First Series from Bestselling Author Julie Klassen! 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. … 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?
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Wonderful light read of days gone by in the English cuntryside
Hated that it ended without an ending ! Don’t like books that you have to buy the next two or three to find out what happened to the main characters….but I still liked the book !
I loved it, I enjoy all her books.
I expected to see God addressed or referred to more as this is listed as a christian book, however, He was not referred to much. Also, this book seemed to drag on, I almost didn’t finish it and now wish I didn’t.
I really enjoyed both of the books in the Ivy Hill series. Clean and well written.
In the era and style of Austen
A wonderful and engaging story. I can’t wait to read the next one to see what happens with the characters.
Well written, period romance about characters in an English town (very much like a British period mini series). Though the woman in it had way too many suitor options vying for them – that was very unrealistic.
Wonderful story. A must read!
Loved it, and the next one too.
Love all Julie’s books, waiting for the third in this series.
Loved it! It has characters you grow to love and care about.
This is not a favorite of mine from Klassen but I do love her other books.
It was good but the ending seemed abrupt and unplanned. Many loose ends.