The Booklover's Tranquility: The Innkeeper of Ivy HIll

Book Title: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill
Author: Julie Klassen
Series: Tales of Ivy Hill (Book 1)
Publication Date: December 6, 2016
Publisher: Bethany House

Synopsis:
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 Review:
When I first started this book I wasn't sure if I was going to love it as much as Julie Klassen's other books. I try not to judge a book by it's cover but I do judge it by the back cover's description and first chapter. And if they don't pull me into the story right from the get go... well, it's seems that I either slowly drudge through the book or sometimes don't finish it at all. So because the description and first couple chapters weren't very exciting to me I expected to be disappointed in the author's latest novel. BUT I wasn't! After just a couple more chapters I was completely engrossed in the story. I, like Jane, didn't know who I could trust and that kept me in anticipation for the turn of every page. And when I had finished the book I could barely wait for the next installment in this series!

I'm so glad Julie Klassen is finally doing a series because her side characters are always SO well written that I'd wish for them to have their own story too. Now my wish has come true!

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐