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Bellingwood #9
Pages of the Past
If Valentine's Day is coming, Bellingwood should be filled with hearts and flowers. That isn't true for one of the town's strongest couples. Polly is shocked when she discovers that Aaron and Lydia Merritt are in trouble. They've been her rock for two and a half years and now, things are a mess. Lydia is at a loss, Aaron has become silent and moody. To top it off, the dead man didn't wait for Polly to find him, he was killed right beside her. She insists that his death has something to do with Aaron's behavior, but the Sheriff's Department doesn't want to listen. That means Lydia has to bring in the big guns - Aaron's older sister. Helen Oswald is a force to be reckoned with and she can handle her brother like no one else. Too much time has passed since Lydia, Polly, Andy, Beryl and Sylvie spent an evening together and it's time to christen Sylvie's new house. No one wants to miss a party with these women and the time they spend together reminds them why they are friends and brings laughter to everyone. Polly's family continues to grow as we meet new characters and learn more about old friends. The paperback also includes the short story "One Perfect Honeymoon."
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2015
155 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 23, 2016
The Bellingwood series has become a part of me. So much so that I cannot put them down. I love the fiction with a touch of mystery and suspense.
What I find the most difficult is the critique. Each book is well written and though different main characters flow in and out, then some are added, they are still well thought out. Some are more complex than others but just as in real life that depends on how well you know someone. An acquaintance would not be that complex but your best friend now that would be a different story altogether. This is how I feel about quite a few of the characters. I do know one thing. I would love to have someone like Polly as very close friend.
These books are not just about the mystery. In fact, to me the mystery is the secondary story. The true story is the love of family and friendship in the life of Bellingwood.
What I find the most difficult is the critique. Each book is well written and though different main characters flow in and out, then some are added, they are still well thought out. Some are more complex than others but just as in real life that depends on how well you know someone. An acquaintance would not be that complex but your best friend now that would be a different story altogether. This is how I feel about quite a few of the characters. I do know one thing. I would love to have someone like Polly as very close friend.
These books are not just about the mystery. In fact, to me the mystery is the secondary story. The true story is the love of family and friendship in the life of Bellingwood.
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 2, 2018
I love Bellingwood
I love reading these books , it's so nice I recognize the people because I'm originally from Iowa . I can see them strolling through my town where I grew up . However we didn't have many murders there so we were probably less interesting . I'll continue reading the series .
I love reading these books , it's so nice I recognize the people because I'm originally from Iowa . I can see them strolling through my town where I grew up . However we didn't have many murders there so we were probably less interesting . I'll continue reading the series .
June 26, 2017
Loved it!!
I love Polly Giller, Henry, and all the friends of Sycamore house. I've read all of them to this point and they inspire me and feel like family. I would start with book one so that you can understand the transformation of Sycamore house and all individuals involved.
I love Polly Giller, Henry, and all the friends of Sycamore house. I've read all of them to this point and they inspire me and feel like family. I would start with book one so that you can understand the transformation of Sycamore house and all individuals involved.
May 31, 2018
I love it!
This series is great. How can so many different type of happenings be packed into these stories? It's like life on steroids! It certainly makes me look at people I've known for years as well strangers on the street and wonder what their back story is.
This series is great. How can so many different type of happenings be packed into these stories? It's like life on steroids! It certainly makes me look at people I've known for years as well strangers on the street and wonder what their back story is.
May 29, 2019
Once again a brilliant read. Bellingwood is my great escape and new characters introduced in this book have already taken up residency in my heart!
I really wish I could have a girls night with Polly and the gang.. they are crazy!
I really wish I could have a girls night with Polly and the gang.. they are crazy!
October 29, 2017
These stories are so good don't want the books to end. Diane is a truly a great story teller
May 10, 2018
A place to runaway to!
Bellingwood is definitely one of the places I would visit! Always nice people that are busy! Loved the characters and the animals!!
Bellingwood is definitely one of the places I would visit! Always nice people that are busy! Loved the characters and the animals!!
February 12, 2020
Another Great Bellingwood book
Love reading about Polly and company. Always a great story and can't wait to go into the next one. Nice reading.
Love reading about Polly and company. Always a great story and can't wait to go into the next one. Nice reading.
August 9, 2022
the best of the series
I have enjoyed all the books in the series but this one really kept me up till the end. Enjoy
I have enjoyed all the books in the series but this one really kept me up till the end. Enjoy
November 5, 2022
Another mystery involving Polly and Sycamore House. I found that the last three chapters hard to follow the events.
July 15, 2019
Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and love should be in the air. Not for two of Polly's best friends! Aaron and Lydia Merritt are having problems. Aaron has become moody and withdrawn, and Lydia is frantic. Polly is beside herself with worry. They have gotten her through more than one crazy situation in the almost three years that she's been home. And now everything seems to be falling apart! Aaron refuses to talk about what's bothering him, so Lydia has no choice... she calls Aaron's older sister Helen in Atlanta. Helen comes to Bellingwood to get Aaron to 'fess up. A thirty year old mystery is solved, the bad guys are brought to justice, and life can finally go back to normal.
Everyone has a great time at the Valentine's Day dance, but trouble is never far away. Jesse goes into labor, and although Sarah tries to be strong for Rebecca, her strength is fading. How long can she hold on? And will Rebecca be okay after her mom dies?
More great stories of friends and family in Bellingwood!
Followed by Vignettes Book 1:
1. "Three's Not Really Company"
(Doug realizes that Billy and Rachel's relationship is serious, and he feels left out)
2. "Make Room for Everyone"
(Nate finds Joss a huge piece of property to build a house on, where they can have as many kids as she wants)
3. "It's a Dog's Life"
(Sal brings home Oscar and Félix, two little dachshunds, to keep her company)
4. "Boys Will Be Boys"
(Jason teaches Andrew to dance so he can dance with Rebecca on Valentine's Day)
Everyone has a great time at the Valentine's Day dance, but trouble is never far away. Jesse goes into labor, and although Sarah tries to be strong for Rebecca, her strength is fading. How long can she hold on? And will Rebecca be okay after her mom dies?
More great stories of friends and family in Bellingwood!
Followed by Vignettes Book 1:
1. "Three's Not Really Company"
(Doug realizes that Billy and Rachel's relationship is serious, and he feels left out)
2. "Make Room for Everyone"
(Nate finds Joss a huge piece of property to build a house on, where they can have as many kids as she wants)
3. "It's a Dog's Life"
(Sal brings home Oscar and Félix, two little dachshunds, to keep her company)
4. "Boys Will Be Boys"
(Jason teaches Andrew to dance so he can dance with Rebecca on Valentine's Day)
October 21, 2016
Pages of the Past: Bellingwood Book Nine is by Diane Greenwood Muir. This is another great book and easy to read but it also has plenty of twists and turns and action to please.
Lydia and Aaron Merritt have been married for thirty years and they have been so good together that they made the others in town jealous. They loved seeing Aaron and Lydia interacting and helping each other as needed. That is what made it so upsetting to Polly when she found out there was trouble in their marriage. Lydia finally had to talk to someone and she chose Polly. Lydia had lost weight and looked quite tired and unhappy. Lydia has no idea why Aaron has been shutting her out. He has always talked about his cases with her and trusted her with even the more intimate details. Now he has shut down. He has also lost weight and has circles under his eyes and his depression is showing. What is wrong and what can help?
Lydia finally gets upset enough to call Aaron’s older sister Helen for advice. Helen drops everything and heads to Iowa to help. It seems she knows more than she had ever said too?
Can they figure out who killed Aaron’s friend Albert Cook? Can they ‘fix” Aaron and Lydia’s marriage? What other trouble is lurking in the sidelines for Sycamore House?
Lydia and Aaron Merritt have been married for thirty years and they have been so good together that they made the others in town jealous. They loved seeing Aaron and Lydia interacting and helping each other as needed. That is what made it so upsetting to Polly when she found out there was trouble in their marriage. Lydia finally had to talk to someone and she chose Polly. Lydia had lost weight and looked quite tired and unhappy. Lydia has no idea why Aaron has been shutting her out. He has always talked about his cases with her and trusted her with even the more intimate details. Now he has shut down. He has also lost weight and has circles under his eyes and his depression is showing. What is wrong and what can help?
Lydia finally gets upset enough to call Aaron’s older sister Helen for advice. Helen drops everything and heads to Iowa to help. It seems she knows more than she had ever said too?
Can they figure out who killed Aaron’s friend Albert Cook? Can they ‘fix” Aaron and Lydia’s marriage? What other trouble is lurking in the sidelines for Sycamore House?
July 17, 2015
Another great Bellingwood book. The only thing that kept me from giving this a 5 star rating is Polly. Tho she's the main character, I find her getting on my nerves often while reading these books. She is continuously into everyone's business. If I was Aaron & Lydia, I would have told her to mind her own business and let them handle theirs. And Sal should have told her the same when Polly pretty much took over her coffee shop idea.
All in all, still a great series but I do find myself getting more irritated with Polly in every book (not so much the first few in the series). It won't keep me from reading each book that gets added to this series. Thanks Diane -- keep them coming!
All in all, still a great series but I do find myself getting more irritated with Polly in every book (not so much the first few in the series). It won't keep me from reading each book that gets added to this series. Thanks Diane -- keep them coming!
December 3, 2016
Taking time to say something
I am continuing to enjoy my time in Bellingwood. I have such a large family there and I am really enjoying spending time with them. It's such a marvelous journey. There's love, friendship, a sniper, a serial killer, puppies, cats, donkeys horses. There is stepping up and being there for those 'strays' we encounter as we go through life, the acts of kindness, the love we have for others. There's just so much joy. I will hate it when I finish the last book.
I am continuing to enjoy my time in Bellingwood. I have such a large family there and I am really enjoying spending time with them. It's such a marvelous journey. There's love, friendship, a sniper, a serial killer, puppies, cats, donkeys horses. There is stepping up and being there for those 'strays' we encounter as we go through life, the acts of kindness, the love we have for others. There's just so much joy. I will hate it when I finish the last book.
April 9, 2015
Another great story!
I can't wait for the next book! This series just keeps you waiting for more and doesn't get old. Polly and her friends have so much going on - makes you wish you could live in Bellingwood too. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fun, believable stories about families and friendships.
I can't wait for the next book! This series just keeps you waiting for more and doesn't get old. Polly and her friends have so much going on - makes you wish you could live in Bellingwood too. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fun, believable stories about families and friendships.
September 6, 2016
A thirty year old mystery
Yes, Polly finds a body, AGAIN! Yes, Polly finds more people to rescue. And nd a new business to invest in, and we learn that the ladies group doesn't hold their alcohol very well. There are a lot of changes going on in town, and not all of them are good. Another top notch book in the Bellingwood series.
Yes, Polly finds a body, AGAIN! Yes, Polly finds more people to rescue. And nd a new business to invest in, and we learn that the ladies group doesn't hold their alcohol very well. There are a lot of changes going on in town, and not all of them are good. Another top notch book in the Bellingwood series.
September 20, 2016
Another good one!
Diane Muir has done it again. Every character at Sycamore House, as well as the friends who visit often, are fascinating people whom you feel you know personally. Polly, Henry Sylvia, Eliseo, Lydia, Beryl, Sarah and all the kids light up the pages and you hate to see it come to an end. Can't wait to read the next installment in the Bellingwood series!
Diane Muir has done it again. Every character at Sycamore House, as well as the friends who visit often, are fascinating people whom you feel you know personally. Polly, Henry Sylvia, Eliseo, Lydia, Beryl, Sarah and all the kids light up the pages and you hate to see it come to an end. Can't wait to read the next installment in the Bellingwood series!
May 9, 2021
lovely book, enjoy the whole set up, nice people well fleshed out, a bit of a mystery and plenty of do-good and neighbourlyness.
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.
March 27, 2015
Great
Another wonderful story. I can never get enough of Polly and all the gang. It just gets better and better. Thanks for your wonderful story telling talent. I cannot wait till book 10
Another wonderful story. I can never get enough of Polly and all the gang. It just gets better and better. Thanks for your wonderful story telling talent. I cannot wait till book 10
April 16, 2015
Good read
I truly enjoy these books although they can be a bit too sappy and unrealistic, no one (Polly) can be that good all the time. This book though had way too many typos. Very distracting.
I truly enjoy these books although they can be a bit too sappy and unrealistic, no one (Polly) can be that good all the time. This book though had way too many typos. Very distracting.
February 10, 2019
Polly is the best
I love this series and book 9 doesn't let you down! Now I am again eagerly waiting for the next book and Polly's next adventure!
I love this series and book 9 doesn't let you down! Now I am again eagerly waiting for the next book and Polly's next adventure!
March 29, 2015
Love Bellingwood
I can't wait for the next book! Polly and the gang will definitely keep you on your toes! Amazing author and amazing stories!
I can't wait for the next book! Polly and the gang will definitely keep you on your toes! Amazing author and amazing stories!
March 31, 2015
Waiting for Book 10
I knew as soon as I read the first word this one was going to go fast! I love the. Collingwood series!!!! Hope it goes on for a VERY long time!!!!!!
I knew as soon as I read the first word this one was going to go fast! I love the. Collingwood series!!!! Hope it goes on for a VERY long time!!!!!!
April 7, 2015
great series
Love Polly and her gang... Diane spends a lot of time introducing new characters so we can have more great books.... Thanks
Love Polly and her gang... Diane spends a lot of time introducing new characters so we can have more great books.... Thanks
April 6, 2015
Pages of the past
This book was as awesome as the other's. Now I can't wait until book 10 comes out. I hope Ms. Diane doesn't keep us waiting to long.
This book was as awesome as the other's. Now I can't wait until book 10 comes out. I hope Ms. Diane doesn't keep us waiting to long.
April 11, 2015
She did it again
Another great book in this series. Having read all nine I can't wait until ten.
I love to follow Diane Muir on Face Book too.
Another great book in this series. Having read all nine I can't wait until ten.
I love to follow Diane Muir on Face Book too.
July 6, 2016
Another good book! Keep 'em coming!!
April 19, 2015
Pages of the Past
It was a great read! It was fun catching up with Polly and her "Bellingwood family" again. Already waiting for the next adventure!!
It was a great read! It was fun catching up with Polly and her "Bellingwood family" again. Already waiting for the next adventure!!
June 27, 2015
Wonderful!
I love the Bellingwood series. These are great books. I have the best time reading them. Each one is a whole new experience in fun and mystery!
I love the Bellingwood series. These are great books. I have the best time reading them. Each one is a whole new experience in fun and mystery!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews