This novella prequel to the Food Lovers Mystery series was so much more than just a murder mystery. Oh, sure enough, the murder sets the story in motion. But there was much more depth to the story than figuring out who had done the unfortunate deed. Ms Budewitz has imbued her characters with tender hearts and a strong sense of community as they build their fledgling town, Jewel Bay, out in the wilds of 1911 Montana. In this story, we are introduced to the town's cast of characters. The protagonist is a gentle-hearted woman, Kate Murphy - a recently married bride to Paddy, the owner of Murphy's Mercantile. Working side by side, they are building a future together. But suddenly, the entire town is affronted by the death of the local widowed minister, whose daughter Grace is suddenly an orphan. Having no other nearby relations, Grace is taken into the Murphy home. She's a sweet child and ever so helpful. Yet, in those quiet and private moments, she is still a grieving motherless child. Will Kate be able to help Grace find her place in the world and maybe even find the killer? Only time will tell.

Ms. Budewitz has crafted a loving and tender story. The writing is lovely and the story richly told. Her scene setting is beautifully laid out such that the reader is transported to the wild west of the turn of the last century. Justice was hard won and folks had to rely on one another to get by. Observing the kind-hearted folks of Jewel Bay gladdens this reader's heart. I'll certainly be reading the rest of the series just to see how it all plays out.

I am grateful to Beyond the Page Publishing for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publication Date: 08/29/2023
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
ISBN: 978-1960511263
No. of pages: 104 ( )