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Bellingwood #4
Secrets and Revelations
Bellingwood Days are nearly here. The quilt show has relocated to Sycamore House and the woman in charge offends everyone she encounters. Polly Giller's protective instincts are aroused when the woman verbally attacks a group of boys from Chicago and then confronts a girl who is rough on the outside but exposes her tender heart in the presence of Polly's four Percheron horses. Polly's life is never dull. She plays in the community band, and is on the committee to select finalists for the Literary Competition. When Polly discovers another body, Sheriff Aaron Merritt wonders if he should put her on the payroll. Henry Sturtz is the first person Polly turns to when she receives a strange email from Ruth Ann Marshall. Her claim that she knew Barbara & Everett Giller when Polly was a baby, ignites fear and trepidation, since Polly had never heard of the woman, nor seen a trace of her in their home. All of a sudden, Polly's idyllic childhood seems murky and she questions the wonderful relationship she had with her dad. The friends you've grown to know and love all return and new friends are introduced as Polly's relationship with Bellingwood grows. Join her as secrets are uncovered and revealed.
380 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2013
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449 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 16, 2016
Secrets and Revelations: Bellingwood Book 4 is by Diane Greenwood Muir. It is a novel set at Bellingwood. It is part of a fourteen book series so there is lots of reading of life at Bellingwood. Now I need to go back and start the series.
Polly Giller had created a life at Sycamore House and one that she loved. The auditorium was decked out in quilts for the quilt show which she hoped would be an annual affair. That is if she didn’t have to work with Cindy Rothenfuss . She was the rudest person Polly had ever met. Meanwhile, Sylvia Donovan kept the kitchen active while her son Jason worked with Polly’s horses and Andrew read the majority of his life. Henry Sturtz came over as often as possible and loved Polly but wasn’t pushing her to any decisions about them. Life was looking up and Bellingwood Days was coming.
Henry’s friend Roy Dunston brought some boys from the inner city Chicago area to spend two weeks spread among the Iowa farmers. The boys were all trustworthy and grateful to be out of the city. However, two of them evidently stole the Foster’s truck and wrecked it by hitting the back of Cindy’s car causing her to wreck in a cornfield and die. Then they went missing. Why would the boys choose Cindy to kill? It didn’t make sense. Maybe Polly should see what she could find out?
Polly Giller had created a life at Sycamore House and one that she loved. The auditorium was decked out in quilts for the quilt show which she hoped would be an annual affair. That is if she didn’t have to work with Cindy Rothenfuss . She was the rudest person Polly had ever met. Meanwhile, Sylvia Donovan kept the kitchen active while her son Jason worked with Polly’s horses and Andrew read the majority of his life. Henry Sturtz came over as often as possible and loved Polly but wasn’t pushing her to any decisions about them. Life was looking up and Bellingwood Days was coming.
Henry’s friend Roy Dunston brought some boys from the inner city Chicago area to spend two weeks spread among the Iowa farmers. The boys were all trustworthy and grateful to be out of the city. However, two of them evidently stole the Foster’s truck and wrecked it by hitting the back of Cindy’s car causing her to wreck in a cornfield and die. Then they went missing. Why would the boys choose Cindy to kill? It didn’t make sense. Maybe Polly should see what she could find out?
January 31, 2015
The Series Gets Better and Better
I downloaded the first three books in the series for free. I couldn't stop reading them, and as soon as I finished them I bought numbers four and five. I loved the characters and their development across time. In this book the focus is on the town festival and of course Polly discovers another corpse. Andrew, the younger son of Sylvia, is a bit of a bookworm, and wins second prize in the literature contest for children. An unexpected bonus was the inclusion of Andrew's short story. I would have given him first prize.
I downloaded the first three books in the series for free. I couldn't stop reading them, and as soon as I finished them I bought numbers four and five. I loved the characters and their development across time. In this book the focus is on the town festival and of course Polly discovers another corpse. Andrew, the younger son of Sylvia, is a bit of a bookworm, and wins second prize in the literature contest for children. An unexpected bonus was the inclusion of Andrew's short story. I would have given him first prize.
May 7, 2014
Can't remember when I finished this book, so I'm setting the date to today.
Ok, about the book. Oh my goodness, Polly is at it again! The quilt show, the mean old lady, it's AWESOME. All the usual characters, very familiar and loved. You just want to live in this town, it's so real in my head. The horses. LOVE the horses.
I love this whole series and I will continue to purchase them when I can. This is a wonderful series. No gratuitous sex scenes, no graphic violence. It's just good writing. :)
Ok, about the book. Oh my goodness, Polly is at it again! The quilt show, the mean old lady, it's AWESOME. All the usual characters, very familiar and loved. You just want to live in this town, it's so real in my head. The horses. LOVE the horses.
I love this whole series and I will continue to purchase them when I can. This is a wonderful series. No gratuitous sex scenes, no graphic violence. It's just good writing. :)
January 7, 2015
I enjoyed this book and went on to enjoy and finish the entire series. The author did a good job of 'fleshing out' the characters as the series progressed. I had struggled some with the first few books of the series as the author developed the premise and characters. The storylines of the last half of the series were interesting and usually a little unexpected at times - which was good; couldn't always anticipate the outcomes. Looking forward to reading the latest in the series to be released this year, 2015.
March 25, 2014
Bellingwood 4
loved this book it was awesome as the ones before it. looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
loved this book it was awesome as the ones before it. looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
November 5, 2014
Another good one! I am totally hooked on this series! I have friends in Bellingwood!!
November 27, 2016
Love the series
I got the first three books and by the time I was through them, I wasn't willing to leave. Just finished book 4 and I'm anxious to start book 5. Its a wonderful series with friendship, love and adventure. Most people are kind and caring. Just good book. Don't look for erotica, the book is much too rich for that. And I really love the love and relationship between Polly and Henry. Its a great story that is keeping g me enthralled. On to book 5. My adventure continues.
I got the first three books and by the time I was through them, I wasn't willing to leave. Just finished book 4 and I'm anxious to start book 5. Its a wonderful series with friendship, love and adventure. Most people are kind and caring. Just good book. Don't look for erotica, the book is much too rich for that. And I really love the love and relationship between Polly and Henry. Its a great story that is keeping g me enthralled. On to book 5. My adventure continues.
June 7, 2025
I took a break from this series for a while. So long of a break that I forgot some of the backgrounds of the main characters. I did remember the enjoyment I got simply from reading about Polly and her vision for her hotel/community center/farm, with a little mystery thrown in. This book did not disappoint.
Don't read this if you want a mystery that has you guessing and that you can try to figure out. Just read it to see what the community is up to and what projects Polly is taking on this time.
Don't read this if you want a mystery that has you guessing and that you can try to figure out. Just read it to see what the community is up to and what projects Polly is taking on this time.
July 20, 2017
Fourth in the Bellingwood series and another great read. You will enjoy it most if you read the series from the beginning, as the author continues the rich character development and strong bonds between these folks. I love seeing each one grow into their own potential.
Treat yourself to a little escape to Iowa...
Treat yourself to a little escape to Iowa...
July 1, 2017
Fun read
I've enjoyed this series. For me to be able to read about the Midwest, a caring and community themed life, is something that is missed. Its not heavy or thought provoking -- real entertainment.
I've enjoyed this series. For me to be able to read about the Midwest, a caring and community themed life, is something that is missed. Its not heavy or thought provoking -- real entertainment.
April 18, 2018
Sooo good !
These books are so much fun but still not all fluff! There is a lot of relationship wisdom right along with the humor. Interesting tidbits as well as intrigue keep me reading well past my bedtime.
These books are so much fun but still not all fluff! There is a lot of relationship wisdom right along with the humor. Interesting tidbits as well as intrigue keep me reading well past my bedtime.
January 26, 2021
Action plus!
Best book yet. Now that I am able to keep the main characters straight, the plot is easier to follow. I am anxious to get started in the next one. I am so thankful that there are so many and won't have to wait for the next to be written...
Best book yet. Now that I am able to keep the main characters straight, the plot is easier to follow. I am anxious to get started in the next one. I am so thankful that there are so many and won't have to wait for the next to be written...
January 20, 2022
Always wonderful read! If all of the world could be like the lives in Bellingwood!
The characters in these stories are so real. They are like your best friends! You laugh and cry. You are anxious and then joyful with everything thing going on!
The characters in these stories are so real. They are like your best friends! You laugh and cry. You are anxious and then joyful with everything thing going on!
February 10, 2022
I’m loving these books
What a delightful series of books to help me take time away from all the negative things that are happening in the real world. I’m able to enjoy the lives of all the characters that Diane Muir writes about ... a song so will you.
What a delightful series of books to help me take time away from all the negative things that are happening in the real world. I’m able to enjoy the lives of all the characters that Diane Muir writes about ... a song so will you.
April 7, 2020
I’ve enjoyed this series. It’s a good go-to when I need a good, quiet dependable read. Not earth moving, life changing literature, but cozy an inoffensive.
October 19, 2022
The was a book of many more exciting adventures for Polly and her gang at Sycamore House.
July 5, 2016
This is the fourth in a series of books - you will want to read the previous books before reading this because there are many references to previous happenings. Also this is not the end of a series there's quite a few more so if you don't want to get caught up in a long-term commitment you may want to hold off until your ready.
Polly's mom & dad had a big secret that they kept from Polly and a woman who Polly has never heard of wants to share it with her. That along with all the things that are happening in Polly's life is stressing her out . . . and then she finds another body. The woman is a nasty piece of work who has offended almost everyone in town.
I didn't like this book as much as the previous books. I found Polly to be a brat (In the past I thought she was a strong-willed woman, and I love to read about those as a main character. In this book though she just came across as rude, abrupt and pouty - pouty women are not strong!). I felt that Henry was a doormat in this one - why can't we have a strong woman & a strong male character?
I enjoy the description of Iowa life and the events in the town and I think Polly has made a tremendous difference in people's lives. Hopefully the mysteries will be more central in the upcoming books and Polly will be less of a brat.
Polly's mom & dad had a big secret that they kept from Polly and a woman who Polly has never heard of wants to share it with her. That along with all the things that are happening in Polly's life is stressing her out . . . and then she finds another body. The woman is a nasty piece of work who has offended almost everyone in town.
I didn't like this book as much as the previous books. I found Polly to be a brat (In the past I thought she was a strong-willed woman, and I love to read about those as a main character. In this book though she just came across as rude, abrupt and pouty - pouty women are not strong!). I felt that Henry was a doormat in this one - why can't we have a strong woman & a strong male character?
I enjoy the description of Iowa life and the events in the town and I think Polly has made a tremendous difference in people's lives. Hopefully the mysteries will be more central in the upcoming books and Polly will be less of a brat.
December 8, 2016
I am enjoying watching Polly integrate herself more and more into the community. As she does, she gets to know more of the people within the community, even if they know who she is.
One of the things that I find that I am enjoying the most about these books is that the author is allowing the characters to grown and change. They are evolving through their interactions with each other and what may come their way. At times I do believe that some authors have difficulty with this aspect in not allowing their characters to change or at least evolve through the story. Just as we change even day to day based on what life throws our way, so should the characters within a story. That is what gives a book life, character, emotions, a reason for us to care about them. I have not been disappointed in these books so far.
There is only one negative that I must point out. What is going on with the editing? Did someone not give a final proof on them or something cause it seems to be starting to get a bit ruff. Just sayin'
One of the things that I find that I am enjoying the most about these books is that the author is allowing the characters to grown and change. They are evolving through their interactions with each other and what may come their way. At times I do believe that some authors have difficulty with this aspect in not allowing their characters to change or at least evolve through the story. Just as we change even day to day based on what life throws our way, so should the characters within a story. That is what gives a book life, character, emotions, a reason for us to care about them. I have not been disappointed in these books so far.
There is only one negative that I must point out. What is going on with the editing? Did someone not give a final proof on them or something cause it seems to be starting to get a bit ruff. Just sayin'
May 16, 2016
The good news is...
There weren't many (or any?) distracting spelling or grammatical errors which drive me crazy. But the plot was so slow! I felt like it was a recitation of daily events; Polly would take her dog for a walk at night and I thought something dramatic would finally happen. But no- they would just return and we may hear more of the flirty conversations between her & boyfriend. The who, what, why of the murder took 1-2 pages, then back to the pie contest or quilt competition, etc. I honestly thought these were sedate seniors based on dialog and no mention of S E X but no, later details led me to the conclusion they are 30ish. I'm 64 and they bored me!
I hate to be so negative, but fair warning: very little plot development in this book. Maybe I would have to read all the others in the series to care but can't take the chance, too many books, so little time!
There weren't many (or any?) distracting spelling or grammatical errors which drive me crazy. But the plot was so slow! I felt like it was a recitation of daily events; Polly would take her dog for a walk at night and I thought something dramatic would finally happen. But no- they would just return and we may hear more of the flirty conversations between her & boyfriend. The who, what, why of the murder took 1-2 pages, then back to the pie contest or quilt competition, etc. I honestly thought these were sedate seniors based on dialog and no mention of S E X but no, later details led me to the conclusion they are 30ish. I'm 64 and they bored me!
I hate to be so negative, but fair warning: very little plot development in this book. Maybe I would have to read all the others in the series to care but can't take the chance, too many books, so little time!
June 16, 2016
E-Reader mystery 4th Book in series
Polly Giller owns Sycamore House. An old school house she has had renovated by Henry Sturtz. Henry becomes much to her as time passes in the small town of Bellingwood. She loves her dog, cats & 4 Percheron Horses.
Polly finds a dead body, a woman who was murdered. Who did it? She has friends she is very close to who help her to try & find the murder.
Plus Polly meets a woman who almost turns her life up side down. But. Will she find herself? She has been a big influence in several peoples lives. You won't want to put this book down.
Polly Giller owns Sycamore House. An old school house she has had renovated by Henry Sturtz. Henry becomes much to her as time passes in the small town of Bellingwood. She loves her dog, cats & 4 Percheron Horses.
Polly finds a dead body, a woman who was murdered. Who did it? She has friends she is very close to who help her to try & find the murder.
Plus Polly meets a woman who almost turns her life up side down. But. Will she find herself? She has been a big influence in several peoples lives. You won't want to put this book down.
February 25, 2015
I got the first 3 of the Bellingwood series as a boxed set free from Amazon via BookBub and enjoyed them very much. This book follows Polly Giller and her friends through more mysteries and another dead body. He romance with Henry is moving along (they kiss and say I love you on a regular basis!) but Polly is still skittish about commitment. I wish we had learned more about the quilt show (and the quilters) held at Sycamore House. I am still concerned about the editing but it does seem better than prior books (or I just didn't notice). I'm buying the next one!
April 18, 2015
Much to my surprise, I've just finished the fourth book in the Bellingwood series. Why is it surprising? Well, the storyline is a little sappy, a little predictable, and there are several typos, but I've fallen in love with Bellingwood, Iowa and the people living there. Bellingwood may be a small town, but it's definitely not short on excitement!
Not to steal from the state of Maine, but Bellingwood sure sounds like the way life should be.
Book five is downloading now. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Not to steal from the state of Maine, but Bellingwood sure sounds like the way life should be.
Book five is downloading now. I can't wait to see what happens next.
July 15, 2019
When the meanest woman in town is run off the road into a cornfield, Polly once again finds the body. There are lots of suspects - this woman had had run-ins with nearly everyone! Meanwhile, the town is preparing for Bellingwood Days, and Sycamore House will host several events. Although she's busy with preparations, Polly somehow manages to solve the mystery with the help of all of her friends.
(Includes "Hidden in the Trees" [Bellingwood 3.5], a short story written by Andrew Donovan for the Bellingwood Days writing contest.)
More tales from my favorite small town!
(Includes "Hidden in the Trees" [Bellingwood 3.5], a short story written by Andrew Donovan for the Bellingwood Days writing contest.)
More tales from my favorite small town!
August 14, 2015
I've read all these books. The stories are great and I like seeing how the characters evolve. This one did a better job of reintroducing who everyone was. Since I don't read one after another a refresher is good. But it didn't bog down. The conversations are a bit stilted. I can't exactly explain it. That is my only real complaint about the books. But I will continue to read them. I enjoy the characters.
May 12, 2016
Polly Giller finds her father has kept a secret from her. A woman has contacted her and wants to meet. Polly does not know this woman and wonders why she seems to think Polly does know her. On top of that, Polly finds herself in the middle of a murder. The town trouble maker is dead. Polly found her body. There are so many suspects who wanted the woman gone. Can Polly figure out who the killer is? Read this fast paced book to find out. A good read.
July 14, 2025
Updated review after reading this again: added another star to the book for the fabulous novella at the end of the book. I was hoping by book 4 Polly would stop acting like a tween, but I was once again disappointed. This series has such a good premise, but for such a small town, they sure have a lot of creepy murders.
June 1, 2016
This was a nice little mystery with lots of nice (almost too nice) characters. It´s a fun setting and the mystery resolves satisfactorily. It´s book 4 of a series, and I might have enjoyed it more if I had begun at the beginning in terms of being more invested in the lives of the characters, but the mystery itself was self-contained.
August 23, 2016
Death of the bankers wife
Polly has done it again, found another dead body. Cindy was the most disliked woman in town, and the list of suspects is long and varied. In this book in the series Polly has to deal with her past, and where the future will take her. We also get to delve deeper into the characters that surrounds Sycamore House. Another wonderful winner from Diane.
Polly has done it again, found another dead body. Cindy was the most disliked woman in town, and the list of suspects is long and varied. In this book in the series Polly has to deal with her past, and where the future will take her. We also get to delve deeper into the characters that surrounds Sycamore House. Another wonderful winner from Diane.
January 15, 2017
Loved it, more please :) I found the series right before Christmas 2016 and finished the entire series by the first week in 2017.
I am so happy to find an author I love, but now I have to wait for the next book like the rest of Diane's fans. On the positive side, she appears to be very prolific and the next book will be out in March 2017 (17).
I am so happy to find an author I love, but now I have to wait for the next book like the rest of Diane's fans. On the positive side, she appears to be very prolific and the next book will be out in March 2017 (17).
May 7, 2021
I enjoyed very much could hardly put it down. Reasonable mystery and the well known characters well developed. Cosy.
I have just reread first 10 books in one go, which is something I don't usually do. To be honest I probably liked them even better this time. There is a lot of filler stuff, taking dogs for walks and eating and so on, but it just feels like comfy clothes.
I have just reread first 10 books in one go, which is something I don't usually do. To be honest I probably liked them even better this time. There is a lot of filler stuff, taking dogs for walks and eating and so on, but it just feels like comfy clothes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews