I love this story. This is the story of a woman who is starting over; she lost her sister and her marriage is ended, but she can’t seem to really move on. A visit to Deerbourne Inn provides the magic she needs to find happiness.

This is a simplistic summary for a wonderful book. I give this five stars and recommend it wholeheartedly.

Another wonderful installment in the Deerbourne Inn series. Here we find Charlotte, who is the definition of a troubled soul. Since the disappearance of her sister and the ending of what has to be described as a useless marriage, she’s stuck at a crossroads. Unable to move forward, ensnared in one place physically and emotionally. Being almost dragged out of her personal prison by her best friend, she finds herself spending a week at this wonderful inn.



The story is superbly paced, well written, captivating, dramatic and satisfying to the reader. The author is able to quickly evoke a feeling of empathy for both poor Charlotte and the feisty Matiu. The inn provides the base that allows Charlotte to both close off the past and move forward into an amazing future. I don't know anyone who wouldn't rush to get a sequel of the two of them dealing with life together in New Zealand. Detailed, wonderfully described. A journey that takes the reader through all the twists and turns and ends in the bright sunshine of hope.



My Rating: 5 stars

The latest Deerbourn Inn addition, SOUL OF THE STORM by Author Jean Grant is a lovely story about loss, learning to trust again, and moving on.

When Charlotte MacGregor’s sister, Julie, disappeared 5 years ago during a hiking trip in South America, Charlotte’s life came to a standstill. She would have been with her sister if not for her husband’s selfish edict she remain home with him. Now, five years later and with her husband no longer a factor in her life, Charlotte still hasn’t forgiven herself for not being with her sister.

When best friend Veronica mentions a week trip to the charming town of Willow Springs, Charlotte reluctantly agrees to go. The anniversary of Julie’s disappearance is just days away and all Charlotte wants to do is wallow at home. Veronica, bless her, will not allow that.

Matiu Christiansen, an Aussie-transplant is a cook at the Inn, plus a worked at several other jobs, and finds himself drawn to Charlotte in ways in which he hasn’t been drawn to a woman in some time. He knows there’s no good reason to start anything with her romantically, but can’t fight the feelings emerging within him every time they’re together.

He wears down Charlotte’s reluctance and helps lift her dour mood as the anniversary approaches and the two begin a relationship both feel is destined, but that neither one is ready for.

This book was simply lovely.

I read it in one sitting because I became so invested in the characters I simply had to know if they were going to achieve an HEA or go their separate ways. Jean Grant’s addition to the Deerbourne Inn series is a heartfelt love letter to how you deal with loss and guilt, how love can help you remember the good times, and how you can move on and live again.

I highly recommend this wonderful read.