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Bennett Sisters #2
The Girl in the Empty Dress
The long awaited sequel to Blackbird Fly is here.
Merle Bennett is turning fifty, and her four sisters are helping her celebrate by going to France on a walking tour of the Dordogne. But one sister invites along a law colleague whose annoying ways upset what Merle had hoped would be just 'wine, women, and walking.' When Gillian Sargent, the sixth wheel, finds an injured dog beside the road the idyllic summer vacation takes a dark and dangerous turn. Why is the dog special? Who is after her? And what will they do to get the dog back?
Truffles, wine, romance, and intrigue in the heart of France.
All five Bennett sisters are lawyers. One is writing a blog about their trip, baring family details. As the intrigue heats up, one of Merle's boyfriends shows up from New York while her French boyfriend arrives unexpectedly. The delicate karma of sisterhood is rife with bickering, tears, and French law as the questions about Gillian Sargent pile up. Who exactly is she? What is she hiding? And where the hell has she gone with the dog?
Do you love women's suspense? Are you a not-so-secret lover of all things French? Come along on a trip to France with the Bennett sisters.
Praise for Blackbird Fly, the first Bennett Sisters novel:
"This was a fabulous book. There was drama, love, obsession, murder, betrayal and plenty of surprises. A lovely, layered tale of a woman's struggle after had husband dies and she is left to make sense of the financial irregularity he has left behind. This is one of the best novels that I have read this year."
"I really enjoyed the way the writer wove this story. I enjoyed the characters, the settings, the emotions, the mysteries and the romance. Made me reflect on my own life, my values and what's important."
"A little something for everyone. Adventure, interesting characters, (non-syrupy) romance and a satisfying end. Although I think this book is mostly apealling to women, it had enough adventure and suspense to appeal to the male reading public as well."
"Such a great story, the story kept a good pace and the characters were engaging. I read it in day. The author knows how to tell a story."
"If the life you knew changed in an instant, would you cling to what you had, or risk letting go of what you to know in search of who you might become? That is the central theme in this enjoyable read with an interesting cast of characters. Would love a sequel just to see what choices the various characters make."
And the sequel is finally here. Read The Girl in the Empty Dress to go back to France with Merle and her sisters. Will she choose her nice, stable lawyer boyfriend or last year's fling, Pascal? Will her sisters be there for her or let her make her own mistakes? Find out about all five sisters and that mysterious friend in this new, exciting sequel to Blackbird Fly.
Merle Bennett is turning fifty, and her four sisters are helping her celebrate by going to France on a walking tour of the Dordogne. But one sister invites along a law colleague whose annoying ways upset what Merle had hoped would be just 'wine, women, and walking.' When Gillian Sargent, the sixth wheel, finds an injured dog beside the road the idyllic summer vacation takes a dark and dangerous turn. Why is the dog special? Who is after her? And what will they do to get the dog back?
Truffles, wine, romance, and intrigue in the heart of France.
All five Bennett sisters are lawyers. One is writing a blog about their trip, baring family details. As the intrigue heats up, one of Merle's boyfriends shows up from New York while her French boyfriend arrives unexpectedly. The delicate karma of sisterhood is rife with bickering, tears, and French law as the questions about Gillian Sargent pile up. Who exactly is she? What is she hiding? And where the hell has she gone with the dog?
Do you love women's suspense? Are you a not-so-secret lover of all things French? Come along on a trip to France with the Bennett sisters.
Praise for Blackbird Fly, the first Bennett Sisters novel:
"This was a fabulous book. There was drama, love, obsession, murder, betrayal and plenty of surprises. A lovely, layered tale of a woman's struggle after had husband dies and she is left to make sense of the financial irregularity he has left behind. This is one of the best novels that I have read this year."
"I really enjoyed the way the writer wove this story. I enjoyed the characters, the settings, the emotions, the mysteries and the romance. Made me reflect on my own life, my values and what's important."
"A little something for everyone. Adventure, interesting characters, (non-syrupy) romance and a satisfying end. Although I think this book is mostly apealling to women, it had enough adventure and suspense to appeal to the male reading public as well."
"Such a great story, the story kept a good pace and the characters were engaging. I read it in day. The author knows how to tell a story."
"If the life you knew changed in an instant, would you cling to what you had, or risk letting go of what you to know in search of who you might become? That is the central theme in this enjoyable read with an interesting cast of characters. Would love a sequel just to see what choices the various characters make."
And the sequel is finally here. Read The Girl in the Empty Dress to go back to France with Merle and her sisters. Will she choose her nice, stable lawyer boyfriend or last year's fling, Pascal? Will her sisters be there for her or let her make her own mistakes? Find out about all five sisters and that mysterious friend in this new, exciting sequel to Blackbird Fly.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2014
370 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Lise McClendon
89 books225 followersLise McClendon is a fiction writer living in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. She has been a film reviewer, a film maker, a journalism professor, and a PR flack. Since her first novel, The Bluejay Shaman, in 1994, she has served on the national board of Mystery Writers of America and the International Association of Crime Writers/North America, as well as on faculty of the Jackson Hole Writers Conference where each year she critiques, speaks, and learns from writers new and old.
Check out the Lise McClendon Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LiseMcClendon
Lise McClendon also writes as Rory Tate in the 2011 thriller, JUMP CUT. Her new novel by Rory Tate is PLAN X, available now. Read her latest novel, Château des Corbeaux, 17th in the Bennett Sisters mystery series that began with Blackbird Fly.
Check out the Lise McClendon Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LiseMcClendon
Lise McClendon also writes as Rory Tate in the 2011 thriller, JUMP CUT. Her new novel by Rory Tate is PLAN X, available now. Read her latest novel, Château des Corbeaux, 17th in the Bennett Sisters mystery series that began with Blackbird Fly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 13, 2019
Romantic comedy mysteries are not normally my cup of tea. However, I like Lise McClendon's Thorsen book's so I thought I would give it a try. There is too much emphasis on the bickering between the sisters and James is an action stopper, but the rest of the story is pretty good. Recommended to McClendon fans.
May 12, 2015
This was set in really picturesque rural France – it made you want to travel. It follows the five Bennett Sisters who find an injured dog that needs some medical attention. They get into some amusing situations. It was a nice easy going book. Merle has a cottage in Dordogne and her sisters have come to visit to celebrate a family birthday. It made you want to tag along!
Pascal adds a love interest- he’s the local policeman.
References to French food added to the atmosphere.
Lots of twists and turn keep you guessing and turning the pages.
Many thanks to net Galley for a copy of this book.
September 9, 2014
http://anurseandabook.blogspot.com/20...
What They Say.....The five Bennett Sisters are tramping along the backroads of France, enjoying the sunshine and wine, when they discover an injured dog and their idyllic summer vacation takes a dark turn. Truffles, romance, secrets, and intrigue in the heart of France.
What I Say..... Well, well, well. I really wanted to like this book.
But I have a problem with books that have too many characters. Five sisters? Is that really necessary?
I felt the same way reading this that I do when I watch 19 Kids and Counting. There are so many Duggars that I can only be bothered to be interested in 2 or 3 of them. Same thing here, there were so many characters in this book that I just couldn't get invested in any of them.
The author seemed to have the same problem, because most of the sisters weren't really fleshed out as people. They seemed to appear and then just take off back to various places without much ado even though their weird walking trip wasn't over. Who just walks through the countryside for days? Forrest Gump?
Anyway, the story was just kind of there. It had a bit of a mystery - I did wonder what Gillian's big secret was, but it seemed unbelievable that any person would have invited a girl like her on a walking trip through the French countryside, where people skills would be an important asset. Especially on a trip with your sisters. Since sisters aren't usually too shy about sharing their opinions on EVERYTHING. But I wasn't really that interested in what the secret was. Hell, I'm a total animal lover and I didn't even get too invested in the dog.
I'm also a big fan of my sisters and if I thought one of them was kidnapped and being held hostage, I'd like to think I wouldn't get a stupid smile on my face thinking about my middle aged boyfriend's ass. Lines like that definitely didn't draw me into the suspense of the kidnapping, just disengaged me.
However, I see that this author gets good scores on Goodreads so these books must appeal to people. I guess I just wasn't the right target audience, even though I love female mysteries.
I hate to do it, but I can only give this book 2 stars. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review - the only kind I give.
What They Say.....The five Bennett Sisters are tramping along the backroads of France, enjoying the sunshine and wine, when they discover an injured dog and their idyllic summer vacation takes a dark turn. Truffles, romance, secrets, and intrigue in the heart of France.
What I Say..... Well, well, well. I really wanted to like this book.
But I have a problem with books that have too many characters. Five sisters? Is that really necessary?
I felt the same way reading this that I do when I watch 19 Kids and Counting. There are so many Duggars that I can only be bothered to be interested in 2 or 3 of them. Same thing here, there were so many characters in this book that I just couldn't get invested in any of them.
The author seemed to have the same problem, because most of the sisters weren't really fleshed out as people. They seemed to appear and then just take off back to various places without much ado even though their weird walking trip wasn't over. Who just walks through the countryside for days? Forrest Gump?
Anyway, the story was just kind of there. It had a bit of a mystery - I did wonder what Gillian's big secret was, but it seemed unbelievable that any person would have invited a girl like her on a walking trip through the French countryside, where people skills would be an important asset. Especially on a trip with your sisters. Since sisters aren't usually too shy about sharing their opinions on EVERYTHING. But I wasn't really that interested in what the secret was. Hell, I'm a total animal lover and I didn't even get too invested in the dog.
I'm also a big fan of my sisters and if I thought one of them was kidnapped and being held hostage, I'd like to think I wouldn't get a stupid smile on my face thinking about my middle aged boyfriend's ass. Lines like that definitely didn't draw me into the suspense of the kidnapping, just disengaged me.
However, I see that this author gets good scores on Goodreads so these books must appeal to people. I guess I just wasn't the right target audience, even though I love female mysteries.
I hate to do it, but I can only give this book 2 stars. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review - the only kind I give.
May 29, 2014
We join Merle back in the old stone cottage in the Dordogne that she rescued and restored in Blackbird Fly and that kind of rescued her too from a difficult emotional time. This visit her four sisters, her son and a friend are with her to enjoy a summer holiday eating al fresco, walking in the French countryside and filling the old house with life and laughter. However their plans are thrown awry when they find an injured dog by the roadside and things soon get complicated, tempers rise and sibling bickering rears it's head. There is a mystery to the dog's past and a situation arises that leads them to question the friend's past too and puts them in a dangerous position.
To distract Merle from the craziness, the lovely Pascal with his sexy French accent who brought love back to her life in book one makes a reappearance. There is the passion that she needs but it is a complicated romance, with many interruptions, so can she rely on him to be there for her when it matters or should she take charge and go it alone?
I liked Lise's writing style, loved that little old ladies came out with the word `s***' and her brilliant descriptions like this one "He had the face of an ice block hardened by many winters", brought her characters alive. The situations they found themselves in often made me laugh and there was just the right amount of ooh-ing and aah-ing over the tasty French cheeses, truffles and wine to remember they were in France and loving it.
I can recommend both this book and Blackbird Fly (it would be best to start with Blackbird Fly) as perfect summer holiday reads. I will be looking out for more Bennett Sisters Novels.
To distract Merle from the craziness, the lovely Pascal with his sexy French accent who brought love back to her life in book one makes a reappearance. There is the passion that she needs but it is a complicated romance, with many interruptions, so can she rely on him to be there for her when it matters or should she take charge and go it alone?
I liked Lise's writing style, loved that little old ladies came out with the word `s***' and her brilliant descriptions like this one "He had the face of an ice block hardened by many winters", brought her characters alive. The situations they found themselves in often made me laugh and there was just the right amount of ooh-ing and aah-ing over the tasty French cheeses, truffles and wine to remember they were in France and loving it.
I can recommend both this book and Blackbird Fly (it would be best to start with Blackbird Fly) as perfect summer holiday reads. I will be looking out for more Bennett Sisters Novels.
August 27, 2014
Thanks to Net Galley for providing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Bennett sisters have gone on a walking holiday in France, and have invited along Gillian who is a colleague of Francie Bennett.
None of the sisters really can get to grips with Gillian as she is very aloof. While walking one day they spot an injured dog and Gillian decides take it with them and to find a vet in the next village.
A couple of days later, there is a big argument one evening at dinner, and this sets into play the mystery, and all the subsequent plot twists.
Merle Bennett is the main character and as such does a lot of the investigations into the mystery as well as seemingly being pulled in multiple directions in her personal life.
It was refreshing to read a book where the main characters are mature ladies, and I loved Lise's writing style.
My only fault with this was that I was reading it as a standalone, and didn't feel there was enough of the relevant back story in there, there were definitely references to the first book, but possibly not quite enough to let a new reader to the series know what had happened previously.
Overally I enjoyed the book, it was a nice read and loved the rural France setting. I loved the plot twists, including one that I would never have seen coming in a million years.
The Bennett sisters have gone on a walking holiday in France, and have invited along Gillian who is a colleague of Francie Bennett.
None of the sisters really can get to grips with Gillian as she is very aloof. While walking one day they spot an injured dog and Gillian decides take it with them and to find a vet in the next village.
A couple of days later, there is a big argument one evening at dinner, and this sets into play the mystery, and all the subsequent plot twists.
Merle Bennett is the main character and as such does a lot of the investigations into the mystery as well as seemingly being pulled in multiple directions in her personal life.
It was refreshing to read a book where the main characters are mature ladies, and I loved Lise's writing style.
My only fault with this was that I was reading it as a standalone, and didn't feel there was enough of the relevant back story in there, there were definitely references to the first book, but possibly not quite enough to let a new reader to the series know what had happened previously.
Overally I enjoyed the book, it was a nice read and loved the rural France setting. I loved the plot twists, including one that I would never have seen coming in a million years.
August 3, 2016
Part mystery part romance, this delightful read takes you deep into the Dordogne region and the very lucrative truffle hunting business. Great way of getting to know an interesting facet of France… and beyond!
A mystery in the neat French region of Dordogne? How was I going to resist reading this book? I could not, and this was indeed a very delightful read.
Merle and her sisters Annie, Francie, Stasia and Elise spend some vacation time in Dordogne, where Merle bought a house, and they decide to go on a walking tour together. They are joined by Gillian, Francie’s friend. The girl though does not fit and seems weird. On their way, they find a dog in a ditch, injured. Gillian decides to take care of him, and then one day,....
read my full review here:
http://wordsandpeace.com/2014/06/03/b...
A mystery in the neat French region of Dordogne? How was I going to resist reading this book? I could not, and this was indeed a very delightful read.
Merle and her sisters Annie, Francie, Stasia and Elise spend some vacation time in Dordogne, where Merle bought a house, and they decide to go on a walking tour together. They are joined by Gillian, Francie’s friend. The girl though does not fit and seems weird. On their way, they find a dog in a ditch, injured. Gillian decides to take care of him, and then one day,....
read my full review here:
http://wordsandpeace.com/2014/06/03/b...
April 28, 2014
Very fun read. Enjoyed the glimpses of rural France and the character development along with the mystery. Very well done!
August 19, 2014
An enjoyable book. I like the siblings, and especially the setting in the Dordogne region of France. I must go back and read BLACKBIRD FLY now.
October 22, 2014
This was a very enjoyable book. I truly loved the setting more than anything else about this story.
January 15, 2015
Liked it.
Thought it was a good read. A little slow in some spots. I read it while eating brie and drinking wine. I felt like I was in the garden.
Thought it was a good read. A little slow in some spots. I read it while eating brie and drinking wine. I felt like I was in the garden.
October 24, 2018
The five Bennett sisters, New York lawyers all, are on vacation in France. Using Merle's house in the Dordogne region in southwest France as their base, they're doing walking tours to see the beautiful landscape. Unfortunately, from the viewpoint of most of them, one of the sisters, Francie, has brought along a friend from the law firm where she works, Gillian Sargent. And Gillian annoys everyone, including, it seems, Francie.
Then Gillian finds an injured dog, a small, fluffy, sweet dog with no ID. Gillian is determined to rescue and care for this dog. When he meets her, so is Merle's teenage son, Tristan. It gets more disturbing when the veterinarian they take the dog to tells them that the injury is due to, not a bullet as he originally thought, but the rough, amateur removal of a microchip. This dog was apparently stolen, and then escaped.
What follows is the tale of, on the one hand, the thieves hunting the dog so that they can collect their pay from their employer, conflicts among the women, Merle reuniting with her lover, Pascal, from last summer while coping with the uninvited arrival of her American boyfriend, James Silvers III, Gillian taking off with the dog leaving a note saying she's "keeping her safe"....
Oh, and Gillian steals their rental car to make off with the dog. Someone kidnaps Francie, with a ransom demand for the dog, which the thieves assume Merle has...
It's crazy, and yet real and dangerous.
Initially, I found all the women hard to warm up to. As the story continued, with Merle as the main viewpoint character, I grew to like her and, slowly, her sisters. Of her two boyfriends, Pascal is the clear keeper, if Merle wants to make a permanent commitment. (She may not.)
It's interesting, engaging, not going to be a favorite of mine, but I bet it will be for some readers. There's nothing weak or sloppy about the writing; these characters were just hard for me to warm up to, and not because of McClendon's writing, just because of what she wrote.
Oh, very important note: The dog does not die.
I bought this audiobook.
Then Gillian finds an injured dog, a small, fluffy, sweet dog with no ID. Gillian is determined to rescue and care for this dog. When he meets her, so is Merle's teenage son, Tristan. It gets more disturbing when the veterinarian they take the dog to tells them that the injury is due to, not a bullet as he originally thought, but the rough, amateur removal of a microchip. This dog was apparently stolen, and then escaped.
What follows is the tale of, on the one hand, the thieves hunting the dog so that they can collect their pay from their employer, conflicts among the women, Merle reuniting with her lover, Pascal, from last summer while coping with the uninvited arrival of her American boyfriend, James Silvers III, Gillian taking off with the dog leaving a note saying she's "keeping her safe"....
Oh, and Gillian steals their rental car to make off with the dog. Someone kidnaps Francie, with a ransom demand for the dog, which the thieves assume Merle has...
It's crazy, and yet real and dangerous.
Initially, I found all the women hard to warm up to. As the story continued, with Merle as the main viewpoint character, I grew to like her and, slowly, her sisters. Of her two boyfriends, Pascal is the clear keeper, if Merle wants to make a permanent commitment. (She may not.)
It's interesting, engaging, not going to be a favorite of mine, but I bet it will be for some readers. There's nothing weak or sloppy about the writing; these characters were just hard for me to warm up to, and not because of McClendon's writing, just because of what she wrote.
Oh, very important note: The dog does not die.
I bought this audiobook.
April 23, 2019
Terrific!!
A wonderful combination of mystery, sisterhood, loyalty, and love. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates vibrant characters and a darned good mystery by an author who took the time to write, in-depth, about the locale and customs in rural France. I could feel the weather itself and felt as if I were sitting in Merle's back garden, sipping wine and eavesdropping on the scene.
A wonderful combination of mystery, sisterhood, loyalty, and love. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates vibrant characters and a darned good mystery by an author who took the time to write, in-depth, about the locale and customs in rural France. I could feel the weather itself and felt as if I were sitting in Merle's back garden, sipping wine and eavesdropping on the scene.
May 6, 2018
Not as good as the first one. Too many storylines happening. Unrealistic.
August 1, 2025
It's really hard to rate these, because in terms of easy entertainment while I crochet, they're engaging and sometimes quite humorous. But in terms of plot, they are so convoluted and all over the place with loose ends, irrelevant subplots, and deus ex machina.
Will I read number 3? Eh ... Not really sure at this point. Probably not.
Will I read number 3? Eh ... Not really sure at this point. Probably not.
June 15, 2014
The five Bennett sisters(with a nod perchance to Jane Austen) are having a birthday celebration for their middle sister at her vacation home in France. Merle, who is turning the big 5-0, has her teenage son along but it is the addition of two invited and unexpected guests that complicate the sibling bonding.
Sister Francine has brought her friend and law associate, Gillian, with her. Gillian is a woman of many secrets and when she insists on rescuing a dog they find along one of their walks and then disappears with the dog and the rental car, things really get wonky. The girl in the empty dress is not what she seems. She sets off a chain of events that puts her friend, assorted bystanders and Merle into danger.
Not helping the situation any is Merle's other surprise visitor, a friend from home who manages to get himself carted off to jail. Thankfully, Merle does have one friend who is a friend in deed. Pascal, the delicious French policeman helps resolve the situation while reigniting the affair they shared the previous summer. I may have to go back and read the first book to catch up on that one.
Needless to say, I liked the book. It was an easy read and the characters were people with whom I enjoyed spending the hours. Hopefully there will be further adventures for the Bennett sisters.
Sister Francine has brought her friend and law associate, Gillian, with her. Gillian is a woman of many secrets and when she insists on rescuing a dog they find along one of their walks and then disappears with the dog and the rental car, things really get wonky. The girl in the empty dress is not what she seems. She sets off a chain of events that puts her friend, assorted bystanders and Merle into danger.
Not helping the situation any is Merle's other surprise visitor, a friend from home who manages to get himself carted off to jail. Thankfully, Merle does have one friend who is a friend in deed. Pascal, the delicious French policeman helps resolve the situation while reigniting the affair they shared the previous summer. I may have to go back and read the first book to catch up on that one.
Needless to say, I liked the book. It was an easy read and the characters were people with whom I enjoyed spending the hours. Hopefully there will be further adventures for the Bennett sisters.
April 7, 2015
Really enjoyed the romantic suspense “The Girl in the Empty Dress” by Lise McClendon was an enjoyable read. Although I did not read “Blackbird Fly” the first book in this series, I did not feel like I could not follow the story and it did not stop me from enjoying it. The author provides beautiful descriptions of the French countryside. A couple of occurrences throw our protagonist, Merle, into some situations. There is a family visit, a mysterious dog and a handsome Frenchman, Pascal.
This was a perfect summer read: it had mystery, romance, the complexities of family relations and the beautiful countryside in France. This was a fun and light read. I enjoyed this fun story. The author’s writing was engaging and I loved how the different storylines were interconnected. I recommend and enjoyed this story. Part mystery part romance, this delightful read takes you deep into the Dordogne region and the very lucrative truffle hunting business. Great way of getting to know an interesting facet of France… and beyond. Hope there are more books about the Bennett Sisters soon. Thanks for the advance copy Netgalley
This was a perfect summer read: it had mystery, romance, the complexities of family relations and the beautiful countryside in France. This was a fun and light read. I enjoyed this fun story. The author’s writing was engaging and I loved how the different storylines were interconnected. I recommend and enjoyed this story. Part mystery part romance, this delightful read takes you deep into the Dordogne region and the very lucrative truffle hunting business. Great way of getting to know an interesting facet of France… and beyond. Hope there are more books about the Bennett Sisters soon. Thanks for the advance copy Netgalley
May 29, 2014
Received from France Book Tours for an honest review
I really like romantic suspense so “The Girl in the Empty Dress” by Lise McClendon was an enjoyable read for me. Although I did not read “Blackbird Fly” the first book in this series, I did not feel like I could not follow the story and it did not stop me from enjoying it. The author provides beautiful descriptions of the French countryside. A couple of occurrences throw our protagonist, Merle, into some situations. There is a family visit, a mysterious dog and a handsome Frenchman, Pascal.
This was a perfect summer read: it had mystery, romance, the complexities of family relations and the beautiful countryside in France. This was a fun and light read. I enjoyed this fun story. The author’s writing was engaging and I loved how the different storylines were interconnected. I recommend and enjoyed this story.
I really like romantic suspense so “The Girl in the Empty Dress” by Lise McClendon was an enjoyable read for me. Although I did not read “Blackbird Fly” the first book in this series, I did not feel like I could not follow the story and it did not stop me from enjoying it. The author provides beautiful descriptions of the French countryside. A couple of occurrences throw our protagonist, Merle, into some situations. There is a family visit, a mysterious dog and a handsome Frenchman, Pascal.
This was a perfect summer read: it had mystery, romance, the complexities of family relations and the beautiful countryside in France. This was a fun and light read. I enjoyed this fun story. The author’s writing was engaging and I loved how the different storylines were interconnected. I recommend and enjoyed this story.
August 20, 2014
Great Book!
This is a great book; it is the second book in the Bennett Sisters Series. However, it can be read as a standalone. Merle is turning fifty years old and her four sisters are helping her celebrate in France. One of the sisters Francine ends up inviting one of her colleagues Gillian. When Gillian takes a walk she ends up rescuing an injured dog. Things end up going downhill fast when Gillian and the dog disappear. Now they need to find out what has happened. This book is great it has humor, mystery and suspense. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down until I was finished. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I can’t wait to read more. I can’t wait until the next book in the series comes out.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great book; it is the second book in the Bennett Sisters Series. However, it can be read as a standalone. Merle is turning fifty years old and her four sisters are helping her celebrate in France. One of the sisters Francine ends up inviting one of her colleagues Gillian. When Gillian takes a walk she ends up rescuing an injured dog. Things end up going downhill fast when Gillian and the dog disappear. Now they need to find out what has happened. This book is great it has humor, mystery and suspense. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down until I was finished. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I can’t wait to read more. I can’t wait until the next book in the series comes out.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
January 16, 2016
I received a free kindle copy of The Girl in the Empty Dress (Bennett Sisters Book 2) by Lise McClendon, published by Thalia Press from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
While this is Book 2 of the Bennett Sisters books, it can stand alone. I enjoyed the interaction between the five sisters & their added friend on their vacation to France. This book is rife with tension. It's ripe with romance. It's about discovering which relationships matter. Cheese & wine tasting take up a lot of their time. Throw in a stolen dog, a stolen car, a disappearing sixth wheel, a kidnapped sister & priest & the action is non-stop.
I gave it five stars.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Empty-Dres...
While this is Book 2 of the Bennett Sisters books, it can stand alone. I enjoyed the interaction between the five sisters & their added friend on their vacation to France. This book is rife with tension. It's ripe with romance. It's about discovering which relationships matter. Cheese & wine tasting take up a lot of their time. Throw in a stolen dog, a stolen car, a disappearing sixth wheel, a kidnapped sister & priest & the action is non-stop.
I gave it five stars.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Empty-Dres...
July 29, 2014
In book one our Widow finds out she inherited a house in rural France and drama ensues - one year later she and her 4 sisters (all five are lawyers who followed their father and grandfather into that profession) planned vacation is not quite what it was supposed to be... The youngest sister invited a friend from her law firm and the friend doesn't fit in to the family dynamics - add a dog, a kidnapping and a handsome man that did some repairs to the house the year before and voila another good read!
May 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It is a great sequel to Blackbird Fly, which I also enjoyed. There are great characters in these books and the mysteries are really good and page turners for sure. I highly recommend both and that you read them in order.
December 25, 2014
Merle and her sisters intend to spend a peaceful vacation in the Dordogne area of France. During their travels, the Bennett sisters become embroiled in the kidnapping of a truffle dog. The characters are appealing, and the sense of place enhances the story. Enjoyed it.
January 29, 2019
- ebook - sequel to blackbird fly...sisters take vacation to Merle's French home, w/Tristan n Francis colleague, Gillian. mystery of run away colleague, Gillian, with found dog; James legal issues for socking priest. Bumbling dog thieves.
January 6, 2018
Not as good as the first one.
March 16, 2019
Blackbird Fly #1 - This is my first read by this author and it was not what I expected. A good story filled with plenty of storylines that did keep my interest. Merle has so much happen to her with the death of her husband; her discoveries are many and varied. I like that the characters are real and do not follow the stupidity formula so commonplace today. There are several mysteries ongoing and while you know some of the endings, there is more depth than expected. I did find too much wordiness with quite a few unnecessary details, which proper editing would have reduced the page length and corrected the possessive vs. plural usage and other errors. There is infrequent vulgar language, which I did not find necessary. 4*
The Girl in the Empty Dress #2 - This book begins a year after Blackbird ends. I like the way the blog told parts of the story without the wordy descriptions that are too much in these stories. There's an increase in the vulgar language. Editing is needed for the misuse of words, for example: guano, the improper use of God and expressions with God, and the wordiness with unnecessary details. I was confused by the chauvinist label when a policeman told Merle to be careful with the kidnappers; that was not being a chauvinist, that was common sense. There is not much of a mystery, but the other storylines are still interesting, especially the relationship between Merle and Pascal. The regular characters are growing with each addition to the series and are still interesting. 3.5*
Give Him the Ooh-La-La #3 - This starts five months after Girl ends. I do not understand why someone is in love and yet distrusts or resorts to secrecy without good reason, instead of communicating their concerns to their beloved. Merle disappoints me with her avoidance and bad thoughts of Pascal, and the way she thought about the Christmas gift. She is definitely following the stupidity formula so common today; I am losing respect for her. There is not much of a mystery in this story. Needs the same type of editing as the previous books. 3*
The Things We Said Today #4 - This book starts six months after Give ends. The same as the last two, but this one is heavily against marriage - not modern, but the old traditional one of man is obeyed. Gee, the intolerance and prejudice by supposedly intelligent, older women who act so stupid about men and marriage. Merle does act better in this addition. There's not much mystery but a lot of worries and doubts by many of the characters. This is mainly about the lives of the sisters. Pascal still shines in his role. Needs editing; has the modern trend usage of God, which reeks of intolerance and prejudice. 3*
Blame it on Paris #7 - I read the first four books because I had them a while in my library and volunteering to review Blame made me clean out my library of these books; I do not find them worth keeping, not even the first and I liked it. But I promised to review this book; the others were purchases I never made time to read. This book starts since one year after Things ends. The emphasis is on Francie and her woes; sexual harassment charges at work from a younger man, which allows her three weeks in Paris to help an American in prison facing drug charges.
With her involvement with the American there is finally an involved mystery, which the other books just attempted as a sideline. Unfortunately, the culprits were easy to figure out in both the harassment and the drug charges. Merle and Pascal are still a good part of the storylines, which I was happy to see them involved so much with Francie. Francie was not an interesting character for me, but M and P were my favorite characters throughout this series. I still have a problem with the lack of basic editing: God; proper names lowercased; etc. I found this book on Booksprout; the others are purchased. 3.5*
Bennett Sisters French Cookbook #8 - This cookbook consists of basically 25 well known French recipes and depending on where you live some ingredients will be difficult to find. There are histories behind the recipes; the books in which they appear; and some excerpts from those stories.
Those already knowledgeable about the recipes and Bennett Sisters books will not find this book a good addition to the series or cookbook collection. Many of the recipes are better written from other sources; Julia Child is the go to for these recipes, but they are available everywhere. For those who are absolutely in love with this series and do not care that the author has her personal opinions infused in the recipes and/or may never try a recipe, this book is for you. Gee, you can boil potatoes in cold, salted water? Silly me, I always used fresh water brought to a boil; all that Swiss chef school training wasted on me. Be careful, there were mistakes. 4*
The Girl in the Empty Dress #2 - This book begins a year after Blackbird ends. I like the way the blog told parts of the story without the wordy descriptions that are too much in these stories. There's an increase in the vulgar language. Editing is needed for the misuse of words, for example: guano, the improper use of God and expressions with God, and the wordiness with unnecessary details. I was confused by the chauvinist label when a policeman told Merle to be careful with the kidnappers; that was not being a chauvinist, that was common sense. There is not much of a mystery, but the other storylines are still interesting, especially the relationship between Merle and Pascal. The regular characters are growing with each addition to the series and are still interesting. 3.5*
Give Him the Ooh-La-La #3 - This starts five months after Girl ends. I do not understand why someone is in love and yet distrusts or resorts to secrecy without good reason, instead of communicating their concerns to their beloved. Merle disappoints me with her avoidance and bad thoughts of Pascal, and the way she thought about the Christmas gift. She is definitely following the stupidity formula so common today; I am losing respect for her. There is not much of a mystery in this story. Needs the same type of editing as the previous books. 3*
The Things We Said Today #4 - This book starts six months after Give ends. The same as the last two, but this one is heavily against marriage - not modern, but the old traditional one of man is obeyed. Gee, the intolerance and prejudice by supposedly intelligent, older women who act so stupid about men and marriage. Merle does act better in this addition. There's not much mystery but a lot of worries and doubts by many of the characters. This is mainly about the lives of the sisters. Pascal still shines in his role. Needs editing; has the modern trend usage of God, which reeks of intolerance and prejudice. 3*
Blame it on Paris #7 - I read the first four books because I had them a while in my library and volunteering to review Blame made me clean out my library of these books; I do not find them worth keeping, not even the first and I liked it. But I promised to review this book; the others were purchases I never made time to read. This book starts since one year after Things ends. The emphasis is on Francie and her woes; sexual harassment charges at work from a younger man, which allows her three weeks in Paris to help an American in prison facing drug charges.
With her involvement with the American there is finally an involved mystery, which the other books just attempted as a sideline. Unfortunately, the culprits were easy to figure out in both the harassment and the drug charges. Merle and Pascal are still a good part of the storylines, which I was happy to see them involved so much with Francie. Francie was not an interesting character for me, but M and P were my favorite characters throughout this series. I still have a problem with the lack of basic editing: God; proper names lowercased; etc. I found this book on Booksprout; the others are purchased. 3.5*
Bennett Sisters French Cookbook #8 - This cookbook consists of basically 25 well known French recipes and depending on where you live some ingredients will be difficult to find. There are histories behind the recipes; the books in which they appear; and some excerpts from those stories.
Those already knowledgeable about the recipes and Bennett Sisters books will not find this book a good addition to the series or cookbook collection. Many of the recipes are better written from other sources; Julia Child is the go to for these recipes, but they are available everywhere. For those who are absolutely in love with this series and do not care that the author has her personal opinions infused in the recipes and/or may never try a recipe, this book is for you. Gee, you can boil potatoes in cold, salted water? Silly me, I always used fresh water brought to a boil; all that Swiss chef school training wasted on me. Be careful, there were mistakes. 4*
September 13, 2018
Well, this was a (Les mistrals) whirlwind of a ride through the many towns of Southern France. I've been there a couple of times, and the author did a great job describing it and the culture and people. Of course, the French people are much more modern and cosmopolitan these days, but still, there is that 'je ne sais quoi', that best describes the French. You must be born to it otherwise you will always be "l'etranger", a foreigner.
The storyline of 5 sisters on vacation, trekking through France is fun, however, for quite a while I was lost, trying to keep up with the various personalities, and never knowing quite who the story was about or the POV. There were two main POV, that of Merle and her sister, Francine who is the blogger. But then the story becomes something much more, a mystery evolves surrounding their hiking companion Gillian.
The girl picks up a wounded dog along the way, has it treated and then they take it home to the small town where they are staying in a summer cottage. Soon, more people come into play, as the mystery explodes in the disappearance of the scruffy dog and Gillian. Compound the problem by Merle's attorney friend suddenly popping up for an impromptu vacation, soon there is mayhem and an imbroglio!
Between Merle's former Summertime lover, Police Captain Pascal and James the attorney, the missing Gillian, and the dog, everything goes to 'Merde.' Finally, I was able to catch up with the characters after most of the sisters went home to the US and now we had a smaller and more interesting story on our plate.
The food, wine, the scenery was great even the snotty attitudes of the Gendarmes as Merle tried to be the hero, saving her idiot friend, finding Gillian and dealing with a mysterious on and off lover in Pascal. But everyone's talents all the sisters being attorneys comes into play and soon everyone has a little piece of the puzzle to solve and then put together.
The resolution is fun and entertaining, still a bit of a mystery but good. Although, I think most readers would agree that Merle needs that hunky Pascal in her life, for real, not as a part-time playmate.
The title is really the clue to the body of the story, we never know the deepest emotions or secrets that each of us carries. Yet we must enjoy each other for the time we have, respect and like people, taking those often missed opportunities, and seizing the day.
The storyline of 5 sisters on vacation, trekking through France is fun, however, for quite a while I was lost, trying to keep up with the various personalities, and never knowing quite who the story was about or the POV. There were two main POV, that of Merle and her sister, Francine who is the blogger. But then the story becomes something much more, a mystery evolves surrounding their hiking companion Gillian.
The girl picks up a wounded dog along the way, has it treated and then they take it home to the small town where they are staying in a summer cottage. Soon, more people come into play, as the mystery explodes in the disappearance of the scruffy dog and Gillian. Compound the problem by Merle's attorney friend suddenly popping up for an impromptu vacation, soon there is mayhem and an imbroglio!
Between Merle's former Summertime lover, Police Captain Pascal and James the attorney, the missing Gillian, and the dog, everything goes to 'Merde.' Finally, I was able to catch up with the characters after most of the sisters went home to the US and now we had a smaller and more interesting story on our plate.
The food, wine, the scenery was great even the snotty attitudes of the Gendarmes as Merle tried to be the hero, saving her idiot friend, finding Gillian and dealing with a mysterious on and off lover in Pascal. But everyone's talents all the sisters being attorneys comes into play and soon everyone has a little piece of the puzzle to solve and then put together.
The resolution is fun and entertaining, still a bit of a mystery but good. Although, I think most readers would agree that Merle needs that hunky Pascal in her life, for real, not as a part-time playmate.
The title is really the clue to the body of the story, we never know the deepest emotions or secrets that each of us carries. Yet we must enjoy each other for the time we have, respect and like people, taking those often missed opportunities, and seizing the day.
February 7, 2018
Merle returns to her country home in a small French town with son Tristan and her sisters, who are all lawyers. They were joining Merle for a couple of weeks to do some walking tours of the surrounding area. One of the sisters brought alone a co-worker(Gillian), who everyone took an instant dislike. She was aloof, and complained about everything. On one of their walks Gillian and Tristan finds a hurt dog. Gillian insist they carry the dog to the next village for care. Gillian becomes obsessed with the dog and brings him to a couple of doctors until he starts to improve and then takes him back to the house to care for him herself. During this time a man, James Merle has been dating in the US comes for a visit and he meet Merle's French lover, Pascal. He gets drunk, holds on to Merle and is babbling on when a local priest tries to pull him away. On autopilot he turns and punches the priest and breaks his nose. The priest latter files charges and James is arrested. Tristan has taken over the dogs care and they become attached. One day Gillian disappears with the dog leaving a note that she was taking him away for his own safety. What follows is dog knapping, kidnapping, home invasion, witness protection, arson, reconciliation with an ex. If you enjoy suspense, it is a good read.
November 23, 2020
Merle Bennett has a vacation house in France. She also has four sisters. The house in France is not quite big enough for everyone, but the house next door is rentable and can handle the overflow. Merle and her sisters and her 16-year-old son come to France. The sisters plan a walking tour of the area. One of the sisters has invited a friend from work to come along, and she did it without asking. Gillian is a thorn in everyone's side, quiet, secretive and all that. Their first day of walking, Gillian finds a dog in the ditch, hurt and bleeding. She refuses to continue walking without the dog. She wants to get the dog to a vet to be treated and refuses to listen to anyone else's ideas on what to do. They take the dog to the next village where there is a doctor who treats humans, but it is his nurse who takes the dog. The entire story branches out from there, growing many branches and putting on leaves until the reader begins to wonder how everything will end. I loved this story!
March 24, 2018
This is the second book about Merle Bennett. This time she has her sisters with her in the little town of Dordogne. They are taking a walking tour of the town along with another member Gillian Sargent. The sisters don't think much of Gillian as she keeps interfering with their 'sisterhood bond'. Then Gillian finds a dog along the side of the road, the dog is injured and Gillian wants to keep it as her own. But that isn't going to be so easy. Seems that for unknown reasons, someone else is after the dog, and they are dangerous. Can Merle and her sisters figure out who it is and why? The sooner they do, the sooner they can all have a glass of wine and relax. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. The review is my own opinion.
February 25, 2018
Like the first book, I really liked the combination of chick lit storytelling and the minor mystery that parallels the story, but this time the mystery played a much larger part. I wish there had been more development with the sisters' relationships with each other and less about the kidnappers (since that part really didn't do anything for the story as far as I'm concerned). I'm still a bit confused as to why Gillian disappeared with the dog and the wrap up was only a couple pages long which glossed over the Italian woman's role in the initial dog-napping and lack of consequences.
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