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Divine Christian Cozy Mystery #4
Divine Decisions
Jo becomes a suspect after a valuable antique goes missing. Delta is obsessed with winning the upcoming Divine Fall Festival baking contest.
With fall fast approaching in the tiny town of Divine, Kansas, Delta is certain she has the upcoming Fall Festival baking contest “in the bag” until an old rival returns to town with plans to enter and win the coveted prize.
Meanwhile, a valuable antique piece goes missing after being purchased by one of Jo’s friends. Since Jo was one of only a handful of people who knew about the piece, the police show up on her doorstep to question her.
Will Jo and her friends be able to clear her name by tracking down the antique before it’s too late…or will their decision to find the antique and uncover the culprit come back to haunt them forever?
Break out the apple cider & cinnamon donuts and join Jo and friends for another Divine Adventure!
With fall fast approaching in the tiny town of Divine, Kansas, Delta is certain she has the upcoming Fall Festival baking contest “in the bag” until an old rival returns to town with plans to enter and win the coveted prize.
Meanwhile, a valuable antique piece goes missing after being purchased by one of Jo’s friends. Since Jo was one of only a handful of people who knew about the piece, the police show up on her doorstep to question her.
Will Jo and her friends be able to clear her name by tracking down the antique before it’s too late…or will their decision to find the antique and uncover the culprit come back to haunt them forever?
Break out the apple cider & cinnamon donuts and join Jo and friends for another Divine Adventure!
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2019
About the author
Hope Callaghan
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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 48 reviews
December 17, 2019
Divine Decisions is the fourth book in Hope Callaghan’s Divine Cozy Mystery Series. This heartwarming series is full of inspiration, hope, and second chances. This well-plotted mystery is a clean read, with affable characters. I’m enjoying getting to know the delightful cast of characters, watching them grow, and learning their backstories. There are lots of twists and turns, along with multiple suspects to keep readers engaged. The reveal came as a surprise to me. I highly recommend this series.
Joanna “Jo” Pepperdine opened Second Chances in Divine, Kansas, a haven for women who have recently been released from Central State Women’s Penitentiary. The women are down on their luck, with nowhere to go, and Jo provides them with a second chance in life. In addition to Second Chances, there are two stores on the property, Divine Baked Goods Shop and Second Chance Mercantile, where the women work, which help subsidize the halfway house. There are also gardens which are cared for by Gary Stein, Jo’s gardener, that help feed the residents and provide additional income and instructs the women on successful gardening. Delta Childress, a talented cook and second in command, shares her cooking and baking knowledge with the residents. Nash Greyson, who has feelings for Jo, is a skilled handyman who keeps Second Chances in good repair and teaches the women how to build and repair things.
As the date for Divine Fall Festival and baking contest Delta hopes to win draws near, an old rival, Amelia Willis, is visiting family in town and decides to enter her prized strawberry cake to compete with Delta and Marlee, the local deli owner’s entries. Claire, the owner of Claire’s Collectibles and Antiques and a laundromat/dry cleaners, purchases an old sword at an estate sale, she asks Jo if she knows anyone who could appraise it for her, they discover that it’s a rare and valuable antique. When the sword is stolen, Jo is one of the people the authorities are looking at as the thief. Miles Parker, who claims to be Jo’s half-brother, has been in town recently and it appears he’s planning to move to Divine. He wants what he claims is his share of Jo’s inheritance and is worried that she will not only lose Second Chances but everything and everyone dear to her.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Joanna “Jo” Pepperdine opened Second Chances in Divine, Kansas, a haven for women who have recently been released from Central State Women’s Penitentiary. The women are down on their luck, with nowhere to go, and Jo provides them with a second chance in life. In addition to Second Chances, there are two stores on the property, Divine Baked Goods Shop and Second Chance Mercantile, where the women work, which help subsidize the halfway house. There are also gardens which are cared for by Gary Stein, Jo’s gardener, that help feed the residents and provide additional income and instructs the women on successful gardening. Delta Childress, a talented cook and second in command, shares her cooking and baking knowledge with the residents. Nash Greyson, who has feelings for Jo, is a skilled handyman who keeps Second Chances in good repair and teaches the women how to build and repair things.
As the date for Divine Fall Festival and baking contest Delta hopes to win draws near, an old rival, Amelia Willis, is visiting family in town and decides to enter her prized strawberry cake to compete with Delta and Marlee, the local deli owner’s entries. Claire, the owner of Claire’s Collectibles and Antiques and a laundromat/dry cleaners, purchases an old sword at an estate sale, she asks Jo if she knows anyone who could appraise it for her, they discover that it’s a rare and valuable antique. When the sword is stolen, Jo is one of the people the authorities are looking at as the thief. Miles Parker, who claims to be Jo’s half-brother, has been in town recently and it appears he’s planning to move to Divine. He wants what he claims is his share of Jo’s inheritance and is worried that she will not only lose Second Chances but everything and everyone dear to her.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 25, 2020
Contests and thieves.
Delta is losing her mind over the upcoming baking contest at the fall festival, and a dear friend has been robbed. Trying to solve the crime and keep Delta from imploding is turning the women's lives upside down.
Delta is losing her mind over the upcoming baking contest at the fall festival, and a dear friend has been robbed. Trying to solve the crime and keep Delta from imploding is turning the women's lives upside down.
September 26, 2019
A Nice Mystery
This was a nice mystery filled with plenty twists and turns.
I enjoyed the storyline and the cast of characters.
This book is recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
This was a nice mystery filled with plenty twists and turns.
I enjoyed the storyline and the cast of characters.
This book is recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
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!
October 5, 2019
Another Great book
Wow! This author always hits the ball out of the park! Jo and gang once again remind us how powerful Hope and faith can be.
Wow! This author always hits the ball out of the park! Jo and gang once again remind us how powerful Hope and faith can be.
February 1, 2020
I picked up this story looking for something interesting but not too agitating for a pre-bedtime read and was pleased to find the main character is a Christian. The storyline centers on a farm for former women prisoners run by Jo, a Christian, which is under attack by the sudden appearance of a man claiming to be a relative. It also moves between a baking contest among rivals and the mysterious theft of an antique sword. Nothing too terrifying, but pleasantly interesting. It kept me reading. I was also pleased to see good quality writing and editing.
My main critique is regarding the characters, who have little differentiation. Jo, the main one, is distinguished by her Christian attitude, though it doesn't go deep as she seems willing to be vengeful toward the relative. Her best friend Delta and most of the other women blend together with few differentiating characteristics and almost no physical descriptions, which not only makes them hard to tell apart sometimes but would have helped make the story more alive and real. More sensory elements and environmental descriptions would also have helped l. There's a lot of chit-chat, but the story did keep me reading to the end. I'm pondering whether to read any other books in the series. If I could give it a 3-1/2, I would, but it's more of a 4 than a 3.
My main critique is regarding the characters, who have little differentiation. Jo, the main one, is distinguished by her Christian attitude, though it doesn't go deep as she seems willing to be vengeful toward the relative. Her best friend Delta and most of the other women blend together with few differentiating characteristics and almost no physical descriptions, which not only makes them hard to tell apart sometimes but would have helped make the story more alive and real. More sensory elements and environmental descriptions would also have helped l. There's a lot of chit-chat, but the story did keep me reading to the end. I'm pondering whether to read any other books in the series. If I could give it a 3-1/2, I would, but it's more of a 4 than a 3.
July 9, 2021
The Sword
Claire bought a gem encrusted gold sword at an estate sale calls Jo to come look at it. Claire feels the sword is worth some serious money, she's shown it a couple of local antique dealers in the area. Jo calls Gordon who purchased art and antiques for her father. He wants to send his friend pictures and do a rubbing of the blade. The sword is stolen. Miles wants Jo to do a DNA test to see if they have the same father. Delta is working on her entry for the baking contest. Jo has her work cut out for her with the theft. Good story and characters.
Claire bought a gem encrusted gold sword at an estate sale calls Jo to come look at it. Claire feels the sword is worth some serious money, she's shown it a couple of local antique dealers in the area. Jo calls Gordon who purchased art and antiques for her father. He wants to send his friend pictures and do a rubbing of the blade. The sword is stolen. Miles wants Jo to do a DNA test to see if they have the same father. Delta is working on her entry for the baking contest. Jo has her work cut out for her with the theft. Good story and characters.
February 28, 2021
I love all the Divine Series books!!
I love the realness of the characters and how with each book in the series we get to know them so much better and get to know new people from the town itself!
I love the realness of the characters and how with each book in the series we get to know them so much better and get to know new people from the town itself!
June 29, 2022
Divine Decision
Finally, Nash and Joanna go on a date. This was a wonderful story. And the thief was a surprise. This series is a v welcome treat from the look alike books of the genre. Good book, story and characters.
Finally, Nash and Joanna go on a date. This was a wonderful story. And the thief was a surprise. This series is a v welcome treat from the look alike books of the genre. Good book, story and characters.
February 26, 2020
Another good story. Really like the characters.
July 4, 2020
A story of mystery and love
I liked the characters. A little mystery with a love story mixed in. Also a story of an man attempting to claim an inheritance.
I liked the characters. A little mystery with a love story mixed in. Also a story of an man attempting to claim an inheritance.
October 12, 2020
Interesting story plots
I found my interest to see how each story plot would resolve as they unfolded. I found myself encouraged as you see how things do work out for the good.
I found my interest to see how each story plot would resolve as they unfolded. I found myself encouraged as you see how things do work out for the good.
October 12, 2020
My review of Divine Decisions
I loved it! I’m so glad Jo and Nash are together! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
I loved it! I’m so glad Jo and Nash are together! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
Read
November 24, 2020Read it
March 4, 2021
Excellent book
I thought this was a great Christian mystery with suspense and romance. It was also a great addition to the series.
I thought this was a great Christian mystery with suspense and romance. It was also a great addition to the series.
March 31, 2021
I loved this book. I give it 5stars. I Recommend all your books especially the Devine series . Emma Wooten
December 29, 2021
Lives
It is different to read about something that you don’t know about and thinking of how it affects people differently. It is hard to know how even you would react.
It is different to read about something that you don’t know about and thinking of how it affects people differently. It is hard to know how even you would react.
February 18, 2022
Enjoyable series
I am enjoying this series very much. I appreciate that they are Christian and do not have swear words or sex. I enjoy the characters.
I am enjoying this series very much. I appreciate that they are Christian and do not have swear words or sex. I enjoy the characters.
September 23, 2022
3.5
In this fourth book of the series, a sword that was exceptionally valuable was stolen from Claire’s antique shop, and we learn more of the claim Jo has a half brother.
In this fourth book of the series, a sword that was exceptionally valuable was stolen from Claire’s antique shop, and we learn more of the claim Jo has a half brother.
February 10, 2025
“She held the book close and breathed deeply. I love the smell. I love the feel of a book in my hands.”
Title: Divine Blindside #3
Title: Divine Decisions #4
Author: Hope Callaghan
⭐️⭐️⭐️
These books are three and four in the Divine cozy mystery series.
In book 3, Divine, Kansas has its upcoming fall festival. With all the things like a hay maze and a bake off. On top of that there is a murder and like usual Joanna Pepperdine is at the center of the case trying to solve the mystery of who done it and why.
In book 4, an antique valuable sword found at an estate sale goes missing. Someone stole it. Once again, Joanna is going to figure out where that sword went.
The first four books in the series were given to me by a friend. I already finished the first two a while ago. I decided in 2025 if I pull a book from a series, I’m finishing that series right away so I went right onto book 4 after reading book 3. All these books were OK. I think one of the things I like best about them is that they are fast reads. This is partly due to the size of the print on the pages so it makes for a fast reading. And the stories themselves as
Title: Divine Blindside #3
Title: Divine Decisions #4
Author: Hope Callaghan
⭐️⭐️⭐️
These books are three and four in the Divine cozy mystery series.
In book 3, Divine, Kansas has its upcoming fall festival. With all the things like a hay maze and a bake off. On top of that there is a murder and like usual Joanna Pepperdine is at the center of the case trying to solve the mystery of who done it and why.
In book 4, an antique valuable sword found at an estate sale goes missing. Someone stole it. Once again, Joanna is going to figure out where that sword went.
The first four books in the series were given to me by a friend. I already finished the first two a while ago. I decided in 2025 if I pull a book from a series, I’m finishing that series right away so I went right onto book 4 after reading book 3. All these books were OK. I think one of the things I like best about them is that they are fast reads. This is partly due to the size of the print on the pages so it makes for a fast reading. And the stories themselves as
February 23, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed Devine Decisions, particularly the faith element and how all the friends and women of the halfway house pull together. I wasn't able to figure out who the thief was, but I guess I wasn't thinking hard enough. I was just coasting along and enjoying the story. There is so much more to this author's stories in addition to the mystery.
June 23, 2024
Divinely Delightful
I have devoured all 4 books in this series and enjoyed each one. The characters are well fleshed out, the setting wonderful and the theme of second chances uplifting.
I have devoured all 4 books in this series and enjoyed each one. The characters are well fleshed out, the setting wonderful and the theme of second chances uplifting.
May 30, 2023
Fun reading!
A fun read and the story moves along quickly. A hard to put down book and an interesting storyline. I can hardly wait to read the next one in the series.
A fun read and the story moves along quickly. A hard to put down book and an interesting storyline. I can hardly wait to read the next one in the series.
May 29, 2024
Great mystery, and delightful story! Loved this one!
October 2, 2019
Refreshing was my first thought when I began to turn the pages of this Cozy Christian Mystery.
I read alot of Cozy's.
But I think I can honestly say I have not read one that fall's into the Christian genre. For this reader that is refreshing.
Even if you are not interested in books in this genre I hope you will give this book/series a chance.
Hope Callaghan wrote/writes an amazing cozy mystery with a Christian underlying theme that is not overly pushy to turn off folks that are not fan's of this genre.
Divine Decisions was a great book. I enjoyed the plot/story line and the characters.
Jo and her friends, clients and associates are charming and heart warming.
Along with the mystery of who stole the priceless artifact the upcoming baking contest and the contestants endeavors to be the big 'winner' is a bit funny, quirky and just makes for a great read.
Although Divine Decisions is book 4 in the series I picked it up and was immediately drawn into the story. I did not feel a 'need' to read the previous books.
Also included in the book is a cast of characters and honestly I was so intrigued with digging in that I didn't read it. Once into the story I didn't feel I needed to be introduced to the cast. It was just so easy to read this one. I have read lots and lots of books that I needed the cast of characters to keep everyone straight and to make the reading enjoyable. That was not the case here.
I enjoyed Divine Decisions so much that I am waiting expectantly for the next installment and the previous 3 are on my TBR pile.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I read alot of Cozy's.
But I think I can honestly say I have not read one that fall's into the Christian genre. For this reader that is refreshing.
Even if you are not interested in books in this genre I hope you will give this book/series a chance.
Hope Callaghan wrote/writes an amazing cozy mystery with a Christian underlying theme that is not overly pushy to turn off folks that are not fan's of this genre.
Divine Decisions was a great book. I enjoyed the plot/story line and the characters.
Jo and her friends, clients and associates are charming and heart warming.
Along with the mystery of who stole the priceless artifact the upcoming baking contest and the contestants endeavors to be the big 'winner' is a bit funny, quirky and just makes for a great read.
Although Divine Decisions is book 4 in the series I picked it up and was immediately drawn into the story. I did not feel a 'need' to read the previous books.
Also included in the book is a cast of characters and honestly I was so intrigued with digging in that I didn't read it. Once into the story I didn't feel I needed to be introduced to the cast. It was just so easy to read this one. I have read lots and lots of books that I needed the cast of characters to keep everyone straight and to make the reading enjoyable. That was not the case here.
I enjoyed Divine Decisions so much that I am waiting expectantly for the next installment and the previous 3 are on my TBR pile.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
September 27, 2019
I just LOVE this series! ❤
Hope Callaghan is one of my 3 favorite authors who never fail to deliver a story packed with personality! Her characters are so real and believable you will find yourself yearning to be among their circle of friends!
This latest book in the Divine series is one I couldn't out down from start to finish! So many story lines all easily connected make the intrigue level hike up a few notches! The baking contest, the mysterious theft, the budding relationship, the Fall festival, the new addition and the man who wants most of what Jo owns are all great stories on their own...but Hope combined them artfully and with great finesse! What I like best, without doubt, is the beautiful subtlety she uses as a Christian writer to show God's hand in everything without feeling like you're reading a sermon or being preached to. Even if you're not a person of faith, these books lend an air of peaceful calm. I absolutely can not wait for the next book!!!!!!!! What a wonderful series.
Hope Callaghan is one of my 3 favorite authors who never fail to deliver a story packed with personality! Her characters are so real and believable you will find yourself yearning to be among their circle of friends!
This latest book in the Divine series is one I couldn't out down from start to finish! So many story lines all easily connected make the intrigue level hike up a few notches! The baking contest, the mysterious theft, the budding relationship, the Fall festival, the new addition and the man who wants most of what Jo owns are all great stories on their own...but Hope combined them artfully and with great finesse! What I like best, without doubt, is the beautiful subtlety she uses as a Christian writer to show God's hand in everything without feeling like you're reading a sermon or being preached to. Even if you're not a person of faith, these books lend an air of peaceful calm. I absolutely can not wait for the next book!!!!!!!! What a wonderful series.
October 22, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Preparations for the Divine Fall Festival are in the works when Jo’s friend, Claire, has a valuable sword stolen from her antique store. It seems like as the search for the theft goes on the number of suspects grow. Raylene assist’s Jo in her investigation while Delta is working on her recipe for the Divine Baking Contest. To top it off Jo has a man who claim’s to be her half brother suing her! He claims to want to take the farm, which Jo has turned into a half-way house for women, away from Jo. Jo clings to her faith in God to get through the trials she is faced with. As suspects are eliminated the real thief is finally found-to the surprise of all!
I can honestly say that reading the Divine Decisions series has helped me remember I am never really alone for I am protectected by the armor of God.
Ms Callaghan makes sure to hold your interest with the fast paced events while at the same time including the strength from within from God.
Preparations for the Divine Fall Festival are in the works when Jo’s friend, Claire, has a valuable sword stolen from her antique store. It seems like as the search for the theft goes on the number of suspects grow. Raylene assist’s Jo in her investigation while Delta is working on her recipe for the Divine Baking Contest. To top it off Jo has a man who claim’s to be her half brother suing her! He claims to want to take the farm, which Jo has turned into a half-way house for women, away from Jo. Jo clings to her faith in God to get through the trials she is faced with. As suspects are eliminated the real thief is finally found-to the surprise of all!
I can honestly say that reading the Divine Decisions series has helped me remember I am never really alone for I am protectected by the armor of God.
Ms Callaghan makes sure to hold your interest with the fast paced events while at the same time including the strength from within from God.
September 24, 2019
Book 4 Divine Decisions delightful fall read filled with intrigue (a valuable antique piece goes missing) and tasty treats (recipe included). What will DNA testing reveal? Who will win the Baking Contest? Will Jo and her friends track down the valuable antique piece and solve the mystery? Divine Decisions is set in the town of Divine, Kansas - the Midpoint of the continuous 48 states. Hope Callaghan's writing style has me hooked: delightful descriptions of the Midwest setting, the 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 a reader, I enjoy how Hope Callaghan summarizes what happened previously, and then throws the reader a new idea or red herring. Divine Decisions is a page turning story with relatable characters, small town setting, and a believable resolution.
September 29, 2019
Devine
The town of Devin is gearing up for Fall festival and everyone is excited. Claire, who owns the local antique store and the laundromat next door to the store called Jo asking for her assistance with an item she purchased at a hard sale. Jo contacts an old friend from the past to check out the item. He is very excited and leaves with the promise to get back to her with an offer. Turns out several people want the item and someone steals it. The ladies investigate the theft and the truth is shocking. Meantime Jo is having to deal with the stranger making claim to her beloved farm and the inheritance from her parents. Will it never end!!!!! Friendhip, mystery, loyalty and a little bit of romance, the perfect story!!! Thank you Hope.
The town of Devin is gearing up for Fall festival and everyone is excited. Claire, who owns the local antique store and the laundromat next door to the store called Jo asking for her assistance with an item she purchased at a hard sale. Jo contacts an old friend from the past to check out the item. He is very excited and leaves with the promise to get back to her with an offer. Turns out several people want the item and someone steals it. The ladies investigate the theft and the truth is shocking. Meantime Jo is having to deal with the stranger making claim to her beloved farm and the inheritance from her parents. Will it never end!!!!! Friendhip, mystery, loyalty and a little bit of romance, the perfect story!!! Thank you Hope.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews