Leslie Keller Books

My advance apology that I posted my reviews of this series out of order.  This is the first book in the series which was recommended to me by my mom, who reads almost as much as I do.  I enjoyed this book so much that I immediately read the next three in the series. Although this might still be my favorite of them all, they all provided a great escape.  Self described spinster, Ava Maria Mulligan lives in the small Virginia town of Big Stone Gap. As a Virginia girl myself I couldn't wait to read how the author describes the town and it's inhabitants. She captured the small town feel and the way the residents all know each other (and each other's business) perfectly. The story follows the life of Ava Maria a pharmacist and how everything she thought she knew changes when she discovers her mother has kept a secret about her past.  Ava Maria sets out to discover who she really is, with the help of her friends and a new love. I recommend this series if yo...

This is the second book in the series about Big Stone Gap. It is not a cozy nor a mystery but more of a chick-lit with a touch of romance. In the sequel to Big Stone Gap, the author takes us eight years later in the life of Ava Maria Mulligan, now a married woman. We see her struggles with her relationship and the loss of their young son to illness.  Ava Maria struggles with the same issues many married women have to deal with in order to keep a marriage alive. In this book she travels to Italy again, now with her daughter for the summer. A chance to reflect on her marriage and decide if she should remain faithful. I enjoyed the first book more than this one but it was an easy read and I would recommend it. If you enjoy reading a series and following a character through the years, then this book will not disappoint. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website