Publisher Description
“After a scathing blogger review and a negative Atlanta television newscast tarnish Willow Falls’ reputation as a secluded North Georgia tourist destination, the town council votes to use the remainder of its annual budget to hire a PR firm to restore the town’s image. At a town-hall meeting, angry residents brainstorm ideas to boost Willow Falls’ appeal. When a second Atlanta television station announces plans to film a segment for its Around Georgia series, residents invest their time and limited resources to spruce up Main Street’s appearance. Willow Post editor Emily Hayes can’t help but shake her head at her town’s desperate efforts.
For months, Emily has submitted her novel to numerous publishers but received only rejections. When famous artist Naomi Jasper offers Emily much-needed cash to finish writing, then cast and direct a play about Willow Falls’ colorful history, Emily faces a difficult decision—postpone the rewrite of her novel or accept the project. After convincing her sister, Rachel Streetman, to partner with her, Emily puts her dreams on hold and agrees to take on the play. Failure to deliver is not an option.
All her life Rachel has dreamed of becoming a stage actress, so when she receives an invitation to audition for a respected Broadway director, Rachel abandons her sister and the Willow Falls play. But an incident with the director sends her reeling back into the arms of Charlie Bricker, her one true love. Out of options, Rachel reluctantly accepts her part in the town play with the slim hope that her performance might kick-start her career.
If anyone understands broken hearts, it’s Willow Inn’s beloved innkeeper, Sadie Liles. Sadie has learned to live with the fact that love is the last thing she’ll ever find. Then he walks through the front door.
As the town prepares for Redding Arms’ grand opening, five newcomers and one British tourist test the town’s quirky, lovable, argumentative residents’ souls. Digging deep to deal with the strife, bickering, and personal backstabbing will test Willow Falls in ways the small town never imagined. Could it be that the trouble in Willow Falls is the very thing that reminds its residents that honesty, love, and loyalty to one another is what binds them together?
My Review:
I loved the first book in this Willow Falls series, and I was delighted to have the opportunity to preview this second book. The thing I have loved most about these two books is the town itself. I grew up in a small southern town, and I think Pat Nichols has perfectly captured the heart of small town living: The sense of community; the willingness of neighbors to reach out and help others; the grumblings that sometimes will circulate through the citizens; and the pace of daily life that’s different in the small town as compared to the larger city. The author gave the town of Willow Falls its own southern personality and made it a place that I’d love to call my hometown.
I loved following the storylines of Rachel, Emily, and Sadie. Twins Rachel and Emily have formed a strong sisterly relationship after being separated at birth, and I loved how they supported each other. Sadie is establishing a new life ; and new friends are welcomed to the town. There is trouble in Willow Falls, and it takes all of the creativity and energy of Rachel and Emily to attempt to save the town. There’s lots of heart-warming scenes in this book, and a strong message of second chances and restoration of relationships. There’s faith and hope in this story that makes this an encouraging book to read.
You can enjoy this book on its own, but I recommend reading both books in order. You’ll be able to better catch the depth and backstory of the characters that way.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Click here to purchase a copy:
About the Author:
Pat Nichols is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams. She draws on a twenty-seven-year corporate career working with amazing women from all walks of life to write emotionally charged stories about women who face tension-laced challenges and heart-warming triumphs as they pursue their dreams. The Secret of Willow Inn introduces readers to Willow Falls, a small southern town on the brink of failure, populated by an opinionated, quirky, lovable, cast of characters. The Willow Falls series will appeal to Debbie Macomber, Ane Mulligan, and Jan Karon fans.
Pat and her high-school-sweetheart husband Tim struggled and triumphed through life’s peaks and valleys. After raising two children, welcoming four grandchildren—one is with the angels—buying a Corvette, retiring, and ticking off every item on their travel bucket list, she launched her second career as a novelist.
She was born in Illinois, grew up in Orlando and has called Georgia home since the eighties. Pat and Tim reside in Duluth and are active members of Gwinnett Church, a Northpoint Ministries Campus. Although they love dogs, especially black labs, their pets now consist of squirrels scampering across their deck and deer traipsing through their back yard. She is a member of ACFW and Word Weavers International. She was featured on WATC Television Atlanta Alive and in Voyager Magazine http://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-pat-nichols-author-duluth/
Come on over for a visit on her website: www.patnicholsauthor.blog or Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram