Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort (The Happy Valley Series)

I really didn’t know what to expect with this one, but after seeing so many glowing reviews and having a good chuckle over several of Ms. Noyes’s FB posts, I added it to my TBR list, and I’m glad I did.Plain and simple, this is a feel-good book. It starts with a life-shattering event for its protagonist, Paula Arnett, who has recently lost her husband in an automobile accident and is scrambling to find the meaning of anything in the aftermath. When she learns that he purchased the titular Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort without even the slightest of mentions to her and from a woman who shares their same last surname, her imagination begins to run wild with the possibilities of the secret life her late husband may have kept hidden. Bolstered by the company of her lifelong best friend, Cassie, they plot a road trip a la Thelma and Louise to get to the bottom of things. What they discover isn’t at all what they expected, and I will leave it right there, not wanting to spoil the story.This book is a bit outside my normal wheelhouse, but Leslie’s characters are vivid and likable, and there are plenty of laughs to be had between the covers. The story was episodic as secrets were revealed and everyone got to know one another better, and there really aren’t any bad guys, just a few folks who are misunderstood. My only minor quibble was occasionally routine actions were detailed a little too in-depth, but I imagine that’s Ms. Noyes finding her footing. Creating an entire world isn’t easy, and the world she has created is uplifting and full of hope. I look forward to reading more in the series to see what’s in store for Paula and her friends.

I saw this book advertised on Facebook, and I believe. I read the blurb, and knew immediately that I had to have the book. Although I purchased it months ago, I just finally started reading it yesterday. I fell in love with all of the characters and especially with the resort. It is definitely the kind of life I was meant to live. Anything can happen.

I didn’t like how it started, but it had to start that way for the story to unfold. It was perfect the way it flowed to one twist after another.I’m going for book 2 right now.

So engrossing, descriptive, natural, intriguing that I felt like a character in the book; I certainly want to continue the series -- WOW!

I loved how you handled the sometimes difficult subject matter. (No spoilers by wording it this way). Reminding us that you don’t have to embrace a person’s way of life, just love them for who they are.

I enjoyed the little bits of mystery inserted into a loving & enjoyable story line. Yes, it was believable ,since I have lived through similar in Colorado several years ago.

Thoroughly enjoyable!

I’ve not yet finished reading this, Leslie Noyes’ first book, and I haven’t put it down for eight hours. I decided to write this positive review during my dinner break because I believe this author has a definite gift for believable, creative, characters, and situations. It’s a delicate balance often not met by first novelists; however, Ms. Noyes has nailed each of these categories. I’m looking forward to finishing Mayhem tonight, and beginning her next novel shortly thereafter.

I must admit that Lesley handled the character development very cleverly. Although we never meet Paula's husband Cal, Lesley crafted the relationship between them beautifully. There were glimpses and details that were worked into the story from a variety of perspectives which helped to define the man he was, the couple they were, and the mourning that not only his wife, but those who loved him, were now going through. I found myself feeling like he played a big part in the book even though he was never there. I had a picture in my head of who he was, what he looked like, and how he lived is life.The story itself was quite endearing. It had wonderful forward propulsion, fun side-steps, interesting twists in the story line, a little drama, and wonderful characters, even the peripheral ones. I suddenly feel like I need to plan a trip to east Texas so I can get to know the culture and the atmosphere (and the food. Must not forget the food. Good job including the details in the various culinary descriptions!).Lesley introduced many characters that played important parts in the story line. But not once did I ever feel confused as to who was who, or what their role or relationship was in relation to the main characters. This takes talent - I have read books in the past where too many characters were introduced too quickly which led to confusion and eventual disinterest. This definitely does not happen in this book!A fun read, and now I have a need to want to know what's next. What will Paula do? How will this impact Cassie? Will their relationship change? What about the various men they met along the way, will we see them again? And the 3Ms, what's next for them?Looking forward to a sequel.

‘I’m going to be okay.’ So says Paula, heroine of ‘Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort’ and believe me, she’s every reason to finally say these words with conviction. After the sudden, unexpected death of her husband, she’s sadly adrift. Since this is a novel of secrets you can bet some involve him. Debut author Leslie Noyes, understands grief enough to know the conflict and disbelief these secrets create for Paula. When it comes to taking the path less chosen here in terms of why these secrets have been kept, as opposed for going for the obvious, she also understands novel writing too, painting a delightful, humorous, tender, feel good, picture of a woman finding herself without the man she loves, but firmly with his memory. All set against a Texan backdrop at that. Personally? What I’m looking forward to here? More tales packing this kind of punch set in Happy Valley.