When Life Seemed Its Worst, Gresham Awaited Julia Hollis’ opulent life in Victorian London crashes to pieces when her husband passes away. Worse, she is told by his bankers that he gambled away their fortune. Now, the family’s hope rests on The Larkspur, an old abandoned coaching inn in the quaint village of Gresham. Driven by dread and her desire to provide for her children, Julia decides to … Julia decides to turn the dilapidated inn into a lodging house. But can she–who was accustomed to servants attending to every need–do what needs to be done and cope when boarders begin arriving? And then an eligible new vicar moves into town…
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When I started reading this book, I thought it would be the normal romance story – but I was so wrong! This is much more than a romance story. The characters are interesting, and each has their own set of strengths, weaknesses and a few oddities. They are among my favorite characters in all of literature. The story is as much about God’s provision …
In many ways, this book series reminds me of The Road to Avonlea. All the characters are well drawn, but the author has portrayed a kinder, gentler village life than is often depicted. I loved it.
A widow who’s husband left her all but destitute. All that’s left is a run down country inn and 3 children to care for. What will she do? Begin again, of course. With hard work, faith and friends life can be good again. An entertaining, light read with quite a cast of characters. I found this to be a story that will let you feel good and is …
At first I was taken a bit off-guard because I thought this was going to be a romance. There is a romantic storyline, but the love interest isn’t introduced until about halfway into the plot. However, I enjoyed watching Julia Hollis try to adjust to her new circumstances. She’s a strong character, and I appreciated that while Blackwell showed …
So historically accurate and great representation of British influence. Loved the book!
I enjoyed it so much, I bought the rest of the books in the series.
Great book
It showed the difficulties widows faced and learned to cope with their changed circumstances in Victorian Britain.
I loved this book! It brought such wonderful conclusions to the tragedies that the characters went through, and taught that God always has a better plan for us.
The downward spiral caused by the husband was fast and compleat. The idea for lodgers was inspired, family for the children and constant income. The stress for Fiona was scary, what women endured under men that choose to rule over them. What a choice to leave your home to escape the cruelty.
Excellent book, love the series.
This is a wonderful book in a great series, by one of my favorite authors. The characters are so lovable.
I enjoyed this book–easy to read and some good twist & turns.
A good read for me.
Very entertaining reading and great characters. You will laugh and shed a few tears
You are able to experience the hurts and hearts of each character. Enjoyable reading.
While this is an easy to read book, it has enough tension and interesting characters to hold your attention. And while it is inspirational fiction, it doesn’t beat you over the head with it.
She brings the time period alive, the details she surrounds her characters with supports the storyline all the way. I loved loved loved it.
Loved the characters and the story.
You fall in love with the family and find yourself cheering them on. This is one of those books where you become friends with the characters and missed them after you finish the book. Very entertaining as you journey through the hardships and victories of the characters. This book was a little longer than usual books but well worth the read.
Interesting from beginning to end. Christian beliefs brought in at various moments that really stayed with me. I’m about to read 4th novel in this series. I’m totally hooked ! Outstanding author !
Loved it!