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Orchard Mystery #9
A Gala Event
Wedding bells are ringing for Meg and Seth in the latest Orchard Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Picked to Die…
The fall harvest may be just about over, but orchard owner Meg Corey is busier than ever planning her wedding to Seth Chapin. Who knew picking apples would be less work than picking out rings and a dress? And even though the happy couple has invited most of Granford, Massachusetts, to the ceremony, they might have to make room for one more guest…
Ex-con Aaron Eastman has unexpectedly reappeared in his hometown, searching for answers to the tragic fire in his family’s past that put him behind bars twenty-five years ago. Moved by his sincerity, Meg vows to do everything she can to help him solve the cold case. As she cobbles together the clues, it becomes increasingly clear that Aaron may have been considered the bad seed of the family, but someone else was one bad apple…
Includes Delicious Recipes!
The fall harvest may be just about over, but orchard owner Meg Corey is busier than ever planning her wedding to Seth Chapin. Who knew picking apples would be less work than picking out rings and a dress? And even though the happy couple has invited most of Granford, Massachusetts, to the ceremony, they might have to make room for one more guest…
Ex-con Aaron Eastman has unexpectedly reappeared in his hometown, searching for answers to the tragic fire in his family’s past that put him behind bars twenty-five years ago. Moved by his sincerity, Meg vows to do everything she can to help him solve the cold case. As she cobbles together the clues, it becomes increasingly clear that Aaron may have been considered the bad seed of the family, but someone else was one bad apple…
Includes Delicious Recipes!
Audible Audio
First published October 6, 2015
137 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Connolly
65 books1,389 followersSheila Connolly taught art history, structured and marketed municipal bonds for major cities, worked as a staff member on two statewide political campaigns, and served as a fundraiser for several non-profit organizations. She also managed her own consulting company providing genealogical research services.
She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.
She was a member of Sisters in Crime-New England (president 2011), the national Sisters in Crime, and the fabulous on-line SinC chapter, the Guppies. She also belonged to Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Sheila was Regent of her local DAR chapter, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also the grandchild of Irish immigrants. In addition to genealogy, Sheila loved restoring old houses, visiting cemeteries, and traveling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
December 7, 2015
This is the 9th book in the apple orchard series. It is a great series and I hated to see the book end. The mystery was a little weaker in this book but the people in the book seem like olds friends The series continues forward moving into the fall after the apples are picked and the slower season begins. Meg keeps busy planning her wedding, adding bathrooms to her house and solving a 25 year old mystery.
October 15, 2015
Ms. Connolly takes an unusual turn with her current cozy. Instead of a fresh murder Meg and friends search out the truth behind an old murder while helping out a new friend.
I really enjoyed the fresh approach to the standard cozy. The story starts a bit slow but soon grabs you and you'll find it hard to put down until the end.
Although a lot is going on in the story, with the main characters planning for a wedding and a renovation project it doesn't feel crowded or seem like there is too much to keep up with. I have read the books preceding this one and you do not have to have read the others to get a feel for the town or main characters. I look forward to the next book in the series.
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
I really enjoyed the fresh approach to the standard cozy. The story starts a bit slow but soon grabs you and you'll find it hard to put down until the end.
Although a lot is going on in the story, with the main characters planning for a wedding and a renovation project it doesn't feel crowded or seem like there is too much to keep up with. I have read the books preceding this one and you do not have to have read the others to get a feel for the town or main characters. I look forward to the next book in the series.
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
October 13, 2015
A Gala Event returns us to Granford, MA as Meg is finishing off the years apple harvest and finally able to take some breathing room. Or not, since she and Seth are not only planning their wedding while renovating Meg's house, but they also get tossed into a decades old investigation that was previously assumed to be solved.
As a long-time fan of this series, I've been looking forward to this book for a very long time. Ms. Connolly did not disappoint! Meg and Seth finally tie the knot!! *squee!* I was very happy that they went with a low-key ceremony celebrating their love with friends and family. No big to-do or flashy extravagances for these two, what you see is what you get and I love that about them. I do wish there had been a little more on the actual wedding at the end.
I was also pleased with the mystery aspect. For once it wasn't a dead body showing up, but instead a just-released-from-prison former town resident who is looking for some closure. After hearing his story, Meg of course can't help but throw herself into the case to see if she can help fill in the blanks.
I've really enjoyed watching the cast of characters grow in this series. Bree, Art, Gail, Lydia, Rachel, and even some of the vendors and pickers feel like old friends. I can't wait to see how Meg and Seth's relationship grows as husband and wife and what kind of mess Meg gets thrown into next.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. However, the other books on the shelf would've been lonely without this one so it's safe to say I would've purchased (and loved) it just the same even if I had not received it for free.
As a long-time fan of this series, I've been looking forward to this book for a very long time. Ms. Connolly did not disappoint! Meg and Seth finally tie the knot!! *squee!* I was very happy that they went with a low-key ceremony celebrating their love with friends and family. No big to-do or flashy extravagances for these two, what you see is what you get and I love that about them. I do wish there had been a little more on the actual wedding at the end.
I was also pleased with the mystery aspect. For once it wasn't a dead body showing up, but instead a just-released-from-prison former town resident who is looking for some closure. After hearing his story, Meg of course can't help but throw herself into the case to see if she can help fill in the blanks.
I've really enjoyed watching the cast of characters grow in this series. Bree, Art, Gail, Lydia, Rachel, and even some of the vendors and pickers feel like old friends. I can't wait to see how Meg and Seth's relationship grows as husband and wife and what kind of mess Meg gets thrown into next.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. However, the other books on the shelf would've been lonely without this one so it's safe to say I would've purchased (and loved) it just the same even if I had not received it for free.
July 4, 2017
I haven't read any books by this author before, but I will be reading the previous books in this series. The characters are very likeable. Meg and Seth are trying to get everything for their wedding as well as their daily work. Meg meets Aaron Eastman who just got out of prison and is looking to ease his mind about the circumstances that sent him to prison. He doesn't even remember if he did commit a crime and Meg wants to help him. So, in the middle of building bathrooms, a new baby and the general every day stuff, they are trying to figure out what happened 25 years before.
February 8, 2020
This is such a good series and I love the way Sheila keeps the characters and introduces new ones.
September 21, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have loved this series from the start and absolutely think this one has the best cover so far. Yes, those are alpacas!
Almost all the apples have been picked and it is time for Meg and Seth to get into high gear for their upcoming nuptials, but when Aaron Eastman comes to town Meg is drawn into his story like a moth to a flame. Oh and Seth decides to overall the plumbing and add two bathrooms and update the existing one. At least he is on hand if Meg needs any help.
The plot to this one was different and interesting as Meg tries to solve a mystery from the past and reunite what it left of a family and give them some closure. I was ready for the expected twist and thought I knew what had happened and I was partially right but I picked the wrong bad apple.
I did enjoy the mystery and the way Meg, Seth, their family and friends all worked together to solve it, but was left just a little disappointed that the Gala, the Wedding, the Big Event was lost until the final chapter. Meg and Seth were just so low key about the whole thing, Meg hadn’t even picked out a dress and the reception planning was so last minute. I felt I was looking more forward to the wedding than the bride and groom. I understand this is a mystery novel not a romance novel and the author has to find balance, but with a title A Gala Event, I was hoping for a little more GALA.
Now don’t get me wrong, the mystery was well plotted and the story was very well written and I did enjoy it. The visiting alpacas were so funny, especially Meg’s first reaction. So it did have everything that usually makes for a perfect escape, if it just had a few more wedding elements then it would be perfect.
I am excited for the next book, Seeds of Deception, out next month to see how they start their married life together and what kind of trouble they get involved in next.
I have loved this series from the start and absolutely think this one has the best cover so far. Yes, those are alpacas!
Almost all the apples have been picked and it is time for Meg and Seth to get into high gear for their upcoming nuptials, but when Aaron Eastman comes to town Meg is drawn into his story like a moth to a flame. Oh and Seth decides to overall the plumbing and add two bathrooms and update the existing one. At least he is on hand if Meg needs any help.
The plot to this one was different and interesting as Meg tries to solve a mystery from the past and reunite what it left of a family and give them some closure. I was ready for the expected twist and thought I knew what had happened and I was partially right but I picked the wrong bad apple.
I did enjoy the mystery and the way Meg, Seth, their family and friends all worked together to solve it, but was left just a little disappointed that the Gala, the Wedding, the Big Event was lost until the final chapter. Meg and Seth were just so low key about the whole thing, Meg hadn’t even picked out a dress and the reception planning was so last minute. I felt I was looking more forward to the wedding than the bride and groom. I understand this is a mystery novel not a romance novel and the author has to find balance, but with a title A Gala Event, I was hoping for a little more GALA.
Now don’t get me wrong, the mystery was well plotted and the story was very well written and I did enjoy it. The visiting alpacas were so funny, especially Meg’s first reaction. So it did have everything that usually makes for a perfect escape, if it just had a few more wedding elements then it would be perfect.
I am excited for the next book, Seeds of Deception, out next month to see how they start their married life together and what kind of trouble they get involved in next.
October 14, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
First let me start by saying that this is the first book that I have read in this series. I have read a few other books by this author though.
I think that I have missed too much of the characters growth to enjoy the way they act in this one. I didn't really like them and I have to like characters to enjoy a book.
There were a few things that jumped out at me while reading the book that I thought were mistakes. First on page 67 Aaron says that he got clean and sober in jail and didn't plan on taking that stuff up again. Then on page 116 it says that he accepted a beer from Meg. Not that I am against drinking, but the author kind of wrote this with no reaction at all. He didn't even hesitate to take it. And I don't like that Meg even tempted him with it after he said he didn't want to start again earlier. On page 194 Lori asks Aaron if he was drinking and he says not since he went to prison...
Also (and this could be just an accident), on pages 79 and 103 (and probably more) they say that his Gramma was his mother's mom, but on page 95 it refers to them as her son and his wife that died. Not saying that they couldn't call him her son, but it wasn't worded correctly.
Other than my few problems, I did enjoy the story. I may or may not go back and read the series from the beginning. I would recommend everyone start from book one just so they can see how the characters develop (unless they are like this from the start in which case I would NOT like at all!).
First let me start by saying that this is the first book that I have read in this series. I have read a few other books by this author though.
I think that I have missed too much of the characters growth to enjoy the way they act in this one. I didn't really like them and I have to like characters to enjoy a book.
There were a few things that jumped out at me while reading the book that I thought were mistakes. First on page 67 Aaron says that he got clean and sober in jail and didn't plan on taking that stuff up again. Then on page 116 it says that he accepted a beer from Meg. Not that I am against drinking, but the author kind of wrote this with no reaction at all. He didn't even hesitate to take it. And I don't like that Meg even tempted him with it after he said he didn't want to start again earlier. On page 194 Lori asks Aaron if he was drinking and he says not since he went to prison...
Also (and this could be just an accident), on pages 79 and 103 (and probably more) they say that his Gramma was his mother's mom, but on page 95 it refers to them as her son and his wife that died. Not saying that they couldn't call him her son, but it wasn't worded correctly.
Other than my few problems, I did enjoy the story. I may or may not go back and read the series from the beginning. I would recommend everyone start from book one just so they can see how the characters develop (unless they are like this from the start in which case I would NOT like at all!).
December 30, 2015
A GALA EVENT is the latest in the Orchard Mystery series by Shelia Connolly.
There was very little discussion of the actual ‘gala event’ (Seth and Meg’s wedding).
There was so little description and planning details that I’m not sure it actually took place!
The book was an extremely slow read and all of the plot points very unrealistic. I need a bit more to the story to keep up my interest - come on, a bit of a puzzle. Everything to do with Meg and Seth’s ‘cold case investigation’ was implausible. I was very disappointed.
I like the series and keeping up with the characters, but the books are supposed to be ‘mysteries’.
There was very little discussion of the actual ‘gala event’ (Seth and Meg’s wedding).
There was so little description and planning details that I’m not sure it actually took place!
The book was an extremely slow read and all of the plot points very unrealistic. I need a bit more to the story to keep up my interest - come on, a bit of a puzzle. Everything to do with Meg and Seth’s ‘cold case investigation’ was implausible. I was very disappointed.
I like the series and keeping up with the characters, but the books are supposed to be ‘mysteries’.
September 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this entry in the series. I always enjoy a good cold case and that's all this one was. It's interesting to see how much can come to light on event that is so old. I also really enjoyed everything that was going on in Meg and Seth's personal life in this book (which was a bigger focus than in some of the others). Looking forward to the next one.
March 24, 2018
Meg is just finishing her second harvest and arranging her wedding to Seth at the same time, they decided to get married at Grans (the restaurant they helped get off the ground), a low key affair (more a mingling of friends with some good food, some wine and oh yes a short ceremony!) Meg has just gone through the details with Nicky when she sees the lights are still on at the Historical Society and so she pops in to see Gail, only to discover her in shock and covered with blood!
This leads to the revisiting of an old case of arson that everyone thought was done and dusted, so whilst this time Meg and Seth don't have a body to deal with they DO have a crime to check out - all in a days work for the two of them!
This leads to the revisiting of an old case of arson that everyone thought was done and dusted, so whilst this time Meg and Seth don't have a body to deal with they DO have a crime to check out - all in a days work for the two of them!
February 5, 2019
Meg and Seth are planning their wedding. But nothing goes the way it planned, and solving an old crime disrupts the best laid plans...
The attitude of Bree continues to confound me. Her sarcastic retorts to everything seems overplayed. But this one was an interesting change of pace.
The attitude of Bree continues to confound me. Her sarcastic retorts to everything seems overplayed. But this one was an interesting change of pace.
October 30, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
A Gala Event
Orchard, Book #9
By Sheila Connolly
ISBN: 9780425275818
Author Website: http://www.sheilaconnolly.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Wedding bells are ringing for Meg and Seth in the latest Orchard Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Picked to Die…
The fall harvest may be just about over, but orchard owner Meg Corey is busier than ever planning her wedding to Seth Chapin. Who knew picking apples would be less work than picking out rings and a dress? And even though the happy couple has invited most of Granford, Massachusetts, to the ceremony, they might have to make room for one more guest…
Ex-con Aaron Eastman has unexpectedly reappeared in his hometown, searching for answers to the tragic fire in his family’s past that put him behind bars twenty-five years ago. Moved by his sincerity, Meg vows to do everything she can to help him solve the cold case. As she cobbles together the clues, it becomes increasingly clear that Aaron may have been considered the bad seed of the family, but someone else was one bad apple…
Includes Delicious Recipes!
Review:
A Gala Event is another great cozy in Sheila Connolly’s wonderful An Orchard Mystery series. Orchard owner and main character Meg Corey and her fiancé Seth Chapman are busy as ever. Autumn has arrived and with it the end of apple harvest and the fall rush for Seth’s antique house restoration. To add to the mix the couple also have their wedding to plan and that date is fast approaching. Meg’s to do list is not getting any shorter and Seth has decided to give a bathroom or two to his soon to be wife for a wedding present. Things are getting hectic and things are going to be changing for the couple and housemate Bree as well.
A couple of guests pop up and none of them are exactly invited. First of couple of newbie alpaca farmers have moved in next door to the orchard and the fence is not up to snuff. Meg is met with one as she is tending her goats and a different one pops up over the next few days. The other uninvited is a man from the past with a past that is truly tragic. Aaron Eastman was just released from prison after spending the last 25 years locked up for a fire that destroyed his family home and killed both of his parents and his grandmother. Meg and Seth and a cast of marvelous friends try to help Aaron get some answers since he cannot remember that night at all.
I love this series and this latest installment is probably my favorite. The characters are amazing and diverse. The small town setting is delightful. The mystery in A Gala Event is intriguing, superbly written, compelling and heartbreaking. Sheila Connolly’s writing style is filled with details that entertain and inform, but never bore. It is a wonderful mix of humor and intrigue. Especially in this installment, there is laughter and anger, joy and sadness, endings and new beginnings.
This is the 9th in the Orchard series and while I think it makes the stories more enjoyable, Sheila Connolly gives enough background that you can read it as a stand-alone. I love getting to spend time with Meg, Seth, Art and the gang. I get to go on a roller coaster ride of emotions and never leave the comfort of home. I would recommend A Gala Event to any reader that enjoys a fabulous cozy, great writing dealing with family and anyone who wants to enjoy a well plotted mystery. I also have to mention that this installment has a truly gorgeous cover and some enticing recipes. So all in all, a big hit all round.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
A Gala Event
Orchard, Book #9
By Sheila Connolly
ISBN: 9780425275818
Author Website: http://www.sheilaconnolly.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Wedding bells are ringing for Meg and Seth in the latest Orchard Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Picked to Die…
The fall harvest may be just about over, but orchard owner Meg Corey is busier than ever planning her wedding to Seth Chapin. Who knew picking apples would be less work than picking out rings and a dress? And even though the happy couple has invited most of Granford, Massachusetts, to the ceremony, they might have to make room for one more guest…
Ex-con Aaron Eastman has unexpectedly reappeared in his hometown, searching for answers to the tragic fire in his family’s past that put him behind bars twenty-five years ago. Moved by his sincerity, Meg vows to do everything she can to help him solve the cold case. As she cobbles together the clues, it becomes increasingly clear that Aaron may have been considered the bad seed of the family, but someone else was one bad apple…
Includes Delicious Recipes!
Review:
A Gala Event is another great cozy in Sheila Connolly’s wonderful An Orchard Mystery series. Orchard owner and main character Meg Corey and her fiancé Seth Chapman are busy as ever. Autumn has arrived and with it the end of apple harvest and the fall rush for Seth’s antique house restoration. To add to the mix the couple also have their wedding to plan and that date is fast approaching. Meg’s to do list is not getting any shorter and Seth has decided to give a bathroom or two to his soon to be wife for a wedding present. Things are getting hectic and things are going to be changing for the couple and housemate Bree as well.
A couple of guests pop up and none of them are exactly invited. First of couple of newbie alpaca farmers have moved in next door to the orchard and the fence is not up to snuff. Meg is met with one as she is tending her goats and a different one pops up over the next few days. The other uninvited is a man from the past with a past that is truly tragic. Aaron Eastman was just released from prison after spending the last 25 years locked up for a fire that destroyed his family home and killed both of his parents and his grandmother. Meg and Seth and a cast of marvelous friends try to help Aaron get some answers since he cannot remember that night at all.
I love this series and this latest installment is probably my favorite. The characters are amazing and diverse. The small town setting is delightful. The mystery in A Gala Event is intriguing, superbly written, compelling and heartbreaking. Sheila Connolly’s writing style is filled with details that entertain and inform, but never bore. It is a wonderful mix of humor and intrigue. Especially in this installment, there is laughter and anger, joy and sadness, endings and new beginnings.
This is the 9th in the Orchard series and while I think it makes the stories more enjoyable, Sheila Connolly gives enough background that you can read it as a stand-alone. I love getting to spend time with Meg, Seth, Art and the gang. I get to go on a roller coaster ride of emotions and never leave the comfort of home. I would recommend A Gala Event to any reader that enjoys a fabulous cozy, great writing dealing with family and anyone who wants to enjoy a well plotted mystery. I also have to mention that this installment has a truly gorgeous cover and some enticing recipes. So all in all, a big hit all round.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
October 6, 2015
Author Sheila Connolly has added another delectable installment to her crop of Orchard Mysteries.
This is my favorite series of the many written by Ms. Connolly. I knew I was hooked after book one in the series, ONE BAD APPLE. Trust me when I tell you, there isn’t one bad apple in the whole harvest of titles.
I read this one through in one sitting. It held me captivated as question after question cropped up as the investigation intensified and finally reached its exciting conclusion.
Wonderfully written characters are in no short supply in this book. Meg Corey, the protagonist, and her beau Seth Chapin have both really developed over the course of the series, and it’s been fun watching them grow.
A GALA EVENT takes the blue ribbon for plot, outstanding mystery, and entertaining read. I give it 5 golden delicious stars!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for some yummy recipes!
This is my favorite series of the many written by Ms. Connolly. I knew I was hooked after book one in the series, ONE BAD APPLE. Trust me when I tell you, there isn’t one bad apple in the whole harvest of titles.
I read this one through in one sitting. It held me captivated as question after question cropped up as the investigation intensified and finally reached its exciting conclusion.
Wonderfully written characters are in no short supply in this book. Meg Corey, the protagonist, and her beau Seth Chapin have both really developed over the course of the series, and it’s been fun watching them grow.
A GALA EVENT takes the blue ribbon for plot, outstanding mystery, and entertaining read. I give it 5 golden delicious stars!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for some yummy recipes!
October 14, 2015
A Gala Event is the 9th book in An Orchard Mystery series by Sheila Connolly.
This is the first book I've read in the series. The author does a good job of making sure you know who all the characters are.
What I really liked was the mystery in this book. It wasn't the typical mystery of finding a body and trying to solve the murder. I also liked the family interactions between Meg, the main character, and her future in-laws.
Some of Meg's behavior seemed odd to me, like her attitude about planning her wedding, but that may have been a result having not read the previous books.
I hadn't planned to read the book in one day, but I couldn't put it down.
I've bought the first book and plan to read the rest of the series.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is the first book I've read in the series. The author does a good job of making sure you know who all the characters are.
What I really liked was the mystery in this book. It wasn't the typical mystery of finding a body and trying to solve the murder. I also liked the family interactions between Meg, the main character, and her future in-laws.
Some of Meg's behavior seemed odd to me, like her attitude about planning her wedding, but that may have been a result having not read the previous books.
I hadn't planned to read the book in one day, but I couldn't put it down.
I've bought the first book and plan to read the rest of the series.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 12, 2015
First off, I want to say that this is the first book in this series that I have read and I was not lost at all! It is okay to read this one without having read the previous books in the series.
I received this book for free to read and review. I did really like it. Meg and Seth make a very nice couple and I also like all the other characters in the story. The work they did on the cold case was a bit thankless but it was interesting. I will definitely have to read more about Meg and Seth, if not in previous books, then definitely in subsequent books.
A very good cozy indeed!
I received this book for free to read and review. I did really like it. Meg and Seth make a very nice couple and I also like all the other characters in the story. The work they did on the cold case was a bit thankless but it was interesting. I will definitely have to read more about Meg and Seth, if not in previous books, then definitely in subsequent books.
A very good cozy indeed!
January 9, 2016
I'm giving this a two, only because I loved the last few paragraphs. The rest of the book irritated me, though I loved the previous 8 in the series. This book was way too repetitive. I realize that another murder in a small town like Granford would be unusual, but this mystery was boring. Meg must have asked Seth five times what he thought of Aaron and I was bored to death of bathroom and tile talk. The plot and dialogue were totally unbelievable and unnatural. I honestly could not wait for this book to end.
April 14, 2016
I thought the ending of this book was horrible. The big mystery Meg spent time uncovering was solved and that was that! The idea of the bathroom remodel before her wedding day was ridiculous. I don't know if I will be reading anymore of the these books.
I was happy no dead bodies were found in the orchard!
I was happy no dead bodies were found in the orchard!
November 11, 2023
About par for the series, maybe a little more interesting than most.
This one was a Thanksgiving read, although nearly everything seemed to be happening except focusing on gratitude - wedding preparations for one couple, a baby coming to another couple, putting in new bathrooms, including picking out the decor, hosting people here and there, and yes, solving a mystery.
I liked the alpacas and the mystery at hand.
Seth had an odd choice of wedding gift.
A police officer saying, "If they trust you, I guess I'll have to." is unlikely. In fact, I can't even imagine it without sarcasm slipping in, but apparently Art said it sincerely.
Lori mentioned "do-gooders" snidely more than once, asking Meg & Seth if they were do-gooders, and then putting down her own brother Kevin for being a do-gooder. In our selfish society, I'm not really sure why that's offensive to be a do-gooder, unless it's to show someone else up, or in thinking arrogantly of yourself in doing it, neither of which seems to be their motivations. They just seem to like to help people. I think they like people's appreciation and it opens the door for them for friendship... One has to wonder whether anyone's taken advantage of them for it.
As far as Lori's comment calling them do-gooders goes, I think some people just feel shown-up, even if that's not the intent.
Meg seemed to mull this over, because later she asked Art if she and Seth were do-gooders. Art replied they were "amateur" do-gooders. No, I think Seth is a professional do-gooder, with all the free construction work and volunteer time he's put into this and that. He's a professional builder, so him volunteering his time & expertize would put him into the category of professional do-gooder, I think. Meg may be a different category. I'd be content to have her in the amateur do-gooder category.
In fact, in the last couple of books, reviewers were divided as to whether Seth was unrealistically good, annoyingly good helping all these people, or attractively good.
Later on, Meg lumped Kevin into the rest of the negative outcomes of his family, calling him a "bleeding-heart social worker." And again, why was this a bad thing? One sibling a school drop-out, one a jailbird, and one a "bleeding-heart social worker." It seemed to me like he chose the best route of the three. I've known a cousin who's a social worker, and it seems like she does necessary, meaningful, and beautiful work.
Lydia doesn't seem to read realistically to me still. It's her daughter, and she doesn't even know when she can be visited at the hospital, or when she can see her new grandchild? Lydia is supposed to be a contrasted as a loving mom to Meg's more prickly mom, but this is the second book in which she just seems to be disconnected to her kids.
About the newborn: "Meg suddenly realized she was looking at a person, not a thing." That is unnerving to me that she would feel that way about someone, even someone very small.
Some reviewers complained that there wasn't much mystery, and that was true. I think I even forgot to comment on the mystery itself. There was no way we could've known the outcome beforehand, without the sudden ... SPOILER ... witness statements/confession (whichever it was) out of the blue.
This one was a Thanksgiving read, although nearly everything seemed to be happening except focusing on gratitude - wedding preparations for one couple, a baby coming to another couple, putting in new bathrooms, including picking out the decor, hosting people here and there, and yes, solving a mystery.
I liked the alpacas and the mystery at hand.
Seth had an odd choice of wedding gift.
A police officer saying, "If they trust you, I guess I'll have to." is unlikely. In fact, I can't even imagine it without sarcasm slipping in, but apparently Art said it sincerely.
Lori mentioned "do-gooders" snidely more than once, asking Meg & Seth if they were do-gooders, and then putting down her own brother Kevin for being a do-gooder. In our selfish society, I'm not really sure why that's offensive to be a do-gooder, unless it's to show someone else up, or in thinking arrogantly of yourself in doing it, neither of which seems to be their motivations. They just seem to like to help people. I think they like people's appreciation and it opens the door for them for friendship... One has to wonder whether anyone's taken advantage of them for it.
As far as Lori's comment calling them do-gooders goes, I think some people just feel shown-up, even if that's not the intent.
Meg seemed to mull this over, because later she asked Art if she and Seth were do-gooders. Art replied they were "amateur" do-gooders. No, I think Seth is a professional do-gooder, with all the free construction work and volunteer time he's put into this and that. He's a professional builder, so him volunteering his time & expertize would put him into the category of professional do-gooder, I think. Meg may be a different category. I'd be content to have her in the amateur do-gooder category.
In fact, in the last couple of books, reviewers were divided as to whether Seth was unrealistically good, annoyingly good helping all these people, or attractively good.
Later on, Meg lumped Kevin into the rest of the negative outcomes of his family, calling him a "bleeding-heart social worker." And again, why was this a bad thing? One sibling a school drop-out, one a jailbird, and one a "bleeding-heart social worker." It seemed to me like he chose the best route of the three. I've known a cousin who's a social worker, and it seems like she does necessary, meaningful, and beautiful work.
Lydia doesn't seem to read realistically to me still. It's her daughter, and she doesn't even know when she can be visited at the hospital, or when she can see her new grandchild? Lydia is supposed to be a contrasted as a loving mom to Meg's more prickly mom, but this is the second book in which she just seems to be disconnected to her kids.
About the newborn: "Meg suddenly realized she was looking at a person, not a thing." That is unnerving to me that she would feel that way about someone, even someone very small.
Some reviewers complained that there wasn't much mystery, and that was true. I think I even forgot to comment on the mystery itself. There was no way we could've known the outcome beforehand, without the sudden ... SPOILER ... witness statements/confession (whichever it was) out of the blue.
February 7, 2023
I am definitely someone who likes to read series books in order, so this is my ninth title in the Orchard series. When I read the first in the series, I was not too fond of Meg, the main character, because she seemed prickly and even rude at times. But as the series progress and her relationship with Seth developed, she seemed to mellow out. In this installment she reverts back a little, but who can blame her--she is tired from her second apple harvest, her wedding is only weeks away and basically nothing has been done, and she is trying to solve a twenty-five year old crime. Oh, and Seth's wedding present is to renovate their old bathroom and add two more. That would be enough to stress anyone.
In some cozy series, the plots are quite predictable. In fact, there are some where I am like oh, time for the second murder to take place. Sheila Connolly, however, tends to mix things up a little more. This mystery wasn't as interesting as some of her others, but I still appreciate that she varies her plots from book to book. But, unfortunately, this book contained a number of inconsistencies or errors. For example, Aaron, the ex-con that Meg is trying to prove innocent, states on two occasions that he gave up alcohol and drugs after the fire that killed his family, but during dinner Meg serves him a beer. Another example is when Bree, Meg's orchard manager, asks if Meg has spoken to Seth about the possibility of building a tiny house even though the three of them had discussed it during dinner the night before. Or when Meg picks up her future sister-in-law's kids from school she asks if they remember her even though in previous books she has visited their home quite frequently (and she's engaged to their uncle and they live in a small town). These aren't major problems, but they took me out of the story and caused me to backtrack to check if I had misremembered. So, overall, a good book but not her best.
In some cozy series, the plots are quite predictable. In fact, there are some where I am like oh, time for the second murder to take place. Sheila Connolly, however, tends to mix things up a little more. This mystery wasn't as interesting as some of her others, but I still appreciate that she varies her plots from book to book. But, unfortunately, this book contained a number of inconsistencies or errors. For example, Aaron, the ex-con that Meg is trying to prove innocent, states on two occasions that he gave up alcohol and drugs after the fire that killed his family, but during dinner Meg serves him a beer. Another example is when Bree, Meg's orchard manager, asks if Meg has spoken to Seth about the possibility of building a tiny house even though the three of them had discussed it during dinner the night before. Or when Meg picks up her future sister-in-law's kids from school she asks if they remember her even though in previous books she has visited their home quite frequently (and she's engaged to their uncle and they live in a small town). These aren't major problems, but they took me out of the story and caused me to backtrack to check if I had misremembered. So, overall, a good book but not her best.
January 4, 2024
This one was really good.
I also agree with another reviewer that there were some mix ups in writing/editing. First Aaron says he's clean and doesn't drink or do anything. Then later, the author has Meg hand him a beer (which I think was meant to be handing it to Art, not Aaron, but was an editing error), then he tells his brother he doesn't drink or anything again. This wasn't even caught in the audio version of the story, which it should have been.
Then there's the new narrator. I noticed it right away when I started listening to this audiobook. She's not bad. I really loved the other narrator, as she had the Massachusetts accent down for so many of the locals. But I read that narrator had some medical issues, which preclude her from narrating anymore. Too bad, cause she was great. But I do like the new one as well. Can't say that all the time.
Oh yeah, and why don't they mention Seth's brother at any time? The one who was involved in the death of the man in the first book in the series and also attempting to kill her.
I also agree with another reviewer that there were some mix ups in writing/editing. First Aaron says he's clean and doesn't drink or do anything. Then later, the author has Meg hand him a beer (which I think was meant to be handing it to Art, not Aaron, but was an editing error), then he tells his brother he doesn't drink or anything again. This wasn't even caught in the audio version of the story, which it should have been.
Then there's the new narrator. I noticed it right away when I started listening to this audiobook. She's not bad. I really loved the other narrator, as she had the Massachusetts accent down for so many of the locals. But I read that narrator had some medical issues, which preclude her from narrating anymore. Too bad, cause she was great. But I do like the new one as well. Can't say that all the time.
Oh yeah, and why don't they mention Seth's brother at any time? The one who was involved in the death of the man in the first book in the series and also attempting to kill her.
February 25, 2018
It's fall in the Massachusetts orchard where Meg Corey lives in a house built by her family 200 years ago, and she's preparing for her marriage to local builder Seth; it's only a couple of weeks away, after all. But since she's Meg, of course it can't happen without another mystery. This time, she crosses paths with Aaron Eastman, who has returned to the town of Granford after 25 years in jail. He was convicted of burning his house down while stoned, killing his parents and grandmother. Aaron has no memory of the event, and just wants to know if he really did it. Meg being who she is, she helps him investigate, while simultaneously planning the wedding, helping Seth install bathrooms in her historic house, and waiting for Seth's sister to have her baby. It's a full plate, but that's always the way.
I really enjoyed this one. It was a leisurely mystery interspersed with a lot of daily life and pleasant character relationships, and no peril. Good world building, some unnecessary alpacas, and lots of food. My one quibble is that the audiobook reader needs to learn how to pronounce Amherst. I spent a year there, and the H is SILENT. Anyone who has lived there or been there will grit their teeth at the repeated mispronunciation!
I really enjoyed this one. It was a leisurely mystery interspersed with a lot of daily life and pleasant character relationships, and no peril. Good world building, some unnecessary alpacas, and lots of food. My one quibble is that the audiobook reader needs to learn how to pronounce Amherst. I spent a year there, and the H is SILENT. Anyone who has lived there or been there will grit their teeth at the repeated mispronunciation!
May 2, 2019
Meg's wedding to Seth looms closer and closer, and her plans are not yet complete! She has the venue, and the officiant, but EVERYTHING else is up in the air. Thank goodness, the harvest is in, and she'll have time to deal with this, right? RIGHT? Um...not really, only kinda...Once again, Meg is embroiled in a murder, but this one took place 25 years ago. When the convicted murderer shows up in a most unexpected way, not remembering a thing that happened on that fateful and fatal night, and asking for help, Meg can't say "no." He is sincere, and lost, and willing to accept ANY answer if it is the real one. And in the middle of this, along with planning for the wedding, Seth decides that her wedding present will be a new master bathroom and a powder room and a remodel of the existing bathroom before the wedding and with Meg's help! Will Meg be able to pull this off? Will the new neighbors' alpacas ever learn to stay home? Will she EVER actually get married?
LOL, having lived through a wedding, I know what she was going through withOUT all the other stuff! Me? I'd have eloped and been done with it.
LOL, having lived through a wedding, I know what she was going through withOUT all the other stuff! Me? I'd have eloped and been done with it.
September 26, 2025
I know I've said it many times before, but Sheila Connolly is one of my favorite cozy authors, and I am working my way through the books I haven't yet read, which makes me unhappy. Her characters are like old friends, and I will miss them when they're 'gone.'
This book has two major plotlines - Meg and Seth's fast-approaching wedding and a cold case that is decades old. A young man was sent to prison for the crime, primarily because he wasn't able to remember exactly what happened and feared he might actually *be guilty. On his release, he returns to town to see if he can figured that out, and Meg is one of the few who has doubts about his guilt.
It was interesting to follow Meg and a few others as they tried to figure it out with very few actual clues to follow. Eventually, the crime was solved, the young man got his answers - and Meg & Seth walked down the aisle :)
There are only three books from this series left for me to read. As much as I enjoy them and want to pick up the next one right now, even even though the next book is in my audio library, I'll wait a bit before listening to it.
This book has two major plotlines - Meg and Seth's fast-approaching wedding and a cold case that is decades old. A young man was sent to prison for the crime, primarily because he wasn't able to remember exactly what happened and feared he might actually *be guilty. On his release, he returns to town to see if he can figured that out, and Meg is one of the few who has doubts about his guilt.
It was interesting to follow Meg and a few others as they tried to figure it out with very few actual clues to follow. Eventually, the crime was solved, the young man got his answers - and Meg & Seth walked down the aisle :)
There are only three books from this series left for me to read. As much as I enjoy them and want to pick up the next one right now, even even though the next book is in my audio library, I'll wait a bit before listening to it.
July 4, 2017
A solid continuation of the series. Not a good place to start the series, but if you've enjoyed the earlier books you'll probably enjoy A Gala event.
I liked Connolly's approach to the mystery. Invoking what's essentially a cold-case rather than introducing yet another suspicious death was a good choice. She provided a new story without adding to the already suspiciously high death rate in Granford since Meg arrived.
I liked Connolly's approach to the mystery. Invoking what's essentially a cold-case rather than introducing yet another suspicious death was a good choice. She provided a new story without adding to the already suspiciously high death rate in Granford since Meg arrived.
January 21, 2020
In some sense this isn't really a cozy mystery or rather a bit of a different one. Meg decides to visit her friend Gail at the Preservation Society but upon arrival notices that Gail is covered in blood. A strange man had come into the Society and startled Gail upon which she reacted thus injuring the intruder. Of course Meg worries where the man is and in what shape. When of course she finds him, she learns he has an interesting story to tell. There had been a devastating fire at his family's historic home when the man had been a teen. The mother, father, and grandmother all died in the fire but the teen was passed out on the lawn. He had been subsequently charged and found guilty of arson and manslaughter and ahd recently been released from prison after having served a long sentence. He came back to Granville because he truly didn't remember the details of what had happened. Meg of course set out to help the man figure the whole thing out. These little books show a good and charitable side of people and therefore I feel like it is enjoyable if quite easy reading.
February 1, 2017
The apple harvest is almost over, and Meg and Seth are beginning to prepare for their wedding. But they become sidetracked when Aaron Eastman reappears in town. Twenty-five years earlier, when he was seventeen, Aaron was convicted of setting his family home on fire — a fire which killed his parents and grandmother. But, since he was stoned at the time, he has not recollection of what happened; however he can't help but wonder if some of his grandmother's papers that she had donated to the historical society might contain clues to what really happened. Naturally, despite already juggling wedding plans, Meg is eager to help.
This book juxtaposes two storylines — Meg and Seth's happy wedding-preparation, budding family story, contrasted against Aaron's dysfunctional, fractured family — into a very compelling story. Recommended.
This book juxtaposes two storylines — Meg and Seth's happy wedding-preparation, budding family story, contrasted against Aaron's dysfunctional, fractured family — into a very compelling story. Recommended.
November 22, 2017
3.5 Stars Welcome to the least planned wedding in the history of weddings. The actual wedding planning and wedding take up very little of this book. Most of the book concerns helping a recently released convict research his 25 year old conviction. Seth's whole family gets involved in trying to help Aaron find out what happened the night his house burned down, killing his parents & grandmother. He was found outside & can't remember, and he was convicted of 3 counts of manslaughter & arson. It's all a way to avoid wedding planning. In typical male fashion, Seth's way of helping to plan for the wedding and Thanksgiving is to demolish the bath room and add another bath and a half. I do enjoy the series, and am looking forward to the next one.
June 11, 2019
I was a little less into this one than the previous books in the series. While I appreciated that it wasn't another murder in the present, I didn't care for how the mystery wrapped up. Also, given the title, I was hoping for more of the wedding & the reception. The wedding was barely mentioned at the end, and we only got a few pages of the reception. I knocked a star off for that- and for information that isn't consistent with previous books. In the debut book, it was stated that Seth is the eldest of the 3 Chapin kids, then Rachel, and Stephen was the youngest. Lately, it's being stated that Rachel is the youngest. And in one of the earlier books, the father's name is Cal, but in this one, Lydia says her husband's name was Stephen.
March 4, 2023
Meg is happy that the apple harvest is almost complete for the year because it will give Seth & her more time to get ready for their wedding. That plan changes when a former resident comes back to Granford unexpectedly. He’s had a rough life & wants to settle questions he’s had about things that happened many years ago. There’s limited information available because of a fire that occurred & destroyed much of it. As the wedding gets closer things go into overdrive with remodeling the house, family arriving, along with last minute surprises. Everyone agrees that the wedding was beautiful as Meg & Ethan start a new chapter in their lives.
April 9, 2020
A nice feel good cozy mystery. I’m always happy when it’s not a dead body that they stumble upon. This book was the first of the series that I found myself bugged by the Meg. She was far too self absorbed in this book. Which is funny considering her whole “focus” was on solving the mystery rather than her wedding. It just felt like everything that wasn’t about her turned into about her. Plus everything that was about her became a production and became even more about her rather than about those doing nice things for her.
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