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Ladybug Farm #4
Vintage Ladybug Farm
Come home to Ladybug Farm, the place for everyone who has ever had a friend... or a dream. Four years have passed since best friends Cici, Bridget and Lindsay left the suburbs for an old mansion in the Shenandoah Valley. They’ve survived broken plumbing, leaky roofs, and marauding sheep. They’ve faced fire, hail, snow, and financial set-backs. Yet somehow through it all they’ve managed not only to build a home, but a family. And now, much to their amazement, all their dreams seem to be coming true. The vineyard has been restored and Ladybug Farm Winery is on the verge of bottling its first vintage. Their friends Paul and Derrick are building a house next door. High school and college graduations are just around the corner for the two young people they have shepherded for the past four years. Life couldn’t be more perfect. But Ladybug Farm still holds a few surprises for them all... Someone is getting married. Someone is keeping a monumental secret. And someone is leaving Ladybug Farm forever. Vintage Ladybug Farm is Ladybug Farm at its heartwarming, heartbreaking; filled with compassion, humor and hope. Welcome back to Ladybug Farm, where dreams never die. Praise for the Ladybug Farm “A must read.” --Examiner.com “Absolutely delectable” --Publisher’s Weekly “This delightful series continues to engross me with its wit and charm.” --Beyond Her Book “A hilarious and heart-warming story” --North Carolina Pilot “A wonderful novel with wonderful characters” --Reader to Reader
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2012
124 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
January 24, 2014
I hope this series never ends-Vintage Ladybug Farm was outstanding! I have treasured my time reading this heartfelt and warm story of Ladybug Farm and the three talented ladies plus more.
I have read all the books in the series and each and every one was 5 star rated! The Hummingbird House (2013) was also excellent. I actually read Hummingbird first, since was new (not actually a part of the series, but the same characters). I read all the others in series order and this was the last one. I am so sad it ended. Will be anxiously awaiting more after The Hummingbird House, as the characters are rich in history and charm.
This edition featured the younger generation, Cici's daughter-Lori and Lindsey's adopted son (Noah). Each of of them does not want to disappoint their respective mother; however, as they mature, they learn they cannot live their lives through others, but find their own way with their own independence.
Hope the Ladybug group continues as would love to hear more from Lori (and Italy/Sergio), where Noah ends up, how the winery turns out, and of course a beautiful wedding with Dominic/Lindsey, more from Cici, Bridget and their plans with the house and winery, restaurant, gift shop, and most of all cannot wait to hear more from Paul/Derrick (as love these guys)! Also would love to hear more about Ida Mae’s life (what a story it would be)!
You can tell Donna loves life-as her creativity and storytelling is brilliant. These are the type books I love and so glad I found her. I look forward to reading more of her other series and books!
Since I have worked with B&B Inns, resorts, and hotels for the last 25 years, I adore everything about these books, as so realistic as having worked with (marketing, web, interior design, renovation, etc) and one historic property inn (FL) 18 cottages (all over a hundred years old) --something happens every day which is unexpected. I also worked with another historic project with 22 cottages and inn (GA) and between the renovations and the guesta there are surprises every day. When you have passion for properties such as this, you thrive on it!
I highly recommend this series--you will not want to miss a single book, as each is as good as the previous one—PLEASE Donna, continue the good work and writing --keep these characters alive. I love them so much I am ready to plan a trip to Virginia with my own white rocking chair for the porch!
PS loved the many funny and witty woman quotes – they will make you laugh and cry at the same time--leaving you smiling long after the book ends. There is always a lesson to be learned, and Donna portrays them so well! My favorite series and so movie worthy!
I have read all the books in the series and each and every one was 5 star rated! The Hummingbird House (2013) was also excellent. I actually read Hummingbird first, since was new (not actually a part of the series, but the same characters). I read all the others in series order and this was the last one. I am so sad it ended. Will be anxiously awaiting more after The Hummingbird House, as the characters are rich in history and charm.
This edition featured the younger generation, Cici's daughter-Lori and Lindsey's adopted son (Noah). Each of of them does not want to disappoint their respective mother; however, as they mature, they learn they cannot live their lives through others, but find their own way with their own independence.
Hope the Ladybug group continues as would love to hear more from Lori (and Italy/Sergio), where Noah ends up, how the winery turns out, and of course a beautiful wedding with Dominic/Lindsey, more from Cici, Bridget and their plans with the house and winery, restaurant, gift shop, and most of all cannot wait to hear more from Paul/Derrick (as love these guys)! Also would love to hear more about Ida Mae’s life (what a story it would be)!
You can tell Donna loves life-as her creativity and storytelling is brilliant. These are the type books I love and so glad I found her. I look forward to reading more of her other series and books!
Since I have worked with B&B Inns, resorts, and hotels for the last 25 years, I adore everything about these books, as so realistic as having worked with (marketing, web, interior design, renovation, etc) and one historic property inn (FL) 18 cottages (all over a hundred years old) --something happens every day which is unexpected. I also worked with another historic project with 22 cottages and inn (GA) and between the renovations and the guesta there are surprises every day. When you have passion for properties such as this, you thrive on it!
I highly recommend this series--you will not want to miss a single book, as each is as good as the previous one—PLEASE Donna, continue the good work and writing --keep these characters alive. I love them so much I am ready to plan a trip to Virginia with my own white rocking chair for the porch!
PS loved the many funny and witty woman quotes – they will make you laugh and cry at the same time--leaving you smiling long after the book ends. There is always a lesson to be learned, and Donna portrays them so well! My favorite series and so movie worthy!
May 13, 2024
I realy enjoyed this book, great characters, well developed !
February 22, 2018
Oh my goodness. These books have gotten me through some rough times, with this one being the best so far. I adore it. Oh my goodness.
March 26, 2014
Vintage Ladybug Farm is the latest in a series about three friends who have pooled their money and talents to buy a rambling farm in the Shenandoah Valley.
In this installment, after being given a book of the farm's history, they decide to take it back to it's days of glory. That includes reopening the winery.Mayhem soon ensues as friends and family make their various appearances with excitement and problems to spare.
The one character that I enjoyed the most was the irascible Ida Mae. While her story line was predictable, I loved her tough love approach to the women, along with their families and friends.
I read this book first. I liked it well enough to read the rest of the series. It is cozy and warm,a great way to escape for a little while into a world that always turns out okay.A steady diet might put one into a sugar coma, but it makes a wonderful treat.
In this installment, after being given a book of the farm's history, they decide to take it back to it's days of glory. That includes reopening the winery.Mayhem soon ensues as friends and family make their various appearances with excitement and problems to spare.
The one character that I enjoyed the most was the irascible Ida Mae. While her story line was predictable, I loved her tough love approach to the women, along with their families and friends.
I read this book first. I liked it well enough to read the rest of the series. It is cozy and warm,a great way to escape for a little while into a world that always turns out okay.A steady diet might put one into a sugar coma, but it makes a wonderful treat.
February 15, 2017
Another great addition to the Ladybug Farm series. I feel if you don't read them in order, you're probably a little lost. I had the pleasure of reading them in order and loved this one as much as the first three (I didn't have the same feelings about the Christmas novella and the cookbook). The characters are strong, the setting is beautifully described. I was able to visualize the same characters and farm as the was described in the previous books.
The plot in this story is slightly predictable, although there were a few surprises - like what Noah ends up doing. The predictability didn't detract from the story, as it was well written.
The plot in this story is slightly predictable, although there were a few surprises - like what Noah ends up doing. The predictability didn't detract from the story, as it was well written.
July 2, 2021
Another delightful visit to Ladybug Farm, and as more things change, the more things remain the same. There are the usual funny mishaps, but this one gets a bit more heartfelt as the two young people make decisions that change their lives forever. Getting to the end, I immediately want to read the next to see what happens, and the spin off series Hummingbird House introduced in this book. Easy reading, wonderful story.
December 19, 2015
I love this series!
March 12, 2013
These books are entertaining, but I guess I've read too many because this one was too predictable. I loved the ladies at Ladybug Farm, but I think I'm done reading about them!
February 12, 2016
Another book in the Ladybug Farm Series 26and I've read 4 so far. Recommend a read for a Book Club :) Ladybug themed Party.
October 17, 2023
If you're looking for a series with no murder, no mayhem, no sex and no violence (except for a mean dog!) this is the series for you! It reminds me of Miss Read's books...or Patrick Taylor's.
February 20, 2021
Note I used the same review for them all--it applied:
I loved Donna Ball's Raine Stockton dog mysteries so much, I ventured to try one of these. And, as you can see, I was hooked. The first three were available at the library and I even made a special library trip to pick it up.
One of them even made me cry--it was so touchingly wonderful, like real life is when a dark cloud is hanging over your head for months and suddenly it is lifted. Obviously I can't give the details. But I can say this: these books are sweet and charming and very much not for everyone. Nothing really awfully bad ever happens. There are no villains although there are a few extremely incompetent repairmen who ought to get the boot. It's a sweet, simple story of three women who bond together over a lifetime of shared experience. And end up buying a farm. And what a farm!
Goats appear. Roofs collapse. A mysterious nighttime marauder steals vegetables. Neighbors help out when least expected. Storms wipe out crops. Sheep wear clothing. And after many strange discoveries, they learn that it's not just a farm, it's a farm with a history.
Would I love to live there!
I loved Donna Ball's Raine Stockton dog mysteries so much, I ventured to try one of these. And, as you can see, I was hooked. The first three were available at the library and I even made a special library trip to pick it up.
One of them even made me cry--it was so touchingly wonderful, like real life is when a dark cloud is hanging over your head for months and suddenly it is lifted. Obviously I can't give the details. But I can say this: these books are sweet and charming and very much not for everyone. Nothing really awfully bad ever happens. There are no villains although there are a few extremely incompetent repairmen who ought to get the boot. It's a sweet, simple story of three women who bond together over a lifetime of shared experience. And end up buying a farm. And what a farm!
Goats appear. Roofs collapse. A mysterious nighttime marauder steals vegetables. Neighbors help out when least expected. Storms wipe out crops. Sheep wear clothing. And after many strange discoveries, they learn that it's not just a farm, it's a farm with a history.
Would I love to live there!
June 8, 2018
This is the fifth book to feature the ladies who live on Ladybug Farm. In the story four years have passed since the ladies bought the farm and the coming year will see the college graduation of Lori, daughter of Cici, and the high school graduation of Noah, adopted son of Lindsay. The ladies are feeling a little out of sorts so decide to restart the winery. Of course things happen, Lori announces her engagement to Mark, part of the roof on the house caves in and Lindsay maybe falling in love with Dominic. Also their good friends, Paul and Derrick begin to build their dream home. The book was a quick easy read.
March 5, 2019
This book is number 5 in the series. Winemaking is one more thing that our intrepid three ladies decide to attempt. That along with Noah's high school graduation and college application process and Lori's upcoming wedding. Lindsay and Dominic continue to dance around each other with their feelings and Noah becomes secretive about his future. Paul and Derrick start to build their dream home while the Ladybug winery looks for an angel for financing. Lots of things happened in this book, not a dull moment, and just as entertaining and heartfelt as the previous four books; break out the tissues near the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
Almost done with the series and it appears that a spinoff series was introduced. I'll probably check that out.
This one was good if not a bit too predictable. At least the author was a little meta with the predictability, "who didn't see that coming?" Is said twice in the second to last chapter.
I don't know if I failed to notice before or if the author just needed more filler but it did feel like clothing was described way too much in this book. It's fine when someone's trying on wedding dresses but when the MCs' pajamas were described multiple times it got a little weird.
Obviously I'm going to keep reading the series, I just think this one wasn't the best one in it.
This one was good if not a bit too predictable. At least the author was a little meta with the predictability, "who didn't see that coming?" Is said twice in the second to last chapter.
I don't know if I failed to notice before or if the author just needed more filler but it did feel like clothing was described way too much in this book. It's fine when someone's trying on wedding dresses but when the MCs' pajamas were described multiple times it got a little weird.
Obviously I'm going to keep reading the series, I just think this one wasn't the best one in it.
May 22, 2018
Things keep changing at The Ladybug farm. Those port women if it isn’t one thing happening it’s another. Noah is turning into a fine young man, Lori is planning a wedding, Someone has fallen in love, someone is rich, someone’s dreams aren’t what they thought, and it all start’s when the roof falls in. There is never a dull moment at The Ladybug Farm. And of course IdaMae is cooking up a storm of delectable desserts.
June 26, 2019
Another thrilling book in the series. This time I was a little confused at first how could it be 4 years the ladies have been on the farm. They are still trying to restore the farm to what it use to be but want to bring back the winery. Lori and Noah are gradutating- one ffrom college, one from high school. SI was guessing the whole time reading as to who would be getting married, who would be leaving, and who has a BIG secret. Quite interesting on how the answers are revealed.
August 17, 2021
What a lovely series. This series started out as a vacation, turned into an adventure, and reminds all of how important family can be. The author breezes along with her descriptive paragraphs and is very talented by inviting the reader into her book. I must say there was never a book that I rushed through thinking it did not stack to the previous of the series. You will enjoy the talent of this author and read every sentence.
August 16, 2023
This is my second time reading this series and I enjoyed it just as much the second time around. I so wish the author would write another book in the series! I am going through a lot lately and these books are just the medicine I needed. They are funny and heart felt. I just feel that their is another book or two left in this series. All I can say is this series and Hummingbird house both are good for the soul and so worth reading!!
November 1, 2018
Truly enjoying this series. Going on to the next book. This whole series has been easy reading and you just want it to keep on to see what will happen next. Think I only have about three more books and a novella to go. First time I have gone straight through a series without waiting a year for the next book to come out. I am enjoying it but will be ready soon to go on to something else.
July 10, 2018
Awesome!
Another wonder read from Donna Ball. Wherever you are or whatever you do, have a copy of one of Donna’s books in your hand. I guarantee you that you won’t be able to put it down! Please continue with the Ladybug series, I am excited to see what’s next!
Another wonder read from Donna Ball. Wherever you are or whatever you do, have a copy of one of Donna’s books in your hand. I guarantee you that you won’t be able to put it down! Please continue with the Ladybug series, I am excited to see what’s next!
December 30, 2024
I like the book series, I'm just not in love with it. Lori continues to be bothersome in her fluctuating immaturity and all of them seemed trapped in two dimensional stereotypes. There's a series of events but very little depth.
September 14, 2017
The more of these books I read the more I love al the characters and wish it could go on forever. Really looking forward to the next book.
January 17, 2019
Hated to see this series end. It is not deep soul-searching reading, but such a nice storyline.
March 25, 2019
This series is all around one of the best series I've ever read...I can't hardly put them down!
August 29, 2019
I absolutely love this series by Donna Ball. This one is probably the best one so far but I enjoyed every one of them!
June 9, 2020
I wish there was more written than all the food and decorations, I am getting bored with it, even though it still is a very lovely story.
December 17, 2020
I like the characters but the descriptions are no longer charming and I can’t see myself reading anymore of the series.
June 26, 2021
This was a great start of summer read: light and entertaining.
August 2, 2021
These books are just so sweet. Love reading them.
September 1, 2021
Fun, quick read...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews