Absolutely Truly -A Pumpkin Falls Mystery by Heather Vogel Frederick*

Truly Lovejoy, age 12, has never lived in one location for a long period of time.  Her father was in the military and their family of seven moved around the United States to accommodate his career.  Soon, however, after his last tour, he was going to retire and they were going to permanently live in Austin, Texas, close to Truly's cousin Mackensie.  Then the phone call came.  Her father had been hit by an IED and lost his arm.  Life for the Lovejoys quickly changes.
Instead they find themselves living in Pumpkin Falls, New Hampshire, their father's hometown, trying to save the family's bookstore business.
As Truly struggles with her joyless father, a failing math grade (=no swim team), being six foot tall, the relentless snow and cold and a failing family business, she wonders how life can ever be enjoyed again.  Then she finds the signed copy of Charlotte's Web in the bookstore which contains an envelope with a clue.  As she tries to solve the clue, she amasses a group of unlikely friends.  One clue leads to another.  Who knew Pumpkin Falls could contain so much excitement?!
The author seamlessly weaves into a fun mystery the heartache an amputee and his family must endure and the slow healing process.
I immediately fell in love with the Lovejoy Family, Aunt True and Pumpkin Falls.
I want to move to Pumpkin Falls and frequent the Lovejoy bookstore!
Recipe for Aunt True's Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies is in the back plus a list of actual books mentioned throughout the book.
Warning: Hatcher, Truly's older brother, is goofing off while making dinner and wears his mother's pink apron, stuffs his shirt to make him look like he has a bust and stuffs his butt to make it larger.  Just goofy-but some adults might not like the reference to "bust".
**Highly, highly recommend.
Strategies: connections, inferring, character development
**Update-10/2015- I emailed Ms. Frederick, inquiring if she planned to write any more Pumpkin Falls Mysteries.  She is!  Book #2 is scheduled to be published in early 2017.  She is also hoping to publish a third title in the series.  So excited!