The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks

Village of Primm #2

by Julie Valerie

A wife, mother, and aspiring filmmaker clings to the pursuit of perfection only to have fate play with every plan she’s made in this quirky, contemplative, and empowering novel.

Holly Banks is on a desperate mission to have it all, but nothing in life goes according to plan. She’s quickly learning that keeping up with the Joneses is a full-time job, especially when the women of Primm, her new neighborhood, seem to have it together all the time.

With her husband’s job in flux, her daughter’s difficulty with learning to read, and her mother’s new zest for dating, Holly’s life is already anything but picture perfect. Then her dog digs up an old artifact in the village center, and the mishap draws the attention of local media. Because of course it would.

Holly finds herself at the center of a mystery between two rival towns that, if solved, could change the Village of Primm forever. Attention is the last thing she needs as she’s launching a new business, the village-wide “Parade of Homes” is approaching—though she’s hardly unpacked—and she needs to submit her entry for an upcoming film festival. Can Holly still create her perfect (looking) life? Or is fate about to go off script and give her a story she never could have imagined?

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Ebooks, Humor

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2020

About the author

Standalones in a connected series, Holly Banks Full of Angst, Book One in the Village of Primm series, released December 1, 2019, with Lake Union. The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks, Book Two in the series, releases November 24, 2020, also with Lake Union.

Julie earned an editing certificate from the University of Chicago Graham School and has a master's degree in education, a bachelor of fine arts in fashion, and certification in wilderness first aid. She enjoys books, the study of wine, hikes on the Appalachian Trail, and travel. Julie married her college sweetheart, and they live in Virginia with their four children and two English labradors.

Learn more about Julie and subscribe to her newsletter at https://julievalerie.com.

Follow Julie Valerie's Amazon author page, and be the first to learn of new releases and author updates https://amzn.to/2Vb9gGi.

Follow Julie on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/julie....

Connect with Julie on Twitter and Pinterest @julie_valerie. On Facebook and Instagram @julievalerieauthor.

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now know I can count on Julie Valerie to deliver a fun book that never takes itself too seriously, one that offers the perfect escape from long winter days. Like many of us, Holly Banks finds her hands full at all times, when she would really like to have it all come to her much more easily. She’s married, a mom, and a budding filmmaker, and she’s juggling, or treading water, or both.

Can her life be as perfect as she dreams it?

Julie Valerie, I hope we’ll get to meet up with Holly again. I’ve loved watching her grow as a character, and there’s so much to relate to here, while also offering some light humor and just plain fun!

I received a gifted copy.

Many of my review can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know what I love? books that make you laugh and don't take themselves too seriously, and that is exactly what I get with this series. The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks by Julie Valerie is the second book in the Village of Primm series and I think I liked it even more than the first book (Holly Banks Full of Angst). It was so much fun, and I love Valerie's personable writing style. There is just something about the way she writes these books that I just love, and it makes them that much better because of it. I read until about halfway and then switched to the audio and man that is the way to go. Kathleen McInerney narrates, and she is AMAZING, she makes the perfect Holly and you just have to give her props for the way she makes all the sounds in this book. I don't think I could keep myself from laughing, but she was fantastic and now I will definitely be listening to the audio for all Village of Primm books to come.

I also love that there was a little dash of mystery in this one. Book one is about Holly, the school, and the neighborhood for the most part, but this one goes into a full-blown mystery thanks to her dog Struggle. I also really enjoyed the addition of the crossword puzzle that I couldn't solve. This would make a great summer read or a palate cleanser in between heavier books. It was fine as a standalone, but I did find myself wishing I had recently read the last book since I couldn't really remember anything about it. However, I thought Valerie did a great job on catching the reader up on what happened in Holly Banks Full of Angst.

If you are looking for a fun, lighter read look no further and pick up this book today! That sounds like an ad but I'm serious.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an advance review copy of this book! All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Randi (randi_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

One month into living in their new home and town and Holly is still trying to keep up with her neighbors/fellow moms while wanting to start a film company. She's basically a hot mess with an unruly dog (appropriately named Struggle) and she desperately needs to get her home and her life organized.

Initially, I had a hard time getting into this book. I was just not feeling it and I felt the chapters were just way too long. (I needed a break and I hate stopping mid chapter!) The story and Holly grew on me the more I read, though. I understood her incessant need to fit in and have the people of Primm Village like her. I enjoyed her added wit and sarcasm as she went from one misadventure to the next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Mom_Loves_Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #2 in the Village of Primm series & takes place shortly after the 1st book, 'Holly Banks Full of Angst', which came out in 2019. You can read 'Peculiar Fate...' as a stand-alone, but I highly suggest reading the 1st book, too! You will surely love Holly & the Primm folk's as much as I did! Reading this current installment felt like meeting up w/ an old friend to talk about friendship, community, & motherhood.

'The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks' is light-hearted, heart-warming, heartfelt (basically full of heart!) & touches the soul of readers, especially busy, perfectionist, stressed out mother's like me! I found the book as delightful as the first book (maybe even a little better) & poignant, witty & often quite relatable.

Both books are available now, so head to your local indie bookstore & Treat Yo'Self today! You deserve it!

[shereadswith_coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a stand alone and it didn’t miss a beat. Author Julie Valerie did such an amazing job creating the quirky heroine Holly Banks and the uppity village of Primm.

Funny! Fresh and light, “ The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks” gives you a lift on a gloomy rainy day. Holly Banks leads a busy life as a mother, wife and beginner filmmaker….trying to balance it all, wanting it ALL. Relatable ! A dab of mystery too !

After a short month of living in her new town of Primm, Holly is still trying to keep up with her fellow moms and find her way to “fit in”. The strive for perfection is overwhelming and it’s non stop adventure including her dog, Struggle! A drama filled read, thoroughly entertaining.

After a heavy and emotional read, this is just what I needed, Valerie’s writing style lifts your spirits and keeps you wanting more.
Funny wedding antics and a lighthearted read destined to lift you up and laugh out loud.

Thanks @netgalley for this ARC . All comments and opinions are my own.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks
By Julie Valerie

I am so happy to see what Holly has been up to in the second installment of the Village of Primm series and the sequel to one of my favorite reads, Holly Banks Full of Angst. Though this book can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend you reading the first book to really get the feel of the Village Primm as well as getting to know Holly a lot better.

Holly is a favorite character because she embodies a woman so relatable as she goes through her life, always trying her best, but often times she is really a hot mess with her dog Struggle. I love the element of mystery in this book and as always a hilarious romp full of fun. I enjoyed this fun and light hearted read about womanhood, motherhood and the neighborhood.

I simply adored this amazing book!

[Maggie (Magsisreadingagain) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Holly Banks series takes us back to the Village of Primm. Holly is starting to hit her stride, or at least she’s managing to get her daughter on the bus in the morning. Holly has high hopes for her life in Primm, including the picture-perfect home, the ideal family, and the dream job. But as the family dog digs up artifacts that threaten the very existence of the village, Holly faces a plethora of disasters that threaten her very sanity. Will she manage to overcome the obstacles, and live the perfect suburban life?

This book is a fun, lighthearted look at village life, and mom realities. These characters would play out well on a television show, with some fairly stereotypical sit-com identities. A nice break between heavier reads.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I enjoyed Holly Banks Full of Angst, I was looking forward to seeing what would happen next in the Village of Primm. The story picks up where it left off, so that is definitely helpful in terms of continuity.

Overall, this was a good follow-up to the previous novel. I enjoyed getting to know Holly better. I could definitely relate to some of her current angst and the parts where she and Jack were discussing her plight were the most interesting to me. I can relate as a working mom in regards to seeking balance and also trying to make things work for my family as a whole. Ella was so cute with being a bridezilla for the QU wedding. Also the parts involving Greta were interesting.

However, I could have done without the whole mystery that Struggle is involved in, as the archaeological facts (like the information about astrolabes) didn't work for me. Maybe if it were a more engaging mystery, I would have been more excited about it. It just took away from other parts that could have been fleshed out more, like Holly trying to confront her fear of flying or more interactions between Holly and Mary-Margaret. (I want a she shed now!) Even so, Julie Valerie kept the story moving along with all the humorous banter, neighborhood texts, and more letters to the psychic.

I look forward to seeing what will happen next in Holly's life, as well as with the supporting characters.

Movie (or TV series) casting suggestions (some are from the first novel):
Holly: Cobie Smulders
Mary-Margaret: Leslie Mann
Jack: Michael Rady
Caleb: Dylan Arnold
Penelope: Elizabeth Banks
Greta: Blythe Danner
Shanequa: Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Houston: Michael Caine
Thom: Patrick Wilson
Eliza Addalee: Katie McGrath
Maeve: Holland Taylor

[Kate Vocke (bookapotamus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our favorite friend, Holly Banks is back! In The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks, she’s still living in the idyllic Village of Primm - in fact this one picks up just weeks later after we first met her!⁣
⁣
The shenanigans are aplenty as Holly gets into all sorts of crazy situations - as Holly often does. But this time, there’s a lot more heart, and even some scary situations… with a side of curious mystery and the importance of family taking center stage.⁣ I did find I missed a lot of the quirky fun humor from the first book. This one was MUCH more serious. But still a good read nonetheless!
⁣
But my favorite furry character steals the show in this one! If you thought Holly’s antics throughout Primm were silly and over-the-top, just wait til you hang out with Struggle the dog 🐕‍🦺 for five minutes!⁣
⁣
Holly is still striving for that elusive "domestic perfection" and with a bit of wit and lot of heart she just might triumph… but you have to read to find out!���

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. I have not read the first yet but it seems like you don't need to read it first to understand the relationships. There is enough backstory and setup to introduce you to the Town of Primm and Holly's life there. Though there seems like way more misadventures and peculiar happenings were going on in that book that you might want to check it out to find out the origin. There was so much happening in this book and seriously I can relate. The juggle is real!! I may not have the homeowners stress and Kindergartners wedding to plan. But there is so much pressure as a stay at home Mom trying to get back in the workforce in a new community. The stress of being a perfect mother, daughter, friend, wife, person, worker, etc. It's so overwhelming. Sometimes it feels good to just accomplish being one of those in a day. 
Her new expensive house is having issues, there's some health issues in the family, there's a huge mystery in the town with some property rights with the town nearby that she gets thrown into. Her dog who keeps getting away from her ends up being the one that helps with this mystery. 
I totally feel Holly with the plumbing issues, in the last year we have had two freak water pipe issues where there have been leaks in our walls. The unit above us was being renovated and we had water coming through our light in our bathroom and a huge bubble over our vanity. I would've liked the what they gave her I think the rental office gave us a $50 gift card! This was definitely a non-stop adventure through a stage of rebirth in Holly's life finding herself again, finding her art, creating a company, finding her center, being the Pinterest worthy mom (just kidding, that doesn't exist).

Rating: 3 1/2
Thank you Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for the arc copy for my honest and voluntary review! 

[Jamele (BookswithJams) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks we pick up where book one left off. Struggle had a larger role in this one, which I loved. Holly is a little more settled and is wanting to get back into her love of film making, but she is still trying to do it all and then some, which backfires as we well know. I was so attached to each of these characters, and while I missed the snarky banter b/w she and the Queen Bee, there was plenty of drama and shenanigans in this one and I was yet again thoroughly entertained! And the wedding was hilarious and beyond creative, still cracking up at that one!

Thank you to BookSparks for the gifted copy to review.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of THE PECULIAR FATE OF HOLLY BANKS by Julie Valerie to read and review. Thank you to Julie Valerie, Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced electronic copy and finished copy!

THE PECULIAR FATE HOLLY BANKS is the second book in Julie Valerie’s Village of Primm series. I really enjoyed meeting Holly in book one, HOLLY BANKS FULL OF ANGST and was happy to get a chance to make a return to the Village of Primm. This book picks up not long after the first book concludes.

Holly is a bit more settled into her new life in her new community, but she’s still juggling motherhood, a rambunctious dog, a husband who’s still finding himself, a community that is nothing less than high maintenance… oh, and her own personal life and career too. As one might expect, things are not all going smoothly according to plan. In this installment of the series, Holly and her dog Struggle stumble into a mystery about the history of the town and all eyes are on them.

We’ve got a dog dressed up as a unicorn (not something I’d know anything about *innocent whistle*) running amok, a plane landing in the yard, colorful characters and Holly, a woman trying to maintain some level of control… not entirely successfully. When I first picked up HOLLY BANKS FULL OF ANGST I was a bit concerned about how well I could connect to a PTA mom character living a very different life from my own, but I loved Holly even so.

This return to Holly’s life was a fun and lighthearted read at a time when I needed a good light read during a super busy week. Reading about Holly’s over the top situations and stress was a great distraction from my own. I loved the focus on the dog mom part of Holly’s life as well, something to which I can definitely relate (though I have to say my Kylee is a little less prone to trouble).

If you are looking for a fun read (and an excuse to dress your pup up as a glittery unicorn), look for THE PECULIAR FATE OF HOLLY BANKS when it releases on November 24, 2020!

[Jill (chill_jilland_read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly Banks is back!

This series is for fans of I Love Lucy meets Desperate Housewives. Holly Banks is a mom who is just trying to remember to water the plants and keep the dog fed, but living in the uppity Primm Village adds so much more to her overflowing plate. In the second book of the series, Holly finds herself in the spotlight when she uncovers an old artifact in the town which brings her in the middle of two rival towns while trying to keep her house clean for the parade of homes.

Holly Banks is one of the most relatable mamas in books with her cheeky sense of humor and soft heart. Her mishaps are laugh out loud and reminiscent of comedians of old like Lucille Ball. This story was refreshing and the perfect escape from the current climate of the world. All of the characters shine and carry out an interesting plot. Although it was a bit slow to start, the entire Primm Village crew delivers a fun story about family, friendship, and how to hold it together...even if barely.

4 stars

[Christie Savage (travel.through.pages) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks is the second in Julie Valerie's Village of Primm series (the first, Holly Banks Full of Angst, is free on Kindle Unlimited and the ebook is on sale for $1.99!) but it totally works as a stand alone story too.

The Village of Primm is filled with quirky characters and reminds me a bit of Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives. At the heart of the book is Holly Banks, a former film producer who's been staying home to raise her daughter but now questions what's next now that she's headed to kindergarten. Surrounded by her hobby-obsessed husband, a misbehaving dog, her kooky mom, an over-the-top five-year-old, and eccentric neighbors, Holly learns the hard way that what seems like the "perfect" life is often anything but and it's easy to identify with her fear that she's losing herself, that she's not doing enough for her daughter, that her mother is aging, and that she'll never make friends.

There were moments I laughed out loud, like when Holly laments she'd can't name all nine Supreme Court justices but does know every main My Little Pony character (been there!), and others where I really felt for her (I won't spoil the what happens but it's touching). There is a subplot about a town mystery that I found a bit convoluted but overall, this book was exactly what I needed to distract me from real life - the message that things don't always go according to plan and sometimes rolling with the punches ends up better in the long run is a great life lesson right now.

Thanks to the author, Lake Union and NetGalley for an advanced copy to review.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Julie Valerie and Lake Union Publishing for my gifted copy of The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks! Fans of Valerie’s first book will be delighted with Holly’s return and her escapades trying to keep up with everyone in the Village of Primm.

Holly Banks is a character that you can tell Valerie has had fun with. In The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks, I saw Holly display some great growth and really realize what was important in life, as various events in her life unfolded (trying not to give away spoilers here). Holly was definitely still busy trying to keep up with everyone else (and start her film company), but there was something in her that changed in this book.

Valerie does a fantastic job of keeping the reader interested throughout the entire book. There are multiple plot points that get intertwined, along with the fabulous cast of supporting characters you know and love from the first book. I was so happy to see Ella (Holly’s daughter) back, along with more drama from her school. That was a highly entertaining storyline for me!

If you like a book with a really interesting main character, you’ll enjoy this one (I put the full synopsis in the comments). I’d recommend reading the first book (Holly Banks, Full of Angst) to truly understand where Holly is coming from and her background with some of the characters, but I wouldn’t say that it’s 100% necessary.

[Katie Katieneedsabiggerbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Holly Banks is Full of Angst. It had me laughing out loud, and was just such a great story. While I liked this sequel, I have to say I was a little bit disappointed. I didn't feel this one had the same humor as the first and thats why I had loved the original so much! I did enjoy catching up with all our favorite characters, but I just wish we had the same humor as the first book.

[Stefani · Rating 3 out of 5]

*review copy from NetGalley

I did not know this was book two in a series, I requested the title because the cover and description seemed fun. Though, I admit I could've gone back and read book #1, I do think I was able to quickly find my way with this quirky little novel.

Holly Banks's life is peculiar indeed, from the move to the village of Primm, home to the prestigious academy where she wants her daughter to go to school, to obsessions with modern hobbies such as bullet journaling (which I dabble in myself) to home organization (which I definitely should do) and keeping up with the Joneses in general, her ambitious plans to convert part of her home into a home studio and launch Holly Banks Productions - social media, video and film making business and offer her services to the residents of the village and the surrounding area.

Quirky set of characters is rounded up with the family pet called Struggle, friend Caleb, Shaneequa, Penelope and the others - all very interesting in their own right. We get glimpses of financial troubles and shaky family relationships, a misbehaving dog departing on many an (un)fortunate adventures which plunges Jack & Holly's family deeper into village life, its history and heritage.

I found the concept of the enclave tour where HOAs sign up certain houses to be on the tour for tourism to pick up in the village again after a certain Topiary Park incident to be quite interesting.

The only bit I didn't care about that much was Becky the psychic, Holly turning to her for advice in difficult times and the ominous message that Becky is nearer than we think (I've got an inkling sensation as to who she may be!) nice foreshadowing for what's to come in another book. I can see the psychic's rise in popularity all over the internet but I don't care much for them.

I found the mention of all this modern struggles written in a humorous tone to be quite a nice break from the historical fiction and fantasy I've been reading lately. A real refreshing read, I'm glad the cover caught my eye! Goes to prove a good cover can take you a long way.

[Linda McCutcheon]

"Look out your window from time to time. Step outside and look up. Miraculous things surround you." - Psychic Betty

Happy Publication Day to one of my most anticipated books of the year. The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks (Village of Primm 2) is everything I wanted to the follow up of the magnificent Holly Banks Full of Angst to be and so much more than I thought possible.

Starting a week after the previous book ended it is like we never left Holly's crazy world. She is still trying to keep up with her rich fancy schmancy neighbors while navigating her daughter's learning disability, her husband's workplace scandal, starting her film company, wrangling her mischief dog Struggle to behave, a town mystery that Struggle literally dug up and, most poignantly, her mom's health crisis.

Like the last book Holly's journey is filled with laughter, sarcasm, witticisms but it also will touch your heart as Holly, with the help of one of my favorite characters Psychic Betty, honestly finds the perfect words for her emotions:

"...She's closer than the stars. And she's always there. She's right there in the night sky, tucking you in with the tides. She's there in the daytime, too. Though you often can't see her, she's there."

Though the circumstances are somewhat different, when I read these words I thought of my mom who passed away last month. Reading them in the middle of this quirky, funny, heartwarming novel stopped my heart for a second. It is a true moment when a writer expresses with their words what is in your heart. This author accomplished this at least once in a chapter for me.

I hope Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel is smart and options these two Holly Banks books for a movie series. It is perfect for the screen and for your heart's enjoyment.

I received a free copy of this book from the author via NetGalley and in print for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Avani ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Peculiar Fate Of Holly Banks by Julie Valerie is a Contemporary Fiction novel which focuses on the life of the main protagonist, Holly Banks.She's a wife, mother and an aspiring film maker who is recently shifted to a new neighborhood, Primm village. The people and women of this area are hard to keep up with. the place is pricey and hyped.

Holly is striving for a perfect life but as we all know nothing in life goes as planned. At one side there is shifting and unpacked boxes left at home, and on the other side she has to submit her entry for an upcoming film festival. The neighbors aren't fond of her dog, who keeps barking and roaming outside the house. Ella, her daughter has so much more fun and school drama to tell us in the book.

I am sure many of us can relate to the character of Holly Banks at various points in the story. This novel is a satire of how unplanned and complicated our lives can be. I personally enjoyed reading the book. The character of Holly also progresses with the plot. I liked how Holly made me realize to prioritize our events and people in life.

If you are someone who enjoys witty comments and sarcasm in books, along with the book fully focused on just one character then pick this up. There are some really heartwarming moments in the book which will bring you more closer to the character of Holly Banks. I would have more appreciated if we saw more of witty nature from Greta, her mother.
____________
Thank You to NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me an eArc in exchange of a honest opinion. Mark the release date - November 24th 2020 by Lake Union Publishing.

[Snezana · Rating 4 out of 5]

We follow Holly and her family, in simply what is her life. A fun, hilarious, yet relatable story of a modern-day family in their new neighbourhood where community and pretenses are everything. Now imagine a stay-at-home mom, yearning to go back to work, that wants to fit in, have it all, but barely struggles to keep up. Oh, and secretly eats Nutella from a jar when she's stressed out.

I could totally picture Reese Whitherspoon in a motion picture of this novel. Drop Reese into the Desperate Housewives neighbourhood and voila! You'll see me binging it on the weekends, for sure.

The humour in this was just impeccable. Whether it was laughing at the writer's descriptions and coined words and phrases, or the character's comments, dialogues, or turn of events, you can't help but laugh. Our main character was constantly seeking approval, struggling to fit in, and putting herself in these situations that were absolutely unnecessary! Ha! But that's what made her hilarious after all.

It was slightly slower paced for me, but you do get pulled into the story easily or brought back on track because there's always something happening. I especially enjoyed her emails, and her honeybunch sugarplum little daughter - she was a hoot!

Who would like it? It's entertaining and light, but as I like to say it has a heart. It has soul! If you love reading about families, mom life, peculiar events in a very ''tight-nit'' community, or a very uptight neighbourhood (whatever you want to call it). Overall, if you need a good laugh, pick it up.

[Natalie - FerryGoodBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I had a hard time getting into this book. For me the pace was so slow in the beginning and it was hard to understand or grasp the story. The writing is really well done and the flow makes it easy to read but the content wasn’t enough to grasp my interest. The chapters for me were way too long and I would find myself needing to take breaks from this book.

There was a likeable humor to Holly with her funny quirks, but in general I couldn’t connect with Holly and her obsessive need to fit in with Primm Village. As the book progressed, it did pick up for me, but not enough for me to enjoy the story as a whole. Though this book is a sequel and not having read the first one, I didn’t feel at a loss. The author did a great job making the reader feel as if this was the first book. All in all it was an OK read for me. But I think it’s definitely worth checking out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Julie Valerie for this ARC

[looking for carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Holly Banks Full of Angst, but can definitely be read as a standalone – which is what I did. At the beginning I was really intrigued about where the story was taking me. We were following a family in a new town, trying to deal with everything that comes with it, and Holly who is trying to get back to film making.

Unfortunately, I had a bit of a hard time finishing this one. Some parts were quite interesting and I didn’t want to stop reading, and then other ones felt really repetitive. I didn’t see much growth at all from the characters, specially Holly herself, and, although I had a few laughs, I am probably not picking up the rest of the series.

If you are looking for a quick to read, fun story, that mixes multiple plot lines, and want to know more about the so acclaimed village of Prim, maybe consider picking this one up!

2.5/3 stars

[Thi (booked4theweekend_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐💫
This is the second installment in the Village of Primm series and my trip back to the Village of Primm did not disappoint.

In spite of all the mishaps and mayhems that seem to find and follow Holly, it was good to see Holly find her purpose and saw her dreams as well as improve her relationship with her mother. I liked that some of the struggles Holly and her family went through were quite realistic. If you are looking for a fun, light, laugh out loud read, look no further!

Full review to come on our blog sometime this evening.

Many many thanks for my review copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Mystica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young woman trying to hold it all together. The description is that of a contemporary novel and this is a light hearted read of a woman hoping to achieve all what she wants to do, over extending herself and in the process creates this story which is very easy to read.

Holly is a young mother, part of a community and a wife plus a budding film maker. She wants to establish herself very much as part of the this small community and not just be an isolated person. To this end she tries to adapt to changing circumstances, changing people and still keep true to her dreams.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the character of Holly Banks in Holly Banks Full of Angst, and now she’s back with more relatable but sometimes cringy moments. Holly is trying to do it all: mom, wife, career, oh and be a good daughter too. Holly's mom, Greta is actually one of my favorite characters!
Julie Valerie writes from the heart, with a sense of humility, and always adds in a good dose of humor. Thank you, @julievalerieauthor for this #gifted copy.

[Megan L (Iwanttoreadallthebooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks is a quirky, fun and quick read. Even though I hadn't read the first book of the series, I had no difficulty following the plot line. I would have liked a little bit more depth to the characters, as everything seemed to be on the surface. Overall, the book was fine but I wanted more.

[Nicole Bibliolau19 · Rating 4 out of 5]

We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes.”
― Charles Swindoll

I've always been one who struggles with change. I like routine, structure, predictability, control, but unfortunately, none of these things applies to a global pandemic. Since March, we have all had to roll with the punches. From becoming a lot more hands-on with our children's education and working remotely, to wearing face masks, sheltering in place, and weathering the ups and downs of something that, for many of us, is unprecedented, we've all been flying by the seat of our pants. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that the last several months have been challenging and scary, but they've taught me a lot. I've learned that my family is resilient and stronger than I ever guessed and that our love for each other has grown. I've learned to trust my gut and not second-guess my decisions so much. And, I've been reminded that even though it may sometimes feel like the sky is falling and things are scary, often, these trying times help us remember what is most important and what we can control, and sometimes, books and people find you exactly when you need them.

That's how I felt on Friday, when I picked up The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks by the biggest sweetheart of a writer, @julievaleriewrites. I absolutely fell in love with Holly Banks and Julie last fall, when I participated in a buddy read for Holly Banks Full of Angst. Julie's debut novel - and Holly, herself - spoke to my heart and soul as a mom. From doubting her own abilities, comparing herself to other moms, and feeling like she was always on the brink of disaster, I completely related to her plights and the fear she was completely messing up as a mom. I've so, so been there, and during this pandemic I've questioned my decisions as a mom even more, but just as they did last fall, both Julie and Holly spoke to my heart this month and gave me the pep talk and comfort I so desperately needed.

The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks picks up about a week or so after Holly Banks Full of Angst ends. In this sequel, Holly is still on a mission to prove herself as a mom, filmmaker, wife, and a Village of Primm newcomer, but, per usual, Holly's life doesn't go according to plan. Amidst home improvement shenanigans, Ella's struggles to read, a kindergarten wedding, a home tour, some concerns with Holly's cat-doula of a mother, Greta, worries about her husband's job, AND attempts to get her film company off the ground while keeping up with the other Primm moms and trying to keep her dog, Struggle, under control, to say Holly has a lot on her plate is an understatement. But when some life-altering events turn her world upside down, Holly has to dig deep, put on her big girl panties, and discover just how strong she is.

With quick-witted dialogue, plenty of sarcasm, and both ridiculous and heartwarming moments, The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks had lots of aspects of Julie's debut novel that I loved, but it also allowed Holly to evolve and experience a lot of personal growth. Though she was still trying to "keep up with the Joneses" and navigating her love/hate relationship with Mary-Margaret St. James, she also began to believe in herself more, and I couldn't help but feel proud. Though this book took just a bit longer to draw me in, with entertaining secondary plotlines and characters (including Houston, Shanequa, Malik, Thom, and Frank), as well as returning favorites (Ella, Greta, Jack, Penelope, Mary-Margaret and Psychic Betty!), once I was hooked, there was no turning back.

Whether laughing or crying (seriously, have the tissues ready because there are some heart-wrenching and heartwarming moments), this book tugged at my heartstrings as Holly navigated an array of challenges, and reaffirmed that Holly Banks is definitely one of my favorite book moms. She's relatable, flawed, and full of heart, and I can't help but see a lot of her in myself, especially in the way she loves her daughter, Ella.

"I'm a mom," said Holly. "If Ella needed to get to the moon, I'd build a rocket ship and become an astronaut if I thought it would help her."

Holly's not a perfect mom, wife, or daughter, but she's perfect for her family, and braver and stronger than she gives herself credit for. As Caleb says, "I believe you're going to tell great stories through your filmmaking, Holly Banks. You have a particular fate to fulfill. Walk toward that destiny."

Thank you so much to @julievaleriewrites and @lakeunionpub for an eARC of this book, as well as the opportunity to be on your early reader team, Julie! I absolutely loved watching Holly grow, and I can't wait to not only see what's next for her, but also what's next for you! If you loved Holly Banks Full of Angst, please pre-order this sequel because I think you'll love it! Hip hip for November 24 - mark it on your calendars because you won't want to miss this publication day!

[Naomi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful. Tried to be clever...failed

[Linda Ulleseit · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga of Primm continues with the delightful Holly Banks. So much of Holly's life is funny but relatable. I laugh at her with compassion. Everything goes wrong with her plans, but Holly manages to keep her family and her life going. I would love to have her as a neighbor and friend.