The Inn at Harts Haven

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA

THE INN AT HARTS HAVEN

In this close-knit Amish community, she'll hide in plain sight...

Pregnant and desperate, Victoria Worthington runs to the only place that's ever felt safe. For years she's been controlled, first by her crime-boss father, then by her ex-boyfriend. Donning a hand-sewn dress, a kapp and a new name, she escapes as Abby Martin to the Amish community of Harts Haven, where she spent happy summers with her grandparents. Taking a job as a maid at the local inn, Abby plans to repair her grandparents' abandoned house and build a new life for her baby.

Since a tragedy took his family, contractor Joseph Troyer has traveled from one Amish town to another, refusing to let anyone get close. Not that it stops the inn's elderly, eccentric owner, Rose, from doing some matchmaking while Joe renovates her kitchen. Though Abby is more outspoken than any Amish woman he knows, something draws him to her -- and to the secrets she's hiding.

Taken under Rose's wing, Abby begins to find her place at last. But even here there's no hiding from the past. Only by facing it with courage, faith and the unexpected gift of love can this haven become the home she's longed for.

My Review:

The first in a new series -- The Matchmakers of Harts Haven -- offers a classic Amish setting and a few unexpected twists. First, we have an up and coming inn owned by three Amish widows including one rapscallion matchmaker. Rose alone is worth the read! With equal measures of charm and cunning, her antics are both hilarious and groan-out-loud worthy. So much fun. Unless you are Abby and Joe. :-)

Rose sets the stage for tons of romantical angst as she constantly throws our hero and heroine together but they aren't having any of it. Joe isn't over a severe trauma that has left him unwilling to commit to stay in one community, let alone settle down as a husband. And Abby, well, she's harbouring a whole lot of secrets and her mind is more on survival than courting.

On the surface -- this premise shouldn't work. How realistic is it to think that an Englischer could seamlessly blend in with an Amish community? I'm happy to report that Davids has given careful thought to every aspect and makes the scenario not only plausible but easily relatable too. Especially as she slowly reveals more character back story. I especially appreciated the way faith is woven throughout.

I wouldn't define this as a full out mystery, but there certainly is some as well as an air of real danger which brings an extra thrill to an already delightful story. 

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Meghan Kelly who did a great job of bringing distinctive voices to each character. A real pleasure to listen to.

Goal Update: #6 Start new-to-me series, #10 Give unloved tropes a second chance

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook -- winner's choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Inn at Harts Haven, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the Draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 23 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck