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Bellingwood #1-3
Bellingwood Boxed Set
ASIN moved from less recent edition
Get the first three books in the Bellingwood series in one volume!
All Roads Leads Home: Polly Giller returns to small-town Iowa from Boston ready to start a new life. She is renovating an old school building and while getting to know new friends, two sets of bones fall out of the ceiling. Don't miss this heartwarming first story in a series that makes you want to move to Bellingwood and get to know Polly and her friends. Before you know it, you'll be part of the community.
Polly's First Christmas in Bellingwood: This first short story in the series occurs a few months after the end of "All Roads Lead Home." While preparing for Sycamore House's first big Christmas party, an old friend shows up needing help when he gets in trouble with the sheriff.
A Big Life in a Small Town: Bellingwood's first barn-raising is coming up and to celebrate, Sycamore House is planning a hoe-down. The idea of a dance makes Polly nervous, but the gorgeous veterinarian is ready to step in and teach her a few moves, much to the chagrin of Henry Sturtz. A close friend of Lydia Merritt left a cryptic message as she died, asking her family to take care of ... what? The 'what' brings new excitement to Polly's life.
Treasure Uncovered: Sycamore House is having difficulty finding a good custodian and when the latest man doesn't show up for work, Polly checks on him, only to find that he has been killed. The Sheriff is beginning to worry every time her number shows up on his phone. Does it mean another dead body? Thefts happening around the community are connected to Polly and her friends, but who would do this?
Get the first three books in the Bellingwood series in one volume!
All Roads Leads Home: Polly Giller returns to small-town Iowa from Boston ready to start a new life. She is renovating an old school building and while getting to know new friends, two sets of bones fall out of the ceiling. Don't miss this heartwarming first story in a series that makes you want to move to Bellingwood and get to know Polly and her friends. Before you know it, you'll be part of the community.
Polly's First Christmas in Bellingwood: This first short story in the series occurs a few months after the end of "All Roads Lead Home." While preparing for Sycamore House's first big Christmas party, an old friend shows up needing help when he gets in trouble with the sheriff.
A Big Life in a Small Town: Bellingwood's first barn-raising is coming up and to celebrate, Sycamore House is planning a hoe-down. The idea of a dance makes Polly nervous, but the gorgeous veterinarian is ready to step in and teach her a few moves, much to the chagrin of Henry Sturtz. A close friend of Lydia Merritt left a cryptic message as she died, asking her family to take care of ... what? The 'what' brings new excitement to Polly's life.
Treasure Uncovered: Sycamore House is having difficulty finding a good custodian and when the latest man doesn't show up for work, Polly checks on him, only to find that he has been killed. The Sheriff is beginning to worry every time her number shows up on his phone. Does it mean another dead body? Thefts happening around the community are connected to Polly and her friends, but who would do this?
896 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2014
1495 people are currently reading
1472 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
January 20, 2015
I read this over two days (and its a lot of book!) but I was hooked. It made a delightful change to be engrossed in relationships that weren't romping about all over the place. Not that I'm averse to sex in the storyline but it does seem to be automatically a given in any book I read, whatever the genre. The slow introduction to all the characters and their exploits made me want to move there. A wee bit long winded in places but worth it.
January 28, 2015
The Best Book About Iowa I've Ever Read
I haven't read all that many books about Iowa, but I'm very glad I read the first three in the Bellingwood series. My brother lives in Iowa City and across the years I've met many of his friends. The author has captured the essence of people living in small towns there--their friendliness, humor, compassion and, yes, curiosity and capacity for gossip. She demonstrates that one can write an interesting love story without writing pornography, thinking that the modern readers. are addicted to that sort of thing. The characters cross boundaries of class, age, and ethnicity, and all ring true to life. I am shopping for more very soon.
I haven't read all that many books about Iowa, but I'm very glad I read the first three in the Bellingwood series. My brother lives in Iowa City and across the years I've met many of his friends. The author has captured the essence of people living in small towns there--their friendliness, humor, compassion and, yes, curiosity and capacity for gossip. She demonstrates that one can write an interesting love story without writing pornography, thinking that the modern readers. are addicted to that sort of thing. The characters cross boundaries of class, age, and ethnicity, and all ring true to life. I am shopping for more very soon.
February 1, 2015
I fell in love with this series from the very start. I love all of the crazy characters. I can't wait to see what the series holds from here. I love the friendships and family relationships woven throughout the stories. This series will make you laugh and cry and definitely make you appreciate those special relationships you have in your life.
February 26, 2015
Nice story
Really enjoyed the stories and characters. Looking forward to more in the series. It was a fun reading experience. Recommend.
Really enjoyed the stories and characters. Looking forward to more in the series. It was a fun reading experience. Recommend.
March 13, 2015
The reason I gave this three stars instead of four is that I was a little annoyed at how descriptive the author was. However, the storyline in all three books kept me interested.
August 9, 2015
Home Never Looked so Wonderful as This!
I really enjoyed reading the "Bellingwood Books 1-3. I thought that Polly was a lovely miracle worker, bringing hope, work, love, and the community together for the betterment of all of the citizens of the nearby communities. It felt like one big happy family reunion, with fantastic friends and acquaintances, great food, and a lovely retreat to enjoy life. It was amazing how as the story progressed more things occurred which resulted in adding pets and people, and building additions, and barns, and gardens. The mysteries mostly solved themselves as a natural occurrence of the other additions. Polly had a knack for bringing it all together, so that at the end of the three stories, it feels like you're going away and leaving dear friends, and that you'd really rather stay a while longer if you could. I didn't want to leave. Well done, Diane Greenwood Muir! Thank you for showing everyone what the perfect place to live, and the love of sweet animals, and dear friends looks like! It was a joy seeing Polly's world!
I really enjoyed reading the "Bellingwood Books 1-3. I thought that Polly was a lovely miracle worker, bringing hope, work, love, and the community together for the betterment of all of the citizens of the nearby communities. It felt like one big happy family reunion, with fantastic friends and acquaintances, great food, and a lovely retreat to enjoy life. It was amazing how as the story progressed more things occurred which resulted in adding pets and people, and building additions, and barns, and gardens. The mysteries mostly solved themselves as a natural occurrence of the other additions. Polly had a knack for bringing it all together, so that at the end of the three stories, it feels like you're going away and leaving dear friends, and that you'd really rather stay a while longer if you could. I didn't want to leave. Well done, Diane Greenwood Muir! Thank you for showing everyone what the perfect place to live, and the love of sweet animals, and dear friends looks like! It was a joy seeing Polly's world!
October 21, 2015
Sweet & entertaining this set was just the thing for a rainy cold October couple of days when I had a terrible headcold and was stuck on the couch. I'm not sure exactly why the books are broken up into separate books, it seems this whole set would make one perfectly respectable introduction to the Bellingwood world. I was immediately drawn in by the Sycamore House project and Polly's vision for it and even more so of the set up of the cozy mystery as the literary device for getting there. Sometimes, it seems the author forgot her cozy mystery a bit and that was too bad, because that is what makes her story hold together, but, all in all the characters are memorable, and the writing is good - 4 stars!
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May 9, 2016I love this series! I feel like I know Polly and Henry like they are my family.The adventures Polly gets into kept me wondering what would happen next. I am getting ready to begin Book 4 and will probAbly continue with the series through the summer.
I would recommend this book to all looking for an easy read with a little romance, laughter, mystery and a lot of fun!
I would recommend this book to all looking for an easy read with a little romance, laughter, mystery and a lot of fun!
October 5, 2017
Funny, heartwarming and intriguing!
It's amazing how much trouble one little big city girl moving back home to a small town can get into but somehow Polly manages to do it without even trying. LOL! This series is a fabulous collection of entertaining, intriguing and heartwarming stories full of characters that you will love and enjoy every minute together! The mysteries are well executed and unexpected...you know it's coming but don't know when or where, just like Polly, except that she never actually anticipates the events that draw her in as the town's betting pool subject and where she might discover the next dead body as well as one part of a dynamic group of women who are pillars of the community and her best friends. It's cozy and fun with the right amount of excitement and intrigue and occasionally a little touch of romance too.
It's amazing how much trouble one little big city girl moving back home to a small town can get into but somehow Polly manages to do it without even trying. LOL! This series is a fabulous collection of entertaining, intriguing and heartwarming stories full of characters that you will love and enjoy every minute together! The mysteries are well executed and unexpected...you know it's coming but don't know when or where, just like Polly, except that she never actually anticipates the events that draw her in as the town's betting pool subject and where she might discover the next dead body as well as one part of a dynamic group of women who are pillars of the community and her best friends. It's cozy and fun with the right amount of excitement and intrigue and occasionally a little touch of romance too.
February 28, 2024
Polly drives me crazy
She's a good person with a big heart, but she doesn't know how to let others in or relinquish control. Too independent and it almost got her killed. She gets better through the series but ity was a little frustrating. Lots of focus on relationships and her growing commitments to the community. Finding dead bodies came along with her renovation of the school and her growing group of friends. Solving the mysteries behind all of the deaths and other mysteries cropping up was the only way to be sure her reputation didn't take a bigger hit than her expanding property.
Lots going on around her, with new folks coming into the picture. The stories focused just as much if not more on the interactions with the close circle of friends than the mysteries but does eventually get solved. People are not always what you think but her support system is strong.
She's a good person with a big heart, but she doesn't know how to let others in or relinquish control. Too independent and it almost got her killed. She gets better through the series but ity was a little frustrating. Lots of focus on relationships and her growing commitments to the community. Finding dead bodies came along with her renovation of the school and her growing group of friends. Solving the mysteries behind all of the deaths and other mysteries cropping up was the only way to be sure her reputation didn't take a bigger hit than her expanding property.
Lots going on around her, with new folks coming into the picture. The stories focused just as much if not more on the interactions with the close circle of friends than the mysteries but does eventually get solved. People are not always what you think but her support system is strong.
May 4, 2025
This was a fabulous set of books, one in which, when it ends, you feel your best friend has left you. I can't remember the exact names of the three books, but i will never forget Polly, Henry, Lydia, Andy, Sylvie and her boys, Sal, Eliseo, Jeff and all the other players in this unwinding tale. Just enough murder. Just enough suspense. Just enough variety. And even though I wish she had moved things along faster with Henry, I can wait for the next episode, whenever I get to it. The images of Sycamore House and the grounds were beautiful and precise. The emotions of children and adults alike were elicited with care. I haven't found a book for which I've wanted to write a review in a long time.
September 3, 2017
Now that I've finished Book Three of this series, I can see what might await me in the next three. Pretty much a continuance of Polly's life with her growing Sycamore House in Bellingwood, Iowa, new friends and new mysteries to solve. These are more like cozy mysteries rather than hard core, which is a fine break from spine-tingling thrills and blood and gore. The only, but most annoying, thing about these books, for me, is the lack of editing and serious proofreading. Way too many, and repetitive, grammatical errors. If you can ignore or not be annoyed with those, than you might well enjoy this series about friendly small town America.
October 1, 2017
Very good series. Polly moves to a small town in Iowa and renovates the old school house. She meets a group of ladies and they soon adopt her as one of their own . Polly loves her new life after living in Boston and working in the city. She is running from something , what is it? Will it come back to haunt her new life? Is there a future for Polly in Bellingwood? Is Polly earning a new reputation in town as a savior or is she just making life in this sleepy little town about to be on a roller coaster ride.
Reading book 4-6 now and still loving this new family Polly is building for herself. I am so sure I will be reading this series from start to finish.
Reading book 4-6 now and still loving this new family Polly is building for herself. I am so sure I will be reading this series from start to finish.
January 5, 2019
A little of everything in perfect balance
Polly pulls you into the stories that revolve around her and those she meets. No one is a stranger to Polly. Neighbor helping neighbor, Bellingwoods a place we all want to live with friends like those we come to know and love in these books. Throw in a little mystery to be solved with everyone's help, and viola, you have the quentessential life where , even though tragedy happens, you have loved ones you can count on and are there for you. I think Bellingwood is a great escape. Filled will compassion, love, hope, friendship and strength in those relationships you lovingly cultivate. Makes me want to rethink my life....
Polly pulls you into the stories that revolve around her and those she meets. No one is a stranger to Polly. Neighbor helping neighbor, Bellingwoods a place we all want to live with friends like those we come to know and love in these books. Throw in a little mystery to be solved with everyone's help, and viola, you have the quentessential life where , even though tragedy happens, you have loved ones you can count on and are there for you. I think Bellingwood is a great escape. Filled will compassion, love, hope, friendship and strength in those relationships you lovingly cultivate. Makes me want to rethink my life....
August 18, 2020
What happens when tou buy an old abandoned school in a rural community?
Three books one continuing story.
First book: construction crew remodeling school and bones of two girls, who disappeared 40 years ago, fell out ceiling . Who murdered them? Stalker ex-boyfriend shows up and kidnaps Polly and takes back to Boston.
Book two another body found, but narural causes but suspicious circumstances. In meantime, turning school into reception hall for weddings and some young men who are learning electrical trade and doing games.
Three books one continuing story.
First book: construction crew remodeling school and bones of two girls, who disappeared 40 years ago, fell out ceiling . Who murdered them? Stalker ex-boyfriend shows up and kidnaps Polly and takes back to Boston.
Book two another body found, but narural causes but suspicious circumstances. In meantime, turning school into reception hall for weddings and some young men who are learning electrical trade and doing games.
July 5, 2023
Bellingwood Series
Books 1-3 of these stories were wonderful. The plot and the characters were well written. I love a story with a strong woman as lead. I loved Polly and her many dreams as well as her compassion for others. But she is very tough to she can take care of herself . The friendships, situations and crisis only bonded others as her family. She has started taking in animals too that settled very well with me. An amazing journey I took here and truly loved every word . I will be looking for more .
Books 1-3 of these stories were wonderful. The plot and the characters were well written. I love a story with a strong woman as lead. I loved Polly and her many dreams as well as her compassion for others. But she is very tough to she can take care of herself . The friendships, situations and crisis only bonded others as her family. She has started taking in animals too that settled very well with me. An amazing journey I took here and truly loved every word . I will be looking for more .
June 15, 2017
Wonderful heartwarming series
These first three books in the series are a delight. The relationships between Polly and her friends are not perfect, but the love for each of them is always present. It is nice to see the developing attraction between Polly and Henry. Not every connection needs to start in bed, it's great to see that friendship develop first. Looking forward to reading more books in this series.
These first three books in the series are a delight. The relationships between Polly and her friends are not perfect, but the love for each of them is always present. It is nice to see the developing attraction between Polly and Henry. Not every connection needs to start in bed, it's great to see that friendship develop first. Looking forward to reading more books in this series.
October 18, 2017
Bellingwood Boxed Set: Books 1-3 by Diane Greenwood Muir
I love Bellingwood! I can't wait to continue this series! If you are looking for a family in your books, this is the series to find it! You will love the Bellingwood family just like I do! Come take a peek at Author Diane Greenwood Muir's Bellingwood Series! You will love these books for sure! Thank you, Diane for these books!
I love Bellingwood! I can't wait to continue this series! If you are looking for a family in your books, this is the series to find it! You will love the Bellingwood family just like I do! Come take a peek at Author Diane Greenwood Muir's Bellingwood Series! You will love these books for sure! Thank you, Diane for these books!
September 7, 2020
Fun easy stories
This set of 3 stories was fun to read. They are easy Wii co reads with fun characters and simple plots. A nice change from mystery or adventure books. I enjoy the simple adventures of a young woman who leaves Boston for a life in small town Iowa. I will happily return to historical fiction and non-fiction as well as a good mystery for the majority of my reading - but just might return to Bellingwood for another fun easy read in the not too distant future!
This set of 3 stories was fun to read. They are easy Wii co reads with fun characters and simple plots. A nice change from mystery or adventure books. I enjoy the simple adventures of a young woman who leaves Boston for a life in small town Iowa. I will happily return to historical fiction and non-fiction as well as a good mystery for the majority of my reading - but just might return to Bellingwood for another fun easy read in the not too distant future!
December 4, 2020
Fantastic and Clean Reading
You will fall in love with Polly and her extended family. These stories will lift your spirits and warm your heart. I felt transported to Bellingwood as I read about Polly's adventures. For sure get the box sets so you can enjoy one book after the other without pause! I adore them and will be reading them all. Thank you Ms. Muir, your writing style is fresh and so pleasing to read. My heart sings!
You will fall in love with Polly and her extended family. These stories will lift your spirits and warm your heart. I felt transported to Bellingwood as I read about Polly's adventures. For sure get the box sets so you can enjoy one book after the other without pause! I adore them and will be reading them all. Thank you Ms. Muir, your writing style is fresh and so pleasing to read. My heart sings!
October 11, 2021
Bellingwood
Wow! I loved these three books! Very intriguing! The books grab you right away. More than one mystery going on at the same time! Diana Greenwood Muir you are a very talented author! Your stories put me right there with the characters. And your research or knowledge of farming/horses is awesome. Growing up I was around both and you know your stuff. Keep up the great stories!
Wow! I loved these three books! Very intriguing! The books grab you right away. More than one mystery going on at the same time! Diana Greenwood Muir you are a very talented author! Your stories put me right there with the characters. And your research or knowledge of farming/horses is awesome. Growing up I was around both and you know your stuff. Keep up the great stories!
April 8, 2025
Exciting, Interesting and Humorous
I am looking forward to more tales from Bellingwood, Iowa! It was fun reading about the trials and tribulations of Polly and all of her friends. Bellingwood sounds like a great place to live. I live in a small community with great friends and neighbors who are just like family, similar to Polly and her friends. We are fortunate to not have so many dead people to come across.
I am looking forward to more tales from Bellingwood, Iowa! It was fun reading about the trials and tribulations of Polly and all of her friends. Bellingwood sounds like a great place to live. I live in a small community with great friends and neighbors who are just like family, similar to Polly and her friends. We are fortunate to not have so many dead people to come across.
March 6, 2018
I love these books. Since i grew up close to Bellingwood it is so much fun to read about small town Iowa, as well as too have the characters visit and shop in stores I am familiar with and love. I am on book 4 now and will continue to read every one of them. I love the characters and can see the "movie" in my mind!
June 27, 2018
what great books. I have finished the first 3 and plan to continue on after I take a short break to read a fluff book. You know, sort of cleansing your pallet. I'll be back to books 4-7 shortly. You really need to read these book to appreciate them. There's always something interesting going on and so many great characters to make it happen. I looking forward to the next set of books.
January 3, 2019
I finished the rest of this series over Christmas. I thought the story lines were quite interesting. It was certainly a good choice for a holiday when I had time to sit and just read. I think this would be an great series for anyone who enjoys some mystery, some suspense, some humor and some romance. What more can you ask to have?
April 12, 2019
The Bellingwood community is a small one with a lot of heart as Polly discovers.
But the town discovers the same thing in Polly who has a heart as deep as the ocean and is filled with love for her fellow creatures.
However Polly has a talent for finding dead bodies!
A well written series with great characterization
But the town discovers the same thing in Polly who has a heart as deep as the ocean and is filled with love for her fellow creatures.
However Polly has a talent for finding dead bodies!
A well written series with great characterization
April 20, 2019
Loved these books!
First time reading this author. Absolutely loved books 1-3! I just kept reading them non-stop one right after the other. I am now reading books 4-6. They are very well written, exciting, great characters with intriguing story lines. Never a dull moment. Kept me guessing throughout. I highly recommend these books and can’t wait to read more!
First time reading this author. Absolutely loved books 1-3! I just kept reading them non-stop one right after the other. I am now reading books 4-6. They are very well written, exciting, great characters with intriguing story lines. Never a dull moment. Kept me guessing throughout. I highly recommend these books and can’t wait to read more!
April 3, 2020
When can I move in?
This a a familY THAT I WOYLVE TO BE PAT OF, but.these character are my people, I would fit right in, Polly is Driven, smart, not afraid>, inspiring, knows what she wants, and Harry loved her. They ad all the other gifts are perfect friends. I would love to live in Billimgwood.
This a a familY THAT I WOYLVE TO BE PAT OF, but.these character are my people, I would fit right in, Polly is Driven, smart, not afraid>, inspiring, knows what she wants, and Harry loved her. They ad all the other gifts are perfect friends. I would love to live in Billimgwood.
May 1, 2021
I love Diane's writing style. I was drawn in right away which doesn't always happen while I am reading. The books let you know what small town life is like without poking fun and really lets each character have their own identities. I enjoyed these 3 so much that I stayed up reading way later than I usually do! I got the next 3 books in the series to try next.
March 14, 2025
2.5 stars
It took forever to read the three books. I read several books in between reading these. It was a small town. Where everyone knows your business and has something to say about it.
There is always “excitement” and a little mystery happening around the MC. She is also in a very slooow moving relationship.
It took forever to read the three books. I read several books in between reading these. It was a small town. Where everyone knows your business and has something to say about it.
There is always “excitement” and a little mystery happening around the MC. She is also in a very slooow moving relationship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews