a potentially deadly attack.Can Jo and her friends get to the bottom of the crimes…or will it take a Divine Intervention to solve the mystery?NOVELS IN THIS Divine Book 1Divine Book 2Divine Book 3Divine Book 4Divine Book 5Divine Book 6Divine Book 7Divine Book 8Divine Book 9Divine Double Book 10Divine Book 11Divine Cozy Mystery Book 12 (Coming Soon)What Readers Are ★★★★★ Easy and fast Christian read. A great read on caring for others . I love the bible references and the role of angels in our lives.-Kindle Customer★★★★★ A great clean mystery! I don't know how Hope does it but she has the best stories and no 2 are alike. This is going to be another#1 hit series. Hopes books are so refreshing. They are clean and always have a good story line and a good twist. READ IT!-LK★★★★★ DEFINITION OF A COZY MYSTERY!! This book is definitely what a cozy mystery should be!!! Lots of good mystery, no swearing, no sex, no blood or gore. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!! As others have said, I can't wait for the next book to maybe find out more about Jo's past, and certainly more about her future. If you love good Christian writing with great mysteries, you will LOVE Hope Callaghan's books. I highly recommend you try them all.-S. Phelps★★★★★ Great new cozy series I couldn't put down this first book in Hope Callahan's new series. Eagerly awaiting the next one. I love all the other series as well and appreciate clean mysteries with a bit of faith mixed in. Thanks Ms Callahan for your excellent books.-Renee★★★★★ Great New Series I totally enjoyed this book and I can see this will be another fun series. All of Hope Callaghan's series are habit forming and leave you waiting for the next book.-K. S. Andrews★★★★★ Fantastic book What a great book. I read it all night, couldn't stop. Love the characters and the premise. It's uplifting, and just can't say enough good about it. Absolutely loved it, one of my favorite books.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2019
2559 people are currently reading
708 people want to read
About the author
Hope Callaghan
188 books768 followersClick the FOLLOW button to be notified of Hope Callaghan's new book releases!
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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.
Get New Releases, Giveaways, and FREE & Discounted Books at: https://hopecallaghan.com/newsletter
OR Text the word BOOKS to 33222
★ 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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Displaying 1 - 29 of 179 reviews
July 16, 2019
Divine Intervention is the first book in Hope Callaghan’s Divine Cozy Mystery Series. This well-plotted mystery is a clean read, with likable characters. Jo Pepperdine bought a farm in Divine Kansas, when it came up for auction and has now built a safe halfway house for women coming out of prison. Her only stipulation is that she doesn't take woman who were convicted of murder, so when Pastor Murphy asks her to take in Rayeen Baxter, Jo agrees on a temporary basis. After talking with Rayleen, Jo's superpower of being a good judge of character tells her that there is something fishy about this conviction. Unfortunately, some of her residents are unhappy about their new housemate. This is not the only problem they are having. There has been some vandalism, someone trying to break into the Mercantile as well as an assault on her handyman. Is someone trying to run her out of town? Who hates them enough to do these things? Is Rayleen a murderer?
There are lots of questions and this book gives us the answers in an inspirational way with wonderful characters, a few suspects and some twists along the way. If this series continues in the same fashion, I am looking forward to more heartwarming stories about second chances, friendship, inspiration, well-written mysteries and enjoyable stories. I hope we find out more about Jo's story as I am very intrigued with her characters and why she chose the path she did.
I was fortunate to get a copy of the audiobook of Divine Intervention and I enjoyed the narration of the story. It was very well read with distinct voices for the various characters. Others have described Kim Niemi's voice as soothing, soulful, and powerful and I agree. She was able to sound soothing, sad, resigned and indignant all in a matter of minutes. Definitely did a great job with this book. I received this book from the publisher upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
There are lots of questions and this book gives us the answers in an inspirational way with wonderful characters, a few suspects and some twists along the way. If this series continues in the same fashion, I am looking forward to more heartwarming stories about second chances, friendship, inspiration, well-written mysteries and enjoyable stories. I hope we find out more about Jo's story as I am very intrigued with her characters and why she chose the path she did.
I was fortunate to get a copy of the audiobook of Divine Intervention and I enjoyed the narration of the story. It was very well read with distinct voices for the various characters. Others have described Kim Niemi's voice as soothing, soulful, and powerful and I agree. She was able to sound soothing, sad, resigned and indignant all in a matter of minutes. Definitely did a great job with this book. I received this book from the publisher upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
January 13, 2019
Angels call this home
A great gentle read that although it says Christian (and it is) it doesn't ram religion down your throat like some other books I've read. It is dome with subtly of feeling and will resonate with everyone who tries to live their life by help rather than hindering others. Nice mix of characters from the hurt and injured to the defiant.
She bought the farm when it came up for auction and has now built a safe halfway house for women coming out of prison. Her only stipulation is that she does take people who have been incarcerated for murder. That is why her most recent resident is bringing doubts from the others and herself. She has been convicted of accessory to murder. However that is not the only problem she has. Someone has destroyed her mailbox, tried to break into her mercantile store and now it looks as if they attacked the gardener. Who has the motive to do this? Is it her nemesis in town who is trying to get her closed down? As she investigates she finds a strange tool in the new resident's room and then another resident accuses her of taking money from the till. Drugs and a viciously nasty temperament are apparently on behalf of the person doing all this. Can she set up a sting operation?
A great gentle read that although it says Christian (and it is) it doesn't ram religion down your throat like some other books I've read. It is dome with subtly of feeling and will resonate with everyone who tries to live their life by help rather than hindering others. Nice mix of characters from the hurt and injured to the defiant.
She bought the farm when it came up for auction and has now built a safe halfway house for women coming out of prison. Her only stipulation is that she does take people who have been incarcerated for murder. That is why her most recent resident is bringing doubts from the others and herself. She has been convicted of accessory to murder. However that is not the only problem she has. Someone has destroyed her mailbox, tried to break into her mercantile store and now it looks as if they attacked the gardener. Who has the motive to do this? Is it her nemesis in town who is trying to get her closed down? As she investigates she finds a strange tool in the new resident's room and then another resident accuses her of taking money from the till. Drugs and a viciously nasty temperament are apparently on behalf of the person doing all this. Can she set up a sting operation?
January 27, 2019
Divine Intervention is the first book in Hope Callaghan’s Divine Cozy Mystery Series. This well-plotted mystery is a clean read, with affable characters. If this first in series is any indication, this series will contain heartwarming stories that are full of inspiration, hope, and second chances. I’m looking forward to learning more about the delightful cast of characters as the series progresses and their backstories are revealed in more detail.
Welcome to Divine, Kansas, which is located near the center point of the lower forty-eight United States. Some people claim supernatural powers are associated with the center of anything and many residents of Divine believe angelic supernatural powers are present in their small town. Joanna “Jo” Pepperdine recently purchased a Victorian home sitting on ten acres of land. Jo and Pastor Sawyer Murphy became friends shortly after her arrival in Divine, and when he learned about her plans for the property, he introduced her to Nash Greyson, a skilled handyman, and she hired him on the spot. Jo’s created a haven for women released from Central State Women’s Penitentiary who are down on their luck, with nowhere to go, and provides them with a second chance in life. Her stores, Divine Baked Goods Shop and Second Chance Mercantile, helped subsidize the halfway house. Jo relies heavily on Delta Childress, the cook, Jo’s sounding board, and “housemother” when Jo isn’t available. The women often confide in Delta, who is an exceptional judge of character. With rumors around town saying Jo was opening a B&B, Delta showed up looking for employment shortly after Jo purchased the property, and the two women quickly became best friends. Jo had many rules, and the number one rule was that she would never allow a woman convicted of murder become a resident. When Pastor Sawyer Murphy brought Rayleen Baxter who had served time as a convicted accomplice to murder and recently tried to commit suicide to Jo, they struck a deal … she would provide temporary shelter even though Delta disagreed with her decision and he would seek permanent placement for the young woman.
Things were running smoothly, other than a complaint about her running an unlicensed B&B and a minor incident between two of the residents, but the destruction of her mailbox, an attempted break-in at the mercantile, and Gary Stein, Jo’s gardener, being attacked on the property were very disconcerting to Jo and Delta. Sheriff Franklin was concerned about the incidents and suggested that in addition to adding surveillance cameras, Jo, who hadn’t been social in Divine, might want to drop by Marlee Davison’s deli for a cup of coffee and get to know some of the town’s residents to help eliminate their uncertainty about the newest business owner. Sadly, her visit to the deli results in her first run-in with Debbie Holcomb.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Welcome to Divine, Kansas, which is located near the center point of the lower forty-eight United States. Some people claim supernatural powers are associated with the center of anything and many residents of Divine believe angelic supernatural powers are present in their small town. Joanna “Jo” Pepperdine recently purchased a Victorian home sitting on ten acres of land. Jo and Pastor Sawyer Murphy became friends shortly after her arrival in Divine, and when he learned about her plans for the property, he introduced her to Nash Greyson, a skilled handyman, and she hired him on the spot. Jo’s created a haven for women released from Central State Women’s Penitentiary who are down on their luck, with nowhere to go, and provides them with a second chance in life. Her stores, Divine Baked Goods Shop and Second Chance Mercantile, helped subsidize the halfway house. Jo relies heavily on Delta Childress, the cook, Jo’s sounding board, and “housemother” when Jo isn’t available. The women often confide in Delta, who is an exceptional judge of character. With rumors around town saying Jo was opening a B&B, Delta showed up looking for employment shortly after Jo purchased the property, and the two women quickly became best friends. Jo had many rules, and the number one rule was that she would never allow a woman convicted of murder become a resident. When Pastor Sawyer Murphy brought Rayleen Baxter who had served time as a convicted accomplice to murder and recently tried to commit suicide to Jo, they struck a deal … she would provide temporary shelter even though Delta disagreed with her decision and he would seek permanent placement for the young woman.
Things were running smoothly, other than a complaint about her running an unlicensed B&B and a minor incident between two of the residents, but the destruction of her mailbox, an attempted break-in at the mercantile, and Gary Stein, Jo’s gardener, being attacked on the property were very disconcerting to Jo and Delta. Sheriff Franklin was concerned about the incidents and suggested that in addition to adding surveillance cameras, Jo, who hadn’t been social in Divine, might want to drop by Marlee Davison’s deli for a cup of coffee and get to know some of the town’s residents to help eliminate their uncertainty about the newest business owner. Sadly, her visit to the deli results in her first run-in with Debbie Holcomb.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 9, 2022
I enjoyed the audio version of this book -- narrator Kim Niemi is a good fit for Hope Callaghan's writing style. Divine Intervention is a 'light' cozy (no murder, but plenty of mayhem) as Jo and friends try to figure out who is vandalizing their farm, which also serves as a halfway house for women just released from prison. Not everyone in town is supportive of the business so there's a few likely suspects who are just plain ornery. This is a solid start to a new-to-me series -- the setting and characters are well developed and unique for a cozy mystery. It's a bit more serious then most cozies -- the quirk factor is dialled way down -- but it's captivating in its own way. And I really appreciate the faith references threaded into the story.
February 10, 2019
A wonderful and Devine story!
Hope has done it again. I love her stories and continue to read them. She has a great way of keeping her stories fresh and wholesome with no violence sex and bad things. I can actually let my 10 years old granddaughter read Hopes book which for me is a win win situation.
She gets a super 6 star from me.
When will the next one be out?
Hope has done it again. I love her stories and continue to read them. She has a great way of keeping her stories fresh and wholesome with no violence sex and bad things. I can actually let my 10 years old granddaughter read Hopes book which for me is a win win situation.
She gets a super 6 star from me.
When will the next one be out?
November 17, 2020
My first Hope Callaghan and it won't be my last. I've been collecting them and look forward to reading more. Very good story. I liked the characters and it was an easy enjoyable read.
September 15, 2020
I read the first 3 books of this series in a kindle box set.
I really loved the setting and the main premise of the story. Jo Pepperdine has opened a halfway house for female convicts who are just released from the nearby correctional facility. The characters are well-written and their personal stories carry the series. I thought this was a unique setting for a cozy mystery - it is a small town story with a twist. It also allows for some unusual background.
I also appreciated the very Christian aspects of the book - they pray at every obstacle and are quite unapologetic about it. It was nicely written and not preachy or in-your-face.
Unfortunately, the mystery element was a bit staid and boring in comparison.
I really loved the setting and the main premise of the story. Jo Pepperdine has opened a halfway house for female convicts who are just released from the nearby correctional facility. The characters are well-written and their personal stories carry the series. I thought this was a unique setting for a cozy mystery - it is a small town story with a twist. It also allows for some unusual background.
I also appreciated the very Christian aspects of the book - they pray at every obstacle and are quite unapologetic about it. It was nicely written and not preachy or in-your-face.
Unfortunately, the mystery element was a bit staid and boring in comparison.
January 21, 2019
I loved this book. It is very different from the others by this author but very very good. I can't wait until the next one comes out. A clean mystery.
December 2, 2019
The story was good and the characters were well-described. I didn't realize this was a Christian-based story, and the religious content was not to my liking.
January 19, 2021
Enjoyed
Great book! Kept my attention until the ended. Hated for it to end. Therefore I’m going to start the next book in the series.
Great book! Kept my attention until the ended. Hated for it to end. Therefore I’m going to start the next book in the series.
January 27, 2024
This one a very interesting read about redemption. It had some twists and turns throughout and even some mystery thrown in as well. It was a powerful representation of what God can do if you let Him be Lord of your life and to be in control of your heart, mind, soul, and strength. It's a must read four star book with incredible Christian values and morals that can help build your faith and teach you the power of forgiveness and the rewards that come from it.
November 7, 2023
Audible listen
September 25, 2020
Divine mystery
Jo runs Divine Farm, a halfway house for women along with her friend Delta who does the cooking for the women. Their gardener Gary was attacked one now and chances are high it was one of the women. Good read. Recommend
Jo runs Divine Farm, a halfway house for women along with her friend Delta who does the cooking for the women. Their gardener Gary was attacked one now and chances are high it was one of the women. Good read. Recommend
April 6, 2022
All 9 of the books in this series were fantastic. If you are looking to read mysteries and amateur sleuthing, this series is for you. Also, the main character of the book (Jo Pepperdine), as well as the residents on her farm all depends on God to help them through their troubles. There is praying at the dinner table and turning to the lord for advice. There are also 2 angels mentioned in each book which gives me the good kind of child every time they appear. These giant men are Divine’s angels and they protect Jo’s land and the good people on it. Ain’t God awesome to send His angels?! Yes, he cares for us that much. I realize this series is not non-fiction, but I do believe in angels and I do believe God cares for us even when we don’t care for ourselves.
This series is different than any of the other mysteries and sleuth books I’ve read in the past in that not every book has a murder in it. Sometimes there is just a mystery and troubled times that fall upon Jo that she has to dig into to get answers. And each book (except the 9th) contains at least 300 pages which to me is really cool because I definitely didn’t want this series to end! What else is different about this series is that Jo owns a farm and houses women who have been recently released from the local prison. Jo is helping the ladies recover from being criminals to being people who can survive in society. She has a halfway house. So, this has definitely been different, because of course Jo has her challenges with the ex-criminals and with helping them get out into the world on their own.
If you want some positive reads, some Jesus and hope, some angels, some family and friendship, and some plain old goodness and the good guy winning in the end - you need to read this series! 5 stars!
This series is different than any of the other mysteries and sleuth books I’ve read in the past in that not every book has a murder in it. Sometimes there is just a mystery and troubled times that fall upon Jo that she has to dig into to get answers. And each book (except the 9th) contains at least 300 pages which to me is really cool because I definitely didn’t want this series to end! What else is different about this series is that Jo owns a farm and houses women who have been recently released from the local prison. Jo is helping the ladies recover from being criminals to being people who can survive in society. She has a halfway house. So, this has definitely been different, because of course Jo has her challenges with the ex-criminals and with helping them get out into the world on their own.
If you want some positive reads, some Jesus and hope, some angels, some family and friendship, and some plain old goodness and the good guy winning in the end - you need to read this series! 5 stars!
August 21, 2019
Enter-the quaint country town of Divine, Kansas. Main tourist attraction-Divine is known for being the very center of the lower 48 states. Folk lore has it that “strange things” happen because Divine is the very center of the nation.
One Divine thing that happened to Divine is Jo Pepperdine’s arrival. Jo-suffering from some heartbreaking events in her life-decides to move to Divine. She purchases an old farm that was on the auction block with the goal of turning it into a halfway house for recently released convicts. New to town Jo is unaware that the property she purchased was on the auction block due to quibbling sibling’s who couldn’t come to an agreement on the division of the property. Two of the sibling’s are still in Divine, and very bitter!
Through “Divine” intervention Jo meets a small group of new friends who help her with her dream. Unfortunately, someone tries to break into the small Mercantile shop Jo has opened on the property, one of the ex-convicts claims of being “set-up’ when Jo finds a weapon in her room, and someone knocks the main farm hand in the head and knocks him unconscious.
Come join the excursion to Divine-but don’t get too comfortable, there are a few mystery’s to be solved!
I found “Divine Intervention” to be intriguing, unpredictable and victorious! I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes light suspense, combined with lively characters, combined with a special dose of faith!
One Divine thing that happened to Divine is Jo Pepperdine’s arrival. Jo-suffering from some heartbreaking events in her life-decides to move to Divine. She purchases an old farm that was on the auction block with the goal of turning it into a halfway house for recently released convicts. New to town Jo is unaware that the property she purchased was on the auction block due to quibbling sibling’s who couldn’t come to an agreement on the division of the property. Two of the sibling’s are still in Divine, and very bitter!
Through “Divine” intervention Jo meets a small group of new friends who help her with her dream. Unfortunately, someone tries to break into the small Mercantile shop Jo has opened on the property, one of the ex-convicts claims of being “set-up’ when Jo finds a weapon in her room, and someone knocks the main farm hand in the head and knocks him unconscious.
Come join the excursion to Divine-but don’t get too comfortable, there are a few mystery’s to be solved!
I found “Divine Intervention” to be intriguing, unpredictable and victorious! I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes light suspense, combined with lively characters, combined with a special dose of faith!
March 5, 2019
Divine start to a new series, which is set in the town of Divine, Kansas - the Midpoint of the continuous 48 states. Hope Callaghan's writing style has me hooked every time: delightful descriptions of the setting, the characters, the stores and town. As a cozy mystery, never too preachy just the right blend of scripture and spiritual elements. As a reader, I always enjoy how Hope Callaghan summarizes what happened previously, and then throws the reader a new idea or red herring. This helps the reader the remember what has happened and makes the reader speculate who dun it.. While I am not fond of guns or drug use or crime - it is a part of society and Hope Callaghan in an indirect way addressed gun violence. In a non-judgemental way many contemporary issues (guns, drugs, half way houses, small town prejudices) are addressed. Hope Callaghan weaves in elements from her other series: an older sleuth, surveillance equipment, and second chances. Duke the dog reminds me of Bush's Beans Duke the Dog (RIP).
February 7, 2019
Jo Pepperdine is a fairly newcomer to the town of Divine, Kansas and purchased a large piece of property where she has a home for women ex-convicts and two businesses. Both the Second Chance Mercantile and the Divine Baked Goods Shop are run by women that have been released from prison on small charges such as drug possession and petty crimes. Jo has created a safe haven for these women to get back on their feet and start anew.
Unfortunately, a few strange things start happening on Jo’s property and a few townies are happy to point the finger at Jo’s “outcasts”. With vandalism to her property and an attack on one of her workers, Jo is determined to get to the bottom of things before it destroys everything that she has been working towards.
This is the first book in the new Divine Cozy series and I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for more. Hope Callaghan has a way of writing a story that captures the reader. Her characters are written with flaws or not so perfect pasts that they are working towards changing and you can’t help to find them endearing.
Unfortunately, a few strange things start happening on Jo’s property and a few townies are happy to point the finger at Jo’s “outcasts”. With vandalism to her property and an attack on one of her workers, Jo is determined to get to the bottom of things before it destroys everything that she has been working towards.
This is the first book in the new Divine Cozy series and I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for more. Hope Callaghan has a way of writing a story that captures the reader. Her characters are written with flaws or not so perfect pasts that they are working towards changing and you can’t help to find them endearing.
April 25, 2023
Very nice, quick read about second chances and God's intervention when all seemed lost.
Jo owned a half-way house for young women getting out of a nearby prison. She had a working farm and a local mercantile/bakery where the women could learn a trade or skills to help them in the outside world.
One day Jo was approached by the pastor to see if she could take I one more boarder, but this one would break the rules, something Jo had never done before.
*********************************************
The constant intervention by angels in Smith county would have set off "new-age" bells in my brain if not for Ms. Callaghan's clear gospel message.
I'm not familiar with this author, but I will continue to seek out her books.
Jo owned a half-way house for young women getting out of a nearby prison. She had a working farm and a local mercantile/bakery where the women could learn a trade or skills to help them in the outside world.
One day Jo was approached by the pastor to see if she could take I one more boarder, but this one would break the rules, something Jo had never done before.
*********************************************
The constant intervention by angels in Smith county would have set off "new-age" bells in my brain if not for Ms. Callaghan's clear gospel message.
I'm not familiar with this author, but I will continue to seek out her books.
January 17, 2019
Second Chances
This is the first in a new series by Hope Callaghan. I have every book she has written and love them all. She does not disappoint with this book. Divine, Kansas is a small town with a heavy tourist traffic. Jo is a woman that opens her farm up to those women who need a second chance in life. She has opposition from the family of the prior owner as the property was sold in a sheriff's sale. When she finds the women are not all following the rules she must make hard decisions. I really like this book and look forward to the next one. Hope writes clean stories so you can read without worry!
This is the first in a new series by Hope Callaghan. I have every book she has written and love them all. She does not disappoint with this book. Divine, Kansas is a small town with a heavy tourist traffic. Jo is a woman that opens her farm up to those women who need a second chance in life. She has opposition from the family of the prior owner as the property was sold in a sheriff's sale. When she finds the women are not all following the rules she must make hard decisions. I really like this book and look forward to the next one. Hope writes clean stories so you can read without worry!
January 14, 2019
Wow Wow Wow
What a great new series by an amazing author. I couldn’t put in down and read it al in one sitting!! When a woman is mysteriously saved from killing herself she finds herself given a second chance at life. Her second chance ends up at a half way house for females who have recently been released from jail. Is this a prescription for trouble? When money is stolen and a man is left for dead, we wonder who could do such a thing. An angry neighbor or a convict?
What a great new series by an amazing author. I couldn’t put in down and read it al in one sitting!! When a woman is mysteriously saved from killing herself she finds herself given a second chance at life. Her second chance ends up at a half way house for females who have recently been released from jail. Is this a prescription for trouble? When money is stolen and a man is left for dead, we wonder who could do such a thing. An angry neighbor or a convict?
February 6, 2019
A very enjoyable, clean cozy. At times, don’t we wish anyone of us could have a “second chance”? “Divine Intervention” provides just that with main character, Jo who has made a place for women who have recently been released from prison. This is a stopping off place for them before they return to society. However there is not all sweetness and light here, which makes the book even more interesting. The first in the series and I look forward to learning more about Jo and the rest of the characters in the next book.
November 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this story about Jo Pepperdine and the place she set up to give women leaving the prison a helping hand in making out in the world again. Not just words but practical experience in skills needed to cope. Hope Callaghan weaves a good story and her writing style is easy to read and well written. Small towns have their benefits but they can also be places where people don't trust newcomers and Divine is an example of this. I liked the characters Hope created and the parts they play in bringing their skills to the farm.
January 21, 2019
Second chances
I don't have to read a second book of Ms Callaghan's to know she has talent. Her characters like Jo and Delta come across as full fledged people , not perfect but with hearts full of love and compassion. She witnesses through her books but doesn't preach so I eagerly await her next book in this series. I hope Raylene receives redemption and becomes a regular part of Divine Farm family.
I don't have to read a second book of Ms Callaghan's to know she has talent. Her characters like Jo and Delta come across as full fledged people , not perfect but with hearts full of love and compassion. She witnesses through her books but doesn't preach so I eagerly await her next book in this series. I hope Raylene receives redemption and becomes a regular part of Divine Farm family.
January 11, 2019
Wow! A Fantastic Start To A New Series
Wow! This a fantastic start to a new series.I
I loved the storyline,the amazing characters,the Christian worldview and all the twists and turns.
Jo,Nash and Delta are fantastic characters. Delta reminds me of Ruth in Garden Girls.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
Wow! This a fantastic start to a new series.I
I loved the storyline,the amazing characters,the Christian worldview and all the twists and turns.
Jo,Nash and Delta are fantastic characters. Delta reminds me of Ruth in Garden Girls.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
March 18, 2025
This story started with a happy ending to a potentially tragic outcome of an attempted suicide - it grabbed me at the start. I loved how this cozy mystery included God and His ministering Angels as part of the story. Throughout the danger and suspense, Hope Callaghan shows how God is ultimately in control.
Our story is set in the small town of Divine, Kansas – a tourist attraction since the town is known as ‘the center of the lower 48 states’. Jo, our female main character, runs a ‘second chance’ home for women released from prison in a Victorian estate outside of town. She also runs the ‘Second Chance Mercantile and Divine Baked Goods Shop’. Many of the locals are suspicious of this second chance home for women, so when the mystery begins, we have many fun suspects and motives to ponder.
An aspect of the story I really enjoyed was the faith and spiritual element. The story has strange, mysterious and ultimately miraculous events. But instead of looking to ghosts and dark spirits to explain these events, we are pointed to these occurrences being ‘Divine Interventions’ from God and His angels.
Light, fun characters and an uplifting story. It was a perfect light hearted read that had a sweet message of faith and second chances that I found very relatable.
Our story is set in the small town of Divine, Kansas – a tourist attraction since the town is known as ‘the center of the lower 48 states’. Jo, our female main character, runs a ‘second chance’ home for women released from prison in a Victorian estate outside of town. She also runs the ‘Second Chance Mercantile and Divine Baked Goods Shop’. Many of the locals are suspicious of this second chance home for women, so when the mystery begins, we have many fun suspects and motives to ponder.
An aspect of the story I really enjoyed was the faith and spiritual element. The story has strange, mysterious and ultimately miraculous events. But instead of looking to ghosts and dark spirits to explain these events, we are pointed to these occurrences being ‘Divine Interventions’ from God and His angels.
Light, fun characters and an uplifting story. It was a perfect light hearted read that had a sweet message of faith and second chances that I found very relatable.
November 24, 2023
This is the first time I read a book by Hope Callaghan. I really enjoyed the clean, fast paced and easy reading and her style of writing. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of her series. The Christian aspect was not overbearing and portrays nicely into the Town of Divine and Jo’s character. I’m interested in finding out the history of the girls given a second chance at Divine Farms owned by Jo, a caring person who takes in girls released from prison to train them in a career, rehabilitate them to start a new life when they leave the Farm.
June 23, 2024
I enjoyed reading this debut of the Divine Cozy Mystery series. Having previously read a later installment, it was helpful to learn the background of the series' setting.
This is a very easy read, yet quite enjoyable. One of the main characters is an exceptional cook, and the description of the dishes she turns out will have your mouth watering!
Beyond the delicious food, this is a story of redemption, understanding, letting go of assumptions, and giving second chances. The theme is ideal for the times we live in.
This is a very easy read, yet quite enjoyable. One of the main characters is an exceptional cook, and the description of the dishes she turns out will have your mouth watering!
Beyond the delicious food, this is a story of redemption, understanding, letting go of assumptions, and giving second chances. The theme is ideal for the times we live in.
February 10, 2025
This was a quick evening read. It was a story of second chances and redemption.
I would consider this somewhere between slow to medium paced. I also felt like something was missing from the story line. It was written more of telling every detail from time of waking to going to bed things that happened over a couple days.
I am still not sure how Jo came about all her money or her past. The ending leaves you hanging on another character. This is the first book in the series.
This was not a bad read but just not for me.
I would consider this somewhere between slow to medium paced. I also felt like something was missing from the story line. It was written more of telling every detail from time of waking to going to bed things that happened over a couple days.
I am still not sure how Jo came about all her money or her past. The ending leaves you hanging on another character. This is the first book in the series.
This was not a bad read but just not for me.
February 9, 2019
A New Direction for Callaghan
You never know what Hope Callaghan will come up with next. This new series, about a woman running a private half-way house for Kansas women just released prison, promises to be her best yet, and by far the most serious.
Most of the rescued women succeed in rehabilitation. Some don't.
Recommended for all readers of Hope Callaghan and any other Christian fiction.
You never know what Hope Callaghan will come up with next. This new series, about a woman running a private half-way house for Kansas women just released prison, promises to be her best yet, and by far the most serious.
Most of the rescued women succeed in rehabilitation. Some don't.
Recommended for all readers of Hope Callaghan and any other Christian fiction.
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