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Ladybug Farm #2
At Home on Ladybug Farm
From the award-winning author of A Year on Ladybug Farm comes the continuing story of three women who learn what it takes to turn a house into a home.
A year after taking the chance of a lifetime, Cici, Lindsay, and Bridget are still trying to make a home for themselves on the newly-renovated Ladybug Farm. Life in the Shenandoah Valley is picturesque, but filled with unexpected trials? such as the introduction of two young people into the ordered life the women have tried to build for themselves.
As the walls of the old house reveal their secrets and the lives of those who have gone before begin to unfold, the cobbled-together household starts to disintegrate into chaos. And when one of their members is threatened by a real crisis, they must all come together to fight for the roots they?ve laid down, the hopes they share, and the family they?ve become.
A year after taking the chance of a lifetime, Cici, Lindsay, and Bridget are still trying to make a home for themselves on the newly-renovated Ladybug Farm. Life in the Shenandoah Valley is picturesque, but filled with unexpected trials? such as the introduction of two young people into the ordered life the women have tried to build for themselves.
As the walls of the old house reveal their secrets and the lives of those who have gone before begin to unfold, the cobbled-together household starts to disintegrate into chaos. And when one of their members is threatened by a real crisis, they must all come together to fight for the roots they?ve laid down, the hopes they share, and the family they?ve become.
344 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2009
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1065 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
January 16, 2016
I absolutely love this series of books. Perhaps its my age. Its about three women who sell their homes and buy a 100 year old farmhouse to renovate, after their husbands are gone. They are in my age group and I love reading about their "adventures" and what one can do with their life, no matter their age. I like that the story is about "life" and not necessarily all about a relationship between a man and a woman and falling in love. This is about three mature women who have been dear friends for many years. It's about their children and a lost boy whom they take into their home and hearts and about animals, and other people in the community with whom they develop relationships. Isn't that what most of our lives are about? I love how down to earth it all is and how things don't just happen, but that they have to work really hard and how they support and encourage each other through it all. Bad things happen, the house and farm are a money pit, but they make it work somehow. It's very uplifting, interesting, and refreshing for a change. Love it.
August 17, 2012
I love this series like I loved the Mitford series by Jan Karon. So easy and sweet, mostly happy endings, which are sometimes needed. I believe in happy endings, and I am happy when I get them. You also know what to expect from these books, which is good too sometimes.
This book continues along the same vein as the first, this time with the addition of Cici's daughter Lori, and more about Noah, a teenage boy they are unofficially fostering. The young adults add a new perspective to the book that was missing in the first, and are also trying to find themselves and their place in the world.
Interspersed throughout the book are flashbacks to the house through the hundred some years in its history, from the civil war on up. We are introduced to the inhabitants of Blackwell Farms, and what had transpired through the years. These were my favorite parts in the book I think, and also served another purpose - that you learn at the very end of the book.
This book continues along the same vein as the first, this time with the addition of Cici's daughter Lori, and more about Noah, a teenage boy they are unofficially fostering. The young adults add a new perspective to the book that was missing in the first, and are also trying to find themselves and their place in the world.
Interspersed throughout the book are flashbacks to the house through the hundred some years in its history, from the civil war on up. We are introduced to the inhabitants of Blackwell Farms, and what had transpired through the years. These were my favorite parts in the book I think, and also served another purpose - that you learn at the very end of the book.
August 19, 2016
I loved this sequel to "A Year on Ladybug Farm!" I loved the addition of a bit of the historical view to the house and the people whose lives are, fatefully, intertwined. It was a fun book; some funny moments (though not as much as the first); some good growing times and character development. I was pleased with the ending and completely enjoyed this book.
I just have to add a quote from the book that I loved. This quote is given by the character Cici: "Motherhood isn't something that just happens to you. It's a choice you make every day, to put some else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you're not sure what the right thing is...and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong."
Note: there are a couple times of taking the Lord's name in vain and one instance of love making, though it isn't explicit--barely a sentence.
I just have to add a quote from the book that I loved. This quote is given by the character Cici: "Motherhood isn't something that just happens to you. It's a choice you make every day, to put some else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you're not sure what the right thing is...and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong."
Note: there are a couple times of taking the Lord's name in vain and one instance of love making, though it isn't explicit--barely a sentence.
December 8, 2014
I loved this 2nd book in the series as much as the 1st one! I really enjoyed the "in the past" chapters, as it gave the background/history of Ladybug Farm (formerly known as Blackwell Farms). As always, there were laugh out loud moments, and I just loved the ending.
November 5, 2024
Spring has just returned to Ladybug Farm. Cici, Lindsey, and Bridget are trying to find a way to make the farm pay while trying to encourage Cici's daughter Lori to return to college or find her niche and to help the orphaned teenager Noah feel that he's part of the family. Social Services comes to challenge their care of Noah, leaving all of them, especially Noah, on edge. The women assign Lori to clean out the ponds and restore the rose garden, while Noah continues being homeschooled and taught art by Lindsey. They unearth more of Ladybug Farm's history and, surprisingly, Noah's.
There was a little bad language in the book that I didn't remember in book 1. Lori and Noah are both developing characters. This is a pleasant character-driven book which maintains interest. I hope to read more in the series.
There was a little bad language in the book that I didn't remember in book 1. Lori and Noah are both developing characters. This is a pleasant character-driven book which maintains interest. I hope to read more in the series.
October 29, 2020
Second in the series, a sweet confection of a novel, with likable characters. Easy reading, I finished it in just a couple of days. Adding in some of the history of the house in a few flashbacks added depth to the story. I have two more in this series on my shelf to read at home, and look forward to future visits to Ladybug Farm.
November 21, 2010
Last night I finished this second Ladybug Farm book and loved every word.
I love the characters and the discoveries they have made during their year together.....discoveries about themselves and the history of the farm.
I love the characters and the discoveries they have made during their year together.....discoveries about themselves and the history of the farm.
August 5, 2016
This one was really good. The women continue to rehabilitate the farm and house. The addition of Noah and Lori really cements them as a found family. The flashbacks of the previous inhabitants of the house were fascinating. I loved the light twist at the end.
April 21, 2024
Enjoying this series about three friends that bought a farmhouse to renovate. Love the characters.
January 28, 2025
#2 in the Ladybug Farm chick-lit series
This book and this series is just OK for me. It's pleasant, and there is plenty of action (meaning things going wrong, problems on the farm) to keep my interest. But what brings it down for me is the frequent dumbness of these women. I understand that they have taken on a huge undertaking, but each thing they do seems to end up in unnecessary disaster. A little bit of preparation and conversation with an expert would have avoided all of these problems. And Lori, Cici's 20-year-old daughter, is a disaster. It's incredible how she leaps into a project without ever thinking it through. And then when it goes wrong, she whines about how she's not good enough and can't get anything done right. Sheesh. The simple solution is to think before you act. All that being said, I was absorbed in the book throughout as they ricocheted from one situation to another. And they are all kind and generous people just trying to live their best lives. There were a few stories of the history of the house interspersed throughout. Most were interesting and added some depth, but I did find myself confused about the genealogy, never really figuring out who was what, especially at the end. Hopefully things will be explained in later books. And I will continue with this series, but not right away. It's nice, but I spent quite a lot of time rolling my eyes as I read.
This book and this series is just OK for me. It's pleasant, and there is plenty of action (meaning things going wrong, problems on the farm) to keep my interest. But what brings it down for me is the frequent dumbness of these women. I understand that they have taken on a huge undertaking, but each thing they do seems to end up in unnecessary disaster. A little bit of preparation and conversation with an expert would have avoided all of these problems. And Lori, Cici's 20-year-old daughter, is a disaster. It's incredible how she leaps into a project without ever thinking it through. And then when it goes wrong, she whines about how she's not good enough and can't get anything done right. Sheesh. The simple solution is to think before you act. All that being said, I was absorbed in the book throughout as they ricocheted from one situation to another. And they are all kind and generous people just trying to live their best lives. There were a few stories of the history of the house interspersed throughout. Most were interesting and added some depth, but I did find myself confused about the genealogy, never really figuring out who was what, especially at the end. Hopefully things will be explained in later books. And I will continue with this series, but not right away. It's nice, but I spent quite a lot of time rolling my eyes as I read.
February 20, 2021
Note I used the same review for them all--it applied:
I loved Donna Ball's Raine Stockton dog mysteries so much, I ventured to try one of these. And, as you can see, I was hooked. The first three were available at the library and I even made a special library trip to pick it up.
One of them even made me cry--it was so touchingly wonderful, like real life is when a dark cloud is hanging over your head for months and suddenly it is lifted. Obviously I can't give the details. But I can say this: these books are sweet and charming and very much not for everyone. Nothing really awfully bad ever happens. There are no villains although there are a few extremely incompetent repairmen who ought to get the boot. It's a sweet, simple story of three women who bond together over a lifetime of shared experience. And end up buying a farm. And what a farm!
Goats appear. Roofs collapse. A mysterious nighttime marauder steals vegetables. Neighbors help out when least expected. Storms wipe out crops. Sheep wear clothing. And after many strange discoveries, they learn that it's not just a farm, it's a farm with a history.
Would I love to live there!
I loved Donna Ball's Raine Stockton dog mysteries so much, I ventured to try one of these. And, as you can see, I was hooked. The first three were available at the library and I even made a special library trip to pick it up.
One of them even made me cry--it was so touchingly wonderful, like real life is when a dark cloud is hanging over your head for months and suddenly it is lifted. Obviously I can't give the details. But I can say this: these books are sweet and charming and very much not for everyone. Nothing really awfully bad ever happens. There are no villains although there are a few extremely incompetent repairmen who ought to get the boot. It's a sweet, simple story of three women who bond together over a lifetime of shared experience. And end up buying a farm. And what a farm!
Goats appear. Roofs collapse. A mysterious nighttime marauder steals vegetables. Neighbors help out when least expected. Storms wipe out crops. Sheep wear clothing. And after many strange discoveries, they learn that it's not just a farm, it's a farm with a history.
Would I love to live there!
December 31, 2021
Literally the only reason I gave this delightful book four stars instead of five is because on the opening page, the author wrote that there are 30 billion people on this planet. In 2009, the year the book was published, there weren't even 6.9 billion people on Earth, and there are only 7.9 billion this year. As good as the story was, a mistake that huge shouldn't have made it past the editor, but even before that, the author should have looked it up. Something like that is so jarring that it sticks in my mind for the rest of the story and tarnishes the enjoyment of the read. Research is important and details make the difference.
Read
December 26, 2014Lack of character development, a repetitive plot, and unrealistic events were the down fall of this book for me.
I had a really hard time getting into it but that's completely on me. I don't think this is a "bad" book by all means, it just wasn't for me.
I had a really hard time getting into it but that's completely on me. I don't think this is a "bad" book by all means, it just wasn't for me.
November 7, 2021
"Buying a run-down mansion in the Shenandoah Valley gave three very different women a new start in life. But when their dream is nearly destroyed, it will take fortitude and faith to see them through.
"A year after taking the chance of a lifetime, Cici, Lindsay, and Bridget are still trying to make a home for themselves on the newly renovated Ladybug Farm. The Shenandoah Valley is picturesque, but filled with unexpected trials -- such as the introduction of two young people into the ordered life the women have tried to build for themselves.
"As the walls of the old house reveal their secrets and the lives of those who have gone before begin to unfold, the cobbled-together house starts to disintegrate into chaos. And when one of their members is threatened by a real crisis, they must all come together to fight for the roots they've laid down, the hopes they share, and the family they've become."
~~back cover
A very gentle read, and heartwarming.
"A year after taking the chance of a lifetime, Cici, Lindsay, and Bridget are still trying to make a home for themselves on the newly renovated Ladybug Farm. The Shenandoah Valley is picturesque, but filled with unexpected trials -- such as the introduction of two young people into the ordered life the women have tried to build for themselves.
"As the walls of the old house reveal their secrets and the lives of those who have gone before begin to unfold, the cobbled-together house starts to disintegrate into chaos. And when one of their members is threatened by a real crisis, they must all come together to fight for the roots they've laid down, the hopes they share, and the family they've become."
~~back cover
A very gentle read, and heartwarming.
November 25, 2017
Loved the first book in this series. Can't stand this one. The thought is the 50-ish owners are manipulating the daughter, but she's really running the show with her hairbrained ideas. She claims to want internet on the farm, but she throws out ideas without research and of course they don't work, AND the adults go along with. It's supposed to be funny, but it just stupid. Cici, the handywomen is just as bad for not knowing what she's doing and causes more repair work. When she pulled those stunts in Book 1, I thought they would be a way of showing how she could grow by learning to work with the locals. Nope, she's much worse in this book by pretending she knows more than she does. This book just comes off as foolish women.
February 22, 2019
This second book in the series provides some of the history of the farm and the people who once lived there. Cici's daughter Lori and the orphaned teen Noah are living in the house and "helping" Lindsay, Bridgett and Cici fix up and run the farm. The description of sheep in thrift store coats and sweaters to keep them warm provided hilarious mental images. The confrontational meeting with Noah's absentee mother was difficult, but resulted in a considered solution for the real benefit of the child. This heartwarming family story was just as nice to read as the first book.
The only issue I had was the completely inappropriate inclusion of former VP Gore with the company of great men like Benjamin Franklin.
The only issue I had was the completely inappropriate inclusion of former VP Gore with the company of great men like Benjamin Franklin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2016
This is #2 in the author's series on ladybug farm & I thought it was an excellent read. Lots of backstory information, really information on the history of the farm that came in the form of separate chapters throughout the book that explained certain things that they'd found; for example: the stain on the hardwood floor that they thought was blood & the history of the murals on the walls. There was lots of unexpected action in the plot-line & a big surprise at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed reading #2 in the series & just put 3&4 on hold. Highly recommend, but be sure to read #1 (a year on LF ) first.
May 12, 2018
In this book, the author continues the story of 3 women who have purchased and are attempting to renovate an old Virginian mansion. This book does follow that progress/set-backs but also brings in two young people -- Noah, a 15 yo boy, who is without a family and Lori, Cici's young adult daughter. We follow them as they become part of this "family" and all the trials/tribulations that go along with that.
The book also starts a "now and then" theme as it introduces us to some of the history of the house and its prior inhabitants. That part brings a bit more intrigue to the story as it unfolds bit by bit and adds a very interesting twist to the series.
The book also starts a "now and then" theme as it introduces us to some of the history of the house and its prior inhabitants. That part brings a bit more intrigue to the story as it unfolds bit by bit and adds a very interesting twist to the series.
September 24, 2019
I love when I read a book and fall into the story. The characters come alive and you feel like you are part of this story amongst friends. This is the second in the story of three friends who purchase a home and set out to fix it up. Along the way, in this installment, they try to convince a 20-year old girl to head back to college when this daughter thinks creating a business is the better use of her talent. They find a 15-year old teenage boy living on the property and take him under their wing. Lots of twists and surprises.
I won’t give away the story. It is truly a lovely and heartwarming read. Starting the next in the series right now. I think you will want to as well.
I won’t give away the story. It is truly a lovely and heartwarming read. Starting the next in the series right now. I think you will want to as well.
April 11, 2018
This is another feel good book. The story is set in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. It tells the story of three best friends who in their retirement buy a farm. It is now the spring and the to do list grows as the money disappears. Also living with them is a 15 year old boy they rescued, the 20 year old daughter of one of the women and an older woman who came with the house. It was a quick easy read.
August 10, 2020
Everything works out in the end, but there are definitely some troubles. I've had weeks like this--one thing after another, one problem barely solved before the next one pops up. Everything is a little too convenient and manufactured. Lori and Noah aren't well-defined; Lori especially drifts between maturity and immaturity, feckless and astute. This isn't as good as the first one, but I find the 2nd books in a series rarely are.
September 12, 2024
Had no idea this was book two as I read it! It might have helped to read book one, but unnecessary. I enjoyed all of the characters. Occasionally, I would get a bit mixed up and need to reread passages to keep what was happening to whom straight. I was actually a bit surprised at the quick ending, wait that is where it ends? It didn't really leave you hanging, but it wasn't as finished as I thought it would be. Sometime I did laugh-out-loud. So it was a great read for the sumemr.
March 31, 2018
Loved it, more adventures with the ladies and add in Lori and Noah for more drama. Lori and Noah seem to love to hate each other, but when it comes to projects, they get them done. More challenges with an old house, and what a history it has as we discover more about the house. Rebel is a great guard dog, but sometimes that’s not such a good idea. Can’t wait to read the next one.
October 16, 2018
My sister lent me this book assuring me I would love it. I read it I. Two sittings. Wonderful women’ fiction with a thread of the past woven through the story’s present..
Donna Ball is her new me and I plan to read all the other books in the series. Her descriptions are evocative and her plotting is great. Love all the characters.
Donna Ball is her new me and I plan to read all the other books in the series. Her descriptions are evocative and her plotting is great. Love all the characters.
July 9, 2019
Loved this story. It's the second in the Ladybug Farm series about three middle aged women who leave their high powered lives and buy an abandoned farm in rural Virginia. All of the setbacks and successes you might imagine, added to by the college age daughter of one and an orphaned teen boy who they take in. I laughed and cried. Can't wait to read the other three in the series.
September 19, 2021
Loved this book
I bought this book on a whim from Bookbub.com for 'Covid19 isolation reading' and couldn't put it down! I had to find out how what happened to the characters and to their project of restoring their beautiful historic house and their adjustment in their new lifestyle
... I was not disappointed and enjoyed it immensely!
I bought this book on a whim from Bookbub.com for 'Covid19 isolation reading' and couldn't put it down! I had to find out how what happened to the characters and to their project of restoring their beautiful historic house and their adjustment in their new lifestyle
... I was not disappointed and enjoyed it immensely!
October 10, 2022
the ladybug farm is becoming the looney-bin farm. All the challenges the 3 ladies and two others on the farm take on to bring income or supply to the farm. Recalling memories when Ida Mae first encountered and lived among the Blackwell farms creamery, winery, production of jams and home to war heroes wives.
January 28, 2024
Invisible string ties us to where we belong and family can be chosen to build a strong loving bond. I just want to live on Ladybug farm with them! The time hopping could have been woven in a bit better but added to the theme of landing right where they belong. Great character growth for Lori, Noah & Lindsay. Love the history shared by Ida Mae. She is a treasure.
December 21, 2024
Well well well.... I was not expecting that.
The first book in this series was sweet, fairly simple, and enjoyable.
This second book was much deeper, with many more bittersweet moments, and I cried a lot. There was a tone and style shift, and at the beginning I did not care for it, but Ball brought it all together in a way that worked marvelously.
Definitely worth continuing the series.
The first book in this series was sweet, fairly simple, and enjoyable.
This second book was much deeper, with many more bittersweet moments, and I cried a lot. There was a tone and style shift, and at the beginning I did not care for it, but Ball brought it all together in a way that worked marvelously.
Definitely worth continuing the series.
June 14, 2019
Continuation of life on Ladybug farm with 3 friends and some new characters. Great read, full of funny moments and serious ones. It has flashbacks to how the house was back in the day. Waiting to read the next adventure for them.
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