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Bloom Of Betrayal (Silver Springs Story #4)

Bloom Of Betrayal (Silver Springs Story #4)

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She Escaped Boston Burnout Only To Find Buried Secrets...

Small-Town Secrets Grow Deeper Than The Garden Plots

She traded relentless restaurant hours for a Vermont café, until an anonymous photograph, a buried box, and forged evidence pulled her into a horticultural mystery...

Important: This is a digital file, not a physical item.

More About This Short Story eBook

Not every legacy grows from honest soil...

Laura Evans traded Boston’s relentless restaurant hours for a quiet café manager position in Silver Springs, Vermont—finally time to read, walk, and maybe buy a plant. 

Then an anonymous envelope arrives: a vintage photograph of the town’s beloved rose garden, one man's face circled, another crossed out. The cryptic message reads: ‘This is the bloom that wasn’t.’

When Laura and her coworker Eli unearth a rusted box while dividing an iris plant, it vanishes overnight, and Eli’s community garden plot faces seizure over fabricated violations. 

Someone desperately wants the past buried. 

But Laura notices what others miss: stolen archives, forged evidence, a twenty-year-old lie. As the rose garden’s anniversary celebration approaches, she must untangle a horticultural mystery where legacy, loyalty, and truth compete for sunlight.

In Silver Springs, even roses have secrets. Will Laura risk her peaceful new life to expose them?

Product Details

  • ASIN:
  • BISACs: FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / Culinary, FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / Crafts, FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths
  • Compatibility: Compatible with all ePub + PDF readers across devices.
  • Comp Titles: The Sentence by Louise Erdrich, Lost For Words by Stephanie Butland, The Divines by Ellie Eaton, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, The Librarian Of Crooked Lane by C.J. Archer, The Keeper Of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis, The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess, The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, The Nature Of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner
  • Customer Support: Assistance available for download issues.
  • Delivery Method: Instant digital download. I'll email you a download link immediately after purchase.
  • Font Size: Adjustable and 13/16ppt.
  • Format: Black & White Digital PDF file + Black & White Digital ePUB file.
  • GGKEY:
  • Language: ENG- English
  • Moods:
  • Opening Line: Here, Laura Evans’ mornings began not with a jolt, but a slow unfurling.
  • Page Count:
  • Page Size:
  • 5x8"
  • Publisher: Cozy Cozies
  • Printer Settings: Black and white, and normal quality.
  • Refund Policy: I offer a 37-day money-back guarantee. Not satisfied for any reason? I'll refund you in full.
  • Resolution: 300 DPI
  • Subtitle: A Page-turning Crafts & Culinary Cozy Mystery Short Story
  • Tags: Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuth, Small Town Secrets, Found Family, Historical Cover-Ups, Rural Vermont Setting, Community Garden, Horticulture Focus, Cafe Setting, Friendships Forming, Intergenerational Conflict, Plant Expert, Determined Protagonist, Eccentric Investigator, Snarky Best Friend, Legacy And Lies, The Power Of Plants, Truth Versus Perception, Postcard Exchange, References To Jane Austen, Comfort Read
  • Usage Rights: For personal use only. Not for commercial reproduction or resale.

Short Story eBook written and created by Jodie Morgan.

100% No-Risk Guarantee

I think you’re going to love this eBook! But if you aren’t completely satisfied with anything, I offer a 100% No-Risk Money-Back Guarantee.

For more details, see my returns policy. More questions? Contact me. I'm happy to help!

Returns & Refunds

I have a 37-day return policy, which means you have 37 days after receiving your item to request a refund, return, or exchange.

If there's a problem with your purchase, please email me:jodie@cozycozies.com

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★★★★★

"Enjoyable read, interesting characters. Kept me guessing until the end."

Deb S.

Deb S., cozy mystery, historical, contemporary, non-fiction reader, Wisconsinite.

★★★★★

"Wraps around you like a warm blanket on a rainy day. Jodie's writing is sharp yet comforting, with the right amount of humor and heart. I laughed, I guessed (wrong), and I didn't want it to end. If you love cozy mysteries with food, fun, and murder—this is one book you need."

Paul Lawrence, cozy mystery, thriller, fantasy reader, trekkie, New Yorker.

★★★★★

"I live in New England and Morgan's wonderfully atmospheric descriptions of a small town in Vermont feel authentic and its characters believable. The scene-setting made it easy to imagine yourself in the locations. It was an enjoyable treat for the senses with an atmosphere built through flavors, fragrances, and even soft textures. The mystery is fun as clues are uncovered by the amateur sleuths. Highly recommended for fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club books and other cozy mysteries."

S. Bavey

S. Bavey, author of memoir, family history, biographies, book reviewer, blogger, mother of two, English, Bay Stater.

★★★★★

"A treat for my mystery-loving heart and my cheese-loving brain. Laura Evans made for an intriguing amateur sleuth…a newcomer with heart, grit, and a growing sense of belonging in her quirky town. It hits all the right notes: food, friendship, and enough danger to make you keep the lights on."

Devi, cozy mystery, fantasy, thriller, paranormal reader, book blogger, short story writer.

★★★★★

"Laura was a great protagonist and I can relate to wanting to start over. The secondary cast really added to the story, with plenty of characters to keep you laughing and intrigued. The author nailed what it was like to live in a small town. Plenty of suspects and red herrings, so I did not solve the mystery before it was revealed. It welcomed me to Silver Springs, and I am excited to see where people take me next!"

Ashley Gillan

Ashley Gillan, cozy mystery, historical romance, history, YA reader, journalist, dog lover, photographer, book blogger, reviewer, Pennsylvanian.

★★★★★

"I was able to play armchair detective. Everything feels real and believable. And the characters are the kind you pass while walking down the street. The research that went into this – I'm convinced after reading this book I could make cheese."

Sarah Wittle, childrens/young adult book blogger, reviewer, primary school librarian, mystery and thriller reader.

★★★★★

"Murder mystery, small town setting and Cheese – three of my favourite things in one book! I loved the found family vibes Laura has with Evelyn, they were partners in crime. I got an education in all things cheese! I loved the descriptive settings for the various scenes. I felt instantly at home in Silver Springs. A shoe-in for all cosy mystery lovers!"

Nikki Brook

Nikki Brook, book blogger, reviewer, book publicist, Glaswegian, chronic pain warrior, history, mythology, romance, thriller, suspense, mystery, and scifi reader.

★★★★★

"A likeable protagonist who is learning about the town along with the reader also helps the reader relate well to the story. If you like cozy mysteries, this should definitely do the trick."

BigAl

BigAl, founder of BigAl's Books & Pals and The IndieView, former contributor to Indies Unlimited, blogger, book reviewer, non-fiction author, and grandfather of four.

★★★★★

"A vivid sense of place that feels idyllic and lived-in. The relationships in Silver Springs are one of the book's biggest strengths: all distinct personalities contribute to a believable network of loyalties, secrets, and long-held grudges. The balance between comfort and crime is finely handled. A lovingly drawn community, a clever but comforting puzzle...will make readers crave cheese plates and cozy evenings."

Swapna

Swapna Peri, blogger, book reviewer, narrator, copy editor, Storizen contributor, English, Hindi, Telugu speaker, Indian, Hyderabadi.

★★★★★

"A cheese-festival mystery? Fresh, fun, and unlike anything I've read. The food descriptions were so vivid, so mouth-watering, they made me hungry. Silver Springs delivers a warm, inviting cozy mystery with a charming setting. A mystery that kept me guessing. If you love small-town cozies, food-centered mysteries, and stories filled with community spirit, this is worth picking up."

Isabell

Isabell, blogger, book reviewer, thirty-something, postcrosser, rock music fan, traveler, baker, motorsports fan, cinephile, bilingual, German.

★★★★★

"Laura makes unexpected friendships and is part of a group where her quirks are accepted and encouraged. The plot and characters are fleshed out, and the ending was nicely tied up. Vermont cheddar and justice are served delightfully."

Lori Van Buren

Lori Van Buren, contributor to Novels Alive, former contributor to Romancing The Book, book reviewer, direct support professional, New York Stater.

★★★★★

"The story has a quick pace, the characters are well developed. I found the crew at the café to be quirky and would love to sit in on a staff meeting. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you would like this book."

Dawn Thomas

Dawn Thomas, blogger, book reviewer, former magazine editor, certified soapmaker, volunteer, lover of the outdoors, Floridian.

★★★★★

"A culinary feast for the imagination, from the menus to the varieties of cheese available. This mystery is well written, and I did not suspect the killer until the name was revealed. I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for Laura and the gang."

Leslie, book lover, reviewer, reader of cozies, romance, chick lit, and mystery/thriller.

★★★★★

"Left me feeling warm and fuzzy. This story encompasses themes of belonging, friendship, kindness, loyalty, and new beginnings. There was never a dull moment. Never before have I been so delighted to sit through cheese tastings and demonstrations. The food descriptions were among my favorites from any books, and left me hungry."

Marwah, book blogger and reviewer, psychology graduate, fantasy, mystery, romance, historical fiction, and sci-fi reader, baker, writer, Dubai-based.

★★★★★

"A well-written cosy mystery, which follows all the rules of such mysteries and is a comfortable read. I didn't guess who the murderer was…relying instead on the author to reveal who did what and why in their own good time, leaving none of those pesky loose ends. If you enjoy whodunnits…I recommend it."

Georgia Rose

Georgia Rose, romantic suspense and thriller writer, publishing mentor, Alliance Of Independent Authors member, worked with horses, lives in Cambridgeshire.

★★★★★

"An easy read with a likable protagonist surrounded by mouth-watering food descriptions. Laura's…desire to do well by those who have helped her out is admirable and endearing. The ending wraps everything up nicely with a…fun reveal. Includes recipes that complement the tale. I found this to be a nice touch."

Heather L. Barksdale

Heather L. Barksdale, indie author, book reviewer, blogger, historical fiction and mystery reader, Floridian, world traveler.

★★★★★

"Laura is a likeable protagonist and the mystery is not as predictable as Hallmark movies often are. A who-done-it about small-town life and artisanal cheese, but also about starting over and found family. A fun and easy read."

Carol G., audiobook enjoyer, library patron, reader of non-fiction, contemporary, literary, mystery, and romance, arts & crafts enthusiast, puzzler, grandmother, Canadian.

★★★★★

"Enjoyable read, interesting characters. Kept me guessing until the end."

Deb S.

Deb S., cozy mystery, historical, contemporary, non-fiction reader, Wisconsinite.

★★★★★

"Wraps around you like a warm blanket on a rainy day. Jodie's writing is sharp yet comforting, with the right amount of humor and heart. I laughed, I guessed (wrong), and I didn't want it to end. If you love cozy mysteries with food, fun, and murder—this is one book you need."

Paul Lawrence, cozy mystery, thriller, fantasy reader, trekkie, New Yorker.

★★★★★

"I live in New England and Morgan's wonderfully atmospheric descriptions of a small town in Vermont feel authentic and its characters believable. The scene-setting made it easy to imagine yourself in the locations. It was an enjoyable treat for the senses with an atmosphere built through flavors, fragrances, and even soft textures. The mystery is fun as clues are uncovered by the amateur sleuths. Highly recommended for fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club books and other cozy mysteries."

S. Bavey

S. Bavey, author of memoir, family history, biographies, book reviewer, blogger, mother of two, English, Bay Stater.

★★★★★

"A treat for my mystery-loving heart and my cheese-loving brain. Laura Evans made for an intriguing amateur sleuth…a newcomer with heart, grit, and a growing sense of belonging in her quirky town. It hits all the right notes: food, friendship, and enough danger to make you keep the lights on."

Devi, cozy mystery, fantasy, thriller, paranormal reader, book blogger, short story writer.

★★★★★

"Laura was a great protagonist and I can relate to wanting to start over. The secondary cast really added to the story, with plenty of characters to keep you laughing and intrigued. The author nailed what it was like to live in a small town. Plenty of suspects and red herrings, so I did not solve the mystery before it was revealed. It welcomed me to Silver Springs, and I am excited to see where people take me next!"

Ashley Gillan

Ashley Gillan, cozy mystery, historical romance, history, YA reader, journalist, dog lover, photographer, book blogger, reviewer, Pennsylvanian.

★★★★★

"I was able to play armchair detective. Everything feels real and believable. And the characters are the kind you pass while walking down the street. The research that went into this – I'm convinced after reading this book I could make cheese."

Sarah Wittle, childrens/young adult book blogger, reviewer, primary school librarian, mystery and thriller reader.

★★★★★

"Murder mystery, small town setting and Cheese – three of my favourite things in one book! I loved the found family vibes Laura has with Evelyn, they were partners in crime. I got an education in all things cheese! I loved the descriptive settings for the various scenes. I felt instantly at home in Silver Springs. A shoe-in for all cosy mystery lovers!"

Nikki Brook

Nikki Brook, book blogger, reviewer, book publicist, Glaswegian, chronic pain warrior, history, mythology, romance, thriller, suspense, mystery, and scifi reader.

★★★★★

"A likeable protagonist who is learning about the town along with the reader also helps the reader relate well to the story. If you like cozy mysteries, this should definitely do the trick."

BigAl

BigAl, founder of BigAl's Books & Pals and The IndieView, former contributor to Indies Unlimited, blogger, book reviewer, non-fiction author, and grandfather of four.

★★★★★

"A vivid sense of place that feels idyllic and lived-in. The relationships in Silver Springs are one of the book's biggest strengths: all distinct personalities contribute to a believable network of loyalties, secrets, and long-held grudges. The balance between comfort and crime is finely handled. A lovingly drawn community, a clever but comforting puzzle...will make readers crave cheese plates and cozy evenings."

Swapna

Swapna Peri, blogger, book reviewer, narrator, copy editor, Storizen contributor, English, Hindi, Telugu speaker, Indian, Hyderabadi.

★★★★★

"A cheese-festival mystery? Fresh, fun, and unlike anything I've read. The food descriptions were so vivid, so mouth-watering, they made me hungry. Silver Springs delivers a warm, inviting cozy mystery with a charming setting. A mystery that kept me guessing. If you love small-town cozies, food-centered mysteries, and stories filled with community spirit, this is worth picking up."

Isabell

Isabell, blogger, book reviewer, thirty-something, postcrosser, rock music fan, traveler, baker, motorsports fan, cinephile, bilingual, German.

★★★★★

"Laura makes unexpected friendships and is part of a group where her quirks are accepted and encouraged. The plot and characters are fleshed out, and the ending was nicely tied up. Vermont cheddar and justice are served delightfully."

Lori Van Buren

Lori Van Buren, contributor to Novels Alive, former contributor to Romancing The Book, book reviewer, direct support professional, New York Stater.

★★★★★

"The story has a quick pace, the characters are well developed. I found the crew at the café to be quirky and would love to sit in on a staff meeting. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you would like this book."

Dawn Thomas

Dawn Thomas, blogger, book reviewer, former magazine editor, certified soapmaker, volunteer, lover of the outdoors, Floridian.

★★★★★

"A culinary feast for the imagination, from the menus to the varieties of cheese available. This mystery is well written, and I did not suspect the killer until the name was revealed. I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for Laura and the gang."

Leslie, book lover, reviewer, reader of cozies, romance, chick lit, and mystery/thriller.

★★★★★

"Left me feeling warm and fuzzy. This story encompasses themes of belonging, friendship, kindness, loyalty, and new beginnings. There was never a dull moment. Never before have I been so delighted to sit through cheese tastings and demonstrations. The food descriptions were among my favorites from any books, and left me hungry."

Marwah, book blogger and reviewer, psychology graduate, fantasy, mystery, romance, historical fiction, and sci-fi reader, baker, writer, Dubai-based.

★★★★★

"A well-written cosy mystery, which follows all the rules of such mysteries and is a comfortable read. I didn't guess who the murderer was…relying instead on the author to reveal who did what and why in their own good time, leaving none of those pesky loose ends. If you enjoy whodunnits…I recommend it."

Georgia Rose

Georgia Rose, romantic suspense and thriller writer, publishing mentor, Alliance Of Independent Authors member, worked with horses, lives in Cambridgeshire.

★★★★★

"An easy read with a likable protagonist surrounded by mouth-watering food descriptions. Laura's…desire to do well by those who have helped her out is admirable and endearing. The ending wraps everything up nicely with a…fun reveal. Includes recipes that complement the tale. I found this to be a nice touch."

Heather L. Barksdale

Heather L. Barksdale, indie author, book reviewer, blogger, historical fiction and mystery reader, Floridian, world traveler.

★★★★★

"Laura is a likeable protagonist and the mystery is not as predictable as Hallmark movies often are. A who-done-it about small-town life and artisanal cheese, but also about starting over and found family. A fun and easy read."

Carol G., audiobook enjoyer, library patron, reader of non-fiction, contemporary, literary, mystery, and romance, arts & crafts enthusiast, puzzler, grandmother, Canadian.