Bellingwood Days are nearly here. Heath's wedding is nearly here. What does that mean for Polly Giller? Pure and utter chaos. It's a good thing she's learned how to manage life in the midst of it all. Better yet, it's good that she has the support of her community - both friends and family. Without them, Polly wouldn't be able to do any of it.
When a local podcaster asks to interview Polly about the growth Bellingwood has been experiencing, she reluctantly agrees. This is a task better suited to her staff, but he insisted on speaking to her personally. Their initial meeting didn't go quite as planned.
Out of the blue, a friend of Polly's from elementary school is back in Iowa and looking for her. She hasn't heard from Annie in years - more than she cares to remember. At the mention of her old friend's name, memories flood Polly's mind. Why has Annie come back? What is she looking for? Why is she insistent on finding Polly? The answers are surprising.
Kids, friendships, families, summer activities, lives that unravel while others knit together in beautiful ways. It's all part of life.
Bellingwood is a unique community in Iowa. But it couldn't truly exist without a Polly. As long as you have an open heart, you can't go wrong in Bellingwood.
I loved everything about the series. Two more books to read and I am going to really miss Polly. I started reading this series last December and could not stop reading. As soon as I finished a book, I would start the next one. Every young mother should read these books not just for entertainment, but for all the ways Polly uses to discipline her children, all the things she teaches them about respect, and all the things she instills in them that will make them successful in life. Thank you Diane Greenwood Muir for the best reading experience this 84 year old woman has had.
Polly, main character in the Bellingwood series, builds an amazing family. The members make up a beautiful crazy quilt of colorful personalities, backgrounds and ages. But the glue that holds them together is Love. Polly and her husband Henry work diligently to instill in their children honesty, integrity, and empathy for others. This particular book contrasts their family with another family that lacks these qualities and the destruction that follows. Too bad that there aren't more Pollys and Henrys in the world.
As usual, a Bellingwood book is a true escape. The books are well written and easy to read. There are so many characters to keep track of now, it can get a bit confusing though. Basically, it's a day-in-the-life-of type book, but Polly's viewpoint and her relationships keep things moving along. I'm not quite certain what the rationale for the two guys walking around Sycamore House was all about though. It's interesting to see how the kids are growing up and the changes with all the families.
When Polly hears a friend from her past is looking for her she is surprised at who it is. The person shows up only a couple days after Polly hears this at her office and Polly is shocked. A Podcaster comes to town and says he wants to do a podcast about Bellingwood. He has been doing them about small towns in Iowa and found it interesting that Bellingwood was doing so well. Find out what happens when these two start asking questions. A rely good read and series.
Not sure what it is about Polly and Bellingham but I can't get enough of it. I was going to space out reading it but again I just read the whole book. There are so many characters that you might get confused but I have no trouble keeping them straight. Much like Polly I want everyone who visits to move there so we get to know them too. The dead body in this book was a shock. I was hoping for another save. Sorry I have to wait for three months for the next book.
Every time I finish another book in the Bellingwood series, I think the next book can 't possibly top this one, but it does! Diane has created a wonderful place to visit with wonderfully rich and developed characters. You are gathered in and they become family. For 46 and counting books Diane has kept us engaged and eagerly waiting for the next book! Quite an achievement! Joining the Bellingwood family is something you will be forever grateful for!
Another great read by Ms. Muir. Her characters never fail to make you happy and sometimes sad. This is the 46th book in this series. Ms Muir brings hard and sometimes dark subjects up in a way that is thought-provoking. Her family and her wonderful cast of friends are what we all wish to be a part of. Thank you, Ms. Muir
There are very few books that I read more than once. The Bellingwood books, however, are the exception. I enjoyed this book so much that I’m about to start it for the 2nd time. If you are new to the series, go back to the first one and enjoy them all! Then join me in eagerly waiting for the next one!
Diane has another winter on her hands. I just love the idea of this series. She writes about one person and has time to carry the story on for years. It's so easy to go in and read a new book because you don't have to spend 10 chapters trying to get a feel for the person because you know who she is and you know what she does.
This book is like a really good visit with an old friend. Polly thinks back on pieces of her life as she deals with what the world throws at her both good and bad. This time it deals with an old friend from childhood that briefly comes back in her life then suddenly leaves again. This time her family is impacted.
I loved this book, and this series. I wish I lived in Bellingwood. I love all the main characters, not the bad characters. I'm glad Polly has friends and family to get strength from.
I love Bellingwood!! If you love Bellingwood too then don’t miss this book so that you can catch up with your friends. I don’t know how Diane does it but each book is more fun than the last.
Polly does it again, only this time it was much more personal. That made this book much more frightening to read. I was on the edge of my seat reading it, and afraid for her and the family for most of the book. But as always, all ended well.
Good plot, characters, respect for law enforcement, and love for family. Yes there is a mystery, but it’s not gory. The language is clean. Highly recommend the entire series. And don’t forget the prequel!
My goodness, but Polly was busy in this book! Bellingwood Days, two of Ray Dunston's kids on board for a week, a weirdo guy, two bodies and a wedding and a fantastic surprise. It's a ride!
As always excellent. Have identified with characters over the years and longed to know them personally! Very best wishes. May the Holy Spirit fill you to overflowing. Thank you for sharing your talent and wisdom.
Love this story!! Polly’s life is full of sunshine and darkness that she never fails to handle well. Her family is happy and healthy as she and Henry raise them with such love! Small town Iowa has become my favorite destination to travel in my mind!!
I love all of the Bellingwood series books. This story did not let me down. Following Polly and her family Is fun and exciting Polly never knows what the day is going to bring. Can't wait for the next book....
No matter how organized Polly is she needs her friends and family around her keep her connected. Her inability to turn away when she sees someone in need keeps her constantly shuffling tasks …
Noticed some repetition going on, and the logistics are getting a bit out of hand. Over half the book was just about where people were going and who with. I don’t think all of the detail in the logistics was necessary.