Two women fighting for their dreams—one who’s long lost hers—are united by tragedy and a long-held secret.Pregnant with her first child, Emily Hayes is eager to help her mother finish transforming an estate into the Willow Inn and write a novel about Willow Falls’ colorful history. A tragic event threatens her parents’ plans to refurbish an abandoned hotel and transform the obscure Georgia … obscure Georgia setting into a tourist destination.
Sadie Lyles left Willow Falls a murderer who’d killed the town hero. She returns as a despised felon and seeks solace in the town’s café. Emily struggles to unite the close-knit community and becomes Sadie’s biggest advocate. She strives to uncover the truth about the crime and save her town from dying.
To appease her father, Rachel, a VP in his Atlanta real-estate-development firm, relegates her acting dream to secret performances for imaginary audiences. After meeting charming, flirtatious Charlie Bricker, manager for Willow Falls’ future vineyard, she vows to break free from her father’s control.
The tragedy and Willow Inn’s secret past launch Emily and Rachel on a collision course with destiny and truth.
General Content (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain content of an inspirational/religious nature.more
I loved this book, especially loved the location, as I am from the area. The characters were fun and make you want to be part of their little town. So many interesting stories intertwining one another from Atlanta to the north Ga mountains. A small town murder and several twists at the end. Excellent debut novel. I’m looking forward to more stories from Willow Falls.
This book is so good that I would never guess it is a debut novel. I felt drawn to the characters and loved the story starting with page one. The well described setting was a plus for me as I have spent time in both Atlanta and north Georgia and recognized many locations.
This is Christian Fiction, so there are religious references. The Secret of Willow Inn is a tale of relationships and forgiveness: family, friends, and business all play into the story. Along with answers to a town mystery, we encounter division and reconciliation, intolerance and love, and fear and hope. There is an unexpected twist to the story that helps bring things to a resolution.
I have the next book in this series and am looking forward to reading what lies ahead.
This book is the first of a 3 book series. It is so well written that you can visualize every character and scene. You can’t guess what is going to happen next. Each chapter ends in a way that makes you want to start the next chapter out of excitement.
Book 2 is going to be even better. I am only guessing what it is going to entail.
Book 3 – who knows?? I am sure it will be spectacular.
What a great book. I could not put it down. Sounded like small town life I was used to. So many interesting characters. Can’t wait for book 2 and 3. I’m thinking a Hallmark movie for sure!
As a mother of identical twin girls the story really drew me in. The characters are well written. There is balance between humor, drama, and hard decisions made with God’s ways in mind. It also showed how pride is destructive. Judgements are often based on emotions caused by absence of truth. Great story!
I loved this book. It kept my interest all the way through and I especially liked the surprise twist.
This novel is a sharp piece from a new author. She has combined the challenges women know and a mystery to be solved. It was entertaining and kept me interested and reading non-stop. Select and enjoy!
I received an AVR copy of this debut novel. I loved the setting and the character development, the mystery and plot twists. Very enjoyable read and I look forward to other books by Pat Nichols.
Well written, good characters, good story.
3.5 only because I’m a bear when it comes to ratings. Very enjoyable and fun, a fast read, a way to relax and get away from heavier things. I’m a sucker for books about small towns since I was fortunate enough to have the quintessential childhood in one. As much as everyone seems drawn to books about community and family and small towns, why the heck do so many still live in cities? Will definitely read more from this author and maybe, if more do, they will chuck the cities and consumerism and move to small towns!
Pat is an excellent storyteller. Her stories take you into areas of your mind that have been untouched since childhood.
This book was an easy read– It kept me guessing and I can’t wait to read the 2nd book– Pat Nichols is an amazing author. Her work is truly inspired.
This was a wonderful book with well-developed characters that made me want to meet all of them in person. Love this small town. Can’t wait for the 2nd book!
I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!!
I love it when a plot twist takes me by surprise!!!
Ms. Nichols’ debut novel takes the reader for a whirlwind ride and doesn’t let up. The dialogue is crisp and real, characters deep and authentic. This reviewer lived under expectations to fill a parents’ unfulfilled dream, and I related all too well to Rachel—and cheered when she spoke out; that’s all I’ll say about that—no spoilers. I championed Emily as she struggled with personal tragedy, and making her parents’ dream come true. I especially felt for Sadie, feeling so undeserving and unworthy, and careful about letting anyone befriend her.
One of my favorite fiction devices is weaving two or more threads together, and Ms. Nichols has done a beautiful job of it. I appreciate the way Ms. Nichols blends Rachel and Emily’s stories into one wonderful tale. And sets the scene for more in the series….. #waiting….
ROBIN’S FEATHERS:
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Secret of Willow Inn, Pat Nichols
After the first few chapters, the characters and story line had me captured. Pat Nichols creates realistic and colorful characters that you want to know better. I’m excited to know there will be more books in this series that will take us deeper into the lives and sometimes curious happenings of Willow Falls.
Emily is pregnant with her first child, living in a small town, helping her parents restore an old estate into a charming hotel when a tragedy hits. Rachel is a businesswoman, next in line to run her father’s large real estate business and wanting a totally different life Sadie who just returned from 30 years in prison (she refuses to tell anyone why she shot her stepdad) and needs a home and a job. These three don’t know a Willow Falls secret ties them together in a very strange way. This makes for a very surprising novel and shows Gods way of working things out.
I received this as ARC from LPC Books and this is an honest review. I started to look at it this afternoon to see if I was interested and the next thing I knew I had finished it. I think it is very, very good and I was totally surprised by the ending.
I can’t wait for the 2nd in the series to be published to see the inn finished and Emily’s children, and if Rachel gets a career she desires or finds a man to love – maybe even get the career and man. Will Sadie make a good life for herself after 30 years in prison-will she possibly meet someone special.
It was easy to become acquainted with the characters and care about them. I can’t wait to read the second in the series “Trouble in Willow Falls” to see what happens. I was left with several cliff hangers. Excellent first novel by Pat Nichols.
Pat Nichols is a gifted new author. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more from her. In the manner of Jan Karon, she has incorporated all the elements that make a book a real page-turner. You won’t be disappointed if you read this one!
It was a mystery and entertaining and when I got done wanted to read the next book in the series.
Loved, loved, loved this story! I felt many emotions while I read the story of the good folks of Willow Falls. I just wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. I was as surprised as the town folks at one turn of events, but you’ll have to read the book to see what I’m talking about. Emily and Scott have such a good relationship, and Pepper, she is one special woman. Willow Falls could be one of many small towns in Georgia. We do have several great winery’s and while I’m not a wine drinker, several of my friends are and they are beautiful places. I can’t wait to see what happens next with my new friends in Willow Falls. I received an ARC of this book. I’m so happy I did, but my opinion is my own.