Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Call number
F RAN
Publication
Abingdon Press
Description
"Now that their kids are grown, Audrey and Grant Whitman have converted their home into a cozy bed-and-breakfast. But then their youngest daughter shows up during opening weekend with a loaded U-Haul--and no husband. Now they'll have to figure out how to help the young couple in addition to running a new inn"--
User reviews
LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
Deborah Raney is a favorite author of mine. I love her writing style as well as the realistic characters she creates. Real life circumstances bring out the best and worst in her characters just as it does in us. But her overall faith message gives the situations and the reader hope. You will find
An empty-nester, Audrey Whitman has just achieved her dream of turning her family home into a bed and breakfast inn. She and her husband, Grant, have sacrificed to come to this point, and she is worried about failure. The shiny wears off the dream quickly as she deals with fussy guests and the return of youngest daughter Landyn. Newlywed Landyn is hurt by her husband’s decisions that bypassed her. So when she shows up unexpectedly at the inn, her future seems very uncertain.
Home to Chicory Lane is a family drama. The large Whitman family is featured here and in future books in the series. Being an empty-nester myself, I enjoyed the interaction between Audrey and her husband as well as the struggle of parenting adult children. Audrey is in transition, balancing the support of an adult child with allowing personal choice and freedom. Landyn’s character is extremely annoying at first. Her immaturity really grated on my nerves. But at the end of the book, she has really grown. Raney also explores the importance of hopes and dreams in relation to God’s will and purposes. Some of God’s direction just doesn’t make sense, but we need to trust that He is in control.
Overall, I liked Home to Chicory Lane. It was a bit slow in places, but towards the end I was turning the pages as fast as I could. I also want to know more about the other children in the Whitman family, so I am eagerly awaiting book 2.
Recommended
Audience: Adults
(Thanks to Abingdon and LitFuse for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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all of that in the first book in a new series, Home to Chicory Lane.An empty-nester, Audrey Whitman has just achieved her dream of turning her family home into a bed and breakfast inn. She and her husband, Grant, have sacrificed to come to this point, and she is worried about failure. The shiny wears off the dream quickly as she deals with fussy guests and the return of youngest daughter Landyn. Newlywed Landyn is hurt by her husband’s decisions that bypassed her. So when she shows up unexpectedly at the inn, her future seems very uncertain.
Home to Chicory Lane is a family drama. The large Whitman family is featured here and in future books in the series. Being an empty-nester myself, I enjoyed the interaction between Audrey and her husband as well as the struggle of parenting adult children. Audrey is in transition, balancing the support of an adult child with allowing personal choice and freedom. Landyn’s character is extremely annoying at first. Her immaturity really grated on my nerves. But at the end of the book, she has really grown. Raney also explores the importance of hopes and dreams in relation to God’s will and purposes. Some of God’s direction just doesn’t make sense, but we need to trust that He is in control.
Overall, I liked Home to Chicory Lane. It was a bit slow in places, but towards the end I was turning the pages as fast as I could. I also want to know more about the other children in the Whitman family, so I am eagerly awaiting book 2.
Recommended
Audience: Adults
(Thanks to Abingdon and LitFuse for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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LibraryThing member barbjan10
Empty nesters Audrey and Grant Whitman have raised their five children in a stately home just a mile outside of Langhorne, Missouri. Each book in the Chicory Inn Series will focus on one of their children – the first being Landyn Whitman Spencer, the baby of the family. This heartwarming story
The Inn was completely filled by reservations and Audrey was having opening day jitters. It did not help that Corrine arrived toting fussy baby Simone. Simone was teething, and Corrine did not want daddy Jesse to deal with that. Corrine cut in that her dad could watch Simone if need be. Her excuse was irritating to Audrey and she pushed down her resentment, even when Simone wiped her nose on Audrey’s apple green jacket and Corrine laughed saying “Well, at least it matches. “ Corrine then dabbed Simone’s nose with a tissue which made her screech like a banshee – causing the dog Huckleberry to come running and barking. Deborah Raney’s prose is transparent and humorous initiating my attention to be held captive from the first page.
Little do Audrey and Grant suspect their stress level has only begun. Daughter Landyn Whitman Chase is pulling a U-Haul trailer from New York City arriving home at an ill-timed moment with no explanation. She does have valid reason – to herself anyway – as to why she has come home. Landyn and Chase have been married a mere six months and Chase made a rash decision – without discussing it with her – no less. He had let their apartment on the Upper West Side be sublet, rented a fleabag studio apartment in Brooklyn because God was leading him in this way to further his art career. This made no sense to Landyn…she had much to think about – including a bit of information she was withholding from Chase. I had better stop right here and let you read the story for yourself.
Deborah Raney’s plot was well rounded with heartaches to joys. I could identify easily with Audrey as a mother. As I read through the book I could relate to each side of conflicts. If you are ready to laugh and cry, then read this lovely story about family life based on Godly principles. Ms. Raney writes realistic drama with deep feeling and wisdom. This is the first book by Deborah Raney I have read…and it will not be the last. I don’t want to hurry a great writer….she needs time to develop her stories with aplomb and eloquence. I will be patient and wait…keeping my ears and eyes open for the next novel about the Whitman family. Who will be in trouble next?
"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."
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begins with the excitement and tension of opening weekend of the Chicory Inn. It was Audrey’s dream of renovating the home built by her grandparents over a hundred years ago into a bed and breakfast. Her husband Grant, now retired, had been a bit averse to sinking most of his retirement into the project, but did so without grumbling much… because after all….Audrey had grown up in this house…and he lovingly gave Audrey her way.The Inn was completely filled by reservations and Audrey was having opening day jitters. It did not help that Corrine arrived toting fussy baby Simone. Simone was teething, and Corrine did not want daddy Jesse to deal with that. Corrine cut in that her dad could watch Simone if need be. Her excuse was irritating to Audrey and she pushed down her resentment, even when Simone wiped her nose on Audrey’s apple green jacket and Corrine laughed saying “Well, at least it matches. “ Corrine then dabbed Simone’s nose with a tissue which made her screech like a banshee – causing the dog Huckleberry to come running and barking. Deborah Raney’s prose is transparent and humorous initiating my attention to be held captive from the first page.
Little do Audrey and Grant suspect their stress level has only begun. Daughter Landyn Whitman Chase is pulling a U-Haul trailer from New York City arriving home at an ill-timed moment with no explanation. She does have valid reason – to herself anyway – as to why she has come home. Landyn and Chase have been married a mere six months and Chase made a rash decision – without discussing it with her – no less. He had let their apartment on the Upper West Side be sublet, rented a fleabag studio apartment in Brooklyn because God was leading him in this way to further his art career. This made no sense to Landyn…she had much to think about – including a bit of information she was withholding from Chase. I had better stop right here and let you read the story for yourself.
Deborah Raney’s plot was well rounded with heartaches to joys. I could identify easily with Audrey as a mother. As I read through the book I could relate to each side of conflicts. If you are ready to laugh and cry, then read this lovely story about family life based on Godly principles. Ms. Raney writes realistic drama with deep feeling and wisdom. This is the first book by Deborah Raney I have read…and it will not be the last. I don’t want to hurry a great writer….she needs time to develop her stories with aplomb and eloquence. I will be patient and wait…keeping my ears and eyes open for the next novel about the Whitman family. Who will be in trouble next?
"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."
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LibraryThing member cewtypye
Home to Chicory Lane: A Chicory Inn Novel | Book 1 This is a great first book to start this series off. Grant & Audrey have remodeled their old family home into a beautiful Inn. Which I can relate because I always wanted to own a Bed & Breakfast. But when Audrey's daughter, Landyn, arrives, the
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U-Haul she's pulling makes it clear she's not just here for a few days. Audrey immediately has questions. What happened in New York that sent Landyn running home? Where was Landyn's husband, Chase? And what else was her daughter not telling her? I love family tales with a purpose and great story line. Some of the characters are not all that described but I think maybe the Author did this on purpose for the series. Great starter book for beginner's. Show Less
LibraryThing member JudithDCollins
A special thank you to Abingdon Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
HOME TO CHICORY LANE (Chicory Inn #1) By Deborah Raney, is a heartwarming novel of home, family dynamics, relationships, and self-discovery.
Audrey and her husband have finally raised their five
However, the bed and breakfast inn business is not as simple as Audrey thought. In addition, she is the one wanting the business and pretty much has forced her husband into the role (they use the retirement money as he has been in the construction business), and the children are not so keen on their family home being occupied by guests.
Taking front and center over the B&B business at hand, is the return of their youngest daughter, Laundry. Laundry (a marketing executive) –only being married for six months to her artist husband, Chase residing in New York. There is trouble in paradise and she is returning home for help.
When Laundry shows up unannounced with Uhaul on the day of the open house, Audrey’s perfect world and her open house tour is disrupted. Chase and Laundry have not communicated their feelings to one another, as Chase has grown up with really no family, and no role models. Laundry on the other hand is pretty much spoiled, and wants things her way. (She has much in common with her mother, Audrey who seems very controlling and impulsive, not always looking at the big picture)
A starving artist, Chase struggles with doing what he loves; however, at the same time, this family expects him to offer financial security for his family.
I am probably not the best judge of this book, since I have been working with B&B and hotel owners for the last 25 years, with their marketing strategy and how to operate a successful inn. I have seen it all, successes and failures. Of course, this book is fiction, so cannot be too critical.
Sounds like this couple had no business plan, as no mention of website, property management system, reservation system, marketing plan, competitive analysis, revenue management, etc. There is much more to running a B&B business than laundry and cooking, so was a little unrealistic to have her daughter help with the marketing after the fact (not before).
Besides the business of the inn, the novel offers a nice takeaway and lessons for us all, as sometimes God takes us through rough times and puts people in our lives or path for a season or reason. Our struggles may not make sense at the time, or apparent until a later time, when it becomes clear and all the pieces fit together. God always is much bigger than us.
Not a lot of likable warm characters you can connect with on an intimate level, except Chase. Seems everyone was forced into being a certain way and nosing into everyone's business, with no humor. I connected with Chase, as know how important it is to follow your dreams and talent, and sympathized with his character.
A light Christian read about family dynamics and relationships. Was hoping for a little more from the B&B (the renovations, challenges, guests, etc.), and less from the daughter and son; however, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Fans of Sherryl Woods, Debbie Macomber, or Mariah Stewart may enjoy the light read; however, for readers looking for more complex B&B read, would recommend Lin Stepp’s Down By the River, and Donna Ball’s The Hummingbird House and Lady Bug Farm Series.
HOME TO CHICORY LANE (Chicory Inn #1) By Deborah Raney, is a heartwarming novel of home, family dynamics, relationships, and self-discovery.
Audrey and her husband have finally raised their five
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children, and are opening a bed and breakfast in Langhorne, Missouri—renovating their long time family home and converting it to a business for their retirement.However, the bed and breakfast inn business is not as simple as Audrey thought. In addition, she is the one wanting the business and pretty much has forced her husband into the role (they use the retirement money as he has been in the construction business), and the children are not so keen on their family home being occupied by guests.
Taking front and center over the B&B business at hand, is the return of their youngest daughter, Laundry. Laundry (a marketing executive) –only being married for six months to her artist husband, Chase residing in New York. There is trouble in paradise and she is returning home for help.
When Laundry shows up unannounced with Uhaul on the day of the open house, Audrey’s perfect world and her open house tour is disrupted. Chase and Laundry have not communicated their feelings to one another, as Chase has grown up with really no family, and no role models. Laundry on the other hand is pretty much spoiled, and wants things her way. (She has much in common with her mother, Audrey who seems very controlling and impulsive, not always looking at the big picture)
A starving artist, Chase struggles with doing what he loves; however, at the same time, this family expects him to offer financial security for his family.
I am probably not the best judge of this book, since I have been working with B&B and hotel owners for the last 25 years, with their marketing strategy and how to operate a successful inn. I have seen it all, successes and failures. Of course, this book is fiction, so cannot be too critical.
Sounds like this couple had no business plan, as no mention of website, property management system, reservation system, marketing plan, competitive analysis, revenue management, etc. There is much more to running a B&B business than laundry and cooking, so was a little unrealistic to have her daughter help with the marketing after the fact (not before).
Besides the business of the inn, the novel offers a nice takeaway and lessons for us all, as sometimes God takes us through rough times and puts people in our lives or path for a season or reason. Our struggles may not make sense at the time, or apparent until a later time, when it becomes clear and all the pieces fit together. God always is much bigger than us.
Not a lot of likable warm characters you can connect with on an intimate level, except Chase. Seems everyone was forced into being a certain way and nosing into everyone's business, with no humor. I connected with Chase, as know how important it is to follow your dreams and talent, and sympathized with his character.
A light Christian read about family dynamics and relationships. Was hoping for a little more from the B&B (the renovations, challenges, guests, etc.), and less from the daughter and son; however, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Fans of Sherryl Woods, Debbie Macomber, or Mariah Stewart may enjoy the light read; however, for readers looking for more complex B&B read, would recommend Lin Stepp’s Down By the River, and Donna Ball’s The Hummingbird House and Lady Bug Farm Series.
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LibraryThing member drebbles
Now that Audrey and Grant Whitman's children are grown and living on their own, they decide to turn their house into a Bed and Breakfast. This is mostly Audrey’s dream but the two learned long ago that marriage is made of compromise and letting each other follow their dreams. Unfortunately, their
“Home to Chicory Lane” is the first book in Deborah Raney’s new “Chicory Inn” series and serves as a nice introduction to Audrey, Grant, their children their triumphs and their heartaches. While Audrey, Grant, and the Inn are the heart and soul of this series, the focus of this book is on Landyn and Chase. I have mixed feelings about these two characters - at times I felt sorry for them (their money issues are all too real and an unexpected surprise makes those issues even worse) and at other times I wanted to shake them (the decision that Chase makes without consulting Landyn is almost unforgivable but her reaction is as childish as his action) - these two have serious communication issues. Halfway through the book I still wasn't sure if I liked these two characters but by the end of the book, as they matured, I started to like them more and more. Since this is a Christian romance, there is plenty of talk about listening to what God wants, which may not be everyone's cup of tea - more than once I wished the characters would to talk to each other about what they wanted and not what God wanted (I’m pretty sure God would want them to be happy).
“Home to Chicory Lane” is the first book I've read by Deborah Raney but it won't be my last - I want to know what happens next to the Whitman family.
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youngest daughter Landyn has yet to learn these lessons and when her husband Chase makes a major decision without consulting her she begins to wonder if her short marriage will survive. Can LandYn and Chase learn to communicate with each other before it is too late?“Home to Chicory Lane” is the first book in Deborah Raney’s new “Chicory Inn” series and serves as a nice introduction to Audrey, Grant, their children their triumphs and their heartaches. While Audrey, Grant, and the Inn are the heart and soul of this series, the focus of this book is on Landyn and Chase. I have mixed feelings about these two characters - at times I felt sorry for them (their money issues are all too real and an unexpected surprise makes those issues even worse) and at other times I wanted to shake them (the decision that Chase makes without consulting Landyn is almost unforgivable but her reaction is as childish as his action) - these two have serious communication issues. Halfway through the book I still wasn't sure if I liked these two characters but by the end of the book, as they matured, I started to like them more and more. Since this is a Christian romance, there is plenty of talk about listening to what God wants, which may not be everyone's cup of tea - more than once I wished the characters would to talk to each other about what they wanted and not what God wanted (I’m pretty sure God would want them to be happy).
“Home to Chicory Lane” is the first book I've read by Deborah Raney but it won't be my last - I want to know what happens next to the Whitman family.
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Awards
Christy Awards (Nominee — 2015)
ISBN
9781426769696
Series
Chicory Inn 1