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The Darling Dahlias #8
The Darling Dahlias and the Poinsettia Puzzle
It’s Christmas, 1934, and the citizens of Darling, Alabama, are unwrapping a big package of Christmas puzzles. Mildred and Earlynne, members of the Dahlias Garden Club, are planning to open a bakery on the square—if they can come up with the right recipes. Charlie Dickens faces two of the biggest puzzles of his career as an investigative reporter, and one of them involves his wife. Cute little Cupcake’s talent as a singer and dancer makes her a tempting target for an unscrupulous exploiter. Lizzy must enlist the Dahlias to protect her, while she herself is confronted by a romantic puzzle. And Sheriff Norris is forced to reopen a mystery that the town thought was solved and follow a string of clues that lead to a deadly situation at the nearby prison farm. Once again, Susan Wittig Albert takes us to a place where real people have courage, respect for their neighbors, and the dream of doing their best, even when they’re not sure what that is. She reminds us that Christmas is a celebration of friendship, community, and what’s right with the world. There’s nothing puzzling about that.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2018
111 people are currently reading
1967 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wittig Albert
121 books2,380 followersSusan is the author/co-author of biographical/historical fiction, mysteries, and nonfiction. Now in her 80s and continuing to write, she says that retirement is not (yet) an option. She publishes under her own imprint. Here are her latest books.
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
October 3, 2018
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A book that lets the story get in the way of the plot. A small town in Alabama during the depression is the setting, and the authors writes in a Harper Lee type style where the writing never really gets to the point, but goes around and around in circles, until you forget what the heck is even going on. There's a mystery in there someplace, but you might miss it.
A book that lets the story get in the way of the plot. A small town in Alabama during the depression is the setting, and the authors writes in a Harper Lee type style where the writing never really gets to the point, but goes around and around in circles, until you forget what the heck is even going on. There's a mystery in there someplace, but you might miss it.
December 1, 2018
I've only read one book previously in this series and that was the one that was published before this one. But, I've read a number of Susan Wittig Albert books and I pretty much want to read anything she writes. And as always (nowadays) did I both listen to the audiobook as well as reading parts of the book. What can I say, the perks with my job is that I can listen to audiobooks all day long...
One thing that I find so great with this series is that, despite it having so many characters, is it easy to get into the story. Much thanks both to the character list as well as a few tidbits the author gives during the stories progress about the people in Darling. The Darling Dahlias is such a charming series and I loved to once again return to this little town in Alabama. Also, I love books set in the 30s, it such an interesting time period. As for this book, there are several things going on, a new bakery is open up (with lots of drama involved). Little Cupcake father is out to try to get her back after discovering her sing talents. And an old case has to reopen ... and much more happens in Darling. Oh, I almost forgot the puzzle competition set in Darling...
A lovely book that I recommend warmly!
One thing that I find so great with this series is that, despite it having so many characters, is it easy to get into the story. Much thanks both to the character list as well as a few tidbits the author gives during the stories progress about the people in Darling. The Darling Dahlias is such a charming series and I loved to once again return to this little town in Alabama. Also, I love books set in the 30s, it such an interesting time period. As for this book, there are several things going on, a new bakery is open up (with lots of drama involved). Little Cupcake father is out to try to get her back after discovering her sing talents. And an old case has to reopen ... and much more happens in Darling. Oh, I almost forgot the puzzle competition set in Darling...
A lovely book that I recommend warmly!
November 1, 2018
Oh, it is swell to be back in Darling Alabama!
The Darling Dahlias series is one of my favorite series. This book, the 8th in the series, did not disappoint. It included corruption at a prison, murder, a jigsaw puzzle contest, protection of a beloved child of Darling and the opening of a bakery. There was much more than this.
It is set in Darling Alabama during the Depression and revolves around the women of the Darling Dahlias gardening club. Liz Lacy is featured more than the other Dahlias. It is 1934 and Christmas is almost here.
This is one series that I pre-order and am caught up on. The friendship of the Dahlias, their character and the stick togetherness of the group make this series a very relaxing and enjoyable read. The times are tough but they don't dwell on it. They adapt. A person who likes action packed thriller type books would probably find this series too slow for them. It is a series to savor, to sit back, relax and visit again with the Darling characters. I love this series!
This book could be read as a stand alone but for the characters and history I would start at the beginning.
The Darling Dahlias series is one of my favorite series. This book, the 8th in the series, did not disappoint. It included corruption at a prison, murder, a jigsaw puzzle contest, protection of a beloved child of Darling and the opening of a bakery. There was much more than this.
It is set in Darling Alabama during the Depression and revolves around the women of the Darling Dahlias gardening club. Liz Lacy is featured more than the other Dahlias. It is 1934 and Christmas is almost here.
This is one series that I pre-order and am caught up on. The friendship of the Dahlias, their character and the stick togetherness of the group make this series a very relaxing and enjoyable read. The times are tough but they don't dwell on it. They adapt. A person who likes action packed thriller type books would probably find this series too slow for them. It is a series to savor, to sit back, relax and visit again with the Darling characters. I love this series!
This book could be read as a stand alone but for the characters and history I would start at the beginning.
February 17, 2019
The story is set in Darling, a small town where I found really nice and interesting characters. The plot is easy but intriguing. Thank you Netgalley for this cozy read.
October 19, 2018
Another entertaining entry to the series with a real mystery investigation and more romance than usual. Sheriff Buddy, with help, determines who has committed a murder in an undercover operation. As always, the Dahlias are busy too, including a new bakery and a jigsaw puzzle contest as part of the festive holiday season. But all is not bright since Cupcake (Dorothy), Violet's niece, is at the center of a potential scam, which Dorothy's father may be contemplating. It definitely adds a measure of tension to the story.
I always enjoy the Darling Dahlias series, partly for its historical setting, and partly for the characters, who are interesting without being pretentious.
I always enjoy the Darling Dahlias series, partly for its historical setting, and partly for the characters, who are interesting without being pretentious.
November 27, 2019
This is such a lovely series - I like stepping back in time and reading about what life was like in harder days, when people reached out and helped each other and supported each other and loved much easier than I think we do today. Life was hard and I don't think I would want to go back to those times [though it seems we are headed that way more and more], but the kindness and "helping of neighbors" would be a great thing to go back to.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to the next installment.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to the next installment.
November 6, 2018
This has been about my favorite of Albert's series, but this episode is rather blah. The main "mystery" part is the solution to the crime that was left unresolved in the last book, and unless you've just re-read the last one, some of the details are probably a bit misty. There's also a threat to adorable toddler Cupcake, and her two foster mothers, Violet and Myra May, that is partially resolved but that may slop over into the next book. And Liz Lacy's love life gets more complex and then, suddenly, a lot simpler. A jigsaw-puzzle solving contest doesn't really add much to the excitement, nor does a new bakery in town.
January 12, 2019
I received this book free from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
This book is #8 in the Darling Dahlias cozy mystery series. It is the first one I read, and it is pretty good as a stand alone novel.
It takes place during the depression in a small southern town where "nothing ever happens," except murder, bootlegging, kidnapping, romancing, helping neighbors out, friendly competitions, oh, all kinds of excitement.
It is a wonderful story by one of my favorite Texas authors.
This book is #8 in the Darling Dahlias cozy mystery series. It is the first one I read, and it is pretty good as a stand alone novel.
It takes place during the depression in a small southern town where "nothing ever happens," except murder, bootlegging, kidnapping, romancing, helping neighbors out, friendly competitions, oh, all kinds of excitement.
It is a wonderful story by one of my favorite Texas authors.
November 20, 2018
I love a good period mystery and this series doesn't disappoint, the author truly takes you back to the time period and with her descriptions it's easy to picture all that is going on. In this next book of the series you'll find yourself entranced by so many different things like a bakery opening, a jigsaw puzzle contest and an exploiter of children just to name a few. Can the ladies keep a young girl safe from someone who only looks to use her? Will the bakery opening go off without a hitch and will the recipes being used be exciting enough for the customers? Will a mystery brought back to the forefront be solved or will it remain and open case to the sheriff? There are many mysteries to be solved in this new read and as you work your way through the clues you'll feel the Christmas spirit that the Dahlias emit throughout the read. The Dahlias face so many different things but as a group when they work together things seem to have a way of turning out. The mystery of the book is a wonderful way to get your mind working and keeping you interested but the friendships in the book will be what brings you back for more. I look forward to seeing the Dahlia's friendship at work and where life takes them next!
December 20, 2023
I don’t know, I just like this series. nostalgic I guess, I enjoy being taken back into the everyday life of a small depression era town. The Darling Dahlia’s series is light and easy going with plenty of gossip, a few big laughs and a bit of suspenseful danger plus some fun recipes. The Poinsettia Puzzle helps wrap up a few (rather major) questions left dangling in the preceding unlucky clover book.
November 1, 2018
The Darling Dahlias takes you back to an idealized Depression-era South where simple activities bring great joy and hardship makes people closer rather than tear them apart. It's a nice place to visit.
June 19, 2020
This is the 8th and (for now) final book in this cozy mystery series. Overall, I really enjoyed this series.
February 16, 2024
Nothing ever happens in Darling, Alabama. It is just a small southern town, sleepy even, but to say nothing ever happens is to ignore: the Christmas puzzle contest; rumors of bootleg hooch being produced at the prison farm...after all they make everything else they need; Cupcake's father surfacing after 5 years to take custody of his daughter; and who is it that makes Liz Lacy's heart throb? A story plot of interest to one and all served up with a big dollop of history by Ms. Albert. The reader really gets a feel for the life and times of the ordinary citizen of this quiet little town.
Currently reading
November 1, 2018Author gift
pub date October 15, 2018
received November 1, 2018
Persevero Press
pub date October 15, 2018
received November 1, 2018
Persevero Press
January 11, 2019
This book is set at Christmas time in 1934. There is a holiday jigsaw puzzle tournament and the Dahlias have sponsored a team. Earlynne and Mildred have decided to open a bakery and are in a panic because while they can bake all kinds of fancy treats they can’t bake bread. Myra and Violet are upset about Cupcake’s father coming to get her and the sheriff has to figure out what is going on at the prison farm.
October 31, 2019
The last book in this series so far. Not quite the wrap up I had hoped but maybe there will be more someday. I've enjoyed these little mysteries.
August 9, 2022
This episode of the Darling Dahlias answers all the questions left out of the previous book. You sure wouldn’t want to read this series out of order, if you even wanted to read it at all.
October 21, 2018
The Darling Dahlias are back in a satisfying story
When I’m reading a Darling Dahlias story I never want it to end, and this one is no exception. It has everything: romance, mystery, recipes, bootlegging, and even a shootout. On top of it all, it’s Christmas in Darling, Alabama. If you want a story that makes you feel good, this is the one to choose.
When I’m reading a Darling Dahlias story I never want it to end, and this one is no exception. It has everything: romance, mystery, recipes, bootlegging, and even a shootout. On top of it all, it’s Christmas in Darling, Alabama. If you want a story that makes you feel good, this is the one to choose.
June 6, 2019
Read for a book club. Ugh, not my cup of tea. Don't care about these southern women and their petty concerns; I cannot relate at all. Seriously, who cares.
November 14, 2018
The ending, oh the ending!! My ship has unexpectedly set sail again, and for that lovely ending, I had to bump my rating up another star ♥
After the disappointment of Unlucky Clover, I was a little hesitant to pick this book up. I didn't like that Clover more or less ended only halfway through the story, and I was wary of that happening again. Luckily, it didn't - the storylines from the last book were all wrapped up, albeit somewhat disappointingly. It seems like this series is shifting away from mysteries and more towards small town/slice of life stuff. I like the characters, but I also liked the mystery aspect of this series.
It was really nice to see (most of) the Dahlias again, after their collective non-appearance in the previous book. I thought the subplot with Mildred and Earlynne's bakery was hilarious. I did find the whole Cupcake storyline a bit tedious and unbelievable - I can't image the entire town taking that child to heart in any serious sort of way. The big mystery surrounding Fannie Champaign was a huge disappointment. The prison farm subplot turned out better than I anticipated - I'm glad there was more to that story than was revealed in Unlucky Clover, or else it would've felt like a disappointment, too.
The other bit I could've done without was all the asides that seemed wedged into the narrative. Did we really need to hear the history of the brassiere just because Liz was putting one on one random morning? Or the secrets of the titular poinsettia? Or about the wonder of Wonder Bread not once, but several times?! I don't know if Ms. Albert has an editor for these stories now that she's publishing independently, but I think it would help. I know research is fascinating, but everything in its place, eh?
After the disappointment of Unlucky Clover, I was a little hesitant to pick this book up. I didn't like that Clover more or less ended only halfway through the story, and I was wary of that happening again. Luckily, it didn't - the storylines from the last book were all wrapped up, albeit somewhat disappointingly. It seems like this series is shifting away from mysteries and more towards small town/slice of life stuff. I like the characters, but I also liked the mystery aspect of this series.
It was really nice to see (most of) the Dahlias again, after their collective non-appearance in the previous book. I thought the subplot with Mildred and Earlynne's bakery was hilarious. I did find the whole Cupcake storyline a bit tedious and unbelievable - I can't image the entire town taking that child to heart in any serious sort of way. The big mystery surrounding Fannie Champaign was a huge disappointment. The prison farm subplot turned out better than I anticipated - I'm glad there was more to that story than was revealed in Unlucky Clover, or else it would've felt like a disappointment, too.
The other bit I could've done without was all the asides that seemed wedged into the narrative. Did we really need to hear the history of the brassiere just because Liz was putting one on one random morning? Or the secrets of the titular poinsettia? Or about the wonder of Wonder Bread not once, but several times?! I don't know if Ms. Albert has an editor for these stories now that she's publishing independently, but I think it would help. I know research is fascinating, but everything in its place, eh?
November 30, 2018
I like the sense of history and culture in this series, set in Alabama during the years of the Depression.
November 7, 2018
4 stars
This is another delightful “Darling Dahlias” novel. In it we meet the (mostly) kindly and generous people of Darling, Alabama during the depression era of 1934. They share; they donate and get along well for the most part. Two of the ladies are opening a new bakery. They can’t agree on most things, but have been fast friends all their lives. The local editor and reporter for the newspaper has some puzzling new thing to, well – investigate. A little girl who sings and dances enchantingly may go to Hollywood on her talent. Another puzzle pops up when a suicide turns out to be a cleverly planned murder. Sheriff Norris and his deputy are faced with this conundrum.
These are charming books that describe the small town of Darling with all of the color and liveliness it deserves. The small shops, the struggling residents and the enduring friendships between these special women are all brilliantly imparted to the reader. It is a relaxing way in which to spend an afternoon. I enjoy these little books and look forward to reading the next in the series.
I want to thank NetGalley and Perservero Press/IBPA for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
This is another delightful “Darling Dahlias” novel. In it we meet the (mostly) kindly and generous people of Darling, Alabama during the depression era of 1934. They share; they donate and get along well for the most part. Two of the ladies are opening a new bakery. They can’t agree on most things, but have been fast friends all their lives. The local editor and reporter for the newspaper has some puzzling new thing to, well – investigate. A little girl who sings and dances enchantingly may go to Hollywood on her talent. Another puzzle pops up when a suicide turns out to be a cleverly planned murder. Sheriff Norris and his deputy are faced with this conundrum.
These are charming books that describe the small town of Darling with all of the color and liveliness it deserves. The small shops, the struggling residents and the enduring friendships between these special women are all brilliantly imparted to the reader. It is a relaxing way in which to spend an afternoon. I enjoy these little books and look forward to reading the next in the series.
I want to thank NetGalley and Perservero Press/IBPA for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
March 20, 2019
It’s Christmas in Darling, AL and the Dahlias are getting ready for the community puzzle competition. Mildred and Earlynne are preparing for the grand opening of their bakery. Meanwhile, the police department is trying to solve the mystery of some questionable events at the nearby prison.
This book 8 in the series but my first book. I had no problems following the story so the book can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. The characters are realistic, unique, and quirky. The book takes place in 1934 Alabama, being an Alabamian I learned a lot about life during this time in places that I have been often. The storyline grabbed me from the beginning and held my attention until the end. The friendships and other relationships felt real and the well placed red herrings keep the mystery intact. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of this series.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
This book 8 in the series but my first book. I had no problems following the story so the book can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. The characters are realistic, unique, and quirky. The book takes place in 1934 Alabama, being an Alabamian I learned a lot about life during this time in places that I have been often. The storyline grabbed me from the beginning and held my attention until the end. The friendships and other relationships felt real and the well placed red herrings keep the mystery intact. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of this series.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
December 25, 2018
I have read a number of books by this author and have enjoyed them all, so I had high expectations for this book and it did not disappoint. Although it was classified as a mystery novel, I think it is much more than that. The mysteries in this novel seem almost incidental to the plot, which involves the lives and relationships of the residents of a small southern town, just after the Great Depression. This novel is well researched and gives some insight into how people lived during this time. The characters are interesting and well developed and even though there are quite a few of them, the author has endowed them with enough individuality for the reader to keep them straight.
I really liked this book and feel that it would appeal to a broad range of readers.
I really liked this book and feel that it would appeal to a broad range of readers.
January 26, 2021
I haven't read a Darling Dahlias book in a long time, and I appreciated that Albert left little summaries that did not intrude on the story about past adventures, giving titles of where those stories took place. Liz and the Dahlias are entering a puzzle contest, hence the title. Other adventures going on are a still at the prison farm, an unsolved murder involving the prison farm, Cupcake in danger of being kidnapped, and three men who would like Liz to be their girl.
It was a great cozy mystery for January!
It was a great cozy mystery for January!
December 18, 2019
Another excellent edition to a wonderful series! Full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more and enjoying each moment until the end when the killer is caught.
November 16, 2024
I enjoyed The Darling Dahlias and the Poinsettia Puzzle by Susan Wittig Albert, but not as much as the other three books I’ve read in the 10 book Darling Dahlias series. The main mystery and storyline seemed to get a bit lost amidst the Christmas festivities and the numerous problems the Darling Dahlias were tackling: saving Cupcake from being taken away, winning the puzzle contest, and stepping in to help the flour bakery. While these subplots showcased the Dahlias’ genuine care and teamwork, they sometimes overshadowed the central mystery. However, this won’t deter me from continuing with the series—I’m determined to finish all 10 books, with 6 more to go.
That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the cozy, festive Christmas atmosphere that these stories brought to the read. This book stays consistent with the tone and themes of the earlier books in the series, making it a charming holiday read. If you’re looking for a small-town, cozy Christmas mystery with a generous helping of community camaraderie, this book is a great choice. I am lucky to be reading it in November, all curled up in my blanket on the couch with a cup of warm tea.
It was also nice to see significant developments in Liz’s love life and career. I found this a quick read, although some parts felt repetitive since the storyline references events and details from earlier books. However, I understand the need to make the book accessible to new readers who might not have read the previous installments.
Another highlight of the book was its focus on the poinsettia. It offers fascinating history and background about the flower and weaves it beautifully into the story, showcasing its role in Christmas celebrations and as a thoughtful gift.
My favorite lines from the book are:
-Some suggested that puzzles were popular because they gave millions of unemployed people a cheap, absorbing way to fill the empty hours. But Lizzy thought it was more that that. You might be out of a job, but you could tell yourself that you that were "at work" on the puzzle. Finishing a puzzle could give you a sense of accomplishment that was hard to come by when you weren't bringing a paycheck home every week. You might even begin to feel that you were in control of something, at a time when most people felt that they were at the mercy of outside forces.
-Somebody taking advantage of somebody else. Seems like life is full of dutch bargains.
-But they had managed to remain close friends in spite of their differences, which must be some sort of testimony to the fundamental perversity of the human spirit.
-Lizzy had learned long ago that it was easier to get along with her mother if she gave in on the small things(like the eggbeater) and saved her energy for significant battles. Her house had been one of those battles.
-In her opinion, life was far too short to bother doing anything that required a great deal of regular practice, like perfecting her golf swing or learning to play the piano-or baking bread. In fact, baking bread fell into the category of things it might be nice to do someday, but were definitely not necessary to her everyday happiness.
-"Don't tell me what it is. If cupcake disappears and I'm questioned, I want to be able to say 'I don't know' without telling an outright lie. It's called deniability."
-That's always the way with new things, isn't it? A surprise around every corner, and some of them not so pleasant.
That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the cozy, festive Christmas atmosphere that these stories brought to the read. This book stays consistent with the tone and themes of the earlier books in the series, making it a charming holiday read. If you’re looking for a small-town, cozy Christmas mystery with a generous helping of community camaraderie, this book is a great choice. I am lucky to be reading it in November, all curled up in my blanket on the couch with a cup of warm tea.
It was also nice to see significant developments in Liz’s love life and career. I found this a quick read, although some parts felt repetitive since the storyline references events and details from earlier books. However, I understand the need to make the book accessible to new readers who might not have read the previous installments.
Another highlight of the book was its focus on the poinsettia. It offers fascinating history and background about the flower and weaves it beautifully into the story, showcasing its role in Christmas celebrations and as a thoughtful gift.
My favorite lines from the book are:
-Some suggested that puzzles were popular because they gave millions of unemployed people a cheap, absorbing way to fill the empty hours. But Lizzy thought it was more that that. You might be out of a job, but you could tell yourself that you that were "at work" on the puzzle. Finishing a puzzle could give you a sense of accomplishment that was hard to come by when you weren't bringing a paycheck home every week. You might even begin to feel that you were in control of something, at a time when most people felt that they were at the mercy of outside forces.
-Somebody taking advantage of somebody else. Seems like life is full of dutch bargains.
-But they had managed to remain close friends in spite of their differences, which must be some sort of testimony to the fundamental perversity of the human spirit.
-Lizzy had learned long ago that it was easier to get along with her mother if she gave in on the small things(like the eggbeater) and saved her energy for significant battles. Her house had been one of those battles.
-In her opinion, life was far too short to bother doing anything that required a great deal of regular practice, like perfecting her golf swing or learning to play the piano-or baking bread. In fact, baking bread fell into the category of things it might be nice to do someday, but were definitely not necessary to her everyday happiness.
-"Don't tell me what it is. If cupcake disappears and I'm questioned, I want to be able to say 'I don't know' without telling an outright lie. It's called deniability."
-That's always the way with new things, isn't it? A surprise around every corner, and some of them not so pleasant.
December 16, 2018
I have read all the other books in this series, and must say, up front, that this is not and will never be my favorite. A lot is happening in depression-era Darling, AL. The Darling Dahlias are plenty busy with all that is going on and, besides, it is the hectic, busy Christmas season. The group decides to join in the community puzzle contest, so their team is busy practicing putting puzzles together in preparation for the big event. Surprising facts come up about a recent suicide, leading law enforcement to question what really occurred. The town’s beloved niece of one of the group’s members, “Cupcake’s” mysterious past has come to call, and she may now be in danger. Liz finds that even the town lawyer, for whom she has worked for years, has had to cut back on her hours because of the depression, and she must seek out new avenues to follow to stay afloat financially, while new love interest emerges. Two members of the Dahlias open a start-up bakery, with all the problems/work that involves. As I said, a lot is going on in Darling during this holiday season.
As with the other books, the author brings the reader right into the heart of downtown Darling, AL, with all its quirky but wonderful citizens and their daily struggles and successes during this depression era. I enjoyed reading about their lives, as I have in the other books. One thing I found distracting almost to the point of being a turn-off was the way the author kept referencing other books in the series by name whenever she discusses things about various characters. It almost seemed as if she was pushing her books on the reader, if he/she had not already read them. Providing some back story might have been a better approach and would definitely have seemed less like the author was pushing her books. There also is not much of a story here. I agree with other reviewers that there is just too much going on to focus on one central plot, so you end up with a mis-match of different occurrences/events loosely tied together in the book. Any one of the events/occurrences could easily have provided enough for one solid book. Still, I enjoyed reading about the Dahlias and their lovely small town. I am sure anyone else who has enjoyed the other books in the series will enjoy this one. There is an underlying Christmas theme also very present but not too overwhelming. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
As with the other books, the author brings the reader right into the heart of downtown Darling, AL, with all its quirky but wonderful citizens and their daily struggles and successes during this depression era. I enjoyed reading about their lives, as I have in the other books. One thing I found distracting almost to the point of being a turn-off was the way the author kept referencing other books in the series by name whenever she discusses things about various characters. It almost seemed as if she was pushing her books on the reader, if he/she had not already read them. Providing some back story might have been a better approach and would definitely have seemed less like the author was pushing her books. There also is not much of a story here. I agree with other reviewers that there is just too much going on to focus on one central plot, so you end up with a mis-match of different occurrences/events loosely tied together in the book. Any one of the events/occurrences could easily have provided enough for one solid book. Still, I enjoyed reading about the Dahlias and their lovely small town. I am sure anyone else who has enjoyed the other books in the series will enjoy this one. There is an underlying Christmas theme also very present but not too overwhelming. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
December 23, 2018
It’s 1934 and the town of Darling, Alabama is still in the throes of the worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world - The Great Depression. The ladies of the local garden club (the Dahlias) are all engrossed in their personal interests, aspirations and conflicts. Two are taking the plunge and opening a bakery on the town square, while others are gearing up for the local jigsaw puzzle contest, there is a little “Cupcake” whose future may be in jeopardy, and the sheriff believes he may have stumbled on a murder as well as other criminal activity at the local prison farm and has enlisted the help of Charlie Dickens, the publisher of the local newspaper. On a more personal level, it appears that there may be romance on the horizon for one of the Dahlias as well as a career opportunity.
These are just a taste of the many things this clever book has going on but author Susan Wittig Albert manages to keep “all the balls in the air” in this entertaining juggling act. Her characters are strong, loyal and magnetic, the cultural and community details of the era informative and the various story threads keep the reader glued to the page.
Ms. Albert has even placed a cherry on top of this delightful confection in the form of recipes for some scrumptious Southern goodies that are sure to tempt your sweet tooth not to mention the helpful botanical and gardening information for those with a green thumb.
This cozy is a fun, quick read to add to your holiday season…..or you can hold off and welcome spring with a visit to this idyllic Southern town.
These are just a taste of the many things this clever book has going on but author Susan Wittig Albert manages to keep “all the balls in the air” in this entertaining juggling act. Her characters are strong, loyal and magnetic, the cultural and community details of the era informative and the various story threads keep the reader glued to the page.
Ms. Albert has even placed a cherry on top of this delightful confection in the form of recipes for some scrumptious Southern goodies that are sure to tempt your sweet tooth not to mention the helpful botanical and gardening information for those with a green thumb.
This cozy is a fun, quick read to add to your holiday season…..or you can hold off and welcome spring with a visit to this idyllic Southern town.
July 9, 2022
I have been enjoying this series so far, but now I'm running into trouble.
1. The writing itself has been very good. Especially well-done is a scene in book 8 between Buddy and his deputy. The pacing is excellent, the dialogue is realistic, the little details are perfect. But now...there are still paragraphs of wonderful prose, but an awful lot of the book is a summary of the characters and events that have happened in each book.
I have to skim a lot. I can almost quote the story about the founding of Darling by heart now. Is she lifting whole sections from previous books? The story of each character gets a re-hashing. I find myself saying, "Yeah, yeah, get on with it." It has become very annoying! How often do we have to hear the backstory of Grady and Liz?
2. Some of the characters have become more naive and downright...dense. Other instances like that occur. "Why would she be a suspect in so-and-so's murder? So and so died in an accident!"
3. This just seems like the summary of a book. The previous one did, too, as if they're written in a hurry. They're becoming very thin on plot. I hope it picks up!
4. Just a small thing, but the name of Lizzy's book - Inherit the Flames? Awful!
1. The writing itself has been very good. Especially well-done is a scene in book 8 between Buddy and his deputy. The pacing is excellent, the dialogue is realistic, the little details are perfect. But now...there are still paragraphs of wonderful prose, but an awful lot of the book is a summary of the characters and events that have happened in each book.
I have to skim a lot. I can almost quote the story about the founding of Darling by heart now. Is she lifting whole sections from previous books? The story of each character gets a re-hashing. I find myself saying, "Yeah, yeah, get on with it." It has become very annoying! How often do we have to hear the backstory of Grady and Liz?
2. Some of the characters have become more naive and downright...dense. Other instances like that occur. "Why would she be a suspect in so-and-so's murder? So and so died in an accident!"
3. This just seems like the summary of a book. The previous one did, too, as if they're written in a hurry. They're becoming very thin on plot. I hope it picks up!
4. Just a small thing, but the name of Lizzy's book - Inherit the Flames? Awful!
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