For this book, I went in with your average mystery standards. It surely met the standards of mystery to me! With little snippets of who did it, it was fun to think through who did it!

But I did have a few qualms with this book. First off, the jump to who did it seemed too large. I didn't believe it. Then, there were a few comments made, such as fasting for the day because of eating a donut, that bothered me. Lastly, the use of Christianity seemed too cringey to me. I am all for a Christian mystery, but this one too much at times.

Overall, I wouldn't read this book again, but it could be exactly up others allies! Give it a try!

This is the best book with 4 short mysteries that I have read! I really just liked all of the stories. Of course, I work in a bookstore, so I like stories about bookstores, generally, but to me, this is a pleasant book. I rarely read these books with several short stories, but this one's title caught my attention. :)
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

"Secrets Between the Shelves" is another wonderful Barbour Novella collection! All four stories are well written novellas, just the perfect length to give good murder mysteries with a dose of Christian faith. I liked the bookstore setting in each novella, though the last one had a male love interest as the bookstore owner, rather than the main female character (she owns a small shop catering to local artists). I can't tell you which mystery was my favorite, just that they were all equally great and engaging to me as the reader.

These books all had unique stories set in bookstores, intriguing suspects, a dash of Christian faith elements and some wonderful male romantic interests to lighten up the stories. There were also good friends found for each of the main female characters in each story. They are all set in quaint small towns as well. None of the stories were gruesome and these definitely meet the "cozy mystery" definition.

I highly recommend this collection to readers of Christian Cozy mysteries ages 16+. They are all cleanly written with some having just a bit of kissing. There are murders and danger in each of the four stories but the murders are not descriptive. The stories are not connected in any way other than the bookstore settings in 4 separate towns across the U.S. so this book could be read in 4 parts spread apart if someone wasn't able to read the entire book at once.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. The book releases 2/1/25.

Secrets Between the Shelves by Cynthia Hickey, Linda Baten Johnson, Teresa Ives Lilly, and Marilyn Turk is a collection of four cozy mystery novellas. Each is unique but carry a common theme - the mysteries happen between the shelves of the bookstore. Amateur sleuths in each novella make the plot line interesting as clues begin to unravel. Fans of Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote and Agatha Christie mysteries will enjoy Secrets Between the Shelves.

Releases Feb 1st. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Secrets Between the Selves is a collection of four cozy mysteries all set in a bookshop of some theme. I really loved getting to know these characters, new ships and the authors themselves as these stories were a delight to read and a fun escape! These are Christen stories, so they are “safe and clean” but to tell you the truth, I didn’t really notice a major difference between these and non-Christen cozy mysteries, other then a bible verse or two. I am only mentioning this so that the religious label will not be a determination nor deterrent for some readers.

Murder in the Mystery Section:
As the title suggests, there is a murder in the bookstore of a women who has accused the bookstore owner of stealing one of her stories. There is a list of suspects, motives, and many bookish clues. This was a fun read and really brought me excitement to turn the pages. An enjoyable mystery

The Secret Passage:

A quirky main character, a unique opening chapter and an interesting plot line; this murder mystery was a ride with taking. I found the introduction to the characters like the beginning of a stage play and from there the nonstop verbal talking to be… well read it and find out! Fun characters.

By Hook or By Book:
Pirate themed books store. Do I really need to say more? Yes, okay, how about a murder mystery, a life book reading, a treasure hunt?! Really more?! Nope, you must read this to find out. I am not telling. LOL. Fun story, fun mystery, fun read!

The Missing Chapter:
Romance, vials, and murder. This is the story that was a bit outside the rest. It was colored outside the lines so to speak. It has a lovely romance mixed with the murder mystery and it was just framed and written differently. Still a great story.

Overall, this collection is a great one that introduced me to four new to me authors and some fun new cozy mystery worlds. I would check out a few of these series to continue and would recommend any cozy mystery lover who is looking for a new series to check these out. I liked the different takes on mysteries!

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC, and I am leaving an honest review.

All four stories were cute and enjoyable. I loved the unique bookshop settings and appreciated that the romance part of the story wasn't crazy and forced.

Secrets Between the Shelves is a compilation of four stories that involve bookstores. Each story is unique and has a mystery that needs to be solved. The writers bring their own style to their story and they could be read in any order. The characters are very realistic and have their own issues beyond being sleuths. Each story shows Christian characteristics along with short comings which makes them seem like someone we may know.
I enjoyed each one of the stories.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read Secrets Between the Shelves, a collection of four faith based mystery stories that take place in
a bookshop. While all four stories take place in small towns, the stories are very different from one another. This was my first time to read anything from these authors, but I can say that it won't be my last.

Secrets Between the Shelves is a delightful collection of cozy mystery/romance books perfect for a weekend read. These short stories are clean and engaging and give the perfect puzzle solving solution for the mystery loving brain. Since they are short stories you will easily be able to finish one in a nights read. I give this book 5 stars for easy ready and coziness. I received a complimentary reviewers copy of this book.

A wonderful series of mysteries in book shops. Quite inspiring and enjoyable reading. Each having their own details about family and community life.

Let there be books and bookstores. This is a nice and entertaining box set. Four different authors to discover. I truly enjoyed reading these stories. They are quite entertaining with likeable characters. I wouldn't mind reading more about them (new series ?). A recommendation.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Barbour Publishing and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

Secrets between shelves is a collection of four bookshop Christian mysteries stories that have similar elements but are totally different from each other.
Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for this ARC.
I would like to say I enjoyed reading this book a lot. I was excited to read this one since it was my first Christian book ARC ever and I'm happy it didn't let me down. I'm gonna leave here my opinion on each book individually because I can't just review them all together when they are so different and unique in their own way.

<b>Murder in the mystery section</b>

We follow Amber, a young woman who has just opened a bookstore and dreams of it being a success. Everything turns upside down when she hears an accusation from a customer who claimed that she was selling a book stolen from herself. Amber had bought the book online and little did she know that it contained great secrets.
One day, Amber is in the back of her store and she hears people talking and then a scream, when she goes there to see what happened, she found the body of the woman who accused her of stealing.

After the murder event, we met Brandt, the woman's nephew, who wants to help solve the mystery since he is a suspect.

There is a lot of things we learn about this “stolen” book that we found out later and it is an important part of the mystery around Mrs Peabody's murder.

The murder was pretty obvious, so I even thought it would be someone else, but it was fine. The romance had a cute development but it didn't have a decent ending, I thought it was too rushed.

<spoiler>In the epilogue, Amber mentions that it had been days since she had seen Brandt until he showed up, asked to talk to her, didn't explain why she disappeared, and asked them to try a relationship. Why say he disappeared if he wouldn't explain where he was in the first place? Do an epilogue saying that they decided to meet and show it. </spoiler>

Comparing to the other books, maybe this one was my favorite and the romance was the most well developed as well. I believe that's due to the fact that they spend a lot of time together throughout the book.

<b>The secret passage book</b>

In the second story, we begin the book with our main character in the hospital because she was hit on the head when she was visiting her soon to be new bookstore. We met most of the characters in this scene and we can already see her dynamic with them.

The mystery in this book were quite surprising, way different than I thought it would be <spoiler>Child trafficking? that's pretty crazy</spoiler> but the reveal was too predictable <spoiler>of course the responsible for everything was the only annoying character</spoiler>
The romance was also something that didn't please me. It had no development and it seemed a little rushed at the end. I know both characters were friends and had a great relationship but we need to see a little development before we can root for them.
It wasn't a bad book, but it was my least favorite.

<b>By hook or by book</b>

In the third story, we follow Lily, who also have a new bookstore in town.

This story made me interested in the book again and I read this story faster than the previous one.

Lily has a pirate themed bookstore and wants to attract more clients. She has the idea of hiring a young boy to read stories while dressed in a pirate costume. Her store was almost invaded and a few days after, she finds a dead body. Apparently there was something inside a box of books she purchased online and people were trying to steal it.

The romance here was better. I found myself rooting for Lily and Dwayne, and his attempts to make jokes or ask her out in the worst timing ever was very funny to read. The mystery wasn't that hard to solve but it was enjoyable. It was a pleasant reading.

<b>The missing chapter</b>

In this last story, we follow Kelly, who just moved in town and is opening an artistic store (different from the previous ones who all owned bookstores). The bookstore in this story is the main character's love interest store, where the murder takes place.

The victim was a old high school rival and we can know much about her because she dies as soon as she sees Kelly. That was the strangest mystery compared to the others and it was nice to read about the resolution of this story.

I liked the romance too. I felt it was well developed and it was cute to read it.

The murder was a surprise for me, to be honest <spoiler>I thought the young girl was guilty by herself not because the hair salon lady asked her. I forgot about her existence throughout the book and only remembered her when Kelly wanted to have an appointment</spoiler>

I only wish it had a better ending. Her saying “I'm ready to dry my hair” wasn't exactly what I expected to be her answer to Jep.

<b>Conclusion</b>

It was a heart-warming book most of the time and seeing characters and their relationship with God was so nice to read. Especially when they prayed in moments they were feeling lost. I don't remember seeing Kelly doing this a lot but I remember reading a lot of prayers throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this to my friends.

I enjoyed these short stories. I haven't read any of the authors before, but would be willing to find more from them. The mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Secrets Between the Shelves features bookstores and mystery-a great combination for booklovers. I enjoyed each mystery and appreciate that there are four different writing styles by four authors. That's one thing I like about anthologies, there is a story for every reader. If you like cozy mysteries check out this collection. I received a free copy with no obligation to write a good review. Opinions are my own.

A delightful collection of cozy type mysteries, each one by a different author, and with a charm of their own. Set in small towns across the US, all of them included a murder mystery that happens in a bookstore.

I enjoyed all of them and liked how the heroines became amateur sleuths, sometimes clearing the name of a friend, and sorting through many clues to figure out 'who-done-it'. The settings were all interesting, with coastal towns and mountains, and a variety of unique villagers. Some humor in a few and a hint of romance in each made them fun to read. A few had more faith elements included, and deeper themes, but mainly they were good, clean stories.
Recommend to readers who enjoy a lighter mystery with a bit of romantic interest. 4.5 stars

These are four very different stories that take place in different locations, but all books and murder in common.
Each author takes on a journey for answers, and they do come and often with surprises as to whom is the culprit, and we are kept guessing. We are offered some sweet romance, and these are faith based mysteries.
These are great as you can read one in an evening, and maybe go on to the next, or let the anticipation for the next carry you on to the next evening.
I'll be looking for more by these four authors, with page turning reads!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Four novellas, by four authors, with four cozy bookstore whodunits. I curled up with these on Thanksgiving weekend and enjoyed them immensely. They are exactly what they promise to be – a fun, easy read for bibliophiles and murder mystery afficionados. I was immediately drawn into each one. These authors all have very similar writing styles and complement each other very well. Definitely recommend!
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of the Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Secrets Between the Shelves is a book that carries four stories All are under the unbrella of Dedication to Come, I will do each story individually.

1. Murder in the Mystery Section: Amber Swanson owns a book store Through the Looking Glass. Her grandmother, Nina Swanson was part owner along with Amber. Her opening of her store is going slower than she expected. Shelby Downs is her best friend. It takes place in the town of Hickory Hill. Mrs. Stapleton and a friend came into the store and told Amber that people were whispering about her saying her shelves are stocked with stolen goods. People in town were ordered not to go to her shop. No one would say who told them. Mrs. Peabody, who is a nasty person, came into the store and asked to see the rare book section. She took a book off the shelve and said that it was her book and that Amber was a thief. Left the store.

The next day while in the back of the store Amber heard a noise upfront and then a scream. She went to see what it was and fjound Mrs. Peabody dead with a knife protruding from her chest. Mrs. Wilson, the town librarian came into the store saw the body and left. Detective Jack Mitchall came into the store and told Amber to stand away from the body. He arrested her and after questioning her she was released. Her grandmother was waiting for her. Told Amber that they needed to make plans to catch Mrs. Peabody's killer.

Brant Thompson, Mrs. Peabody's nephew came into the store for the book "What LIfe is Made Of" but was told that the book was not there. The killer took it. His aunt had left everything to him. Oliver Dickinson the town artist and eccentric came into the store. He also was looking for the book and told the book had disappeared. He was the second person to ask about the book. Roger Mulberry also asked about the book. Brant told Amber that his aunt told him the book had clues to a treasure map. The author, Victor Browning, was a good friend of his uncle. Told him about the map when he was dying. They decided to check the other sections and found it in the romance section. They went through it and made 2 copies and put the book in a drawer and left. When she got home Brant and Amber went through the book again. After her grandmother read the copy she said she didn't think it was about gold or money but about secrets. She wrote down all the names mentioned.

The next day Amber went to the bookstore and found that it had been trashed. The book was gone. She called Detective Mitchell. He said that after the techs went over the store she could open. Brant told Amber that he was now the number one suspect.

This is where the book takes off so I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the end.

2. The secret Passage Bookshop: The story takes place in the town of Barley, Wyoming. Ben True owns the Rocky T Ranch. Abby Scott works and lives there while she is buying the delelict building for her Secret Passage Bookstore. Zach Cooper worked for the construction company and was going to restore the building. While going over the building by herself she was attacked. She was found unconscious by Zach and was taken to the hospital. When she was released she went back to the building with her realtor who sold the building to her. She couldn't understand who had attacked her and why. Did someone not want her to open the bookstore. In this story this is where Abby goes on an adventure to find out what all is going on. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the exciting and unexpected ending.

3. By Hook and by Book: The story takes place in the town of Harbor Inn, Maine. Lily Carter is the owner of Hook and by Book book store. It has a pirate theme and has been open for a month. Penny London who owns Cup n' Cake Coffee Shop and friend was talking to Officer Dwayne Forgione about someone who had tried to get into the bookstore. She told Lilly when she arrived to open her shop. After checking the store they didn't find anything missing. Dwayne left after giving Lily his number. Katie, the owner of Auntie's Attic Thrift Store and a friend of her mother is a member of The Butler Did It Mystery Club. Her husband, Kyle was a well known author who Lily would like to speak at her store.
Going to her store Lily heard some students talking and pretending they were pirates. She approached them asked them if they would like a job of reading stories to children. Their names were Nico Slate, Greg and Kat. They were talking about the play Pirates of Penzance that they were all trying out for. They are all college students. Greg is not happy with Lily's suggestion so Kat suggests that there should be a tryout to do the reading which Lily agreed to do. This is where the story takes off so I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the exciting ending.

4. The Missing Chapter: This story takes place in the town of Bayside. Matilda (Tilly) Thompson is sitting at the counter working on her needlepoint book markers. Kelly Stephens who is opening her new store across the street called Artistic Adventure an art and craft store decides to go into the store and introduce herself. Jep Pennington is the owner of the bookstore. He comes from a weathly family. His family were one of the founders. There are rumors that he killed his wife and burned his house down to hide the body. There was an investigation but he was never charged. Mac who owns the Fish and Tackle Shop is sitting in a chair having coffee and reading a book. Bunny Wilson dressed in tight fitting tights and exercise bra comes into the store. She owns Bunny's Body Beautiful gym. She is flirting with Jep and having coffee. Kelly realizes that Bunny was the girl who stole her boyfriend when she was in high school. Bunny also recognizes Kelly also and starts to stand up. She grabs her throat and falls face first on the floor. Jep goes to check on her and finds no pulse. She has died. They call the police. Chuck Chaney is the chief of police arrives and questions all of them.

Adam Miller, Bunny's partner and fiance come into the store. Jennifer Tucker is with him amd is a friend to both him and Bunny. Adam tells the chief that Bunny had just gotten over the flu. Kelly goes to Del's Donuts for some coffee and introduces herself to Kay Dean and her husband who own the store. Belinda Collins owns Hair we Are Hair Beauty Salon. Duke is Belinda's husband and owns a car repair shop. Nita Sue is an artist and Belinda's cousin. Sadie Butler was an elderly woman. Beau is Kelly's dog.

Jep came into her store where she was getting her store ready for her opening. He told her that they had gotten back the cororner's report and it looked like a heart attack. Showed signs of upper airway edema. She was asphyxlated. It looked like an allergic reaction. Kelly spoke to Kay. She told Kelly that Bunny had asked whether they used peanut oil. They didn't. She told them that she was very allergic to avocadoes. Kelly also asked about Jeb's wife. Kay thought that she had run off. She hated living in Bayside. The fire had been started by lightening. Kelly wondered if Bunny was allergic why didn't she have an epi-pen..

Kelly liked to kayak and enjoyed going out early. While out she saw Jep's remains of his house and gazabo. Later she decides to drive to see more of the property. She also decides to go and see where Bunny lived. While there she runs into a man named Jeke. He is Nita Sue's brother. He told Kelly that Bunny had stolen the property. It had been in his family for 100 years. Over the period of the story Kelly and Jep become friends and enjoy doing things together. At this point I will leave the story for the reader to enjoy to the exciting ending.

All the stories were fun to read. and quite entertaining. Will have to look the authors up to see what else they have written.

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Books for this ARC.

I just didn’t enjoy this collection. I wanted to, because I love books and thought a book-based collection would be fun, but the first story made me not want to read the others. It felt like an information dump, too many characters with no depth, and very little mystery.

I tried each of the stories in this collection and just couldn't get into them. The first person narrative felt really awkward in each of them.