The Party Line by Carolyn Brown is an excellent story and audiobook production. Lila returns home to the house she knows so well, with a sad heart because her dear aunt is no longer there. However wherever we go in this story Aunt Gracie is not far away.

As the days go by Lila gets to know Aunt Gracie even more than she ever knew. Jasper the gnarly old fellow next door will fill in for her all the happenings of the past. And it goes a long way to sorting out the mystery that surrounds the house and Aunt Gracie.

I loved all the characters, Aunt Gracie sounds like a wonderful person, Lila seems to follow in her footsteps, and Jasper for all his somewhat curmudgeonly behavior is a darling. And he adds quite a bit of humor to the story.To say nothing of Sassie the dog. I wondered what happened actually to her, I hope she moved in with Lila and Conner in later years.

Yes there is a little romance that added a whole lot of warmth to this book. It's not what the books about, but it's one that did hold an important place.  And for those who'd like to know its a closed door romance.

It is really well narrated by Brittany Pressley, a voice for every character and of course this added big value to the book.

I highly recommend this to audiobook listeners and if you are not one, then there is always the book.

The characters are delightful, the setting is charming, and the story gives you exactly what you want.

I listened to the audiobook and it was fantastic.

This was such a sweet book. I loved the characters and the relationship between them. I enjoyed the budding romance and how everything worked out for everyone.

While I have no problems with the story or the writing, it just didn't feel "enough" for me, with the exception of the slow-burn romance between Connor and Lila. There wasn't enough information about why everyone was trying to buy this strawberry farm for well over valued price, the party line was such a small part of the story that many times its mention didn't make sense, and the big secret wasn't even very scandalous considering that the other person died before it became a big issue. If you like romance the relationship between Lila and Connor is cute and fun, but otherwise I feel a bit let down.

Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and the author for my advance copy of this audiobook

I love listening to Carolyn Brown books and I especially love when they're narrated by Brittney Pressley. The Party Line was a wonderful, heartwarming story that I really enjoyed. Ms. Pressley is able to narrate a story and make it seem as if a full cast is doing it. Even though Ms. Brown's books can be a little predictable, I still find myself always falling in love with each character.

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

The Ditto, Texas, Gracie grew up in was a different place. Small towns are full of drama and gossip, aided quite a bit by the community’s “party lines”. The ability to listen in to your neighbors calls without their knowledge put today’s world of privacy laws in a very different light. There was one secret Gracie took to her grave, but secrets don’t always stay hidden after death. When her niece Lila inherits Gracie’s estate, Gracie’s most personal belongings and memories fall under an all new scrutiny. Will the secret everyone has been gossiping about finally come out…or will Lila settle for just selling the farm and moving back home?

Carolyn Brown is the author of dozens of smalltown romance novels including hits like The Barefoot Summer and The Magnolia Inn. Her latest release The Party Line takes readers back in time to what should have been a simple world in the 1950’s, but was complicated by the use of party lines where several neighbors shared a phone line and could eavesdrop on all the conversations. Brown also brings readers into the present with a beautiful love story full of respect and courtship, while revealing the power that family secrets can hold for generations. This is a book about forgiveness and learning to love even when it’s the last thing you want.

I give The Party Line 4 out of 5 stars. I really appreciated the storyline around Lily and her beau, as well as her investigation into her aunt. However, it felt like the plot got muddled when you add in some of the supporting characters like Lily’s mother and business partner. I appreciate the way Brown builds scenes and relationships with details that pull the reader in, but there are moments when the extra details feel cumbersome. This novel walks a fine line between beautiful novel and a Hallmark movie script, but manages to stay on target with the way Lily helps to build everyone up and make the community a little bit better.

If you have enjoyed other books by Carolyn Brown, I’m sure you will love this one, too! This would be a great choice if you enjoy the Virgin River series, too – women helping women, small town romance, and a bit of family drama are all in the mix. With some light romance and some references to a time when skin color and financial status made you less than fit to be part of society, this may be best directed to readers over 13. This could easily be a fantastic book club selection with so much to unpack around the dual timelines and the secrets!

I was excited to see The Party Line available through Netgalley this month. Carolyn Brown has a reputation for great romance novels and I appreciate the opportunity to read her work! After enjoying this book so much, I’ll be going back to read her entire catalogue of works next!

This book by Carolyn Brown follows her familiar formula: set in a quaint, rural town, it features a woman at a pivotal moment in her life who encounters individuals that guide her toward self-discovery while also influencing the lives of others, particularly young women. While the specifics may differ, the overarching narrative remains consistent. Some of her works have captivated me, while others have been merely satisfactory.

In this story, Lila relocates to Ditto, Texas, after the passing of her great-aunt Gracie. The old house she inherits is said to harbor a secret, and Lila suspects that the vintage party-line phones might hold the key—after all, that was how gossip and rumors circulated in the past. As she seeks to uncover the mystery, Lila also reflects on her own life.

I found Gracie's fiery personality to be quite engaging, and I enjoyed the humorous parallels drawn between the party-line concept and today’s social media landscape. My mother often reminisces about her experiences with party lines, a notion that continues to intrigue me!

Brittany Pressley lends her voice to the narration, and while I typically appreciate her work, some of the character dialogues felt a bit overdone this time around.

This is a Carolyn Brown book, so the general synopsis is usually the same- small, rural town. Woman at a crossroads encounters people who help her figure out her life, while also impacting the lives of other (usually young) women. The details vary but the general story is the same. Some I've really enjoyed, some are OK. This may be my favorite yet.

Lila moves to Ditto, Texas after her great aunt Gracie passes away. The old house is rumored to hold a secret. And Lila suspects the old party line phones have something to do with it- that is how gossip and rumors spread back in the day. Lila tries to uncover the truth while also taking a look at her own life.

I enjoyed learning about the spitfire Gracie. I also was amused by the whole party line aspect- and comparing it to social media today. My mom has often talked about the party line, and it is still a concept that boggles my mind!

Brittany Pressley narrates. And while I usually enjoy her narration, some of the characters in dialogue were a bit too much.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book by this author and I was impressed. I love the characters and development of them throughout the story. The story was full of, love, strength, perseverance, clean romance and passion for the family business, new friends.

When Lila returns to the small town of Ditto, she stumbles upon many secrets left behind by her beloved Aunt Gracie. Determined to uncover the truth, Lila embarks on a journey that unravels her aunt’s hidden life and helps her rediscover herself. As she digs deeper, Lila begins to build a life in Ditto, forming unexpected connections and finding a place to call home.

Carolyn Brown’s The Party Line delivers an endearing tale brimming with charming, well-rounded characters. Among them is a grumpy yet endearing old man, who longs for the warmth of a family, and a sprinkling of romance that adds a touch of sweetness to Lila's path of growth and self-discovery. Brown masterfully blends small-town charm with meaningful life lessons, making The Party Line a delightful, feel-good read.

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..

Thank you @NetGalley for this sweet book! It was set in a small town in Texas, where everyone knows EVERYTHING but there’s also lots of secrets and as always plenty of gossip.
Lila eagerly heads to Aunt Gracie’s estate that she inherited to feel closer to her family and friends that are also family. She has lots of decisions to make that affect everyone around her while keeping everyone’s hearts and feelings in mind. It also just so happens that a strapping man has caught her attention all while trying to find out the secrets Aunt Gracie took to her grave!
This was a sweet southern read! Very well done!!!

It's a bittersweet return home to Ditto, Texas for Lila Matthews after the death of her aunt Gracie who has left her a centuries-old house along with a field of strawberries.

For more than eighty years there has been a secret that Gracie took to her grave that the folks have whispered and gossiped about. Lila learns things about her aunt that nobody ever knew. Once Lila learns what the secret is will she also take it to her grave?

Mystery and romance, it doesn't get much better than that and Carolyn Brown gels the two together extremely well.

In a tiny town in Texas, Lila's aunt Grace left her her old house. Lila returns to town and to the house and discovers family secrets that Grace took to her grave. Will Lila share the secret, or keep her lips sealed?

I recommend The Party Line with its well developed characters and great story line!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.