A very good book and one I very much enjoyed.
Wonderful characters and a great storyline.
I finished this book in one day it was so good.
I enjoyed learning about the strawberries and sometimes just thinking about them made me drool. I love strawberries. Who doesn't?!
There were times that Jasper made me laugh. But most times I just SMH. Old codger. Lila definitely had her hands full.
I did NOT like Derrick. A very selfish person indeed. Richard too.
Just a wonderful story all the way around.
5 stars for keeping me entertained. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

This is the first book I've read by this author, so I didn't really know what to expect. I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. However, it moved a bit slow for me. It was easy for me to walk away from, and I wasn't ever anxious to get back to it, so it took me several days to finish. I didn't consider not finishing it, though, so that's a win for me. Despite it not being quite the pace I prefer, it is well written, making it obvious that this is a seasoned author who knows how to develop characters and keep the plot focused.

I truly loved this book. Lila was amazing and learned so much about herself and her family. Don't forget falling in love as well.

My Thoughts

Small does not even come close when describing the town of Ditto, Texas.

For Lila Matthews the truth is that Aunt Gracie’s passing and the inheritance she left Lila comes with mixed feelings on her part, as does moving back to Ditto.

Those feelings are explored in depth as Lila finds out more about the dearly departed woman she loved so very much, things she is both amazed and amused by in turn.

The story we are told grabbed me right from its first chapter and never let me go.

What comes across loud and clear is that no matter what you think you know about someone you actually know very little except what they show you.

Once again family is explored and its members vary from blood relation to family chosen and what a group of characters those people turn out to be.

The romance is there as well but it stays secondary to Aunt Grace’s story as Lila learns along with the reader just how very special the lady really was.

Thank you to the publisher for an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
[EArc from Netgalley]
On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. I needed a change of pace after a very wordy book. This was just what I needed. Such a fun read. Makes a wonderful beach read.

Loved this book! Incredible story, wonderful characters. I am a big fan of this author’s work and was not disappointed. Would read this book again.

This books mixes two things well. The overarching picture issue of what secret has been held for so long by Aunt Gracie and whether it will come out, and what might be the impact if it does is one, and the other is the day to day life of Lila. This is complete with the sandwich making, dog stroking and questions about her family and upbringing that suddenly come to life.
The motto of everything happens for a reason is sorely rested out, and whilst there is a lot of battling, there is hope in the book and new life comes out of death. There are nice touches of humour - the notes aunt Gracie had pinned to her outfits - along side the sad; the letters of condolence so grateful for Aunt Gracie’s impact and hand in their lives.
The romance is not front and centre, but slow and cute. Everyone loves a good epilogue too!

Excellent Love Story Set in Texas
Ms.Brown is the consummate storyteller. She creates wonderful characters and puts them in thought provoking situations. The main characters always have...character. They're honorable and have empathy for others, even in situations that I'd be nasty in. The love abounds between family and friends and it was a joy to read, but over way too quickly, as the good ones always are.
I received a NetGalley ARC gratis and offer my opinion in the same. Please don't miss this one or you'll regret it.

A quick read to keep me entertained . Mystery/ romance about a woman who has inherited her aunt's house that is full of secrets. This story would be good for a beach read.

The Party Line, one of Carolyn Brown’s best ever stories, will jog the memory of her older readers while introducing younger readers to small towns in days long past when secrets often were discovered by listening in on a party line. Lila has inherited her Great Aunt Grace’s estate that supposedly contains some great secret. Lila has often felt the house is haunted even though she spent many happy childhood hours there. This reader has loved the author’s depiction of older people. This book features Jasper, Aunt Grace’s oldest friend who is like grandfather to Lila. This is a poignant story filled with the love, support and a rediscovering of place and purpose. I loved everything about this story. My review of a copy from NetGalley is voluntary. Most highly recommend.

Part romance, part mystery. Main character Lila has inherited her Aunt Grace's house, located in a small-town, teeming with secrets. As she sorts through her Aunt Grace's belongings, it changes the direction of her life.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.

Mystery romance? She inherits a home and it’s basically family oriented type story. The importance of family, loved it!

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are loveable and remind me of my loved ones. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Lila and Jasper. Lila inherited her beloved Aunt Grace's home. Her mom feels uncomfortable in the house, but Lila feels at home. This is a lovely story about family and how much they make a difference in our lives. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and I highly recommend it to all.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a honest review.

The Party Line by Carolyn Brown, is part romance part mystery but mainly feel good. Lila has inherited her Aunt Grace's house and all her worldly possessions in doing so it changes the direction of her life and offers new possibilities.
I enjoyed this story very much.

A poignant and deeply moving love story. The author captures the essence of true love with eloquence and grace. This book stayed with me long after the last page.

Omg, I'm a huge fan of this author and I absolutely loved this book! Thanks Netgalley and to the publisher for this ARC

Great book! Carolyn Brown is a favorite author of mine. This book is another great book by her. Fans will enjoy it!

Written in true Carolyn Brown style. I enjoyed this story. The characters were relatable. A small town, hidden secrets from the past, and decisions to be made. I give it 4 stars and will recommend it to others.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.