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The Secrets of Adley Creek
In the years after WWI...
...times were tough in rural Minnesota.
Was moonshine the key to save her family farm?
Eleanor loved teaching and it broke her heart when her little schoolhouse closed. The farm wasn't doing well. They needed her income desperately, at least, that's what she thought.
The day her husband died she was at the end of her rope.
Would the bank take her farm?
The man she had loved for all those years had kept something important from her. He had a secret. When she discovered the still in the back of the barn, Eleanor had a decision to make.
Defy prohibition...
...or lose everything.
With the help of her best friend, Priscilla, the two must fight against gossip, deal with her best friend's abusive husband, and stay one step ahead of the federal agents.
Would the next raid be the end?
...times were tough in rural Minnesota.
Was moonshine the key to save her family farm?
Eleanor loved teaching and it broke her heart when her little schoolhouse closed. The farm wasn't doing well. They needed her income desperately, at least, that's what she thought.
The day her husband died she was at the end of her rope.
Would the bank take her farm?
The man she had loved for all those years had kept something important from her. He had a secret. When she discovered the still in the back of the barn, Eleanor had a decision to make.
Defy prohibition...
...or lose everything.
With the help of her best friend, Priscilla, the two must fight against gossip, deal with her best friend's abusive husband, and stay one step ahead of the federal agents.
Would the next raid be the end?
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2022
281 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 28, 2023
Thanks for the Free Read Amazon!
This takes place in Melrose, MN
Things I learned from this book:
You do what you have to do to survive.
Never say never!
Keep your eyes open to see what is really going on so the unexpected doesn’t creep up on you.
True friendships never die.
This takes place in Melrose, MN
Things I learned from this book:
You do what you have to do to survive.
Never say never!
Keep your eyes open to see what is really going on so the unexpected doesn’t creep up on you.
True friendships never die.
January 27, 2023
A bit repetitive but I liked the characters and the setting.
January 31, 2023
Wouldn't recommend this book unless the reader fully subscribes to "the end justifies the means."
January 28, 2023
I recently read my kindle “The Secrets of Adley Creek” by Layla Reed and I have to say,I was thoroughly impressed.From the very first page, I was hooked by the strong and relatable main character,Eleanor.
The story follows her journey as she navigates the challenges of life.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the way Layla Reed portrayed Eleanor as a strong, independent woman.Despite the obstacles she faced, she never gave up on herself or her dreams.
The writing in this book is also top-notch.Reed’s descriptive language paints vivid and memorable images, making it easy to get lost in the story.
Overall, The Secrets of Adley Creek is a powerful and thought-provoking book that I couldn’t put down.If you’re looking for a novel that will leave a lasting impression, I highly recommend giving this one a read.It’s definitely worth 5 stars.🤩👌📖💕
The story follows her journey as she navigates the challenges of life.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the way Layla Reed portrayed Eleanor as a strong, independent woman.Despite the obstacles she faced, she never gave up on herself or her dreams.
The writing in this book is also top-notch.Reed’s descriptive language paints vivid and memorable images, making it easy to get lost in the story.
Overall, The Secrets of Adley Creek is a powerful and thought-provoking book that I couldn’t put down.If you’re looking for a novel that will leave a lasting impression, I highly recommend giving this one a read.It’s definitely worth 5 stars.🤩👌📖💕
January 25, 2023
Outstanding!!!
I loved loved loved this book!! I've told several people they need to read it. My grandfather was from the deep mountains of WV and running shine was his job for so long to be able to support his family after being hurt in the coal mines.
I loved loved loved this book!! I've told several people they need to read it. My grandfather was from the deep mountains of WV and running shine was his job for so long to be able to support his family after being hurt in the coal mines.
January 22, 2023
Ia Real Tear Jerker
2 poor farming women protecting their lives in the days of illegal moonshine. But they survived and both had wonderful lives. The ebd is very sad and yet happy to know they lived a good life after all their oroblems
2 poor farming women protecting their lives in the days of illegal moonshine. But they survived and both had wonderful lives. The ebd is very sad and yet happy to know they lived a good life after all their oroblems
January 16, 2023
Really enjoyed
There haven’t been many books that I’ve enjoyed reading so much. The way Layla wrote had me feeling what the characters may have been feeling. The plot was different and exciting, had me wanting the next chapter and wondering what would happen. Romance mixed in but not overly complicated and done. I really enjoyed this book
There haven’t been many books that I’ve enjoyed reading so much. The way Layla wrote had me feeling what the characters may have been feeling. The plot was different and exciting, had me wanting the next chapter and wondering what would happen. Romance mixed in but not overly complicated and done. I really enjoyed this book
January 13, 2023
Your Heart Strings Will be Tugged!
Realistic Historical fiction that comes alive with each page! Mostly loveable characters struggling to survive doing things they never imagined during the dying economy.
Realistic Historical fiction that comes alive with each page! Mostly loveable characters struggling to survive doing things they never imagined during the dying economy.
January 25, 2023
THE SECRETS OF ADLEY CREEK by Layla Reed -- Published 2022, is set during the era of Prohibition, 1920-33, in rural Minnesota, a time and place where farmers and families struggled to exist. Eleanor teaches in a small, rural, failing schoolhouse with more and more students dropping out and more and more farms families struggling. When her school is closed by the county, and her farmer husband suddenly dies of a heart attack, Eleanor is left to keep the farm going with no income. Many local families have turned to moonshine as a source of income, hiding their stills and liquor production from federal agents bent on closing them down. The author provides a good historical description of the times and circumstances, the risks, the losses and penalties when discovered, and how people struggled to survive. Strong characters, well developed, especially the women who went to extreme lengths to survive hardships, abuse, and over-zealous federal agents. Interesting plot and engaging characters. A good read.
February 18, 2023
Great Novel Told from a Different Point of View
What's does a newly out-of-work school teacher who is also newly widowed do, especially when her best friend (who is also her sister-in-law) turns up on her doorstep with her small son fleeing from her own abusive husband? Considering this is the height of the Great Depression, one solution--aside from letting the bank take everything you possess and wind up on the streets--is to become a bootlegger! However, with federal agents pressing in on all sides, how long can Eleanor keep her "operation" going?
What's does a newly out-of-work school teacher who is also newly widowed do, especially when her best friend (who is also her sister-in-law) turns up on her doorstep with her small son fleeing from her own abusive husband? Considering this is the height of the Great Depression, one solution--aside from letting the bank take everything you possess and wind up on the streets--is to become a bootlegger! However, with federal agents pressing in on all sides, how long can Eleanor keep her "operation" going?
March 19, 2023
A great read set during Prohibition and the Great Depression era. The main characters were fallible, but likable and the plotline was intriguing. The writing itself was decent except for a tendancy to reuse certain phrases -- e.g. "tears burned behind her eyes", "the hair rose on the back of her neck"
-- and there were a number of repetitive descriptions of people, actions, and places. There was also a strange and sloppy misuse of apostrophes with plural vs. possessive words. But definitely well-worth reading and I will try this author again.
-- and there were a number of repetitive descriptions of people, actions, and places. There was also a strange and sloppy misuse of apostrophes with plural vs. possessive words. But definitely well-worth reading and I will try this author again.
January 24, 2023
Survival by trial and error
Strong female characters. Ellie willing to sacrifice everything to keep her farm and help her sister -in-law. It was sad to see Gustav Lose his leg. Loved the ending of this book and how Kayla Reed incorporated the difficult circumstances people had to endure this era. I high oh recommend this book a blending of facts and strong female characters as well as supporting male characters too.
Strong female characters. Ellie willing to sacrifice everything to keep her farm and help her sister -in-law. It was sad to see Gustav Lose his leg. Loved the ending of this book and how Kayla Reed incorporated the difficult circumstances people had to endure this era. I high oh recommend this book a blending of facts and strong female characters as well as supporting male characters too.
November 14, 2023
A Real Page Turner
The book moves quickly and, instead of reading at night, I found myself grabbing it to read whenever I had a few free moments. An amazing story of love, survival, friendship, and forgiveness. Strong, delightful characters that have the reader cheering them on through their endeavors.
I won’t say any more because it’s a book you just have to read for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.
The book moves quickly and, instead of reading at night, I found myself grabbing it to read whenever I had a few free moments. An amazing story of love, survival, friendship, and forgiveness. Strong, delightful characters that have the reader cheering them on through their endeavors.
I won’t say any more because it’s a book you just have to read for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.
January 13, 2023
A Courageous Lady
I liked the book because it fit the correct time period of history. Women had no time to sit back and have any rest or time to ponder what should come next.
They went on in life. Family and friend's came first. My grandma lived in this period
This book needs a better closing.
I liked the book because it fit the correct time period of history. Women had no time to sit back and have any rest or time to ponder what should come next.
They went on in life. Family and friend's came first. My grandma lived in this period
This book needs a better closing.
January 16, 2023
Moonshine and Mayhem
My first venture into 1920s depression and doing "whatever necessary" to feed the family. Several situations broke my heart as I was reminded what a different world it was. The underlying sadness and despair will require some time to recover, yet it was an interesting book.
My first venture into 1920s depression and doing "whatever necessary" to feed the family. Several situations broke my heart as I was reminded what a different world it was. The underlying sadness and despair will require some time to recover, yet it was an interesting book.
February 3, 2023
Can moonshine save a farm and a home?
Sister-in-laws, Priscilla and Ellie both have secrets they must keep from the federal and local law agents. The hardest secret for Ellie though is keeping the one about moonshine from Priscilla. The money is what can save Ellie's farm and Priscilla's home in town.
Sister-in-laws, Priscilla and Ellie both have secrets they must keep from the federal and local law agents. The hardest secret for Ellie though is keeping the one about moonshine from Priscilla. The money is what can save Ellie's farm and Priscilla's home in town.
April 12, 2023
We just do what we must to survive!
The Secrets of Adley Creek was an absolute must read! I admired the tenacity, drive and desire to survive that each one of the characters had. It was a difficult time and difficult choices had to be made to protect those who needed protecting. Amazing qualities that are not often found in today's society. Definitely worth the read!
The Secrets of Adley Creek was an absolute must read! I admired the tenacity, drive and desire to survive that each one of the characters had. It was a difficult time and difficult choices had to be made to protect those who needed protecting. Amazing qualities that are not often found in today's society. Definitely worth the read!
May 3, 2023
I liked the story line but felt the writing could have been better. This took place in the 1920's and there were so many things that just didn't exist at time (putting the car in Park?). I felt it was a bit of a chore to get to the end but I have to say I was rooting for the widow runner and Pricilla all the way.
May 10, 2023
This was a very good read! The story was captivating, it kept moving, no slow or dull spots. The character development was good as well. It told of the hard times for farmers in the 1920's and especially hard times for the women of that day and gave a look into how strong and brave they were during those times. I would definitely recommend.
January 15, 2023
Such a majestic story
Real page turner
Once started hard to put down ..
Can imagine both hardship dedication to keep their families and property
As usual shame on government who enabled such dreadful laws which forced people to be moonshiners
Real page turner
Once started hard to put down ..
Can imagine both hardship dedication to keep their families and property
As usual shame on government who enabled such dreadful laws which forced people to be moonshiners
January 16, 2023
Great Read
I really enjoyed this book.
The main story happened in the depression and when women would have had a hard time making a living for themselves.It was a great story about a strong woman
I really enjoyed this book.
The main story happened in the depression and when women would have had a hard time making a living for themselves.It was a great story about a strong woman
Read
January 16, 2023Absolutely loved this book. What a strong woman she was. I understand why the people broke the law and made moonshine back then. The only way they had to feed their families and keep their land. I truly enjoyed the book an hated to see it end.
January 21, 2023
Loved this book. It was a hard to put down book, once started I had to finish it. Interesting part of history and I can appreciate struggling farmers trying to keep family and farm together making moonshine in those hard times. Ridiculous government law, no humanity shown.
January 21, 2023
Great ending.
It was an original story and I wondered all through how it would end. Wrongs are never made right but the best of all came out well. The author's insights are precious and she planned thoroughly to get it to an amazing end.
It was an original story and I wondered all through how it would end. Wrongs are never made right but the best of all came out well. The author's insights are precious and she planned thoroughly to get it to an amazing end.
January 25, 2023
This was a quick easy read. The writing was not superfluous but I also would not call it plain. The book was a bit predictable but the author had a good story to tell. I will not seek out more of her works but I would not rule out reading more of her books.
January 27, 2023
The Secrets of Adley Creek
Truly enjoyed this novel. Was taken back to 1920s and the small towns with friendly neighbors. I love how authors can get you into that time space of being right there, then to me it's a great book one I can put down. Thank you Layla Reed
Truly enjoyed this novel. Was taken back to 1920s and the small towns with friendly neighbors. I love how authors can get you into that time space of being right there, then to me it's a great book one I can put down. Thank you Layla Reed
February 3, 2023
Moonshine for beginers
I learnt a lot about making moonshine but little of the lives of farmers and their families in 1927 rural America. One question how did Priscilla and the sheriff get married without proof that the husband was dead or did they have a quick divorce.
I learnt a lot about making moonshine but little of the lives of farmers and their families in 1927 rural America. One question how did Priscilla and the sheriff get married without proof that the husband was dead or did they have a quick divorce.
February 10, 2023
Rumrunner
The 1920's weren't all fun and wild. Prohibition made it profitable and dangerous. For many making moonshine was the only way to pay the bills and buy food. When Eleanor looses her job and her husband she has to decide how to pay the mortgage and eat.
The 1920's weren't all fun and wild. Prohibition made it profitable and dangerous. For many making moonshine was the only way to pay the bills and buy food. When Eleanor looses her job and her husband she has to decide how to pay the mortgage and eat.
February 20, 2023
A better understanding
Reading this book, I have a better understanding about prohibition, farmers needing good prices for their crops and how the depression made people do what they had to to survive.
Reading this book, I have a better understanding about prohibition, farmers needing good prices for their crops and how the depression made people do what they had to to survive.
March 27, 2025
The Secrets of Adley Creek
This was quite a story by a ninety-six year old who told of the many, many years of her life. It is so interesting how people lived and made a good life back in the 1920’s. What a good story.
This was quite a story by a ninety-six year old who told of the many, many years of her life. It is so interesting how people lived and made a good life back in the 1920’s. What a good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews