A Basket Full of Bargains

Another one of the short stories that give the “backstory” to the merchants of Victoria Square in McKinlay Hill, New York. People are not so comfortable opening up to others and asking for help. When a bothersome mother and her ill-mannered son cause commotion for Gilda Ringwald-Stratton, Iris Drake is the one who is embarrassed. Once Gilda understands Iris, she offers her a means to get her self-confidence back. The sky is the limit for Iris and Gilda is the one who set the ride in motion. Humanity first is a lesson Gilda and our author seem to be sending us a message of. Well done!

A Basket Full of Bargains (Life on Victoria Square #2) by Lorraine Bartlett is a companion story to the Victoria Square Mystery series. This story takes place mostly in the Gilda’s Gourmet Basket store. Iris Drake is a stranger but is known by sight by most shop owners in Victoria Square. Gilda takes an interest in Iris and starts asking questions to learn more about her. One day Iris is visiting Gilda’s shop when something embarrassing happens to Iris. Should Gilda interfere in Iris’s life and offer her help? I really enjoyed this story, it is a quick read but is well written. I enjoyed getting to know Gilda and Iris on a more personal level. This is a heartwarming story about caring, understanding, and supportive kindness (not pitying) for someone in need. This book contains no graphic violence/sex, or bad language. I would recommend this book and plan on reading more in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, above is my honest opinion.

This is a short story and a quick read. Quite enjoyable and I finished it on sitting. It's a companion to the Victoria Square Mysteries but works perfectly well as a stand-alone. Iris Drake frequents Artisans Alley, never spending more than a dollar or two with each vendor. After browsing Gilda's Gourmet Baskets several times in a row without buying anything, Gilda makes a point to talk to Iris. She learns more about this seemingly strange woman who is quickly growing on her. A heartwarming story about what can happen if we take the time to get to know people.

Iris Drake is a little odd. She's a frequent visitor to Artisans Alley but she only spends a few dollars at a time. When she steps into Gilda's Gourmet Baskets with a number of carefully selected items to sell, Gilda becomes curious about this rather secretive lady, but finds the other vendors know little about Iris. This story has a lot of heart and is a nice companion to the Victoria Square series.

Iris Drake is a familiar stranger to the vendors of Artisans Alley. Visiting daily but friends to no one, she seldom spends more than a few dollars on her purchases. Until the day she approaches Gilda at her Gourmet Baskets shop with a bagful of items for sale. This is a story of the redemptive nature of kindness, offered not in pity but in understanding and support. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reading copy of this book.

There was nothing to read other then this book is abiut the people. Not sure about this story need more info.