Title: Silver Bell Inn
Author: J M Davies
Genre: Christmas romance
Book Blurb:
Silver Bell Inn is home to Freya James. The picturesque Victorian has belonged to her family for generations, but her father wants to sell after her mother passes. However, Freya’s adamant that’s not going to happen. As a mountain of repairs skyrocket, she’s working day and night to keep the inn afloat, but fears this may be the last Christmas at the inn unless there’s a miracle. TV chef Gabriel Blake is scouting out potential restaurants for his cooking show, Gabriel’s Dreams Do Come True. The problem is, after a disastrous television interview, he manages to offend everyone in Maine, making him public enemy number one. W hen a tantalizing email lands in his inbox, offering him the perfect hideaway at Silver Bell Inn, he’s intrigued but unsure about staying in the small town of Echo Falls, Maine. Then a phone call with the engaging owner changes his mind. Freya James is not only a sweet temptation to look at, but she has a heart of gold and is hosting the annual cookie fundraiser for underprivileged children at the inn. The sugary treats and the pretty brunette are equally addictive and dangerous for Gabriel, who hates the holiday season as it reminds him of his painful past. As the sparks of attraction increase, will Freya be able to help Gabriel overcome his triggers and heal? Will Gabriel show Freya there’s more to life than work?
Excerpt:
“Are you going to let me in on what you’re scheming? I’m in, by the way, but it would be good to know if I need to bring a shovel…”
Smirking, she eyed Melody, who knew her so well. “I’ll have to do some digging, but not literally. If Gabriel’s traveling around Maine, he’ll need a base. Right? We could offer him the guest house…” Freya shrugged. “It’s available, and it would give him a little more privacy than a hotel. And it’s more comfortable than a trailer.”
Melody grabbed her mug and snatched it away. “Hm…I can definitely see the upside to this. He’s stinking hot, although a workaholic much like yourself. Single. And not short of money.”
“Melody…I’m inviting him here to draw business to Silver Bell Inn and offer him a solution while he’s researching his next show, not to marry the guy. The problem is he’s used to five-star treatment. The guest house isn’t a luxurious suite, and we’re not a fancy hotel catering to a customer’s every whim as I suspect he’s used to. Plus, we’re one of those sleepy towns he just publicly criticized on national television. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I realize how crazy this idea is.”
Freya rubbed her forehead and retrieved her coffee, mentally problem-solving the situation. If she could entice Mr. Dreams Do Come True to stay at the inn, and win his seal of approval, that would be huge. It would definitely increase business and draw customers here.
“I could give the guest house a fresh coat of paint. I’ll tone down the chintz and give it a more modern look. We have to entice him enough that he can’t refuse and hope he falls in love with the charm of the inn,” she said, voicing her ideas out loud.
Melody snort-laughed and wriggled her bushy eyebrows. “I know what will tempt him. Do you want me to draft an email?”
At times, when Freya became slammed with her full-time job, Melody switched from baking in the kitchen to assistant office manager, helping with the day-to-day running of the inn. Draining her coffee, she peered at Melody, a little nervous at her friend’s offer.
“Let me chat with my media contact first. Getting inside information about Mr. Blake will help us, for sure. The bottom line is, which makes me sound very desperate, but it’s the truth, we need to increase revenue here, or everyone will be out of a job. If we can’t undertake the roof repairs and replace the antique boiler next spring, we won’t have any guests left. Silver Bell Inn has oodles of charm. Just because there are a few cracks doesn’t mean we should abandon her, even if Dad wishes we would.”
Melody wrapped her arms around her, and she hugged her back. There was nothing quite like a firm hug from the woman who was more like her sister than a friend. Pressed for time, she reluctantly stood back.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
It’s a brand-new year, full of possibilities. Did you make any resolutions/goals for 2023? If so, please share one.
Over the past several years, spending hours sitting in my chair writing, impacted my physical health. In 2022, one of my goals was to reduce my weight. I took a long hard look at my lifestyle and made a few changes such as eating a well-balanced diet and exercising more. After regular fasting, and increasing my physical activities, I dropped two dress sizes and lost a stone in weight. Seeing the results after of years of trying to lose weight encouraged me to keep going, and I feel wonderful. In 2023, I want to continue with my new healthy routine, which includes walking at least 2 miles a day, whatever the weather because I want to continue to stay healthy to enable me to keep writing.
Why is your featured book a must-read in 2023?
Silver Bell Inn is a sweet contemporary Christmas novella and a must read in 2023 because it’s about family, forgiveness, and finding unexpected love with a perfect stranger.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $75 Amazon US or Canada gift card
Open internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Amazon CA account to win.
Runs January 1 – 31, 2023.
Drawing will be held on February 1, 2023.
Author Biography:
Author J. M. Davies, Jen, believes everyone deserves a happy ever after, and while life may not deliver, she hopes her books do. Driven by her desire for interesting stories and tormented people, she writes paranormal and contemporary romance as well as women's fiction. The heat level may change as the stories and characters dictate, but the desire to leave you satisfied is the same throughout. Originally born in Wales, UK, she now lives in a small town in New England. Jen has found her own soulmate in her husband, Paul, who is her sounding board for many a plot, and his comedic humor, always lifts her up. He's also very good when it comes to bouncing ideas around and has sparked brilliant light-bulb moments resolving tedious plot holes. Together they have four boys, one lovely daughter-in-law, and a grandson Zaiyan. A few places you can learn more about J. M. Davies. Cheerleaders group https://www.facebook.com/groups/24632232... Website https://www.jenniferowendavies.com/
Social Media Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeninnewengland/ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-m-davies