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Bellingwood #2
A Big Life in a Small Town
Polly Giller and her friends in Bellingwood are back with more stories to tell. The barn raising at Sycamore House promises to be an event that brings the whole community out. No one has ever seen anything like this before and no one wants to miss it.
Dancing lessons from the gorgeous veterinarian help Polly get prepared for the hoe-down, but create havoc in her relationship with Henry. One of these days, Polly is going to have to decide whether or not she wants to commit to him, but she doesn't want to mess up a wonderful friendship if she messes up their relationship.
While Polly and her team prepare for the barn raising and hoe-down, she also has to help Elise Myers, a young girl who has come to Sycamore House to stay while writing her doctoral thesis. However, Elise hasn't told Polly exactly why she's in the middle of Iowa. That little mystery knocks Polly out! Meanwhile, Lydia finds the dead body of a friend and discovers there's an unfinished note with some unfinished business. A big discovery by Polly and Sylvie will solve the mystery and change Polly's life one more time.
Polly counsels young Jason that you have to learn to count on your friends when you're in trouble. The list of people she can count on to help her out continues to grow and she finds that she has a great big life in the small town of Bellingwood.
Dancing lessons from the gorgeous veterinarian help Polly get prepared for the hoe-down, but create havoc in her relationship with Henry. One of these days, Polly is going to have to decide whether or not she wants to commit to him, but she doesn't want to mess up a wonderful friendship if she messes up their relationship.
While Polly and her team prepare for the barn raising and hoe-down, she also has to help Elise Myers, a young girl who has come to Sycamore House to stay while writing her doctoral thesis. However, Elise hasn't told Polly exactly why she's in the middle of Iowa. That little mystery knocks Polly out! Meanwhile, Lydia finds the dead body of a friend and discovers there's an unfinished note with some unfinished business. A big discovery by Polly and Sylvie will solve the mystery and change Polly's life one more time.
Polly counsels young Jason that you have to learn to count on your friends when you're in trouble. The list of people she can count on to help her out continues to grow and she finds that she has a great big life in the small town of Bellingwood.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2013
223 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 5, 2018
Well and cleanly plotted. Nice addition to series- holds up. Nicely edited. Kudos for the author’s staff. Recommended.
March 24, 2018
Feel good book
I've started several times to write this review but keep starting over! It's difficult to choose the right words. Ones like comfort, friendship, love, honesty, hard work, respect, obedience, humor, excitement and even tough love all describe the people and goings-on in this book. I want to live there!
I've started several times to write this review but keep starting over! It's difficult to choose the right words. Ones like comfort, friendship, love, honesty, hard work, respect, obedience, humor, excitement and even tough love all describe the people and goings-on in this book. I want to live there!
December 30, 2022
wonderful
I just love reading about Polly’s adventures and what she is going to add to the property next. I do foresee her and Henry getting more serious as time goes on and eventually getting married. I don’t if that is what you have planned but I can see it happening. And, Sylvia and Mark getting together. I also like the way the city comes together to help her with the different projects she comes up with. I also love how Lydia, Berle, Andy, Sylvie have accepted Polly and taken her under their wings and keeping her safe when troubles arise. There they are to help pick her up and get through whatever the trouble may be. That is how we all should be with our neighbors and friends all of the time.
Diane, keep writing stories. You are one talented writer. I love all of your books that I have read so far.
I just love reading about Polly’s adventures and what she is going to add to the property next. I do foresee her and Henry getting more serious as time goes on and eventually getting married. I don’t if that is what you have planned but I can see it happening. And, Sylvia and Mark getting together. I also like the way the city comes together to help her with the different projects she comes up with. I also love how Lydia, Berle, Andy, Sylvie have accepted Polly and taken her under their wings and keeping her safe when troubles arise. There they are to help pick her up and get through whatever the trouble may be. That is how we all should be with our neighbors and friends all of the time.
Diane, keep writing stories. You are one talented writer. I love all of your books that I have read so far.
June 5, 2020
Challenges and Changes
After the first novel I had to keep reading this series to see where Polly has heading and what else she would be doing. I wasn't disappointed as there was lots going on in the Sycamore House. What an interesting life Polly brought to Bellingwood. She was always busy planning new ideas for her and Sycamore House. She now has a barn and four horses. What's next?
After the first novel I had to keep reading this series to see where Polly has heading and what else she would be doing. I wasn't disappointed as there was lots going on in the Sycamore House. What an interesting life Polly brought to Bellingwood. She was always busy planning new ideas for her and Sycamore House. She now has a barn and four horses. What's next?
November 5, 2020
Great series.
What a great series this is. Can't wait to read the next one. All the characters, & of course, Polly, are special. Enough mystery and a bit of romance to add to it and best of all ----- no foul language!!!!!
What a great series this is. Can't wait to read the next one. All the characters, & of course, Polly, are special. Enough mystery and a bit of romance to add to it and best of all ----- no foul language!!!!!
January 16, 2025
Polly continues to expand her dream with the renovated school turned Sycamore House - a multi-use facility for the community. She also expands her group of friends, possible love interests, and menagerie. Oh, and comes across a senior member of the community who was found dead in her home.
June 4, 2018
Nice gentle series.
July 25, 2018
I enjoy these stories, they make you laugh and think at the same time. It is so refreshing to have enjoyable characters to read about.
November 4, 2018
Good Book
Great characters. Makes me want to move to Iowa and find them. Love the story and want to see what is next for Polly.
Great characters. Makes me want to move to Iowa and find them. Love the story and want to see what is next for Polly.
May 19, 2019
I’d give this a 4 1/2 stars if I could. It’s a sweet peaceful read with just a hint of mystery and a touch of romance.
November 15, 2019
cute series
June 28, 2020
more adventures of Polly. In this one she starts to develop her romantic relationships also
March 6, 2021
Polly attracts crazy situations and great friendships. Quick read for a lazy day.
March 23, 2023
Oh, what a Wonderful town Bellingwood is! Makes me wish I could live there!
April 22, 2024
Really enjoying this series.
October 18, 2016
The premise if a little over the top but the interesting characters make this a fun read with a hint of mystery and romance thrown in.
January 15, 2017
Loved it, more please :) I found the series right before Christmas 2016 and finished the entire series by the first week in 2017.
I am so happy to find an author I love, but now I have to wait for the next book like the rest of Diane's fans. On the positive side, she appears to be very prolific and the next book will be out in March 2017 (17).
I am so happy to find an author I love, but now I have to wait for the next book like the rest of Diane's fans. On the positive side, she appears to be very prolific and the next book will be out in March 2017 (17).
October 18, 2016
Big Life in a Small Town: A Bellingwood Novel Book Two is by Diane Greenwood Muir and Jamie McFarlane. This continues the story of Polly and her renovated school in Bellingwood, Iowa. Complications continue to follow Polly as she goes through her life here in Bellingwood.
Polly has a guest staying in the one room which is finished upstairs. Elise Myers has taken the room for two months to finish her dissertation. In the short time she has been here, she has stayed in her room working. She is afraid of people and likes being alone. Polly does worry about her; but she promised her guest she would be left alone and so she will be. However, Elise does come down to get something to eat and asks Polly to check on her once every twenty-four hours to make sure she eats. When she starts working, she simply forgets to eat.
Polly has decided since the school is almost finished that she needs a barn. Jeff comes up with the idea of having a barn raising with all the trimmings. As they begin planning for the barn raising, Polly gets a strange phone call asking for Linda Marberry who supposedly is staying at Sycamore House. Is Linda the same person as Elise? Who would be looking for her? Will this cause any problems with Sycamore House and the barn raising?
Polly has a guest staying in the one room which is finished upstairs. Elise Myers has taken the room for two months to finish her dissertation. In the short time she has been here, she has stayed in her room working. She is afraid of people and likes being alone. Polly does worry about her; but she promised her guest she would be left alone and so she will be. However, Elise does come down to get something to eat and asks Polly to check on her once every twenty-four hours to make sure she eats. When she starts working, she simply forgets to eat.
Polly has decided since the school is almost finished that she needs a barn. Jeff comes up with the idea of having a barn raising with all the trimmings. As they begin planning for the barn raising, Polly gets a strange phone call asking for Linda Marberry who supposedly is staying at Sycamore House. Is Linda the same person as Elise? Who would be looking for her? Will this cause any problems with Sycamore House and the barn raising?
December 7, 2016
After reading the first book I thought I was going to continue on with others I have on my current list, however, I found myself curious about the next book so used my kindle unlimited to borrow it. I am glad that I did and thoroughly enjoy this book.
Now I will not give you a blow by blow action...'cause...well that is for you to find out on your own now isn't it? What I will tell you that it is yet another slice of life for Polly and those whose lives touches Polly's or more whose lives Polly's touch. Either way her life is definitely getting bigger.
I know this is a fictional town and some may say that it is just a bit too sweet and nice but, I wonder if there are not small towns out there that our big city lives have not touched. Either way I love the small town, the people as we get to know them, and most of all, how we are getting to know Polly even more. Each of them feel so real with the breath of life and blood the author has breathed into them. Not to mention how they all interact with each other. When reading I felt a part of the story. So much so that I had difficulty putting it down.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.
Now I will not give you a blow by blow action...'cause...well that is for you to find out on your own now isn't it? What I will tell you that it is yet another slice of life for Polly and those whose lives touches Polly's or more whose lives Polly's touch. Either way her life is definitely getting bigger.
I know this is a fictional town and some may say that it is just a bit too sweet and nice but, I wonder if there are not small towns out there that our big city lives have not touched. Either way I love the small town, the people as we get to know them, and most of all, how we are getting to know Polly even more. Each of them feel so real with the breath of life and blood the author has breathed into them. Not to mention how they all interact with each other. When reading I felt a part of the story. So much so that I had difficulty putting it down.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.
May 7, 2021
4.5 stars
I dont usually give light reading or cosy mysteries such high ratings, and I don't usually read them one after the other when I have a boxed set, but this time I did just that, and I didnt feel like I had overindulged.
I loved the area, the characters and the mysteries were believable. There were a few question marks on the feasibility of someone running a business like Polly does, and there seems to be a lot of scenes that are fillers and really don't add much to the story or the character development. None of that detracted from my enjoyment. I have bought the next set and after a short break, I've no doubt that I will steam through them as well.
I have just reread first 10 books in one go, which is something I don't usually do. To be honest I probably liked them even better this time. There is a lot of filler stuff, taking dogs for walks and eating and so on, but it just feels like comfy clothes.
I dont usually give light reading or cosy mysteries such high ratings, and I don't usually read them one after the other when I have a boxed set, but this time I did just that, and I didnt feel like I had overindulged.
I loved the area, the characters and the mysteries were believable. There were a few question marks on the feasibility of someone running a business like Polly does, and there seems to be a lot of scenes that are fillers and really don't add much to the story or the character development. None of that detracted from my enjoyment. I have bought the next set and after a short break, I've no doubt that I will steam through them as well.
I have just reread first 10 books in one go, which is something I don't usually do. To be honest I probably liked them even better this time. There is a lot of filler stuff, taking dogs for walks and eating and so on, but it just feels like comfy clothes.
May 13, 2015
In the second book in this series, Polly becomes more involved in the small Iowa town where she's renovating an old school building into some type of conference center/artist retreat/wedding venue/who knows what. Apparently, she's not sure herself because she keeps coming up with ideas and adding more and more--money seems to be no object. She starts taking on the welfare of everyone in the community while at the same time she is cared for by the group of ladies who are close friends. Brilliant, beautiful, apparently wealthy, generous, nurturing, Polly is almost perfect except for the way she treats Henry, the general contractor who wants to be much more to her.
February 18, 2014
A delightful series!
A delightful series!
I can relate to the main character, Polly, because I too was born and raised in a small town in Iowa. I now live in another state and wish I could go back to Iowa. The people there are just as nice and caring as depicted in this series. When I go to Iowa to visit family I eat pork tenderloin sandwiches for practically every meal. I never understood why you couldn't get them anywhere else. I can't wait too read the next book in this series!
A delightful series!
I can relate to the main character, Polly, because I too was born and raised in a small town in Iowa. I now live in another state and wish I could go back to Iowa. The people there are just as nice and caring as depicted in this series. When I go to Iowa to visit family I eat pork tenderloin sandwiches for practically every meal. I never understood why you couldn't get them anywhere else. I can't wait too read the next book in this series!
January 21, 2015
Perfect sequel to book 1.....
I love how all the books continue on with Polly as the main character. Unlike another series of books that move on to other people in a town, this one continues with Polly's story so your not left wondering whatever happened to her! I love the writing style of this author, whom I had never read before this series and will continue to read her books.
I love how all the books continue on with Polly as the main character. Unlike another series of books that move on to other people in a town, this one continues with Polly's story so your not left wondering whatever happened to her! I love the writing style of this author, whom I had never read before this series and will continue to read her books.
July 15, 2019
Polly continues to renovate Sycamore House. She hires a manager and party planner, and adds four neglected Percherons to her menagerie. She finds more friends and gets to know the people and the town better. But is a romance on the horizon? Will it be the hunky carpenter Henry who is always there for Polly? Or the gorgeous veterinarian Mark?
Spend some time in this small Iowa town... the people will capture your heart!
Spend some time in this small Iowa town... the people will capture your heart!
May 26, 2014
I read the first of this series a whole ago. This second book began as the next chapter. That is to say no catch up from book one. It took about to Chapter 10 before I was all caught up. That is my only complaint and I loved the story and the characters. And Polly's deep pockets! I hope to read the rest of the series but will not wait so long between books next time.
June 4, 2023
I fell in love with this series from the very start. I love all of the crazy characters. I can't wait to see what the series holds from here. I love the friendships and family relationships woven throughout the stories. This series will make you laugh and cry and definitely make you appreciate those special relationships you have in your life.
March 5, 2015
I love the Bellingwood Series. These are nice easy stories about nice easy friends. There are not too many conflicts which I love. Real life has too many conflicts and it is nice to get lost in a little slice of life where you know who you can depend on and they never let you down. I am looking forward to book #3.
April 6, 2015
I'm likeing this group of friends, reminds me of our are neighborhood growing up , every one looking out for each other. The story line was fun , a little different then what I was expecting. We add a few more character to enlarge the menagerie some four legged. Can't wait for the next book.
January 4, 2014
As noted in the first book of this series - they are very enjoyable, light reads. There is certainly a formula to them - but somehow it's easy to forgive that. Events are improbable, characters are a bit saccharin at times, yet despite all that - I love to curl up with one of a winter's evening.
January 10, 2014
These Bellingwood books are a great, light read. The characters are well written. You just feel like you know them. You want to be a part of what Polly has going on in her life, and I was sad when the book ended. I'm going to be looking for book #3!
Great to curl up with and just lose yourself.
Great to curl up with and just lose yourself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews