I read cozy mysteries and I tend to stay away from the magic, paranormal, and haunted themes. This book is the first in a new series and even though it has some magic in it, my friends recommended that I try it. I'm glad that I did and it was not anything like I expected. I love the characters and it takes place in the south in a small town. I am from the south and can relate to a lot of the southern sayings and "goings on". Family plays an important role, here in the south, and I love that the loyalty the Cassidy women have with one another. Friendship also plays a big part in this new series and that was something that I truly enjoyed. Harlow comes back to her hometown and the friendships that she shared just seem to pick up where they left off. Her friend Josie and Josie's fiance, Nate seem to be prime suspects in a murder that happened right on Harlow's lawn. Being a true friend, Harlow cannot help but try to find out who really murdered Nell, especially if Nate was the one that did it. She can't let Josie marry a murderer. If you are like me and tend to shy away from the magical themes, please try this book. I really think you will enjoy it.

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A decedent of the infamous Butch Cassidy, Harlow Jane Cassidy and all the other Cassidy women through time possess special "gifts". Harlow is still unsure what her gift actually is when she returns home to Texas from Manhattan. Her great grandmother has passed away and left her farmhouse to Harlow. Harlow worked as a fashioner designer in New York so she decides to open a custom dressmaking boutique on the main level of her new home.

One of her first customers is her childhood friend Josie, who is getting married in just two weeks. The store where she had ordered her bridal gown and bridesmaids dresses has gone out of business and she needs Harlow to save the day and create all the dresses as fast as she can.

Calamity strikes when the maid of honor is found dead outside of Harlow's shoppe. The bride looks like the prime suspect and she now needs more than a few dresses. She needs her help to find out who killed her friend. It turns out Harlow may be able to do this especially with a little bit of unusual help, a little help from the great beyond.


This story really tugged at my heartstrings. I too come from a long line of dressmakers, seamstresses, and people who love to sew. My grandmother was known for her beautiful work, making men's suits and wedding dresses along with every other garment thinkable. My mother made all my clothes until I started making my own and until my accident I created not only clothes for my family but quilts as well. While we may not have possessed any magical powers we found so much joy in what we were able to create.

Harlow's gift with fabric is extraordinary, but it is her late great-grandmother that steals the story and will keep you in stitches as she makes her opinions "heard". The other characters are varied and well written. A little bit of romance, loaded with humor and a wonderful mystery made this book a delightful read. You can also feel the author's love and talent of sewing jump of the pages. She definitely has a passion that shines through.

This was a fun read and would be enjoyed by all but especially those that love to sew. It would also make a fabulous gift for anyone who sews. If future books follow this pattern some wonderfully constructed mysteries are in our future!!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Obsidian. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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Very good first book in a new cozy mystery series. Ms. Bourbon has done a good job developing her characters and they are likable other than the villians. Mystery was not easy to figure out, but she just dropped it on us at the end. I enjoyed the sewing discussions evan though I don't sew. Will definately read book 2.

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I must admit that I had to start this book three times before I was able to get into it. I did enjoy it once I gave it a chance. I like the back story of the Cassidy women and their "gifts". I will read the next one in the series. 3 stars

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All the Cassidy women possess special gifts. Harlow Jane Cassidy's is creating beautiful dresses. But she's about to discover secrets in her own family and another gift-one that can reach beyond the grave.... â When her great-grandmother passes away, Harlow leaves her job as a Manhattan fashion designer and moves back to Bliss, Texas. But soon after she opens Buttons & Bows, a custom dressmaking boutique in the old farmhouse she inherited, Harlow begins to feel an inexplicable presence....

One of her first clients is her old friend Josie, who needs a gown for her upcoming wedding. But when Josie's boss turns up dead, it starts to look as if the bride-to-be may be wearing handcuffs instead of a veil. Suddenly, Josie needs a lot more from Harlow than the perfect dress. Can Harlow find the real killer-with a little help from beyond?

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