Overview
A Gift in Time is book 1 in Guideposts' Gift Shop Mysteries fiction series.
It's opening day of Sarah Morgan's gifts and curiosities shop, Heavenly Treasures. Not only are her family and friends there to support her new business, but a local television crew is on-site to interview her. Sarah decides her latest acquisition, an antique music box that supposedly belonged to Thomas Edison, is the perfect item to show off on television. They've only heard a few notes in the strange melody when an onlooker claims her great-grandmother used to play that same tune on the piano but was secretive about its origins.
When Sarah discovers a hidden drawer on the box that requires a key to open, she is determined to unlock the box's secrets.
Meanwhile, someone in the Port Huron community is also determined…to see Sarah's business fail.
Can Sarah find out who is behind the troublemaking, or will she be forced to close the doors on her dream forever?
About the Gift Shop Mysteries Series
Every gift tells a story…and some bring mysteries!
Get ready for a faith-filled mystery like no other! The excitement begins when Sarah Morgan returns to her picturesque hometown along the shore of Lake Huron to open a gift and curiosities shop, which she calls Heavenly Treasures. As she reconnects with family and friends and grows in her faith, Sarah feels her shop becoming more than just a place to browse or buy. It's turning into a cozy haven, where tucked among the handmade keepsakes and one-of-a-kind wonders are clues to long-buried secrets and surprising truths. Sarah soon discovers that solving small-town mysteries might just be the most meaningful gift she can offer.
Why You'll Love the Gift Shop Mysteries Series
If you're looking for a mystery series that's equal parts heartwarming and intriguing, Gift Shop Mysteries is your perfect next read. Set in a charming lakeside town with a faith-filled shop owner as your guide, each book offers:
- Captivating mysteries that keep you guessing—but never keep you up at night
- A cast of relatable, endearing characters who feel like old friends
- A cozy, small-town atmosphere you'll want to escape to again and again
- Faith-filled encouragement and hope, gently woven through every story
- Themes of redemption, reconnection, and second chances—with God, family, and community
Plus, each book includes delightful extras:
- A recipe inspired by the story
- A personal letter from the author
- “Behind the Counter” insights into the real-life history or inspiration
- Book club-ready discussion questions
Whether you're drawn to uplifting mysteries, enjoy uncovering meaningful secrets, or simply want a soul-soothing read with depth, heart, and a touch of suspense—this series was made for you.
Author Bio
Shaen Layle is a USA Today bestselling author and Carol Award semifinalist who writes inspirational cozy mystery from her home in the Midwest, where she lives with her artist husband, Danny, their two rambunctious but adorable boys, and their shelter pup, Violet. Trained as a literary novelist and with a decade of librarianship under her belt, Shaen loves discussing all things bookish with her readers on her website and on social media.—The Midwest
