Six Women. Four Decades. One long, unexpected reunion. Olivia Davis credits her foster mom for helping uncover her kind heart and gift for helping animals when she was only a child. With Jewel’s encouragement, Olivia becomes a successful nurse in Spokane. Her career brings her immense satisfaction, but her true joy comes from her marriage and the son she loves more than anything.
Simon is a rebellious teenager spiraling out of control, and Olivia and her husband are powerless to stop him. After years of heartbreaks and disappointments, Olivia is dealing with the unbearable loss of her family when she receives an unexpected letter.
With her life in pieces, she accepts the invitation to return to Lavender Valley Farm to find respite in the small town to soothe her troubled soul. It had been a place of healing forty years ago, but the wounds are far deeper now.
Will the sanctuary of her childhood home be the healing balm Olivia desperately needs?
SANCTUARY AT LAVENDER VALLEY is the third book in the Sisters of the Heart Series from USA Today bestselling author, Tammy L. Grace. Fans of heartwarming, feel-good women’s fiction like those by Debbie Macomber or Sheila Roberts will devour this series.
Don’t miss a book in the Sisters of the Heart Series! You’ll want to binge all of these small-town women’s fiction stories.
Book 1: Greetings from Lavender Valley Book 2: Pathway to Lavender Valley Book 3: Sanctuary at Lavender Valley Book 4: Blossoms at Lavender Valley Book 5: Comfort at Lavender Valley Book 6: Reunion at Lavender Valley
Tammy L. Grace is a USA Today bestselling and award winning author who writes women's fiction, mysteries, and sweet Christmas stories. She also writes about the bond we have with dogs using her pen name, Casey Wilson. Tammy is known for creating perfect escapes, unforgettable characters, and binge-worthy series.
When Tammy isn't working on ideas for a novel, she's spending time with family and friends or supporting her addiction to books and chocolate. She and her husband have one grown son and a spoiled golden retriever.
Did I mention how much I am enjoying this series? Tammy L. Grace has a beautiful way with words, and this little town she has created with such caring folk... well, I want to live there, too! The next Sister of the Heart who we meet is Olivia. Foster parents Jewel and Chuck helped her navigate out of a tough childhood, which left her with scars, both internal and external. Her love of animals is credited to the caring nature of Jewel who, along with her canine friend, Willow, helped Olivia to come out of the darkness. When she arrives, Olivia is reeling from losing her son, Simon, and a divorce. She's apprehensive but finds that she feels Jewel at every turn once she is at Lavender Valley Farm. Restarting the animal rescue centre that Jewel and Chuck started when she was living with them is just the tonic for her, and getting to know her new 'sister', Harry, as well as her new neighbours and the local folk, especially Duke, the vet, helps to build Olivia's self-esteem back up. A beautifully crafted story, and I am about to dive into the next one right now!
I read Sanctuary at Lavender Valley by Tammy L. Grace through the Kindle Unlimited program. This books was both emotional and uplifting. I am really enjoying this series very much.
Chuck and Jewel Austin were wonderful foster parents, and to many of their dozens of foster daughters they were the only parents the girls ever really knew or could count on. Throughout the years Jewel had written letters to five of the girls she had forged a special bond with. She enjoyed keeping up with their lives and keeping that special relationship strong. In book 1 Greetings from Lavender Valley, you meet all of the main characters through these letters.
In book 2 Pathway to Lavender Valley, you meet Harry (Harriet) McKenzie, she is the first to go to Lavender Valley Farm to fulfill the wishes of her beloved foster parent Jewel. With the help of her neighbors Clay and Heath Harry digs in to make a go of running the lavender farm and restarting Jewel’s animal rescue and sanctuary. Harry can hardly wait to find the other women and convince them to come to Lavender Valley Farm and help make Jewel’s last wishes come true.
Sanctuary at Lavender Valley focuses on Olivia Davis, she is the next arrival to the farm. Olivia had everything, a good job a loving husband and a son she adored. But sadly, as her son got older, he took a dangerous path in life and put Olivia and her husband though some rough times as he spiraled out of control. Eventually Olivia loses everything, and feels lost and alone, until she receives a letter from Harry inviting her to back to Lavender Valley. Could this be what she needs to find peace and comfort? It has been 40 years, but Lavender Valley Farm was the only place Olivia could call home as a child. Will this be what she needs to feel alive again?
Since I am not one to retell the story, or give spoilers, I will leave it there. As with all of Tammy Grace’s books this newest one did not disappoint, I loved it as much as all her others. If you love small towns, furry friends, a bit of mystery, and a sprinkling of sweet romance you are going to love this one too!
This is one of those books that will just fill your heart up with joy and thankfulness. The title was obviously carefully chosen by the author because the main character definitely needed sanctuary.
Olivia Davis had a rough life early only until she ended up in a foster home with Jewell and Simon in Lavender Valley. This couple literally saved her life and helped shape her into the woman she is today. She became a nurse, married and had a son. Her son, Simon, was rebellious and went down a dark pathway. He recently died, and she and her husband divorced. Olivia has suffered a lot of heartache and loss in a short period of time, so when she receives an invite to return to Lavender Valley, she feels this is a sign that she needs to move forward with her life and needs a change of scenery. When she arrives she decides to restart the dog rescue that Jewell started years ago. She knows that dogs provide comfort, as this helped her along her journey. This leads to her meeting the local vet, Duke. They start working together to rescue dogs and help each other through the changes going on in their lives.
Dog lovers and animal lovers will devour this book as I did. The characters were very likable and relatable. They had a true heart for animals and their Maker. Both Olivia and Duke were willing to give of themselves to protect others (the four legged kind and the two legged kind). I can see that I will have to go back and read books 1 and 2. You do not have to read books 1 and 2 as the author does a great job of providing a back story, but after reading this one, I have to go back and read the others.
If you are looking for a book with wonderful characters, sweet pups and a touching story, you will enjoy this one.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jewel and Chuck Austin opened their hearts and home to foster children for over 20 years. Most of the placements were short term, but for 5 girls, Lavender Valley Farm was their home until they aged out of the system at 18. In the first book of the series, Greetings from Lavender Valley, through Jewel’s journal entries and letters to the adult girls, we learn their stories. But Jewel and Chuck have died and the women those girls became come back to the farm.
While living with Jewel and Chuck, Olivia Davis developed her compassionate nature while taking care of the dogs from Jewel’s dog rescue program. As an adult, Olivia transferred that compassion to humans in her role as a RN. When her son died and her marriage fell apart, the invitation back to Lavender Valley Farm was just what she needed to get her life back on track. She took over restarting Jewel’s dog rescue program that Jewel had let lapse when she could no longer do the work involved. Working closely with the town veterinarian, Duke Walker, Olivia discovers forever homes for some of the most delightful dogs around, while finding healing in the friendships she forms in Lavender Valley.
Dog rescue stories can be saccharine, but Tammy Grace has written a sensitive, realistic story about a woman who needs healing as much as the dogs. Each dog has its own issues and I love the way they change while maintaining their inherent personalities. I’d take any one of them home with me – well maybe not Ghost since my property is small.
I received a copy of this book from the author but the opinion is my own. I loved it and have already re-read it just to enjoy the growth of everyone (human and animal) involved. This series reflects the importance of successful fostering experiences for children in need of healing.
I am enjoying the way the story in this series unfolds. Book 1 “Greetings from Lavender Valley” introduces the main characters, Jewel and Chuck Austin, and five special young women they fostered at their beautiful Lavender Valley Farm in Oregon. Decades have passed since the girls were there. Chuck has passed away and as Jewel is nearing the end of her life, she reaches out to those five women with an invitation to return to the farm and fulfill a final request.
The subsequent books each tell the story of one of those women – now all in midlife, in different locations, and circumstances. What are the chances that the invitations will reach them all? And will they be willing and able to set aside what they’re currently doing to return to Lavender Valley?
Book 3 tells the story of Olivia. Her life has been torn apart by heartache and loss. Jewel always knew what she needed before she did. Will a trip back to Lavender Valley farm supply the solace and healing she needs?
A heartwarming story with characters (human and furry) that you will love. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Thank you to Tammy L. Grace for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Thank you to the author for the ARC - all opinions are my own. This is Olivia’s story as she returns to Lavender Valley. Olivia has recently suffered the death of her son from a drug overdose and her subsequent divorce. Harry has reached out to her at the final bequest of Jewel, their foster mother. Five girls came to live with Jewel and stayed for five years; Jewel called them sisters of the heart, even though they have never met. The invitation has come at the perfect time for Olivia, and although she still grieves the loss of her son that she couldn’t save, the return to Lavender Valley gives her a place to start over. Jewel had a rescue and Olivia is determined to restart the rescue. The local vet, Duke, also plays an important role in this story. Although I said it before in my review of Pathway to Lavender Valley, I highly recommend starting with Greetings from Lavender Valley, which has a little bit about each of the 5 foster kids as introduced by Jewel. I am personally keeping that book handy and rereading the brief section about each girl as I read the rest of the series.
Jewel has one final wish - for the 5 foster daughters that she formed the closest bond with to move home for one year, take over her farm in Lavender Valley and hopefully, become sisters of the heart. All were fostered by Jewel and her husband, but none were ever in the home at the same time, nor have they met. In her heart, Jewel knows they will need each other in the future. Olivia is a retired nurse grieving from the loss of her son. Jewel always thought Olivia would make an excellent veterinarian since she was instrumental in helping with the animal rescue at the farm. Taking a faster route, Olivia went into nursing but agrees to come home and resurrect the animal sanctuary. Duke is the local veterinarian and clearly overworked. Olivia does what she can to help him out. Love seems to be in the air in Lavender Valley. Beautifully crafted story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Thank you to Tammy L. Grace for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Olivia, the second member of Jewel’s ‘special girls’ joins Harry at Lavender Valley Farm, and is immediately motivated to re-open her foster mom’s dog rescue sanctuary. Still recovering from a difficult and tragic few months, she prefers to spend her time with the animals on the farm rather than socializing with larger groups of the small town’s residents. However, circumstances dictate otherwise… Tammy Grace continues her latest series with skill and a beautiful writing style, making her readers feel like integral participants in the story. I received a free advance review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion
Sweet book about healing with pets and a small town!
Olivia has come back to Lavender Valley grieving deeply. A retired nurse, she plans on reopening Jewel's dog rescue. Duke is the local vet and more than happy to help Olivia with whatever she needs. However, it seems that she is helping him even more than he is helping her! Can the animals and Duke help Olivia get past her grief? Read this to find out!
The pace is engrossing and the tone is hopeful with a character centered storyline that has a few kisses. The characters are vivid and engaging, including all the animals. This is a heartwarming story that hits many emotional buttons. Read this series in order. Enjoy!
What better way to heal than returning to the place where you were taken in by loving foster parents who would guide you through all the hurt and tragedy of life. Jewel knew these ladies would find healing and another new start after facing difficult circumstances in their adult lives; just as she had guided them as children. Now with the help of "sisters of the heart" as Jewel called them, they would again find healing and a new beginning filled with love and friendship as they return to Lavender Valley. What a great series!!!
This is the story of Olivia and Duke, another feel good book about two people who find love where they weren’t expecting to. Olivia comes to Lavender Valley through a bequest from her foster mother, she has nothing left for her after several sad events in the place she lived her adult life. She restarts a pet rescue and meets the local veterinarian and gets the gift of a lifetime.
Lavender Valley Farm was the foster home for the girls in this series during their teen years. Now they are older and life has put a wrench in each of their lives. The foster mother has died and left them the farm with the stipulation that they live there for a year. This book is about Olivia. She needs to make a change in her life and Lavender Valley seems to be the change she needs. She is reestablishing the dog sanctuary and finds love again.
This book so beautifully describes how the farm in Lavender Valley becomes a sanctuary for not only the dogs, but also for Olivia who is carrying so much sorrow with her. I know you too will enjoy reading how Olivia begins to heal and trust in this wonderful story just as the dogs do.
I have t say that this is my favorite book in this series, so far. This is a beautiful story of dealing with grief, emotional healing and starting over in Tammy Grace’s newest series. Olivia’s story is so compelling, as she accepts the invitation to return to Lavender Valley and put the pieces of her life together again as she starts up the rescue her foster mom Jewell had started so many years ago. All the animals, especially the dogs and Paisley, a lamb, help heal her wounded soul and allow her to open up again to find true friends and love in her life. This story will touch your heart.
This is a beautifully written emotional story about healing and bonding with new people. Tammy L Grace writes stories about family, love and close communities. Her descriptions are so vivid as to draw the reader into the story. I highly recommend this series. Especially if you are an animal and dog lover!
Loved this addition to the series. I would have liked to have known Jewel. She influenced so many lives with her caring. Tammy Grace has again given us a glimpse at a time of healing for Olivia. Lavender Valley has given her new purpose with the animal rescue and new hope with her relationship with Duke. I look forward to the next book.
I love these Sisters of the Heart books! Tammy Grace does a great job of tying all the relationships of previous foster children together, now that they are older, grown women. Of course, there are animals involved. I enjoyed every page of this book and will be starting book 4 soon. If you love animals this is a book for you.
Having a yorkie, those sweet babies just got to me. The trama of their little lives had not given them a sanctuary, they found their perfect peace at Lavender Valley Rescue. Seems like Olivia found her's there as well. The farm just grows on you the more you read.
Once I started reading this book I didn't want to put it down. And yet I didn't want it to end! Well written. It's like real people with real problems. This story really touched my heart because it was about rescue dogs. It was so heartwarming!
I absolutely love this series. Each one pulls you in and you first hand get to see each girl and their story of being at Lavender Valley, their life and returning to Lavender Valley. Each one keeps you waiting for the next.
What an amazing story ,I couldn't put this down. The characters are very likeable and make you feel part of their story. I love the dog rescue because animals just bring out the best in people. I can't wait to read the next book. Highly recommend
This series is just a comfortable easy read. Perfect for when you are stressed and just want to relax for a bit. Glad that the women are a bit more mature (ie older) and have lead real lives. Totally enjoying the series.
The series just keeps getting better as each of the sisters return home to Lavender Valley Farm. I am unable to put my Kandil down as I immediately go from the ending of one book to the beginning of the next. Ms. Grace is one of my new favorite authors.
This book makes you feel part of the farm. The animals and flowers are so enjoyable. The characters are very kind and community minded. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
So this surgeries a great job of pulling you I to the story and keeping you wanted to continue reading more and more. The love you feel as you picture the loving care of the animals.
A feel good book. Small town, kind residents, a farm to rescue people and animals. Women brought back to a farm where they lived as children in a foster home. A book that has all the feels of how life used to be.