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Magical Dressmaking Mysteries #1
Pleating for Mercy
When her great-grandmother passes away, Harlow Jane Cassidy leaves her job as a Manhattan fashion designer and moves back to Bliss, Texas. But when she opens a dressmaking boutique in the turn-of-the-century farmhouse she inherited, Harlow senses an inexplicable "presence". Her old friend Josie orders a gown for her upcoming wedding, but when Josie's boss turns up dead, Harlow has to find the killer-with a little help from beyond.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
262 people are currently reading
5338 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Bourbon
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Melissa Bourbon is the national bestselling author of more than forty novels and nonfiction writing resource books. All of her books feature strong female and family relationships, bits of history, and lots of fun.
Melissa used to teach middle school English/Language Arts, but now she teaches creative writing to adults. She founded WriterSpark Academy, an online school for aspiring and new writers seeking to hone their craft.
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***
Melissa Bourbon is the national bestselling author of more than forty novels and nonfiction writing resource books. All of her books feature strong female and family relationships, bits of history, and lots of fun.
Melissa used to teach middle school English/Language Arts, but now she teaches creative writing to adults. She founded WriterSpark Academy, an online school for aspiring and new writers seeking to hone their craft.
Find me online!
Website:
http://melissabourbon.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBourb... ArcherBooks
Goodreads:
https://bit.ly/MelissaOnGoodreads
Instagram:
http://instagram.com/bookishly_cozy
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/melissabour...
Are you an aspiring writer? Learn about about WriterSpark Academy at www.writersparkacademy.com
For updates about my books and writing life, sign up for my newsletter on my website: http://melissabourbon.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
August 20, 2016
Great start to new series
I really enjoyed this book. It was charming without being cutesy. The characters we likeable. The mystery wasn't an obvious one, the culprit was a surprise. It had a slight supernatural bent, but it didn't overwhelm the story. I can't wait to read the next installment.
I really enjoyed this book. It was charming without being cutesy. The characters we likeable. The mystery wasn't an obvious one, the culprit was a surprise. It had a slight supernatural bent, but it didn't overwhelm the story. I can't wait to read the next installment.
January 16, 2016
A decedent of the infamous Butch Cassidy, Harlow Jane Cassidy and all the other Cassidy women through time possess special "gifts". Harlow is still unsure what her gift actually is when she returns home to Texas from Manhattan. Her great grandmother has passed away and left her farmhouse to Harlow. Harlow worked as a fashioner designer in New York so she decides to open a custom dressmaking boutique on the main level of her new home.
One of her first customers is her childhood friend Josie, who is getting married in just two weeks. The store where she had ordered her bridal gown and bridesmaids dresses has gone out of business and she needs Harlow to save the day and create all the dresses as fast as she can.
Calamity strikes when the maid of honor is found dead outside of Harlow's shoppe. The bride looks like the prime suspect and she now needs more than a few dresses. She needs her help to find out who killed her friend. It turns out Harlow may be able to do this especially with a little bit of unusual help, a little help from the great beyond.
This story really tugged at my heartstrings. I too come from a long line of dressmakers, seamstresses, and people who love to sew. My grandmother was known for her beautiful work, making men's suits and wedding dresses along with every other garment thinkable. My mother made all my clothes until I started making my own and until my accident I created not only clothes for my family but quilts as well. While we may not have possessed any magical powers we found so much joy in what we were able to create.
Harlow's gift with fabric is extraordinary, but it is her late great-grandmother that steals the story and will keep you in stitches as she makes her opinions "heard". The other characters are varied and well written. A little bit of romance, loaded with humor and a wonderful mystery made this book a delightful read. You can also feel the author's love and talent of sewing jump of the pages. She definitely has a passion that shines through.
This was a fun read and would be enjoyed by all but especially those that love to sew. It would also make a fabulous gift for anyone who sews. If future books follow this pattern some wonderfully constructed mysteries are in our future!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Obsidian. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
One of her first customers is her childhood friend Josie, who is getting married in just two weeks. The store where she had ordered her bridal gown and bridesmaids dresses has gone out of business and she needs Harlow to save the day and create all the dresses as fast as she can.
Calamity strikes when the maid of honor is found dead outside of Harlow's shoppe. The bride looks like the prime suspect and she now needs more than a few dresses. She needs her help to find out who killed her friend. It turns out Harlow may be able to do this especially with a little bit of unusual help, a little help from the great beyond.
This story really tugged at my heartstrings. I too come from a long line of dressmakers, seamstresses, and people who love to sew. My grandmother was known for her beautiful work, making men's suits and wedding dresses along with every other garment thinkable. My mother made all my clothes until I started making my own and until my accident I created not only clothes for my family but quilts as well. While we may not have possessed any magical powers we found so much joy in what we were able to create.
Harlow's gift with fabric is extraordinary, but it is her late great-grandmother that steals the story and will keep you in stitches as she makes her opinions "heard". The other characters are varied and well written. A little bit of romance, loaded with humor and a wonderful mystery made this book a delightful read. You can also feel the author's love and talent of sewing jump of the pages. She definitely has a passion that shines through.
This was a fun read and would be enjoyed by all but especially those that love to sew. It would also make a fabulous gift for anyone who sews. If future books follow this pattern some wonderfully constructed mysteries are in our future!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Obsidian. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 9, 2022
Harlow is back home to run the shop left by her great grandmother. She soon realises that she can weave magic into her dressmaking. And when a murder occurs at her shop, she is determined to find out the murderer. I was completely invested in the mystery and I was shocked at the reveal. I like where Harlow’s romance is headed. I wish to see more of the town and characters in the next book.
October 25, 2017
Exciting and different!
Harlow Jean Cassidy has been living in New York for about ten years when her Great Grandmother Loretta Mae dies and leaves Harlow her home in Bliss, Texas. Harlow grew up in Bliss and left as soon as she could.
Now she is back and she is running a dress shop out of her new house! An old school friend stops by and asks her to make the wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses for her upcoming wedding in two weeks!
Everything was going great until the Maid of Honor was found dead in Harlow's backyard!
The story kept me guessing who dun it until the very last Chapter. It was a very good book and I will be recommending it to family and friends.
The mystery is very well written and keeps you interested right up to the final chapter! When the murderer is finally told!
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to all my friends and family!
Harlow Jean Cassidy has been living in New York for about ten years when her Great Grandmother Loretta Mae dies and leaves Harlow her home in Bliss, Texas. Harlow grew up in Bliss and left as soon as she could.
Now she is back and she is running a dress shop out of her new house! An old school friend stops by and asks her to make the wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses for her upcoming wedding in two weeks!
Everything was going great until the Maid of Honor was found dead in Harlow's backyard!
The story kept me guessing who dun it until the very last Chapter. It was a very good book and I will be recommending it to family and friends.
The mystery is very well written and keeps you interested right up to the final chapter! When the murderer is finally told!
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to all my friends and family!
August 30, 2011
Rating: 4.5/5
Harlow's great-great-great grandfather was the infamous Butch Cassidy, and since his time, all of the Cassidy women have been blessed with a magical ability. When Harlow inherits her great grandmother's farmhouse, she gives up her career as a fashion designer in New York City and moves home to Bliss, Texas. Though not certain what her "special gift" is yet, Harlow knows that she has an amazing talent for dressmaking.
Harlow turns the first floor of her farmhouse into a custom dressmaking boutique. Her first customer is soon-to-be bride Josie, a childhood friend marrying into the town's oldest and richest families. Designing dresses for the wedding party would be a huge boost for her business, but the dream quickly turns into a nightmare when Josie's boss is found murdered in Harlow's front yard. With a little ghostly assistance from her dearly departed great grandmother, Harlow sets out to find the killer and save Josie's wedding.
PLEATING FOR MERCY is a fantastic first book in a new cozy mystery series by Melissa Bourbon. I was quickly absorbed in the book and did not want to put it down! It was a nice blend of mystery, a little romance (more Will, please!), and the supernatural, but the mystery itself took center stage. The plot was fast-paced with many twists along the way. The cast of characters was large, but each character was memorable. I loved the dialogue between them, especially the Southernisms. Though I'm not into it myself, I found the descriptions of sewing and dress design very interesting, and they were woven nicely into the story. This book will be especially appealing to those who are handy with the needle and thread. Highly recommended!
I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Harlow's great-great-great grandfather was the infamous Butch Cassidy, and since his time, all of the Cassidy women have been blessed with a magical ability. When Harlow inherits her great grandmother's farmhouse, she gives up her career as a fashion designer in New York City and moves home to Bliss, Texas. Though not certain what her "special gift" is yet, Harlow knows that she has an amazing talent for dressmaking.
Harlow turns the first floor of her farmhouse into a custom dressmaking boutique. Her first customer is soon-to-be bride Josie, a childhood friend marrying into the town's oldest and richest families. Designing dresses for the wedding party would be a huge boost for her business, but the dream quickly turns into a nightmare when Josie's boss is found murdered in Harlow's front yard. With a little ghostly assistance from her dearly departed great grandmother, Harlow sets out to find the killer and save Josie's wedding.
PLEATING FOR MERCY is a fantastic first book in a new cozy mystery series by Melissa Bourbon. I was quickly absorbed in the book and did not want to put it down! It was a nice blend of mystery, a little romance (more Will, please!), and the supernatural, but the mystery itself took center stage. The plot was fast-paced with many twists along the way. The cast of characters was large, but each character was memorable. I loved the dialogue between them, especially the Southernisms. Though I'm not into it myself, I found the descriptions of sewing and dress design very interesting, and they were woven nicely into the story. This book will be especially appealing to those who are handy with the needle and thread. Highly recommended!
I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2011
This is the first book in the A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series.
Harlow Cassidy inherits her great grandmothers house and quits her job in NYC as a fashion designer and returns to Texas. Harlow figures to put a large selection of buttons and bow and material to good use and decides to open a dress making boutigue in the old farmhouse.
Harlow's first customer is a schoolhood friend who is to be married in two weeks and needs a wedding dress and three bridemaids dresses made. The wedding party is to come back the next day for measurements to give Harlow a sense of the design of their dresses. Before they are albe to start the maid of honor is strangled. The bride, Josie, works for Nell, the victim. The groom had once been involved with Nell, who turns out to be pregnant. Could the groom be the killer. Or was it Josie who would inherit the shop that Nell owns. Time is of the essence, as Harlow doesn't want Josie to marry a killer. The groom is the son of an oil tycoon family who will hold their cards very close to their chest.
All three of the Cassidy women have "powers". Grandma is known as the goat whisperer, because of ability to deal with stubborn goats. Mama is able to make plants grow with just by looking at them. Harlow is concerned that "the power" has escaped her, but soon great grandmother makes her presence know to Harlow.
There's not a lot of woo-woo involved in this book, so don't pass up this book even if at not you cup of tea.
This a very enjoyable light read and am looking forward to the next book.
Harlow Cassidy inherits her great grandmothers house and quits her job in NYC as a fashion designer and returns to Texas. Harlow figures to put a large selection of buttons and bow and material to good use and decides to open a dress making boutigue in the old farmhouse.
Harlow's first customer is a schoolhood friend who is to be married in two weeks and needs a wedding dress and three bridemaids dresses made. The wedding party is to come back the next day for measurements to give Harlow a sense of the design of their dresses. Before they are albe to start the maid of honor is strangled. The bride, Josie, works for Nell, the victim. The groom had once been involved with Nell, who turns out to be pregnant. Could the groom be the killer. Or was it Josie who would inherit the shop that Nell owns. Time is of the essence, as Harlow doesn't want Josie to marry a killer. The groom is the son of an oil tycoon family who will hold their cards very close to their chest.
All three of the Cassidy women have "powers". Grandma is known as the goat whisperer, because of ability to deal with stubborn goats. Mama is able to make plants grow with just by looking at them. Harlow is concerned that "the power" has escaped her, but soon great grandmother makes her presence know to Harlow.
There's not a lot of woo-woo involved in this book, so don't pass up this book even if at not you cup of tea.
This a very enjoyable light read and am looking forward to the next book.
January 16, 2019
Harlow Cassidy was not only descended from outlaw Butch Cassidy, but her family legend said he had placed a charm on all future generations of Cassidy women. Her mom, grandmother and great-grandmother each had a personal charm that they knew about. Nana was a goat whisperer, something she wasn't exactly proud of, but Harlow had no idea what hers was, until she came back home to Bliss, Texas. A girl she knew from grade school was getting married and had to have her gown and her bridesmaid's gowns in less than two weeks, because the shop she'd originally dealt with suddenly went out of business. When the maid of honor was found strangled outside Harlow's shop, her friend Josie was a person of interest as well as Josie's fiance, Nate. Josie begged Harlow to help her.
I really enjoyed visiting Bliss, TX and liked the main characters a lot. I got a kick out of Nana the goat whisperer, but I think my favorite was Meemaw--and she wasn't even physically there, she was dead. But she would make her presence known to Harlow in the form of noises, pointing out words in magazines or moving things around. Harlow's possible love interest Will was very sweet and his teen daughter Gracie was really cool because she wanted to have Harlow continue teaching her to sew. I never guessed at all who the killer was! By the end of the book, Harlow finally figured out what her special charm or talent was. I'm anxious to read the next book in this series, especially since there was a several page teaser to read at the end of this book.
I really enjoyed visiting Bliss, TX and liked the main characters a lot. I got a kick out of Nana the goat whisperer, but I think my favorite was Meemaw--and she wasn't even physically there, she was dead. But she would make her presence known to Harlow in the form of noises, pointing out words in magazines or moving things around. Harlow's possible love interest Will was very sweet and his teen daughter Gracie was really cool because she wanted to have Harlow continue teaching her to sew. I never guessed at all who the killer was! By the end of the book, Harlow finally figured out what her special charm or talent was. I'm anxious to read the next book in this series, especially since there was a several page teaser to read at the end of this book.
October 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this start to a fashion series. I like the slight paranormal/magical twist on the fashion theme. The author introduces the major (and minor) players very well and in a way that makes me want to read more. Harlow has returned to Texas following her great-grandmother's death and her inheritance of a farmhouse that she converts into a dressmaking boutique. Her friend Josie needs a wedding dress and her bridal party needs dresses as well and quite quickly. Harlow soon finds herself not only making dresses, but also mentoring a young dressmaker, discovering her "charm," and solving a murder. I was pleased that I didn't guess the culprit until very late. The history of the Cassidy women is an interesting subplot and I look forward to seeing what is in store for Harlow, Will, Grace and the other residents of Bliss. Yes there is a supernatural element that I enjoyed, but it doesn't overwhelm if you're not sure about supernatural themes. I would recommend this for cozy veterans and newbies alike.
Read
February 17, 2023DNF. This is a whole mess. One chapter introduces, like, eighty characters. It's a mess and it's too much. I kept going because it's been on my shelf for ages, but I just couldn't. Also, she agrees to make a whole ass wedding dress AND three bridesmaid dresses in less than two weeks?! By herself? Yeah, totally realistic.
Read
January 28, 2023This was a perfect story for me. I love fabric and sewing and mysteries. I liked how everything was all interwoven and how Harlow wasn't a busy-body just caught in a weird situation and was able to pull out all the stops.
August 15, 2011
I really, really liked this first book in another new series! Can't wait for more. I love the family relationship between the protag, her mom and grandmom. I'm not really a fashionista so I can't really understand some of the clothing descriptions but I love the fact that this woman can envision a style, fabric and fashion, for a dress that will make the wearer feel good as well as look good. Eagerly anticipating the next in the series.
August 31, 2011
Really really enjoyed this book. Great story line, never saw the bad guy coming at the end and the characters and setting are fantastic. I really can't wait for the follow up to this one. Now if only Misa Ramirez would write another Lola Cruz mystery....
August 31, 2020
A seamstress, magic, history, murder? What’s not to like! Turns out, this made for a lot of moving parts. It also meant meeting an entire town in one book. I’m not really into cozy mysteries, but being a seamstress myself, I though I’d like this one. It was okay. There are a lot of scenes that take place between chapters that I would have rather read than have summarized to me in a great big blob of exposition at the beginning of the next chapter (especially since some chapters were only two pages long... why summarize?), and I kept getting characters confused because of it. Also, some of the Texas idioms got on my nerves, but I knew that would happen going in. I probably would have given this two stars if I didn’t know that somewhere down the line, I’ll probably seek out the second book and give it another shot in the future. I do like the sewing bits (even if they were a bit unrealistic as far as a timeline is concerned) and the tips at the end of the book.
September 20, 2020
This book came highly recommended, and it was a fairly good choice, once I got into it. But it took a while for me to really start enjoying the book. Some of the characters are great (love the Cassidy women and Will & Gracie) but the others kind of left me flat. Harlow was a lot more invested in Josie's happiness than I would have been, so I guess she's a nicer person than I am. The whole Kincaid family came off as creeps, and the victim didn't really lure me into the murder all that much. I didn't pick up a lot of atmosphere from the setting either. Most of the things that usually reel me into a story were missing here. But I am intrigued by the Cassidy backstory, and Meemaw is a fun addition (although I'm hoping she becomes more substantial as the series continues).
April 5, 2020
When Harlow Cassidy returns to her hometown of Bliss, Texas the last thing she expected was to have a murder occur outside her home and business.
Pleating for Mercy is a wonderful Southern cozy mystery with well developed characters, a plot that is full of twists and turns and a little magic.
I finished this book in a day because I was hooked and needed to know who did it!
I was definately suprised. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Bourbon but it will not be my last.
I would definately recommend this story.
Pleating for Mercy is a wonderful Southern cozy mystery with well developed characters, a plot that is full of twists and turns and a little magic.
I finished this book in a day because I was hooked and needed to know who did it!
I was definately suprised. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Bourbon but it will not be my last.
I would definately recommend this story.
March 20, 2023
Interesting Premise
Rounded up from 3.5. The premise is interesting. A family who are descendants of Doc Holiday and have magical gifts. The main character Harlow is very likeable and has a quirky, engaging family. The mystery had a lot of layers. One thing I didn't like was the large number of supporting characters. It felt like a cast of thousands and it took awhile to keep track of who was who. Overall, for a first in a series.
Rounded up from 3.5. The premise is interesting. A family who are descendants of Doc Holiday and have magical gifts. The main character Harlow is very likeable and has a quirky, engaging family. The mystery had a lot of layers. One thing I didn't like was the large number of supporting characters. It felt like a cast of thousands and it took awhile to keep track of who was who. Overall, for a first in a series.
September 14, 2024
Lovely the 2nd time around
When my husband was living, I got him hooked on cozy mysteries. I thought this title seemed familiar when I ran across it, and sure eough, I had read this book with Jerry. Reading it again was a pure pleasure. Love the premise, the characters, and love the opportunity to review it this time. We bought most if not all the books in the series as they were released. Now it will be great to re-read them via KU.
When my husband was living, I got him hooked on cozy mysteries. I thought this title seemed familiar when I ran across it, and sure eough, I had read this book with Jerry. Reading it again was a pure pleasure. Love the premise, the characters, and love the opportunity to review it this time. We bought most if not all the books in the series as they were released. Now it will be great to re-read them via KU.
June 8, 2024
Harlow Jane Cassidy has returned to her hometown of Bliss, Texas. She has opened a custom dressmaking boutique in her great grandmother's house which Harlow now owns. She is hired to outfit a bridal party but when the maid of honor is killed Harlow feels compelled to ask questions. The book was an easy read.
September 12, 2024
really cute murder mystery that kept me guessing (spoiler)
What a quaint town with interesting characters and the twists and turns kept me guessing about who the killer was never would have guessed it was Ruth Anne! Loved the ending and how everything wrapped up nicely.
What a quaint town with interesting characters and the twists and turns kept me guessing about who the killer was never would have guessed it was Ruth Anne! Loved the ending and how everything wrapped up nicely.
August 6, 2019
Really liked this first in series, and the eclectic and interesting cast of characters.
April 5, 2021
3.5 stars. Light, easy read. Fun because it’s a cozy mystery set in Texas.
January 24, 2024
Ughhh Why must Harlow bd an idiot
October 25, 2024
cute book
This was cute and it was a fun read. The characters were delightful. The story was well developed. The next novel is already waiting for me to read it.
Fun series. I do recommend it.
This was cute and it was a fun read. The characters were delightful. The story was well developed. The next novel is already waiting for me to read it.
Fun series. I do recommend it.
November 21, 2011
For years I read romance as a form of escape from life. When stress got in the way, my nose went in a book. I’ve now found that a good cozy mystery can provide the same escapism. Pleating for Mercy by Melissa Bourbon is one of the books that I’ve been able to totally immerse myself into. It is the first book in the Magical Dressmaking Mystery and I will look for others.
Main character Harlow Jane Cassidy returns to her small town in Bliss, Texas after her grandmother dies leaving behind a high-powered job in the Manhattan fashion world to design dresses. Not only did Harlow inherit her grandmother’s house but a special flair as well for stitching up the perfect dress. She’d better be fast too when a quicky wedding requires a bridal dress and two bridesmaid ones as well. Problems start when a bridesmaid is killed and to keep the income she need’s Harlow must keep the wedding on track and the bride out of jail.
What I loved about this book was the use of language that made me laugh and smile. I had a grandmother who was a great seamstress and made a custom blazer for me when I graduated from college. This book made me remember all those times for fittings and advice from my grandmother.
A shiver stole through me. The windows in here were definitely closed. I had the sudden feeling that Josie and I weren’t alone in the house, that the check had been picked up and placed on my lap by some ghostly presence.
Meemaw.
Josie put her hand on mine. “Please, Harlow. I want to marry Nate.”
I took her hand and nodded, hoping it was sincerity I felt emanating from her and not desperation. The dress I made for her would have to be beyond perfect. Every seam I stitched would hold together her dreams. Every bead I sewed would bring sparkle back into her life. And every pleat I added would help her fold her grief into manageable pieces.
From page 53
I recommend this book for its hints of paranormal that add to the story but doesn’t overwhelm the mystery and murder and the great characters that we can all root for. Melissa Bourbon will be added to my list of must have authors.
Disclosure: I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Main character Harlow Jane Cassidy returns to her small town in Bliss, Texas after her grandmother dies leaving behind a high-powered job in the Manhattan fashion world to design dresses. Not only did Harlow inherit her grandmother’s house but a special flair as well for stitching up the perfect dress. She’d better be fast too when a quicky wedding requires a bridal dress and two bridesmaid ones as well. Problems start when a bridesmaid is killed and to keep the income she need’s Harlow must keep the wedding on track and the bride out of jail.
What I loved about this book was the use of language that made me laugh and smile. I had a grandmother who was a great seamstress and made a custom blazer for me when I graduated from college. This book made me remember all those times for fittings and advice from my grandmother.
A shiver stole through me. The windows in here were definitely closed. I had the sudden feeling that Josie and I weren’t alone in the house, that the check had been picked up and placed on my lap by some ghostly presence.
Meemaw.
Josie put her hand on mine. “Please, Harlow. I want to marry Nate.”
I took her hand and nodded, hoping it was sincerity I felt emanating from her and not desperation. The dress I made for her would have to be beyond perfect. Every seam I stitched would hold together her dreams. Every bead I sewed would bring sparkle back into her life. And every pleat I added would help her fold her grief into manageable pieces.
From page 53
I recommend this book for its hints of paranormal that add to the story but doesn’t overwhelm the mystery and murder and the great characters that we can all root for. Melissa Bourbon will be added to my list of must have authors.
Disclosure: I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
September 23, 2012
What I liked: I liked the "gifts" that Harlow and the females each had and the fact that they were each a different gift. I liked that they "gifts" were not witchcraft to me. I also like Gracie who Harlow is going to teach how to sew and is the daughter of Will - who I think in future books will become the love interest.
What I didn't Liked: I can't think of anything that I did not like about this book
Overall Impression: I enjoyed that this was a fun fast book to read. Harlow was not real sure about coming home to Bliss but then the longer she is home she more she is glad she did. Her Meemaw has passed away and left her the family home which Harlow turns into her dressmaking shop. From the beginning Meemaw communicates to Harlow from beyond and it is fun the way Harlow is learning about that. Harlow gets a big job making four dresses for a wedding for a well known family. The night after the whole wedding party plus a few extras show up at the shop one of the bridesmaids ends up dead in Harlow's yard. Before you know it Harlow finds herself involved in trying to solve who killed Nell in her yard. Follow Harlow along her journey to solve the crime and to get to know the townspeople all over again. Oh and don't forget the handsome Will who Meemaw made arrangements with to do handywork around the shop before she passed. I am anxious to see how Will and Harlow's relationship continues to grow which is just what Meemaw would have wanted. I look forward to continuing on with this series. 5 stars.
What I didn't Liked: I can't think of anything that I did not like about this book
Overall Impression: I enjoyed that this was a fun fast book to read. Harlow was not real sure about coming home to Bliss but then the longer she is home she more she is glad she did. Her Meemaw has passed away and left her the family home which Harlow turns into her dressmaking shop. From the beginning Meemaw communicates to Harlow from beyond and it is fun the way Harlow is learning about that. Harlow gets a big job making four dresses for a wedding for a well known family. The night after the whole wedding party plus a few extras show up at the shop one of the bridesmaids ends up dead in Harlow's yard. Before you know it Harlow finds herself involved in trying to solve who killed Nell in her yard. Follow Harlow along her journey to solve the crime and to get to know the townspeople all over again. Oh and don't forget the handsome Will who Meemaw made arrangements with to do handywork around the shop before she passed. I am anxious to see how Will and Harlow's relationship continues to grow which is just what Meemaw would have wanted. I look forward to continuing on with this series. 5 stars.
June 16, 2015
I loved this book. The characters, especially the main character, Harlow Cassidy and her family were wonderful. They were a loving, quirky, yet down to earth group. They are also "charmed". Each female in the family has a gift except for Harlow. She has just returned to Bliss, Texas after the death of her great grandmother, Meemaw, or Loretta Mae Cassidy. She opens her own custom design clothing business and spends most of her time altering polyester clothes until her old friend Josie shows up and needs her to design her wedding gown and the dresses for all of her wedding party. Harlow is thrilled, but apprehensive that she will not have enough time to make it work. Once she agrees, she gets right to her sketches. Once sketching she is able to see exactly what each person needs and designs a dress that is perfect for her, except for Nell, the maid of honor. That night, Harlow and her mom hear two people arguing outside the house and Nell turns up dead in her garden. Josie and her fiancee Nate are both questioned and under suspicion. The wedding, however, will still go on. There is a love interest in the story, Will, that it appears Meemaw set up before she died. His daughter Gracie is supposed to take sewing lessons from Harlow in exchange for him doing handyman tasks around the house. As Harlow begins to investigate the crime after Josie asks her to help clear Nate's name, we find out a lot more about the folks in Bliss. A fun read and I will definitely check out the rest of this series.
July 11, 2015
I had a really hard time rating this book, mostly due to the ending.
When the killer is revealed, my reaction was "wait, say what?" Even with the explanation given, it just didn't make much sense, and the loose ends weren't tied up.
I'm on the fence as to whether or not to give the next book in this series a shot.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
When the killer is revealed, my reaction was "wait, say what?" Even with the explanation given, it just didn't make much sense, and the loose ends weren't tied up.
I'm on the fence as to whether or not to give the next book in this series a shot.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
March 2, 2015
Not a bad cozy. I loved the setting and the fact that our heroine actually WORKED. In so many of these "craft" mysteries, the lady or man in charge always seems to have a bevy of minions who keep the store running while they poke their nose into a murder.
Well, in this case, the murder happens on the door step and our heroine keeps plugging along with a huge commission of original dresses for an up-coming wedding.
With a friendly ghost, a wacky family, and some latent magical talent, the murderer hasn't got a chance.
The only real negative...well, there are two, but one is my problem, not the books.....for an intro to the world and character, there are a LOT of character and they were easy to mixed up. The other issue...Doesn't anyone write a cozy mystery that take place in the Northern part of the country? I mean, I love the Texas setting. My Dad is a Texan....but just try to find one of these mysteries that take place in Washington, Oregon, Idaho. If you know any, let me know!
Well, in this case, the murder happens on the door step and our heroine keeps plugging along with a huge commission of original dresses for an up-coming wedding.
With a friendly ghost, a wacky family, and some latent magical talent, the murderer hasn't got a chance.
The only real negative...well, there are two, but one is my problem, not the books.....for an intro to the world and character, there are a LOT of character and they were easy to mixed up. The other issue...Doesn't anyone write a cozy mystery that take place in the Northern part of the country? I mean, I love the Texas setting. My Dad is a Texan....but just try to find one of these mysteries that take place in Washington, Oregon, Idaho. If you know any, let me know!
June 8, 2011
Book due out in early August - you can pre order at Amazon. I got my copy early to review.
This book is a real page turner. It's a modern murder mystery incorporating a love of sewing, some magic, ghostly occurances, and romance too. First in a three part series, and I really look forward to the next.
Even if you don't sew, you'll find it a very enjoyable read, and well balanced. There is not a lot of boring detail about sewing at all, but it's a theme in the book that the main character is passionate about designing and sewing. However, there is much more than just sewing up some dresses in this book.
This book is a real page turner. It's a modern murder mystery incorporating a love of sewing, some magic, ghostly occurances, and romance too. First in a three part series, and I really look forward to the next.
Even if you don't sew, you'll find it a very enjoyable read, and well balanced. There is not a lot of boring detail about sewing at all, but it's a theme in the book that the main character is passionate about designing and sewing. However, there is much more than just sewing up some dresses in this book.
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