Love's a Mystery in Sleepy Hollow, NY: Book 1
Review of Christian Cozy Mystery
* The Love’s a Mystery series encompasses two short novels— one set in the past and the other in the present. These books are only available through guideposts.org, which is an independent Christian publisher.
In the first novel (Love Learns the Truth), Hannie Van Brunt’s father has been accused of murdering Ichabod Crane. (This is in reference to the story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”). This particular novel is a continuation of that world. To help prove his innocence, she enlists the help of new schoolmaster Gideon Webb. They embark on an investigation of the whereabouts of Ichabod. Throughout the investigation, Hannie and Gideon grow closer and start to fall in love with one another.
While I did like the continuation of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the mystery fell flat at the end. The romance was sweet and satisfying, but it was not a strong mystery.
In the second novel, Love Stirs the Pot, the reader is taken to present day Sleepy Hollow. Tess McIntosh has just moved back to Sleepy Hollow. After having a lucrative Wall-Street job in Manhattan, she was unhappy with her life and decides to help her grandmother run her restaurant Sleepy Hollow Soup Shop. In the previous novel, Hannie’s mother made a variety of specialty soups including one called Hannie’s Beef and Barley soup.
But her grandmother needs Tess to investigate an issue that has affected many of her friends. Someone created a charity asking for donations, but it was discovered that it was a fake charity. Tess’ grandmother asks her and Riley O’Toole to investigate. Riley is Tess’ high school crush who works as an online investigator. This investigation causes them to grow closer together and question what exactly they want out of their lives.
I really liked this second novel. The characters were more interesting, and the author exposed the reader to the community of the town. Tess and Riley had engaging chemistry and I was more invested in their relationship. I highly recommend this book.
Next Novel to Review: Soldier Protector (Love Inspired Suspense)