I loved revisiting the women from Wyton’s. The 1950s, the department store, segregation and women in the workforce are a clever way to bring history to this cozy murder story. As the second book in the series, I was glad to see many returning characters and an introduction to a few more. This book can be read as is, but I think many would enjoy reading the first book before this one. I will definitely look for the next book in this series.

I discovered a new favorite title last year when I picked up The Women of Wynton's by Donna Mumma, and I was thrilled when I learned this was going to be a series instead of a stand alone title like I'd originally thought. This one had pretty big shoes to fill, and the author did an excellent job of writing a worthy follow up with the same characters and southern sass we all learned to love in the first title.

The majority of First Comes Marriage....Then Comes Murder is set around Miss Vivien's bridal salon as she prepares for the upcoming bridal week at Wynton's. Tragedy strikes however, when some of Miss Vivien's former brides end up being brutally murdered, and leaving local police with no clues to go on. As Miss Vivien finds herself in the center of suspicion, it'll take Audrey, Mirette, Mary Jo and Gigi all working together to get to the bottom of these horrible crimes, and clear their friend's name once and for all.

Told in various POV's that provide a distinct group of voices to the story, this wonderful mystery was every bit as good as the first, and one that I would highly recommend. On top of the mystery, the reader is also given lots of historical information on the way weddings used to be, and on the Civil Rights Movement and Segregation. Coupled with the favorite characters from this first book, this title had everything a reader could have ever wanted, and it was a title that was hard to put down as I was so invested in the story.

My only complaint was the I thought the culprit ended up being fairly obvious, but that's all I'm going to say about it as not to spoil anything for anyone else.

Overall, this was another wonderful read from Donna Mumma, and I'd highly recommend it for anyone looking for a good, clean mystery to pick up in the weeks to come.



Final Rating: 4/5.



Thanks so much to Barbour Publishing for allowing me to advance read and review this title!



I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Barbour Fiction) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

💕Review: First Comes Marriage.....The Comes Murder

🦄Rate: 5 Stars!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

💋Praise: I WANT THIS SERIES TO GO ON AND ON!!! I was so happy I was picked to read book two early! We are all back at Wynton's Department Store! And what a truly mysterious adventure I had reading this book! We are all reunited with Audrey, Mary jo, Gigi, and of course our beloved Vivien and all the other side characters!

❤️ I felt like the ultimate detective in the 1950s looking through another world trying to solve who is unfortunately killing off all of Vivien's former brides that she helped dress! Gasp!!! "Oh why??!! Why??!" That's all I kept saying to myself!

📖 You'll definitely be asking yourself a lot of questions but in a fun way! I personally wrote down who I thought it could be! Taking the pros and cons of each person's personality and deciding "Killer or Not?"

☕ Characters: I felt as if I had a family reunion with our beloved department store girls! Every time a personal aspect in their life or professional occurrence came together I wanted to be there for them in the book! The author leaves a beautiful mysterious tale in our hands and weaves together in addiction to her books that will never end!

🙏Extra: God Bless Donna Mumma!!

I absolutely loved Book 2 in this series! The women of Wynton's have great personalities - each one so different yet they all come together to help and support each other. This novel revolves around Vivien - the bridal salon proprietress. She has built a unique and amazing salon which has dressed brides for decades and her talent has earned her a golden reputation in Levi City. Working alongside her best friend Mirette, who is a sewing wizard, they meet and exceed all the bridal needs at Wynton's. But when one of Vivien's brides turns up dead and her custom label is found at the scene, suddenly she is in the crosshairs of the police. As things spiral out of control and the town turns on her, her close friends - Audrey, Mary Jo, and Gigi - rally around her to figure out who is behind the dastardly deeds. These unflappable women work together to solve a mystery that has stumped the police and in the midst of it all, will have you smiling with their quirky interactions. Donna Mumma weaves a tale that deals with the difficulties of race during the 1960's in the south with finesse and compassion. Grab this lovely novel and settle in for a wild ride!

As soon as I finished the first book in this series, I snatched this one up! I couldn't wait to return to the world of Wynton's and the characters I had so quickly fallen in love with 😍

The mystery in this one had me scratching my head for much longer, and the big reveal at the end had me gasping! While some of the descriptions were a little gory (not majorly so, but enough that I wouldn't recommend eating while reading 😅), I enjoyed the story and it kept me hooked all the way through!

Since the first book focused on Audrey and this one on Miss Vivian, I'm hopeful we'll have two more books about Mary Jo and Gigi 😆💕

This book is a great read. It has suspense, murder mystery, a wonderful cast of characters and just enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. It was a joy to read.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

MISCHIEF, MAYHEM, MALICE, AND MURDER!

Author Donna Mumma returns with Book #2 of the Women of Wynton’s Mystery Series, delivering an exciting new installment! “First Comes Marriage…Then Comes Murder” is set in Wynton’s Department Store in Levi City, FL, during the 1950s. The series explores the lives of women from various ages, economic backgrounds, and life stages who form deep, enduring friendships that feel like family. Their bond becomes more secure when they face rumors, threats, mischief, mayhem, malice, and murder.

In this second book, Mumma brings back all the beloved characters. Readers will again meet Audrey, Mary Jo, Gigi, the talented bridal gown, bridesmaid dress, and evening gown designer Vivien Sheffield, and her longtime assistant, Mirette. However, trouble looms when someone with a vendetta against Miss Vivien begins murdering her former brides. The only clues pointing to the murderer lead back to her, and the brutality of the crimes is appalling. It’s especially tragic because Miss Vivien has cherished her brides as if they were her daughters!

Meanwhile, the Women of Wynton’s have all experienced significant changes in their personal and professional lives. Audrey has gone to market to buy clothes for the store. Will the women be able to come together, solve the crime, and save Miss Vivien?

Barbour Fiction and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Who would think that helping brides could lead to murder?? It happens here - and so much more!! Not only do you have a murder mystery that, if you ae like me, are trying to solve but also you get to visit the 1950's. It was amazing to see how bridal "consultants" not only helped brides choose a wedding dress but they even had a handbook to guide brides through every step of their lives from planning the wedding to being a newlywed. If you like suspenseful mystery, interesting and unique characters, and some history thrown in, his book is for you! Oh, you may even be surprised at the end!! I received an advance copy from the author and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

The heart of the story lies within its richly crafted characters, each bringing their unique personalities and life challenges to the forefront. Set against a historical backdrop, this tale explores the lives of women navigating the intricacies of friendship, fashion, and the bustling world of the bridal industry. Each woman hails from a distinct social class, yet their bond transcends those differences, weaving a tapestry of camaraderie and shared experiences. With a delightful Hallmark vibe infused with just a touch of murder mystery.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

pretty effective and interesting murder mystery. i can't say it's ever all too unique but i do think it was pretty interesting. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

This was the perfect summer read! Whimsical, Southern characters who capture your heart and draw you into their town, its history-both good and bad-and their stories. Each chapter unveiling details of the characters’ lives along with the bridal gowns and the eventual motive for murder. Your heart aches with them for their losses and cheers them on as they search for the criminal.

Donna Mumma delivers a sparkling blend of vintage charm and suspense in First Comes Marriage...Then Comes Murder. Set in 1956 Levi City, Florida, this cozy mystery whisks readers into the elegant world of Vivien Sheffield, a bridal gown designer whose creations are suddenly linked to a string of chilling murders. With her reputation—and her brides—on the line, Vivien teams up with her loyal colleagues and friends at Wynton’s Department Store to uncover the truth.
This department store drama includes a cast of strong, relatable and loveable women. Audrey, Mary Jo, Gigi, and Mirette bring warmth and wit to the story, and their camaraderie is as compelling as the mystery itself. The story captures the era beautifully, with just the right touch of sweetness and suspense.
This historical, cozy story combines heart, fashion, and strong female friendships. I couldn’t put it down—and I’m already hoping for more adventures from the Women of Wynton’s! I highly suggest reading the first book of this series, The Women of Wynton’s, where you’ll be introduced to this delightful cast of characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

First Comes Marriage Then Murder is a realistic story of life in the 1950's south. Weddings were changing in postwar America and bridal salons were found in many department stores with services for brides and their mothers to assist them in navigating everything involved from engagement to setting up a new home. The main characters, Vivien and Mirette, who run the salon and design some gowns are drawn to each bride and her life beyond their shop invthe small town where everyone knows everyone. Their best friends, Audrey Gigi and Mary Jo, fill in the story by supporting and loving the older ladies. The friendships developed not through social status but by all of them working at Wynton’s Department Store. Outside the store they may never have met let alone becoming best friends through good times and bad. As the title suggests vad tines are coming when former brides start being murdered. Who could be targeting Vivien and why? The police are doing their best to figure it out and are keeping Vivien up to date as much as possible. The ladies begin to find some clues of their own but who will solve the mystery before another bride dies? The story also addresses the segregation and how many were discriminated against in this era. Many talented artists were never acknowledged for their contributions to the fashion industry as well as other industries. Each character has her own story that is wound throughout the book. Audrey with a new promotion and struggling to training ger replacement, Mary Jo has problems at home and Gigi struggles to fit in when she is promoted to a new department. The murderer wasn’t asurprise to next but there is surprise at the end as the motives and final scenes unfold.
I really enjoye this book and was touched by the characters. I felt their excitement, joy, frustration and pain throughout the book, especially the moms of the brides. I had read The Wonen of Wynton’s so this one also feels like a visit to meet up with old friends.

Step back in time - the 1950's - for a murder mystery that will keep you turning the pages. Outstanding characters and storyline reveals relationship inner workings in both marriages and friendships. This book was provided through NetGalley for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.

I usually don't read books not set in this decade, but I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone. I was born in the 50's and didn't know a lot of the social issues that were going on. This book reveals about society trends and racial issues and how awareness was changing. Then add in some murders and you really have a game changer. Five ladies bond together more than usual to stop this murderer from striking again. You won't figure out till the end why this person is killing brides. I was given an advance copy of this book by the author, but these are my words. Highly recommend this book.

"Ain't Love Grand!" Vivien Sheffield lives in 1956 Levi City as a well known bridal gown designer. When the brides that wear her custom designs are murdered one after the other, fingers are pointing & gossiping about Vivien. Determined to clear her name & the stores reputation, she teams up with her colleagues to solve this department store mystery before another bride becomes the next victim. This is a story of friendship, loyalty and a glimpse of the past according to society's standards. The characters are everyday people that you can relate to. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.

First Comes Marriage … Then Comes Murder by Donna Mumma sweeps you into a mid-century department store where satin, lace, and whispered secrets mingle behind the fitting room curtain. In 1956 Levi City, Florida, Vivien Sheffield designs bridal gowns that promise happily-ever-after … until murder turns her aisle of dreams into a trail of fear.

The real sparkle here is the cast: Vivien’s loyal circle of friends … sharp, warm, and full of personality … make every scene feel like an invitation to linger. Their banter, determination, and unshakable friendship turn the sleuthing into something as entertaining as it is clever. Add in the bustle of the sales floor, the hush of the bridal salon, and the period-perfect fashion details, and it’s like stepping into a mid-century snapshot where glamour meets gossip.

For Christian fiction, the faith thread felt faint … more like barely-there trim than the fabric itself … and I found myself wishing it had been stitched in with greater depth and conviction. This cozy mystery delivers a bouquet of nostalgia, friendship, and fashion, all tied with a ribbon of murder-mayhem. Perfect for readers who love a little sparkle with their sleuthing.

If you’re ready to slip on your gloves, sip a soda at the lunch counter, and wander the aisles of a mid-century department store where friendship sparkles and secrets lurk, this one might be your perfect fit.

I received a digital version of this book from the publisher via 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.

This is the first book that I have read by this author. This book is in a series and I think you should read them in order, so that you will recognize the characters. Each chapter in the book tells what the different characters are doing, it doesn't stay on one person through the entire book but it comes together near the end. The premise of the book is about someone killing off young brides who have only gotten their dresses from a bridal shop in a department store. Why are the brides being killed and why is it about the bridal shop? If you love reading about fashions and all the details about the different type of wedding dresses set in the 1950's, this book is for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are in my own words and what I thought of the book.

** “Tomorrow’s a new day, and things might start getting better. If they don’t there’s always another tomorrow coming. Eventually God works it all out.” **

Donna Mumma continues the story of the fabulous women of Wynton’s Department Store in “First Comes Marriage … Then Comes Murder.”

A few changes have happened since the first book, as Mr. Wynton’s secretary Audrey Penault is being promoted to senior buyer of ladies fashion. Along with her assistant Mirette, Vivien Sheffield is still running her busier-than-ever bridal salon in the store. Gigi Woodard has been promoted to cosmetics from the cafeteria, and Mary Jo Johnson is now in the ladies accessories department. Life is going great for everyone … until someone starts to fatally target some of Vivien’s brides.

Can the ladies figure out who is horrifically killing former brides, and why? And can Vivien’s salon survive the storm that follows?

Once again, Mumma does an incredible job of reflecting a 1950s department store era while creating a fun murder mystery, and also developing great characters — ones to root for and ones to loathe. She also fills her novel with some great themes, like kind words trample down wrath; God makes us each unique for a reason; there is always another tomorrow, which God will eventually work it all for good; overcoming scars; and dealing with bitterness, envy and revenge.

This could be read as a standalone, but I’d recommend reading the first book “The Women of Wynton’s.”

Fans of cozy mysteries and group mystery series like Robert Thorogood’s “Marlow Murder Club” series, or even Katherine Woodfine’s “Sinclair’s Mysteries” will love “First Comes Marriage … Then Comes Murder,” which is due out Sept. 1.

Five stars out of five.

Barbour Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Planning a wedding can be a stressful. Add murders and mystery to the planning, and worry and fear fill every moment. In this special story, the author brings the reader into a time when etiquette, social status, and jealousy caused mayhem. Good read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.