Hoping to build trust with the Divine locals, Joanna Pepperdine and the Second Chance residents host an open house to get to know the townsfolk better. The event is a huge success…that is until a guest finds a wallet belonging to a man who is now missing.
"If you like clean cozy mysteries that keep you guessing until the end, you’ll love Hope Callaghan’s Books!”
“Divine Secrets,” is Book 2 in the Divine Cozy Mystery Series
BONUS: Recipe Included!
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Joanna Pepperdine has decided to host an open house at her place to give the Divine, Kansas locals a chance to meet not only her, but also the residents of the halfway house she’s opened for former female convicts.
Despite her fears the event will blow up in her face, it goes off without a hitch…until one of the guests finds a wallet, belonging to a local man who is missing.
Soon after, the missing man’s body is found near the farm, which leads the authorities to Jo’s place. They uncover more clues, all pointing toward someone who lives at the farm.
On a mission to clear their names, Jo discovers someone in the charming small town of Divine may be willing to kill to keep their secrets.
Divine Secrets is book two in the Divine Christian Cozy mystery series by Hope Callaghan. Joanna Pepperdine decided to open her halfway house for former female convicts to allow the community to accept the residents and see what Joanna was trying to achieve. However, someone does not want her to achieve her dreams by implicating her as a murder suspect after a guest found a wallet in her home owned by a resident who was murdered. Joanna Pepperdine started investigating to clear her name and the halfway house residents. The readers of Divine Secrets will continue to follow Joanna Pepperdine to discover what happens.
Divine Secrets is the first book I have read by Hope Callaghan, and it is excellent. I engaged with the story and the characters from the first page, and I could not put the book down until I discovered what happened. Reading this book made me think about the importance of ensuring a safe place for people to learn to accept themselves and improve their lives. I loved Hope Callaghan's portrayal of the characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Divine Secrets is well-written and researched by Hope Callaghan. I like Hope Callaghan's description of the settings of Divine Secrets, which complemented the book's plot.
Divine Secrets is the second book in Hope Callaghan’s Divine Christian Cozy Mystery Series and I enjoyed it as much as I did the first one. In the last book we met Rayleen Baxter, a recently released convicted murderer. She is adamant that she was framed, but few people believe her. She is allowed to live temporarily Second Chances, a home opened by Jo Pepperdine. Jo's rules include one that says she will not take convicted murderers. The story opens with Jo and her cook Delta are taking her to her new residence, but it is such a dangerous area, they bring her back to Second Chances to stay. Along with the residence, Second Chances runs a couple of stores and has a huge garden to help feed the residents as well as sell in the stores to subsidize the home. All seems to be well and there is an Open House to ease the concerns the townsfolk have about having these released criminals living in their midst. One of the guests finds a wallet in the washroom at Second Chances and Jo turns it over to the police. When his body is found later, Gary Stein, the gardner is a suspect in his murder. Jo, Delta and Rayleen start investigating to find the real killer and get Gary off the hook.
This is a wonderful series. This book is a well-plotted mystery, a clean read, with a delightful cast of characters. I love the interactions between Jo and Delta. They feed off each other and are a real hoot. Rayleen is a good addition to the cast of investigators as she was a bounty hunter prior to her arrest and conviction. As a cozy mystery, the story is never too preachy with just the right blend of spiritual elements for a Christian story. This heartwarming series is full of inspiration, hope, and second chances. There are lots of twists and red herrings and multiple suspects in this whodunit to keep the reader engaged. The reveal was not what I was expecting, but it fit the story well. Even though this is the second book in the series, Hope Callaghan does a good job of giving the backstory so you could read this one as a standalone.
I listened to this story narrated by Kim Niemi. It was very well read with distinct voices for the various characters. She is able to sound soothing, sad, resigned and indignant all in a matter of minutes. She definitely does a great job with this series, as this is the second I have listened to in the series. I received this book from the publisher upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Joanna "Jo" Pepperdine along with her best friend, Delta Childress, run a halfway house for released female prisoners. When they have an open house to show the citizens of small town, Divine Kansas, what they are doing to help these women, a lost wallet leads to a series of events that Jo and Delta try to put the pieces together to solve a small town murder.
Although this is the second book in the series, it read well as a stand alone. Callaghan does include a list of characters at the beginning which does help to keep the cast of characters straight. I enjoyed the touches of humor, the appropriately placed spiritual content, and the red herrings that led in different directions until the murder was finally revealed.
"You can second guess yourself all day long...You do the best you can, pray about it, and let God handle the rest."
Divine Secrets is the second book in Hope Callaghan’s Divine Christian Cozy Mystery Series. This well-plotted mystery is a clean read, with a delightful cast of characters. This heartwarming series is full of inspiration, hope, and second chances. There are lots of twists and red herrings and multiple suspects in this whodunit to keep the reader engaged. The reveal came as a surprise to me.
Joanna “Jo” Pepperdine recently opened Second Chances, a haven for women recently 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. She has two stores, Divine Baked Goods Shop and Second Chance Mercantile, where the women work that helps subsidize Second Chance, along with two gardens that are cared for by Gary Stein, Jo’s gardener, that help feed the residents and provides additional income. Delta Childress, the talented cook and second in command, thinks Nash Greyson, their skilled handyman, has feelings for Jo. Jo had many rules, and the number one rule was that she would never allow a woman convicted of murder become a resident; however, 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, she took her in on a temporary basis. As agreed, Pastor Murphy found a permanent placement for Raylene, but when he and Jo took her there, things didn’t work out through no fault on Raylene’s part, and they brought her back to Second Chance.
Jo and the Second Chance staff and residents host an open house with the hope that they can get to know the townsfolk better and show the locals that Second Chance and the residents who live here are a wonderful addition to the community. The evening was progressing nicely, and everyone seemed to be having a nice time, at least until one of the guests, Carrie Ford, finds Craig Grasmeyer’s wallet in the guest bathroom and Carrie is in an accident shortly after leaving the open house. Carrie claimed a vehicle similar to Second Chance’s truck followed her and forced her off the road. Mr. Grasmeyer, who was unpopular and unpleasant, is reported as missing and his jeep and body are found near Second Chance several days later. Jo fears the investigation will focus on them and believes someone is trying to frame them.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story was full of suspense,twists ,turns and an amazing cast of characters. I enjoy all of Hope Callaghan's series but this one is one of the best. I highly recommend it for cozy mystery lovers.
I did not see all the twist and turns that the author pleasantly wove into the story line. All the characters were creatively written. What a pleasant surprise ending that left me wanting more.
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!
Divine Secrets (Book 2) 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 Midwest setting, the small town characters, and unique stores. As a cozy mystery, the story is never too preachy with just the right blend of spiritual elements. As a reader, I 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 in previous books and makes the reader speculate who dun it.. While I am not fond of stereotypes- it is a part of society and Hope Callaghan in an indirect non-judgmental way addressed small town stereotypes, as well as contemporary issues (half way house for former female convicts and small town prejudices). Hope Callaghan weaves in many elements from her other series: an older sleuth, surveillance equipment, and second chances. Enjoy the party and the mystery.
A great easy read that moves smoothly and swiftly to a satisfying conclusion. A good plot with numerous suspects, lots of motives and a lot of feeling. Loved the easy going comradeship of the women, the hint of romance and a glimpse at the darker side of human nature. Their open day could only be called a success except for a couple of things. A man's wallet has been found but the owner hasn't been seen by anyone, one of the town's residents tried to tell them the place was cursed as well as a dump and another resident had been forced of the road when she left. When the wallet owner is found dead it looks as if someone is trying to frame Nash. The women don't take kindly to that and start investigating. They turn up not only that the dead man had a string of mistresses but that he was actively collecting damaging information on some residents. Will this lead them to finding the killer?
Joanna “Jo” Pepperdine and the Second Chance residents are having an open house. It will give them an opportunity to get to know the townsfolk better and show that the women are more than former female convicts. They want the town’s people to see that they are working towards creating a better life for themselves, have turned over a new leaf, and should be given a second chance.
During the open house, a wallet is found on the premises, which later connects to a dead body found not far from Jo’s property. Fingers point to Nash and Jo soon discovers that someone is working hard to frame Nash and the Second Chance residents. Can they find the real killer before everything Jo and the ladies have worked for is torn apart?
This is a well-written story with lots of potential suspects, a few madcap adventures for Jo and the gang, and some red herrings leading up to the reveal of the real killer. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to see what Jo and the ladies will have to face.
This one has me in tears at the end...good tears, but tears just the same. You know it takes a great author that has you so involved in their characters that you forget they exist only in paper. Jo and Delta have their hands full with the farm, the mercantile and bakery already, but the decision to have an open house for the community to become better acquainted with Second Chances really kicks things up a notch. There's a murder not far from the farm, we meet some of the residents of the Indian reservation, feel the beginning of a relationship and even deeper connections are had with the 6 residents of the halfway house.
Like every other series Hope has written, I am looking forward to the next installment of this wonderful book.
Do you believe in angels? Do you believe "the truth will set you free"? Jo and friends throw an open house to give the town's people the opportunity to meet the women that live and work on the farm. When a man's wallet is found on ledge in the bathroom and he is nowhere around, a manhunt is launched and it doesn't bode well for Jo and Nash, her shop manager, when the man is found dead near the farm.. Tara, the newest resident, arrives and the fate of Raylene is determined. Faith and friendship is tested and new friendships begin. I love this story and highly recommend it !!!
This second saga from Divine, Kansas, is a five-star rating in my opinion. Jo's second chance home for former convicted women is filled with strong and sometimes wacky individuals who make for fun reading. Underneath it all is a sting work of God in the lives of each person involved with the work on the farm.
In "Divine Secrets", someone is trying to pin a murder on a resident at the farm. There are so many people who had reason for wanting the victim dead, it is difficult to figure out who the perp is. With teamwork the sleuthing trio at Second Chance uncover the murderer just in time.
Uplifting cozy about a home for newly released female inmates geared at giving them another chance, this time with support and training. Jo's facility is heavy on personal responsibility and a strong faith in the Lord is shared by owner and staff. When an unpopular town resident is found murdered nearby, and insinuates made, the staff investigates on their own
Wow is all I can say. This book 2 is a great story. Continuing on from book 1, Jo and gang are hosting an open house so the community can see what they are all about. When a wallet is found but the owner is no where around, people get suspicious. When a man is found dead a couple of days later, who is the owner of the wallet, all fingers point to Jo and her house of harden criminals. Can Jo and Delta prove the are all innocent?
Joanna Pepperdine continues to help women get a second chance after serving time in prison and now live and work at Second Chance. The story in Book One continues about Raylene living there while Pastor Murphy looks for a place for her to live. An open house is arranged for residents of Divine to meet and know how things are run at Second chance when a body is found not far from the house. Jo gets involved with trying to solve the murder to clear her name and Second chance!
Jo Pepperdine has an open house at her Second Chance home. The town people think her land is cursed, yet while most of the town is attending her open house a murder is committed. Jo is sure someone is setting them up for the murder. A great story where they investigate trying to find the murder, a possibility of a new romance for Jo, a new resident arrives, and an old resident has a chance to stay. Wonderful story. Highly recommended.
Jo makes good use of her inheritance, giving women a second chance.
You know when you begin a Hope Callaghan mystery, you won't be disappointed. Dealing with a new start for women after prison, in Divine Secrets, she shows faith, compassion,, a little hint of romance to come, a lot humor, and of course a murder to solve.
We meet our characters again with a new mystery. This time it does involve murder. The flow is good and the solution a little simple, not that it could be guessed. We still have unanswered questions regarding our main characters past and still looking forward to more information.
Jo holds an open house to show the town what she's doing. A wallet is found in the bathroom, the man it belongs to is found to be missing and later found dead. Raylene is still at the farm. A lot of suspects Craig's murder. Jo feels she needs to help find the guilty person. Interesting characters.
This is an exciting sequel to Divine Intervention and every page keeps one on the edge of his or her seat. It is so easy to relate to each character and go through what each of them is experiencing as a whodunit case comes up and the heroines are figuring out how to find the truth and help save their friends. I can't wait to read the next book.
Another good book in this series. Jo and Delta are great friends and work so well together. It would be nice if Jo and Nash got together but it's not necessary to the books. Loved the Christian expression throughout the book, showing an intimate relationship with God. Good book.
This is the second book of the Divine cozy mystery series. I enjoyed this one as much as I did the first book. This is a Christian mystery series. It is not preachy and has a good plot along with a great cast of characters. I like that you don't have to read the first one to understand what is going on. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
It was so interesting to find out how choices made in the first book of this series turned and to see the characters continue to grow. I also loved learning more about the townspeople. The mystery had me guessing right to the very end. Curl up and enjoy this book!
Ms Callag's writing is such a comfort. I love the characters and the description of each scene is like I'm right there in the book! This story will keep you guess until the very end!
The book is a nice, fun read. Well written and engaging. The story makes you want to come and visit the characters. Pull up a chair and share a cup of coffee and a muffin.
This is an uplifting book to read in these troubled times. Yes it’s a mystery but it’s also a story of second chances. The characters are well developed and are people I would love to know.
I choose this book because of the Title. Divine caught my eye. It has been fun night time reading. The author has created the people in this story with heart felt comfort. Good reading.