Bellingwood Series by Diane Greenwood Muir

Polly Giller returned to Iowa from Boston to start a new life, not that her old one was all that bad. With her inheritance, she purchased an old school building in Bellingwood and is in the middle of renovating it when the bones of two bodies are pulled out of a ceiling. The whole town knows who those bones belong to, but when she also finds crates and crates of items from the sixties through the early nineties in the old root cellar, they wonder if the two things are connected... morePolly Giller returned to Iowa from Boston to start a new life, not that her old one was all that bad. With her inheritance, she purchased an old school building in Bellingwood and is in the middle of renovating it when the bones of two bodies are pulled out of a ceiling. The whole town knows who those bones belong to, but when she also finds crates and crates of items from the sixties through the early nineties in the old root cellar, they wonder if the two things are connected. A welcoming committee shows up at Polly's front door and these women soon become her fast friends. Fortunately, the leader of the group is married to the Sheriff and he is there to make sure mysteries are solved and everyone stays safe, but when Polly's old boyfriend from Boston shows up, that becomes a little more difficult. The women might be a little older than Polly, but she finds out they might be even more wild than the friends she had when living back east. Lydia Merritt, the Sheriff's wife, is a woman filled with love and passion. Beryl Watson is an artist and more than a little flamboyant. Andy Saner wants to organize and label the world, but loves with a great big heart and Sylvie Donovan, with her two young sons is trying to make it as a single mother. The men in Polly's world are just as interesting. Henry Sturtz is the carpenter and contractor in charge of construction and might have a little crush on his boss, while Doug Randall and Billy Endicott are her Jedi Knights in Shining Armor. Polly's immediate family might be gone, but her new family offers a great deal of love, fun and entertainment. Read along as the extraordinary, yet quite ordinary, people in Bellingwood tell their stories. less

Polly Giller and her friends in Bellingwood are back with more stories to tell. The barn raising at Sycamore House promises to be an event that brings the whole community out. No one has ever seen anything like this before and no one wants to miss it. Dancing lessons from the gorgeous veterinarian help Polly get prepared for the hoe-down, but create havoc in her relationship with Henry... morePolly Giller and her friends in Bellingwood are back with more stories to tell. The barn raising at Sycamore House promises to be an event that brings the whole community out. No one has ever seen anything like this before and no one wants to miss it. Dancing lessons from the gorgeous veterinarian help Polly get prepared for the hoe-down, but create havoc in her relationship with Henry. One of these days, Polly is going to have to decide whether or not she wants to commit to him, but she doesn't want to mess up a wonderful friendship if she messes up their relationship. While Polly and her team prepare for the barn raising and hoe-down, she also has to help Elise Myers, a young girl who has come to Sycamore House to stay while writing her doctoral thesis. However, Elise hasn't told Polly exactly why she's in the middle of Iowa. That little mystery knocks Polly out! Meanwhile, Lydia finds the dead body of a friend and discovers there's an unfinished note with some unfinished business. A big discovery by Polly and Sylvie will solve the mystery and change Polly's life one more time. Polly counsels young Jason that you have to learn to count on your friends when you're in trouble. The list of people she can count on to help her out continues to grow and she finds that she has a great big life in the small town of Bellingwood. less

Polly Giller has had the worst luck with finding a good custodian for Sycamore House and the murder of her latest employee draws even more attention to her propensity for finding dead bodies. Sheriff Aaron Merritt just assumes that when she calls him, it's because she's found someone. The pool at the Elevator expands as the locals lay odds on Polly's next find. When Beryl Watson ends up in the hospital because of an explosion, the last thing she wants is to be a statistic in Polly's life... morePolly Giller has had the worst luck with finding a good custodian for Sycamore House and the murder of her latest employee draws even more attention to her propensity for finding dead bodies. Sheriff Aaron Merritt just assumes that when she calls him, it's because she's found someone. The pool at the Elevator expands as the locals lay odds on Polly's next find. When Beryl Watson ends up in the hospital because of an explosion, the last thing she wants is to be a statistic in Polly's life. Sal Kahane, Polly's college roommate and best friend from Boston, comes to Iowa to see what all the fuss is about at Sycamore House. The city girl has to keep an open mind in order to understand why her friend loves living among the cornfields. Polly's relationship with Henry Sturtz, her contractor and friend, continues to grow. When he left town for a couple of months, she discovered how important he was. Polly takes a risk on a new custodian with a mysterious background and farm thefts disrupt the little town. She finds herself worrying about locking things up again; something she had ceased doing when she moved out of Boston. Things are never dull in Bellingwood and with the introduction of wonderful, new characters, Polly comes to a better understanding of herself and her relationship with this little town. All of the regulars are back with some stories of their own to tell. What treasures are uncovered? Read on. less

Bellingwood Days are nearly here. The quilt show has relocated to Sycamore House and the woman in charge offends everyone she encounters. Polly Giller's protective instincts are aroused when the woman verbally attacks a group of boys from Chicago and then confronts a girl who is rough on the outside but exposes her tender heart in the presence of Polly's four Percheron horses. Polly's life is never dull... moreBellingwood Days are nearly here. The quilt show has relocated to Sycamore House and the woman in charge offends everyone she encounters. Polly Giller's protective instincts are aroused when the woman verbally attacks a group of boys from Chicago and then confronts a girl who is rough on the outside but exposes her tender heart in the presence of Polly's four Percheron horses. Polly's life is never dull. She plays in the community band, and is on the committee to select finalists for the Literary Competition. When Polly discovers another body, Sheriff Aaron Merritt wonders if he should put her on the payroll. Henry Sturtz is the first person Polly turns to when she receives a strange email from Ruth Ann Marshall. Her claim that she knew Barbara & Everett Giller when Polly was a baby, ignites fear and trepidation, since Polly had never heard of the woman, nor seen a trace of her in their home. All of a sudden, Polly's idyllic childhood seems murky and she questions the wonderful relationship she had with her dad. The friends you've grown to know and love all return and new friends are introduced as Polly's relationship with Bellingwood grows. Join her as secrets are uncovered and revealed. Book contains the short story: Hidden in the Trees. less

It finally happened. One of Polly's guests dies. Right at her front door. Thomas Zeller, an author with a strong affection for Edgar Allan Poe, wakes Polly in the middle of the night with fatal stab wounds and she has to call the Sheriff, who threatens to buy her a Grim Reaper costume for Halloween. Zeller leaves behind a mystery for Polly to solve and she gets everyone involved as she uncovers his real motive for being in Bellingwood... moreIt finally happened. One of Polly's guests dies. Right at her front door. Thomas Zeller, an author with a strong affection for Edgar Allan Poe, wakes Polly in the middle of the night with fatal stab wounds and she has to call the Sheriff, who threatens to buy her a Grim Reaper costume for Halloween. Zeller leaves behind a mystery for Polly to solve and she gets everyone involved as she uncovers his real motive for being in Bellingwood. As if that isn't enough, someone vandalizes Sycamore House and Polly can't imagine who might be that angry at her. She and Jeff Lyndsay are preparing to celebrate the first anniversary of Sycamore House with a Masquerade Ball and Lydia Merritt decorates the large foyer for Beggar's Night with a Haunted Hallway. With all of these things happening around her, Polly continues to meet new friends and build her relationship with Henry Sturtz. Everyone we know and love returns in "Life Between the Lines. " Some of their lives get more complicated while others get more interesting. Kids grow up and new friendships blossom, but one thing they all discover is how important it is to have people around who will support you no matter what you need from them. less

This holiday short story is filled with the love, fun and compassion that surrounds Polly Giller. Her veterinarian, Mark Ogden, has more animals he asks her to rescue and rather than Polly calling the Sheriff because she's found a body, he calls her because he needs her help. Room at the Inn takes place just after the fifth book in the Bellingwood Series - Life Between the Lines and sets the stage for a brand new year of excitement and growth in Bellingwood... moreThis holiday short story is filled with the love, fun and compassion that surrounds Polly Giller. Her veterinarian, Mark Ogden, has more animals he asks her to rescue and rather than Polly calling the Sheriff because she's found a body, he calls her because he needs her help. Room at the Inn takes place just after the fifth book in the Bellingwood Series - Life Between the Lines and sets the stage for a brand new year of excitement and growth in Bellingwood. There are new animals, new relationships and new ventures ahead for Polly. She can hardly wait to get started. But first, she takes time to be grateful for all that she has. less

Change is a constant. Seasons change. People change. Life changes. Polly Giller's life has been filled with nothing but change since the day she decided to return to Iowa. As winter gives way to spring, it seems that more change is in the wind. The future opening of Secret Woods Winery brings the return of three young superstars to Bellingwood. They left to make a fortune in the computer gaming world and came home to do something completely different... moreChange is a constant. Seasons change. People change. Life changes. Polly Giller's life has been filled with nothing but change since the day she decided to return to Iowa. As winter gives way to spring, it seems that more change is in the wind. The future opening of Secret Woods Winery brings the return of three young superstars to Bellingwood. They left to make a fortune in the computer gaming world and came home to do something completely different. The winery's lodge is being built just down the road from Sycamore Inn, an old strip hotel that Polly and her boyfriend, Henry Sturtz, are renovating. There are great changes in store for this little town in the middle of Iowa. When someone is killed at the winery, the one person who is going to find the body . .. does. Polly can't bear the thought of calling the Sheriff to tell him it's happened again, but there's nothing else she can do. The mystery of Sycamore House's vandal deepens and Andrew Donovan introduces Polly to a new best friend. Both of these things threaten to change Polly's life in extraordinary ways and it is all she can do to hang on for the ride. Polly's life is in flux, but her friends stick close. When everything changes, her relationships keep her steady. Now, more than ever, she experiences the truth of that maxim. less

It's time to celebrate Polly's wedding to Henry. Her friends from Boston are coming to celebrate and as soon as the party is over, she and Henry are leaving on their honeymoon. In the middle of cleaning and preparing for her busy weekend, a man shows up. He says her father was his best friend in college and of course, we all know he needs her help. His nineteen-year-old daughter left home with a young man and they haven't heard from her in two months... moreIt's time to celebrate Polly's wedding to Henry. Her friends from Boston are coming to celebrate and as soon as the party is over, she and Henry are leaving on their honeymoon. In the middle of cleaning and preparing for her busy weekend, a man shows up. He says her father was his best friend in college and of course, we all know he needs her help. His nineteen-year-old daughter left home with a young man and they haven't heard from her in two months. The family is pretty sure the girl came to Iowa, but he doesn't have any idea where to start. Polly's friends can't believe she's about to get involved when she has so many other things going on, but how can she say no? The community of Bellingwood experiences a devastating blow and somehow a serial killer lands in town at the same time. At one point, Polly finally asks the universe why it seems as if her world explodes every few months. Let's not tell her it's because the author has come up with another story. Great new characters are introduced and we get to know more about some of our favorites. These stories are told from Polly's perspective, but she would always tell you that her friends are what's important. They make her life worthwhile. Without them, the story of Polly's life would be very boring. less

Once things start falling apart around Polly Giller, chaos takes over and all she can do is hold on for the ride. Sylvie Donovan has finished school and things are supposed to be rainbows and unicorns. Not in Bellingwood. Her oldest son, Jason, has just started high school and isn't handling the transition well. Within the span of three weeks, his behavior has escalated to the point that she doesn't know what to do next... moreOnce things start falling apart around Polly Giller, chaos takes over and all she can do is hold on for the ride. Sylvie Donovan has finished school and things are supposed to be rainbows and unicorns. Not in Bellingwood. Her oldest son, Jason, has just started high school and isn't handling the transition well. Within the span of three weeks, his behavior has escalated to the point that she doesn't know what to do next. Her ex-husband shows up and the mere sight of him drains her confidence, returning her to the days when she lived with an abuser. Polly's little family is dealing with bedlam of its own. Jessie Locke is twenty years old and no matter how badly she wants to be an adult, she's making horrible decisions. When she runs away, Polly has to deal with a furious husband and a devastated little girl. Poor Rebecca Heater's life is already in disarray as she watches her mother's health deteriorate. The one constant through all of the storms that come is the friendships each person has developed along the way. Friends show up when you least expect it and are there when you need them. If there's one thing Polly knows and Sylvie is learning, it's that when you need strength to stand against the horrors of the world, you can find it in those who love you. less

In this short story, we find Polly and Henry packed and ready for their honeymoon. After their last failed attempt, Henry intends to get her in the truck and out of Bellingwood as fast as possible, even if it means leaving right after work on Friday afternoon. Join them as they travel a small part of the Mother Road (Route 66) and experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon and Utah's gorgeous scenery... moreIn this short story, we find Polly and Henry packed and ready for their honeymoon. After their last failed attempt, Henry intends to get her in the truck and out of Bellingwood as fast as possible, even if it means leaving right after work on Friday afternoon. Join them as they travel a small part of the Mother Road (Route 66) and experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon and Utah's gorgeous scenery. From blue whales to sleeping in concrete wigwams, changing scenery along the way and interesting people, it's a trip they'll remember. Will they manage to travel without any catastrophes or dilemmas? What do you think? Polly is always rescuing someone and you shouldn't expect her to do things differently just because she is far from home. less

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... moreIf 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. ". less