Trouble on Main Street (Sugar Mountain #1)
Published March 24th 2020 by Augustine Press, Kindle Edition 289 pages
A cozy mountain town, a sweet romance, and a secret society of sneaky women…
The sleepy hamlet of Sugar Mountain harbors a secret society of women. Don’t misunderstand—the society itself is not secret—it’s the true nature of the group that is hush-hush.
Sugar Mountain is the kind of charming village that tourists adore. If you like small-town charm, quirky shops, and local art, this is the place for you. But when a blood smeared package shows up at the post office and it appears to be linked to a scheme that threatens Heidi Collinsworth’s historic home, the town takes on a sinister vibe. Heidi would lay odds that slimy Mayor Winslow is involved, but even with the enquiring skills of The Sugar Mountain Ladies Historical Society at work, proof is scarce.
The new guy in town, Adam Williams, is determined not to get involved in Sugar Mountain’s business. His last job in a big city planning office ruined his life, but Heidi needs his help. No matter how hard he tries to stay detached, Adam finds himself eyeball deep in Heidi’s problems, as well as the needs of her teenage son and a homeless dog.
With conflicting theories abound and tensions running high, it’s up to the ladies of the society to don disguises and go undercover. If they’re not careful, the town may fall to a wrecking ball, Heidi may fall for Adam, and the secret society will be exposed.
Meet the cast of colorful characters in this charming and zany introduction to a whole new series of romantic, cozy mysteries!
User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
Rather sweet and charming story of a secret society of women who plan, support and nurture their small town in many ways.
Rating: really liked it
Another great story! A new series, and I am looking forward to reading #2 in the series! It's quite the little small town mystery! And will leave you hanging until book 2 comes out. I can't wait to see what is in store for this little town!
Rating: really liked it
One fine cozy mystery!
Author Kirsten Fullmer has worked in the field of engineering, has been a teacher at the college level, was a freelance consultant, and has an affinity for art. Now retired, she has published eight novels including her six part HOMETOWN SERIES, LOVE ON THE LINE, and now TROUBLE ON MAIN STREET.
An ongoing theme in Kirsten’s romance novels is the presence of strong female characters and how they cope with love, life and relationships. Stepping away from her previous Hometown Girl locale of Smithville, this story takes place in a very ‘special’ town – Sugar Mountain, North Carolina – and the unique aspect of this setting is introduced in the Prologue _ “The little town of Sugar Mountain, North Carolina rests in the high country of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thanks to the beautiful scenery, secluded location, and four changing seasons, the area is a cherished tourist destination. Historians note that the first European settlers came to the area in 1775…What historians don’t know is that the sleepy hamlet of Sugar Mountain harbors a secret society of women. Don’t misunderstand – the society itself is not secret – it’s the true nature of the groups that is hush-hush.’ Mystery, and the reader’s curiosity established, the story presses forward.
Kirsten’s summary outlines the plot: ‘Sugar Mountain is the kind of charming village that tourists adore. If you like small-town charm, quirky shops, and local art, this is the place for you. But when a blood smeared package shows up at the post office and it appears to be linked to a scheme that threatens post master, Heidi Collinsworth’s historic home, the Sugar Mountain Ladies Historical Society take matters into their own hands. Heidi would lay odds that slimy Mayor Winslow is involved, but even with the enquiring skills of the society at work, proof is scarce. The new guy in town, Adam Williams, is determined not to get involved in Sugar Mountain’s business. His last job in a big city planning office ruined his life, but Heidi needs his help. No matter how hard he tries to stay detached, Adam finds himself eyeball deep in Heidi’s problems, as well as the needs of her teenage son and a homeless dog. With conflicting theories abounding and tensions running high, it’s up to the ladies of the society to don disguises and go undercover. If they’re not careful, the town is in danger of falling to a wrecking ball, Heidi falling for Adam, and the secret society being exposed. ’
A cozy mystery, a small town romance, and in Kirsten Fullmer’s hands this novel comes alive with vigor - a refreshing and satisfying experience. Recommended on many levels.
Rating: really liked it
Trouble on Main Street is really an easy read mystery with lots of intrigue and laughs throughout. The cast of interesting and quirky female characters make it a real page turner not to mention the genius factor of the secret society. I wanted to read this book in one sitting, desperate to discover what would happen next. I cannot wait for the next instalment I know will be just as clever and comical as this one. Fantastic!
Rating: really liked it
If you like the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency Novels, you're sure to like Trouble on Main Street by Kirsten Fullmer. Set in the chocolate box town of Sugar Mountain, protagonist Heidi founds herself deeply entrenched in a mystery when a suspicious blood-stained package arrives at the post office she runs. In come the Sugar Mountain Ladies Historical Society to solve the mystery. What secrets of the seemingly perfect Sugar Mountain well Heidi and the Ladies uncover?
A mystery and a romance novel novel that is perfect for a weekend read, with the tension being balanced with a developing love story between Heidi and newcomer Adam. There is also an adorable homeless dog that you're sure to fall far, I know I did.
It was a nice light read, so I'm looking forward to reading more of the Sugar Mountain Books soon.
Rating: really liked it
Who? What? Why? How?Ms. Fullmer sure wrote this book in such a way that it kept the reader wondering why things were being handled the way they were. But, what was actually happening? Why were things being done? And, who was involved? How were the plans going to be accomplished? There’s a secret society of women, who seemed on occasion to a a group of babbling women! Add to all this a very attractive man & you have a fun, entertaining, easy to read book!
Rating: really liked it
Trouble on Main Street is the first book in a new series from Kirsten Fullner. This author is renowned for creating strong female characters and exploring the bonds between them, and this story does just that. Set in the idyllic small town of Sugar Mountain, the characters of this book form a secret women’s society who work to unfold a mystery that threatens to destroy all that they hold dear while offering the reader moments of comedy and sheer sass along the way.
The story starts off gently, mirroring the mood of the small town, but gradually increases pace to become a riveting, page-turning puzzle. This is a feel-good read with elements of romance, that is well written, with a compelling plot and characters you can’t help but like and admire. It sits comfortably in the cozy mystery genre, and will be popular among readers who enjoyed the likes of Joanna Fluke and Ellery Adams.
Rating: really liked it
This is a feel good, fun book that has it all: gal pals, a secret society, mystery, romance, and laughs. The women support each other, love their town, and their antics are a hoot. It’s the perfect mix of not being a heavy read, but not being bubblegum light reading either. Pick it up, you won’t regret it!
Rating: really liked it
Seriously loved reading this book and I’m anxious to see more of the characters’ development in the next ones to come! This book introduced me to the genre of cozy mystery and I’m excited to discover more!
Rating: really liked it
Secret women’s group posing as Historical Society TROUBLE ON MAIN STREET was an easy read once I memorized all the society members names and their occupations. That just helped my mental image of what I thought they should look like and their characteristics.
It’s a cozy fun read but sort of unrealistic unless I’ve led such a sheltered life and they really do have secret societies where the leader inherits the meeting home and all the members can go incognito within the small town to spy on people. Ha. The mayor is up to no good and the women aren’t having any of it.
I found just a few errors in the first few chapters.
Rating: really liked it
Cute, contemporary romance set in a small town in NC. Heidi, a widow, is the grand master of a secret ladies society. They meet in her historic home on Main Street. As postmaster of this small town, she discovers a strange and bloody package in the outgoing mail.
Heidi enlists her ladies to investigate, and they determine that the mayor of the town is planning a big change to Main Street, including the demolition of her house. This unlikely group of women work together in silly ways to save their town. They discover some sinister secrets along the way.
Enter Adam, a newcomer to town. Heidi and Adam are attracted to each other, but there are some missteps along the way.
Light romance, light mystery. If you are looking for a quick and easy read, this fits the bill. The ladies group reminded me of the characters in the Disney film, The North Avenue Irregulars.
This is book 1 in the series.
#TroubleonMainStreet #KirstenFullmer
Rating: really liked it
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TROUBLE ON MAIN STREET (Sugar Mountain Book #1) by Kirsten Fullmer is an entertaining small town cozy mystery with romance elements. This first book in the series introduces the ladies of the Sugar Mountain Historical Society and features their president, Heidi Collinsworth. This Historical Society is not quite what it seems. I listened to the audiobook.
Heidi Collinsworth is the town’s postmaster, a widow, a single mom, and the current president of the Sugar Mountain Historical Society which is also her home. A package with a bloody handprint shows up at the post office and at the same time Heidi learns that the Historical Society is due to be demolished. All the ladies of the society come together to investigate and discover a plan that could not only make Heidi homeless, but also destroy Sugar Mountain’s unique downtown shopping district.
Adam Williams has moved to Sugar Mountain for a complete change in his life. He is intrigued by the postmaster and when she asks for his help, he reluctantly agrees since his old job is just what Heidi needs. For someone who wants to stay to himself, he is completely drawn into Heidi’s problem, spending time with Heidi’s son and adopting a sad homeless dog.
Heidi is hiding a secret that she cannot reveal to Adam even as she begins to fall for him. The entire town may be destroyed, and the society exposed if they are not careful.
I really enjoyed listening to this cozy mystery and its fun cast of ladies in the Historical Society. The idea of the Historical Society and their terrible reenactments being the cover for a group of women who come together to better the town and its inhabitants without interference, since no one really knows what they are doing, is an idea that can lead to many more plots. The characters kept me listening, but the plot that started out interesting and well paced, ended up rushed and was not as satisfying as I believe it could have been. I do enjoy scenic small town locations and Sugar Mountain, NC is set in the high country of the Blue Ridge Mountains and I know that is beautiful country. The narrator was an excellent choice for this story, and I enjoyed listening to her bring life to the characters.
I look forward to listening to more Sugar Mountain series audiobooks.
Rating: really liked it
A light cozy book for quarantining
Started off slowly with a lot of characters to keep track of. The Sugar Mountain Historical Society is really a secret society of women who take care of their town. And they do it very well. They are a quirky bunch of delightful ladies and a very good read. Looking forward to the next book. We are self quarantining because the Covid-19 numbers are rising here in our area and we don’t want it. But, it is enabling us to catch up on our reading.
Rating: really liked it
ExcellentFirst time I've read about this author and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more! I'm fact Book 2 is ready and waiting!!!
Rating: really liked it
I received a free copy of each book in this series in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my opinion of these books.
So this is why a series needs to be read in order. I know I did it the wrong way around. And I really loved doing that for a change and it really didn’t affect my knowledge of what was happening & going on – BUT – now I know maybe one or two things about this story that I probably didn’t need to know before starting. Anyhoo.
5 Reasons for our 5 pretty purple stars
This series really is just well written. I have never read any books by Kirsten Fullmer before but I cannot wait to get dug into some more of her stories.
She creates this really colourful world that is so easy to get lost in. And I did. For 5 days straight.
Ms Fullmer is excellent at introducing new characters in such a way that it doesn’t feel forced. Sharing their back story feels more like living it than being told a story.
I love the byplay between Heidi and Adam. They make a really cute couple and I shipped them so hard it hurt.
I loved the mystery and intrigue. I loved the way you were kept guessing throughout the book. It never felt cliche and too easy to guess.
If you are ever in the need of a series that is incredibly bingeable this would be it. Pick it up. Read it. Save it. You’re gonna wanna read it again later.
