Fans of Charmed and Hallmark's Good Witch would enjoy this cozy mystery set in a town with an equally cozy name: Serenity Falls. Any fan of the Bell, Book & Candle would recognize (if you know you know) the ambiance. A more modern story than I usually prefer indulging in, I still appreciated the quieter beginning this tale brings than a fantasy or adventure might offer.

There might not be dragons, fae or runaway carriages, but the story explores truths of loss and fear and hope that many face today.

However, the shorter-styled chapter lengths definitely helped move the story along. I found myself trying to figure out the mystery before the story ended and I was only half right! I must also admit I didn't realize just how much magic is woven into the story, but that didn't bother me in the slightest. If you love cozy mysteries but don't like magic, then perhaps this story isn't for you.

All in all, I think this book could become a series, exploring more of the other characters and shops, especially of the connect in any way to the FMCs family. There's also the potential for a future love triangle (yes this is cozy mystery, not romance, I know!)

Pros: well thought out characters, setting and Watson
Cons: a shorter read, action could've started a little sooner, and I do wish one character had been a bit more nefarious.

Overall, I give this book 4/5 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley for extending me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this story. This review will appear on my blog sometime this weekend, June 20th to the 22nd at this link: https://penandmoss.wixsite.com/penandmoss/arc-reviews

Fragrance of Forgotten Truths by Iris Applewood is magical realism at its finest! With heartfelt characters you’ll instantly root for and a captivating storyline that keeps you hooked, this Serenity Falls cozy is impossible to put down. (I received an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.) I stayed up way too late finishing it—and now I’m counting the days until the next one!

This isn't my typical genera of books, but the title and blurb intrigued me enough to give it a go. The story itself was nice and cozy. I thought the name of the town 'Serenity Falls' was a little on the cheesy side, but thats just my opinion. I liked the small town, mystery plot of the book. I thought how the different perfume sce is unlocked different memories was clever and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. Overall it was a nice cozy, quick read for me and I enjoyed it. This would be a great 'palette cleanser' book or a nice read when you're in a slump and just want to have a nice time reading.

This magical mystery is just what my heart needed! The love and bond that was there between all the characters was breathtaking! Here's hoping we get some more amazing books about Serenity Falls!

5/5
I absolutely loved this book, so much that I couldn’t even put the book down. I had to binge-read it. There were a lot of twists I didn’t expect in this book, and did in fact kept me engaged.

If you’re looking for a small-town book with mystery and a hint of magic, this is your book to read.

This book was absolutely adorable! I felt like it was perfectly descriptive. Just enough to be able to envision the scenery and town without being overboard.
The whole thing felt like a warm hug. I loved Anna and Emilia’s growth. Watson was definitely the star though!
This was a very easy, quick read that kept my attention the whole time.
The “it takes a village” message was so heartwarming.

#FragranceofForgottenTruths #NetGalley is an intriguing story that I read in one sitting.
Anna and Emilia are sisters who have a lot going on. There mom passed away suddenly and their grandmother has dementia.
Prior to the onset of dementia, their grandmother was an herbalist who made her own perfumes. Anna has inherited the trait, but there's so much more going on and it takes a village to make things right.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.