Brynn MacAlister is pursuing her dream. She now lives in Shenandoah Springs and makes organic cheese while running a micro-dairy farm. Her next door neighbor, Nancy, is one of her closest friends in her new hometown, despite their age difference. Unfortunately, a fire destroys Nancy’s home, ending Nancy’s life in the process. Was it murder or just a sad accident? Brynn suspects murder, particularly when she starts to have odd issues at her own home.

I’m not that much of a fan of the farming lifestyle, but I love the idea of a micro-dairy farm as a conduit for making organic cheese! I have to admit that Molly Cox Bryan makes farm life sound appealing, though, even with the hardships Brynn faces. I never realized all the intricacies in making cheese, and the process sounds fascinating. However, it’s Petunia and her consistent crying for her lost calf that completely won me over. Who can’t help but feel empathy for the cow’s loss of her child? I love every bit of how Molly Cox Bryan handled this underlying story line!

CHRISTMAS COW BELLS is the first book in the Buttermilk Creek Mystery series and is sure to capture the hearts of cozy mystery lovers. The intriguing mystery coupled with fun characters and some adorable animals makes CHRISTMAS COW BELLS a hit. I look forward to seeing what Molly Cox Bryan has in store for us next!