Ballard, MignonMysteryPrentice Dobson didn't think she had anything left to lose. Unemployed and abandoned by her boyfriend, who refused to say "I love you," Prentice returns to her family's home to mourn the recent deaths of her father and estranged sister. Trying to deal with big questions about her future, the last thing Prentice needed was more questions. But, when she stumbles upon an empty grave and an unidentified corpse, a ton of them are dumped into her lap. The gaping hole in the ground, once inhabited by an uncle who died in disgrace, sends Prentice on an enlightening search for answers to questions about her family's past and the secret life her sister lived before her untimely death. As she delves further into the mysteries, Prentice is confronted by a malicious family intent on robbing her of the small hope she discovers that she has left. Unable to cope with these challenges alone, Prentice needs someone to guide her. Her own mother is absent and her family members are no help, so it's a good thing that she's got a sassy, perky guardian angel with a penchant for beautiful clothes and a talent for cooking to watch over her. With Augusta Goodnight at her side, Prentice is able to unravel the mystery of her uncle's disappearance and her sister's life. Augusta's strawberry scented presence fills her with the courage and strength to set the foundations for a promising future after coming to grips with the past she's leaving behind.This book is just right for a quick, cozy read. It has a homey feel that's charming and is sprinkled with delightful bits of humor and whimsy. The combination of two unconnected mysteries would be daunting for many others, but Ballard pulls it off well. Augusta doesn't play quite as big a role in this installment, which I actually liked. By focusing on the character development of the main actors, the author enriches the novel in a way that doesn't work as well when Augusta's presence fills every page. Overall, this was a delightful and quick read for someone who likes magic and Southern living but doesn't like the darker paranormal mysteries that are so popular now.
