The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn.
Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. When she encounters two men from her past, she sees them--and her future--in a different light.
With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell? And will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?
My thoughts: I have enjoyed many of Julie's books in the past, but all of her other books have been stand alone titles. With this book, she is taking on writing a series. I love how this book is set in a small town and tells the story of several different women, two widows and two single ladies, along with bringing out the stories of several of the secondary characters. I love how quaint this series is, and I mean that in the best way possible! You feel like you have been invited to stay at a lovely small town in Regency England and allowed the chance to get to know a vast array of characters. Since it is a series, there were a few things resolved at the end of the story, but a lot left hanging, so I am eagerly awaiting the next book! The bad news? It doesn't come out until the end of the year...:)
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
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