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Divine Christian Cozy Mystery #5
Divine Christmas
It’s Christmas time in the cozy town of Divine. All is merry and bright…until someone is murdered. Where do you start looking for a killer, when half the town is a suspect? Read this Christian Christmas fiction suspense mystery novel FREE with Kindle Unlimited! “Divine Christmas” is Book 5 in the Divine Cozy Mystery Series Recipe Included! -------------------------------- The Christmas season has finally arrived in the cozy town of Divine, and Jo is determined to create wonderful, warm memories for the residents of Second Chance farm. After someone steals the Christmas gifts purchased for the area’s underprivileged children, Pastor Murphy is forced to ask the area business owners for donations. Everyone is more than willing to help except for a longtime local “Scrooge” that no one seems to like. When the man turns up dead, Jo is on the investigator’s radar after learning she had an unpleasant exchange with him shortly before his death. Jo and her friends start their own investigation and soon discover half the town had a reason to take him out. Will the residents be able to save Christmas for the kids and will Jo be able to prove her innocence, or will the real killer literally get away with murder? Find out when you celebrate a Divine Christmas with Jo and friends! -------------------------------- Books in the Divine Mystery Divine Book 1 Divine Book 2 Divine Book 3 Divine Book 4 Divine Book 5 Divine Book 6 (Just Released!) Divine Book 7 (Coming Soon!)
- GenresChristmasCozy Mystery
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2019
832 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Hope Callaghan
190 books772 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 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 21, 2020
When someone steals the Christmas presents intended for the needy, the citizens of Divine agree to contribute even more. That is all agree but one of the richest men in town. When he is found dead the next day, Jo Pepperdine is a top suspect.
The characters in this delightful cozy mystery are wonderfully fleshed out, the settings are vividly presented, and the page-turning plot is loaded with twists.
Recommended for cozy mystery fans.
The characters in this delightful cozy mystery are wonderfully fleshed out, the settings are vividly presented, and the page-turning plot is loaded with twists.
Recommended for cozy mystery fans.
August 4, 2022
If you're looking for a cozy mystery, this series might be a great one for you.
December 21, 2023
So pleased to have found this wonderful cozy mystery series, while seeking Christmas-themed reading. The Christian perspective is well written and beautifully woven into the story line. Characters are very relatable and the general setting,which I believe carries through the whole series, is vividly described. Looking forward to reading all the books in the Divine Christian Cozy Mystery series.
December 19, 2019
Divine Christmas is the fifth book in Hope Callaghan’s Divine Cozy Mystery Series. This heartwarming series is full of inspiration, hope, and second chances. I enjoy this author’s writing style and her ability to paint vivid pictures with her written words. The storyline in this clean read is well thought out, with a wonderful cast of three-dimensional characters and lots of twists, turns, and red herrings. The plot and sub-plots quickly turned this book into a page-turner. I recommend this book/series to anyone who enjoys reading well-crafted cozy mysteries.
Joanna “Jo” Pepperdine opened Second Chances, a haven for women who have recently been released from Central State Women’s Penitentiary, in Divine, Kansas. The women are down on their luck, with nowhere to go, and Jo provides them with a second chance in life. Delta Childress, a talented cook and second in command, shares her cooking and baking knowledge with the residents. Nash Greyson is a skilled handyman who keeps Second Chances in good repair and teaches the women how to build and repair things. Gary Stein, Jo’s gardener, tends two gardens and instructs the women on successful gardening.
Jo knows the holidays will be difficult for the women in her care and is determined to make this a fun and memorable Christmas for each of them. Jo and the Second Chance staff and residents, other than Tara Cloyne, are looking forward to decorating their Christmas tree, making and hanging their Christmas stockings, and other holiday activities. Tara, the newest resident, is missing her young daughter and just can’t bring herself to join the festivities. Miles Parker, Jo’s half-brother, is still in town, demanding what he claims is his share of Jo’s inheritance, and wants to make Divine his permanent residence. When Pastor Sawyer Murphy tells local business owners that gifts intended for local children had been stolen, Jo decides they would host a Christmas party for children in need, and Nash and Gary pitch in to make the event a success. The body of Harrison Cantwell, an angry, bitter, and ruthless man who owns a large portion of the town, is found behind the old theater. Not only is Jo a prime suspect in Harrison’s murder, but she finds herself needing to do some soul searching and make a difficult decision as well.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Joanna “Jo” Pepperdine opened Second Chances, a haven for women who have recently been released from Central State Women’s Penitentiary, in Divine, Kansas. The women are down on their luck, with nowhere to go, and Jo provides them with a second chance in life. Delta Childress, a talented cook and second in command, shares her cooking and baking knowledge with the residents. Nash Greyson is a skilled handyman who keeps Second Chances in good repair and teaches the women how to build and repair things. Gary Stein, Jo’s gardener, tends two gardens and instructs the women on successful gardening.
Jo knows the holidays will be difficult for the women in her care and is determined to make this a fun and memorable Christmas for each of them. Jo and the Second Chance staff and residents, other than Tara Cloyne, are looking forward to decorating their Christmas tree, making and hanging their Christmas stockings, and other holiday activities. Tara, the newest resident, is missing her young daughter and just can’t bring herself to join the festivities. Miles Parker, Jo’s half-brother, is still in town, demanding what he claims is his share of Jo’s inheritance, and wants to make Divine his permanent residence. When Pastor Sawyer Murphy tells local business owners that gifts intended for local children had been stolen, Jo decides they would host a Christmas party for children in need, and Nash and Gary pitch in to make the event a success. The body of Harrison Cantwell, an angry, bitter, and ruthless man who owns a large portion of the town, is found behind the old theater. Not only is Jo a prime suspect in Harrison’s murder, but she finds herself needing to do some soul searching and make a difficult decision as well.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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!
December 21, 2019
Are there divine visitors?
In the little town of Divine, known for strange occurrences, Jo, Delta, Nash ,Gary and the girls are suspects of murder and targeted by an escaped convict for robbery.
It begins at an emergent town meeting, called by Pastor Murphy, needing help for his Christmas project, which he gives presents to the needy.
Someone stole all the toys, and he needs the help of the town's business owners to contribute once again so the children will not be disappointed!
Most everyone agrees to donate except one of the wealthiest and most unpopular residents. He picks arguments with all the attendees and unfortunately is found dead the next day.
Everyone is suspect and of course Jo is number one on the list.
There is also an escapee from the women's prison, that is targeting the farm because of a rumor of lots of money being on the premises.I
Hope can keep your attention in this mystery at Christmas time.
I would highly recommend this book, #5 in this series or any of her other series!!
Always looking forward to her next read.
In the little town of Divine, known for strange occurrences, Jo, Delta, Nash ,Gary and the girls are suspects of murder and targeted by an escaped convict for robbery.
It begins at an emergent town meeting, called by Pastor Murphy, needing help for his Christmas project, which he gives presents to the needy.
Someone stole all the toys, and he needs the help of the town's business owners to contribute once again so the children will not be disappointed!
Most everyone agrees to donate except one of the wealthiest and most unpopular residents. He picks arguments with all the attendees and unfortunately is found dead the next day.
Everyone is suspect and of course Jo is number one on the list.
There is also an escapee from the women's prison, that is targeting the farm because of a rumor of lots of money being on the premises.I
Hope can keep your attention in this mystery at Christmas time.
I would highly recommend this book, #5 in this series or any of her other series!!
Always looking forward to her next read.
December 21, 2019
Robbery, murder, mayhem and magic with unexpected twists. God has a way of turning the worst of situations into the best. Who knows the reasons why? Will Jo Pepperdine solve the mystery of the missing toys for the church toy drive? Book 5 Divine Christmas is set in the town of Divine, Kansas - the Midpoint of the continuous 48 states. Hope Callaghan's writing style has me hooked: relatable holiday descriptions with a Midwest setting, small town characters and stereotypes, and unique stores. As a cozy mystery, the story is never too preachy with just the right blend of spiritual elements. As an avid reader, I enjoy how Hope Callaghan summarizes what happened previously, and then throws the reader a new idea or red herring. Divine Christmas is a page turning story with relatable characters, small town setting, and a believable resolution. Recipe included.
December 24, 2019
Merry Christmas! God bless us every one!!
Hope has mastered Christmas with the telling of this story. We read about forgiveness, compassion, tough love and more. Yet most intriguing to me is the reappearance of the large men caught on camera and seen in the field. I don't think I would mess around with Jo Pepperdine! She's got guardian angels watching over her!!!! This is a wonderful story just as all of Hope Callaghan books. Once you start reading, she draws you in right through to the very end!
Hope has mastered Christmas with the telling of this story. We read about forgiveness, compassion, tough love and more. Yet most intriguing to me is the reappearance of the large men caught on camera and seen in the field. I don't think I would mess around with Jo Pepperdine! She's got guardian angels watching over her!!!! This is a wonderful story just as all of Hope Callaghan books. Once you start reading, she draws you in right through to the very end!
December 27, 2019
This is another hit by Hope Callaghan. I have read all of her books in all of her series. Divine Christmas finds Jo and the residents at Second Chance farm celebrating Christmas but murder and theft has them side tracked to find out what's going on. As always, Hope writes a Christian story of mystery, hope, love and are there possibly spiritual beings surrounding the farm? I highly recommend this book, as well as all of Hope's other books and series.
December 28, 2019
Absolutely Divine
It's the Christmas Season and Jo Pepperdine is planning to give her residents of her halfway house a wonderful holiday to ease their pain of. Being away from loved ones. Well, were it not for one old lodger that would make Ebenezer Scrooge look like an elf, a runaway that misses her child so much, and an escapee from the prison No just might be able to pull it off. These books just keep getting better and better.
It's the Christmas Season and Jo Pepperdine is planning to give her residents of her halfway house a wonderful holiday to ease their pain of. Being away from loved ones. Well, were it not for one old lodger that would make Ebenezer Scrooge look like an elf, a runaway that misses her child so much, and an escapee from the prison No just might be able to pull it off. These books just keep getting better and better.
July 10, 2021
Christmas toys
There's an emergency meeting of the local business owners. Someone has stolen the toys for the local children Christmas. Jo meets the meanest man in town who is later murdered. Miles still wants to live in Devine. A woman who murdered her husband escapes from prison and is seen around town and Jo's farm. Jo and her group have their work cut out for them this time. Really good story and characters
There's an emergency meeting of the local business owners. Someone has stolen the toys for the local children Christmas. Jo meets the meanest man in town who is later murdered. Miles still wants to live in Devine. A woman who murdered her husband escapes from prison and is seen around town and Jo's farm. Jo and her group have their work cut out for them this time. Really good story and characters
January 15, 2020
Wonderful cozy mystery
Jo has a few problems to face, a possible lawsuit from the most hated man in Divine, an escaped prisoner and who took the Christmas presents that were donated to the church for impoverished children? I do like these books. They have a warm feel good factor. I hope there will be more books.
Jo has a few problems to face, a possible lawsuit from the most hated man in Divine, an escaped prisoner and who took the Christmas presents that were donated to the church for impoverished children? I do like these books. They have a warm feel good factor. I hope there will be more books.
February 11, 2020
I just thought this was such a good book. From the beginning to the end it just kept your interest. It is a cozy but the setting was so different than any cozy I had read before. It is in the cozy town of Divine and I fell in love with Jo. She had a way about her that I wish many more people would. Hope banged the ball out over the wall with this cozy with many mysteries.
January 7, 2024
Good story--will make you smile
This is a great Christmas story. Jo owns a farm in a small town in Kansas. She has a bake shop, a small restaurant, and helps women who have Bern recently released from prison to begin their transition to being out on their own. She finds out she has a half brother-- Miles. Someone has stolen toys collected for children in need, and the town needs to replace the items. Interesting story that will keep you reading. Enjoyed the book.
This is a great Christmas story. Jo owns a farm in a small town in Kansas. She has a bake shop, a small restaurant, and helps women who have Bern recently released from prison to begin their transition to being out on their own. She finds out she has a half brother-- Miles. Someone has stolen toys collected for children in need, and the town needs to replace the items. Interesting story that will keep you reading. Enjoyed the book.
July 26, 2020
Christmas mystery solved
Interesting story. Girl leaves a prison farm because she feels out of place. She leaves to help her former cell mate escape. A murder is committed. Appears that a newcomer to town did the crime but accomplishes of escaped convict did the job. A lot of clues led to the true killer.
Interesting story. Girl leaves a prison farm because she feels out of place. She leaves to help her former cell mate escape. A murder is committed. Appears that a newcomer to town did the crime but accomplishes of escaped convict did the job. A lot of clues led to the true killer.
June 29, 2022
Divine Christmas
This is a good series! The mystery, story and characters are great.
The only thing that's not positive is the way the characters talk sometimes. For example, 'take me/you out' or 'casing the place'. There are other examples but that Is enough to explains what is said. The phases are so out of character that they are jarring, which makes them noticeable. Since this phraseology is used throughout the series it is done deliberately. A shame because this is an amazing series with an excellent message to the readers. Good book.
This is a good series! The mystery, story and characters are great.
The only thing that's not positive is the way the characters talk sometimes. For example, 'take me/you out' or 'casing the place'. There are other examples but that Is enough to explains what is said. The phases are so out of character that they are jarring, which makes them noticeable. Since this phraseology is used throughout the series it is done deliberately. A shame because this is an amazing series with an excellent message to the readers. Good book.
December 22, 2019
Awesome book
I do love this series of books. But this one was special because it centered around Christmas. It also has a runaway. That was different and sad. It's a great book.
I do love this series of books. But this one was special because it centered around Christmas. It also has a runaway. That was different and sad. It's a great book.
December 23, 2019
Always a divine read!!!
I love the quirky characters & how the farm residents blend to become family. I appreciate the theme of second chances with God our father and also man/humankind.I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series .
I love the quirky characters & how the farm residents blend to become family. I appreciate the theme of second chances with God our father and also man/humankind.I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series .
December 29, 2019
Whilst I enjoyed this book, as I have others in the series, I felt it ended a bit abruptly and don't think it completely solved the mystery. (Unless I missed something!). Will read others in series sometime though.
January 3, 2020
Another good read.
I have read every book that Hope has written. Every book has been outstanding. Lots of plot and intrigue. I would recommend this and every book she has written.. If you want clean reading then Hope Callaghan is an author you would want to read.
I have read every book that Hope has written. Every book has been outstanding. Lots of plot and intrigue. I would recommend this and every book she has written.. If you want clean reading then Hope Callaghan is an author you would want to read.
January 5, 2020
Nice Cozy Mystery
Thiswas a nice cozy mystery filled with plenty of suspense, twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and the characters.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
Thiswas a nice cozy mystery filled with plenty of suspense, twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and the characters.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
January 7, 2020
Great story that ended too soon!
I enjoyed this addition to the Divine series! Too soon, the great story of Jo's adventure and mystery-solving ended. Here's hoping the next part of the series is soon released!
I enjoyed this addition to the Divine series! Too soon, the great story of Jo's adventure and mystery-solving ended. Here's hoping the next part of the series is soon released!
January 10, 2020
Divine Christmas
When I began reading this book I didn’t know it was a Christian book. Regardless it was a good story and held my interest. I’m now going to read the next one in the series
When I began reading this book I didn’t know it was a Christian book. Regardless it was a good story and held my interest. I’m now going to read the next one in the series
February 29, 2020
Divine Christmas
I love this series! This book has everyone helping to make a wonderful Christmas for needy children. Unfortunately there is a murder. You won’t find out who did it until the very end. What a surprise!
I love this series! This book has everyone helping to make a wonderful Christmas for needy children. Unfortunately there is a murder. You won’t find out who did it until the very end. What a surprise!
August 25, 2020
A Very Merry Christmas!
If you enjoy good old fashion Christmas decorating, hot chocolate by the fireside with a murder and mystery thrown in on the side...then this is definitely the book you've been waiting for! I enjoyed every page!!
If you enjoy good old fashion Christmas decorating, hot chocolate by the fireside with a murder and mystery thrown in on the side...then this is definitely the book you've been waiting for! I enjoyed every page!!
July 18, 2021
My review for a Divine Christmas
I loved it! A beautiful warm your soul book! This series is beautiful reminder of how much God is ever present. This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
I loved it! A beautiful warm your soul book! This series is beautiful reminder of how much God is ever present. This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
January 17, 2022
Callaghan scores again
This is only one of about all of the books I have read of Hope Callaghan. As always its driven with mystery and a love for Jesus. I dare you to read it! You want be sorry, you'll want to read more.
This is only one of about all of the books I have read of Hope Callaghan. As always its driven with mystery and a love for Jesus. I dare you to read it! You want be sorry, you'll want to read more.
March 16, 2023
Divine!
This series is absolutely !lovely and a treasure to read and be influenced by the Holy Spirit. We need this more than ever due to the pandemic wars and global warming. We need to be!ieve! We need Answers a d the Divine may be jt. A truly heart warming read.
This series is absolutely !lovely and a treasure to read and be influenced by the Holy Spirit. We need this more than ever due to the pandemic wars and global warming. We need to be!ieve! We need Answers a d the Divine may be jt. A truly heart warming read.
November 17, 2023
Sweet mystery
There was a lack of details at the beginning for someone new to the series, butoat can be picked up as the reader continues through the book. This would be best read as a part of the series.
Romance level: kisses
There was a lack of details at the beginning for someone new to the series, butoat can be picked up as the reader continues through the book. This would be best read as a part of the series.
Romance level: kisses
December 23, 2019
Wonderful!
Another hit by Hope! I couldn't put this down. Hope has a special gift writing mysteries that also make you feel good at the end.
Another hit by Hope! I couldn't put this down. Hope has a special gift writing mysteries that also make you feel good at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews