The Party Line is another enjoy fun book by the Queen of Sass, Carolyn Brown. The town of Ditto, Texas sounds a lot like where I lived, only three stoplights for as long as I remember. What it lacks in expansion, it makes up for in gossip. Everyone knows everything about everyone except for Lil’s late Aunt Gracie’s secret.

As the clues come together so does a wonderful romance. Clean, sweet and just enough sass to keep you smiling. Enjoy today.

OMG besties, I just finished The Part Line by Carolyn Brown, and let me tell you, it was like sipping sweet tea on a porch swing—so cozy but with a kick! I mean, where do I even start? The small-town vibes were immaculate, and the cast of characters? Chef’s kiss. They were the kind of friends you’d want on speed dial if your life suddenly turned into a soap opera (and trust me, in this town, that’s basically Tuesday).

Now, I’m giving this one a solid four stars because while I adored the warm, fuzzy plot twists and the perfect sprinkle of drama, it did feel a teensy bit predictable at times. Like, I called that big reveal faster than I can say “bless your heart” (and y’all know that’s fast). But honestly, who cares when Carolyn Brown’s storytelling wraps you up like your fave blanket on a rainy day?

If you’re craving a read that feels like catching up with old friends and leaves you smiling like a dork in public (oops, guilty!), this one’s a must. Not five stars, but pretty darn close. Now excuse me while I go dream about my own small-town love story.

Life in a small town where everyone is curious about the secret in the big house that Lila just inherited from Aunt Gracie. As she is sorting through her aunt house and hoping to discover what is the secret, she is getting to know the woman who had a hand in raising her. She also is at the crossroads of her life and deciding which direction to take, but definitely loves life in a small town. Especially since she has met the new guy in town.
A sweet story, with a slow burning romance. For me it seemed to drag on a bit and the secret, well I won’t go there. Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC of #ThePartyLine

Upon the death of her great-aunt Grace, Lila returns to her tiny hometown of Ditto, Texas to inherit Grace’s home and hopefully discover the long-held secret that even her own mother didn’t know.

Lila is not sure if the house is haunted or is it just the abundant memories in every room. Compelled to find answers Lila seeks information from Jasper, her neighbor and Aunt Grace’s oldest friend. Along the way, Grace rekindles old acquaintances, meets a handsome hunk and realizes the importance of continuing Grace’s practice of empowering women.

The story is sweet and a welcome escape. The characters could easily be your friends or neighbors.

Carolyn Brown is a popular and well-loved author for a reason and The Party Line is certain to become a favorite of her fans.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the complimentary eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Very very chatty!

It feels like our main character Lila is talking to me directly and by gosh does she talk! She's sassy and opinionated and I loved her from the start. I was also overwhelmed by the number of people in Lila's world - from her mother to her grandmother, to late aunt Gracie, to Jasper next door, the town's people, the cafe, the relatives .. and on it went. At times it felt like a lot of work to keep up with everybody and what was happening in the present and their history and all the generations. Then there's Connor. He's the grandson of Jasper next door, ex military and rather delicious. We are in Lila's point of view so Connor is not very knowable for the most part, but he does the job. It's a romance for certain, but closed door, and the main game is Lila navigating the small town and its gossip and Aunt Gracie's secret. If you love Carolyn Brown's writing, this is a doozy!

Thank you Carolyn Brown, NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

I was able to read an ARC courtesy of Montclair, Netgalley and the author.

This novel is no small town like I’ve read before. This novel immediately grabbed my attention, and kept it throughout. This novel focuses on Lila Matthew’s who returns to Ditto, Texas after her Aunts passing. Lila finds out that her aunt left everything to her. Lila immediately has mixed feelings and begins remembering the times and events from her past.

This novel really explores that you don’t know someone other than what they show and or tell you. This novel has relationships built, familial structures stretched, and relationships explored. It was a wonderful read that I know many readers are going to ogle soon!

The Party Line was another sweet read by Carolyn Brown, just like many of her other novels that I've read, and, as always, I thoroughly enjoyed the small-town setting in tiny Ditto, Texas, the town where the main character, Lila, was raised as a granddaughter by her loving Aunt Grace. But Aunt Grace has died, and she's left everything to Lila, who has returned to Ditto, and to the house where Aunt Grace raised her. Lilah's mother thinks that the house is haunted, although there are no ghosts, Lila often hears her beloved Aunt Grace, who seems to whisper in her ear quite often. 4 stars.

This is a story that's filled with warmth and humor, I've come to expect from Ms. Brown, and a little romance, a few tears, and an elderly next-door neighbor, Aunt Grace's best friend, Jasper, who has lots of charm and sass, and plenty to reminisce about the good old days, and finally, oh yes, a deep, dark secret that Aunt Grace took to her grave and that Lila intends to discover.

So yes, this was an enjoyable if somewhat slow read, but my main complaint, and the reason for giving this novel 4 rather than 5 stars is that there really weren't any highs and lows in this story--no really dramatic moments, and even when Lila eventually learns Aunt Grace's deep dark secret, it was something I suspected, and it certainly didn't come as a shock to this reader, although it might shock others. While I enjoyed the hominess, kindness, and sweetness of this novel, it just slightly missed the mark when it came to high drama, deep romance, and surprises for this reader.

For fans of Carolyn Brown's novel, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one, as I did, but even though it has the expected HEA ending, it just felt as though something was missing.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

Carolyn Brown writes books that remind you of way back when. They're contemporary without being fussy. They make you realize that bright lights and action aren't the only things that can move you forward.

The Party Line talks about a simpler time, when gossip and 'listening in' might let you hear something that could change your life. This book was warm and comforting. An easy read and just right for a lazy afternoon. Family and change and doing good.

I loved it!

Lila discovers there was much more to her aunt Gracie than she knew when she inherits her estate (and a strawberry farm!) in Ditto, Texas. Yes. there's a secret, a secret that Gracie kept for years and that Lila's now determined to discover. This has good small town vibes, a nice romance or two, and a positive outlook. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

“The Party Line” by Carolyn Brown is a heartwarming small-town story that explores secrets, love, and family. Gracie, who grew up in Ditto, Texas, lived in a time when party lines allowed neighbors to eavesdrop on phone conversations, making privacy a rare commodity. Gracie took one secret to her grave, but when her niece Lila inherits her estate, that secret begins to unravel. Lila is left with a choice: uncover the truth or sell the farm and move on.

The novel shifts between the 1950s and present day, blending a nostalgic look at life in a simpler era with modern themes of love and family. While Lila’s investigation into her aunt’s past is engaging, the romance between Lila and Connor adds warmth to the story, even though it doesn’t dominate the plot. Brown skillfully crafts vivid scenes, but at times, the pacing slows due to excessive detail and the inclusion of side characters like Lila’s mother and business partner.

Overall, the book is a charming mix of romance, mystery, and family dynamics, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars for its portrayal of community, relationships, and personal growth.

The Party Line by Carolyn Brown……..Aunt Gracie may have past on but her legacy lives on all through this wonderful novel about love, forgiveness, acceptance and yes, even grace. Family isn’t alway about blood but in those relationships we foster all our years. A touch of nostalgia lives throughout the pages, of sweeter times, complicated times, sorrowful times and happy times. Before we had the web, social media and such, there were the shared telephone lines where gossip abounded yet even in these times, small town gossip lives on and evidence of this is seen throughout this lovely novel. So sit back with a large glass of sweet tea and enjoy the journey! I know I did!

Such a wholesome and uplifting story, I loved the romance and the strong family focus! It’s truly an uplifting and compelling read.

Thank you so much Montlake and NetGalley for the eARC, so that I could provide my opinion!

Lila Matthews has returned home to Ditto, Texas her great aunt Gracie has passed away. She has been left her old home and she has moved in. She has a job she can work from home and her mother lives in Ditto. Aunt Gracie leased her land for a strawberry farm. She also left behind a big secret that no one's knows including Lila and her mother. Gracie, Davis, and Jasper grew up together and now Jasper is the only one left. Jasper and Davis were children of the hired help and Gracie's parents liked to remind her of that.
Jasper knows the secret but is unwilling to talk about it. Lila is taking care of Jasper and trying to find her way now she is tired of her job and quits.
Wonderful story of small town life.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were all well developed. The story flowed smoothly and nicely paced.

A truly delightful southern small town story. This book left me feeling very nostalgic of my childhood years growing up eavesdropping on my grandmothers calls with her sisters, cousins, and friends. I was too young to understand or know what they were talking about, though.

Aunt Gracie has passed on and left a huge secret, which the small town community continues to talk about. Lila tries to get Jasper to open up to her and spill the tea, but he is very tight-lipped, saying Gracie would have told her if she wanted her to know.

Gracie, Davis, & Jasper grew up with one another and were best friends, but the bond was stronger between Gracie and Davis. Jasper knew this. He understood. He wasn't upset. He loved Gracie, but he knew her heart would forever belong to Davis. But one night, one night is all it took for Gracie's world to be shattered and trust broken. It's the secret she held onto for decades.

I love older generation characters who remind me of my grandparents, both of whom I have lost within the last five years. The banter between Jasper and Lila is exactly how my grandfather and I were for much of my life. There was something truly special about that generation.

Lila continues to work to figure out the big secret while also making life changes of her own and going through Aunt Gracie's house to clear out the old. What she discovers is sure to have you laughing and feeling proud of Gracie for taking a stand.

I loved this book so much. Carolyn Brown is one of my favorite southern small town authors. She knows how to bring her stories to life on the page. Her stories have a way of making you feel right there with the characters.

Thank you, Netgalley and Montlake, for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Party Line is a cute small town romance that showcases family history, changes, and romance.
Lila moves into her Grandmother, Gracie’s house after she passes away . She tries to figure out what she wants to do with her life . For years Lila heard rumor of a big secret with the house and she tries to get Jasper, Gracie’s best friend to tell her what it was . She finds new friendships and a budding romance with one of the contractors who run the Strawberry fields, grandson.
Carolyn Brown did a great job weaving the past with the present and created a cute story.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy for my opinion

This was unexpected from what I thought it would be. It was a great book about a woman who inherits a house and oh so much more. I loved all the people that were introduced and all of their stories, it was an unexpected gem. I also appreciated how the man she fell in love with that there was not a huge problem that pulled them apart and then they came back together. Nope it was like real life instead which I appreciated. The fact that the epilogue took us 10years into the future so we could really get a feel of what happened was awesome. I loved getting a glimpse and it was heartwarming.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Book and audiobook arc. Carolyn Brown’s books never disappoints and Brittany Presley is always a fantastic narrator..

Lila comes home to live in her recently deceased aunt's home. This story tells a dual story of sorts telling how her aunt passed down her traditions and secrets to Lila. Lila learns how to take chances in life and love which eventually leads to her happy ever after with Connor who recently moved to the area. A beautiful story but just a little too slowly paced for me.

A mystery aunt, secrets, an inheritance and lots of surprises I didn’t see coming. Whatever reason Aunt Gracie had for leaving Lila the secret, will it now be Lila’s secret to keep? This was a fast paced read that I really enjoyed. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Fresh and fun. Carolyn Brown is a fantastic author. Her books never disappoint. I was hooked from page one.