This is the third book in the Bright's Pond series. Even though this is a series, I have been reading them out of order and have not had any kind of problem. This series of books follow the different residents of a town and the plot line of one book does not interfere with the plot of another.

In this book, Griselda's sister Agnes is placed in a care facility and Griselda who spent most of her life caring for her sister, now finds herself almost at a loss as to what to do with herself now that she doesn't have rush home after work every day to take care of Agnes. She has her long time boyfriend Zeb, who owns the local cafe, and her friends Stella and Ivy and her job at the library, but she now longs for freedom although she is not quit sure just how to do that. When pilot Cliff Cardwell makes a emergency landing in Bright's Pond, he offers to take Griselda flying. Much to her surprise and Zeb's dismay, she finds flying has gotten into her system. But along with flying is she beginning to have feeling for Cliff? While trying to sort through all of her emotions, her friend Stella needs a ride to the care facility. It seems her long lost brother has just been admitted because he is in coma due to a head injury he received as he was hunting local treasure.

It was a riot to read about the town getting "treasure fever" or Stella and her husband Nate trying to grow a prize winning half ton pumpkin. I found myself laughing out loud in several places.

The author writes a beautiful story full of very real characters, of all shapes, sizes and personalities that are true to life. I really admire a writer who takes these kind of risks, and doesn't rely on your typical blond, career minded, size 4 heroine. She writes a vividly that is easy to follow along in you mind.

It was a good fun read, perfect for my Saturday afternoon reading.

I actually have not finished this book yet, and I am dreading reaching the end of the book. I have read all of the previous books in this series, and I am going to be so sad when I reach the end of this last in the series. I feel like I've been right there in Bright's Pond with Griselda, Agnes, Zeb, and all of the rest of the interesting and loveable citizens of Bright's Pond. I do hope that the author will continue the series and this won't be the end for the folks of Bright's Pond.

As sweet as Charlotte Figg's homemade pies, Griselda Takes Flight brings us closer to the wonderful characters of Bright's Pond. A little romance, a little mystery and a treasure hunt--a perfect read rain or shine. Maybe even on YOUR next flight.

Keep the stories coming, Ms Magnin!

Oops, she did it again.

Joyce Magnin combines the ridiculous with the poignant in a way that spells sublime. And that's especially true of GRISELDA TAKES FLIGHT, the third offering in her Bright's Pond series.

No one but Magnin could put together a comatose treasure hunter; his not-so-concerned fiancée; an obsessive pumpkin farmer; two sisters learning to love their way out of dysfunction; and a pilot who makes an emergency landing and decides to stay a while. And no one but Magnin could weave all these and more into a lovable, believable, page-turning story.

In what's become her signature style, the author uses flawed characters and awkward, often humorous situations to teach powerful lessons. Griselda Sparrow, who takes flight in not only an airplane but her self-confidence, shows readers the power of truth to set free. And as other Bright's Pond residents work through their own versions of truth-telling, readers will no doubt do the same.

At one point in my reading, I realized I was holding my breath. Charlotte Figg, heroine of Magnin's second novel, was about to encounter Griselda and friends for the first time. My concern for my fictional friends defined my discovery about their creator: Oops, she did it again.

Read it and smile. Because when GRISELDA TAKES FLIGHT, your heart will, too.

My Review

The Bright's Pond town residents didn't know what to think when a one man plane landed it their small community. Then another stranger, Gilda rents a house in the small town, with her fiancé in the hospital unconscious because of an accident while treasure hunting. Things like this just didn't happen here. The biggest happenings at this time of year in this little community would be the pumpkin contest and the Harvest dance. Everyone seems to think the three of these strangers coming to town at the same time must be involved in something illegal with the treasure hunt. The really don't trust any of them. And of course this sends Chief Police Mildred on another wild goose chase to solve the mystery.

Then, as if there are not problems enough, Griselda decides she needs to explore more than just Bright's Pond, and takes an interest in the pilot of the plane and flying. She is so intrigued with it that she is talking flying lessons, but this just doesn't sit right with her long time friend Zeb. Can she juggle her time between her jobs at the library, her sister in the nursing home, flying lessons, and of course Zeb, since everyone just takes it for granted that they are an item?

And then there is Stella and Nate trying to raise the largest pumpkin to win the contest! They work faithfully with their pumpkin Bertha Ann. Yes, they even gave the pumpkin a name! Nothing else matters in Nate's world except Bertha Ann. Well, what do you think, will his hard work pay off when the time comes for the weigh-in?

And the man in the hospital turns out to be Stella's brother, but they haven't gotten along in years, ever since he stole her inheritance. She just can't go see him after what he's done. And this person that's supposed to be his fiancé, or as Stella calls her a 'hussy"? What is with her and why is she so anxious for him to wake up so she can marry him ASAP? Could there be something else going on, a secret lurking? You will have to read the book to find out!

I love the characters in this book. A few others are Cliff the plane pilot, Ivy and her dog Mickey Mantle, Ruth, Studebaker , and others that hang out at the Full Moon Café owned by Zeb. The author created fun, lovable characters that make you laugh, but then you want to cry with them. I would recommend this book to those that like a good fun light read.

I was generously given a free copy of this book from Abingdon Press as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."