St. Ignatius, Iowa was established in 1849 and is the Jameson County seat. It boasts 6,000 people, none of them famous, and is mostly known for beautiful restored Victorian homes and quaint town square. Now, you might think that doesn’t seem all that exciting but let me give you a glimpse through my eyes.
Though the homes are lovely, and the town square is one of my favorites, that’s not the best part. The best part is the hometown feel. And though it’s not my actual hometown, I love it every bit as if it were.
My name is Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway, but I’ve always been called Sugar, and I came to St. Ignatius sort of accidently. Not all that long ago I was a highfalutin senior food editor for a major magazine headquarter in the Midwest and had a chance to visit when we were working on a story about bakers who’d won multiple blue ribbons at the Iowa State Fair. Dixie Spicer, from St. Ignatius was one of three who were tied for the most wins. When I met her, we immediately bonded, and I fell in love with her town, her no-nonsense personality, and her baking.
As fate would have it, shortly after that story ran, my employer found themselves in financial straits. As a result, I found myself caught in the downsizing and unemployed. But to my delight, Dixie and I came up with the idea for Sugar & Spice Community Cookbooks. You know the kind, right? Often used as fundraisers for churches, soccer teams, band boosters, and the like.
The new endeavor, the fresh start, and the town was just what I needed. I love almost everything about my adopted hometown. It’s the kind of place where everyone still waves, conversations happen on front porches, and neighbors check in on neighbors. I love it!
Beyond the square, tree-lined streets stretch into neighborhoods filled with stately old oaks and lovingly restored Victorian homes. Two bed & breakfasts—both well-reviewed and always welcoming—offer visitors a taste of Midwest hospitality at its finest.
As a newcomer, you often see the “outsider effect” especially in small close-knit communities, but I’ve found most people to be welcoming. Though I’m sure I’ll be referred to as, “Sugar-Calloway-you-know-she’s-not-from-here,” no matter how many years I live in St. Ignatius. And I hope that’s a lot of years.
I was lucky enough to find a beautiful older home to rent as the owner, Greer Gooder, had decided to move to a senior living community. Greer is a hoot and the fact that she’s in her eighties does not slow her down one bit. I’m hopeful she’ll eventually decide to sell. And hoping that Sugar & Spice Community Cookbooks is successful enough that I can be first in line when she’s ready.
The house is a fresh white Queen Anne style home complete with a porch that stretches across the front and a porch swing. And my commute to work is around five minutes. Can you believe it?
Five minutes, that is if I don’t make a stop at the Red Hen Diner on the square for a blueberry muffin to go with my coffee. Even first thing in the morning, the diner is buzzing with people talking, waitresses shouting out orders, and owner Toy George taking money and dispensing advice. It smells like bacon and fresh coffee and the door chime clucks as people come and go. If you want to know what’s going on in town, just stop by the Red Hen.
Around the square you’ll find well-maintained sidewalks, flowerpots hanging from the lamp posts, and an eclectic mix of locally owned shops that reflect the town’s personality. An antique store, a quilt shop, a hair salon, a bakery, and a real estate office. Perks, the new coffeehouse/bookstore started by two retired teachers. Flashback, a memorabilia store run by Disco, as the locals call him. The town square is true heartbeat of St. Ignatius and as our office is also located on the square, we have a front row seat.
In the center is the Jameson County Courthouse which was built in 1904 from local limestone. It was designed in Revival-Classic style and boasts a silver dome, several spires, and clock tower that at one time could be heard to strike the hour through the entire city. I know all this because Jimmy LeBlanc, local history buff, is a font of information and doesn’t hold back. On any given day people come and go taking care of licenses, taxes, and other official business. And in good weather sometimes they pause in the greenspace around the courthouse which is dotted with benches—perfect for resting your feet, sipping your beverage, or catching up on the latest.
And the latest might just be one of the many festivals we have. You’ve got to love a place where the residents are ready to host a celebration at the top of a hat. Autumn, winter, spring, all reasons to celebrate. And the length of the Fourth of July parade with its marching band and colorful floats is rivaled only by the Winterfest Promenade.
The people of St. Ignatius are a delightful blend of quirky and kind. There's something purely magical about a place where folks still wave from their front porches, the mayor still mows his own lawn, and the biggest traffic jam is when the high school is celebrating Homecoming.
There’s a warmth and authenticity to the community that’s reminds you to take a deep breath and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments.
In St. Ignatius, the days feel a little slower, the smiles a little brighter, and the world a little kinder. It’s not just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. And it has stolen my heart.
Sugar & Spice Mysteries #4
Sugar Calloway and Dixie Spicer are up to their aprons in community cookbook projects, but Sugar can't resist when the Jameson County Historical Society asks for their assistance with a cookbook featuring bread recipes. But they’ve barely begun when suddenly troubles are on the rise. Marla, the board’s president is stabbed with a bread knife, her best friend, Mame, is a suspect & some dough (of the money kind) is missing. As Sugar and Dixie try to save the cookbook project and help Mame, things take a twist with a second body. But what’s the connection? And who in St. Ignatius has been keeping secrets? And, mostly importantly, will Sugar and Dixie be able to figure out whodunnit before the killer catches up with them and they are toast.
Mystery Amateur Sleuth | Mystery Culinary | Mystery Cozy [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: May 27, 2025, e-Book , / ]
Mary Lee Ashford is a lifelong bibliophile, an avid reader, and supporter of public libraries. In addition to writing the Sugar and Spice series for Kensington Books, she also writes as half of the writing team of Sparkle Abbey, author of the national bestselling Pampered Pets mystery series from Bell Bridge Books.
Prior to publishing Mary Lee won first place in the Daphne du Maurier contest, sponsored by the Kiss of Death chapter of RWA, and was a finalist in Murder in the Grove's mystery contest, as well as Killer Nashville's Claymore Dagger contest.
She is the founding president of Sisters in Crime - Iowa and a board member of the Mystery Writers of America Midwest chapter, as well as a member of Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, Kiss of Death the RWA Mystery Suspense chapter, Sisters in Crime, and the SinC internet group Guppies.
She loves encouraging writers and is a frequent lecturer and workshop presenter for writers' groups. Mary Lee has a passionate interest in creativity and teaches a university level course in Creative Management to MPA candidates, as well as presenting workshops and blogging about creativity.
She currently resides in the midwest with her husband, Tim, and Sparkle, the rescue cat namesake of the Sparkle Abbey pseudonym. Her delights are reading and enjoying her two sons and daughter-in-laws, and six grandchildren.
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