The Woodcarver's Secret: Prequel to the Bestselling Samantha Sweet Mystery Series

On a summer day in 13th century Ireland, a simple Celtic woodworker takes a walk past a half-dead alder tree. Lightning strikes, nearly killing him. With the shattered tree lying all around, John Carver pulls himself up and decides to make the best of it—he takes the usable pieces to his workshop. From the shards of that dead tree John creates three boxes. Then the unexplained happens—shortly after handling one of them, John’s touch brings his young son back from the brink of death.

When the second box demonstrates an opposite tendency, toward the dark side, Carver is terrified that witch-hunters will learn of the events. Eager to rid himself of the artifacts and desperate for money, he sells the three boxes. As they are each taken by very different buyers—a common Englishman, a worldly merchant, and a bishop—John feels a foreboding about the future.

Through the centuries, the boxes travel the world, eventually drawing the attention of two rival organizations, each with very different motives and methods for gaining what they want. Reminiscent of The Red Violin in scope, this historical novel follows the three boxes to the 21st century and a deadly confrontation between the two factions.

The Woodcarver’s Secret is the prequel and companion novel to Connie Shelton’s Samantha Sweet paranormal cozy mystery series (USA Today bestselling author). The Midwest Book Review says: “Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes.”

Praise for Connie’s previous books:
“... delightfully complex mystery.” —Romantic Times

“... always a good read...” —Southwest Book Views

“The characters themselves are amazingly real. Bits of history are woven throughout the book. I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book as much as the Samantha Sweet series, but to my mind it is even better. It transcends the series and becomes a remarkable book in its own right.” –MossRose, 5 star review

“I’m addicted to this series!” --Mollie W. 5 star review

“Great series. Holds your interest and leaves you wanting more.” --Paula K. 5 stars

“If you enjoy well-crafted, well researched and well written historical fiction, ‘The Woodcarver’s Secret’ will capture your imagination.” –Skywriter, 5 star online review

“… the more I read, the more eager I was to finish the book and learn as much as I could about Samantha's box. The book adds depth to the mystery of the box and its healing powers throughout the series. Each person who handled the box seemed to be a real person in the past. The intensity of the book left me slightly stunned--as though I witnessed all that happened first hand. Ms Shelton has out done herself with this book. I can only recommend that you read it for yourself and be swept away in this creative history lesson.”—Illinois reader, 5 stars, online review

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About the Author:
Connie Shelton is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 25 novels, including two international bestselling mystery series. She has also written several award-winning essays and was a contributor to Chicken Soup For the Writer’s Soul. She and her husband live in New Mexico with their two dogs. Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter at connieshelton.com