Title: The Innkeeper's SistersSeries: Honey Ridge, Book 3
Author: Linda Goodnight
Publisher: HQN Books
Release Date: July 25, 2017
Genre: Dual-Time / Romantic Fiction
Genre: Dual-Time / Romantic Fiction
Welcome to Honey Ridge, Tennessee, where Southern hospitality and sweet peach tea beckon, and where long-buried secrets lead to some startling realizations…
Grayson Blake always has a purpose—and never a moment to lose. He’s come home to Honey Ridge to convert a historic gristmill into a restaurant, but his plans crumble like Tennessee clay when the excavation of a skeleton unearths a Civil War mystery…and leads him back to a beautiful and familiar stranger.
Once a ballet dancer, now co-owner of the Peach Orchard Inn, Valery Carter harbors pain as deep as the secrets buried beneath the mill. A bright facade can’t erase her regrets any more than a glass of bourbon can restore what she’s lost. But spending time with Grayson offers Valery a chance to let go of her past and imagine a happier future. And with the discovery of hidden messages in aged sheet music, both their hearts begin to open. Bound by attraction, and compelled to resolve an old crime that links the inn and the mill, Grayson and Valery encounter a song of hurt, truth…and hope.
Grayson Blake always has a purpose—and never a moment to lose. He’s come home to Honey Ridge to convert a historic gristmill into a restaurant, but his plans crumble like Tennessee clay when the excavation of a skeleton unearths a Civil War mystery…and leads him back to a beautiful and familiar stranger.
Once a ballet dancer, now co-owner of the Peach Orchard Inn, Valery Carter harbors pain as deep as the secrets buried beneath the mill. A bright facade can’t erase her regrets any more than a glass of bourbon can restore what she’s lost. But spending time with Grayson offers Valery a chance to let go of her past and imagine a happier future. And with the discovery of hidden messages in aged sheet music, both their hearts begin to open. Bound by attraction, and compelled to resolve an old crime that links the inn and the mill, Grayson and Valery encounter a song of hurt, truth…and hope.
"We
don't always have choices . . . Nor do we always make the right ones."
What a lovely story that featured not one, but two different timelines, yet still find a parallel connection with each other. The Innkeeper's Sister is the third book in the Honey Ridge trilogy by Linda Goodnight, but I think it can easily be read as a standalone. I didn't realize it was a series until the dedication, which was beautifully written.
The Innkeeper's Sister touches on secrets past that can't seem to stay hidden, and how it affected those in the story. I was equally invested in the post Civil War mystery that stemmed from the unearth skeleton as well as Patience Portland's musical pieces, and the modern day backstory of Valery's road to self-destruction. What drove her? What secret is she holding dear that drives such a wedge of guilt in her heart? In truth, by the end of the story, it almost felt anti-climatic in that area. I can understand the reason, yet the level of trepidation seems much. However, even for that, I enjoyed the process from beginning to end (minus the little hiccup). There's a touch of faith that ends with hope. The characters are interesting and the development of both Valery and Grayson were well executed. Lem Tolly is another character that intrigues me with his riddles and seemingly knowledgeable about every thing. Or is it more as he said about observation?
In all, a novel that's well crafted with a bit of mystery, Southern romance and an encouraging element that will satisfy fans across genres.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
TO PURCHASE A COPY
BOOKS IN THE HONEY RIDGE SERIES
NY Times and USA Bestseller, Linda Goodnight writes novels to touch the heart as well as to entertain. Her emotional stories of hope have won the RITA, the Carol, the Reviewer’s Choice, and numerous other industry awards. A small town girl, Linda remains close to her roots, making her home in rural Oklahoma. She and husband have a blended family of eight, including two teenagers recently adopted from Ukraine. Many of her books are about family and children and rightly so, as she draws her deeply emotional stories from her surroundings, her great love of family, and from personal experiences as a nurse and teacher.
(1) winner will win copy of The Innkeeper's Sister by Linda Goodnight, courtesy of HQN Books.
(US/ Canada addresses Only)
Check out the full tour schedule for more information.
Click on the image below to take you there.
I like dual timelines, although that means I have to sometimes think a little harder
ReplyDeletehahah. True. I think with some stories, if not well written, it can get confusing.
DeleteI think I've only read one dual timeline book. It's been a while back but I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThe series does not look at all familiar to me, but it sounds like an interesting book.
I hope you'll get the chance Patty. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI like dual timeline stories okay, but they take more concentration! My old mind has slowed down! 😂😂 This is a new author to me, and I would love to win a copy of her book. Thanks for the chance. 😊
ReplyDeleteFunny, I never thought about that.. taking more concentration, but you're right. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteDual timeline stories always intrigue me! I've read quiet a few now and am always immediately drawn in to those books!
ReplyDeleteO me too Kendra! Definitely starting to!
DeleteI love when authors weave a historical story with a modern day one. Some of the best I've read are from Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould's Cousins of the Dove series. Also, Kristy Cambron's A Sparrow in Terazin was fantastic. It's like getting two books in one.
ReplyDeleteO.. thanks for the recommendations! I haven't the chance to read those yet, but Kristy's been on my radar for some time.
DeleteLove them you get to read about the past and how things were and the present and how things have changed.
ReplyDeleteSo true! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI enjoy reading split time stories. I've read a few recently and I especially love when something from the past comes to light in the present.
ReplyDeleteO yes. Especially when the "mystery" of it is revealed and how it connected with the present!
DeleteI like dual time novels . It just adds a little something interesting to the mix. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI like that there duel-timelines in the story. I really enjoyed the description of the book. Sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll get to read it! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteDo you like dual timeline stories? That depends... but they can be Very interesting ;)
ReplyDeletehahah. Very true!
DeleteIt doesn't bother me a bit as long as it is clear which time I'm in.
ReplyDeleteYes. Definitely.
DeleteI do like it. I love stories that come from two perspectives and weave together by the end.
ReplyDeleteNicely put!
DeleteIf written well, I think dual timeline stories can be interesting and fun to read. They sure keep you on your toes and alert while reading. :)
ReplyDeletehahah. Definitely. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteDual timeline stories are my favorite, that's why I'm such a fan of Rachel Hauck. This is a new author to me and I would enjoy trying. Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeleteO cool! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI do like dual timelines, it's fun to see something that happened in the past having a direct effect upon events in the present. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
DeleteI have not read too many duel time line books. One I read it was very interesting but it really took a lot of brain power to remember what was happening before. No I guess I prefer one time line book. But am not adverse to trying a duel time line if the author is good at the writing.
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
Thanks Lori!
DeleteI love to read duel time books.lwould love to win a copy .
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
Dual Time novels are captivating, memorable and unforgettable. I have read many novels which have been wonderful and fascinating. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! Love your name.. it works with this topic! *wink wink
Deleteyes, I do. Especially when they come together in the end in an amazing way.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI love dual time lines. I enjoy reading about the story behind the story. They are great fun to read!
ReplyDelete=) Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteYes if it's written well :D
ReplyDeleteThat is a must! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI really enjoy dual timelines, as long as they're written well. :)
ReplyDeleteO yes! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThanks Heather!
ReplyDelete