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Spirits of Texas #1
Inn the Spirit of Legends
When the tiny hamlet of Hannah, Texas goes up for auction, Hannah Duncan’s fun-loving uncle sees it as the perfect gift for her thirtieth birthday. After all, what’s more fun than a town bearing your own name?
Nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the ‘town’ isn’t much — a dozen or less buildings in various stages of disrepair—but it comes with a dedicated pair of caretakers, a menagerie of farm animals, a surprisingly generous trust fund, enough stipulations to make her head spin, and a handsome but maddening attorney to oversee the handling of the estate.
Originally a stagecoach stop, Hannah, Texas resolves around the historic and rather charming Spirits of Texas Inn. The old inn comes with a colorful past, the mystique of hidden treasure, loyal guests who still book summer vacations there, and three surprise residents: true spirits of the past, who didn’t cross over as expected.
Now Hannah has her hands full, coming to terms with her unexpected status as an innkeeper, adjusting to life in the country, fighting her attraction to attorney Walker Jacoby, plus dealing with ghosts!
To top it off, two fortune hunters arrive to search for the hidden treasure, and they don’t care who stands in their way. They’ll stoop to any means—including murder—to get their hands on the legendary stash of gold.
Don’t miss out on the excitement, right from the beginning. Book your visit to Hannah, Texas today!
Nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the ‘town’ isn’t much — a dozen or less buildings in various stages of disrepair—but it comes with a dedicated pair of caretakers, a menagerie of farm animals, a surprisingly generous trust fund, enough stipulations to make her head spin, and a handsome but maddening attorney to oversee the handling of the estate.
Originally a stagecoach stop, Hannah, Texas resolves around the historic and rather charming Spirits of Texas Inn. The old inn comes with a colorful past, the mystique of hidden treasure, loyal guests who still book summer vacations there, and three surprise residents: true spirits of the past, who didn’t cross over as expected.
Now Hannah has her hands full, coming to terms with her unexpected status as an innkeeper, adjusting to life in the country, fighting her attraction to attorney Walker Jacoby, plus dealing with ghosts!
To top it off, two fortune hunters arrive to search for the hidden treasure, and they don’t care who stands in their way. They’ll stoop to any means—including murder—to get their hands on the legendary stash of gold.
Don’t miss out on the excitement, right from the beginning. Book your visit to Hannah, Texas today!
236 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2018
About the author
Becki Willis
48 books542 followersBest-selling indie and hybrid author Becki Willis loves crafting stories with believable characters in believable situations. Many of her stories stem from her own personal experiences. (No worries; she's never actually murdered anyone).
When she’s not plotting danger and adventure for her imaginary friends, Becki enjoys reading, spending time with her family, unraveling a good mystery (real or imagined), dark chocolate, and a good cup of coffee.
A professed history geek, Becki often weaves pieces of the past into her novels. Family is a central theme in her stories and in her life. She and her husband enjoy traveling but believe coming home to their Texas ranch is the best part of any trip.
Becki has won numerous awards—including two Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards, InD’Tale’s coveted RONE, and been named Finalist for two Claymore Awards—but feels the real compliments come from her readers. Drop in for an e-visit anytime at beckiwillis.ccp@gmail.com, or www.beckiwillis.com.
When she’s not plotting danger and adventure for her imaginary friends, Becki enjoys reading, spending time with her family, unraveling a good mystery (real or imagined), dark chocolate, and a good cup of coffee.
A professed history geek, Becki often weaves pieces of the past into her novels. Family is a central theme in her stories and in her life. She and her husband enjoy traveling but believe coming home to their Texas ranch is the best part of any trip.
Becki has won numerous awards—including two Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards, InD’Tale’s coveted RONE, and been named Finalist for two Claymore Awards—but feels the real compliments come from her readers. Drop in for an e-visit anytime at beckiwillis.ccp@gmail.com, or www.beckiwillis.com.
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December 21, 2020author gift
October 6, 2019
Becki has a wonderful writing style! I had the pleasure of meeting her and she gifted me this book. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it! Her writing is descriptive, fun, and interesting and she is just a great person in general. 10/10 recommend!
March 20, 2019
Even better than The Sisters!
After the prerequisite whining, Hannah opened her heart to the all the possibilities so the adventure began and what an adventure the tiny town of Hannah and all its inhabitants and visitors bring. I can't wait to see what comes next for Hannah the woman and what she has in store for her new town. Sadie and Fred are such delights and are sure to stir a bit of fun, and I won't be surprised if the spirits of the In return.
After the prerequisite whining, Hannah opened her heart to the all the possibilities so the adventure began and what an adventure the tiny town of Hannah and all its inhabitants and visitors bring. I can't wait to see what comes next for Hannah the woman and what she has in store for her new town. Sadie and Fred are such delights and are sure to stir a bit of fun, and I won't be surprised if the spirits of the In return.
November 12, 2018
Granny Bert has some Competition!
I found that Fred and Sadie gave Granny Bert in The Sisters a run for her money. So feisty and cute. Loved them.
Enjoyed the whole theme and hope for a sequel. Good storyline and characters that could move on to new adventures. More please......I'm waiting 😉
I found that Fred and Sadie gave Granny Bert in The Sisters a run for her money. So feisty and cute. Loved them.
Enjoyed the whole theme and hope for a sequel. Good storyline and characters that could move on to new adventures. More please......I'm waiting 😉
February 19, 2018
i loved the story, looking forward to the next book. i loved her other series, in The Sisters, you will love the people and the animals. i was given a copy of the book but i am giving an honest review. if you liked her book tangled spirits you will love the new book
September 12, 2018
Inn the Spirit of Legends - This is an interesting story filled with good locations; good, bad and bumbling characters; and well thought out storylines. Sometimes this author writes unrealistic happenings or dialog, but with this book she's done an excellent job. Ms. Willis does well with her descriptions of the locations and histories, along with her interesting characters, which run the gamut from intelligent to dufus to transparent. There's humor and misunderstandings but the story flows quickly and keeps the reader interested. 5*
Chicken Scratch #1 - This is my first book by this author and I was greatly surprised at how well written, well thought out and laced with humor and intrigue; this little gem is packed. The area is near and dear to my heart since I was born in the area. The people, while not as easily identifiable as in a Jeff Abbott novel, are locals I know. The Texas speak is just as if Ms. Willis and I were at the Creamery (TAMU) sharing milk shakes and local gossip. The kinks and knots in the plot made it hard to put down the book, even to get a tea refill. You can't help but like the characters and root for them. The story, filled with life stories, is actually pretty substantial, not fluff, and Ms. W is an entertaining storyteller. 5*
When The Stars Fall #2 - This book is better than Chicken Scratch (#1), which is a good book, too. A lot of suspense, along with developing romances amongst several characters, keeps the reader immersed in this substantial story. Like the first book, the baddie is easily figured out, but the story is well worth reading. There are too many of the well rounded, well developed characters to shout out separately, but they're all interesting, funny, sincere and just plain folk. The Big House becomes a prominent character and helps the family with a huge change to their lives, maybe. Not a cliffhanger, but there's a tease about the future of Big and Madison. 5*
Stipulations and Complications #3 - This is a heavy, suspense filled book full of dark secrets and mysteries with the past and the present colliding and the darkness is felt by all involved. Yet, there's plenty of good and love along with the humor. This intriguing, substantial read is hard to put down with its interesting storylines and well thought out characters. This book is on the level with DeMille, Follette, Grisham and Ludlum. 5*
Chicken Scratch #1 - This is my first book by this author and I was greatly surprised at how well written, well thought out and laced with humor and intrigue; this little gem is packed. The area is near and dear to my heart since I was born in the area. The people, while not as easily identifiable as in a Jeff Abbott novel, are locals I know. The Texas speak is just as if Ms. Willis and I were at the Creamery (TAMU) sharing milk shakes and local gossip. The kinks and knots in the plot made it hard to put down the book, even to get a tea refill. You can't help but like the characters and root for them. The story, filled with life stories, is actually pretty substantial, not fluff, and Ms. W is an entertaining storyteller. 5*
When The Stars Fall #2 - This book is better than Chicken Scratch (#1), which is a good book, too. A lot of suspense, along with developing romances amongst several characters, keeps the reader immersed in this substantial story. Like the first book, the baddie is easily figured out, but the story is well worth reading. There are too many of the well rounded, well developed characters to shout out separately, but they're all interesting, funny, sincere and just plain folk. The Big House becomes a prominent character and helps the family with a huge change to their lives, maybe. Not a cliffhanger, but there's a tease about the future of Big and Madison. 5*
Stipulations and Complications #3 - This is a heavy, suspense filled book full of dark secrets and mysteries with the past and the present colliding and the darkness is felt by all involved. Yet, there's plenty of good and love along with the humor. This intriguing, substantial read is hard to put down with its interesting storylines and well thought out characters. This book is on the level with DeMille, Follette, Grisham and Ludlum. 5*
February 12, 2019
A well done fun story that flowed very well. I really enjoyed the plot and the varied cast of characters. City girl Hannah gets a town for her birthday from her extravagant uncle, not really liking the idea but she loves her uncle enough to go along with it. The transition from city girl to country girl was spot on and really well done, milking cows, gathering eggs and more. Lots of funny scenes with Hannah having to make her way in her new country setting. Great witty dialogue throughout and a constantly moving storyline. Adventure and surprises around every corner with treasure hunters, murder and an attorney she is starting to fall for. Quick read, a full length stand alone story. Hannah and Walker have a budding relationship which seems to continue on in further books. I look forward to reading more with these characters next adventure. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
April 26, 2020
Inn the Spirit of Legends combines modern-day ghost story with an 1800's western twist.
Hannah just lost her job and her eccentric uncle gave her a town for a birthday present, but not without strings. It is an entire western town out in the middle of nowhere. She's a city girl and has to learn to adjust to country life. With taking possession of the town, it doesn't come without a contract and unusual conditions she has to meet.
The main character, Hannah, is strong-willed, independent, and not too trusting. She finds she has to go out of her comfort zone and finds things aren't always what they seem. I also loved the spunky humor of the two sisters that are there to help out.
The storyline is fresh, suspenseful, and has lots of mystery. It's a fast-paced, page-turner that will have you on the edge of your seat one minute and laughing the next. A very well written ghost story that will keep you guessing.
Hannah just lost her job and her eccentric uncle gave her a town for a birthday present, but not without strings. It is an entire western town out in the middle of nowhere. She's a city girl and has to learn to adjust to country life. With taking possession of the town, it doesn't come without a contract and unusual conditions she has to meet.
The main character, Hannah, is strong-willed, independent, and not too trusting. She finds she has to go out of her comfort zone and finds things aren't always what they seem. I also loved the spunky humor of the two sisters that are there to help out.
The storyline is fresh, suspenseful, and has lots of mystery. It's a fast-paced, page-turner that will have you on the edge of your seat one minute and laughing the next. A very well written ghost story that will keep you guessing.
March 25, 2018
Hannah is given the birthday gift of a lifetime! But it may be more than she bargained for. Her uncle who is notorious for lavish gifts, purchases an entire town for his niece. As Hannah goes to claim her gift, she is met with a huge debacle. In order for her to receive her trust fund, she must remain in the town for a full month. No going to the store, no leaving the city, nothing. Talk about a tough gig, eh?
She is met with a list of chores she needs to tackle including taking care of the animals kept behind the Inn, coming up with a business plan for the inn, and putting up with the lawyer handling her case. The banter between these two is pretty hilarious at times. Although, I could have done with the “he’s married, but not married” trope.
Suddenly, mysterious figures begin showing up at the inn. Turns out a few friendly ghosts haunt the Inn while the other figures are on the hunt for a rumored treasure stored in the town. I hope more of this part of the story will be explored further in the sequel.
The story unfolds organically in a way you want to learn more about the “spirits” of the inn. Hannah is an enjoyable character and Walker is an absolute sweetheart. The villains, though, could have used some work. This felt like a Hallmark movie set to the page. If it is ever made into one, it's sure to be a hit with viewers.
She is met with a list of chores she needs to tackle including taking care of the animals kept behind the Inn, coming up with a business plan for the inn, and putting up with the lawyer handling her case. The banter between these two is pretty hilarious at times. Although, I could have done with the “he’s married, but not married” trope.
Suddenly, mysterious figures begin showing up at the inn. Turns out a few friendly ghosts haunt the Inn while the other figures are on the hunt for a rumored treasure stored in the town. I hope more of this part of the story will be explored further in the sequel.
The story unfolds organically in a way you want to learn more about the “spirits” of the inn. Hannah is an enjoyable character and Walker is an absolute sweetheart. The villains, though, could have used some work. This felt like a Hallmark movie set to the page. If it is ever made into one, it's sure to be a hit with viewers.
March 27, 2019
I received this book as an ARC. This is the first in a series and I instantly fell in love with it. I love the way the author paints the scenery and surroundings using words. The story starts with Hannah a young city woman whose uncle buys her a whole town as a birthday present . As the story unfolds Hannah comes to fall in love with the town, the people and all the animals and ghosts. There is Walker, an attorney and possible love interest, Fred and Sadie, two senior citizens who are caretakers, Leroy the big white dog, and two resident ghosts to date. The mystery starts when a couple of not so good guys start to look for a buried treasure in the little town of Hannah, Texas. I found this book to have laugh out loud moments, beautiful scenery, fun animals and a few eccentric characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
September 11, 2021
Hannah Duncan had no idea how drastically her birthday gift of the town of Hannah, Texas an island in the desert of her current life would change everything. Hannah couldn’t have imagined the town, stipulations, or ‘accessories’ that come with it like sexy lawyer, Walker Jacoby, farm animals, mysterious guests, caretakers and money among other things, each with their own attached strings.
Hannah decides the stipulations could make sprucing the town a lucrative and welcome challenge for this phase of her life. Just as Hannah begins to look around the town and makes her plans for modernizing and improvements, a pair of treasure hunters decide it’s the perfect time to plunder the rumored treasure in the area their ancestor honestly stole decades ago.
Rating: 4.25stars
Hannah decides the stipulations could make sprucing the town a lucrative and welcome challenge for this phase of her life. Just as Hannah begins to look around the town and makes her plans for modernizing and improvements, a pair of treasure hunters decide it’s the perfect time to plunder the rumored treasure in the area their ancestor honestly stole decades ago.
Rating: 4.25stars
July 27, 2018
There are spirits and then there are SPIRITS.
Hannah's uncle JoeJoe gave her a rather unique gift for her birthday. A town called Hannah. The big city girl is somewhat dismayed when she arrives to sign the necessary papers, to find that ownership of the town is not quite as cut and dried as one would expect. That said, Hannah finds that country life is much more exciting, and yes, frightening than she ever imagined. I won't spoil the story for you, but once again Ms. Willis has done a stellar job of keeping your interest and creating an exciting read. Once again, thinks Texas girl has outdone herself.
Hannah's uncle JoeJoe gave her a rather unique gift for her birthday. A town called Hannah. The big city girl is somewhat dismayed when she arrives to sign the necessary papers, to find that ownership of the town is not quite as cut and dried as one would expect. That said, Hannah finds that country life is much more exciting, and yes, frightening than she ever imagined. I won't spoil the story for you, but once again Ms. Willis has done a stellar job of keeping your interest and creating an exciting read. Once again, thinks Texas girl has outdone herself.
February 17, 2019
Hannah receives a town as a birthday gift from her uncle. She travels from Houston to her town. She meets Walker, the attorney responsible for the estates finances. Hannah must stay at the Inn for 30 days and not leave the town, per the agreement. She discovers the Inn has ghosts. Two brothers great grandfather was part of a gang that robbed and buried gold. They came looking for the map to the treasure. They commit murder and tear up the Inn looking for the map. A great novel that keeps you interested from the beginning.
March 3, 2018
For her birthday, Hannah's uncle gave her a town. Her new town came with legends, ghosts, goats and a hunky lawyer. Needless to say Hannah's life is about to change. This is my first book by Ms. Willis and I am very impressed. The story-line "flows" and the characters are believable and likable. I'm looking forward to the next story in this new series.
*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book from the author which I am voluntarily reviewing*
*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book from the author which I am voluntarily reviewing*
February 23, 2019
Wouldn't you want to get your own town? Or at least, an Inn? Hannah gets them both thanks to an uncle. with the help of Walker, the lawyer, she is settling in this new life when the rumours start: a hidden civil war's treasure has reemerged. And so it begins :D
The story is fun, entertaining, and filled with a lot of good, very different characters, excellent descriptions, and an interesting plot. A great first story in a new series, it will leave you wishing for more :D
The story is fun, entertaining, and filled with a lot of good, very different characters, excellent descriptions, and an interesting plot. A great first story in a new series, it will leave you wishing for more :D
March 15, 2024
I love this book. I love this series. I just wish there were more books in the series.
Where do I start? Beautifully written. From page one, the narrative hooked me and sucked me in. I couldn't stop until I'd read the entire book. It offers suspense, tension, and conflict in just the right mix. Horses, cows, and hot guys. Danger and intrigue. It's a mystery. It's a ghost cozy. It's a romance all perfectly rolled into one unputdownable book.
Where do I start? Beautifully written. From page one, the narrative hooked me and sucked me in. I couldn't stop until I'd read the entire book. It offers suspense, tension, and conflict in just the right mix. Horses, cows, and hot guys. Danger and intrigue. It's a mystery. It's a ghost cozy. It's a romance all perfectly rolled into one unputdownable book.
April 9, 2019
Great book. Well written. Throughly enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Who gives a town as a present to their niece for their birthday present because they share the same name? Hannah's uncle, of course! Lots of fun discovering the history, legends, troubles and perks of owning a town. Will definitely be reading the next in this series.
July 3, 2020
A Legend of Treasure
Hannah has her 30th birthday and her uncle buys her the town of Hannah Texas, at auction. She goes to check it out and finds the inn is an old stagecoach stop with a legend of stolen gold. Living in Texas, this caught my eye -- and I am glad it did. It is a most interesting story and I am eagerly awaiting the next book
Hannah has her 30th birthday and her uncle buys her the town of Hannah Texas, at auction. She goes to check it out and finds the inn is an old stagecoach stop with a legend of stolen gold. Living in Texas, this caught my eye -- and I am glad it did. It is a most interesting story and I am eagerly awaiting the next book
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February 28, 2021What a fun read!
I chose 5 stars because this book is a treasure. The way the story unfolds keeps the reader engaged until the whole story unravels. Love the characters, wish they were real folks I could meet. I recommend this book to anyone who has a sense of adventure as well as an appreciation for humor.
I chose 5 stars because this book is a treasure. The way the story unfolds keeps the reader engaged until the whole story unravels. Love the characters, wish they were real folks I could meet. I recommend this book to anyone who has a sense of adventure as well as an appreciation for humor.
October 26, 2021
Hidden treasure?
Uniquely interesting characters, and a twisting plot make this story a bit different, slightly out of the ordinary, and with just enough fantasy to keep you turning pages. With many passages that had me chuckling, Spirit of Legends kept the pages turning. A great read!
Uniquely interesting characters, and a twisting plot make this story a bit different, slightly out of the ordinary, and with just enough fantasy to keep you turning pages. With many passages that had me chuckling, Spirit of Legends kept the pages turning. A great read!
January 30, 2022
Oh no!
The start of another great series! I'll just have to put my home to-do list on another hold so I can treat myself to several days of entertaining reading.... :) . Set in the Hill country of Texas, the story reveals great imagination and interesting twists. Keep writing Ms. Willis!
The start of another great series! I'll just have to put my home to-do list on another hold so I can treat myself to several days of entertaining reading.... :) . Set in the Hill country of Texas, the story reveals great imagination and interesting twists. Keep writing Ms. Willis!
March 3, 2022
A little bit adolescent feeling to me.
The writing and characters are somewhat adolescent feeling instead of adults. Often the authors carries on to much and Needs to move the story on. Things fall flat usually when she’s trying to include humor. I’ll try book number 2 but feeling doubtful things will pick up.
The writing and characters are somewhat adolescent feeling instead of adults. Often the authors carries on to much and Needs to move the story on. Things fall flat usually when she’s trying to include humor. I’ll try book number 2 but feeling doubtful things will pick up.
February 13, 2019
Fun and entertaining read. I enjoyed this book, as it had a little of everything - mystery, romance, and ghosts. Decently written, with believable dialogue and action. Looking forward to the next in the series.
May 30, 2019
I love this book and I'm thinking this will be an awesome series. This is the first, and I'm ready to read the second. I love the characters and enjoy the author's skills at making the characters come alive. Hope there's many more in this series.
October 15, 2019
Legend or fact?
Hannahs uncle bought her an old west town for her birthday. It came with a lot of restrictions including a handsome lawyer and a couple if ghosts. Two men were looking for a treasure stollen by their great grandad. It is a fun read with a little mystery.
Hannahs uncle bought her an old west town for her birthday. It came with a lot of restrictions including a handsome lawyer and a couple if ghosts. Two men were looking for a treasure stollen by their great grandad. It is a fun read with a little mystery.
April 11, 2020
I've read a lot of books by Becki Willis and this one continues her style of humor, interesting setting and story, and really great characters. I've already downloaded book two and am loving it, also!
August 5, 2020
Great Whodunit with a Ghost or Two
Thi was a very entertaing book filled with suspense,twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and the zany characters.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
Thi was a very entertaing book filled with suspense,twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and the zany characters.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
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April 27, 2021A fun read
I love the books I've read by Beck I Willis. Each one has been a bright adventure with a few laughs, a few surprises, and a few thoughts of "I knew that was coming, but I really enjoyed getting there". I will keep reading as long as she keeps writing!
I love the books I've read by Beck I Willis. Each one has been a bright adventure with a few laughs, a few surprises, and a few thoughts of "I knew that was coming, but I really enjoyed getting there". I will keep reading as long as she keeps writing!
January 1, 2022
Sprits of Texas
A new series (new to me anyway) and it’s a zany ride for all. What’s not your like about strange gifts, ghosts, goats, a mystery, and a growing romance. Nice break from reality and an enjoyable read.
A new series (new to me anyway) and it’s a zany ride for all. What’s not your like about strange gifts, ghosts, goats, a mystery, and a growing romance. Nice break from reality and an enjoyable read.
April 6, 2018
Story didn't drag
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews