Thank you to Net Galley fr the opportunity to read and review this book. This book set in the 1950’s in a department store was a joy and pleasure to read. The story focused on four women who worked at the store, these women all came from different backgrounds, they all had different challenges, but they came together to support each other, especially the main character Audrey who became a murder suspect. This book had a bit of everything, suspense, mystery, effects of racism, it showed the support and caring that the women had for each other. I would highly recommend this story.

This is my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it. It is both a mystery and suspense set in the 1950's in a department store. The story is told from four different viewpoints, all women who are working at Wynton's. Audrey, Mary Jo, Gigi, and Vivian each work in different departments in the store, yet they find themselves joining together to try to solve a mystery, though they don't even know if they can trust all the women in the group.
Who is bringing harm to Mr. Wynton, the well-liked owner of the department store? As the story progresses there are murders being committed and the suspense ratches up. The reader wonders who will be next and why these murders are happening. When you think you have things figured out, the author throws in a twist and you have to rethink your conclusions. I will say, I had guessed the big baddie, but it was clear there was something else going on. I loved the way the author brought it all together in the end.
As it is set in the 50s in the south we find segregation and discrimination, and also see the struggles of women's inequality. Additionally we see how gossip and rumors can hurt others.
Though the four women are the main characters, there are some great side characters as well. And I just loved the snippets of 1950s life that the author included to help bring that time period to life.
Definitely a book I recommend.
I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

What a fun mystery! While the story delves into some tough themes such as racism in the south during the 1950s, the mystery was quite entertaining, with the book achieving a good balance between the two. It was one of those books which led me into great temptation to peek at the ending just to assure myself that all turned out well for the main character. Yes, I did succumb to that temptation, but I still very much enjoyed reading the story to see how they arrived there. This is a great summer read whether one is on vacation or just getting a bit of downtime at home.

I enjoyed Donna Mumma's writing style and am very happy to have discovered her, and will anxiously be waiting for her next novel. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Women of Wynton's from Barbour Publishing without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

For women from different paths in life have two things in common. One, they’re all work at the same department store in various roles. Two, they all love their employer who owns the store. Well, that’s not enough to bring the four together, when employees are being murdered, these four come together.

When it looks like someone is gunning to take out their beloved employer, Mr. Wynton, Audrey, Mary Jo, Vivian, and Gigi come together to find out what’s going on and try to save him. I’m mission that unites them. Can the ladies save Mr. Wynton under their jobs? They got a lot to figure out and they’re more powerful together than they are individually.

The entire time I was reading this, I kept thinking wow my mother would’ve loved this book! So not only did I get introduced to a new author and a new cozy the series, I spent the day reading and thinking about my mother. It was a good day and a good book.

Appropriatly described as “Mid-Century Glam Meets Murder Mayhem” with a fun, perfect cover to set the tone for this delightful story. I love vintage 1950’s and this mystery is full of interesting, fun history. Audrey is a wonderful, multifaceted character and the rest of the cast engaging as well. The unpredictable story isn’t super fast paced but definitely kept me turning pages. I’ve not read any other books by Donna Mumma but I’m sure I will after this very enjoyable read.
Thanks for NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

This book was so hard to put down! I read it in three sittings. Even though I guessed some of the plot before the reveal, it kept me engaged throughout. I loved the different perspectives of the women and who the author chose to emphasize. Beautifully written, completely clean, and a book I would read again even though I know the ending.

Wynton’s Department Store is large with lots of different departments including a restaurant called the Grove. The time period is 1953 in Levy City, Florida.

Audrey Penault used to be a famous model in Paris but decided to leave to get a business degree. Now, she serves as devoted secretary to Mr. Wynton himself. He depends upon her for so many things. His son, John, works as head of store finance and his wife, Cissy, works in the store as well.

Mary Jo Johnson has just gotten a job in the cosmetics department as a perfume spritzer. She is married with two small children. When her husband was severely injured and unable work, she found it up to her to get a job to support the family.

Vivien Sheffield has worked in the bridal salon for many years and is very popular and talented. Her long time assistant, Mirette, is her right hand.

Gigi Woddard works in the cafeteria and hates her job. She wants more from life but doesn’t know how to get it. She often gets into trouble talking with the black staff members. The time period is when the black and white employees were not treated equally.

When Mr. Wynton becomes ill, his odious son and daughter-in-law try to take over and make lots of changes. They look upon Audrey as an enemy and she doesn’t trust them. But problems escalate and soon the future of Wynton’s is at stake.

I can say that this is a delightful book even though it’s a mystery. I enjoyed how the author captured the time frame of the 1950s. The way women who worked were perceived and the division between the white and black communities is well-written. It shows us how far we have come. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Donna Mumma writes a compelling, engaging story about the stores that brought glamour and charm to 1950’s small town America. Set in Florida during the 1950’s this story showcases the glamour, style, and conflict of this time. She does all this in a cozy mystery told by four different women from four different backgrounds and social classes who come together and learn things about themselves and each other which may be surprising all while solving the mystery. This is a heart warming story sure to be enjoyed by fans of cozy mystery and clean women’s fiction.

The Women of Wynton’s by Donna Mumma is an enjoyable historical tale. The author brought the time period to life with the descriptions of the department store, the fashions (I love the clothes from the 1950s) and the cars as well as the attitudes towards women and minorities. I laughed at the mention of the Tupperware party (Tupperware was a marvel at the time, but you came to dread an invite to a “party”). I enjoyed getting to know the women. I like the cast of women especially Audrey. Audrey is strong, independent, smart, sophisticated, and stylish. None of these qualities make her popular in the town or at the store (women can be catty). Of course, you never know what lies beneath the surface. It helps to get to know a person, which is what some of the ladies at Wynton’s get a chance to do while solving a mystery. Audrey will need help if she is to protect Mr. Wynton and save the store. The story is told from multiple POVs which is normally something that I do not enjoy. In this case, I did not mind (once I adjusted to it). I thought it was well done, and it allowed me to get to know each main characters and their stories. I liked the diverse cast of characters. The ending was a tad rushed (I wanted to see how Audrey, Vivien, Mary Jo, and Gigi fared in the future). The story moves at a slower pace which suits the time period. I liked that the story was set in Florida (where I have lived since I was twelve—I am not telling you how many years it has been). I thought The Women of Wynton’s was a fun 1950s mystery with a stylish store, an ill owner, fancy dresses, a smart secretary, rampant rumors, Tupperware parties, and killer clues.

When I saw this book featured four points of view, I wasn't sure I would like it. I find that confusing at times, but as I got into the book I was caught up in each character's story. This is a historical cozy mystery that takes place in the 1950s.

The main character of the book is Audrey Penault, a very particular, highly driven woman and assistant to the owner of a well-known, high-end department store.
Her story weaves in and out of the other characters' stories and brings them all together. I loved every single one of the women featured in the book. Each one had a unique story, background, and personality.

Those unique and engaging personalities drove the book forward through intrigue, mysterious circumstances, precarious situations, and heartfelt interactions.

In addition to loving the characters, I loved how the author tied in Audrey's attendance at a charm school by featuring aspects that the head teacher at the school, Miss Evelyn, taught her students.
"Miss Evelyn had taught her that real ladies allowed gentlemen to have their fun and laughed along with them."

"Miss Evelyn always said a true lady was measured by how well she could compose herself when she was in a fix."

"As Miss Evelyn taught her, no need to make a spectacle of oneself."

This book is listed under Christian Fiction but the focus is on the mystery more than an overtly Christian message, which is totally fine and does not take away from the book in any way.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions here are my own.

Thank you to Net Galley and Barbour Publishing for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is an enjoyable story about a 1950's department store. Mr. Wynton is the owner of this fabulous store. When things begin to happen (like murder and attempted murder) four of his employees turn detective to find out what is going on. Audrey has a reputation for being upper class, but impressions and gossip are not always right. Vivian owns the bridal department in the store. Mary Jo is a housewife just trying to make ends meet, and Gigi works in the store's cafeteria. These four employees gradually become friends and find out what is going on in the store. I like the details of the fashion and the merchandise in the store. The women were also believable characters, each with their own personality. Recommend if you like stories that take place in the 50's.

I adore historical mysteries and really did not know what to expect. But I have to say it was truly delightful!

The 50's comes alive with descriptions and history of the time. Four ladies all work at the same department store and all are very different with issues of their own.

But when murder begins to show up, the four are determined to find answers and keep the store out of trouble. Really enjoyed!

BOOK: THE WOMEN OF WYNTON'S

AUTHOR: DONNA MUMM

PUB DATE: JULY 2 2024

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REVIEW- 4.5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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To be very honest, the main reason I wanted to read this book was because of its amazing cover. I also liked 1950s fashion, the hairstyle, the clothes, the gowns. And I'm so glad I did. I didn't know the book would be as good as this!

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We have four FMCs of different ages and classes. We have Audrey, the main FMC, rich, beautiful and hated at Wynton's, but she was the literal best! Then Mary Jo, the housewife who unwilling got a job after her husband got back from the war with a missing limb. Gigi, an older divorcee with an asshole boyfriend and a low self esteem. Finally, Vivien, the oldest who has been working as a bridal dressmaker for years. It was really nice to see four different women becoming close friends, solving murder cases and saving their department store

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Throughout the book, Audrey was someone others saw as an uppity, arrogant woman. So, she was suspected of all of the crimes happening at the store. She was being framed too! I really liked Audrey, she was a modern woman who tried her best to right the wrongs in the store, especially regarding rights of the Black people then. She was also a hardworker.

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For the mystery, I knew who the culprit was and the 'why' but I was curious about the 'how', so it was nice reading it. Besides, I was kept on the edge of my seat because I was so scared for Audrey. At the end of the day, it turned out perfectly

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I liked almost everything about this book, except some things. One, I would have wanted to see the burgeoning romance between Audrey and a certain detective come to a beautiful ending. Two, I was annoyed at Kenny, I understood why he couldn't work and his depression, but I didn't like how he always transferred his aggression to his wife. He was slightly better, but I wanted more from him. And Gigi, her boyfriend was an asshole and she kept making excuses for him. Finally, the way Mary Jo and Gigi kept misunderstanding Audrey and believed Cissy over her, it was annoying.

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This book was very good and I really liked it. The author did a very good job in combining the stories of the women, how a department store is and the mystery. A very good read.

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I really enjoyed this. I loved reading about the downtown 1950’s department store with their personalized customer service, glamour, fashions, specialties, and store events! It brought back memories of shopping at Carson Pirie Scott downtown, as a young girl with my mom. 🛍️ I think I would have liked this, even if the story had been ho-hum, but I liked the story, Audrey, and the Wynton employees, too.

Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I couldn't get into this novel after 3 attemps and did not finish. Not for me but loved the summary of it and wanted to read it. I may attempt again later this summer.

Set in a 1950's department store, four women form an unlikely friendship and work together to solve the mystery of who is trying to hurt Mr. Wynton.

Slow to start while the scene is set, but the reader payoff is worth it later on. But as the pieces fall into place the pace picks up as the tension builds. We get to know each of the women throughout the story, but it is Audrey who brings them together. Audrey is a clever woman, with a past shrouded in mystery, but who has a head for business. I liked how she reached out to the other women, as well as her friendship with Mr. Wynton.

Overall, this was a fun read. I loved the setting, and getting to know each of the women. I liked how they found friendships with each other despite their previous assumptions. The switching POVs kept it interesting, and I liked the use of phrases from that time period. A fun read that really grew on me over the course of the story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Set in the 1950s, this book follows four women from different stations in life, all working for Wynton’s department store. Audrey Penault, secretary to Mr. Wynton and ex high fashion model. Mary Jo Johnson, a house wife and mother who’s just trying to help her family. Gigi Woodard, a waitress working in Wynton’s cafeteria.
Vivian Sheffield, owner of miss Vivian’s bridal salon. When mysterious things start happening, they must work together to save Wynton’s department store before it’s too late.

I really enjoyed this book! It has it all, 1950s glamor, mystery, workplace drama and so much more. Miss Vivian was my favorite character, I just loved her! The outcome for mystery aspect was kind of predictable, but I still had so much fun reading while the characters gathered clues and figured out who the culprit was. I loved reading about all of the fashion and imagining what all of the dresses looked like. Overall I think Donna Mumma did a wonderful job with this story, and she really makes you fall in love with her characters. I’m looking forward to seeing more from this author.

This book releases July 1st.
Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the ARC copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

There's a measure of glitz and glamor that department stores had in the 1950s that this story captures, and this is one book I’d love to see turned into a movie!

While the beginning felt slow, the first 6 chapters were necessary to set up for what was to come. As the storyline progressed and I was immersed further into the plot, there was a good balance between normal pacing and higher intensity moments.
While it's easy to only remember the classiness of this time period, I liked how the author also brought in the aspects that the 1950s were also a time of social change on a number of fronts. I appreciated how the divisive issues of the time were not ignored, but at the same time were handled in a way that was believable given the historical context.
The Christian themes woven through the story were naturally lived out, without hitting the reader as being preachy. I appreciate how this style also allows the reader to think and internalize truths, as the story comes to mind long past when the book has been finished.
The mystery part of the story unfolded in a way that felt realistic and had me on the edge of my seat by the second half of the book, as I tried to piece together what was happening along with the Women of Wynton’s.

4 stars: Really enjoyed, may re-read

4.25 stars. I love the Women of Wynton's. It was such a fun mystery with a well-developed cast of characters, great pacing, and plenty of charm and nostalgia of the 1950's. Donna Mumma does such a wonderful job building her characters from the beginning and developing them with their own unique backgrounds and piece to add to the story. While I found the actual culprit of the crimes a bit predictable, I enjoyed the buildup and reveal of how they did it and who helped them along the way.

Outside of the characters, my favorite part of this story was how Mumma included the very real issues of the 1950s. Her description of racism in the south during the time period added to the authenticity of the story and made it come to life a little more while reading.

Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a cozy mystery.

Audrey Penault is back in Levy City, Florida after 14 years away working as assistant to Mr. Wynton of Wynton's Department Store. Unknown to most, she has an MBA and worked as a model in Paris. Mr. Wynton suffers a series of health problems, there are ugly rumors circulating through the store and "Junior" John T. Wynton and his wife, Cissy's policies are ruining the store.
Mary Jo Johnson is a new hire in cosmetics but she would really like to work in accessories. Her husband was severely injured on the job, so she had to work and leave her two little girls and recovering husband home. She is comforted by Audrey on her first day, but soon hears the rumors of "The Hatchet" and fears that Audrey can have her fired.
Miss Vivien Sheffield runs the bridal shop with her assistant, Mirelle, who also listens to the rumors.
Gigi Woodard works in the cafeteria but dreams of better things. She also believes the rumors because her boyfriend Bobby Bridges was fired from his job on the loading dock for theft, but her told her it was prejudice by Audrey,
As Mr. Wynton gets worse and there are deaths of family and employees, Cissy openly accuses Audrey of murder and trying to kill Mr. Wynton.
There are attacks on Audrey's house and attempts to buy out the store and Cissy tries to sabotage some special events.
Eventually, Audrey is arrested, but ultimately cleared by the new chief of security and Mary Jo, Gigi, and Miss Vivien and the real villains were exposed.
This is a beautiful depiction of the 1950s and the changing times of the era. The characters were great except the despicable Cissy and she was very well drawn.