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Bright's Pond #3
Griselda Takes Flight
Now that her morbidly obese sister, Agnes Sparrow, is comfortably dieting at the Greenbrier Nursing Home, Griselda learns to fly-literally-after a pilot makes an emergency landing and creates quite a ruckus in the otherwise sleepy town of Bright's Pond.
But Griselda's newfound freedom-and her flight time with handsome pilot, Cliff-is hampered by other happenings in town. Like the gold digger who prances around town and is supposedly engaged to Stella Kincaid's brother-the lottery winner who is in a coma. And there's Ivy Slocum's dog, Al Capone, whose adventures continue long after they should.
When Chief of Police Mildred Blessing starts investigating the gold digger, however, things really heat up-for Griselda and all the residents of the unique Pennsylvania hamlet called Bright's Pond!
But Griselda's newfound freedom-and her flight time with handsome pilot, Cliff-is hampered by other happenings in town. Like the gold digger who prances around town and is supposedly engaged to Stella Kincaid's brother-the lottery winner who is in a coma. And there's Ivy Slocum's dog, Al Capone, whose adventures continue long after they should.
When Chief of Police Mildred Blessing starts investigating the gold digger, however, things really heat up-for Griselda and all the residents of the unique Pennsylvania hamlet called Bright's Pond!
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2011
20 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Magnin
28 books172 followersUm, I like cross stitch, baseball, my children and grandkids, but not elevators or laundry. I've been known to run from mayonnaise and I play RPG video games. I don't have a favorite author although I read a lot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 17, 2018
Somehow it held my attention and yet it was slightly boring a good part of the time. Many things are repeated over and over!
May 5, 2011
MY REVIEW
The Bright’s Pond town residents didn’t know what to think when a one man plane landed it their small community. Then another stranger, Gilda rents a house in the small town, with her fiancé in the hospital unconscious because of an accident while treasure hunting. Things like this just didn’t happen here. The biggest happenings at this time of year in this little community would be the pumpkin contest and the Harvest dance. Everyone seems to think the three of these strangers coming to town at the same time must be involved in something illegal with the treasure hunt. The really don’t trust any of them. And of course this sends Chief Police Mildred on another wild goose chase to solve the mystery.
Then, as if there are not problems enough, Griselda decides she needs to explore more than just Bright’s Pond, and takes an interest in the pilot of the plane and flying. She is so intrigued with it that she is talking flying lessons, but this just doesn’t sit right with her long time friend Zeb. Can she juggle her time between her jobs at the library, her sister in the nursing home, flying lessons, and of course Zeb, since everyone just takes it for granted that they are an item?
And then there is Stella and Nate trying to raise the largest pumpkin to win the contest! They work faithfully with their pumpkin Bertha Ann. Yes, they even gave the pumpkin a name! Nothing else matters in Nate’s world except Bertha Ann. Well, what do you think, will his hard work pay off when the time comes for the weigh-in?
And the man in the hospital turns out to be Stella’s brother, but they haven’t gotten along in years, ever since he stole her inheritance. She just can’t go see him after what he’s done. And this person that’s supposed to be his fiancé, or as Stella calls her a ‘hussy”? What is with her and why is she so anxious for him to wake up so she can marry him ASAP? Could there be something else going on, a secret lurking? You will have to read the book to find out!
I love the characters in this book. A few others are Cliff the plane pilot, Ivy and her dog Mickey Mantle, Ruth, Studebaker , and others that hang out at the Full Moon Café owned by Zeb. The author created fun, lovable characters that make you laugh, but then you want to cry with them. I would recommend this book to those that like a good fun light read.
I was generously given a free copy of this book from Abingdon Press as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The Bright’s Pond town residents didn’t know what to think when a one man plane landed it their small community. Then another stranger, Gilda rents a house in the small town, with her fiancé in the hospital unconscious because of an accident while treasure hunting. Things like this just didn’t happen here. The biggest happenings at this time of year in this little community would be the pumpkin contest and the Harvest dance. Everyone seems to think the three of these strangers coming to town at the same time must be involved in something illegal with the treasure hunt. The really don’t trust any of them. And of course this sends Chief Police Mildred on another wild goose chase to solve the mystery.
Then, as if there are not problems enough, Griselda decides she needs to explore more than just Bright’s Pond, and takes an interest in the pilot of the plane and flying. She is so intrigued with it that she is talking flying lessons, but this just doesn’t sit right with her long time friend Zeb. Can she juggle her time between her jobs at the library, her sister in the nursing home, flying lessons, and of course Zeb, since everyone just takes it for granted that they are an item?
And then there is Stella and Nate trying to raise the largest pumpkin to win the contest! They work faithfully with their pumpkin Bertha Ann. Yes, they even gave the pumpkin a name! Nothing else matters in Nate’s world except Bertha Ann. Well, what do you think, will his hard work pay off when the time comes for the weigh-in?
And the man in the hospital turns out to be Stella’s brother, but they haven’t gotten along in years, ever since he stole her inheritance. She just can’t go see him after what he’s done. And this person that’s supposed to be his fiancé, or as Stella calls her a ‘hussy”? What is with her and why is she so anxious for him to wake up so she can marry him ASAP? Could there be something else going on, a secret lurking? You will have to read the book to find out!
I love the characters in this book. A few others are Cliff the plane pilot, Ivy and her dog Mickey Mantle, Ruth, Studebaker , and others that hang out at the Full Moon Café owned by Zeb. The author created fun, lovable characters that make you laugh, but then you want to cry with them. I would recommend this book to those that like a good fun light read.
I was generously given a free copy of this book from Abingdon Press as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 29, 2021
Take flight
Very good continuing story. Love watching the characters develop and grow. Waiting for book 5. Have read book four read them out if order but still very enjoyable. Good story wish it had a date on it like was it 1980? I am ok but wish it let you know when it was happening enjoyable read and entertaining.
Very good continuing story. Love watching the characters develop and grow. Waiting for book 5. Have read book four read them out if order but still very enjoyable. Good story wish it had a date on it like was it 1980? I am ok but wish it let you know when it was happening enjoyable read and entertaining.
March 22, 2022
I really didn't enjoy this one as much as I did the others in this series. It was like reading the script for The Andy Griffith Show, which is kind of fun, but very predicable. Also, the editing on this edition that I read was poor. Lot of grammatical errors.
November 3, 2020
Love this author- and enjoyed another fun story about Bright's Pond. I love the hometown characters, with a little mystery, humor and a little bit of a love story too!
February 21, 2025
Not a bad read and kinda funny
February 6, 2014
Having visited the whacky world of Bright’s Pond twice before, I was anxious to return again by way of Joyce Magnin’s novel, Griselda Takes Flight. Set in a small, 1970s Pennsylvania town, this book is filled with peculiar people and peculiar goings-on. There is a man in a coma at the nursing home, a hussy has just moved to town, a plane made an emergency landing and giant pumpkins are the focus of one farmer’s life. And the rumor of lost treasure buried at the abandoned mine has everyone racing to become rich. Such is life in Bright’s Pond, a town with a lot going for it in terms of community and friendship, but a little short on common sense and insight. But there is the town librarian, Griselda Sparrow, who is tasting a bit of freedom in the sky above the town.
Joyce Magnin is adept at creating a town quirky enough to keep you laughing, but with enough real fears and hopes to make the characters relatable, or at least some of them. Have I mentioned the peculiar people? Griselda is the voice of the novel and also the voice of reason. Struggling to find her new identity, Griselda is willing to explore and grow, rather than to stay same.
If you liked Jan Karon’s Mitford, but want a little more adventure and spirit, and yes, oddity, in your reading, then choose Griselda Takes Flight. This book is #3 in the series, but could be read as a standalone. But why? Be sure to check out book 1, The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow and book 2, Charlotte Figg Takes Over.
Recommended.
Joyce Magnin is adept at creating a town quirky enough to keep you laughing, but with enough real fears and hopes to make the characters relatable, or at least some of them. Have I mentioned the peculiar people? Griselda is the voice of the novel and also the voice of reason. Struggling to find her new identity, Griselda is willing to explore and grow, rather than to stay same.
If you liked Jan Karon’s Mitford, but want a little more adventure and spirit, and yes, oddity, in your reading, then choose Griselda Takes Flight. This book is #3 in the series, but could be read as a standalone. But why? Be sure to check out book 1, The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow and book 2, Charlotte Figg Takes Over.
Recommended.
May 9, 2012
This is the 3rd book in the "Bright's Pond" series. Now that Griselda's morbidly obese sister, Agnes Sparrow, is dieting at the nursing home, Griselda learns to fly - literally, after a pilot makes an emergency landing and creates excitement in the sleepy town of Bright's Pond.
Also going on amid plans for the annual Harvest Dance is Nate and Stella's plans to enter their pumpkin, "Bertha", in a contest for the biggest pumpkin. Stella also discovers her estranged brother is in the same nursing home as Agnes, in a coma. Adding to that mystery is a woman named Gilda Saucer who breezed into town, claiming to be his finance, but Stella and Griselda suspect that she is up to no good.
I really enjoyed this story, the same quirky characters in the previous Bright's Pond books make appearances here as well. It works as a stand alone novel, but I would recommend reading at least the first book in the series, The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, to really understand the relationship between Griselda and her sister. I can't wait for book #4, (which has not been published yet), to once again visit the quirky, but lovable characters of Bright's Pond.
Also going on amid plans for the annual Harvest Dance is Nate and Stella's plans to enter their pumpkin, "Bertha", in a contest for the biggest pumpkin. Stella also discovers her estranged brother is in the same nursing home as Agnes, in a coma. Adding to that mystery is a woman named Gilda Saucer who breezed into town, claiming to be his finance, but Stella and Griselda suspect that she is up to no good.
I really enjoyed this story, the same quirky characters in the previous Bright's Pond books make appearances here as well. It works as a stand alone novel, but I would recommend reading at least the first book in the series, The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, to really understand the relationship between Griselda and her sister. I can't wait for book #4, (which has not been published yet), to once again visit the quirky, but lovable characters of Bright's Pond.
May 31, 2012
I somehow started with the last book, so I have to go back and catch up, but assuming you started at the beginning, Griselda Sparrow, Sister to the amazing, over-large Agnes, is suddenly realizing that she's free, and isn't quite sure what to do with that freedom, now that Agnes is in a nursing home, trying to lose some weight. Enter a good-looking pilot with a sick airplane, then a floozie takes up residence, as she awaits her "fiance" to come out of a coma, as he's being treated at the same place Agnes is. There seems to be a mystery brewing. At the same time, it's getting close to the fall festival with the largest pumpkin contest, and Nate is getting psychotic over his pumpkin, Bertha Ann. Griselda learns to fly, the man in the coma is Stella's long-lost brother, and you just have to read the book to get all the fun out of it. A touch of romance, a touch of craziness, a little mystery and a whole lot of small-town nosiness.
February 16, 2013
I first read Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise and really enjoyed the characters of Bright's Pond. Realizing that this was a series, I decided to read a second book, even though I am going out of order based on what is currently available at the library. Some of the characters alluded to in Charlotte Figg were defined in Griselda Takes Flight and I didn't feel that I had missed anything by reading the books out of order. I just didn't care that much for Griselda Takes Flight though. The mystery of a treasure hunt, the shady "new folks in town" who pop up at the same time Stella's long-lost brother ends up in a coma and the obsessive, almost cruel antics of Stella's husband who is trying to win the pumpkin contest just seemed to drag out way too long for me. I also got tired of the on again, off again relationship between Griselda and her long time boyfriend. I didn't laugh as much over this one, but I won't give up on the series.
September 30, 2011
Now that her morbidly obese sister, Agnes Sparrow, is comfortably dieting at the Greenbrier Nursing Home, Griselda learns to fly—literally—after a pilot makes an emergency landing and creates quite a ruckus in the otherwise sleepy town of Bright’s Pond.
But Griselda’s newfound freedom—and her flight time with handsome pilot, Cliff—is hampered by other happenings in town. Like the gold digger who prances around town and is supposedly engaged to Stella Kincaid’s brother—the lottery winner who is in a coma. And there’s Ivy Slocum’s dog, Al Capone, whose adventures continue long after they should.
When Chief of Police Mildred Blessing starts investigating the gold digger, however, things really heat up—for Griselda and all the residents of the unique Pennsylvania hamlet called Bright’s Pond.
But Griselda’s newfound freedom—and her flight time with handsome pilot, Cliff—is hampered by other happenings in town. Like the gold digger who prances around town and is supposedly engaged to Stella Kincaid’s brother—the lottery winner who is in a coma. And there’s Ivy Slocum’s dog, Al Capone, whose adventures continue long after they should.
When Chief of Police Mildred Blessing starts investigating the gold digger, however, things really heat up—for Griselda and all the residents of the unique Pennsylvania hamlet called Bright’s Pond.
October 29, 2011
Now that her morbidly obese sister, Agnes Sparrow, is comfortably dieting at the Greenbrier Nursing Home, Griselda learns to fly—literally—after a pilot makes an emergency landing and creates quite a ruckus in the otherwise sleepy town of Bright’s Pond.
But Griselda’s newfound freedom—and her flight time with handsome pilot, Cliff—is hampered by other happenings in town. Like the gold digger who prances around town and is supposedly engaged to Stella Kincaid’s brother—the lottery winner who is in a coma. And there’s Ivy Slocum’s dog, Al Capone, whose adventures continue long after they should.
When Chief of Police Mildred Blessing starts investigating the gold digger, however, things really heat up—for Griselda and all the residents of the unique Pennsylvania hamlet called Bright’s Pond.
But Griselda’s newfound freedom—and her flight time with handsome pilot, Cliff—is hampered by other happenings in town. Like the gold digger who prances around town and is supposedly engaged to Stella Kincaid’s brother—the lottery winner who is in a coma. And there’s Ivy Slocum’s dog, Al Capone, whose adventures continue long after they should.
When Chief of Police Mildred Blessing starts investigating the gold digger, however, things really heat up—for Griselda and all the residents of the unique Pennsylvania hamlet called Bright’s Pond.
May 12, 2012
Because I'm reading this series as they become available as free books, I'm reading them out if order. This makes it a little challenging but since they are light, fun reads that's OK.
In this "episode " we meet three new characters...and it takes quite a bit to be called a character in the little town of Bright's Pond. As in any small town strangers are looked at as a curiosity and with some suspicion. But is that suspicion justified?
That's what Griselda needs to find out...especially since she seems to have feelings for one of them. And the other is bound and determined to be one an unwelcome part of her friend's family.
Keeping up with how the town deals with the strangers, as well as learning more about the town's residents makes for a recommended light read.
In this "episode " we meet three new characters...and it takes quite a bit to be called a character in the little town of Bright's Pond. As in any small town strangers are looked at as a curiosity and with some suspicion. But is that suspicion justified?
That's what Griselda needs to find out...especially since she seems to have feelings for one of them. And the other is bound and determined to be one an unwelcome part of her friend's family.
Keeping up with how the town deals with the strangers, as well as learning more about the town's residents makes for a recommended light read.
May 9, 2012
It was just kinda ok. I read another book in the series called Charlotte Figg takes over paradise and thought it was better. I felt this book was lacking a couple of areas. One: character description. We never learn Griselda's age, or general stuff like hair and eye color. In fact we only ever know that Stella is 41 years old. I was also surprised by the lack of interaction between the characters of this book and the one from CFTOP. Two: the whole treasure hunt/mystery surrounding Walter and Gilda because very repetitive and old. I wished there were more of Griselda's flying lessons since that's what the title lead me to believe the story would focus on. Overall I can't say I would recommend this book to anyone.
July 26, 2012
I read the first book in the Bright's Pond series and it was o.k., then I read the second book in the series and I liked it much more but this one I felt I was trudging through and I think one of the big reasons was that I was so annoyed with the fact that it doesn't seem to have been edited, it is like the author does not have an editor to point out all the discrepancies, holes, etc., this was very distracting to me. The other two Bright's Pond series books that I read had some of the same issues but this one seems to be worse.
I'm glad that I got them free on my Nook and didn't pay money for them.
I'm glad that I got them free on my Nook and didn't pay money for them.
July 8, 2013
I enjoyed this most recent visit with the residents of Bright's Pond every bit as much as the past 2 in the set. Having finally gained some independence after a lifetime of caring for her sister, Griselda has to adjust to life on her own and what that could mean for her. When a handsome pilot lands his small plane in their community, everyone is abuzz about why he could be there. Local lore about a buried treasure and the appearance of outsiders that may or may not be what they seem arouses everyone's suspicions and Griselda finds herself in the midst of it all, much to the chagrin of her high school beau.
October 29, 2012
Returning to Bright's Pond was like old home week! Griselda Takes Flight allowed hard-working, family-oriented Griselda Sparrow her time to shine . . and that she did! Once her sister, Agnes, was safely ensconced in the best rest home Bright's Pond had to offer, it was Agnes' time to stretch her wings 'n' fly! It was great fun to see the various and sundry small town folk - including Paradise Trailer Park's Charlotte Figg - working and playing together to bring Joyce Magnin fans another fun read!
I enjoyed this book.
I enjoyed this book.
April 27, 2011
An entertaining read in sweet, unassuming way. I would have given it 3.5 stars if the option existed, but I think it is worth more than 3 stars, so I decided to round up instead of down. Plus
it was a free eBook.
it was a free eBook.
November 9, 2011
I have enjoyed the Bright's Pond series but this one was a bit unstructured. It just didn't gel as well as the first two books did. Great characters with great names, interesting stories. Just kind of all over the place.
August 28, 2012
The author takes us to Bright's Pond once again. This time Griselda Sparrow is adjusting to the major change in her life since Agnes was placed in a nursing facility. She has a newfound freedom. It's another enjoyable read filled with zany characters and poignant moments.
January 2, 2012
Great book! I'm loving reading about Bright's Pond and all of the little town's happenings.
I think that I missed a book between "The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow" and this one, but I couldn't really tell. I will have to figure out which one of the "Bright's Pond" books to read next.
I think that I missed a book between "The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow" and this one, but I couldn't really tell. I will have to figure out which one of the "Bright's Pond" books to read next.
September 8, 2012
This is the 3rd book by this author in this series that I have read. I have enjoyed the down home quality of the stories and characters. These are people you will find in most small towns around the country. It is worth reading if you are looking for a light hearted christian book.
October 20, 2012
Good fiction reading about Griselda in small town. Continuation of books and characters in Charlotte Figg Takes over Paradise and The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow. Enjoyable reading with lessons learned. Q's at end of each book
January 4, 2013
This one had lots of mystery and reminds us to continue to help those around you when you can but its ok to find something you enjoy that is all your own and enjoy it. I think that is important for all of us especially those with little ones following us all day... he he
January 6, 2013
I have enjoyed Joyce Magnin's Bright's Pond characters in two previous books, The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow and Charlotte Figg Takes over Paradise. I would even have put her on a level with Jan Karon in her creation of interesting people. But this one just didn't "do" it for me like the other ones.
June 21, 2013
This is a delightful tale with some delightful twists. I haven't read the previous book, but that's the good news. This book is a stand alone book with the characters well developed. Even if you haven't read the previous book, you feel like you are a part of the town.
November 4, 2013
The story is cute, but this book badly needed to be edited. I found a LOT of typos. Did anyone proofread it? It's hard to concentrate when there is so much wrong. Too bad. I loved all of her other books.
August 31, 2014
Easy read! Griselda is finally experiencing a sense of freedom after putting her seriously overweight sister in a nursing home! While Griselda visits her sister, Agnes, everyday, she gets involved in a black widow's scheme to marry a rich man.
July 12, 2011
Light and funny story.
August 20, 2011
Good, simple read. Light-hearted, though just a bit slow at times. There are several funny lines that had me laughing out loud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews