Friday, June 10, 2016

A Five Star Review


Five reasons I'm giving Five Stars to:
The Darling Dahlias
by Susan Wittig Albert

1. For me this is cozy mystery at its best.
A series of books (6 so far) with an interesting setting,
not too much blood and gore,
a light tone and very decent writing.

2. The time and place - the story is set in the small town of
Darling, Alabama, in the early 1930s.
A group of ladies get together to form the Darling Garden Club
and if they happen upon a mystery - they are on it.

3. The protagonist - we gradually get to know all the ladies
of the club and some of the town's people, but
the protagonist and my favorite character is
Miss Elizabeth Lacey, club president.
Lizzy is a legal secretary by profession,
a gardener and a writer, and as nice as they come.
She is said to look a little like Loretta Young.

4. Beyond the mystery plot this is the story of a small town
struggling with the Depression of the early 1930s.
There are a lot of domestic details, which I always love,
and a lot about the way the ladies help each other and the town
through these difficult times.

5. The message of these books, to my mind, is that
friendship and community are the best weapons to have
in times of adversity (and always).


Featured: My little bear is going to the library in style
in this brilliant car made by my dad




124 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice car, sweet little bear and thank's for the book review, I'll keep it in mind.
Have a nice weekend,
Sigrid

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Sounds like a nice book series. I love that little car ... so vintage looking. And the bear and crochet so sweet.

Haak en Pen said...

This sounds as a good read, I am going to give it a chance.
What a lovely car your dad made him
With warm wishes
Manon

Haak en Pen said...

This sounds as a good read, I am going to give it a chance.
What a lovely car your dad made him
With warm wishes
Manon

Ingrid K. said...

Hi Amalia, thanks for sharing, sounds nice. Lovely little photo, everything is so nice: the truck, the bear and the crochet!!!

Ingrid xx
Myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

magnoliasntea said...

Oh, those books sound like a wonderful read. Thank you for sharing your review. And I see craftiness runs in your family. Beautiful!

Patricia said...

The book sounds interesting - I went to Alabama once, years ago, and it is a very unique culture. Love the beautiful wooden truck; your father must be a wonderful craftsman.

Kim said...

Your dad made that? Wow. Now I see where your super creative talents come from! Great recommendation and perfect timing as beach reading season is upon us! Thanks!

Bridget said...

I haven't read any of this series, but might need to give it a try.

I love the bear in your dad's truck - I'm also glad he's going to the library. :-)

Dewena said...

Put this at the top of my library list! Sounds right down my alley. I see another author I'll probably binge on!

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Such a lovely little wooden truck. Beautiful memories to hold on to. Thanks for sharing the review of the book. It's summertime, I might have time to read. happy weekend.

Nancy Chan said...

Beautiful wooden truck, cute bear and lovely crochets. Have a great weekend!

Decor To Adore said...

You truly created a sweet seat for a darling bear and truck!

mamasmercantile said...

Sounds like a great book. Loved the card your Dad made, a real delight.

Daniela said...

The book sound so interesting, but the little bear, your crochet handwork and the truck your dad made ... all this won my heart, sweetest Amalia !

Thank you for another so enthralling post, dearie, sending blessings of joy on your weekend ahead,
with utmost gratitude

Dany

Julie's Lifestyle said...

The truck is so nice made by your dad! This book sounds good and I will look into this series. Enjoy the weekend.
Julie

Helen Philipps said...

Thank you for the book review....this series is going on my list! Love the adorable truck, bear and crochet :)
Happy weekend Amalia!
Helen xox

Little Wandering Wren said...

What a lovely family team effort, we're watching the football here and you have both scored a winner, the bear looks very happy to have picked up such a cosy ride! Well done your Dad too!
Wren x

Mereknits said...

It sounds like a wonderful book.
Hugs,
Meredith

Prunella Pepperpot said...

What a wonderful image! Bear looks so comfy in your crochet blanket and your Father is very talented, love the car he has made!
Have a great weekend :)

Gloria Baker said...

Sooo beautiful and love your bear !!!

Ann said...

sounds like my kind of book. Love the car

Red Rose Alley said...

Sounds delightful, Amalia. I must get back to reading!

~Sheri

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Amalia, this sounds interesting. Your little car is a treasure as is the items it holds. Have a wonderful weekend! xo ♥

Lara B. said...

Amalia, I love this whole series. The ladies of Darling make me want to move there. The way they are smart and strong and caring is a refreshing change from a lot of popular literature. Susan Wittig Albert is a favorite author of mine!
Have you ever read her "Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter" series? The animals are the main stars and the books are cozy mysteries - such a different twist and a lot of fun to read.

Lara B. said...

I got so excited that I forgot to say that the little truck your father made and the bear and afghan are darling! (Now I have Darling on the mind) LOL

Jacqueline said...

Sounds like a good book to read and I love the little car!

Anna said...

Lovely !!!
A talented family !!!!
Have a nice weekend !
Hug
Anna

France Nadeau ❅ inspiration imagination creation said...

In style, indeed! Your picture is lovely. You have great design skills. :-)
I wish you a good weekend!

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Friendship is the very best weapon.
I love the little bears truck and of course his blanket! :)

Sandra said...

Hi Amalia, thanks for the tip because I'm looking for books to read and I love mistery books! The message of it is precious! ♡♡♡

The House with the Blue Door said...

Thanks for sharing your book review - it sounds interesting. I love your little bear too. Very sweet.
Cathy x

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

I love new book titles to check out! Thank you for the review! Sweet car, sweet bear, sweet granny squares!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Sounds like a book I would love....darling little bear in his cute car and blankie! xx Karen

Kim said...

All little bears should visit the library in such style. The Darling Dahlias sounds like a great read.

Conniecrafter said...

Love the truck with the blankets and doll, that is just too cute!!
The book sounds like it has a good message with it, so true!

Luciana F. Damiano said...

Beautiful truck and bear are delicate ...
It will be a beautiful trip.

Kasztanowy Domek said...

Fantastic!!! Have a great sunday!:)

xxBasia

Amy at love made my home said...

Glad you enjoyed it, it sounds like a good read.

cristina said...

In my darkest days I always had my friends next ... I can not life without them ... I love my friends! They are women wrestlers and brave, sensitives and strong ... but always with good advice ... my best friends.... love you.... and today more.....

cristina said...

In my darkest days I always had my friends next ... I can not life without them ... I love my friends! They are women wrestlers and brave, sensitives and strong ... but always with good advice ... my best friends.... love you.... and today more.....

Carla from The River said...

Thank you...I will be visiting the library Monday. :-)
Carla

Sara - Villa Emilia said...

The book sounds interesting, but I too was especially charmed by the cute little lorry, the sweet bear and the wonderful happy colours of the blanket. :)

Lowcarb team member said...

A lovely review ... and so true "friendship and community" so important.

I love your car, your blanket and your bear ... so sweet.

All the best Jan

Le crocette di Mariuccia said...

Always nice post, beautiful and interesting! Big Hug, Mariuccia

Enara Girl said...

It is a lovely car, you and your dad did a great work. Love it! xoxo

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Your crochet handwork and this little truck are priceless treasures!
Hugs,
Jemma

Stephanie said...

Sounds like a lovely and delightful book, my friend :) Thanks for sharing.

And oh my, the picture of the truck with the bear is darling! Hugs to you!

Polly said...

Sounds like a good book, I've put it on my "to read" list. That's a lovely little truck, bear looks very comfy :-) x

She loves to crochet said...

The book sounds a good read, I'll have to remember that title. Your bear with the cheerful blanket and little truck are lovely. Hx

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

your post made me want to pick up this book and read. Especially since we just road tripped through northern Alabama. Such a beautiful state!

VeggieMummy said...

I've read a few of hers and really enjoyed them but haven't seen that one yet - I'll have to keep a look out at the library. Your little bear with his blanket and truck are adorable - as is your nephew :) x

VeggieMummy said...

I've read a few of hers and really enjoyed them but haven't seen that one yet - I'll have to keep a look out at the library. Your little bear with his blanket and truck are adorable - as is your nephew :) x

Keri said...

Amalia, thanks for the heads up on the book; it sounds great! Also love the truck your dad made, super awesome!!! Your bear and his little blanket are beautiful!!

Tricia Buice said...

The car / truck is brilliant! I love handmade toys and I love when it leaves just a little something for the child to use in his imagination. Lovely books - and I adore a good series. Will check them out thank you!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I love your cute bear and the car. I will add this book to my reading list, I love mysteries. Wishing you a happy day and weekend ahead!

Bernideen said...

Dear Amalia:
What a creative post with pizzazz! Thanks for sharing and linking this sweetness!

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

Sounds like a great series that I would enjoy as well. I will have to check for them at my library.

Julie's Lifestyle said...

This sounds like a nice book and I love your crochet creations. :)
Thanks for sharing at Cooking and Crafting with J & J.
Enjoy the end of the week.
Julie xo

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

It sounds like a wonderful book, Amalia. Love the car your dad built and it's charming passenger and quilt :)

Jess said...

Aww...so cute! :)

Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

What a fun book review to go along with your dad's sweet wooden truck. I love what it's hauling too.

Gumbo Lily said...

Sounds like a book that I would like. I read a Susan Wittig Albert book a long time ago -- The Tale of Hilltop Farm. Do you know it?

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

I love mysteries and will look for the book series...love the car!

Anonymous said...

I can imagine you would like these kinds of mystery books:) I love the handmade truck by your dad - handmade is in the family, eh? Thank you for visiting me (my blog) and have a fun-filled vacation!
PS - the white sandals, yes your impression was what I was hoping for -an accidental life...

A Joyful Cottage said...

Friendship and community. Two of my favorite words. I'll be looking for the book. Thanks for the recommendation, Amalia. Hugs, Nancy

chateau chic said...

The book sounds delightful. I agree with Nancy, friendship and community are a must today!
Your little bear in the truck is adorable.
Mary Alice

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I love book recommendations...Thank you and thank you for your kind words on the Orlando tragedy

Carol

France Nadeau ❅ inspiration imagination creation said...

It was a pleasure to see your beautiful picture again.
Thank you for participating to my Fabric, Thread and Yarn link party. Have a good weekend!

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

Sounds a lovely read, and what great transport xx

Stacey said...

Adding this to my reading list. :)



Draffin Bears said...

Thank you for sharing the book review and it sounds like one I would like to read.
Love the sweet bear riding in the truck.
Happy Sunday
hugs
Carolyn

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Now that little library bear is traveling in style ! I'll have to make a trip to my library and check out this author.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Now that little library bear is traveling in style ! I'll have to make a trip to my library and check out this author.

Sam - Raggedy Bits said...

This sounds like an awesome, powerful book to read, Amalia! Can't wait to read it! Hope your sweet bear enjoyed his cool ride to the library also! Thank for sharing over at Waste Not Wednesday xx

Diane said...

What a wonderful book review and sweet truck with the darling bear.

Hugs diane

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Hi Amalia, your dad must be pretty handy himself to make that little truck, how wonderful to have, great review.

Magia da Inês said...


Lindo trabalho, o que mais gostei foi da simplicidade e da delicadeza dos bordados.
O livro é uma leitura instigante... cheia de mistérios.
Ótimo domingo, boa semana!!!
Beijinhos
╰⊰✿⊰ه° ·.

susan said...

What a great wooden truck, Amalia. And, of course your hand-mades really add to it.
Haven't heard of this author before, but I'll definitely check out this book.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Thank you for the review of the books. Your dad's handmade truck is darling, as is your colorful granny square blanket and your cute teddy bear!

Diana Studer said...

that truck looks as if generations of kids have smoothed its curves as they raced around.

white and vintage said...

Hello Amalia,
thank's for this book review. A nice little truck with a lovely bear.
Hugs Christine

MadSnapper said...

beautiful old truck

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

The book sounds like a good one! And the little bear, with it's colorful blanket and fun truck, is SO charming!

Nina said...

Thank you Amalia! I am collecting titles to summer holiday reading ~ and this one sounds like something for me! The characters and 1930s ... I already picture myself immersed in this story, sitting at my mom's garden in the shadow ...
Enjoy the summer and the month of June!

Beth said...

Sounds like a good series! I'll be sure to check them out.

Margie said...

This is the time first time I've heard of this cozy mystery...I'll have to look for it at my local library.

P.S. Lucky bear to travel in style!

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Adorable truck! Your dad is talented!!

handmade by amalia said...

Yes! There are whole worlds inside books and sometimes they are nicer than this one :-)

handmade by amalia said...

I have read the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter books (it is difficult to sneak anything Beatrix Potter-y by me), but do you know that she also writes a Victorian mystery series with her husband under the name Robin Paige? I should say wrote, as it is done, but well worth looking up.
And thank you, darling :-)

handmade by amalia said...

Sweet you, AnnMarie, with your comments. Always. Thank you.

handmade by amalia said...

Yes, this little bear got quite a big head when he pulled by the library and all the other bears, poor pedestrians that they are, stopped to look.

handmade by amalia said...

Thank you, Cristina, for this wonderful wonderful comment.

handmade by amalia said...

My father wanted to paint the lorry and I wanted it left as it was I'm so glad I did.

handmade by amalia said...

Thank you, Polly. The remote controls in the living room are very comfy in the truck just now :-)

handmade by amalia said...

I love mysteries as well! But one or two bodies are enough for me, especially if the library door is locked :-)

handmade by amalia said...

Yes, read and liked it. She's has quite a few series going on, but this one is my favorite.

handmade by amalia said...

Thank you Carolyn. A compliment indeed, from a bear expert :-)

handmade by amalia said...

Thank you, Linda. We wanted to stop for some hitchhiking bears, but there was no room.

handmade by amalia said...

I like the idea of reading by seasons, it means that there is a time for every kind of book. I can picture you in the garden, Nina. You are drinking iced tea while reading and looking very content.

handmade by amalia said...

Well, if you're gonna travel...

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh I so love this post Amalia! And thank you so much for coming by to see my post. Yes, I finally figured out why summer always takes me back to childhood: since I'm a teacher, I have the entire summer off. It gives me time to slow down and enjoy the fine details of each day and when one does that, one begins to get thrilled over finding a butterfly, seeing a dragonfly in the garden, watching the peonies open up with the strong grip of the ants....who couldn't become childlike again with that?

HAVE A FUN DAY! Anita

JES said...

Love the picture! And love domestic details in books too! Thank you for sharing with us on the Art of Home-Making Mondays at Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth! We hope to have you share today for the new link up this week!

Debby Ray said...

Just absolutely adorable...and cute poem!

Poções de Arte said...

O caminhãozinho é lindo! Assim como tudo que carrega.
Adorei os trabalhos!
Abraços e feliz semana.

Mary K. said...

Beautifully written Amalia.Maybe I could go with your bear. And the little car is so vintagey looking.

Annas Nadelbuch said...

Oh Amalia, what a cute little car, your father is very talented !! I also love the sweet baer and this wonderful crochet blanket, so pretty !!! Greetings from Carmen
( thank you for your kind comment to my skirt, i hope to finish this week )

Feral Turtle said...

I see where you get your talents from! It's true the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Cheers to you! Have a great week.

krishna said...

so beautiful .. so adorable...

Wendi@H2OBungalow said...

Love the truck! How special your dad made it, I'm sure it will be a family heirloom. Those are the best treasures...the ones that are handmade:)

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I bet you saw your dad hand make the most adorable things like this little truck and you inherited his talent too.
What a treasure, indeed.
Thank you for visiting me.
Hugs,
FABBY

Enara Girl said...

Have a great day dear! We are having sunny days. xoxo

Cheryl said...

Girlie... you make the cutest things ever.

The truck your father made is adorable, what a wonderful keepsake. You should get a wood burning tool and put his name on the underside of it and the year he created it. It is a piece of future "folk-art" :-}

Unknown said...

Hi, I just stumbled onto your blog today and I'm going to give those books a try. I love a mystery and these sound pretty good. The truck and bear are adorable!

Art and Sand said...

Thanks for sharing with SYC.

FlashinScissors said...

Such a sweet little chap! What a clever dad, the car's a real family heirloom!
I like a good mystery, and shall be seeking this out - sounds intriguing right away!
Hugs, Barbara xx

The Charm of Home said...

How adorable! Thank you for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

Jennifer said...

I have to remember this series next time I need something good to read! Thanks for linking it up to Dishing It & Digging It!

Gracie Saylor said...

Amalia, thanks for sharing the interesting to me book series review,
And letting us admire your Dad-made truck, your bear and crochet, too xx

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

This is a new book series to me, but you've certainly piqued my interest. The little bear looks quite comfy in the car, enjoying his ride tucked between your pretty blankets. Thanks for linking up at Best of the Weekend!

Beauty Follower said...

SUch a cute little traveler!

http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/

Wonky Patchwork said...

Making obviously runs in your family. Your book review sounds very interesting,I'm off to investigate further...

A Joyful Cottage said...

Sounds like a good book series. I like stories from that time period. Little Bear looks quite cozy in his custom car. Your dad is quite the craftsman. xo

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing the review of the book. It's summertime,


goldenslot
สูตรบาคาร่า