4.5 stars
This was such a fun 1950s mystery! I really liked this book especially the 50’s setting and characters involved in the department store. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good clean mystery. There are different povs which does make it a little confusing in beginning because of all the different characters but after the first few chapters I was hooked.

I received a copy of this book via netgalley. I was not required to write a review. These are my honest thoughts.

The Women of Wynton’s was quite a pleasant read for me.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 1950s setting and especially the department store. I think the author did a wonderful job at immersing the reader into that time and place with her writing. It was beautifully done.

The author also touched on racism in this time period and I think it was well done.

The story was intriguing. The four main characters were fun and likable. I very much enjoyed the mystery aspect.

I will say that this is categorized as a Christian mystery, there are definitely signs of that, and mentions of God, but it was honestly very little to me that if I wasn’t told this was Christian mystery I would of just thought it was regular old mystery with some Christian remarks thrown in cause of the time period and characters. Not necessarily a bad thing, just want you to beware that it is a very small undertone of the book. On that note non Christians I think would easily enjoy this book without feeling like anything was being shoved on them because of the light themes.

All in all I really enjoyed this book and I’d definitely be up for reading more from this author. This book releases June 30th of this year! I definitely recommend checking it out!

*Thank you to NetGalley, Barbour Publishing & the author Donna Mumma for allowing me an arc of this book to read in return of my honest review!

This book was so nostalgic to me! It brought back memories of my mother and me getting dressed up and taking the trolley into downtown Atlanta to shop at Rich’s, a large department store that Wynton’s was reminiscent of. So many descriptions in this book were spot on! I even remember my mother dropping me off in the childcare room one time, which I didn’t like. And eating in .Rich’s Magnolia dining room, which I loved!

The descriptions of the women and their circumstances seemed lighthearted but pretty realistic. Good job!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Four stars!

The 1950 s ambience vibes was very good. I just did not love the mystery. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

For those who like 1950s genre sleuth/mysteries, this is one for you! Meet four very different women who all work at Wynton's--a multi-level, fully varied fabulous department store. Each one in a different department--from the executive secretary to a woman in the cafeteria. Events bring them all together as they work to solve a mystery.

I loved being pushed back in time with this book as well as the different easy-to-follow narratives. Even though you knew who the villain was, you just didn't know how it was all going to work out. Plus there was one additional twist.

This is a great new release and one that's a bit more unique in style for the Christian fiction genre.

4 solid stars!

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I wasn't required to write a positive review and all opinions are completely my own!

I adored this story. The setting in the fifties lended itself to a fun backdrop for solving a mystery. Every one of the female characters was well written as well as the undercover detective. Mumma created an intriguing plot set against the backdrop of a fifties department store. Plus, there's a fun twist I didn't see coming. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a bit of a different tone and feel, you'll love this book. I received a free copy with no expectations.

This is a book about a Department Store, but it is also a story about old times, back in the 1950's another time, when people went shopping dressed up, with babysitting service available.

Such an ideal situation, but this Florida Department Store, is about to have some problems, and we are there for some sad actions, and for see those whom have no regard for human life. We see the ugly head of jealousy up close, and sadly what happens because of it.

This is a story also about friendship, woman who bond with those they work for, and sometimes they make mistakes.

I love how this unfolded, and you never know whom is telling the truth, and whom is the actual culprit. Also those whom come to the aid of the accused.

This is a mystery that makes you wonder whom will be still with us when the final page was turned.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Women of Wynton’s is a fun depiction of Florida in the 1950’s. The mystery aspect probably wasn’t needed but it was okay! I just really liked all the vintage vibes and hearing about all the department stores my grandma used to talk about.

I received an advanced copy from netgalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

Loved reading the inspirational and awesome story. When something happens to Mr. Wynton, everyone in the store suspects Audrey, Mr. Wynton's administrative assistant. Mr. Wynton's son dies, and as Mr. Wynton is recovering, his son's wife, Cissy, takes over. Meanwhile, a detective is hired to solve the attempts on Mr. Wynton's life and the deaths of employees. Vivien, Mary Jo, and Gigi are beginning to suspect that Audrey may not be the correct suspect. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read story riveting story.

A story about the 1950s and the lives of four women working together in a department store. A mystery as the women work together to solve it.

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

In a word—I’m charmed.

From the sweet cover to the elegant classiness of the atmosphere, Mumma created a story that felt like stepping back into the classic film era of Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. Yet behind the ‘50s façade of what we often consider “the good old days,” she dealt with the very real issues, including the struggles of women & their place in society, the danger of rumours & gossip, and the differential treatment of “Coloureds” vs. “Whites” in the South.

Through the pages, we journey alongside 4 women of different walks of life as they work in a bustling Florida department store.
Vivien, widowed with grown children.
Mary Jo, young mother and housewife working due to her husband’s work accident.
Aubrey, single and accomplished with a business degree.
And Gigi, twice divorced with a new boyfriend trying to make her way. Their stories intersect naturally and powerfully.
Among them, we see the ugliness of feminine rivalry but also the beauty of feminine support.

Stepping into this book was like stepping back in time, when life moved slower. You’ll find Tupperware parties, Southern charm, blooming sisterhood, a dash of murder & mystery (think cosy mystery!), true-to-life issues, social commentary, and the tiniest sliver of potential romance.

*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

This was an entertaining read, and I appreciated the historical elements woven throughout the story. I highly recommend people take the time to read the author's note at the end of the book. While the mystery wasn't a complete surprise, it was still a fun ride with some unexpected twists. Characters are well-crafted, and Vivienne and Audrey were my favorites, I'm glad the story was told through multiple POV's.. Based on the publisher, I had expected more of faith element. While there were mentions, there was not much depth to it so potential readers may want to keep that fact in mind.

4 ⭐️

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley. This is a whodunnit set in a 1950s department store, where the women are tasked with getting to the bottom of strange happenings and murders around the store. Such a nice change of pace, and the setting and characters were written so so well. It was somehow lighthearted and fun despite the fact that murder was involved. Definitely recommend!

#TheWomenofWyntons #NetGalley

This novel is set in the 1950s in a department store. Audrey Penault once worked as a model until she became an assistant for Mr. Wynton, who own s several department stores. Audrey is not known for being well liked, and many are jealous of her. What most associates don't know is that Audrey looks out for the underdog. This story is told through the story of four women Audrey, Vivian, Gigi, and Mary Beth. The story is suspenseful as someone is trying to kill Mr. Wynton. This novel was different from your usual story, and I really enjoyed it.1

1950s department store, suspense, likeable characters…This was a fun story. Initially I wasn’t sure if I could keep up with so many lead characters, but I’m glad I stuck with it. One thing I really appreciated was all the history tucked into the plot❤️👏 (Definitely take the time to read the Author’s note at the end, also!)

The mystery itself was not a big surprise, BUT I still enjoyed the journey so I have no complaints! There were some twists as the story progressed that added extra excitement.

Audrey and Vivienne were my favorites ❤️ AND the detective guy and Mirette were fun side characters! The other girls sort of drove me batty at times with their pettiness 🙈 BUT I loved how each of the main characters grow with the story.

As far as faith content… there wasn’t much. Some characters mention God or a prayer, and I remember one saying something was hard as a Christian, but there were no convos that are spiritual. If we’d had more depth, I actually think this would have been a 5 ⭐️. I DID love the reminders about the detriment of slander/gossip and also the theme of friendship and learning to let others help you.

This is my first book I’ve read by this author, and I was very pleased!

**Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy! (All opinions stated above are my own, and I wasn’t required to give a positive review).**

THE WOMEN OF WYNTONS by DONNA MUMMA is a fun read, full of interesting people and set in Wynton’s Department Store in the 1950’s. (As an aside, I refuse to call the novel “historical” as I went to school in the 50’s and am still very much alive!)
It is a most enjoyable read with a real cross section of people working in the store, from the very proper and efficient Audrey Penault, Mr Wynton’s secretary and a product of Evelyn’s Charm School, to Nelson the overnight security guard. There is mystery and intrigue, there are gossips, there is the taking of sides, there are murders and amateur detectives……
I enjoyed the setting, the authenticity and glamour of the clothes of the time, and the very real way the characters reacted to the circumstances - in spite of everything the show must go on!
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This was a cute read, easily finished in an hour. Set in a department store in the 1950’s, it features a cast of women employees, brought together with a common goal.

Although it is classed as a cozy mystery, there isn’t really any mystery to it, it was obvious and predictable.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.

Not bad! I don't read many cozy mysteries, so that could account for why some parts of the plot didn't quite work for me. On the plus side, I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes glimpses into the workings of a major urban department store, and I also enjoyed the many representations of strong, independent women in a day and age when it wasn't considered correct or even feminine to be so. Yet it took longer than I liked for the mystery part of the story to get going, and when it did, I felt the resolution was fairly obvious (and I was proved correct). The various personalities of the women felt a bit cliche at times, and there were some themes I also felt the author was trying to touch on (segregation being the most important!), but didn't quite get there. Even so, I was compelled to keep reading, and enjoyed the overall journey! I would read more from this author!

The Women of Wynton's is a delightful read. The pace is generally slow, although it gains momentum as we approach the climax, but it seems to fit the time and place: a small town in Florida in the 1950s. The period is lovingly brought to life via the life of a department store and the women who work there. The clothes of that time, the attitudes (particularly about women and race), the life styles of that time are strongly depicted. (I especially enjoyed the details lavished on the clothes but interior decor--and Tupperware parties--are also brought to life.

Audrey Penault is a former high fashion model who left town over a decade before the story begins to become a world famous model who left that glamorous world to go to college and get a degree in business. Now she's back, working with her late father's closest friend, Mr. Wynton (owner of the book's title--the Wynton store).

Smart, opinionated, independent, sophisticated--all of which add up to make Audrey unpopular in her hometown. There are many nasty rumors circulating about her--many of them started by Mr. Wynton's son, John, and his wife (Cissy).

The story features a group of strong, spirited women. There's Mary Jo, a wife and mother forced into the workforce when her husband is severely injured. She agonizes over becoming a working woman and not a stay at home mom to her two little girls. And there are certainly those who judge her for that. Then there's Gigi, a working class woman with a hard past, attractive and smart but with little self-esteem. There's Miss Vivien, who is the designer for Wynton's famed bridal shop, a feisty older woman accompanied by her just as feisty long time friend and assistant, Mirette.

There are men of course as well but they definitely take a back seat to the women driving this story.

I forgot this was a mystery until bodies started appearing. Mr. Wynton and his store are both in danger. Audrey does her best to save them but things aren't looking good for her either. So unlikely alliances are formed.

I enjoyed the characters and the setting at least as much as the mystery itself which for me actually took a back seat.

I also enjoyed Mumma's afterward (which I'll leave it up to you to read for yourself).

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read a bo0k that I otherwise would probably missed.

This is the first cozy mystery I've ever read. I liked how clearly Mumma indicated which of the four women each chapter's perspective was going to highlight as I went along, and the different character points of view did not detract from moving the story forward. I rooted for Audrey, who becomes more deeply embroiled in the nefarious situation at the department store where she works. Her kindness to Mary Jo and Gigi made me doubt all along the reasons why someone was framing her for murder. This is not an overly Christian novel, although there are some mentions of God and prayer, I love how the four women band together to help Audrey clear her name and ultimately save the store. I had sneaking suspicions who the killer might have been as the plot progressed, and I am so glad the friendships that are borne of necessity for Audrey, Mary Jo, Miss Vivian, and Gigi seem to deepen as the story moves forward. The friendship between Miss Vivian and Mirette is sweet and hilarious! Also, I may never think about perfume the same way again. Some of the best quotes I highlighted deal with being a Southern woman and 1950s culture, such as "Sometimes a girl just needs to cry. Then she wipes her face, throws back her shoulders, and gets to work."