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The Dahlonega Sisters #1

The Gold Miner Ring

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Three Sisters. One Mysterious Ring. Too Many Unexplained Misfortunes.

A teenage transgression burdens the superstitious and eccentric Mutzi McGilray. Nothing in her life has been right since she stole a unique ring intended for her sophisticated, older sister, Rose Ellen.

Convinced the ring is cursed, and fearing her days are limited, Mutzi's efforts to dispose of the vexatious object fail. When Marge, her perfect-at-everything twin, accidentally comes into possession of it, a series of unexplained mishaps generates turmoil and forces Mutzi to admit her wrongdoing. The mysterious origin of the ring creates more conflict and doubt, testing the three sisters' bond. None of them are prepared for the unexpected journey that follows.

Join the delightful McGilvray Sisters on a light-hearted journey through the quaint, historic town of Dahlonega, as they try to unravel the mysterious origin of a ring closely tied to the first Gold Rush Days Festival in 1954.

268 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2019

2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

About the author

Diane M. How

8 books245 followers
Like tiny seeds nourished with splashes of love, Diane's poetry and short stories find birth from cherished memories, believing each moment should be treasured for all its wonder, disappointment, challenge, and success.

Her woman's fiction novel, The Dahlonega Sisters, The Gold Miner Ring, shares the story of three sisters on a journey that pushes them to listen and understand each other, trust their hearts to allow for change and strengthen the bond of love that connects them as family.

They return in Veins of Gold as Marge learns an outrageous secret she must confirm or disprove before it becomes the town gossip.

You'll fall in love with these delightful, often humorous women as you get to know the quaint, historical town of Dahlonega Georgia.

The first two novels in this series will make you want to come back for more.

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Maida.
Author 15 books463 followers
March 11, 2020
Heartwarming

I’m thoroughly charmed by this story of sisterhood, return to faith, and second chance at love. The main characters (Mutzi, Marge, Rose Ellen, and April) are relatable and real. Ms. How gave each of them a distinct personality right from the start.

The mystery of the gold miner ring is a fascinating thread throughout the story with a satisfying conclusion. The superstitions are funny and I actually also believe in some of them.

Even though I couldn’t pinpoint exactly how old the sisters and Sam are (late-60s is my guess), I still appreciate the fact that they are of an earlier generation than most main characters in women’s fiction these days.
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 6 books54 followers
November 15, 2019
This is a sweet story of sisters of a certain age rediscovering their bonds with one another, coming to better understand themselves, and reimagining what adventures life may yet hold in store for them. The story is set in a quiet little place filled with the kind of quirky characters and small-town charm that just makes you want to visit. And apparently you can. The author explains in a fascinating note that many of the places mentioned in the book are real, as is the town's historical claim as the site of the first American gold rush. This is a light, fun read, perfect for this busy time of year.
Profile Image for Tammy Clower.
22 reviews
February 7, 2020
You really can't judge a book by its cover. When I first saw the cover of The Dahlonega Sisters, I was immediately disappointed because it has Live Oaks with Spanish Moss which can be found in the Lowcountry not in the Blue Ridge Mountains where the story takes place. I was a little skeptical when I started reading but I just finished the book and thoroughly enjoyed this sweet Hallmark story that is set in our sweet Hallmark town.
On a side note...UNG alums are a little particular about our school. It's the University of North Georgia, not Northern Georgia. That is all. I will look forward to reading the next book by Diane M. How!
Profile Image for Tammy Lough.
1 review7 followers
August 3, 2022
Diane M. How placed her creative pen to paper and weaved a story so original and fun, I read the entire book in one sitting. I had to. The happenings tugged at my every emotion, and I truly felt for and cared about the lives of all three sisters.

Mutzi is a rip whose personality tickled me to pieces. I never had a clue what she would say or the shenanigans she would pull. All three sisters were so much fun, and I wish they were real. I would invite them this minute for coffee and belly laughs!!! (less)
Jan 24, 2021 12:36PM · delete
Profile Image for Jeanne Felfe.
Author 19 books778 followers
March 1, 2020
This is such a sweet and endearing novel everyone should read it for a lift in their day.

To say Mutzi is superstitious is an understatement. Read The Dahlonega Sisters to follow her antics and learn the truth about a mysterious ring she believes is the cause of all her heartache.
30 reviews
October 24, 2019
The bonds of sisterhood and love are tested in this witty and heartfelt story that will have readers wanting more!
17 reviews
April 17, 2024
My sister lives in Dahlonega and met the author at a craft show. Intrigued by the books, she bought me the set for Christmas. This story is about three very different sisters of a certain age (sixty-ish). Rose Ellen, who is rich and sophisticated and self-absorbed, Marge, who is practical and seems to do everything right, and Mutzi, who is quirky and superstitious and has lived a life full of tragedy and haunted by one girlish bad decision. convinced she is cursed for stealing something from her sister, Rose Ellen, when they were children, Mutzi goes to great lengths to finally set her life on a better track. In the process, all three sisters' lives are impacted. The book is heartwarming and made me smile.
1 review1 follower
December 30, 2025
If you love Dahlonega Georgia you must read this series! There are many details about the town you will recognize. Most of all, you will fall in love with the sweet sisters and all the characters that surround this family and their antics.
Profile Image for Leslie.
441 reviews5 followers
November 10, 2022
I really came to love the characters the further I got into the book.
Profile Image for Denise Judd.
1 review
December 20, 2019
Diane M. How has a way of bringing to life the intricacies of family dynamics and the things we carry with us in our minds about them that are not always what we think. This book brilliantly unfolds three sisters lives and their relationships with humor, while weaving together suspense, love and unexpected truths about our innermost secrets. Her writing style is easy flowing and has me feeling like I am right there with these characters. I'm looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Pat Wahler.
Author 9 books213 followers
December 31, 2020
A sweet and engaging story, this tale entwines superstition and secrets with a healthy dollop of humor. A testament to the resiliency of women and the unbreakable bond of sisters.
2 reviews
October 10, 2021
A quick read and a compelling story, but could have used another run-through by an editor. Good enough to come back for the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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