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The Obituary Society
(The Obituary Society #1)
by
When Lila Moore inherits her grandfather's house, she finds herself in a small Midwestern town where margarine is never an acceptable substitution for butter, a coveted family recipe can serve as currency, and the friend who will take your darkest secrets to the grave will still never give you the secret to her prize-winning begonias.
Lila is charmed by the people of Aubur ...more
Lila is charmed by the people of Aubur ...more
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The formulaic elements were here for a good story but the author should have kept a town map in sight while writing. The first time we go to Grandpa Isaac's home we drive the old beast of a truck across town and a few chapters later the house is across the street and still later it's next door to Aunt Ada's!! Whaaatt???? Also, was the creepy pond behind Ada's or behind Grandpa's because the first time she got rescued they went into Ada's to get changed and the next time she's at the inherited Gr
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I agree with many of the other reviewers-- the story had an interesting premise (woman inherits home in grandfather's hometown, decides to start a life there). However, there were just way too many plot holes and the timeline of events was way too confusing.
In addition, I feel like the author spent way too much time talking about the baked goods rather than explaining some critical pieces of the plot- for example, I literally had no clue who Uncle David was until the very end (were we supposed ...more
In addition, I feel like the author spent way too much time talking about the baked goods rather than explaining some critical pieces of the plot- for example, I literally had no clue who Uncle David was until the very end (were we supposed ...more
(3.5 Stars) There's something so comforting to me about a novel full of mystery, small town characters, and delicious food. Lila inherits her grandpa's house and goes to live with her aunt in small town Nebraska, while deciding what to do with this house. It seems that someone wants her gone and between those threats and the mystery of the pond in her backyard, Lila thinks she's going crazy.
As Lila works through the mystery, these interesting characters, and this dangerous mystery, her true char ...more
As Lila works through the mystery, these interesting characters, and this dangerous mystery, her true char ...more
First, I'll say that I thought there was a decent story buried in this book. Getting to it wasn't all that easy. The characters didn't seem to be very well developed and I found myself confused over the family tree. Part of my confusion was over the original ownership of the house Lila inherited and who chose the Raspberry Rumble paint color. Early in the book, "Phoebe" chose the color, but at the end of the book, "Grandma Elaine" was given credit. The whole pond thing seemed weird -- are we sup
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Lila Moore is headed to the hometown of her deceased grandfather in the hope of finding the deep family connection she feels she is lacking. While she loved her grandfather deeply, she is aware there are holes in her family history. So she travels from Wyoming to Auburn Nebraska where she hopes to find some answers.
Once there she is embraced by not only her aunt but also by the people of the little town. It takes no time at all for her to fall into a cozy routine. But tackling the renovation of ...more
Once there she is embraced by not only her aunt but also by the people of the little town. It takes no time at all for her to fall into a cozy routine. But tackling the renovation of ...more
This was disappointing - I was so drawn to the title and the cover of this book. And I really enjoyed the characters and the feel of the town of Auburn. But unfotunately, there were just way too many problems. The chapter transitions were awkward and I found myself confused at times wondering if I missed something. There were also several inconsistencies in details and way too many gramatical errors and mis-spellings. If the author had found a better editor it really could have been a much bette
...more
Aug 03, 2015
Chelsea
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
food-and-cooking,
crime-and-mystery,
united-states,
drama,
new-adult,
ambiguous-endings,
mystery
More reviews available at my blog, Beauty and the Bookworm.
Don't let the cover fool you on this one--it's no sugar-sweet chick-lit novel about a group of ladies talking about obituaries. A group of ladies talking about obituaries does appear, but they're not really the focus. No, the focus is something completely different--a girl who just moved to her grandfather's home town to deal with his estate following his death, and who finds that her family history there is a little darker than she thou ...more
Don't let the cover fool you on this one--it's no sugar-sweet chick-lit novel about a group of ladies talking about obituaries. A group of ladies talking about obituaries does appear, but they're not really the focus. No, the focus is something completely different--a girl who just moved to her grandfather's home town to deal with his estate following his death, and who finds that her family history there is a little darker than she thou ...more
First half could have been left out. So slow with too many unnecessary picnics and bake sales that don't help the reader know the characters any better after the fifth social outing. Weak. Unrealistic. Confusing. Inconsistent. Isaac's and Ada's houses are never in the same place twice--or the pond. Totally lost me on who is related to whom? Phoebe? Lila's dad? Who the heck is Ada's father and do we care? Nothing fully developed--including the Obit Society--and yet Randall is a decent writer if s
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Chick lit with a touch of mystery about a woman who moves to a small town after she inherits her grandfather's dilapidated house.
I really enjoyed the feisty elderly characters that Lila encountered. ...more
I really enjoyed the feisty elderly characters that Lila encountered. ...more
Really enjoyed reading this book and I will be looking for more from this author. Recommended.
Needs a really good editor
Is this self published? If not where the heck was the editor???? Seriously there is a story here somewhere but without an editor to slap the author back on track you will struggle
Is this self published? If not where the heck was the editor???? Seriously there is a story here somewhere but without an editor to slap the author back on track you will struggle
Lila Moore brings her dead grandpa home so he can rest with his family. The cozy little town of Auburn is charming and the first time in her life Lila feels like she belongs somewhere. She inherits the old house of her grandparents and thinks about staying and renovating the house and learning more about her family. Her great-aunt Ada lets her stay with her and soon she has two handsome men vying for her attention: the sleek lawyer Asher and the nerdy computer geek and single-dad Max. But there
...more
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well fleshed out and I felt as though I knew most of the townspeople. Zany happenings, quirky folks and a really intriguing mystery filled out a wonderful story. This was a clean romance with a twist due to the mystery. The characters were "real" with everyday issues and as usual with a small town, everyone knew everyone and most of their secrets. I love the way the townspeople cared about each other and helped each other. There were laugh out loud
...more
This story has a small-town cozy feel with plenty of interesting characters that I love in a good mystery.
"An old house is alive with ghosts. Each person that lived there made some kind of mark; if not in the choice of paint or cabinetry, then in a ding in the wall, a faucet with the handles installed backward, or a name carved out in the wallpaper behind the bed in secret. In some way, each voice that wandered its rooms whispers, "I was here."
I would have given the book a 5 but there were a co ...more
"An old house is alive with ghosts. Each person that lived there made some kind of mark; if not in the choice of paint or cabinetry, then in a ding in the wall, a faucet with the handles installed backward, or a name carved out in the wallpaper behind the bed in secret. In some way, each voice that wandered its rooms whispers, "I was here."
I would have given the book a 5 but there were a co ...more
Enjoyed
I enjoy stories about small USA towns. Nosey people, nice people, cute sassy elderly people. The joy of having or making the time to garden, bake and know your community. Especially if there are people who can become good friends. Then to have gossip, love, love affairs and murder all in the same story. This was a fun mystery book. I do have to agree with other readers, the family tree was a bit confussing on who's who. Easy read, I'd recommend it. Yes there are some mis-spelled words, th ...more
I enjoy stories about small USA towns. Nosey people, nice people, cute sassy elderly people. The joy of having or making the time to garden, bake and know your community. Especially if there are people who can become good friends. Then to have gossip, love, love affairs and murder all in the same story. This was a fun mystery book. I do have to agree with other readers, the family tree was a bit confussing on who's who. Easy read, I'd recommend it. Yes there are some mis-spelled words, th ...more
As much as I love reading about magical small town living, with quirky characters, and believe me, I really do, I wasn't convinced by this read. I tried to empathize with the characters, but they lacked a certain depth, they lacked genuine charm, and they weren't quirky - all factors that are so necessary to give the story that particular "zing", exactly the magic they are aiming for - if you know what I mean.
I wasn't entirely convinced by the plot either. It felt a bit far-fetched at times. Too ...more
I wasn't entirely convinced by the plot either. It felt a bit far-fetched at times. Too ...more
Looking for light romance or a cozy mystery? This may be the book for you! The characters in this book are as charming, and unique, as the small southern town in which its set. Decent pacing and plot make it a nice read for a slow summer day, or trip to the beach. The book's major flaw is its numerous grammatical errors which I found distracting, and is why it earns a 3 rather than 4 stars --- please re-edit this work! It's a good read otherwise!
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Romantic Mystery
I loved this book. It was easy to read; simple yet complicated; just the right touch of mystery; lovable, eccentric characters; and more than one love triangle. If you like mysteries with a dash of romance, a touch of terror, and a surprise or two, you can't go wrong with this book. ...more
I loved this book. It was easy to read; simple yet complicated; just the right touch of mystery; lovable, eccentric characters; and more than one love triangle. If you like mysteries with a dash of romance, a touch of terror, and a surprise or two, you can't go wrong with this book. ...more
Stuck on an airplane running 3 hours behind and had an enjoyable few hours with this book. I felt like I understood the characters and the little town by the time I was done. There as a vague supernatural undercurrent to the book which did not detract from the story. Will look into k for the second in the series.
This book started off slow and it took me a few sessions to finish it (school..such a drag), but I quite enjoyed it. Those last few chapters kept me hook. As I said it started off slow, so I didn't plan on following the series but I will definitely pick up the next book in the series. 3.5 starts.
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3.75 stars
Small town with interesting characters in the ladies social society. Add a little romance and mystery and it was a nice read. The writing was choppy at times so the flow was off for me and the main character(Lila) arc could have been fleshed out more.
Small town with interesting characters in the ladies social society. Add a little romance and mystery and it was a nice read. The writing was choppy at times so the flow was off for me and the main character(Lila) arc could have been fleshed out more.
2- 1/2 stars. A light read that needs editing. Characters are a little flat, events outside of the plot take too much space, geography is really messed up. Nice plot twist at end.
"What lies beneath?"
It's a whole new world out there in Smalltown, USA. Over here in the UK we don't have towns like Auburn. Unless I make it to the States one day I don't think I'll ever know for sure whether they truly still exist. It makes for an enjoyable story though. Things were a little slow at times, but in the world of Auburn that goes with the territory. If you have time to spare, just lay back, chill out and enjoy the baking. Stay away from the pond though. ...more
It's a whole new world out there in Smalltown, USA. Over here in the UK we don't have towns like Auburn. Unless I make it to the States one day I don't think I'll ever know for sure whether they truly still exist. It makes for an enjoyable story though. Things were a little slow at times, but in the world of Auburn that goes with the territory. If you have time to spare, just lay back, chill out and enjoy the baking. Stay away from the pond though. ...more
The ladies in this book remind me of things my own grandmother would've done. It has a little bit of everything you could want for in a book. Great read
...more
This book started out well for me and I thought the writing was good. However, I didn’t care for the supernatural element and I thought the ending was too drawn out and unbelievable.
3.5 stars. Possibilities. The story had very little flow. So many parts just didn’t work together seemed like parts were missing.
This was a fun little book that I enjoyed. Found it for free on Amazon, so was initially unsure how good it would be, but felt pleasantly surprised.
I got this book for free when I found a deal through Book Bub. I sure am glad I didn't pay for this book because it was only worth what I paid for it.
I am a sucker for an exciting book. Whenever I see the words "secret" or "mystery" in the synopsis, I'm intrigued. I must stop doing this! I probably should have stopped reading early on, but I just had to read on to find out more about this secret most of the characters knew about but wouldn't tell the main character about.
This book was like readi ...more
I am a sucker for an exciting book. Whenever I see the words "secret" or "mystery" in the synopsis, I'm intrigued. I must stop doing this! I probably should have stopped reading early on, but I just had to read on to find out more about this secret most of the characters knew about but wouldn't tell the main character about.
This book was like readi ...more
Honestly, I had my doubts when I began reading this book. It's just not something I would normally read; I do judge books by their cover, and this one screamed, "not you, move along" but I accidentally hit download. It took me to the Amazon page, and by that point, I saw it was free and figured might as well. Who in their right mind turns down free books? Seriously?
I'm glad I read it. Other than the confusion surrounding the family tree, this little story was a joy to read. I very much want to b ...more
I'm glad I read it. Other than the confusion surrounding the family tree, this little story was a joy to read. I very much want to b ...more
I did not expect the mystery that turned more into romantic suspense in some ways, cos it got to be really dangerous. There was also this sort of paranormal thing, and then not. Hidden in a corner, and it was good, but not what I expected.
Lila inherits a house and so begin our story. Like why did her granddad leave? What was up with her aunt's marriage? Should Lila go on a date with Max who annoys her or a certain sexy lawyer? What about those gossiping ladies, what are they up to?
Btw, gossiping ...more
Lila inherits a house and so begin our story. Like why did her granddad leave? What was up with her aunt's marriage? Should Lila go on a date with Max who annoys her or a certain sexy lawyer? What about those gossiping ladies, what are they up to?
Btw, gossiping ...more
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“An old house is alive with ghosts. Each person that lived there made some kind of mark; if not in the choice of paint or cabinetry, then in a ding in the wall, a faucet with the handles installed backward, or a name carved out in the wallpaper behind the bed in secret. In some way, each voice that wandered its rooms whispers, “I was here.”
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