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Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort
How well can a wife ever know her husband? Paula Arnett would swear she knows everything there is to know about hers, that is, until she gets the call that the love of her life was involved in a freak accident. She doesn't think things could possibly get any worse. But after his funeral, she's blindsided when their lawyer informs her that, several months before, her husband liquidated their assets and purchased a run-down fishing resort in east Texas! Worse yet, while searching for answers, Paula discovers a note from a mysterious woman whose name gives her reason to believe that her husband may have actually been married to this woman at the same time he was married to Paula! Determined to learn the truth, Paula enlists the help of her best friend, Cassie, and together, they go undercover on the road trip of a lifetime.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 31, 2020
This is a delightful story—just what I needed during these turbulent times.
If you enjoy the novels of Alexander McCall Smith, this story will likely be right up your alley. If you don't read McCall Smith, give this one a go anyway. Ms. Noyes's novel might convert you to the genre I've hatched called "gentle novels with rollicking plots and big hearts."
In this one, Paula, having just lost her husband in a car accident (this happens before the novel starts), discovers the love of her life—whom she thought told her everything—was keeping a number of secrets. Grieving and unable to sit still, Paula heads out to get a look at the first secret, a motel her husband purchased near Natchidoches, Texas. She needs to understand why her husband kept his secrets. Not knowing is interfering with her ability to grieve since she suddenly doesn't know if her husband was the man she thought he was. She is accompanied on her journey by her best friend who, it turns out, has a complicated secret of her own.
There are a lot of secrets in this novel, both large and small, but that isn't the point. The point is the new and/or deepening relationships between the characters. The novel is full of charming people with good souls. Even the folks who start off less than likable eventually come around. I'd like to believe this is true in real life too, but I'm doubtful, so visiting these warm-hearted characters for the duration of the story was a refreshing break from our weird and scary Covid-19 world.
I'm a Vermonter, so I particularly enjoyed the banter and rhythm of the dialogue, which I assume is rooted in the idioms of the area of Texas where the novel is set. The author, who shares a name with me, but is not a relative (we found each other accidentally on Facebook), sprinkled in just enough dialect to add color to the proceedings without it being overbearing.
As with Alexander McCall Smith's Isabel Dalhousie series, not a whole lot of big stuff happens in "Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort." We don't need any murders, explosions, or financial malfeasance and the like, because the small events that do occur have a big impact on the lives of the characters.
The story is amusing, relaxing, and satisfying. I hope the characters return for another go-round.
If you enjoy the novels of Alexander McCall Smith, this story will likely be right up your alley. If you don't read McCall Smith, give this one a go anyway. Ms. Noyes's novel might convert you to the genre I've hatched called "gentle novels with rollicking plots and big hearts."
In this one, Paula, having just lost her husband in a car accident (this happens before the novel starts), discovers the love of her life—whom she thought told her everything—was keeping a number of secrets. Grieving and unable to sit still, Paula heads out to get a look at the first secret, a motel her husband purchased near Natchidoches, Texas. She needs to understand why her husband kept his secrets. Not knowing is interfering with her ability to grieve since she suddenly doesn't know if her husband was the man she thought he was. She is accompanied on her journey by her best friend who, it turns out, has a complicated secret of her own.
There are a lot of secrets in this novel, both large and small, but that isn't the point. The point is the new and/or deepening relationships between the characters. The novel is full of charming people with good souls. Even the folks who start off less than likable eventually come around. I'd like to believe this is true in real life too, but I'm doubtful, so visiting these warm-hearted characters for the duration of the story was a refreshing break from our weird and scary Covid-19 world.
I'm a Vermonter, so I particularly enjoyed the banter and rhythm of the dialogue, which I assume is rooted in the idioms of the area of Texas where the novel is set. The author, who shares a name with me, but is not a relative (we found each other accidentally on Facebook), sprinkled in just enough dialect to add color to the proceedings without it being overbearing.
As with Alexander McCall Smith's Isabel Dalhousie series, not a whole lot of big stuff happens in "Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort." We don't need any murders, explosions, or financial malfeasance and the like, because the small events that do occur have a big impact on the lives of the characters.
The story is amusing, relaxing, and satisfying. I hope the characters return for another go-round.
January 10, 2021
I loved it!
Where to start! A surprise around every corner- a little bit mystery, a little survival after loss, and a lot about friendship and acceptance.
I want to know these women and be their friends. I was anxious to finish (so I could get some sleep 🥰) but, now that I’m finished, I want to know what happens next. I hope there is a sequel!
Where to start! A surprise around every corner- a little bit mystery, a little survival after loss, and a lot about friendship and acceptance.
I want to know these women and be their friends. I was anxious to finish (so I could get some sleep 🥰) but, now that I’m finished, I want to know what happens next. I hope there is a sequel!
November 22, 2022
Loved this book from page one. Well written and entertaining. Especially enjoyed the "natural" jugglers. A must read.
July 28, 2023
This is a wonderful book, the characters are relatable, it's funny and heart touching. If you are looking for a fun easy read this is it!!! I highly recommend it!
Did Not Finish
April 27, 2026I tried. I read 54% before I finally decided to DNF. Below are the reasons why:
* The novel is too long. Too many words, half of them unnecessary. All the heroine's t-shirts' colors are described, all her banal conversations with everyone recounted, all her meals catalogued, no matter how irrelevant they all are to the plot.
* Not much of a plot either. Nothing worth mentioning occurs in those 54% that I read. I was waiting for something to happen, but so far, nothing did.
* Everyone is sugary sweet, almost cloying, including the protagonist.
* The genre is supposed to be a mystery, but I didn't see what the mystery was about. Nobody was killed and nothing was stolen from anyone. It reads more like women's fiction than mystery.
* The protagonist drinks all the time: red wine, white wine, beer, evenings and afternoons. She also regularly gets drunk. I dislike drunkards and am uninterested in their alcohol-soaked adventures.
Obviously, not a book for me. At least it was cheap on Amazon.
* The novel is too long. Too many words, half of them unnecessary. All the heroine's t-shirts' colors are described, all her banal conversations with everyone recounted, all her meals catalogued, no matter how irrelevant they all are to the plot.
* Not much of a plot either. Nothing worth mentioning occurs in those 54% that I read. I was waiting for something to happen, but so far, nothing did.
* Everyone is sugary sweet, almost cloying, including the protagonist.
* The genre is supposed to be a mystery, but I didn't see what the mystery was about. Nobody was killed and nothing was stolen from anyone. It reads more like women's fiction than mystery.
* The protagonist drinks all the time: red wine, white wine, beer, evenings and afternoons. She also regularly gets drunk. I dislike drunkards and am uninterested in their alcohol-soaked adventures.
Obviously, not a book for me. At least it was cheap on Amazon.
June 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this-smart women helping each other out!
It has best friends, unexpected circumstances, quirky characters and secrets. The book is during a transition time and explores learning to be independent, letting other people in and connecting!
Look forward to seeing this crew in the sequel!
It has best friends, unexpected circumstances, quirky characters and secrets. The book is during a transition time and explores learning to be independent, letting other people in and connecting!
Look forward to seeing this crew in the sequel!
December 26, 2021
Unexpected tragedy leads to a spur of the moment plan that changes the lives of many.
I am an avid reader and this story is good for the soul. I grew to love all the main characters and I really hope that the author writes more about these people and really hope that Paula and Cassie return there to stay and have more adventures and happiness.
I am an avid reader and this story is good for the soul. I grew to love all the main characters and I really hope that the author writes more about these people and really hope that Paula and Cassie return there to stay and have more adventures and happiness.
May 14, 2022
What A Great inheritance.
This is the first book I have read by Leslie Noyes. With the inheritance there was a lot of suspicion and questions. The sadness of losing her husband and the secret he kept made for a very interesting book. Am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This is the first book I have read by Leslie Noyes. With the inheritance there was a lot of suspicion and questions. The sadness of losing her husband and the secret he kept made for a very interesting book. Am looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 29, 2021
Lovely entertainment!
This book is just the right choice for some R&R while spending a hot afternoon on the big comfy couch in air conditioned comfort or lounging by the pool with a tall cold drink. It's nothing deep or dark or requiring intense thought - it's just pure fun and enjoyment and a great story of beautiful women friends taking care of each other! Thanks Leslie Noyes!
This book is just the right choice for some R&R while spending a hot afternoon on the big comfy couch in air conditioned comfort or lounging by the pool with a tall cold drink. It's nothing deep or dark or requiring intense thought - it's just pure fun and enjoyment and a great story of beautiful women friends taking care of each other! Thanks Leslie Noyes!
January 8, 2022
Good book.
I nearly didn't read this. Looked like a lot of tension and drama possible. At first there was, but as things progressed I was glad I stuck with it. It really is a feel good book about mature adults who are good people. Try it. You'll like it.
I nearly didn't read this. Looked like a lot of tension and drama possible. At first there was, but as things progressed I was glad I stuck with it. It really is a feel good book about mature adults who are good people. Try it. You'll like it.
January 14, 2022
After a devastating loss of her husband ,Paula finds out that her husband had been keeping a secret . after finding out he purchased a motel and finding a letter from a mysterious M she sets off with her best friend Cassie on a mission to find out the truth. This book has it all a little bit of mystery, friendship ,and the hints of romance. the characters are well developed and its true you find yourself Feeling like their family and caring about each one of them.
July 2, 2021
This is a mostly lighthearted book, but the characters are complex and the plot has several twists, some hilarious and some heartwarming, that keep the reader engrossed to the last page then wishing for more adventures. Highly recommended for a relaxing weekend read.
Read
August 21, 20211st novel by A brand new author. She is great.
October 30, 2021
Happy Valley
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I laughed, and almost cried at some of the things that happened.
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I laughed, and almost cried at some of the things that happened.
November 9, 2021
Great Read!
I may not believe in happily ever after but, I do believe in living life to the fullest extent possible. This book exemplifies that.
I may not believe in happily ever after but, I do believe in living life to the fullest extent possible. This book exemplifies that.
February 18, 2022
Funny and entertaining!
I liked the characters, and some of the situations Paula and Cassie managed to get into. Hope there is a sequel!
I liked the characters, and some of the situations Paula and Cassie managed to get into. Hope there is a sequel!
April 5, 2022
feel good story
Such a good feel book to read. I felt I really knew the characters. The cover caught my eye and so did the title. A place I pictured from years ago and all the good memories.
Such a good feel book to read. I felt I really knew the characters. The cover caught my eye and so did the title. A place I pictured from years ago and all the good memories.
February 2, 2023
quacky and a red herring book.
The constant changes of lives and situations kept me on the edge of my seat. Such a wonderful feeling to feel the love they all have and to see them grow together. We all need to be reminded that we are loved no matter what the circumstance and that time does truly heal.
The constant changes of lives and situations kept me on the edge of my seat. Such a wonderful feeling to feel the love they all have and to see them grow together. We all need to be reminded that we are loved no matter what the circumstance and that time does truly heal.
November 4, 2021
This is a "chatty" little book that I thoroughly enjoyed! Is it "great literature," definitely not. It is a fun read. Definitely. It felt very down home and comfortable somehow.
January 15, 2022
Lots of twists & turns, not the usual predictable twists.
March 18, 2022
fun story
A great read. Fun people and a old story line. Enjoyed her writing style so much. Recommend to anyone as good read
A great read. Fun people and a old story line. Enjoyed her writing style so much. Recommend to anyone as good read
March 18, 2022
Excellent!
Easy to read dialogue, great story, full of comedy, page turner couldn't put it down. Looking forward to book 2!
Easy to read dialogue, great story, full of comedy, page turner couldn't put it down. Looking forward to book 2!
October 28, 2022
A story of love, lost and new beginnings,
A ?lost and the discovery of a secret, opens doors to hurt and doubt. Yet that door brings so much more in answers, love and friendship.
A ?lost and the discovery of a secret, opens doors to hurt and doubt. Yet that door brings so much more in answers, love and friendship.
November 9, 2022
What a fabulously fun read! These characters became my friends and I couldn’t wait to continue their journeys alongside them. Well developed characters and plot lines and a setting that connects to my roots pulled me right in.
March 15, 2023
Very enjoyable read
I enjoyed this book very much. Just the right mix of hilarious and solemn moments. The main character starting to find herself after the sudden death of her husband and the secrets he had, were woven in the book just right.
I enjoyed this book very much. Just the right mix of hilarious and solemn moments. The main character starting to find herself after the sudden death of her husband and the secrets he had, were woven in the book just right.
July 29, 2021
Although very predictable all the way through, it was an enjoyable book to read that demands another installment. some loose ends need to be explored further.
January 15, 2022
Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort
This book had a lot of twists and turns I never expected. It just really held my attention from start to finish and I didn’t want to put it down.
This book had a lot of twists and turns I never expected. It just really held my attention from start to finish and I didn’t want to put it down.
August 13, 2022
Life
!life is an amazing experience and this tale takes on an adventure of a lifetime. We are not given much voice in the overall life journey, but when life tosses the ball to us we better be ready for anything.
A bit of a slow start but truly enjoyed the journey and ending.
!life is an amazing experience and this tale takes on an adventure of a lifetime. We are not given much voice in the overall life journey, but when life tosses the ball to us we better be ready for anything.
A bit of a slow start but truly enjoyed the journey and ending.
September 20, 2022
best friend
Wasn't sure I would enjoy reading this book but I gave it a chance and I'm not sorry. I laughed and cried. Nice to have a best friend.
Wasn't sure I would enjoy reading this book but I gave it a chance and I'm not sorry. I laughed and cried. Nice to have a best friend.
January 15, 2023
Very good
This book is just what I needed after falling on Christmas day and breaking my arm. The laughter I had reading this helped with the healing process. Now on to the next one, I have 6 more weeks of healing to do. Thank you for this book.
This book is just what I needed after falling on Christmas day and breaking my arm. The laughter I had reading this helped with the healing process. Now on to the next one, I have 6 more weeks of healing to do. Thank you for this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews