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Bellingwood #24
In All Things, Give Thanks
Two weeks before Thanksgiving, Polly's world explodes. The bed and breakfast is ready for occupancy. One last walk-through. Marie Sturtz, Betty Mercer, Judy Green, and Polly are all thrilled with the work that has been done. Bellingwood is excited for one more sure sign of growth in the small town. Thanksgiving weekend and the big grand opening are coming up. This ambitious undertaking by the three families is a legacy they are all proud to reveal. While preparing for the upcoming holiday, Polly finds she can wait no longer to uncover information regarding the existence of a sister to JaRon and Caleb. The right person to ask would be their mother, but after her release from prison, she dropped out of sight. Parties to plan for, family with surprising news, an insurance payment from the diamonds found in the cemetery last year, friends, and family. Everything is in place for a glorious Thanksgiving. But it's never that easy in Bellingwood. Even when it all falls apart, Polly and Henry find their strength in the people that make up the community. They laugh, they cry, they hug, they hold on to each other. Through it all, they discover that "Thankful is just a different word for love."
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2018
362 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 3, 2019
I have read every book in this series, most of them more than once, along with all the vignettes and short stories. I always enjoy going back to Bellingwood. It makes me feel like I am going home. Part of this is that Diane has created a community of readers, mostly on social media, who all feel like family. The next thing she has done is create a small town that feels real, and not forced or fake. There were times, in the earlier books, when I felt like her main character was just too perfect, but people shared that feeling, and now we have the well rounded, flawed, amazing people in the town. There are no "quick fixes"...people who are damaged in earlier books aren't magically fixed in the later ones, but the path they take to get there is worth following. This is not the series for you if you like shoot-em-up in your face suspense, but if you like gentle surprise, genuine caring among people and great town building (I usually would say world building, but this is just one small town), you will love this series.
December 24, 2018
Another visit with old friends!
Reading this series makes you want to have people like this in your life! I love it because I am very familiar with all of the places that are visited; Boone, Ames, Des Moines, because in reality my daughter lives just a few miles from Bellingwood. There are so many wonderful characters in these books, and so much kindness. Very refreshing in the crazy world we live in today. I've visited many of the stores and restaurants that are mentioned, and would love being friends with Lydia and especially with Beryl! I've actually met Diane, in the Book Shoppe in Boone, of course! These books are such fun and I can't say enough good things about them.
Reading this series makes you want to have people like this in your life! I love it because I am very familiar with all of the places that are visited; Boone, Ames, Des Moines, because in reality my daughter lives just a few miles from Bellingwood. There are so many wonderful characters in these books, and so much kindness. Very refreshing in the crazy world we live in today. I've visited many of the stores and restaurants that are mentioned, and would love being friends with Lydia and especially with Beryl! I've actually met Diane, in the Book Shoppe in Boone, of course! These books are such fun and I can't say enough good things about them.
December 24, 2018
Another wonderful episode in Polly and Henry's life
Another great book from Diane, laughter and tears never far away as she describes Pollys life in Bellingwood once you read one book you're counting the days to the next one! Recommended to everybody that loved a good heartfelt Christian story, read one and you want to read them all! Long may she continue to write! Love you Diane
Another great book from Diane, laughter and tears never far away as she describes Pollys life in Bellingwood once you read one book you're counting the days to the next one! Recommended to everybody that loved a good heartfelt Christian story, read one and you want to read them all! Long may she continue to write! Love you Diane
March 3, 2021
Family and Friends
As I was reading this book I wondered how Polly and Henry could handle all the challenges they faced. Henry at first blamed himself for the fire but Polly made him become more positive. Families and friends are important to Polly. The family keeps growing and all the problems are faced positively. Such wonderful celebrations and parties makes you wanting to be there. Loved reading this book and wondering what happens next.
As I was reading this book I wondered how Polly and Henry could handle all the challenges they faced. Henry at first blamed himself for the fire but Polly made him become more positive. Families and friends are important to Polly. The family keeps growing and all the problems are faced positively. Such wonderful celebrations and parties makes you wanting to be there. Loved reading this book and wondering what happens next.
December 24, 2018
Another winner!
Each of these books is better than the last one! I love the Bellingwood books. The characters have become my friends, and I wish I could meet them at Sweet Beans for coffee. I've eagerly awaited this next book in the series, and it did not disappoint! I'm just sorry it is over. I love it, and will probably read it again tomorrow.
Each of these books is better than the last one! I love the Bellingwood books. The characters have become my friends, and I wish I could meet them at Sweet Beans for coffee. I've eagerly awaited this next book in the series, and it did not disappoint! I'm just sorry it is over. I love it, and will probably read it again tomorrow.
December 28, 2018
Fire
Fires are invading Polly's life, and turning everything upside down as Thanksgiving approaches. The youngest boys birth mother is desperately trying to steal the boys from Henry and Polly. As the fires continue and Polly is losing her sense of perception, the town rallies around them, giving Polly back her confidence and optimism.
Fires are invading Polly's life, and turning everything upside down as Thanksgiving approaches. The youngest boys birth mother is desperately trying to steal the boys from Henry and Polly. As the fires continue and Polly is losing her sense of perception, the town rallies around them, giving Polly back her confidence and optimism.
December 28, 2018
I am so grateful to be part of the "Bellingwood" reading community! Diane Muir has gifted us with her characters and in their fictional town. It's a place I wish we all could live in harmony.
Not giving any spoilers, just read the book for yourselves. Thank you Diane and can't wait for the next read Jan 1. 2019!
Not giving any spoilers, just read the book for yourselves. Thank you Diane and can't wait for the next read Jan 1. 2019!
December 30, 2018
This book is about giving Thanks
As I started reading this book I realized it was going to be a little different from the other books in the series. With the B&B burning down, and everyone wanting to help clean up the site to help Henry and Polly. it was their way of giving thanks. All Polly's children learned a lot about giving thanks in this book.
As I started reading this book I realized it was going to be a little different from the other books in the series. With the B&B burning down, and everyone wanting to help clean up the site to help Henry and Polly. it was their way of giving thanks. All Polly's children learned a lot about giving thanks in this book.
December 29, 2018
Polly's house the week before Thanksgiving.
Henry and Polly are taking Rebecca and Kayla to Joss's house to babysit the kids, when they notice an orange glow in the sky and then a big ball of light. Polly says that looks to be over by the B&B. The next thing she is doing is calling the firefighters and police.....please continue to read and enjoy.
Henry and Polly are taking Rebecca and Kayla to Joss's house to babysit the kids, when they notice an orange glow in the sky and then a big ball of light. Polly says that looks to be over by the B&B. The next thing she is doing is calling the firefighters and police.....please continue to read and enjoy.
January 1, 2019
Putting Family First
In the continuing story of Bellingwood , as the holidays approach, the Bed and Breakfast catches fire. Who could have done this? And now Caleb and JaRon are upset and more of their history is coming to light. As Polly deals with the boys and the day to day events of a large family, I feel like I am a silent witness to it all.
In the continuing story of Bellingwood , as the holidays approach, the Bed and Breakfast catches fire. Who could have done this? And now Caleb and JaRon are upset and more of their history is coming to light. As Polly deals with the boys and the day to day events of a large family, I feel like I am a silent witness to it all.
December 25, 2018
The 24th(!!!!) installment to the Bellingwood series. Not too much of a mystery here, because the real story is about the family & life that can be created...if you want it enough. Still believe that some recipes at the end of the book would be most welcome :)
December 29, 2018
So many characters now people this wonderful series, that it's hard to keep up. But Polly and her family and friends still try their best to do the right thing so often- and not complain, be good examples of people with goals, love, life lessons, and times of fun. They are working to make their home and firneds and family and the town of Bellingwood-a small midwest town that needs lots of updates-into a place of value and a real home.
December 28, 2018
As always a heart warming story that touches my heart!
I recommend this whole series for the great story line and the people in each of the stories! New personalities and always a new experience! Love these books!! Can't wait for the next!!!!
I recommend this whole series for the great story line and the people in each of the stories! New personalities and always a new experience! Love these books!! Can't wait for the next!!!!
January 5, 2019
Thankful
I love this series! I am thankful for Diane, thankful I discovered this wonderful series. This book brought laughter and tears. As always, I read it too fast and now I must wait for the next adventure. Thank you Diane!
I love this series! I am thankful for Diane, thankful I discovered this wonderful series. This book brought laughter and tears. As always, I read it too fast and now I must wait for the next adventure. Thank you Diane!
January 6, 2019
Fantastic
Diane never fails to deliver! She pulls you and makes you feel like you are in Bellingwood and a part of the family! I highly recommend every single book she writes to everyone I know that reads.
Diane never fails to deliver! She pulls you and makes you feel like you are in Bellingwood and a part of the family! I highly recommend every single book she writes to everyone I know that reads.
January 16, 2019
Could not put it down!
Yep read it all day long cause I just couldn't stop. Bellingwood is the one place I love to return to many time over and have no plans on stopping anytime soon.
Yep read it all day long cause I just couldn't stop. Bellingwood is the one place I love to return to many time over and have no plans on stopping anytime soon.
February 13, 2019
Ready for the next book!
I love these books. I wish I was part of Polly's world. She carried a lot of love in her life. With Henry,they make a home for every need that comes their way.Love Dianes books.
I love these books. I wish I was part of Polly's world. She carried a lot of love in her life. With Henry,they make a home for every need that comes their way.Love Dianes books.
March 19, 2019
Never disappoints
Love this series and how the characters overcome adversity and crisis. Polly and Henry truly have big hearts and were made to be foster parents. Bellingwood proves to be the perfect small town and full of love. I can't wait to read the next book.
Love this series and how the characters overcome adversity and crisis. Polly and Henry truly have big hearts and were made to be foster parents. Bellingwood proves to be the perfect small town and full of love. I can't wait to read the next book.
May 25, 2019
Great series
This book will give anyone with children a sense of peace and hope for the future of their children. It shows that a family is not just a birth right, but a gift that needs to be cultivated for ever and involve many people and many adventures.
This book will give anyone with children a sense of peace and hope for the future of their children. It shows that a family is not just a birth right, but a gift that needs to be cultivated for ever and involve many people and many adventures.
August 9, 2019
Great family story
I am so happy to be following this family through their lives.I would love to visit Bellingwood, Iowa and meet them all in person. Can't wait to see what comes next for this family.
I am so happy to be following this family through their lives.I would love to visit Bellingwood, Iowa and meet them all in person. Can't wait to see what comes next for this family.
December 31, 2020
Thankful another word for love.
This one made me tear up a lot. There was a lot of happy moments so there was tears of joy also and most were. Caleb and JaRon's mom trying to take them was scary for them. See how polly helps them through everything. Loved this book!!!
This one made me tear up a lot. There was a lot of happy moments so there was tears of joy also and most were. Caleb and JaRon's mom trying to take them was scary for them. See how polly helps them through everything. Loved this book!!!
January 19, 2023
Once again enjoyed reading about the adventures of Polly and Henry. The only thing that seemed to stand out at me was the transition between chapters. All the books may be that way but for some reason it really stuck out in this book. Ready for the next installment.
December 24, 2018
Another great read
She does it again! Another book filled with twists and turns, laughter and tears. I couldn’t put it down. Snuggle up and enjoy the realistic adventures!
She does it again! Another book filled with twists and turns, laughter and tears. I couldn’t put it down. Snuggle up and enjoy the realistic adventures!
December 24, 2018
I want to visit Polly's world.
Another satisfying trip to Bellingwood. Also a perfect read for Christmas Eve day. Now I'd better get some work done.
Another satisfying trip to Bellingwood. Also a perfect read for Christmas Eve day. Now I'd better get some work done.
December 25, 2018
Thankful
I truly love this series, all the laughter and the tears. Such a wonderful story of love and family. I can’t wait for the next book.
I truly love this series, all the laughter and the tears. Such a wonderful story of love and family. I can’t wait for the next book.
December 26, 2018
Another trip to Bellingwood
Bellingwood showcases the best side of people and reminds us what love means! Thankful is just another word for love.
Bellingwood showcases the best side of people and reminds us what love means! Thankful is just another word for love.
December 27, 2018
More people to love....
Diane did it again...each time she builds new characters in Pollys story, it just gets better!
Can't wait for the next book!
Diane did it again...each time she builds new characters in Pollys story, it just gets better!
Can't wait for the next book!
January 2, 2019
I read all of these books voraciously, loving the feeling of being part of the extended family.
December 30, 2018
never disappointed!
Yet another amazing story of love and family! Already ready for the next one!! Polly, Henry and family are a shining example of how we should all live.
Yet another amazing story of love and family! Already ready for the next one!! Polly, Henry and family are a shining example of how we should all live.
January 3, 2019
I love this author! Her characters are rich and heartwarming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews