The Willberry Inn

Oak Harbor #1

by Kimberly Thomas

Cora had it all, a doting husband, two wonderful daughters, an amazing career, and a beautiful home. She was living the dream; until…it all came crashing down like a stack of cards.

Starting over was never in her plans— not when she’d spent more than half of her life with a man she’d planned to grow old with. Yet here she was in her prime getting divorced from a husband who’d ignored their vows.

Old wounds return when she receives word of the passing of her estranged father.

Making the trip back to her childhood hometown of Oak Harbor, memories resurface, and she is forced to relive the day everything changed.

Now unable to run away from the responsibility of running the family business, and taking care of her sick mother, Cora must make time to mend her relationship with the woman whom she partly blamed for not being there when she needed her the most. She’ll also have to make amends with her sisters that have become more like acquaintances than blood.

Will Cora finally make amends with her mother?

Will old betrayals sully the path for the sisters to reconcile, or will Cora be able to convince them that she’s a changed woman, prepared to be there for them this time?

Is a happy ending still possible for her?

Lose yourself in this new women's fiction series that includes friendship, love, and loss among the Hamilton family & friends. A heartwarming cast of characters that has the backdrop of Oak Harbor’s coastal serene landscapes and crystal blue waters.

Genres: Womens Fiction, Fiction

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2022

About the author

Kimberly Thomas has a passion for writing heartfelt stories that resonate with her readers. With two adult children and a loving husband, she understands the complexities of family dynamics and uses this knowledge to create relatable characters. When she's not writing, she loves to travel and explore new cultures. She finds inspiration in the people she meets and the places she visits, and often incorporates her experiences into her stories.

Kimberly specializes in feel-good women's fiction, clean and wholesome contemporary romance. Her stories focus on love, loss, and the everyday situations that families face. Her writing style is engaging and relatable, and she has a talent for drawing readers in and keeping them hooked until the very end.

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love starting a new series and getting my first look at the characters and locations that I will read about in future books. The Willberry Inn is book 1 of a planned six book series. After getting to know the three estranged sisters and the history of their years growing up, I'm anxious to read more about each of them. Book one gives us a introduction to all of the main stories but is mostly Cora's story.

"Cora had it all, a doting husband, two wonderful daughters, an amazing career, and a beautiful home. She was living the dream; until…it all came crashing down like a stack of cards."

Cora had what she thought was the perfect life. She had a good job, two wonderful daughters and more importantly a husband she loved and planned to grow old with. Until she found out that her husband wasn't really the loving man that she thought he was. The hurt was so painful that she ended her marriage. She was at a loss on how to start over when she received a call from her mother that her father had died. Her father that she's been estranged from since she left for college...the father who quit talking to her when she didn't follow his plans for the rest of her life. She decided to go back to her family home for his funeral. Her two sister would also be there. The two women who meant the most to her in her childhood years but had become estranged from after she left her family home to go to college. Cora's two adult daughters supported her decision and went to the funeral with her. What would Cora find when she got back to her childhood home? Would her family accept her back or would she remain estranged from the family who had meant so much to her in her younger years? Life for Cora gets even more difficult when her father's will is read and he leaves the inn to the three sisters to run together. Can the sisters learn to trust each other again?

This is a fantastic book about love and loss, acceptance and trust within a family. I am really looking forward to the future books in this series and hoping that all three sister reconcile and find their happily ever afters.

Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick easy book. It’s about three sisters and their coming home for their father’s funeral. Not only do they need to heal old wounds but must also deal with their mother’s illness.
The Inn and town sound lovely, somewhere you would want to visit. It’s a nice introduction to everyone and I can’t wait to see where they go from here.
Thanks to the author for the early copy

[Susan D Horak · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I don't often give negative reviews but this was just so vapid! So many repetitions like, "she smiled a weak smile that didn't reach her eyes" and things like she squeezed her sister's shoulder in support repeated over and over. Sorry , just not the style of writing for me. 2 stars was generous.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating, intricately penned story
filled with family trials and tribulations.
Three estranged sisters come home for
the funeral of their father.
It is an emotional time for each sister.
The story is filled with family issues and
backstories plus their discovery of their
Mother’s illness and need for help running
the Willberry inn located in Oak Harbor.
I felt as if I was right there in the Pacific
Northwest from the author’s skillful use of
the beautifully described scenery.
I volunteered to read The Willberry Inn.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars

The Willberry Inn is book 1 in the newOak Harbor series by Kimberly Thomas about three estranged sisters who return home after the death of their father.

First up is Cora, newly divorced, coming home for her estranged father’s funeral only to discover secrets, her mother’s illness and how to start a new life after a divorce.

Can’t wait for the next book in the series…

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora is married with two grown daughters, successful in her job and is blindsided by the fact her husband of over 20 yrs is cheating on her. To make matters worse she's the housekeeper and has been going on for a yr!
From bad to worse while in the divorce lawyers office she receives call from her Mom her Dad has just died. Returning home to her hometown and the Inn her family runs...Cora's world is shattered. Family rallies ...Great so far can't wait for book two. True family values and love...

[Coffeebreakwhatever · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline was good and heartfelt of a family trying to come together after years of separation for various reasons, however, to me it was on the sad/depressing side. It starts right off with a cheating husband, a divorce, and the Fathers death. Then there were so many family members and they all had problems - from the parents to the 3 sisters, to the multiple children of the 3 sisters to aunts and uncles - just too many people with too many problems. Except for Cora and Jamie starting to get together at the end, there was no happiness in the story and for me, that makes the story rather hard to get attached to. NOTE: This is just my personal view of the story - yours could be different. Give it a read and make your own decision.

[Virginia Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Change

Like it or not, sometime life throws you a curveball. Usually one does not expect what is coming. In Cori's case, changes she never dreamed were coming fast and furious. Read The Will berry Inn by Kimberly Thomas to join she and her sisters for a ride unexpecte

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in An Oak Harbor Series and it is Cora's story and what a great start to a new series and author to me. When Cora's marriage falls apart leaving her life in tatters she is devastated but determined to get a divorce so that she can move forward with her life only to get a phone call that tells her that her father who she hasn't spoke to for many year's has been killed in a car accident so now Cora will return to Oak Harbor the place that holds painful memories and when she gets there she finds out that her mother has a terrible illness and needs help and hopefully Cora will also be able to make amends to her two sisters then the will is read and Cora, Andrea and Josephine find out that there father has left the inn to them and they will have to work together but how will it effect them all. This is a beautifully written story of betrayal, family, forgiveness, making amends, support, loss and some difficult situations along with great characters and a storyline that pulled you in and kept your attention and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Kimberly Thomas is a new author to me and I enjoyed reading this book so much that I can't wait to read more of her book's in the future.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of a new series by Kimberly Thomas. I really liked getting to know the estranged sisters - Cora, Andrea, and Josephine - although this story mainly features Cora. She had it all - although didn't have the family support that she so wanted b/c of an argument with her father years ago. Now she's going through a divorce and at a pivotal time in her life - when her father passes. With all the girls (now women) home - they learn that dad left them the family Inn - and they are tasked with running it - which is just what they didn't want to do years ago. Cora is at a crossroads and this story is all about love, loss, and finding yourself at a time you thought you had it all figured out. Really beautiful story. Can't wait for the next one!

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the start to An Oak Harbor series and it’s centered around Cora. She thought she would grow old with Joel, her husband of twenty-three years. As she’s at the lawyer’s office, she gets a call from her mom. Her dad was in a fatal car accident. She decides she’s going to return to Oak Harbor, after leaving there fifteen years ago. Her mom needs her. As we read this book, we learn that Cora had been estranged from her dad and now she’ll never get the chance to tell him she loved him. Luckily, her two sisters, Jo and Andrea, so maybe she can make amends with them. Grab your copy and see what happens in this start to this new series.

I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of a series by a author who is new to me. In the process of a divorce Cora is searching for how to move
on in her life. The death of her father Simmons her and her sister home to the family operated Inn.

Cora and her sisters Andrea and Jo struggle with reconnecting and rebuilding the pieces of their relationship. Learning the terms of their father’s will and the information about their mother’s terrible disease has everyone searching their hearts. Family love, support and forgiveness are key concepts of the story

Can Cora learn to trust again?

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to a new series about a family that reconnects when their estranged father dies and they learn their mother has ALS. The family Inn is left to the three daughters who are each dealing with their own issues.

The story covers the decline of their Mom's health and how they support each other in their life going forward. They need to recalculate to returning home and how to support and care for their Mom. It's a story of resilience, supporting family, and opening their hearts to new adventures.

Thanks to the publisher for sending a free ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own. Can't wait for book 2 in the series!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora had it all, a doting husband, two wonderful daughters, an amazing career, and a beautiful home. She was living the dream; until…it all came crashing down like a stack of cards.

A great start to what appears to be a wonderful series. You're pulled into the story and find it hard to put it down. The characters are easy to get to know with every turn of the page. A great read to add to your summer reading list.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of a series called Oak Harbor. Sounds like there is a lot coming with this family saga/drama. This first book centers on Cora as she deals with heartbreak and love and her two daughters launching their own lives, as well as dealing with an mother with serious health issues and reconnecting with her two sisters. I always say this regarding this authors books....her covers are some of the prettiest around. An easy read centered in the Pacific Northwest.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this heartwarming story. Cora is going through a divorce from the man she thought she was going to grow old with. During this her pretense is requesting back hime to take over the business upon her father's death. She starts reliving issues from her childhood trying to work through the. As she co.es to terms with her life now. Very j threshing series. I cannot wait to read the rest.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Domenica Yaworowski · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like this had so much more potential to really bring me into to this series but for the beginning of a series it was really lacking for me. At only 200 pages I felt like it was dragging and boring. It was just kind of blah and with the sadness and all the emotional topics happening I didn’t feel anything to connect myself with the FMC. The side characters were unremarkable to me so for that reason I won’t be continuing on with any of the other books.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, well written story of a family reunited through grief. After living in the PNW for 30 years, I appreciated the descriptions of the beauty that we all love about this area. A lovely introduction to these characters and a peek into their struggles. This appears to be a great start to a series of family and their journeys. I received this arc for an honest review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family dynamics always add drama to any story. Like the small town aspect of the story. Interesting characters that have quirks and flaws that they have to work through. Family drama makes for interesting conversations and interactions in the story. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It has everything you want in a book love for family, Heartbreak and positive and some negative changes for the family. Can they survive all the things coming at them?.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jerrie Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willberry Inn is book 1 in the Oak Harbor series by Kimberly Thomas. This is a good quick read with great characters and storyline that readers can relate to. Thomas's writing will have the reader visualizing the Pacific Northwest area. Cora has a dotting husband, two wonderful daughters and a job she loves. She discovers her husband has been cheating on her for the last year. As they are in the divorce lawyers office a call comes in for Cora. Her father has passed away and she must return to her childhood home. Cora has not been home since she left for college she hasn't seen her two sisters either; as they were not happy with her choices made concerning her own life. While the sisters and mother are sitting for the reading of the will. They find out that the father has left the Inn to the sisters and they must run it together. They also find out that their mother has ALS and they must work together to look after her. Thomas has written about betrayal, family, forgiveness; and how we need to support each other during losses and gains. This book is a great way to start off the series of Oak Harbor. Grab a copy now or add to your TBR list for next year. I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an e-copy from the author. These words are my honest opinion.

[Jackie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Second Chance for Love

Wow! Life throws some mean punches at Cora - Wham! Wham! Wham ! Her husband is cheating on her, her dad dies, her mom is struck with a fatal disease!
Cora moves back to Willberry Inn and faces the ghosts of the past and makes friends with a tall, handsome contractor. Is Jamie going to be the answer for the future? Is romance in the air? Will she go back to her husband? This is a beautiful story that takes hold of the imagination. Vivid word pictures are drawn and one can see the beauty and feel the peace that surrounds Willberry Inn and the Oak Harbor area despite the sadness.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have something in common with Cora - we both got booted by our fathers! I really liked this book, Cora and I had a lot in common and so it was easy to get into her character. Learning about her sisters, how her marriage ended, how her father died, how she picks up the pieces of her life and keeps going! So many people will tell you that you are so strong when it just boils down to not knowing how or when to stop! And then she meets Jaime. I like him, I love their friendship and I like when she decides to fight for herself! This is one great story!

[genie baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovering true and shared love!

I so enjoyed this book! It was such an encouraging story! From past family long lasting problems between Cora and her father, then discovering her husband had been unfaithful for a year with their housekeeper. She got a call from her mother telling her father was killed in an accident. She returned to her childhood home and discovered real love It is a story that I will recommend highly. There is a lot in this!




Cora

[Ray Phenicie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness and love in a good story

It was interesting to read about the Oak harbor area and mention of Seattle as that is where I am from instead of Boston or east coast in all book. It was a good story andI couldn't have guessed all the problems that they faced but with a family who decided to face challenges and forgive the past mistakes they were stronger together and showed each other love. It was a good woman ish love story and I enjoyed reading it!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Willberry Inn

I enjoyed this book about three sisters reuniting with each other and their mother after their father dies. The three sisters were estranged from their father due to his demands. The sisters each had other issues in their lives. I thought the main character was self centered at times.

[Divina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable and Encouraging

The stories of family misunderstandings and distant relations is always so met almost everyone can relate, but it's also nice to know that it can be patched up by being honest and compassionate. And I also believe in second chances, but sometimes it's best to open up our hearts to another person. Second chance for us as an individual.

[Patty Mattingly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time with this book. The main character constantly calls her daughter’s sweetie and her mother calls her sweetie. I’m nit sure why I find this so off putting but I do. The book is pretty predictable also. Anyway I’m almost done with it but don’t think I’ll continue with this series.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in this book due to it's setting of Oak Harbor, WA. The author obviously loves the area, as do I, but too much of the book was spent on the description of the island and surrounding area. Maybe "women's fiction" is not my thing, but I felt the story was too predictable. That being said, I do plan to read the second book in the series.

[Petra Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful family story, that has it all, starting with betrayal and sorrow, starting over, building bridges and trying to make amends. An emotional read.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.