Polly

Apron Strings #1

by Naomi Dawn Musch

One cookbook connects them all…Polly ~ Book One in a string of heartfelt inspirational stories, featuring different women throughout the decades from 1920 to 2020.The Great War has ended, but Polly Holloway’s heart is shattered when her fiancé finally returns home—with a French war bride. Now her future feels desolate, until she fastens onto the idea of using her skills and a special cookbook to turn her grandfather’s Victorian house into a fashionable ladies’ tea room. Yet, how will she endure the patronage of the woman who stole her sweetheart? Moreover, the suave tavern owner down the block is interfering in her business, personal and otherwise. Heaven only knows what goes on behind his doors.Ross Dalton can no longer sell liquor in his establishment. With prohibition in force, it’s a mixed blessing. Ross met God on the battlefield, and he wants to start fresh, but he must earn a living. Converting his bar into a coffee house offers a partial solution. Still, bootleggers are pressing him to pedal their moonshine, and the girl up the street is convinced his place is a front for a speakeasy. She’s awfully cute when she turns up her pert little nose at his friendly overtures. How can he convince her he isn’t going to tarnish the neighborhood or ruin her business? And will she believe he’s a changed man when the bootleggers double down?

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2024

About the author

Naomi loves stories rich in American history, but occasionally writes in other genres as well. She pens stories from the pristine north woods, where she and her husband live as epically as God allows near their five adult children and passel of grandchildren. She has worked as an editor for a small press, a staff writer for an EPA award-winning newspaper, a ghost writer, and has published dozens of magazine and internet articles for the encouragement of homeschooling families and young writers. Naomi is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Lake Superior Writers, and the Wisconsin Writers' Association. She loves engaging with others and always discovering kernels of a new story. She is available for speaking and book groups. Her newest novel is Mist O'er the Voyageur, and she anticipates re-releasing several of her back-list novels in 2019.
Connect with her through her website: http://www.naomimusch.com
FB: Naomi Musch - Author
Twitter: NMusch

Reviews

[Pegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is rich with historical details that will transport you back to the Roaring Twenties but it's the relationship between Polly and Ross that will keep you turning the pages. This is a "guy from the wrong side of the tracks" love story with plenty of spunk. I was able to read an advance copy and can highly recommend it!

[Maureen Chritzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series Starter

I really enjoyed reading this story of Polly, who rises up from heartbreak and uses her training and creativity to open a tea room in the home she inherited from her grandfather. Then there's Ross, who has returned from the war and opened up a business in his father's bar down the street from Polly. Polly will need to keep her eyes on him. From a distance. He may be handsome, but she knows his reputation from when he was younger. Is there more going on than meets the eye?

I highly recommend this faith-based historical romance, and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Dawn LeGros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully WOW!

What can I say about this book? Oh I know, I LOVED IT! It was full of emotional moments, worry, doubt, friendship, stress, heartbreak, faith, comfort, warmth, and love. I loved the details, characters, and environment. I could have even busted out crying more than once but didn't want to get all stuffy (facts). I can't wait to read more books in this multiauthor book series.

[Eileen Keir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Romance

Christian Romance blended with the theme of the importance of friendship and forgiveness. When dreams come crashing for Polly, she moves on with determination and discovers God's provision.

Meanwhile, a mob threatens the destruction of Ross's dreams as he seeks to build a legitimate business during prohibition.

The story itself is well done, and I liked the characters, especially the male main character. I enjoyed the historical aspect as well.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known about the Apron Strings Series for a few months now and have literally been counting down the days until the first book’s release and the first book is finally here! The Apron Strings series centers around a cook book passed down through the ages. Each book in the series takes a different decade from 1920s to 2020s. Naomi Musch’s Polly:  Apron Stings Series Book One takes place in 1919 and the 1920s and tells the story of Polly, a young woman who is living in a house that she inherited from her Grandfather waiting for her fiancé to come back from the War only to have her fiancé to marry another woman while in the War, and Ross, a Great War (WWI) veteran who is trying to turn his father’s business into an upstanding establishment after coming to the Lord in the War. On the surface, Polly and Ross are oil and water, but when you dig deeper, they have have a lot in common. Ross and Polly want to do their best for God, they both want to start eating establishments that happen to be right next door to each other (Polly a tearoom and Ross a men’s coffee shop), and both starting to have feelings for each other. But can two people who seem to be oil and water find a way to merge?

I fell in love with Naomi Musch’s writing when I read Season of My Enemy and Polly is no different. Ms. Musch’s writing gave me feels that I get from reading Tracie Peterson and Jennifer Lynn Cary. I love that Polly is soaked in Biblical Truth and that the main characters try their best to live and treat others like Jesus would. I love the sassy gumption that is pure Polly and the strength that is Ross. I love the “go get’em” attitude that Polly had in starting her tearoom. (The recipes that she experimented with made my mouth water while reading!) I admire Ross’ heart and how intentional he was in doing what was right and following what Jesus says to do, including his sense of justice. I also love the splash of intrigue that is in the book. I love how Polly and Ross want to honor Christ as their relationship grows. I love the encouragement that is in Polly and the fun escape that it gave me. I love traveling back to the 1920s and meeting the characters in Polly. If you are looking for a uplifting, fun read then I highly recommend Polly: Apron Stings Series Book One by Naomi Musch! I can’t wait to see what happens next in the Apron Stings series!

Have you read Polly: Apron Stings Series Book One by Naomi Musch? What did you think of the book? How excited are you for the next book in the Apron Stings series? My review is also on my Amazon and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.

[Melissa Main · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Romance by Naomi Musch!

Naomi Musch is one of my favorite authors, and I think I have read all of her books. However, “Polly” is especially dear to me.
Polly has a heart for people. She’s constantly cooking for people who are ill and caring for others who faced the deadly flu during WW2. However, Polly faces devastating news. Glenn, the man who proposed to her before going off to war, knocks on her door and calls off the engagement. He’s married a French war bride. Worse yet, Glenn moves to Polly’s hometown with Giselle, the one he dumped Polly for.
What is Polly going to do? Her former love and his new wife are constantly in her face. How will she rebound from this news and rebuild her life? With all the casualties from WW2, men are in short supply, along with her dwindling dreams for the future.
When you read this book, you will gain an appreciation for Polly’s resilience and trust in God. You’ll see how God provides for Polly and guides a young man, Ross Dalton, in his budding Christian faith.
This novel is one of Musch’s finest works.

[Tammy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wait was so worth it

I've been waiting to start reading this series circa long time and oh my word it was so worth the wait. If you are looking for a love story with lots of great food to cook them this is for you God may have a different plan for your life . It may not be what you thought was right for you but trust me The Lord knows where he is bringing you. As I was reading this I could picture the Tea rooms, the porches on the house and just the beauty of love. I can't wait for the next one, please check it out for yourself, you won't be sorry you did

[Donna Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delightful read!
When Polly’s intended broke her heart I felt so bad for her and wished I could tell her it would all turn out all right. A sweet story that was easy to read with likable characters I could root for.
I loved the sense of history and the details about the story world.
Plenty of interesting characters filled out the story and kept me reading.
The splash of suspense fit in perfectly for the time period.

Bootleggers
Tearoom
Romance
Historical
A good choice for readers who love sweet inspy romance in a historical setting.

[Patti Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your world has fallen apart you can do one of two things, mourn in self pity or pull yourself together and start over. Polly will experience heartache, but will make the choice to build a brighter future for herself and others in her life. This story is filled with spirited fun and unexpected drama. A wonderful start to the eleven book “Apron Strings” series, where one cookbook connects them all.

[Michelle Kaderly Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always like a hero who is trying to do the right thing against great odds. Ross in Naomi Musch’s novel, Polly: Apron Strings Series, fit this role. After returning from serving in World War I, he hopes to live a God-honoring life, but some mafia goons are intent on causing him trouble. One of the bad guys believes Ross owes him since he pulled him out of a trench.

Meanwhile his lovely neighbor reacts coolly toward him since she doesn’t believe he’s honoring prohibition. I like Polly, who is brave in starting her own tea shop venture. While she does prejudge Ross, her good heart seeks to do the right thing too even when it hurts. I enjoyed watching these two fall in love.

The characters feel real, and I learned about life in Hudson, Wisconsin, circa 1919-1920. This novel includes recipes at the end, which is an added bonus. They sound delicious, and I intend to try them out. Polly is the first in a series where each novel is written by a different author about a woman in a different decade. Polly is a very pleasant start to a series I hope to read more of.

I am a fan of Naomi Musch's novels. She wrote another great story, which I recommend.

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet book, with a lot of hope, faith and love. Polly is keeping herself busy by baking and cooking while waiting for her fiancé to return from war. Her special cookbook is an inspiration for her to try new recipes and make them her own. Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, was a possession that she cherished and used it as inspiration. She knows so many are not returning and she prays everyday that he will. But when he does, he is the one that drops the bomb that blows her dreams out of the water. While she was waiting for letters from overseas, God was paving a different path. .
Ross also made it home alive and is ready to resume running the bar that he took over after his Daddy retired, but with prohibition, how can he keep it going without selling liquor. This book is about trusting, accepting, changing, and forgiveness and it is so inspiring. And it has some awesome recipes in the back

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, delightful, heart hugging story, this and more describes Polly’s life as the author so vividly pens the ups, the downs, yet the ever present faithfulness of God, despite circumstances, disappointment and hopelessness. A heart broken, a heart mended, all in His plan, His purpose….”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” An entertaining story, yes, but one that lifts the spirit, encourages the soul, recognizing the written words are inspired by the author’s heart for the One who directs her path and carries her through the challenges of life. An extraordinary read, highly recommended!

[Phyllis (Avid Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the plot of this book, as well as the characters, although Polly started out as somewhat judgmental and tended to jump to incorrect conclusions. As the story developed, though, she became much more likable. I loved the setting of the book, both the post-war era and the Victorian home.

This could have been an excellent book, but there seemed to be very little editing. There were so many instances of awkward phrasing, along with several typos and numerous instances of Glenn's name being misspelled, that it just kept me from fully enjoying the book. What a shame, for it has such promise.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polly is in possession of Mrs Canfield's Cookery Book. She uses it for recipe ideas as she converts part of her grandfather's grand home into a tea room. Across the street, handsome Ross is converting the former bar into a hearty diner and dance hall. These two clash at first, but their strong characters come out and it blossoms into more. The book is a light read, yet full of inspiration to lead a quality Christian life. I enjoy cooking, and was pleased to see some recipes at the end. I look forward to following the cookbook into more homes.

[Cindy Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet treat with some suspense on the side

I loved the setting. WWI is so far away in time. Now over 100 years. Peeking back to that era after the war and the beginning of prohibition was fascinating. The author's research shows in the you are there feeling I got reading. Polly and Ross are relatable characters. And the faith element flowed seamlessly through the story. I've read several of Naomi Musch's books. And once again I stayed up late to finish it.

[Bert Kubo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet novel

I loved this book, dedicated to author Naomi Musch's son, Quinn.
This author is new to me, but I enjoyed her writing and the story
so much that I will look for and read whatever she has written!
This is Book One to a series set in the 1920s. The recipes in the back of the book look delicious, with simple ingredients and easy enough instructions for even me to prepare. Eager now to copy off the recipes and then to continue this series!

[Amy Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much sweetness

My heart was broken for Polly at the beginning. All those wasted years! Oh! But they weren’t wasted after all. There was someone special right down the road from her — Polly just happened to see him as a lawbreaker and once they both opened eateries, her competition. A lovely book.

[Erralee Hendrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Polly and her tea room. I loved reading about all the details and other characters in the story as well. I thought the author did a nice job telling the story and really bringing the reader to the 1920s. I also liked the inspirational moments woven into the story too. The recipes in the back of the book are a nice touch to the story.

[Jeannette Harbottle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Post-war trauma

Polly knew exactly what she would be doing now that the war was over, but then she discovered things don't always go according to plan. However, with the cook book gifted her when she left college, she finds life heading in a delightful new direction. 1920's romance at it's best.

[Dawn Klinge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polly is a wonderful step back in time to a small town in the 1920s with romance and delightful descriptions of what goes into the running of a tearoom. I loved the characters and thought it was well-researched. This was a fun read that I didn’t want to end.

[Mary Mccauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this series and this is a great start. Great storyline. Wonderful characters and historical tidbits. Romance that sizzles and suspense.
Of course great food. Including recipes. Highly recommended.

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

Sweet light Christian romance. Polly and Ross are wonderful characters, The story was love!y, and some yummy recipes included. look forward to The other stories in this series .

[MRS SHARON HAWES · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet historical romance

This was a very enjoyable sweet story set soon after WW1. Disappointed in love, Polly opens a tea room in her house as she loves baking. Good faith filled story with a satisfying ending.

[Sandi Niemeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

A lovely, sweet, clean story about Polly and Ross. It is an enjoyable story set after WWI about an engaged young lady and her neighbor, who ran a bar before prohibition. Very enjoyable.

[Dawn LeGros · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book? Oh I know, I LOVED IT! It was full of emotional moments, worry, doubt, friendship, stress, heartbreak, faith, comfort, warmth, and love. I loved the details, characters, and environment. I could have even busted out crying more than once but didn't want to get all stuffy (facts). I can't wait to read more books in this multiauthor book series.

[Paulette Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful

I loved this story with a little danger and love. Love lost and a new love to be fond and Gods words intertwined.

[Doris Lankford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have been waiting for the series to come out and I wasn't disappointed. I can't wait till the other books in the series are available.

[Elly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been so excited about this series and this first book didn't disappoint. It was a quick read and so engaging. Polly and Ross were an easy couple to root for. Well done!!!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute 1920's romance featuring family, food and a bit of mystery.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never the same old romance.

Naomi always amazes me. She is a master romance writer. I never know what plot twist she’s going to throw in and she has spectacular character growth.