What do you think?
Rate this book
Ladybug Farm #3
Love Letters from Ladybug Farm
Love is in the air in this delightful novel-third in the bestselling Ladybug Farm series from award-winning author Donna Ball.
Renovating a broken-down mansion in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley gave three lifelong friends a welcome second chance. But after taking the biggest risk of their lives, are these women also willing to risk their hearts?
All the effort Cici, Lindsay, and Bridget have put into transforming an historic but overgrown farm into an upscale winery and special events business is paying off-Ladybug Farm has been chosen to host a society wedding. What this really means is that they are about to be invaded by warring mothers-in-law, a Bridezilla, and a completely clueless groom. They have their hands full keeping Ladybug Farm from descending into total chaos.
But there's something about a wedding...
Renovating a broken-down mansion in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley gave three lifelong friends a welcome second chance. But after taking the biggest risk of their lives, are these women also willing to risk their hearts?
All the effort Cici, Lindsay, and Bridget have put into transforming an historic but overgrown farm into an upscale winery and special events business is paying off-Ladybug Farm has been chosen to host a society wedding. What this really means is that they are about to be invaded by warring mothers-in-law, a Bridezilla, and a completely clueless groom. They have their hands full keeping Ladybug Farm from descending into total chaos.
But there's something about a wedding...
343 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2010
58 people are currently reading
929 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
October 18, 2016
Cici, Lindsay and Bridget, long-time friends are in the process of transforming an historic farm into a growing business. They have the vines planed for the winery and with various projects they are managing to keep their heads above water- just. Then the opportunity comes up to host an upscale wedding. The wedding family are demanding and unreasonable at times, everything you would expect from people with plenty of money and little regard for other people. Needless to say, not all goes according to plan and there are a few disasters along the way and a lot of improvisation. This makes for a largely amusing and light-hearted read though occasionally it tends toward overkill. There are also romances blossoming, perhaps.
Even though I had not read the earlier Ladybug farm novels it was easy enough to pick up what had gone before. I quite enjoyed the story although at times it does seems too farfetched to believe. The emails scattered throughout added nothing. They could have easily been left out. I found them annoying. Overall a good light-hearted read, probably better I suspect if you have read the earlier novels though. One quote that struck me was, ‘ It’s not the wedding; it’s the marriage that counts.’ Sadly in this novel and too often in society these days it seems many have forgotten that and there is too much emphasis on one day rather than nurturing the marriage relationship.
Even though I had not read the earlier Ladybug farm novels it was easy enough to pick up what had gone before. I quite enjoyed the story although at times it does seems too farfetched to believe. The emails scattered throughout added nothing. They could have easily been left out. I found them annoying. Overall a good light-hearted read, probably better I suspect if you have read the earlier novels though. One quote that struck me was, ‘ It’s not the wedding; it’s the marriage that counts.’ Sadly in this novel and too often in society these days it seems many have forgotten that and there is too much emphasis on one day rather than nurturing the marriage relationship.
September 21, 2016
Being a Librarian, I brought this book home to read when it passed through the desk. Of course after finishing it I realized I had my own copy of this book on my shelf at home. Which probably means i need to take a closer look at my books at home. This was a nice weekend read, I felt the characters were a bit one dimensional & had a hard time separating the three main characters in terms of their voice in the novel. I read the first book in the series which was very good but this installment just didn't hold my interest. The chaos was a bit contrived. But overall was sweet curl up on the couch read.
May 14, 2012
It was okay; however, even with a startup "busines", it's unrealistic to have that many mishaps in a relatively short period of time. I grew up on a working farm, so I know whereof I speak. Also, there were so many budding romances in this book that there was little relationship development going on--paving the way, I am sure, for the next Ladybug Farm installment. I'm afraid I got lost in the hailstorm and won't be continuing on with the series.
November 21, 2011
Delightful little light novel. This appears to be the 3rd book in a series about three ladies in their late forties who buy a large old dilapidated home with land in Virginia to fix up. The descriptions of the surrounding area are beautiful and their friendship seems ideal. The story follows a bridezilla situation where the three friends host a wedding at their home. Crazy work is involved, always with beautiful results, and a touch of romance here and there. This is not deep, but is lovely.
Since I hadn't read the first two books, I had a bit of trouble keeping track of the characters, but this is understandable and wasn't a major problem. Super clean with no swears (that I recall :) or intimate scenes. References to a gay relationship and an affair but absolutely no details on either.
Highly recommended to lovers of chick-lit.
Since I hadn't read the first two books, I had a bit of trouble keeping track of the characters, but this is understandable and wasn't a major problem. Super clean with no swears (that I recall :) or intimate scenes. References to a gay relationship and an affair but absolutely no details on either.
Highly recommended to lovers of chick-lit.
February 15, 2017
3.5 stars: In the third book detailing the adventures at Ladybug Farm, a wedding is planned and executed. This book appears to start in spring, about a year after book two ends. Many of the ladies dreams are coming true and being realized.
The love letters written with dates in italics are a little random, there's been no mention of what year the story is being told in so it's hard to frame it out. The use of IM, emails back and forth, and blog posts a few times throughout the book don’t do anything for the story except make it lacking in flow.
To me, this book had less of the magic and cohesiveness as the previous two. Although, this is the first to be dusted with romance (one of my favorite subjects).
The love letters written with dates in italics are a little random, there's been no mention of what year the story is being told in so it's hard to frame it out. The use of IM, emails back and forth, and blog posts a few times throughout the book don’t do anything for the story except make it lacking in flow.
To me, this book had less of the magic and cohesiveness as the previous two. Although, this is the first to be dusted with romance (one of my favorite subjects).
May 19, 2018
The ladies now have a blog and are making gift baskets. Also their friend, Paul, sets them up to host a wedding in three weeks time. However the best laid plans do not always work especially when both the bride and the bride's mother change ideas, add things not in the contract and increase the guest list. All of this is with only three weeks time. During this time, Cici's daughter, Lori, is involved in an accident and Lori's father, Richard, comes to visit. Paul also comes to visit but he turns out to be a master at organizing. The book is a feel good read. It was an easy quick read.
September 20, 2017
Absolutely the funniest description of a wedding that I've ever read. Hilarious.
January 21, 2014
I really love this Ladybug Farm Series (once you read The Hummingbird House-2013-not part of the series; however, featured Paul and Derrick from the series and scenes with the Ladybug farm ladies)-- I immediately had to purchase the series via e-book and read them in order to hear the origin and background of these fabulous ladies.
I have read #1- a Year on Ladybug Farm, #2 –A Home on Ladybug Farm, #3-Love Letters from Ladybug Farm and now have two more e-books which I have already purchased (#4- Christmas on Ladybug Farm, and #5- Vintage Ladybug Farm). All have been 5 star quality!
I love everything about this series as I have mentioned previously in the other reviews. I adore the characters and the challenges and fun of restoring an old home, gardens, farm, design, gourmet food, business, and relaxing at the end of the day with friends and enjoying the fruits of your labor.
The one thing I really miss about this series (assume it is due to these books being published earlier and now in e-book format) --no beautiful color cover image to draw you in, and no epilogue, or message from the author. It just ends and I continue to want to turn the page on my e-reader to read more when it ends.
I love the way some authors such as Diane Chamberlain, and others will give an overview of what inspired them to write the story, their inspiration, the people who made the book possible, a readers discussion, and how the author is connected to the story. This series is too good not to hear more from the author of its creation-which is very important for the reader and how I connect with the author.
I highly recommend this series as very entertaining! Being in the hospitality business, able to relate. Guess I will have to read them all before I get start on my other reading list as cannot get enough and will be sad when the series ends. So many loveable characters and rich in history and charm.
I have read #1- a Year on Ladybug Farm, #2 –A Home on Ladybug Farm, #3-Love Letters from Ladybug Farm and now have two more e-books which I have already purchased (#4- Christmas on Ladybug Farm, and #5- Vintage Ladybug Farm). All have been 5 star quality!
I love everything about this series as I have mentioned previously in the other reviews. I adore the characters and the challenges and fun of restoring an old home, gardens, farm, design, gourmet food, business, and relaxing at the end of the day with friends and enjoying the fruits of your labor.
The one thing I really miss about this series (assume it is due to these books being published earlier and now in e-book format) --no beautiful color cover image to draw you in, and no epilogue, or message from the author. It just ends and I continue to want to turn the page on my e-reader to read more when it ends.
I love the way some authors such as Diane Chamberlain, and others will give an overview of what inspired them to write the story, their inspiration, the people who made the book possible, a readers discussion, and how the author is connected to the story. This series is too good not to hear more from the author of its creation-which is very important for the reader and how I connect with the author.
I highly recommend this series as very entertaining! Being in the hospitality business, able to relate. Guess I will have to read them all before I get start on my other reading list as cannot get enough and will be sad when the series ends. So many loveable characters and rich in history and charm.
April 3, 2016
I picked up the first book of this series by chance and thought I had hit a goldmine! It was fresh, unique and the best part was the women doing for themselves without being dependent on a man. (A new and refreshing idea for a book.) The mishaps were funny although I must admit, as a farm-girl born and raised I was a little disappointed that they simply didn't use common sense a time or two. But overall, it was a great read and I quickly rushed to get the rest in the series.
I was disappointed in the second, which seemed to veer off here and there and repeat much information from the first. (I know the author has to explain the characters to first-time readers, but I feel she went into too much depth.) The mishaps continued and it made me wonder how much bad luck could some people have?
That brings us to this one, number three. More mishaps, on steroids to be exact. WHEN will these people catch a break? And WHY-OH-WHY would Noah open the barn door during the wedding??? And truthfully HOW do they get everything it entails to run a working farm AND run a business AND host a wedding (in a mere 3 weeks), even with the additional help that popped by?
So as much as I enjoyed the first book, I am thinking it is time to give up and say goodbye to the lovely ladies (and Noah) of Ladybug Farm. If I read of something burning, breaking, running away, getting ruined, I will have to bang my head against the table.
I was disappointed in the second, which seemed to veer off here and there and repeat much information from the first. (I know the author has to explain the characters to first-time readers, but I feel she went into too much depth.) The mishaps continued and it made me wonder how much bad luck could some people have?
That brings us to this one, number three. More mishaps, on steroids to be exact. WHEN will these people catch a break? And WHY-OH-WHY would Noah open the barn door during the wedding??? And truthfully HOW do they get everything it entails to run a working farm AND run a business AND host a wedding (in a mere 3 weeks), even with the additional help that popped by?
So as much as I enjoyed the first book, I am thinking it is time to give up and say goodbye to the lovely ladies (and Noah) of Ladybug Farm. If I read of something burning, breaking, running away, getting ruined, I will have to bang my head against the table.
February 15, 2017
I like this series. it's enjoyable, relaxing, but interesting.
January 13, 2011
I do enjoy the main characters of this series. This particular book, however, I thought was a little too "fluffy". I do like the relationship of the 3 women, however, and now Lori is becoming more a part of the farm. I also like the character of Noah.
In this book, Cici, Lindsey, and Bridget decide they can offer their farm for weddings and receptions. It would be easier, however, if their first customer wasn't the epitome of bridezilla and mother-of-bridezilla! In addition to everything that has to be done for the wedding, a goat shows up at the farm. Then there's the dog Rebel who does what sheep dogs do.
This is a pretty fast read, but it was also easy to put down and read something else. I am glad, though, that I came back to it and finished it.
In this book, Cici, Lindsey, and Bridget decide they can offer their farm for weddings and receptions. It would be easier, however, if their first customer wasn't the epitome of bridezilla and mother-of-bridezilla! In addition to everything that has to be done for the wedding, a goat shows up at the farm. Then there's the dog Rebel who does what sheep dogs do.
This is a pretty fast read, but it was also easy to put down and read something else. I am glad, though, that I came back to it and finished it.
June 17, 2015
The third installment of the Lady bug Farm books is just as interesting and cute as the first two. The women have finished their second year as historic home owners and have done their major renovations to the house, grounds, and outbuildings, and have settled into a routine of caring for their animals, planting, and harvesting when a friend suggests earning money for their projects by offering their home as a wedding venue. Of course they are given a crazy demanding mother and daughter who have already fired 3 wedding planners, so it's three months of ultra crazy on top of the usual high jinks of farm life with 3 middle aged women, 2 teenagers, an elderly housekeeper, a deer, a dog, some sheep and chicken, along with a goat who shows up one day!
Read
June 16, 2011I don't often read a seriers because I find they get repetative and boring......not this one. Donna Ball has found the trick to keeping all of the characters interesting and fresh. I hope there will be more books.......I am still wanting to know what happens on the Ladybug Farm....
February 29, 2012
I loved this series, and can't wait to read Christmas on Ladybug Farm.
July 16, 2019
Pretty blah.
February 20, 2021
Note I used the same review for them all--it applied:
I loved Donna Ball's Raine Stockton dog mysteries so much, I ventured to try one of these. And, as you can see, I was hooked. The first three were available at the library and I even made a special library trip to pick it up.
One of them even made me cry--it was so touchingly wonderful, like real life is when a dark cloud is hanging over your head for months and suddenly it is lifted. Obviously I can't give the details. But I can say this: these books are sweet and charming and very much not for everyone. Nothing really awfully bad ever happens. There are no villains although there are a few extremely incompetent repairmen who ought to get the boot. It's a sweet, simple story of three women who bond together over a lifetime of shared experience. And end up buying a farm. And what a farm!
Goats appear. Roofs collapse. A mysterious nighttime marauder steals vegetables. Neighbors help out when least expected. Storms wipe out crops. Sheep wear clothing. And after many strange discoveries, they learn that it's not just a farm, it's a farm with a history.
Would I love to live there!
I loved Donna Ball's Raine Stockton dog mysteries so much, I ventured to try one of these. And, as you can see, I was hooked. The first three were available at the library and I even made a special library trip to pick it up.
One of them even made me cry--it was so touchingly wonderful, like real life is when a dark cloud is hanging over your head for months and suddenly it is lifted. Obviously I can't give the details. But I can say this: these books are sweet and charming and very much not for everyone. Nothing really awfully bad ever happens. There are no villains although there are a few extremely incompetent repairmen who ought to get the boot. It's a sweet, simple story of three women who bond together over a lifetime of shared experience. And end up buying a farm. And what a farm!
Goats appear. Roofs collapse. A mysterious nighttime marauder steals vegetables. Neighbors help out when least expected. Storms wipe out crops. Sheep wear clothing. And after many strange discoveries, they learn that it's not just a farm, it's a farm with a history.
Would I love to live there!
May 4, 2023
Reading these books is living a different life vicariously
Three women in their prime are entranced by the idea of rescuing a 100+ year old 8,000 square foot mansion on a 16 acre farm in the Shenandoah valley. When they realize they can actually buy the place, do some repairs and share such a treasure together, they make a pact. The story of saving the mansion, dealing with many unexpected sidesteps not to mention backward steps, is marvelous. I follow them so eagarly and anxiously, celebrate their successes, mourn their dreams when they must be set aside for another time, and enjoy every page! I have the dilemma of wanting to read as fast as I can and wanting to go slowly, savoring every aspect. Maybe I will need to read it again! (Even though I just finished volume 3!) Thank so much for this series! ?perfect for an armchair farmer!
Three women in their prime are entranced by the idea of rescuing a 100+ year old 8,000 square foot mansion on a 16 acre farm in the Shenandoah valley. When they realize they can actually buy the place, do some repairs and share such a treasure together, they make a pact. The story of saving the mansion, dealing with many unexpected sidesteps not to mention backward steps, is marvelous. I follow them so eagarly and anxiously, celebrate their successes, mourn their dreams when they must be set aside for another time, and enjoy every page! I have the dilemma of wanting to read as fast as I can and wanting to go slowly, savoring every aspect. Maybe I will need to read it again! (Even though I just finished volume 3!) Thank so much for this series! ?perfect for an armchair farmer!
June 10, 2018
Loved it. These ladies never give up and if it means having a wedding at the farm, they will do it. What they didn’t realize was that these people were off the wall. Bridezilla and her mother change their minds every few minutes. They want what they would get from a five star hotel at the Lady Bug Farm, just order this do that. Of course nothing ever goes as planned, and those (little) disasters don’t stop these ladies. When there is love in the air, it seems to hit everyone, right down to Farley. So much more happens, you need to read this.
February 12, 2022
So many books start with the end and then go back to the beginning. I don’t understand why authors choose this approach. It is distracting and instead of enjoying what is happening, I keep waiting for the disaster to happen. In this case, it wasn’t much of a disaster, but knowing it was coming interfered with my enjoyment.
Otherwise, the “girls” allowing the wedding party to overpower them was disappointing. They are three strong, experienced women who knew better. But, there had to be a story.
I enjoy their world, and will keep reading, in spite of my frustrations.
Otherwise, the “girls” allowing the wedding party to overpower them was disappointing. They are three strong, experienced women who knew better. But, there had to be a story.
I enjoy their world, and will keep reading, in spite of my frustrations.
June 14, 2017
I struggled to finish this one. Not sure why the format changed to the letter writing but I found it distracting. Also the recipes... Still don't know if Farley was actually the admirer - wasn't clear but I felt like Farley should have paid me $10 to read this one. Oh and what was with dropping Michele Obama's name in throughout the book - ??? I didn't get that at all. Won't continue the series so my search continues for a decent book.
May 23, 2018
I am enjoying this series about three older women who buy an old, run-down mansion and set about restoring it. This book is mostly about holding a wedding at the farm. The problem is that everyone involved in the wedding from the bride, the bride's mother, the groom, his mother and on and on is incredibly selfish, self-centered and demanding. What they did/said was a bit over-the-top but the book was still enjoyable.
June 26, 2019
3rd in a series about three ladies that bought a run down farm and changed it into a home. This book revolves around new plans to make the farm a place for a wedding. The adventures with the bride, the demanding mom, the wedding plans are surprising and funny. While the ladies are dealing with this, they also have their own life adventures. Cici's daughter Lori's accident, Lindsey's journey with Noah growing up, Bridget's secret admirer on the blog. Can't wait to see what happens next.
January 13, 2021
Another delightful installment in the Ladybug Farm series as the ladies bite off way more than they can chew. Agreeing to host a wedding with a bridezilla and her overbearing mother, along with madcap adventures as things go terribly wrong, it is a fun and easy read. The storm that comes the day before the wedding was a bit much, though. Still, it is a pleasant diversion and an enjoyable series. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
February 1, 2022
This was another fun read from the Lady farm series. I plan on reading them all. Lindsey, Cici, and Bridgette decide to have wedding at the farm but the first is a total bridezilla and the weather makes it interesting. There are love letters written throughout but you don't know who wrote them. Noah is going through a hard time and their friend Paul is fighting with Derrick but saves the day!
August 17, 2022
The story continues
What's not to like about this book? It gives readers a continuation of the lives of some fantastic characters and paints a picture of loving, reliable friendship and family with understanding of even though life's trials may be difficult, you don't have to face then alone.
What's not to like about this book? It gives readers a continuation of the lives of some fantastic characters and paints a picture of loving, reliable friendship and family with understanding of even though life's trials may be difficult, you don't have to face then alone.
October 31, 2018
Third book in the series. It was okay. I have gone on to Christmas on Ladybug Farm but this is just a novella so will get this one done pretty quickly. Have two more in the series. Am enjoying the series. Easy reading.
Read
July 25, 2019This is my second read in the series...now I definitely need to go back and find the first book! In this book, the ladies get talked into throwing a wedding for a wealthy NYC family...turns out to be much more than they'd planned for, with sometimes hilarious results!
May 25, 2020
Sometimes its not a good idea to read a series straight through, this is one of those times, I got a bit bored and a bit stale, I think if I would have put a space in between it would have been better.
August 12, 2021
This continues to be a wonderful series. The author is very descriptive of this lovely adventure. There are times I laughed out loud. I just do not want the series to end.
What a delightful experience. This one includes some history regarding the land in Shenandoah valley
What a delightful experience. This one includes some history regarding the land in Shenandoah valley
February 15, 2017
More like a 3.5. The book felt contrived and flat. Not as good as the previous books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews