Review of 'My Grandmother's Inn' by Kristin Harper

Review of ‘My Grandmother’s Inn’ by Kristin Harper

Release Date: March 31th, 2023

Publisher: Bookouture

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REVIEW

What a beautiful, warm, uplifting story by Kristin Harper filled with charming thoughtful surprises! It was pure delight to glide into My Grandmother’s Inn with such ease and curiosity. This book came along just at the right moment as it expressed and fleshed out so many dilemmas that I have observed around me recently. To see how the characters work out their issues and life changes and choices was encouraging. I had never read Kristin’s books before, even though I was intrigued by her covers, themes and titles. They appeared to be encouraging family stories that I’d truly enjoy and my assumption was correct! Even though my reading and writing schedule was chocked full, I decided it was time to dive in to her upcoming release. And I am so glad I did! Sincere thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for sending me a digital copy.

"A message sent with love always finds its way from one heart to another." Love always finds a way for sure. The message in a bottle theme has been appearing a few times this year in my reading. My Grandmother’s Inn is special for many reasons but its use of a bottle, in carrying a coded truth that could change many lives, is unique. The familiarity of the line was comforting, too. I remember as a child doing the same—putting messages in bottles and sending them out to sea, imagining where they might end up. But in this story the bottle and message are directed at one person: the father of an elderly lady who returns to the Inn many years later to share her story: a story that holds a secret she has maintained all her life. This secret has left a dark spot of guilt on her soul and she feels she must release it to the right person to clear her troubled conscience. And time is of the essence. The urgency is important for a few reasons but the main one is the Inn is about to close down. The Innkeeper has died and it has fallen to an heir that may or may not keep it.

There are two women in this story connected to Hydrangea Inn and grandmother Beverly. These women are polar opposites it seems or at the very least, very different in many ways: such as in personality, ambition and motives. But things are not quite as they appear and the uncovering of a truth will change everything. It may free one girl while enslaving another.

Dune Island is a tranquil get-away not only for the characters but the reader, too! It is easy to get lost in the colourful setting that surrounds the Inn. It is also a place where many happy memories have occurred for granddaughter Molly. But when her grandmother passes and the wealthy Frost owners seek to shut down the accommodation, Molly is determined to give its guests one last memorable summer to honour her grandmother’s memory. She makes it her mission to convince the owner, Savannah Frost, to keep it open a little longer. Molly proposes to take up the position her grandmother had as innkeeper but soon finds it is not as easy as Beverly made it look. Of course, there are rules and behaviours one must follow and avoidance of romance with any of the guests is one of them. But will this stop a budding relationship from happening? Oceanographer, Matt, is a gentle and positive soul who comes on the scene to stay at the inn, more as a border than an overnight guest. He appears sincere in his interest in Molly and in helping her solve a mystery. But is he as he seems?

I absolutely adored this novel. There is tension, drama, mystery, emotional depth and character growth. Family is at its core: what that means and how they shape our lives and even cause personal conflict within us when we are expected to follow in their footsteps whether we want to or not. My Grandmother’s Inn is an absolute gem and I am now dying to read the previous books in the series. Kristin is an accomplished writer who knows how to steal your heart with her fascinating characters and their family dramas. Pure, inspirational, positive fiction. I highly recommend this novel for any reading occasion or season. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks again to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.