Slices of Life

Tales from Grace Chapel Inn #8

by Judy Baer

Once you visit the charming village of Acorn Hill, tucked away in rural Pennsylvania, you'll never want to leave. Townsfolk relax on their porch swings or gather to discuss the day's events at the Coffee Shop over homemade pie. It's the kind of town where friendship and faith flow together. You'll love spending time with the Howard sisters, who have begun a new life together in their childhood home, a gracious Victorian house that is now a bed and breakfast called Grace Chapel Inn. Here, they rekindle old memories, rediscover the bonds of sisterhood, revel in the blessings of friendship and meet fascinating guests along the way. Acorn Hill is abuzz with activity. Windows are being washed, gardens tended, and guest rooms readied -- all in preparation for the first all-school reunion. Of course, the Howard sisters, proprietors of the Grace Chapel Inn, are in the thick of the bustle. They want to make this reunion a huge success -- and it won't be easy . . .

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Sisters, Fiction

277 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

aka Judy Kaye

Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, USA. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Her most ambitious conjuring did not succeed, however. She kept a clean stall with hay and oats for the horse she imagined would come but unfortunately, it never did. As an adult, however, she managed to make that dream come true and raised foundation quarter horses and buffalo for some years. A voracious reader, Judy learned to read with comic books, anything from Little Lulu and Superman to the Rawhide Kid. She sold her first story for $10.00 to a farm magazine. She still has the $10.00.

She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota with a major in English and education and a minor in religion. At the time, she was simply studying what interested her, but now realizes that she was educating herself for her future career as an inspirational christian romance writer.

Judy wanted to write for Harlequin even in high school but it wasn't until her youngest child learned to say "No" that she realized that she'd better consider a second career to fall back on when mothering was done. Her first book was written with her little girl on her lap. Judy would type a few words, say "Now, Jennifer," at which time her daughter would hit the space bar before Judy continued typing. It wasn't the fastest way to work, but it offered a lot of mother-daughter time together. An over-achiever, she's written 71 books for various publishers. The mother of two and step-mother of three, she now has lots of family to enjoy.

In 2001, she went back to school and became a certified professional life coach. Currently she is working on her Master's in Human Development in the areas of writing, coaching and spirituality and writing inspirational Chick Lit which, she says, is the most fun she's ever had writing.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone in Acorn hill is busy getting ready for the all class reunion. The caterers back out leaving Jane to figure out the food for the reunion.She gets her friend ,Clarissa who owns a bakery, to agree to do the baking. Clarissa is upset because her 3 adult children are coming and want her to stop working and live in a nursing home. Grace Chapel has challenging guests, a young couple that fight all the time and a man who hides in his room. I

[Phyllis Barlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved the Grace Chapel books, but it's been quite a while since I read one. It's nice to read about sisters living together in love and harmony even though their personalities are quite different. I also liked the way God is mentioned, that we should always rely on Him, and the way the sisters shared their faith with others without being pushy or judgmental. If you like books with a Christian theme with interesting characters, you will enjoy this series.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful, inspiring story from Acorn Hill, PA where the inn is always welcoming interesting visitors and the town folk keep things interesting.

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Now this book I don't think is truly bad, but my enjoyment of it just wasn't a lot. I've read 7 of these books before this one and this one just missed the mark for me. I love this book series, it's like coming home to a familiar place with food always on the table and friend to talk to. But this one just didn't pull me in. It took me forever to read because I wasn't really into it. The story was darker than usual without all the oodles of light heartedness to balance it out and it just had so many side stories happening at once. And during one of the last three chapters I believe they introduced a new problem storyline for no reason it seems and then resolved it in the next chapter, with no real reason as to why it was introduced in the first place. Odd.

So, in this book, there is a big every school reunion happening in town, as in if you ever went to a school in Acorn Hill or Potterson you are invited. There is a lot of preparation work that goes into it all and a lot of scrambling to get it all done in time and not go crazy. On the side there is a guest at the inn who seems grumpy but has layers he reveals little by little and a newlywed couple that can't stop loving each other and fighting over their future as restaurant owners.

But like I said, it's not a bad read, but just not for me, I guess. The dark stuff really bogged me down a lot and when it all got addressed and the sisters were there for them as they always are, I didn't feel like crying or was even that touched sentimentally. Which is odd, because that's usually how these books make me feel in the end.

Found: Amazon (sold at Walmart at some point with sticker on it)

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

8th book in series. The town of Acorn Hills is celebrating the all school reunion for their county. Everyone is busy getting things ready and the sisters of Grace Chapel Inn involved in the mix of things. Their current guest seem to need lots of their special care. Mr Enrich who seems extra grouchy, and a young couple on vacation searching for their dreams in owning a restaurant and an old classmate of Jane's that caused bad feeling back in high school. The owner of the Good Apple Bakery Clarissa, loves her job as owner and baker, but is getting older and slowing down a little. Her kids seem to think she's way older then she feels and they think she should retire and move with them. This is causing her much stress at the same time as she's helping Jane out with the food for the reunion. This is a very uplifting story that helps everyone in the end.

[David Leemon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I might be getting more critical of books as I get older and crankier, but this book had about as much suspense as a Daniel Steele novel, except that the characters were not as believable.

Note: This has become the 1000th book added to my Read shelf.

[Linda Corrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful saga in the Grace Chapel series. These books could be viewed as "preachy" by some, but I don't mind that. Although the situations all end predictably, it's heartwarming to read how the results come about.

[NK · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the characters and town. Would seek more of this series.

[Karon Wheeler · Rating 1 out of 5]

Missing pages


As much as I wanted to read Slice of Life I choose not to after discovering 10 blank pages in just the first 3 chapters my downloaded book .... so disappointed !

[Concetta Kellough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the characters in this book series. Each is so different just as in real life. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Kinsey Dunson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these books so much! These are always so nice and up lifting. The books are very predictable but I still love them a lot. The characters are so loveable and well rounded.

[Kathie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel LP book. Very good series.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I just found out this is part of a series, I will try to read the rest in order. I really enjoyed this book, the feel of it, warm, cozy, "homey......nice gentle read.

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4.0 out of 5 starsSmall town Friends and Family
ByRustion March 24, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This Small town Friends, Family and faith book is of course an easy read. I've retread it again as I do several of the Tales from Grace Chapel Inn. It is a great escape and one could get ideas to better ones life. Enjoy!
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5.0 out of 5 starsSlices of Life
ByPat Mooreon January 29, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I really liked this book, i liked the Reunion, because Jane had been hurt very bad by classmate Shirley. At Reunion Jane was the Beauty and got to kind of show off, but in a nice way. Kind of out shine Shirley. I liked mr Enrich story also.
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4.0 out of 5 starsbeautiful easy reading
ByDIANA MCPHERSONon April 7, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
The characters of Grace Chapel Inn are endearing and each story brings them to life a little more. Judy Baer added a beautiful book to the series, this one is from Jane's perspective.
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5.0 out of 5 starsLove this series!
ByAmanda Grayon April 9, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This series couldn't be better. The only drawback is that Amazon doesn't have them all in Kindle editions yet. Let's get to it, Amazon! We love Grace Chapel Inn.
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4.0 out of 5 starsSlice of Americana
ByDiane Wyderon August 30, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Like all of the other Grace Chapel Inn books, this book was just so home town! I would love to visit Acorn Hill, and meet all of the friendly folks there. Bravo, on another fine book! Please bring more...
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5.0 out of 5 starsAnother fabulous book
ByAmazon Customeron January 23, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I love, love,I've the Tales from grace chapel Inn. I wish they were all available for kindle readers in proper sequence. That would be the only change I would suggest.
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5.0 out of 5 starslove it
ByAmazon Customeron March 11, 2013
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
I love this entire series! I am slowly purchasing each chapter book and trying to read every single one. They are the type of books you pick up and just cant put down!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 starsReunion Celebration
I really enjoyed this book. Brought back memories of my own high school reunion. I love watching God work in the storyline.
Published 2 months ago by Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsAnother slice of heaven
I love these stories, I feel like I'm part of the community. This is one of my favorite's. A must read
Published 3 months ago by goody
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series.
Published 1 year ago by Kathy Welch
4.0 out of 5 starsFour Stars
Really enjoy the Grace Chapel Inn Stories
Published 1 year ago by Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars
One of my favorite so far of the Tales.
Published 1 year ago by Judith harvey
4.0 out of 5 starsStill a good read and brings Mark back to town
This book didnt seem to be as all inclusive of what has been happening all along in the series. Still a good read and brings Mark back to town!
Published 1 year ago by Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 starsRepeated Book, New Name
Grace Chapel Inn is the kind of place I'd like to find for a relaxing, learning week. However, this is the same book as another and I paid for both of them.
Published on October 16, 2014 by J. Seeburger
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[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about the adventures in Acorn Hill. The Howard sisters are so enduring.

[Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tales From Grace Chapel Inn has become a new favorite series of mine over the past couple of years. I love how this multi author series focuses around the importance of faith, family and friendship, and showcases how important it is to show hospitality to those around us, even when it doesn't seem to be appreciated.

As we check back in with the three Howard sisters, Lousie, Alice and Jane, we see the lovely town of Acorn Hill preparing for a town wide class reunion, and all the hi jinks and hilarity that comes along with it. This particular installment is mainly told in the viewpoint of Jane, the youngest sister. She's been roped into helping arrange the catering services for a large part of the reunion, and she's not sure she's adequately prepared for everything about to be thrown her way. Add to the fact that the inn is currently habited by a young couple who can't seem to figure out their future, a cranky older man who seems to be immune to the wonders of Grace Chapel Inn, and Jane's nemesis from high school, and it might just seem like this time the Howard sisters have bitten off more than they can chew.

However, God always has a plan, even in the stickiest of situations, and it was a pleasure getting to watch the Howard sisters navigate all the tough times by leaning on their faith, and trusting Him through everything. I appreciated how this particular title dived into some tougher issues, while still giving off all of the heartwarming vibes, and as always, it was a lovely escape from the stresses of everyday life.

This actually ended up being another one of my favorites from the series so far, and if you enjoy heartwarming Christian fiction then I'd definitely recommend this title to you.

Final Rating: 5/5.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have been reading this series, you already know Alice, Louise & Jane. If not, let me briefly say they are 3 sisters who turn their old Victorian family home into Grace Chapel Inn after their father(pastor of next-door Grace Chapel) dies. In each book, the reader gets to know the sisters, the other residents of Acorn Hill and the guests that are staying in the Inn at that time.

In this book, the town of Acorn Hill and nearby Potterston are combining forces for an all-school class reunion. The sisters are in the thick of it, not only hosting guests who are attending the reunion, hosting non-reunion guests but also each is doing their part to make the reunion a success.

This particular book is mostly focused on Jane, the youngest sister who is also an accomplished chef and an artist. She feels definite prodding from God to pray for certain guests and to do what she can to help others - some of whom just seem sad/despondent, others who are having marital difficulties and one in particular who was very cruel to Jane when she was still in high school. Through it, Jane sees God's hand but also comes to realize that she must learn to leave certain things to God.

A wonderful story with wonderful lessons for us all.

[Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these stories.
Jane likes to help everyone. She has all sorts of people who come around to stay in the inn. They have their problems and she tries to help.
All of the sisters, pray for their visitors. The ones staying this time seems to be needing prayer more. Whether fussing over which way they should go or feeling let down.
With the reunion, everyone is pitching in to help since the restaurant has said they could not do all the meals.
The visitors: Mr Enrich, had his problems with always working. His wife left with their son.
Zach and Nancy wanted to open a restaurant which they each had dreamed of. Clarissa helped them to achieve their goals.
Clarissa's kids wanted her to stop working so hard. But she only knew how to work, she did not know how to sit around. Her knees were hurting her.
She learned there is more things to do than work, and she got great enjoyment out of it.
The reunion for everyone was a success. It was busy for a lot of people trying to get it planned and then carried out those plans when everyone came to town.
Loved this book.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone who is anybody is busy, busy, busy... preparing for the first all-school reunion in Acorn Hill and the surrounding towns. Like spring cleaning the Inn and the entire town... all hands on deck... everyone has a job to make this the greatest event and at the same time the Howard sisters wonder if they can meet the challenges... inculding dealing with some of the neediest group of guests they ever hosted at the Inn. This book is another great adventure in the Tales of Grace Chapel Inn, I love them all so far.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always like this books and the recipes that follow. This book was about a town reunion where the whole town came together to make it happen. Jane got to cook and new guests stayed at the inn. One was a strange man who didnt talk much. He had a dreadful past and was looking to end his life when he found the inn. THings always work out and he is starting a relationship with God.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good installation in the Guideposts series "Grace Chapel Inn" books. I really enjoy these books. Good, easy to read Christian fiction. If you've read any of these, and enjoyed it, then you would like this one as well :)

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful town is Acorn hill.. Because of their faith in God they are able to pull off an all community reunion and do a great job. People stay at Grace Chapel Inn enjoy themselves and along the way the sisters bring friends and families closer together.

[Shirley (stampartiste) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is my first introduction to the Tales from Chapel Hill Inn series. I'm hooked. It is such a nice, quiet read with true-to-life characters in a small town. Can't wait to read more of these.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Acorn Hill is having an all school reunion.
Jane must find out if she has truly forgiven a high school classmate who told her that her mother died when she was born. Though this was true, it was told to hurt and injure Jane.

[Kitty Tomlinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

All-school reunion brings visitors to Acorn Hill.

[Cws]

YA GCI

[Elaine]

1471
2899
2073/1812/

[Gail Barger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book from the Grace Chapel Inn series....just nice cozy reads about 3 sisters that run a b&b in their family home. Easy and enjoyable books.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

All of the books in this series are pleasant to read. They have good Christian values, and it feels like the reader is having a conversation with the sisters who run the Bed and Breakfast.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one. Just a feel good, light hearted read....

[Martha Valasek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This time the series focused on a school reunion. Still gentle reading but moved a bit slowly.