The Party Line by Carolyn Brown is a fun and enjoyable read! The story centers around Lila Matthew’s and how she inherits pretty much everything from her Aunt Gracie who actually isn’t her aunt at all. This story shows that family doesn’t always have to be blood, it can be chosen. Aunt Gracie had lived a long life that was filled with pain and heartache and she chose to keep some pretty big family secrets. Despite all of this, she was a very kind, generous and loving person. She did have a wild and feisty side that was depicted in her love of the color red. The authors reference to the telephones party lines was a nice touch that brought back many fond memories from days gone by. This really is a great story and it’s one I highly recommend. I’d like to thank Montlake Publishing and NetGalley for the arc to read and review. It’s an enjoyable story with a touch of southern flair that I’m giving a 5 star rating.

An enjoyable read! A sweet story with romance and a little mystery. Definitely a slow build but really a good story. And the audio was phenomenal!

The Party Line is one of Carolyn Brown’s stand alone women’s fiction offerings. Lila Mathews has returned to Ditto, Texas from her career in Austin under very sad circumstances. Her great aunt Gracie Evans has passed away after a very long and impactful life. As Aunt Gracie’s primary heir, Lila has been left an estate leaving her well set for life and with a passion for carrying on in her aunt’s footsteps in the community, caring for her aunt’s best friend for over 90 years, Jasper, and keeping her aunt’s biggest secret, the secret Aunt Gracie learned on the party line that had changed the direction of her life and family.

As Lila navigates her great aunt’s legacy, she is also finding her future on many levels and areas. This is a well told tale with well drawn characters in a very small town setting. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!

I’m going to keep this review simple. Are you looking for a feel good, family driven, small town story that will make you smile? Try this story. Are you looking for a story that includes a big secret in a small town and absolutely everyone wants to know it but the only person that knows it isn’t telling? This story has that. Are you looking for a story about women paying it forward and helping other women? How about strawberry farming? Yeah, that’s not the most important but it is part of the story. Ditto, TX might be a small town but it has lots of drama. Lila inherits her Aunt Gracie’s house along with a strawberry farm and Gracie’s best friends, Jasper. Lila isn’t looking for love but it just might be right smack in her path as she learns about her strawberry farm. Connor is learning about strawberry farming from his grandfather while also learning about his grandfather’s oil business. He isn’t looking for love but it just might be right smack in his path as he learns about strawberry farming. This is a typical Carolyn Brown novel. I recommend it and I will definitely read more from this author in the future.

The Party Line by Carolyn Brown is one of those small town romances Brown is so famous for. Lila had purchased Aunt Gracie’s house from the estate. Gracie was really her great-aunt but Lila and her mom had lived with her for years. She had left her estate equally to her heirs and then Lila bought it. She loved it. She felt at home. Even the old fashioned party line phones made her happy, as did Jasper, her aunt’s good friend, in his nineties, who lived just over the field. The parts of the farm that were left were devoted to strawberries and so several times a year, crews descended to take care of the strawberries: readying the fields for the next hear, harvesting, and starting all over again. A little more complicated than that, but… She listened to stories from Jasper about Gracie, Davis, and him when they were kids. She worked during the day as an accountant for an insurance company, all from home. Life was good. Except for her cousin who kept pestering her for a larger share in the estate. She ignored that.

Is is really a slice of life, a good life. The house had ghosts, but eventually those were laid to rest. The remainder was strawberries; her mom, who lived just down the street; and Conner, whose grandfather leased the strawberry fields. Jasper proved to be a good friend, and told her stories that helped with the ghosts. She loved him: took him to church on Sundays and then to lunch. She fed him many days or he would be even skinnier than he was. Conner was a fun, good man, who was learning from his grandfather about what would eventually be his inheritance, the strawberry field and more. The cousin kept coming. Life got nothing but better and better. Love these feel-good, slice of life stories about places like Ditto, Texas.

I was invited to read The Party Line by Montlake. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Montlake #CarolynBrown #ThePartyLine

Carolyn Brown gas hit it out of the ballpark once again. Party Line is a wonderful story of life, regrets, family and the love of a lifetime. There's a secret about Aunt Gracie and as stories of her life unfold, and the secret is revealed it changes everything. As usual the characters come alive and small town Texas is revealed in this masterpiece of a story. You don't want to miss this gem of a story!

Although I received a free ARC ebook from Net Galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Party Line by Carolyn Brown, this is one of my favorite authors and I have read most of her books. Once again I fell into the story line and couldn't wait to reach the end of the book. The author has a way of coming up with a story line, that is a little different and keeps you constantly wondering what will happen in the book. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.

I received and ARC from NetGalley and Montlake the publisher, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Lila Matthews returns to her home town of Ditto, Texas after inheriting her aunt Gracie’s estate. It includes a large home and a strawberries farm. While cleaning out the house she finds clues from Grace’s past that no one seems to know about. Carolyn Brown is the queen of writing warm, folksy stories set in small Texas towns. I appreciate the title and remember my family having a party line till I was 8 or 9.

There is a romance for Lila with Connor who recently left the military. They want to go slowly with picnics and sweet talks. There is no drama but a slow building connection. Much of the story is focused on Gracie. I love how Lila cares for and befriends Gracie’s neighbor and best friend Jasper. He has answers to many of her questions. And I appreciate Lila’s easy and honest relationship with her mother.

This is seemingly a stand alone novel from Brown and I enjoyed reading it. Yes, it can be predictable but I found the pacing good and flew through it quickly.

A great weekend read! As well as the expected happy ever after there was a family secret to uncover. I loved Lila's love for her adored Aunt Gracie. Gracie was a part of the story. Her love for Lila was felt even after she passed away. Connor was a perfect guy for Lila. It also serves as a life lesson of taking care of our elders, blood or adopted.

Thank you to Carolyn Brown, Montvale Puublishing and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. My review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

Both Lila and Connor feel the mutual attraction but they takes things slowly and start as friends. Commitment is an issue for them and Lila is also hesitant as she fears Connor is getting closer due to her inheritance. As their friendship deepens, will they move forward to become more? Read this to find out.

While Lila is figuring out her love life, she is also embarking on a new journey in her career. With her move to Ditto, Texas, and inheritance of her aunt Gracie’s house and farm, she is at a crossroad with uncertainty looming.

I enjoyed the close relationship between Lila and Jasper, who is like a grandfather to her. The addition of Sassy also adds further joy into their lives. Connor is an interesting romance side plot while the focus remains on Lila’s self-discovery journey and the eventual reveal of her family’s secret.

The book’s pacing was a little slow but overall still an enjoyable read.

The Party Line* by Carolyn Brown is a heartfelt and gentle story about family, secrets, and the bonds that tie us to the past. The novel centers on Grace, whose death brings her niece Lila back to her hometown, where she discovers that there may be more to her aunt’s life than she ever knew. As Lila unravels the mysteries surrounding Grace’s past, she must also come to terms with her own place in the family and the town that has always been home.

At its core, *The Party Line* explores the dynamics between family members, both living and deceased. Lila’s quest to uncover Grace’s secrets provides a layered narrative that digs into the complexities of generational relationships, the weight of hidden truths, and the healing power of understanding one’s roots. As Lila delves deeper into her aunt’s past, she begins to realize that the stories people leave behind are not always what they appear to be.

Carolyn Brown's writing is warm and inviting, painting a vivid picture of small-town life and the people who inhabit it. Brown’s attention to detail creates a nostalgic atmosphere that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories grounded in familial love, tradition, and the slow pace of rural life. The pacing of the book is steady, and the way the plot unfolds gradually allows for reflection on the characters’ relationships and personal growth.

However, while the story has its merits, there are moments where it feels like it could have been more gripping. The central mystery of Grace’s secrets holds potential for deeper intrigue, but it doesn’t quite reach the level of suspense or emotional depth that one might expect from such a premise. The story's quieter moments can sometimes feel drawn out, leaving the reader with a sense that the narrative could have used a stronger hook or a more profound turning point to really capture attention.

Lila’s journey of discovery is touching, and her emotional arc provides some satisfying moments of resolution. Yet, the book doesn’t quite take full advantage of the tension or emotional stakes that the premise suggests. The characters are likeable, but the story doesn’t push them to the kind of dramatic evolution that might have made it even more engaging.

In conclusion, *The Party Line* is a lovely, soothing read with themes of family, loss, and uncovering the past. It’s a perfect choice for readers who enjoy character-driven, contemplative fiction. However, for those seeking a more fast-paced or gripping mystery, the story may feel a bit too understated. It’s a good story, but it leaves you wishing for just a bit more — whether that’s in the depth of its secrets or the emotional payoff of its revelations.

This was a sweet story of family and love, with lots of warmth and humor. I love the author's small-town stories, which are full of quirky and relatable characters.

Lila returned home to tiny Ditto, Texas when her Aunt Gracie died and left Lila her estate. It is up to Lila to make the more than one-hundred-year-old house her own. Bittersweet memories of growing up there make sorting through Aunt Gracie's effects an emotional experience, most notably going through the sympathy cards. There are rumors that Gracie had some big secret, but no one has discovered what it is.

Aunt Gracie's best friend and neighbor, Jasper, is a fun addition to the story. He is a feisty old gentleman with plenty of stories about the good old days. I loved how they comforted Lila and gave her insight into her beloved Aunt Gracie. Jasper was family to Lila, and watching the two together was often amusing, as was her insistence on a trip to the hospital when he was sick. Jasper was equally protective of Lila, and I laughed out loud when he dealt with the unwelcome visitors.

A newcomer to town, Connor recently left the military and works for his grandfather, Emmett. Emmett leases Lila's strawberry fields and is set to turn his businesses over to Connor. He's laid back and charming and shows a decided interest in Lila. I enjoyed seeing his kindness and support when she needed it and the twinkle of humor ever-present in his eyes. There are some sweet scenes of them together. My favorite is the picnic by the river. You can see them falling for each other; there's no drama, just a steadily growing attachment.

The book is mainly about Lila's journey through her grief over Aunt Gracie's death. Listening to Jasper's stories and those told by others helps Lila see her aunt as the strong woman she was. Little things lead to unexpected revelations and a desire to change her life. The scene where Lila cleans out Gracie's closet was fantastic, with the memories it stirred up.

The epilogue was terrific. I loved seeing them ten years down the road and seeing what their lives were like.

After the death of her Great Aunt Lila moves to Ditto Texas to live in the house she inherited. There she uncovers a family secret and finds love. Wonderful characters.

Lovely book. Lila moved home to Ditto, TX when her Aunt Gracie died and left her the house she had grown up in, plus 20 acres that was leased to the neighbor who grew strawberries. She worked from home anyway as an accountant, so it didn't really matter where she lived. she loved the old house, but was pretty sure it was haunted. Her mama lived in town and wouldn't come in the house for more than a minute. The story was there was a secret that nobody knew and everyone was curious about. Her neighbor, Jasper was close to 100 and he gave Lila bits and pieces of aunt Gracies life when he was in the mood. The grandson of the man who leased the land started coming around and she was afraid he only wanted her for the land. they had some great chemistry and eventually acted on it It was a very good story that had alot of characters in it that lived in the small town. The story got it's name from the 50's when everyone had a party line and that's how gossip spread.

I got the book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Lila has come home to her tiny Texas hometown now that she has inherited her Aunt Gracie's house and land. It is time to answer some old questions. Why did her aunt keep her party line phone? Why didn't she ever marry? What did the color red mean to her? And what in the world is the decades old secret that she kept? Lila also has to determine who is friend and foe to her now, and she has to figure out what to do with the rest of her life. I loved reading this and getting to know Lila's world. Jasper is a hoot. This is filled with all the local color that Carolyn Brown always includes that makes her books so special.

It’s hard to keep a secret in a small town, but this little town in Texas has been buzzing for years about a big one. This is a story of family friends and romance. All set in a small town in Texas that is known for its strawberries. It’s a sweet story with a predictable happy ending, but still enjoyable. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

My Review
☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

The party line.
Carolyn Brown.

Contemporary women's fiction.

Carolyn Brown writes the Best stories.

Stories that will pull at your heart strings.
Stories that keep you intrigued.

The party line. Well it was something back in its day. Sometimes the party line was more than it should have been for some.

Every book has a character that simply keeps you chuckling.

In this story that is jasper, what a wonderful character. Someone who has lived ninety plus years knows things from the past. What a wonderful life he's lived.

Missing long lost friends.

Just simply an amazing story.
Every time this author writes a book, they just get better and better.

I'm simply a fan of this author.
I love her work.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Carolyn Brown 🌹🌹🌹🌹

Thank you.

3.5 Stars
Lila returns to the small town to claim her inheritance; her Aunt Gracie’s house with a secret that Gracie took to her grave and land including a strawberry field. It has a touch of nostalgia showing the uncomplicated times with telephone party lines where calls were placed through a telephone exchange, and you could listen (if you were careful) to others' conversations.
It was an enjoyable sweet story with interesting side characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC.

The Party Line by Carolyn Brown, it is about Layla who inherits her aunts home, her money and her personal belongings that leave clues to a secret her aunt never wanted to be told. She is at loose ends in the little town of 25 residence Ditta Texas and doing her best to make a new start. Thankfully her mom is there to soften the blow and I haven’t even mentioned those who come looking to buy the home that Lilla isn’t selling.then she meets Connor who’s intentions at first she thinks are dubious so why does she find him attractive?. In the middle of all this she’s taking care of 90-year-old Jasper or is he taking care of her? There is way more to this book and I must admit I really enjoyed this heartwarming story about Second Chance families and making a life with what we’re given. The only thing I didn’t like is I thought her aunt Secret wasn’t much to do about nothing but I don’t think that subtracted from the whole enjoyment of the book as I said I loved Jasper, Connor, but especially Lyla and her mom‘s relationship there’s just a lot to love about this book. If you love down-home great storytelling with heart then you would definitely love this book and it’s one I absolutely recommend.#NetGalley,#MontLake, #CarolynBrown, #ThePartyLine,

The Party Line by Carolyn Brown is another fantastic story.
I love reading Brown’s stories. They are always wholesome and happy endings. This one is no exception.