What do you think?
Rate this book
The Party Line
A niece’s inheritance comes with family secrets, new romance, and sweet Texas strawberries in a refreshing and warmhearted novel by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.
Returning home to Ditto, Texas, is bittersweet for Lila Matthews. Her dear and feisty aunt Gracie has passed away, leaving Lila her estate. That includes a centuries-old house, a field of the freshest strawberries in Atascosa County, more money than Lila can count, and a secret Aunt Gracie took to her grave. All the angels in heaven won’t be able to pry it out of her.
For more than eighty years, generations of folks in Ditto have whispered and gossiped about what the secret could be. When Lila inherits Aunt Gracie’s legacy, ears perk up and tongues start wagging. As Lila reacquaints herself with locals, finds warmth in family—extended and otherwise—and cozies up to a handsome new neighbor, she begins collecting clues to the past. They’re revealing an Aunt Gracie nobody knew—and a life of rebellion, broken hearts, and selfless love that affected more people than anyone realized.
Whatever reason Aunt Gracie had for leaving Lila the secret, will it now be Lila’s secret to keep?
Returning home to Ditto, Texas, is bittersweet for Lila Matthews. Her dear and feisty aunt Gracie has passed away, leaving Lila her estate. That includes a centuries-old house, a field of the freshest strawberries in Atascosa County, more money than Lila can count, and a secret Aunt Gracie took to her grave. All the angels in heaven won’t be able to pry it out of her.
For more than eighty years, generations of folks in Ditto have whispered and gossiped about what the secret could be. When Lila inherits Aunt Gracie’s legacy, ears perk up and tongues start wagging. As Lila reacquaints herself with locals, finds warmth in family—extended and otherwise—and cozies up to a handsome new neighbor, she begins collecting clues to the past. They’re revealing an Aunt Gracie nobody knew—and a life of rebellion, broken hearts, and selfless love that affected more people than anyone realized.
Whatever reason Aunt Gracie had for leaving Lila the secret, will it now be Lila’s secret to keep?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2024
3984 people are currently reading
7058 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,128 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
February 17, 2025
EXCERPT: A memory surfaced, and I tried to give that black phone the same look she did when she told me about it. I was a little girl back then, and overheard Mama telling Madge, who was her boss at the café where she had cooked and waitressed since before I was even born, that she didn't understand how anyone could live in a house full of ghosts and secrets.
I thought it would be great to find a real ghost, so for a whole year, I prowled through all the nooks and crannies in the whole two-story house, looking for one. I'm not sure what I would have done if an eerie figure had popped out from behind a dresser or even from behind a door - probably turned tail and run, screeching like I did when the spider showed up in the bathroom.
I also never did find what the big secret was; it was only whispered about behind those fans at church with Jesus on one side and a big bowl of strawberries on the other. That morning, almost two decades later, I wondered if somewhere, hidden away safely, there might be a diary or a journal, or maybe even a piece of paper with SECRET written in big letters on the front and an explanation on the back.
ABOUT 'THE PARTY LINE': A niece’s inheritance comes with family secrets, new romance, and sweet Texas strawberries.
Returning home to Ditto, Texas, is bittersweet for Lila Matthews. Her dear and feisty aunt Gracie has passed away, leaving Lila her estate. That includes a centuries-old house, a field of the freshest strawberries in Atascosa County, more money than Lila can count, and a secret Aunt Gracie took to her grave. All the angels in heaven won’t be able to pry it out of her.
For more than eighty years, generations of folks in Ditto have whispered and gossiped about what the secret could be. When Lila inherits Aunt Gracie’s legacy, ears perk up and tongues start wagging. As Lila reacquaints herself with locals, finds warmth in family—extended and otherwise—and cozies up to a handsome new neighbor, she begins collecting clues to the past. They’re revealing an Aunt Gracie nobody knew—and a life of rebellion, broken hearts, and selfless love that affected more people than anyone realized.
Whatever reason Aunt Gracie had for leaving Lila the secret, will it now be Lila’s secret to keep?
MY THOUGHTS: Pour yourself a long glass of sweet tea and settle down with a plate of warm, fragrant cinnamon rolls or strawberry shortcake and The Party Line by Carolyn Brown, a sweet and satisfying story that will leave you smiling and happy.
I love living in small communities and Ditto, Texas is one of these - the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else and all of their business. Anything they don't know, they're inclined to speculate on . . . which is just what happens in The Party Line. There is some BIG secret about Lila's recently deceased Aunt Gracie, and since no one actually knows the secret - Aunt Gracie took it to the grave with her - there's a whole lot of speculation going on. The sort of speculation that has conversations stop when Lila walks into a room. Lila was aware of the existence of a secret even as a child and now that she has inherited Aunt Gracie's big old home, she is sure she will find the answer somewhere within.
I loved all the characters, with one or two notable exceptions - two men who were after Gracie's land and were prepared to stop at nothing to get it - and although we don't get to meet Aunt Gracie, we sure do hear a lot about her. She was a strong-willed, direct and generous woman who supported other women in need. The first woman she rescued would appear to have been Sarah, Lila's mother. I would have liked her a lot had I met her in real life.
Lila is very much following in her aunt's footsteps. She takes care of Aunt Gracie's friend Jasper, who lives next door, taking him meals and running errands for him, as well as taking him to church. Jasper is gruff but also has a heart of gold, but that side of him only comes out when he decides he can trust someone, and that can take a long time.
Lila also has trust issues and she's not entirely sure she can trust Connor - he, too, may just be after her land - but he sure is easy on the eye and there is a definite spark of attraction between them.
Carolyn Brown gives us a wonderful sense of small-town life, romance and mystery in The Party Line; a mystery that is begun by a conversation overheard on the party line . . .
Make sure you read the author's acknowledgements. I loved Carolyn Brown's explanation of how this particular book came about. As someone who grew up with party lines, I could appreciate it.
Two quotes that resonated with me: . . . you (can't) ever get rid of the past, but you (don't) have to drag it out and let it ruin the future. and,
Experience is what we get, when we (don't) get what we want.
⭐⭐⭐.9
#ThePartyLine #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue, then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Party Line by Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
The Party Line by Carolyn Brown was published November 2024.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
I thought it would be great to find a real ghost, so for a whole year, I prowled through all the nooks and crannies in the whole two-story house, looking for one. I'm not sure what I would have done if an eerie figure had popped out from behind a dresser or even from behind a door - probably turned tail and run, screeching like I did when the spider showed up in the bathroom.
I also never did find what the big secret was; it was only whispered about behind those fans at church with Jesus on one side and a big bowl of strawberries on the other. That morning, almost two decades later, I wondered if somewhere, hidden away safely, there might be a diary or a journal, or maybe even a piece of paper with SECRET written in big letters on the front and an explanation on the back.
ABOUT 'THE PARTY LINE': A niece’s inheritance comes with family secrets, new romance, and sweet Texas strawberries.
Returning home to Ditto, Texas, is bittersweet for Lila Matthews. Her dear and feisty aunt Gracie has passed away, leaving Lila her estate. That includes a centuries-old house, a field of the freshest strawberries in Atascosa County, more money than Lila can count, and a secret Aunt Gracie took to her grave. All the angels in heaven won’t be able to pry it out of her.
For more than eighty years, generations of folks in Ditto have whispered and gossiped about what the secret could be. When Lila inherits Aunt Gracie’s legacy, ears perk up and tongues start wagging. As Lila reacquaints herself with locals, finds warmth in family—extended and otherwise—and cozies up to a handsome new neighbor, she begins collecting clues to the past. They’re revealing an Aunt Gracie nobody knew—and a life of rebellion, broken hearts, and selfless love that affected more people than anyone realized.
Whatever reason Aunt Gracie had for leaving Lila the secret, will it now be Lila’s secret to keep?
MY THOUGHTS: Pour yourself a long glass of sweet tea and settle down with a plate of warm, fragrant cinnamon rolls or strawberry shortcake and The Party Line by Carolyn Brown, a sweet and satisfying story that will leave you smiling and happy.
I love living in small communities and Ditto, Texas is one of these - the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else and all of their business. Anything they don't know, they're inclined to speculate on . . . which is just what happens in The Party Line. There is some BIG secret about Lila's recently deceased Aunt Gracie, and since no one actually knows the secret - Aunt Gracie took it to the grave with her - there's a whole lot of speculation going on. The sort of speculation that has conversations stop when Lila walks into a room. Lila was aware of the existence of a secret even as a child and now that she has inherited Aunt Gracie's big old home, she is sure she will find the answer somewhere within.
I loved all the characters, with one or two notable exceptions - two men who were after Gracie's land and were prepared to stop at nothing to get it - and although we don't get to meet Aunt Gracie, we sure do hear a lot about her. She was a strong-willed, direct and generous woman who supported other women in need. The first woman she rescued would appear to have been Sarah, Lila's mother. I would have liked her a lot had I met her in real life.
Lila is very much following in her aunt's footsteps. She takes care of Aunt Gracie's friend Jasper, who lives next door, taking him meals and running errands for him, as well as taking him to church. Jasper is gruff but also has a heart of gold, but that side of him only comes out when he decides he can trust someone, and that can take a long time.
Lila also has trust issues and she's not entirely sure she can trust Connor - he, too, may just be after her land - but he sure is easy on the eye and there is a definite spark of attraction between them.
Carolyn Brown gives us a wonderful sense of small-town life, romance and mystery in The Party Line; a mystery that is begun by a conversation overheard on the party line . . .
Make sure you read the author's acknowledgements. I loved Carolyn Brown's explanation of how this particular book came about. As someone who grew up with party lines, I could appreciate it.
Two quotes that resonated with me: . . . you (can't) ever get rid of the past, but you (don't) have to drag it out and let it ruin the future. and,
Experience is what we get, when we (don't) get what we want.
⭐⭐⭐.9
#ThePartyLine #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue, then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Party Line by Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
The Party Line by Carolyn Brown was published November 2024.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 25, 2024
I was not expecting this story when I cracked this one open, but I fell in love with the prose and pacing the author brought to the table.
Set in a tiny town in Texas, you are easily swept into the community where everyone knows everyone and knows everything about you and your family.
I love the characters and development of them throughout the story. The stories, the love, the strength and passion for the family business, new friends.
The Party Line is a beautiful story of family ties and an amazing connection between them. I love the romance development and the short, direct conversations. This totally makes the story interesting and tough to put down!
This is my first book by Brown and I am intrigued by her storytelling. I will definitely be looking for more from her!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-party-li...
Set in a tiny town in Texas, you are easily swept into the community where everyone knows everyone and knows everything about you and your family.
I love the characters and development of them throughout the story. The stories, the love, the strength and passion for the family business, new friends.
The Party Line is a beautiful story of family ties and an amazing connection between them. I love the romance development and the short, direct conversations. This totally makes the story interesting and tough to put down!
This is my first book by Brown and I am intrigued by her storytelling. I will definitely be looking for more from her!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-party-li...
May 27, 2025
This is a Southern Women's Fiction. I have read several Carolyn Brown books, and I have enjoyed them so much because the characters are so unique. I also enjoyed the crazy things her characters say. This book was no different. I really loved the characters in this book. I also loved the small town that was in this book. The storyline was one I really enjoyed. This book was slow paced, but it still pulled me into it. I really enjoyed reading this book. I won a Kindle edition of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
November 21, 2024
DNF, it was just boring.
August 3, 2024
Lila returns home and is noticing many changes in the small town. Her grandmother passed away with a secret she held for decades. Lila asks her mom about the secret, which she was clueless about. I enjoyed this book.
February 2, 2025
This was not my cup of sweet tea. If the author used one more cliche or saying, I was going to throw the book across the room. The book needed to have more character development and needed to do more showing instead of flat out telling every last thought a character had.
July 16, 2024
My Thoughts
Small does not even come close when describing the town of Ditto, Texas.
For Lila Matthews the truth is that Aunt Gracie’s passing and the inheritance she left Lila comes with mixed feelings on her part, as does moving back to Ditto.
Those feelings are explored in depth as Lila finds out more about the dearly departed woman she loved so very much, things she is both amazed and amused by in turn.
The story we are told grabbed me right from its first chapter and never let me go.
What comes across loud and clear is that no matter what you think you know about someone you actually know very little except what they show you.
Once again family is explored and its members vary from blood relation to family chosen and what a group of characters those people turn out to be.
The romance is there as well but it stays secondary to Aunt Grace’s story as Lila learns along with the reader just how very special the lady really was.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
[EArc from Netgalley]
October 30, 2024
While I have no problems with the story or the writing, it just didn't feel "enough" for me, with the exception of the slow-burn romance between Connor and Lila. There wasn't enough information about why everyone was trying to buy this strawberry farm for well over valued price, the party line was such a small part of the story that many times its mention didn't make sense, and the big secret wasn't even very scandalous considering that the other person died before it became a big issue. If you like romance the relationship between Lila and Connor is cute and fun, but otherwise I feel a bit let down.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and the author for my advance copy of this audiobook
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and the author for my advance copy of this audiobook
November 9, 2024
Decent but boring 2.5
November 16, 2024
This book was very predictable. I guessed the secret very early in the book. It really didn’t have much of a plot but you did like the characters.
Read
January 15, 2025I’m sorry, but this book wasn’t for me, which was disappointing because I did enjoy another book by her. While the characters were likable, they didn’t have depth, and there wasn’t really a conflict at all this entire book which made it very boring. After finishing, I reread the synopsis which made it seem the secret was this huge devastating thing, but, without giving spoilers, let’s just say it didn’t really add anything to the overall book. I would have stopped reading this book sooner but I pushed through since it was for my book club.
March 13, 2025
This is the first book I haven’t finished in years.
January 22, 2025
I give this 3 stars generously. I think there was a lot of opportunity for character growth and more of a story, most of it fell flat for me. I will say Chapter 22 got me, I wish more of the book was like the last two chapters!
November 2, 2024
OMG besties, I just finished The Part Line by Carolyn Brown, and let me tell you, it was like sipping sweet tea on a porch swing—so cozy but with a kick! I mean, where do I even start? The small-town vibes were immaculate, and the cast of characters? Chef’s kiss. They were the kind of friends you’d want on speed dial if your life suddenly turned into a soap opera (and trust me, in this town, that’s basically Tuesday).
Now, I’m giving this one a solid four stars because while I adored the warm, fuzzy plot twists and the perfect sprinkle of drama, it did feel a teensy bit predictable at times. Like, I called that big reveal faster than I can say “bless your heart” (and y’all know that’s fast). But honestly, who cares when Carolyn Brown’s storytelling wraps you up like your fave blanket on a rainy day?
If you’re craving a read that feels like catching up with old friends and leaves you smiling like a dork in public (oops, guilty!), this one’s a must. Not five stars, but pretty darn close. Now excuse me while I go dream about my own small-town love story.
Now, I’m giving this one a solid four stars because while I adored the warm, fuzzy plot twists and the perfect sprinkle of drama, it did feel a teensy bit predictable at times. Like, I called that big reveal faster than I can say “bless your heart” (and y’all know that’s fast). But honestly, who cares when Carolyn Brown’s storytelling wraps you up like your fave blanket on a rainy day?
If you’re craving a read that feels like catching up with old friends and leaves you smiling like a dork in public (oops, guilty!), this one’s a must. Not five stars, but pretty darn close. Now excuse me while I go dream about my own small-town love story.
December 4, 2024
Sweet and kind are the words I’d use to describe this story and the characters. Unfortunately the story is too straightforward and shallow for me to find it interesting. If you’re looking for a sweet, G-rated romance/family story, then go for it, but I think you can find more imaginative books around. There is one twist I didn’t see coming late in the book but I was so bored up until then that I couldn’t convince myself to rate the book higher even for that reason.
November 9, 2024
Lila Matthews returns to her home town of Ditto, Texas after inheriting her aunt Gracie’s estate. It includes a large home and a strawberries farm. While cleaning out the house she finds clues from Grace’s past that no one seems to know about. Carolyn Brown is the queen of writing warm, folksy stories set in small Texas towns. I appreciate the title and remember my family having a party line till I was 8 or 9.
There is a romance for Lila with Connor who recently left the military. They want to go slowly with picnics and sweet talks. There is no drama but a slow building connection. Much of the story is focused on Gracie. I love how Lila cares for and befriends Gracie’s neighbor and best friend Jasper. He has answers to many of her questions. And I appreciate Lila’s easy and honest relationship with her mother.
This is seemingly a stand alone novel from Brown and I enjoyed reading it. Yes, it can be predictable but I found the pacing good and flew through it quickly. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
There is a romance for Lila with Connor who recently left the military. They want to go slowly with picnics and sweet talks. There is no drama but a slow building connection. Much of the story is focused on Gracie. I love how Lila cares for and befriends Gracie’s neighbor and best friend Jasper. He has answers to many of her questions. And I appreciate Lila’s easy and honest relationship with her mother.
This is seemingly a stand alone novel from Brown and I enjoyed reading it. Yes, it can be predictable but I found the pacing good and flew through it quickly. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
August 19, 2025
1,5
The only remotely interesting thing about this book was Gracie’s secret — and even that ended up being kind of underwhelming.
I went into this expecting some juicy historical fiction vibes (the blurb talks about “Party Lines” in the 40s/50s), but nope — it’s set in the present day. And while I liked the idea of uncovering a family secret, the execution just wasn’t it.
The characters were paper-thin. If Gracie had all that money, why did she never travel? Why couldn’t Jasper ever find love? Nothing added up, and instead of showing us the people involved in the secret through flashbacks, we only ever heard about them. That made it hard to feel invested in the big reveal.
Honestly? The “big secret” didn’t feel like a big deal at all. The book built it up like some explosive twist, but the payoff was meh at best. It felt like the author was aiming for suspense but landed on lukewarm family drama instead.
The pacing didn’t help either — it was like sitting in a slow, boring town with slow, boring conversations, all of which you had to keep track of just to maybe understand the “secret.” Except when it finally came out… it wasn’t even that important.
Sure, the small-town descriptions were nice enough, and Lila’s emotional arc had a few decent moments. But the whole thing was so flat that I kept thinking this book was just… unseasoned chicken. Bland. Forgettable. Could’ve been an email.
At the end of the day, nothing really happened — and by the time I closed the book, I was just relieved to be done.
The only remotely interesting thing about this book was Gracie’s secret — and even that ended up being kind of underwhelming.
I went into this expecting some juicy historical fiction vibes (the blurb talks about “Party Lines” in the 40s/50s), but nope — it’s set in the present day. And while I liked the idea of uncovering a family secret, the execution just wasn’t it.
The characters were paper-thin. If Gracie had all that money, why did she never travel? Why couldn’t Jasper ever find love? Nothing added up, and instead of showing us the people involved in the secret through flashbacks, we only ever heard about them. That made it hard to feel invested in the big reveal.
Honestly? The “big secret” didn’t feel like a big deal at all. The book built it up like some explosive twist, but the payoff was meh at best. It felt like the author was aiming for suspense but landed on lukewarm family drama instead.
The pacing didn’t help either — it was like sitting in a slow, boring town with slow, boring conversations, all of which you had to keep track of just to maybe understand the “secret.” Except when it finally came out… it wasn’t even that important.
Sure, the small-town descriptions were nice enough, and Lila’s emotional arc had a few decent moments. But the whole thing was so flat that I kept thinking this book was just… unseasoned chicken. Bland. Forgettable. Could’ve been an email.
At the end of the day, nothing really happened — and by the time I closed the book, I was just relieved to be done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2024
When her old aunt passes away, a woman comes back to her small town to claim her inheritance. Family secrets and a new promise of love and new start on life are there waiting if she’s willing to take a chance on change. Carolyn Brown is an autobuy author for me particularly when it comes to the cozy, country charm of her small town women’s fiction with a smattering of romance and humor.
The Party Line is set in a town that isn’t on most maps where everyone knows each other and all the secrets, but one. Aunt Gracie had a secret that has the town stirred up again when they think Lila will discover it after she moves into Gracie’s house. Lila has been an accountant in the big city, content with her job and acquaintances, but she feels the difference between contentment and deep-seated happiness when she sorts through Gracie’s past, reacquaints herself with the neighbors, spends time with her mother and Gracie’s friends. The strawberry fields behind the house and the new young foreman have her attention and tempt her to try something new.
Gently paced and full of all sorts of heartwarming moments, The Party Line is a book that the reader can sit back, relax, and feel- feel the summer heat and taste the sweet strawberries, appreciate family, friends, and romance, and then dig a little deeper into bittersweet truths the past generations had to face. Not a book for high entertainment or drama, but well satisfying all the same. The Party Line is for those who like the crossover of women’s fic and romance in a country town setting.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer on 11.27.24.
The Party Line is set in a town that isn’t on most maps where everyone knows each other and all the secrets, but one. Aunt Gracie had a secret that has the town stirred up again when they think Lila will discover it after she moves into Gracie’s house. Lila has been an accountant in the big city, content with her job and acquaintances, but she feels the difference between contentment and deep-seated happiness when she sorts through Gracie’s past, reacquaints herself with the neighbors, spends time with her mother and Gracie’s friends. The strawberry fields behind the house and the new young foreman have her attention and tempt her to try something new.
Gently paced and full of all sorts of heartwarming moments, The Party Line is a book that the reader can sit back, relax, and feel- feel the summer heat and taste the sweet strawberries, appreciate family, friends, and romance, and then dig a little deeper into bittersweet truths the past generations had to face. Not a book for high entertainment or drama, but well satisfying all the same. The Party Line is for those who like the crossover of women’s fic and romance in a country town setting.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer on 11.27.24.
June 30, 2025
When her old aunt passes away, a woman comes back to her small town to claim her inheritance. Family secrets and a new promise of love and new start on life are there waiting if she’s willing to take a chance on change. Carolyn Brown is an autobuy author for me particularly when it comes to the cozy, country charm of her small town women’s fiction with a smattering of romance and humor.
I revisited The Party Line in the audio version and, as usual, Brittany Pressley does a fab job voicing Carolyn Brown's story. She caught the right tone and pacing and voiced the small cast of characters in that small Texas community so well.
The Party Line is set in a town that isn’t on most maps where everyone knows each other and all the secrets, but one. Aunt Gracie had a secret that has the town stirred up again when they think Lila will discover it after she moves into Gracie’s house. Lila has been an accountant in the big city, content with her job and acquaintances, but she feels the difference between contentment and deep-seated happiness when she sorts through Gracie’s past, reacquaints herself with the neighbors, spends time with her mother and Gracie’s friends. The strawberry fields behind the house and the new young foreman have her attention and tempt her to try something new.
Gently paced and full of all sorts of heartwarming moments, The Party Line is a book that the reader can sit back, relax, and feel- feel the summer heat and taste the sweet strawberries, appreciate family, friends, and romance, and then dig a little deeper into bittersweet truths the past generations had to face. Not a book for high entertainment or drama, but well satisfying all the same. The Party Line is for those who like the crossover of women’s fic and romance in a country town setting.
I revisited The Party Line in the audio version and, as usual, Brittany Pressley does a fab job voicing Carolyn Brown's story. She caught the right tone and pacing and voiced the small cast of characters in that small Texas community so well.
The Party Line is set in a town that isn’t on most maps where everyone knows each other and all the secrets, but one. Aunt Gracie had a secret that has the town stirred up again when they think Lila will discover it after she moves into Gracie’s house. Lila has been an accountant in the big city, content with her job and acquaintances, but she feels the difference between contentment and deep-seated happiness when she sorts through Gracie’s past, reacquaints herself with the neighbors, spends time with her mother and Gracie’s friends. The strawberry fields behind the house and the new young foreman have her attention and tempt her to try something new.
Gently paced and full of all sorts of heartwarming moments, The Party Line is a book that the reader can sit back, relax, and feel- feel the summer heat and taste the sweet strawberries, appreciate family, friends, and romance, and then dig a little deeper into bittersweet truths the past generations had to face. Not a book for high entertainment or drama, but well satisfying all the same. The Party Line is for those who like the crossover of women’s fic and romance in a country town setting.
January 26, 2025
3.0 stars. Sweet story. Small Texas town, family secrets, friendships, and a slow-burn G rated romance. Thought I would enjoy this story more than I did. The pace is so slow, and this town is so laid back that it made me sleepy. The best part was the last 20% when the author finally reveals the long awaited big "family secret," and Connor finally makes his move with Lila. Instead of the present day, the story seemed more like a setting in the early 50s. First time author for me, so maybe this is just her style. Enjoyed Lila and elderly Jaspers friendship. She looks after him as he recounts his long-time friendship with Lila's beloved deceased Aunt Gracie.
December 26, 2024
CB is an auto read and auto buy for me.
I find much comfort in her straight forward characters and folksy plots.
I loved Jasper in the book! He was my favorite characters. Although he had a dog he named Sassy, Jasper was saucy all day long.
The big secret was revealed toward the end but the comraderie and dialogue make the book.
I love that people prefer DQ over the fancy schmancy new cafes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the early copy.
I find much comfort in her straight forward characters and folksy plots.
I loved Jasper in the book! He was my favorite characters. Although he had a dog he named Sassy, Jasper was saucy all day long.
The big secret was revealed toward the end but the comraderie and dialogue make the book.
I love that people prefer DQ over the fancy schmancy new cafes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the early copy.
November 10, 2024
Carolyn Brown never disappoints me! Another absolutely amazing and wonderfully written story that is centered around a nieces dead aunts long kept secrets and what the town thinks the secret is! While there is a love story growing between Lila and her neighbor! It’s a beautiful story all around and I really enjoyed it! I highly recommend it and give it 5 ⭐️
January 2, 2025
A sweet story about a girl who returns to her tiny hometown in Texas to claim her inheritance and live in her aunt’s old farmhouse. Of course she ends up falling for the town and the people and staying and making a sweet life for herself. Definitely a lovely story with a HEA ending. No spice- clean read. 👍
January 26, 2025
From the description, I expected a majority of this book to focus on “the big secret” but in reality very little of it did. Despite that, I did enjoy the characters, the small town life & the kindness that occurred throughout. It was a wholesome read, just not quite what I expected.
November 2, 2024
This was such a sweet book. I loved the characters and the relationship between them. I enjoyed the budding romance and how everything worked out for everyone.
December 30, 2024
This was so sweet, wholesome and a lovely listen.
September 10, 2025
A very enjoyable read. Wow a heartbreaking secret that is discovered at the very end of the story.
June 1, 2025
sweet full circle
I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet, kind, and a full circle story. I highly recommend it. The family story line is familiar to a lot families
I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet, kind, and a full circle story. I highly recommend it. The family story line is familiar to a lot families
February 8, 2025
Loved it!
November 21, 2024
Only started understanding what the hell is going on halfway through the book started getting interesting at the end
Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews