What a great collection of cozy mysteries! Each novella is written by a different author, and they are all great reads. They are the perfect length for reading at the end of the day. I loved this collection and highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Secrets Between the Shelves contains four cozy bookshop mysteries written by four different authors. I found each story easy to read. I like that I get to check out the writing style of four different authors. The stories are nice, but they are forgettable. The main characters were bland and flat because they needed to be fleshed out. I liked how the stories centered around bookshops (I love visiting bookstores, but my wallet is always a little grumpy afterward). I thought the pirate themed bookstore was unique. I like to read cozy mysteries because I enjoy solving the whodunit. Unfortunately, the mysteries were lacking. I did not find them mysterious and engaging (I was not sitting on the edge of my seat quickly turning the pages to see what happened next). The final story in the collection was my least favorite. It was a predictable mystery with a baffling ending. The first novella was my favorite. It reminded me of a story by Vicki Delany (the first book in A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries). I wish, though, that the author had not included romance (the love interest lacked development and, since it is a short story, the focus should have been on the whodunit). I am glad the four tales in Secrets Between the Shelves were short, because I would not have gotten through them otherwise.

My absolute favorite type of cozy is bookshop cozies. What could be better than a cozy bookshop? Four cozy bookshops! I loved this collaboration. I didn't want it to end.

Secrets Between the Shelves is 4 Christian novellas all about bookstores which are a favorite topic of mine. Three are Christian cozy mysteries and the 4th is more of a "brozy" (a broad cozy with a few cozy elements and some elements that are not considered cozy). The first novella is Murder in the Mystery Section by Cynthia Hickey. Amber Swanson owns Through the Looking Glass Bookstore. Her opening gets off to a slow start because of a rumor that Amber is selling stolen merchandise. A local shopper ends up dead so Amber and her new friend Brandt Thompson, the deceased's nephew, work together to solve the murder. The 2nd novella is The Secret Passage Bookshop by Linda Baten Johnson. Abby is in the process if buying the building for The Secret Passage Bookshop. Her friend Zach Cooper is doing the renovations. There are some problems, a murder, runaway children, child abuse and child smuggling (not cozy themes in my opinion and they are a large part of the story). It is an emotionally packed story and some people will like the depth to it. The 3rd is By Hook or by Book by Teresa Ives Lilly. Lily Carter is opening a pirate-themed bookshop, By Hook or By Book. There is an attempted break in and Lily meets Officer Dwayne Forgione. She meets some college students who help out at the bookshop. When someone dies in her bookshop, Lily, her best friend Penny, the students and Officer Dwayne work together to solve the murder. The 4th novella is The Missing Chapter by Marilyn Turk. Kelly Stephens is new to town and is in the process of opening Artistic Adventures, a store that displays and sells people's artwork and crafts. She meets Jep who along with Tilly runs the local bookstore. While Kelly is at the bookstore, a local ends up dead. Jep is a suspect but Kelly likes him. He has a sad past and that plays into the story. Jep and Kelly need to solve the murder. Overall I liked the novellas. The happy endings, the romances and the Christian aspect will appeal to cozy mystery readers. #SecretsBetweenTheShelves #BarbourFiction #CynthiaHickey #TeresaIcesLilly #MarilynTurk #LindaBatenJohnson

This book was interesting and I loved the multiple stories in this. There was some silly moments that gave me cringe moments but I did like how some stories kept me guessing and wasn't completely predictable.

I enjoyed reading these mysteries, but there were a lot of eyerolls at the cheesiness. My favorite story was the second one by Linda Bateman Johnson. That one kept me guessing. I did enjoy the faith focus in the novellas. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 when necessary.

There is quite an element of surprise with some promise of hope amidst the chaos. The author has managed to build up reader's anticipation including mystery at every turn. A delightful mystery indeed!

These stories were so easy to read, each with their bookshop cosy settings and mysteries, I loved it overall.

Secrets Between the Shelves is a collection of four cozy mystery novellas. Each takes place in a small town, but in different parts of the United States. All are based on a murder in a bookstore and have a Christian element. Some have more of a Christian influence. Though the murders take place in bookstores, the stories have little to do with where the murders took place. Most of the stories focused more on getting to know the town and people, and less to do with whodunnit. With all that said, each story was nice and enjoyable. I liked all the characters. I would recommend this book to anyone, but don't expect sitting on the edge of your seat, nail biting suspense. Also, the bookstore is just the location of the crime and nothing more. I gave it four stars for its lightness, enjoyable story, and cozy sweetness.

4 cozy mystery novellas make up Secrets Between the Shelves. All the mysteries involve book stores. In each a woman is opening a shop that is something they have been dreaming of.
Each contains elements of Christian faith. It is a lovely part of each story.
Each store is creative and the mystery/puzzle the main character has to solve is engaging.
The book was a good read. Thanks to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the chance to see how Christian book publishers do cozy mysteries.

Secrets Between the Shelves contains four cozy mystery novellas set in or around bookshops, each by a different author. If I were reviewing each story separately, there would be one three star and three four star ratings. Each story contains quirky characters and is well-plotted. Three have good character development, enough realism to keep the reader's interest, and a satisfying conclusion. I would recommend this collection of stories to fans of cozy mysteries and mystery lovers in need of a quick read. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Books via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This collection includes four cozy mystery stories centered around book shops. I really enjoyed the length of the stories. They were long enough to have a fully rounded out mystery without any unnecessary or repetitive plot points. It’s rare to rate a collection more than three stars just because there’s always going to be a weak link dragging everything down. This was ever so close to a four star read for me.

The first story by Cynthia Hickey reminded me of Elementary, She Read by Vicki Delany. For being significantly shorter, Hickey’s story was on par with Delany’s in terms of quality. I was pleasantly surprised. The only criticism I can give is that the protagonist's romantic interest seemed a little flat so I had a bit of difficulty buying the romantic spark. With less time to get to know characters in a shorter story this is to be expected. Three stars for this story.

I really enjoyed the second story by Linda Baten Johnson. Abby discovers a variety of mysterious things in her bookshop property that was once an escape room. This story went places I wasn’t expecting and so I will stop here because I don’t want to give anything away, four stars.

Lilly’s pirate themed bookshop in the third story by Teresa Ives Lilly sounded cheesy to me at first. Fortunately, the mystery was actually remarkably good. I really enjoyed that the suspects weren’t all your typical competitor or the unlikeable person in town. Easy four stars for this story.

The final story has Abby opening a store called Artistic Adventures next to a bookstore. This was probably the weakest story of the four. I didn’t buy the ending, the means didn’t make any sense to me. The victim was predictably the person in town that nobody likes. I will give this one 2.5 stars, however, I’m sure someone will enjoy it more than I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour for providing this ebook for review.

The cozy mystery genre is not my favorite but Secrets Between the Shelves is an enjoyable, easy read. Each story is stand alone stories but related by bookshop theme. They all have a nice faith content, a bit of romance, and of the mystery element.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

💖Review: Secrets Between the Shelves

💌Rate: 5 Stars!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🍨Praise: What a collective treat!! Bravo!! I always have a quirky spot for anything mystery! A lot of my book reviews are mystery books! LOL the collective stories were a mixture of both corky mysteries meet some serious matters. Each mystery contains its own unique signature!

📖 We have a small town bookstore mystery, secret passageways, romance with a touch of mystery, and threats that come together that make your heart pump and your mind move!

🧁Characters: I absolutely loved all the characters! Both good and wicked! A lot of shocking twists and revelations really help develop the characters throughout the stories! The romance adds definite heartbeats! I'm very appreciative of the stories originating off of wholesome romance!

🍭Trope: This little collection story has really made my whole week! It definitely gave me a boost and moved my mind and made me appreciate the art of writing!

🍪 Clean Romance
🍪 Adventure
🍪Mystery
🍪Thought provoking

Bravo! 🥞

Readers with an interest in shorter stories will find four cozy mysteries ready to be enjoyed in a brief amount of time. Each tale in the collection includes a newly-opened small shop owned by a single female, a quaint small town, a murder mystery, and a handsome single man who happens to be in the right place at the right time. Journey along with the main characters as the clues are found and the puzzle pieces are put together to solve the crimes. These stories are clean, light entertainment with a dash of suspense.

Secrets Between the Shelves is a compilation of 4 Cozy Bookshop Mysteries
by Cynthia Hickey, Linda Baten Johnson, Teresa Ives Lilly, and Marilyn Turk.

These were 4 cozy mysteries novellas that all centered around bookshops. The characters were interesting and the stories were enjoyable. These were new authors to me and it was good exposure to their work.

Thank you to the author, Barbour Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Bookshops, mysteries, and a touch of faith? Yes, please!

These four novellas are packed with quirky characters, charming settings, and just enough suspense to keep you flipping pages faster than a bookseller restocking bestsellers. Each story brings a unique twist to the cozy mystery genre while staying true to what makes it so lovable—small towns, amateur sleuths, and plenty of intrigue.

The faith elements felt as natural as sunlight streaming through a dusty bookshop window, gently illuminating the pages. Quiet moments of truth that added depth to the mysteries. And the romance? Just the right touch, like finding a forgotten love letter tucked inside a well-loved novel.

Each story pulled me in with its own brand of charm. The mix of intrigue, humor, and faith made for an irresistible combination.

If you love bookish mysteries with a side of suspense, a pinch of romance, and a whisper of faith, this collection delivers. Just don’t be surprised if you start eyeing your favorite bookshop for secret passages—or suspicious characters!

I received a digital ARC of this book Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Secrets Between the Shelves by Cynthia Hickey, Linda Baten Johnson, Teresa Ives Lilly, Marilyn Turk.

Thank you NetGalley for this copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

Rating: Three and a half rounded to four for NetGalley and Goodreads

Language/Profanity: None in any book.

Faith: There is praying in each book, though in one it is only thanking God for food; in most there is talking about God at least once; mention of Bible reading in one; and a Bible verse in another; 'going to church';
Note: In the last book especially, it seems to be portraying 'being a Christian' as just 'going to church' and thanking God for food, and such. But it is much more than that.

Romance/Sex: In at least two there is mention of how shirts fit well on men...(not my cup of tea really); there is flirting, in the first book it is said someone is a 'gorgeous hunk of a man'; a woman wearing tight jeans; a woman (not the main character) wering skin tight tights and a sports... bra; Kisses,

Violence ect.: All of these books are murder mysteries, don't be confused by the fact that it is cozy mysteries. That doesn't mean that it will be mysteries that don't deal with murders; In a few the characters are threatened; also hit on the head;
Note: Book two deals with child trafficking.

Other: Gossiping (why does that have to always be in books?)

Part of a Series: Some of the books do conect to other books the authors have written.

Synopsis:
Mysteries Leap Off the Page
 
Murder and mayhem haunt four newly-opened bookstores.
 
The mysteries enjoyed in books come to life, threatening four businesses. Amber’s new bookshop and tearoom draws rare book collectors, but when one ends up dead in the mystery section, the shop’s future is questionable. Lilly’s pirate themed bookshop fits right into Harbor Inn, Maine, but she never expected to find a young pirate dead on her shop’s floor. Abby opens Secret Passages Bookshop in a Wyoming mountain town, not realizing her historic building held a real secret passage and a missing teenager. Kelly moves to Florida and frequents the Bayside Books and Reading Room, where she is strangely attracted to the owner—who is suspected of killing his wife. Can the store owners and their patrons solve the mysteries before their businesses go under?

Thoughts:

BOOK ONE:
Three Stars.
A well written book, but I wish it wasn't continually said how handsome, and hunky the guy is. Honestly that brought my rating down lower. The mystery was pretty good, but there was so many characters that it was hard to know who was who.

BOOK TWO:
Three and a half stars. Note: this book deals with child trafficking. As much as this dealt with such a sad topic, it was really good. It ended a happy note, and, honestly, it seemed more real than the first one. The situation those children are in is heartbreaking, and I am glad the characters got a happy ending in this book.

BOOK THREE:
Three and a half stars. This is my favorite one in the collection, as it has pirates. Sort of. The mystery was intresting, and the person I was expecting to be the one who done it wasn't, so there is that. The romance seemed way to quick for me.

BOOK FOUR:
Two and a half stars. This one was okay, it just wasn't my cup of tea. It was clean, with no language or even kisses. This one was different then the others, because the bookshop did not belong to the main character, the main character was just there when the death happened.

Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.

The premise of this book of 4 novellas is interesting as what is more fun than cozy mysteries around a bookshop. The book is an easy read with 4 different novellas with a similar theme. They all have different levels of faith elements in the stories.

Murder in the Mystery sections
Amber has just opened a new bookstore, Through the Looking Glass when there is a murder. The victim's nephew Brandt joins with Amber in trying to find out why and who. Add an interesting Grandmother and there are some fun scenes. The story follows the common formula with those investigating warned to stop. It was a fun story.

The Secret Passage Bookshop starts with Abby in hospital after being attacked in her new bookshop. She is still setting it up when all this happens. Zach is helping with renovations and helps with working out what is happening. Then a murder happens. This story was well written and does deal with some serious subjects. While a cozy mystery it goes further than most will in dealing with a serious situation. But dealt with well.

By Hook or by Book is the 3rd novella and the one I loved the most. I started and couldn't stop reading it in one sitting. I now want to read more books by Teresa Ives Lilly. In this story Lily has opened a pirate themed bookshop and has an idea to use college students dressed as pirates to read stories. She also has other ideas to increase community involvement and sales. There has been someone trying to break in and Police officer Dwayne is there to help find the culprit. Dwayne has a knack for very corny jokes. This mystery was slightly different which made it even better. I loved how it played out and if it was just this book it would be 5 stars.

The Missing Chapter is also different to the others as Kelly is opening a shop to sell local artists work on commission. She goes into the bookstore where a murder happens although it is being ruled as accidental. Kelly isn't buying it. The Story has a lot of interesting people and piecing together what may have happened is interesting to watch. I really enjoyed this story but like a few have mentioned thought it ended too abruptly. To me there are a couple of pages or scenes missing that would have ended it much better.

Overall if you like Cozy mysteries this is a good read.

Secrets Between the Shelves is a faith-based cozy mystery anthology with four novellas by four different authors.

The four mysteries are:

Murder in the Mystery Section by Cynthia Hickey
The Secret Passage Bookshop by Linda Baten Johnson
By Hook or By Book by Teresa Ives Lilly
The Missing Chapter by Marilyn Turk

All four mysteries are different stories with different characters in different cities. The common thread is that all four stories are mysteries set in bookshops. There is a pirate-themed bookshop, a rare bookshop/tearoom, a bayside bookshop, and a bookshop with a secret passageway.

Each novella contains between 11 and 14 chapters and can be read in one sitting. The mysteries aren't overly complex, but they are all entertaining and worth a read. All four writers are talented and do a good job of structuring the mysteries and offering glimpses into their characters and bookshops.

The stories contain some faith-based content but they are not heavy-handed or preachy.

I would recommend Secrets Between the Shelves to readers who like cozy mystery novellas, clean reads, and faith-based reads.

I got a free ARC of this book from Net Galley and Barbour. All opinions are my own.