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Val Fremden Mysteries #4
What Four: Family Fruitcake Frenzy
Most Definitely Contains Nuts.
All Val wants is a quiet holiday away from her oddball family. But a promise pried from her lips earlier in the year has blown that wish out the hen-house window.
When Val and her boyfriend Tom arrive at her mother’s house in Hicksville, USA, the annual Family Fruitcake Competition is well underway. And there’s more than a few fruits and nuts in the running.
But the biggest contest is between Val and her mom.
As their battle of wills heats up, unexpected ingredients get thrown into both women’s batter. It may be time to call in a referee….
Who will win, and who will get their just desserts? And will Val’s half-baked family turn out to be too much baggage for Tom to handle?
What Four is a satirical look at something we all face...going home for the holidays to a bag of mixed nuts known as our families.
If you like deeply flawed characters and laugh-out-loud situations, you’ll love What Four. It’s the fifth book in Margaret Lashley’s hilarious Val Fremden Mystery Series.
All Val wants is a quiet holiday away from her oddball family. But a promise pried from her lips earlier in the year has blown that wish out the hen-house window.
When Val and her boyfriend Tom arrive at her mother’s house in Hicksville, USA, the annual Family Fruitcake Competition is well underway. And there’s more than a few fruits and nuts in the running.
But the biggest contest is between Val and her mom.
As their battle of wills heats up, unexpected ingredients get thrown into both women’s batter. It may be time to call in a referee….
Who will win, and who will get their just desserts? And will Val’s half-baked family turn out to be too much baggage for Tom to handle?
What Four is a satirical look at something we all face...going home for the holidays to a bag of mixed nuts known as our families.
If you like deeply flawed characters and laugh-out-loud situations, you’ll love What Four. It’s the fifth book in Margaret Lashley’s hilarious Val Fremden Mystery Series.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2017
820 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Lashley
51 books266 followersWhy do I love underdogs? Well, it takes one to know one.
Like the main characters in my novels, I haven’t lead a life of wealth or luxury. In fact, as it stands now, I’m set to inherit a half-eaten jar of Cheez Whiz…if my siblings don’t beat me to it.
During my illustrious career, I’ve been a roller-skating waitress, an actuarial assistant, an advertising copywriter, a real estate agent, a house flipper, an organic farmer, and a traveling vagabond/truth seeker. But no matter where I’ve gone or what I’ve done, I’ve always felt like a weirdo.
I’ve learned a heck of a lot in my life. But getting to know myself has been my greatest journey. Today, I know I’m smart. I’m direct. I’m jaded. I’m hopeful. I’m funny. I’m fierce. I’m a pushover. And I have a laugh that lures strangers over, wanting to join in the fun.
In other words, I’m a jumble of opposing talents and flaws and emotions. And it’s all good.
I enjoy underdogs because we’ve got spunk. And hope. And secrets that drive us to be different from the rest.
So dare to be different. It's the only way to be!
Happy reading!
Like the main characters in my novels, I haven’t lead a life of wealth or luxury. In fact, as it stands now, I’m set to inherit a half-eaten jar of Cheez Whiz…if my siblings don’t beat me to it.
During my illustrious career, I’ve been a roller-skating waitress, an actuarial assistant, an advertising copywriter, a real estate agent, a house flipper, an organic farmer, and a traveling vagabond/truth seeker. But no matter where I’ve gone or what I’ve done, I’ve always felt like a weirdo.
I’ve learned a heck of a lot in my life. But getting to know myself has been my greatest journey. Today, I know I’m smart. I’m direct. I’m jaded. I’m hopeful. I’m funny. I’m fierce. I’m a pushover. And I have a laugh that lures strangers over, wanting to join in the fun.
In other words, I’m a jumble of opposing talents and flaws and emotions. And it’s all good.
I enjoy underdogs because we’ve got spunk. And hope. And secrets that drive us to be different from the rest.
So dare to be different. It's the only way to be!
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 28, 2017
Poor Val, she is already dreading going to her mother's house for Christmas. This year Tom, her boyfriend is going with her. A week before she leaves, Tammy Jeeter, Val's cousin shows up unannounced at Val's house. Tom is about to get a very small sample of Val's hillbilly, crazy family.
Then there is the annual Fruitcake Frenzy. It's like the Hatfields and McCoys feud only with fruitcake. Her mother has won every year and will go to no ends to make sure she wins every year. Can Val and Tom survive three days in "Hicksville"? Will Val come to terms with her family or will things go from bad to worse?Then there's the surprise ending. Read the book, have a good laugh or two and enjoy finding out. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. The review is of my own opinion.
Then there is the annual Fruitcake Frenzy. It's like the Hatfields and McCoys feud only with fruitcake. Her mother has won every year and will go to no ends to make sure she wins every year. Can Val and Tom survive three days in "Hicksville"? Will Val come to terms with her family or will things go from bad to worse?Then there's the surprise ending. Read the book, have a good laugh or two and enjoy finding out. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. The review is of my own opinion.
January 18, 2022
Val’s Whacky Family and Fruit Cake Truth
Margaret Lashley's “ What Four “ combined two whacky group of people into one funny story. The people she lives near who are her friends and her family in the backwoods of North Florida.
With her yearlong boyfriend, a local police Lieutenant, for some stability she introduces the locals as she gets ready to join her Red Neck family for Christmas. The Three Amigo's and their Christmas lighting and Pet cremation business. Her good friend….who is also her boss. Then there is the elderly lady originally from Las Vegas who will host Christmas Dinner. The surprise is in the type of “ sides “ everyone brings and how the Turkey is cooked. All of this fun is a story in itself.
However, Lashley takes on on a journey to meet kinfolk. Having just found out she is adopted has given her some relief that she is not and maybe will not become as crazy appearing as the rest of the family. Centered around the annual Family Fruit Cake competition, which her Mother always wins. Her Mothers First Act is to take Val's previously made cake and throw it to the dog. The fun begins!
Recommended Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star
Thank you for looking at my review. If you found this review valuable please click on the Helpful Icon. 😊 Thanks.
Margaret Lashley's “ What Four “ combined two whacky group of people into one funny story. The people she lives near who are her friends and her family in the backwoods of North Florida.
With her yearlong boyfriend, a local police Lieutenant, for some stability she introduces the locals as she gets ready to join her Red Neck family for Christmas. The Three Amigo's and their Christmas lighting and Pet cremation business. Her good friend….who is also her boss. Then there is the elderly lady originally from Las Vegas who will host Christmas Dinner. The surprise is in the type of “ sides “ everyone brings and how the Turkey is cooked. All of this fun is a story in itself.
However, Lashley takes on on a journey to meet kinfolk. Having just found out she is adopted has given her some relief that she is not and maybe will not become as crazy appearing as the rest of the family. Centered around the annual Family Fruit Cake competition, which her Mother always wins. Her Mothers First Act is to take Val's previously made cake and throw it to the dog. The fun begins!
Recommended Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star
Thank you for looking at my review. If you found this review valuable please click on the Helpful Icon. 😊 Thanks.
October 28, 2017
Wow, I have really loved all of Val's stories, but this one really hit home. There are many funny moments in this book. How could there not be with Val and her quirky friends? However, this story, like all of the books in the series, really strikes an emotional chord. Relationships are difficult, and the relationships with family can be the most difficult sometimes. Val's family might take that to the extreme, lol.
I have NEVER related to a character more than I related to Val in this story. Anger, imbarassment, self-doubt, gratitude, love, joy, all of it is in this story. And it's blended together with wonderful characters, and situations, that add humor and offer guidance with their insanity.
I laughed, and cried, until tears ran down my cheeks with both. My heart swelled with joy, my gut clenched with pain. I wanted to reach into the book and hug Val like she was a long lost sister.
Read this series! Don't just read it for the humor; read it for the spark of truth that the humor makes easier to digest. Everything about this book is beautiful!
I have NEVER related to a character more than I related to Val in this story. Anger, imbarassment, self-doubt, gratitude, love, joy, all of it is in this story. And it's blended together with wonderful characters, and situations, that add humor and offer guidance with their insanity.
I laughed, and cried, until tears ran down my cheeks with both. My heart swelled with joy, my gut clenched with pain. I wanted to reach into the book and hug Val like she was a long lost sister.
Read this series! Don't just read it for the humor; read it for the spark of truth that the humor makes easier to digest. Everything about this book is beautiful!
October 27, 2017
Here is my fabulous friend once again, Val and all the rest of the wacky characters! Loved this book. Laughed out loud through so much of the story as I usually do because the crazy things that happen to Val and her pals are just too fantastic! Val is driving through Florida, sees workers setting up a giant Christmas tree, and realizes she has to go to her (adopted) parents house for the holidays. She already promised and Lucille Jolly is not a woman to cross. So much to look forward to - the family fruitcake competition, insults from her mother, crazy redneck scenes with all her cooky relatives and best of all, Tom is going with her! This is a great book that is an eye opener for Val. All the wonderful characters are back and all of Val's crazy family as well to entertain you and blow your mind. I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of this book.
July 4, 2018
Laugh out loud funny with heart
This has to be the funniest series I've read, ever. Margaret Lashley is a genius when it comes adding humour to a book with heart and soul. Some of the interactions between Val and Laverne are laugh of loud funny. Ms. Lashley is able to write incredibly funny dialog without making fun of her less than intelligent or hick characters. That's a true talent. I'm an educated southerner from a rural area of North Alabama and it's hard to explain that southern does not equal dumb to some but the author is able to translate that exceptionally well in her writing. It took me a few years to realize that no matter what someones education level, everyone is smart in their own way and this series translates that well. Thank you Margaret Lashley for putting that into words because you could not have explained that concept better.
This has to be the funniest series I've read, ever. Margaret Lashley is a genius when it comes adding humour to a book with heart and soul. Some of the interactions between Val and Laverne are laugh of loud funny. Ms. Lashley is able to write incredibly funny dialog without making fun of her less than intelligent or hick characters. That's a true talent. I'm an educated southerner from a rural area of North Alabama and it's hard to explain that southern does not equal dumb to some but the author is able to translate that exceptionally well in her writing. It took me a few years to realize that no matter what someones education level, everyone is smart in their own way and this series translates that well. Thank you Margaret Lashley for putting that into words because you could not have explained that concept better.
May 21, 2018
Florida Redneck Holiday Crazies
This is book 4 in the Val Fremden Mystery series. Each book builds on the last and the series is best read in order. Not quite a stand alone, but each book is its own story with no cliffhangers. This story is about family at the holidays and what we all hate about it. All of the family secrets, envy and nastiness that makes the camaraderie take last place. Add to that the new money making opportunities that the guys are working on and you have lots of laugh-out-loud moments. Each book of this series is better than the last. I can't wait to read the next installment. This is a series that I plan on keeping. I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
This is book 4 in the Val Fremden Mystery series. Each book builds on the last and the series is best read in order. Not quite a stand alone, but each book is its own story with no cliffhangers. This story is about family at the holidays and what we all hate about it. All of the family secrets, envy and nastiness that makes the camaraderie take last place. Add to that the new money making opportunities that the guys are working on and you have lots of laugh-out-loud moments. Each book of this series is better than the last. I can't wait to read the next installment. This is a series that I plan on keeping. I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
February 28, 2019
Home for the holidays?
Val and Tom are headed to see her family for Christmas and she is not looking forward to the experience. Surprisingly, things go much better than anticipated and she finds herself understanding a lot more than she ever did in the past. Love the rednecks here and their (all-too-real) misuse of common words and idioms and their very basic understanding of what makes families and relationships work. Val and her friends will welcome you, embrace you, and entertain you without self-consciousness or constraints of any kind. This is a great place to spend a few hours. Recommended.
Val and Tom are headed to see her family for Christmas and she is not looking forward to the experience. Surprisingly, things go much better than anticipated and she finds herself understanding a lot more than she ever did in the past. Love the rednecks here and their (all-too-real) misuse of common words and idioms and their very basic understanding of what makes families and relationships work. Val and her friends will welcome you, embrace you, and entertain you without self-consciousness or constraints of any kind. This is a great place to spend a few hours. Recommended.
February 10, 2022
This is the 4th in the series. The main character is Val. Val is getting ready to visit her family for Christmas. She is sure her family is all nuts and she tries to stay away. Her boyfriend Tom, is going with her. Tom is a cop and he knows very little about her family. Her cousin Tammy shows up at her place just before they get ready to leave and she is a drunk and a sex addict. Here's part of my family. They head out to her folks place and Val thinks things have gone from bad to worse. The two of them learn a lot about themselves and her family on their 4 day visit. Makes everyone think about their own families.
October 13, 2024
Frustrating
Have you ever met someone that you see moving through life without a care in the world but when faced with decisions their choices leave you frustrated beyond comprehension. That’s mine and Val’s relationship. Lashley’s detailed descriptions of what is happening make you feel like you’re part of the story. The twist and turns that are in this story will not disappoint you but might just leave you shaking your head! I cannot wait to pick up the next book and see what the gang has been up to.
Have you ever met someone that you see moving through life without a care in the world but when faced with decisions their choices leave you frustrated beyond comprehension. That’s mine and Val’s relationship. Lashley’s detailed descriptions of what is happening make you feel like you’re part of the story. The twist and turns that are in this story will not disappoint you but might just leave you shaking your head! I cannot wait to pick up the next book and see what the gang has been up to.
October 15, 2017
What a fun story. Val is still in hot water with everything in her life. But she is stronger and tougher and fighting for what she wants. The family fruitcake competition is hilarious, and Val's family is even crazier than expected. From nutty cuz's to old friends and family the ride is great fun. This is the third book I have read in this series and they just keep getting better and better.
Highly recommend this cozy mystery to mystery lovers who want a delightful reading experience.
October 30, 2017
Everything's going pretty good for Val until she realizes that its almost time to go home for the holidays. Home to her adopted family.. the Jolly family. At least this time Toms coming with her so she'll have a buffer this year and her fruit cake is coming out okay.
Oh lord. Val's cousin Tammy has arrived at Val's. Just what the hell does she want.
I would recommend this book to any and everybody.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Oh lord. Val's cousin Tammy has arrived at Val's. Just what the hell does she want.
I would recommend this book to any and everybody.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
February 1, 2018
Lashley/what four:family fruitcake frenzy
This series is hillarious as the rest involving the 3 guys in their hairbrained attempt of making money, then throw in laverne, the elderly lady next door her attempt of having dinner for the whole gang. Then to top it off,Val takes Tom her boyfriend to meet her crazy relatives, just one castrophe after another during Christmas holidays. It is as fun and enjoyable to read.
This series is hillarious as the rest involving the 3 guys in their hairbrained attempt of making money, then throw in laverne, the elderly lady next door her attempt of having dinner for the whole gang. Then to top it off,Val takes Tom her boyfriend to meet her crazy relatives, just one castrophe after another during Christmas holidays. It is as fun and enjoyable to read.
May 13, 2018
Absolutely Hilarious
Oh my goodness this one bought back so many memories of my family back in Georgia and Alabama. I swear I think you had to live next door. (lol)... I am the baby of ten children and we didn’t have a lot since my dad died when I was five years old, My Mom worked in a cotton mill sometimes sixteen hours a day, but we still had our love for each other. Thank you so much for your books, looking forward to reading all of them.
Oh my goodness this one bought back so many memories of my family back in Georgia and Alabama. I swear I think you had to live next door. (lol)... I am the baby of ten children and we didn’t have a lot since my dad died when I was five years old, My Mom worked in a cotton mill sometimes sixteen hours a day, but we still had our love for each other. Thank you so much for your books, looking forward to reading all of them.
August 12, 2020
Yes, there's more! Thanks yet again, Margaret Lashley, for another laugh-til-you-cry episode of the antics and escapades of Val Fremden and her uniquely dysfuntcional family and friends. This is a Florida Christmas celebration to savor...where all the fruit and nuts aren't necessarily in the fruitcake. Actually, it's liable to put you off fruitcake for the foreseeable future, if not for forever. Gotta luv it!
December 23, 2021
free ebook
part of a series
she found out her parents arent her parents in a previous book
they are red necks and her life is one disaster after the other
her boyfriend is a cop, she invited him for xmas to her moms for the first time
he asked her to marry him on the way home, she didnt exactly say yes but shes wearing the ring (which sounds pretty a sapphire)
they had a fruit cake contest that her mom always wins, but she tied with her mom this year
her mom sabotages everyone
part of a series
she found out her parents arent her parents in a previous book
they are red necks and her life is one disaster after the other
her boyfriend is a cop, she invited him for xmas to her moms for the first time
he asked her to marry him on the way home, she didnt exactly say yes but shes wearing the ring (which sounds pretty a sapphire)
they had a fruit cake contest that her mom always wins, but she tied with her mom this year
her mom sabotages everyone
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 4, 2023THE FRUITCAKE FRENZY
The Fruitcake is a festive and colorful dessert reserved for gatherings spelling the frivollities of Christmastime. In this book, the Fruitcake judging is the culmination of the characters seen and heard from, the locations of the family dialogue, and timeliness of the event taking place. Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus, he was born on this very obsequious day! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The Fruitcake is a festive and colorful dessert reserved for gatherings spelling the frivollities of Christmastime. In this book, the Fruitcake judging is the culmination of the characters seen and heard from, the locations of the family dialogue, and timeliness of the event taking place. Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus, he was born on this very obsequious day! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
June 9, 2024
Book 4 in the Val Fremden Mystery series reunites us with her quirky and hilarious found family and we follow her visit to her adopted family at the holidays. Hilarity and craziness abound. To make matters even crazier the boys have found some new business opportunities. Every book in the series builds on the last and the series is best read in order. If you like your cozy mysteries with a strong side of comedy I highly recommend.
December 29, 2018
Fourth instalment of love and laughter
I really enjoyed this 4th book in the series. It had a good balance of new developments with a revisit to issues alluded to in the previous books. Val's relationship with her oddball friends is heart warming. I liked the theme of love and friendship.
I really enjoyed this 4th book in the series. It had a good balance of new developments with a revisit to issues alluded to in the previous books. Val's relationship with her oddball friends is heart warming. I liked the theme of love and friendship.
June 29, 2021
LOL
Laugh Out loud funny and full of surprises, I couldn't put "What Four" down. If at all possible, read this with a friend, and enjoy sharing your favorite parts. I did, and we were both laughing so hard, we could barely talk. But, before you read "What Four" begin the series with the first book, "Glad One: Crazy is a Relative Term".
Laugh Out loud funny and full of surprises, I couldn't put "What Four" down. If at all possible, read this with a friend, and enjoy sharing your favorite parts. I did, and we were both laughing so hard, we could barely talk. But, before you read "What Four" begin the series with the first book, "Glad One: Crazy is a Relative Term".
December 28, 2021
Binge-worthy❣️You are hooked as soon as you start reading...
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please🐿️ More and more difficult to put down . . .
Please do not abuse the word HOLY. This word belongs only to Almighty God. Sadly loses 1 🌟 due to the author's abuse of the word *Holy*. This is blasphemy and is NEVER acceptable
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please🐿️ More and more difficult to put down . . .
Please do not abuse the word HOLY. This word belongs only to Almighty God. Sadly loses 1 🌟 due to the author's abuse of the word *Holy*. This is blasphemy and is NEVER acceptable
September 15, 2022
I can't express how fabulous this series is. You can't help find yourself inanely smiling and often laugh out loud with the humour and angst. It will resonate with anyone with a heart and soul. ❤️
I looooved Margaret Lashley's Bobby and Grayson Series. As well as her Doreen Diller series which I'm part way through and is utterly superb.
I looooved Margaret Lashley's Bobby and Grayson Series. As well as her Doreen Diller series which I'm part way through and is utterly superb.
October 29, 2022
Wow
This woman never ceases to amaze me! With all of tne crazy caxst of characters! I love the books intro and wonder? what if? Then I smile and end up laughing out loud! Iread a lot of god reads some so serious , I love to to my night off with "What are they up to now"! You never disappoint😂 when I can laugh reading great book! well it's just " gal darn good" 😍😎
This woman never ceases to amaze me! With all of tne crazy caxst of characters! I love the books intro and wonder? what if? Then I smile and end up laughing out loud! Iread a lot of god reads some so serious , I love to to my night off with "What are they up to now"! You never disappoint😂 when I can laugh reading great book! well it's just " gal darn good" 😍😎
May 8, 2024
Book four continues the saga of Val’s wacky life and continuing escapades. In This episode we get to Christmas… taking her boyfriend home for a week with the family. Now if that isn’t a test for burgeoning ❤️ love…. Not to mention the annual no holds barred fruit cake competition that gets more than competitive… oh no!
Entertaining read…
Entertaining read…
December 12, 2017
What Four
This ebook is just a great ebook to read and enjoy the fun and wacky ride that Val and her friends and family take you on. I could not stop reading this ebook until I got to the end.
This ebook is just a great ebook to read and enjoy the fun and wacky ride that Val and her friends and family take you on. I could not stop reading this ebook until I got to the end.
February 25, 2018
I laughed so much
My cheeks hurt from laughing at the outrageously hilarious situations that Val gets into. Holidays with crazy family members, and the redneck mentality were a hoot and so very accurate. This series is my absolute favorite.
My cheeks hurt from laughing at the outrageously hilarious situations that Val gets into. Holidays with crazy family members, and the redneck mentality were a hoot and so very accurate. This series is my absolute favorite.
September 2, 2018
If you think your relatives are somewhat nutty, read this account of Val's family Christmas. Seriously, a fruitcake competition? This is Tom's first Christmas with this redneck family. Is Tom up to the challenge? You will have to read the book to find out.
October 2, 2018
DNF- really enjoyed the first book- laughed a lot & enjoyed the tone. I have continued through the series, however they have become less endearing, and kind of all over the place. Couldn't deal with this one.
July 12, 2019
Brilliantly funny
I have never laughed as much as I did reading this book. Val, her friends and family are so funny. I could not put this book down until I had finished reading it. I need to read the next one.
I have never laughed as much as I did reading this book. Val, her friends and family are so funny. I could not put this book down until I had finished reading it. I need to read the next one.
September 30, 2019
This was laugh out loud funny. I felt like I was with my family. At least we don't sabotage each others baked goods. It is a wonderful family adventure, bringing families together no matter who's not speaking to who. This is a great series. I look forward to reading book 5.
July 13, 2020
Another corker from Margaret Lashley. Val's cousin comes to stay with her red cowboy boots and gossip. Val's friends Winky Jorge and Goober are still finding weird ways to make money, there is romance, will Tom ever move things along? And this book's mystery is all about fruitcake recipes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews