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Bellingwood #22

Lessons in Hope

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Graduation, a wedding, and a baby, oh my! Jason Donovan's graduation party is at the Bell House. You'd think that after all of these years of preparation, Sylvie would be ready for this day. She's not. Especially when her ex-husband shows up with his new girlfriend. As soon as Polly and her family are finished with that event, it's time to prepare for Hayden and Cat's wedding. It won't be that easy. One day there are a few nerves and excitement and the next ... chaos. Extended family on both sides threaten to ruin the day. You won't want to miss Lydia and Beryl's take on a shower / bachelorette party. Those two women know how to have fun. Sal and Mark Ogden's baby is due. She can hardly wait. That is, until her mother announces that she will be coming in from Boston to help. With only two days' notice, Sal is in a panic. Her mother's presence is far from comforting. Polly has too much going on to do anything but listen and commiserate. Those events only skim the surface of what Polly has in front of her. Sometimes it isn't the big events that strip us down. When everyday life wears us out, we learn to look for hope in the little things, and in those who care for us through thick and thin.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2018

294 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

About the author

Diane Greenwood Muir

117 books271 followers

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5 stars
447 (72%)
4 stars
122 (19%)
3 stars
39 (6%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Olds.
25 reviews
June 26, 2018
Ya gotta love Polly!

Once again, we are back in Bellingwood with Polly Giller and her amazing extended family. Of course, Polly has amassed these “family” members in the most marvelous ways. By the 8th chapter, I was sniffling as she tugged at my heartstrings and then waiting for some mystery for her to solve in the following chapters. I stayed up waaay past my bedtime to finish reading this one. (like I don’t do it with each successive book). 😊 just three more months till I find out what Polly is up to or into next. 😜
Profile Image for Donna Prosnansky.
3 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2018
Don't mess with Polly's family

Summer has finally arrived and life in Bellingwood and the Giller/Sturtz household is chaotic as always, with changes occurring everywhere. Jason is graduating from high school, Hayden and Cat are getting married, and of course nothing can go smoothly, can it? Not in Polly's world. Changes are occurring around every corner, affecting everyone Polly cares about. Some are good, some not so much, but in the end, Polly remains ever hopeful for the future. Another great read in the Bellingwood series!
Profile Image for Diana.
1,935 reviews12 followers
June 26, 2018
Such a great series, and considering that the author puts out a book in the series EVERY 3 MONTHS....well, that alone garners 4 stars from me. Then, consider the fact that each book continues to get better & better, so an additional star, for a very rare 5 star review. What a delightful treat! Even Beryl was an enjoyable addition to this book. I liked the fact that she appeared so much more human and not so one-dimensional as in other books.
Profile Image for TRUDY.
29 reviews
July 21, 2018
Love love it.

This series of books need to go to Hallmark as a tv series. This is the most wholesome set of books with a mystery in each one. I cannot wait for the next book. Include the trust that was Hayden and Heath inheritance. I bet the aunt and uncle took them because of that trust. See, I am already thinking of the next book. Please,these need to be on Tv. Polly is the best.
166 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2018
Another winner!

The only thing I don’t like about this book is that I finished reading it and have to wait until September for the next one. I love Polly and her family and friends. I want to join her at Sweet Beans. That’s how real these characters have become for me. Start with book 1 and enjoy each and every moment of each book.
69 reviews
June 26, 2018
Another great story from Bellingwood!

The more stories I read about Bellingwood the more I want to read, book 22 finished now and a long, long wait until September for the next! Anyone that hasn't found Bellingwood series yet doesn't know what they're missing, recommend these books to everyone!
567 reviews
July 4, 2018
Love is always busy in Bellingwood

The kids are getting out of school for the summer, Hayden is getting married, the family is working on the bed and breakfast and of course Polly finds a dead body. This is just bits and pieces of what's happening you will have to read more to know it all.

Read and enjoy!
71 reviews
July 5, 2018
Great Reading

As usual, Diane keeps the reader wanting to find out what happens next. The bachelorette/bridal shower at Sweet Beans was wonderful. So full of fun. You never know what Beryl is going to do. The other funny happening at Sweet Beans when Polly find a the murderer and calls Tab about it. You have a great sense of humor Diane Greenwood Muir.
648 reviews
April 14, 2021
The life in Bellingwood goes on. The kids are growing up. Polly is still finding dead bodies. This book the life of the household is center stage with Hayden and Cat's marriage and the crime story is almost superfluous. Love these books and love the characters Muir has created. These books are always page turners for me.
156 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2018
Laughing and crying

These books get better and better. I am so glad that Polly has the gumption to confront awful
People. I applaud her at the beginning of the story and again at the end. Can’t wait to get back to Bellingwood soon
4 reviews
June 26, 2018
Polly....knocks me out.

Another winner by Diane. Polly finds another body, which is a given by now. There is so much happening in Polly's world!
This is a story rich in what makes people human. I strongly recommend all of these stories.
Profile Image for Sandy Tucker.
114 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2018
Another Winner

I absolutely love this series and how readers get to watch Polly and her family and friends grow and live. Always a wonderful read and so happy to know more is coming. Just sad I have to wait for the next edition.
172 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2018
Great book

Love the continuing stories of Polly and her family. Each books seems to get better. Always something that grabs you in each book so you don't want to put it down until it is finished, but it really isn't finished is it. Highly recommend these books.
49 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2018
The data continues

I have always enjoyed this series, but got a little bored with the whole thing this time. I usually read a book on Bellingwood in one of two days. THis time it took about 6 days.
Profile Image for Belinda K Miller.
227 reviews
August 9, 2018
Love love this book series!

The people are like friends and only new ones continue to show up! The stories are so real you want to live in the presence of this town and the people!!! Can't wait for the next one!
2 reviews
August 23, 2018
Great story

As a transplanted Iowan, I enjoy the story of family and community. As an adoptive parent I relate to the love the characters have for their children. I'm looking forward to the next book.
76 reviews
February 11, 2019
Bellingwood never has a dull moment

I love this series! This particular book is packed with events! I love the new characters and how the story is evolving. Reading this books series is like being home with people I love.
676 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2019
Loved this book

I am enjoying traveling through life with this family. Again I liked that the mystery wasn't the main focus of the book. And it's always fun to observe as Polly confronts the bad guys. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Ellen.
61 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2023
always great. I’m so hooked on this series.

Hooked, hooked,hooked! From the first in the series thru #22 ,now I await #23. Polly is a wonder, her friends the best & her ever growing family a sight for sore eyes.
17 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2018
Wonderful

I love this series. It covers so many topics happening in the world today and gives you a bit of hope for the future.
Profile Image for Angela Gee.
8 reviews
July 8, 2018
Family

I love this family and community. Your writing makes me feel like I live in Bellingwood and are part of Pollys family.
2 reviews
July 12, 2018
Bellingwood

Every time I finish these books I think that it was the best in the series. This one didn’t disappoint '
Profile Image for Renata Sutton.
694 reviews
July 15, 2018
Love this series. Fun easy clean reading. I am so tired of reading books with swear words every other word. It is so nice to read a series with no swearing. thank you
10 reviews
July 28, 2018
Another great read! Great characters whom you become friends with and can’t wait to read more.
Thank you for continuing such a great series!
Profile Image for Debbie Barringer.
9 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2018
More fun with Polly!

I love to read, especially Bellingwood books! Can't wait for the next one! There's always something going on, and always a twist you didn't see coming!
Profile Image for Victoria Busby.
237 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2019
Excellent story

Excellent story about the lives of people in a small town in Iowa. The author has a very good style and keeps you reading.
10 reviews
February 5, 2022
The story continues!

Enjoy reading this series. It's great to read about good times with family and friends. Looking forward to the next book
23 reviews
May 12, 2022
Lova Kitchen

This book was one of the best I've read. The way the family continues to grow and take care of each other is awesome. Now on to book 23.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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