The Ladies of Garrison Gardens

It's not often that I enjoy a sequel more than the first book but...it was the case with The Ladies of Garrison Gardens. Felt like catching up with old friends and making some new friends too.I really enjoyed finding out more about the background of Miss Myrtis and how Laurel struggles with sudden wealth and the responsibility of Garrison Gardens. As others mentioned you can read this independent of The Three Miss Margarets but both are great reads. Hope Ms Shaffer returns to Charles Valley for another visit soon.

I haven't read The Three Ms Margaret's yet, so everything would fall into place a bit better, but never mind that. This book was still outstanding! Lots of southern charm, a bit of mystery about who Mrs Rains is exactly and what does she want with Laurel? Why did Peggy give everything to Laurel in her will? Laurel doesn't know what she wants after inheriting everything, because she didn't grow up with money. Perry, also known as Wiener, seems to have a crush on her, but Laurel is convinced it is a little crush from the olden days. Will Laurel decide to move into Peggy's house and assume her role, or will she take the money and run? Find out all this and who the infamous Mrs. Rains really is!

It's not too often that a sequel is just as good as the original, but that was just the case here! Shocking...that is how I'd have to describe this story. But in order for it to be shocking, you HAD to of read 'The Three Miss Margaret's'. I couldn't believe the tale that was told! And just as the story before this, it was loaded with southern charm and deep secrets. The story is mostly told by Laurel Selene, who has inherited Garrison Gardens after Miss Peggy's death. With not a clue as to how to run a business, she's being hounded by Stuart Lawrence, the sleazy Garrison lawyer, to sign over power of attorney to him, just as the two previous Mrs. Garrison's did. Not comfortable with this setup, Laurel senses that somethings just not right with the way the whole operation is run. The rest of the story is told by the mysterious Mrs. Rain. Who she is, where she lives, and her ties to the Garrison's is revealed slowly through her story, but once you find out who she is...wow! I couldn't believe it! As I said before though, if you're thinking abut reading this book, MAKE SURE you've read 'The Three Miss Margaret's' first, everything will be so much clearer, not to mention that it too is an excellent read. I can't wait for Ms. Shaffer's next novel, and I really hope it continues with Charles Valley, GA...wether it be Laurel Selene, or someone's else's story, this is a great little town to read about!

Whether this is your first visit to Charles Valley - originally written about in Shaffer's delightful The Three Miss Margarets - or a return visit, get ready to settle onto the porch with Maggie and Lil Bit for an evening of Southern hospitality, gossip and, of course, a bit of scandal. For those who fear they'll be jumping in midstream, rest assured that although most of the characters were introduced in The Three Miss Margarets, one need not have read that book to fully enjoy everything that the sequel has to offer. Of course, I'd advise readers to buy both books if for no other reason that the moment you finish reading Ladies, you'll want to read (or re-read, as the case may be) The Three Miss Margarets. As this tale opens, there is one less Margaret thanks to the passing of a long-time beloved Charles Valley resident. Her heir, the feisty Laurel, isn't sure she wants the burden that comes along with her having inherited Garrison Gardens, a resort which keeps most of the valley employed (not to mention grumbling). Before long, Laurel is dividing her time between a charming doctor and a mysterious suitcase which holds the key to a long-buried secret. To say much more would be to spoil the fun for readers, who will at least twice nod their head knowingly, thinking to themselves, "A-ha! I've figured it out!" only to have the rug yanked out from under them as the surprisingly quick-paced novel unfolds. The moment you reach the surprising - and completely satisfying - conclusion, you'll no doubt be joining me in urging Shaffer to whisk us back to the Valley ASAP!