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Bellingwood #8
Through the Storm
Once things start falling apart around Polly Giller, chaos takes over and all she can do is hold on for the ride. Sylvie Donovan has finished school and things are supposed to be rainbows and unicorns. Not in Bellingwood. Her oldest son, Jason, has just started high school and isn't handling the transition well. Within the span of three weeks, his behavior has escalated to the point that she doesn't know what to do next. Her ex-husband shows up and the mere sight of him drains her confidence, returning her to the days when she lived with an abuser. Polly's little family is dealing with bedlam of its own. Jessie Locke is twenty years old and no matter how badly she wants to be an adult, she's making horrible decisions. When she runs away, Polly has to deal with a furious husband and a devastated little girl. Poor Rebecca Heater's life is already in disarray as she watches her mother's health deteriorate. The one constant through all of the storms that come is the friendships each person has developed along the way. Friends show up when you least expect it and are there when you need them. If there's one thing Polly knows and Sylvie is learning, it's that when you need strength to stand against the horrors of the world, you can find it in those who love you.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
675 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 4, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest in the Bellingwood series (which I have read through #8). I only have #8.5 remaining, One Perfect Honeymoon. It will be hard to leave Polly's world. Things are changing, Polly is still recovering from a car crash, Rebecca's mother is still holding on. I hope #9 is published soon!
December 14, 2016
Wow, ok that one was just ummmmmmm ya....
This had a bit more suspense than I was expecting and some of the emotions were a bit close to home, which made it a bit more real. So I should warn you that you will really need some tissues.
I know at this point that when I pick up the next book I will not be disappointed with the story that will unfold. I know that it will also be difficult for me to put it down. But, I am okay with that, especially since reading is one of my main forms of entertainment. I don't know what I would do without my tablet for reading. (Working on getting a Kindle paperwhite...soon I hope)
So on to the next to see who, what, where, when, why and how Polly gets into her next bit of chaos.
This had a bit more suspense than I was expecting and some of the emotions were a bit close to home, which made it a bit more real. So I should warn you that you will really need some tissues.
I know at this point that when I pick up the next book I will not be disappointed with the story that will unfold. I know that it will also be difficult for me to put it down. But, I am okay with that, especially since reading is one of my main forms of entertainment. I don't know what I would do without my tablet for reading. (Working on getting a Kindle paperwhite...soon I hope)
So on to the next to see who, what, where, when, why and how Polly gets into her next bit of chaos.
August 6, 2017
The author writes in a manner that easily connects with animals lover's, and any of us who have raised kids and triues to herlp them to get through adolescents and the teen-age years. Polly reaching out to others who has cancer and is a single parent, went through a natural disaster, overwhelmed faith work, a friend who neefds to stand down to an ex, etc Yes, this particular book was hjammed pack with many of our life issues. Polly approaches each situation like she is a natural therapist and can give a reader some insights now to approach any of the conflicts.
October 18, 2018
The Bellingwood stories are all great. They are clean feel good stories. The themes, plots are sometimes outrageous but the humor is the snicker and then finally laugh outloud. Polly just wants to improve not only her life but all around her. She isn't pushy or a buttinsky but a woman who genuinely loves all around her and is willing to work for their happiness as well as her own. A genuine feel good syory.
April 5, 2018
There were so many things going on! It was a busy edition of Bellingwood. It was still a fun story. I have to say I'm a bit tired of all the lovey dovy between Polly and her husband. But that's just me. Otherwise it's a good story. I miss hearing about the guests who are staying at the Sycamore House.
May 22, 2019
I devoured it! This book had me up and down and twisted all about but in the best possible way. There were so many strong sub-stories in this one and such opportunities for strong women to show up and they did with flying colors! I love the strength of the women in Bellingwood and their ability to still show compassion in that strength. Onto the next in the series and I can't wait!
August 5, 2017
Through the Storm is another great read in the Bellingwood series - brings out a bit of the backstory on Sylvie, and will keep you up all night when Polly's world spins out of control.. leading to more dead bodies and Polly in the hospital. Don't miss this one!
April 1, 2018
Not my favorite
This book started out good but I struggled to finish it. The author got very repetitious and kept repeating what was going on. Some of the events that seemed important got downplayed and other events became unbelievable.
This book started out good but I struggled to finish it. The author got very repetitious and kept repeating what was going on. Some of the events that seemed important got downplayed and other events became unbelievable.
May 10, 2018
Confusing!?!
I didn't finish th e book because I couldn't keep up with all the characters and no explanation asto who they were! I only read as far as the kids getting kicked out of the house, apartment, inn, whatever they lived in for smoking pot. Confusing and boring.
I didn't finish th e book because I couldn't keep up with all the characters and no explanation asto who they were! I only read as far as the kids getting kicked out of the house, apartment, inn, whatever they lived in for smoking pot. Confusing and boring.
May 23, 2018
Wonderful series
If you just found this series, please find the first one. You won't regret being introduced to some wonderful people. Polly just keeps on solving problems and getting into trouble!
If you just found this series, please find the first one. You won't regret being introduced to some wonderful people. Polly just keeps on solving problems and getting into trouble!
June 24, 2017
Fantastic series!
I have read them all through book eight and loved them all. It was good to start with book one as you can see the growth of Sycamore house and Polly Giller. You will fall in love with all of them.
I have read them all through book eight and loved them all. It was good to start with book one as you can see the growth of Sycamore house and Polly Giller. You will fall in love with all of them.
December 11, 2017
I love this series!
Great stories, likable characters, enjoyable reads. I will definitely be reading and enjoy continuing through the rest of the series!
Great stories, likable characters, enjoyable reads. I will definitely be reading and enjoy continuing through the rest of the series!
February 26, 2018
Delightful reading
Enjoyed this story greatly. Wonderful cast of characters made the reading more enjoyable.
Story lines intertwine to keep the reader entertained.
Enjoyed this story greatly. Wonderful cast of characters made the reading more enjoyable.
Story lines intertwine to keep the reader entertained.
February 26, 2018
I enjoyed
I liked this book but had a little trouble keeping up with everything going on because I hadn' t read other books in the series.
I liked this book but had a little trouble keeping up with everything going on because I hadn' t read other books in the series.
February 27, 2018
Through the storm
Good all rounder book has a bit of everything in it. Dead bodies, lots of friends and good relationships. Great throughout.
Good all rounder book has a bit of everything in it. Dead bodies, lots of friends and good relationships. Great throughout.
March 4, 2018
Cliff hanger
Good book. Lots of action good characters. Seems like you have to get the next book to close this story
Good book. Lots of action good characters. Seems like you have to get the next book to close this story
March 11, 2018
Love Bellingwood Stories
Enjoyable read. Fun and clean with well defined characters who continue in the series. Seems there's never a dull moment for Polly.
Enjoyable read. Fun and clean with well defined characters who continue in the series. Seems there's never a dull moment for Polly.
March 21, 2018
Enjoyed!!
This book was very engaging and a pleasure to read. I would recommend this to others. This book was very hard to put down.
This book was very engaging and a pleasure to read. I would recommend this to others. This book was very hard to put down.
April 12, 2018
Great read
Several twists and turns that I wasn't expecting!! Great storyline!! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
Several twists and turns that I wasn't expecting!! Great storyline!! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
February 21, 2019
Fun
I have not read any of the others and still enjoyed this story. I truly enjoyed the live between the married couple made me smile at my husband each night I finished reading.
I have not read any of the others and still enjoyed this story. I truly enjoyed the live between the married couple made me smile at my husband each night I finished reading.
May 4, 2019
Trivial, poorly edited, not exciting, too many poorly drawn charact
ers, poor plot. Not very funny.I dont think this book should on any reading list. I hope the others are better
ers, poor plot. Not very funny.I dont think this book should on any reading list. I hope the others are better
December 14, 2019
Hadn't read the other books in the series and it made it very difficult to understand the characters. Probably a good series if read in order, not otherwise.
January 16, 2020
I just love this series - so cozy. Similar in feel to Jan Karon's Mitford series. Diane Greenwood Muir makes us wish we could all live in such a friendly, close-knit community.
January 14, 2021
Not bad, but hard to get into
It took me about 50% of the book to finally instant what was going on, it all ended well. Not a bad read
It took me about 50% of the book to finally instant what was going on, it all ended well. Not a bad read
November 3, 2022
A very good book. Polly and her crew meets many new challenges. Will they make it through the storm? Read this book and find out.
June 27, 2023
I’m addicted! This one was honestly a step above the rest.
October 21, 2016
Through the Storm: Bellingwood Book Eight is by Diane Greenwood Muir. This is definitely an exciting book. Things just keep happening to Polly Giller and around her and Sycamore House.
This book begins and ends with a storm. Polly and Jason are coming home from school when two cars are coming up behind her, one on each side of the road. They are coming so fast that she will be hit by one or both of them. She goes off into the ditch and only by driving well does she manage to miss a culvert and get out of a field of corn. Jason is able to give Aaron Merritt the make of both cars. Aaron is happy to get the make of the silver car as they hadn’t had that information before. The duo had been forcing others off the roads. Now maybe they could catch them before someone was hurt.
Jason is having problems at school and with his attitude. His Mother is at the end of her ropes with him. With Eliseo’s help, she puts him to work around the barn and Eliseo’s property when he is suspended for a week. What is going on, this isn’t like Jason?
Then a tornado hits the town and really turns things on its end. Henry begins working almost around the clock to help with people’s houses. Sycamore House and their hotel, Sycamore Inn are filled up with people trying to find themselves after the tornado. Henry and Polly go out to check on his Uncle Leon even though he has disinherited the family. They find he has been killed. Suddenly they find other older men are being targeted. Who is doing this? Why?
Rebecca’s Mother, Sarah is still battling cancer. Jessie leaves without telling anyone where she is going. Joss and Nate finally get their baby. Then Sylvia’s ex-husband shows up. Can Sylvia, Jason and Andrew ignore him? You never know what will happen next in Polly’s life.
This book begins and ends with a storm. Polly and Jason are coming home from school when two cars are coming up behind her, one on each side of the road. They are coming so fast that she will be hit by one or both of them. She goes off into the ditch and only by driving well does she manage to miss a culvert and get out of a field of corn. Jason is able to give Aaron Merritt the make of both cars. Aaron is happy to get the make of the silver car as they hadn’t had that information before. The duo had been forcing others off the roads. Now maybe they could catch them before someone was hurt.
Jason is having problems at school and with his attitude. His Mother is at the end of her ropes with him. With Eliseo’s help, she puts him to work around the barn and Eliseo’s property when he is suspended for a week. What is going on, this isn’t like Jason?
Then a tornado hits the town and really turns things on its end. Henry begins working almost around the clock to help with people’s houses. Sycamore House and their hotel, Sycamore Inn are filled up with people trying to find themselves after the tornado. Henry and Polly go out to check on his Uncle Leon even though he has disinherited the family. They find he has been killed. Suddenly they find other older men are being targeted. Who is doing this? Why?
Rebecca’s Mother, Sarah is still battling cancer. Jessie leaves without telling anyone where she is going. Joss and Nate finally get their baby. Then Sylvia’s ex-husband shows up. Can Sylvia, Jason and Andrew ignore him? You never know what will happen next in Polly’s life.
July 15, 2019
Life in Bellingwood is never easy. So much is happening! Sylvie graduates from culinary school, her high school freshman son Jason starts hanging around with the wrong crowd, and her abusive ex-husband shows up. Then Polly's latest rescue, Jesse, who has a thing for bad boys, runs away with one of them. Sarah Heater's health is going downhill rapidly, and Polly finds herself thrust into the role of Rebecca's mom more quickly than she thought. It seems like Poor Polly can't get a break! Sycamore House is in for some rough weather...
Fun stories, great characters, and a small town I wish I could visit!
Fun stories, great characters, and a small town I wish I could visit!
December 4, 2014
Brings you to tears amongst the laughter
This book is awesome. I loved every bit of it. Nothing to dislike in anyway. I look forward to the next book and continued story. This book was hard to put down. So settle in for a day of reading with your coffee or any beverage..you won't want to go anywhere except to Bellingwood.
This book is awesome. I loved every bit of it. Nothing to dislike in anyway. I look forward to the next book and continued story. This book was hard to put down. So settle in for a day of reading with your coffee or any beverage..you won't want to go anywhere except to Bellingwood.
June 21, 2023
I fell in love with this series from the very start. I love all of the crazy characters. I can't wait to see what the series holds from here. I love the friendships and family relationships woven throughout the stories. This series will make you laugh and cry and definitely make you appreciate those special relationships you have in your life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews