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Dune Island #5

My Grandmother's Inn

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Periwinkle-blue flowers spill over the picket fence, framing the simple wooden sign that reads Hydrangea House . But Molly’s eyes fill with tears. Her grandmother Beverley used to stand right there in the doorway, ready to welcome guests. Now Beverley is gone, will the inn close forever?

Grieving and newly single Molly Anderson begs the wealthy Frost family, owners of Hydrangea House, to allow her to run the inn for one last summer before they shut it down. She vows to give the final guests a summer to remember by the sea. It’s what Beverly—who worked uncomplainingly for the Frosts her whole life—would have wanted.

But when an elderly woman checks in claiming to know a secret about Beverly’s true connection to the Frost family, everything Molly knows about her beloved grandmother is called into question. The woman says that a message in a bottle hidden somewhere at Hydrangea House, will not only reveal the truth, but could stop the Frosts’ plan in its tracks.

Desperate to do whatever she can to save Hydrangea House, Molly combs the inn from attic to basement, helped by visiting oceanographer Matt . She could never get involved with a guest, but Matt’s kindness as he listens to her worries, and the way his deep brown eyes keep locking with hers are hard to ignore…

But as they fill their summer with searching, rumors and bad reviews about Molly start to spread. By delving into the mystery of the past, has she shattered any chance of the inn’s future? Can Matt be trusted, or is he more closely linked to the Frost family than she thought? And when she finally unlocks the secret about her grandmother, will it bring Molly peace—or tear her apart?

286 pages, Paperback

Published March 28, 2023

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About the author

Kristin Harper

8 books157 followers
Website: kristinharperauthor.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews.
1,296 reviews1,614 followers
April 8, 2023
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book!!

No rooms available?

How can that be, and especially since the article about the Inn is not correct?

Molly didn’t know what the woman on the phone meant, but she said she knew Grandmother Beverly and there was something Molly needed to know about Hydrangea Inn.

What could Molly do?

She wanted to know what this woman meant especially since this was going to be the last summer for Hydrangea Inn to be open because Savannah the owner was going to turn it back into a family home.

Molly decided to give this woman her room - would Savannah be angry since no one ever stayed in the innkeeper’s room?

Molly figured she would just have to deal with it…what this woman had to say had her more curious than worrying about the wrath of Savannah.

I was curious to find out what the secret of Hydrangea Inn and Grandmother Beverly was too.

MY GRANDMOTHER’S INN is another delightful, sweet read by Kristin Harper with characters you would want to meet and have in your life.

I have thoroughly enjoyed her previous books as well.

Those readers who need something light and breezy with lovely, heartwarming characters will truly enjoy this book. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,481 reviews144 followers
March 30, 2023
A long-buried secret, a little romance, and the importance of family is at the heart of this book. Molly Anderson's grandmother, Beverley, has died. Beverley had been the manager of Hydrangea House on Dune Island for entire working life and made it a warm and welcoming inn for all its visitors, many of whom were repeat customers. Molly begs to the wealthy Frost family to let her remain there as manager for one final summer and honor the reservations of the guests - it's what her grandmother would have done.

Questions arise when an elderly woman, Hazel, gets in touch with Molly and wants to come to the inn. She had seen the article about the inn closing and said the facts are not right. She needs to tell Molly the story in person. Hazel has quite a story to tell.

This was an enjoyable read. A little mystery, a little romance, and a beautiful setting. It would make a nice beach read. I would have liked to have met Beverley - she seems like such a warm, friendly person.

Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on March 31, 2023.
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,441 reviews217 followers
February 15, 2023
This series keeps getting better - and I didn’t think it was possible, considering the fantastic start!

What makes this one so good is the mystery and the character growth. Hydrangea House sure holds some great secrets and unearthing them was a compelling story that caused me to lose all track of time! The conflict, drama, tension and suspense that author Harper created, had me turning pages and kept me on the edge of my seat, but it was the character development that inspired me and connected me to the story. The tension between the main characters was extremely well-developed and so authentic. That’s why I keep reading Harper’s books; she knows how to craft her characters’ emotional development. In fact, I consider her a master at it!

Harper explores loneliness, trust, the meaning of family, the importance of honouring someone’s memory and the necessity of having someone to lean on.

I was gifted his copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
1,718 reviews110 followers
March 29, 2023
This was a sweet read, at times it was a little too sweet but, on the whole I enjoyed it. Another new author for me and I’ll probably look for more by her. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
38 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2023
on the juvenile side

I only finished it because I started it. But it was like reading at the 7th grade level. The narration of every thought was boring and the plot too obvious.
Profile Image for Annette.
2,768 reviews48 followers
March 5, 2023
It was a nice feel good story. It has a bit of a mystery and some light romance. I’ve read several books by this author and all are really good books.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
12 reviews
July 11, 2024
Good summer read, better than Lilly's Secret Inheritance
8 reviews
December 11, 2023
The concept had potential but the writing style was juvenile. The thought process of the main character was so irritating and unrealistic. There was no setting the scene to get a sense of the feelings of the characters, only directly saying what the characters were thinking. Boring style of writing. The story overall was not the exciting. No real big twist or excitement.
1 review
June 11, 2023
Predictable

I was disappointed with this novel which appeared to have amazing reviews. When I can accurately guess the outcome of a story early on in the read, it becomes predictable. I would not read another book by this author.
43 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2023
I liked this book, but for me, the plot seemed very complicated when it could have been a little simpler. There were a lot of people in the book, live ones and people of past generations. At one time I had to sit down and construct a family tree for who everyone was, past and present. I think some of the characters could have been left out of the story to make it less complicated. But as complicated as I felt it was, the ending was too short. I really wish the author would have spent less time on the first 9/10 of the book and developed the end of the story a little more. The ending was too easy and not realistic.
Profile Image for Lori Tremain.
657 reviews9 followers
July 23, 2023
Long book. Molly's grandmother was an innkeeper for all of Molly's life. She has passed away. But the new owner, Savannah, wants to remodel it. She is also a girl whose parents were the wealthy and owned the In. The girls knew each other as kids. Time and status separated them. Now Molly volunteers to run the Inn for free to live out her grandmother's legend. Savanna agrees to that. However, an elderly lady from their families past comes and changes their lives.
Profile Image for Melinda Anders.
582 reviews10 followers
March 11, 2023
Molly's grandmother was the innkeeper at Hydrangea House. When her grandmother passes Molly doesn't want to see the inn closed because it meant so much to the guests. So free of charge she becomes the innkeeper for the summer.
This would be a great beach read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and to the publisher Bookouture.
13 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2024
enjoyed this book

I enjoyed this book but felt it went too slow and was predictable. Not quite enough action to please me but I was interested enough to want to read it to the end.
Profile Image for Nicola “Shortbookthyme”.
2,364 reviews135 followers
April 2, 2023
Edited: I inadvertently posted the wrong review and have now fixed my mess up. Sincere apologies.

I am a huge fan of Kristin Harper. I love her writing and have pretty much read every book she has written.
I loved the main character, Molly. She wants to do something to honor her grandmother and keep her memory alive. Her interactions with the guests at the Inn are sincere.
This was just a very heartwarming, feel good read.
Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Amy S..
34 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2024
Easy read

A quick, easy read with a lovely beach setting. This would be a good beach book. Some of the the characters were annoying but overall, a pleasant experience.
Profile Image for Cindy Spear.
597 reviews45 followers
March 2, 2023
Review of My Grandmother’s Inn by Kristin Harper

What a beautiful, warm, uplifting story by Kristin Harper filled with charming thoughtful surprises! It was such a delight to glide into My Grandmother’s Inn with such ease and curiosity. This book came along just at the right moment as it expressed and fleshed out so many dilemmas that I have observed around me recently. To see how the characters work out their issues and life changes and choices was encouraging. I had never read Kristin’s books before, even though I was intrigued by her covers, themes and titles. They appeared to be encouraging family stories that I’d truly enjoy and my assumption was correct! Even though my reading and writing schedule was chocked full, I decided it was time to dive in to her upcoming release. And I am so glad I did! Sincere thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for sending me a digital copy.

"A message sent with love always finds its way from one heart to another." Love always finds a way for sure. The message in a bottle theme has been appearing a few times this year in my reading. My Grandmother’s Inn is special for many reasons but its use of a bottle, in carrying a coded truth that could change many lives, is unique. The familiarity of the line was comforting, too. I remember as a child doing the same—putting messages in bottles and sending them out to sea, imagining where they might end up. But in this story the bottle and message are directed at one person: the father of an elderly lady who returns to the Inn many years later to share her story: a story that holds a secret she has maintained all her life. This secret has left a dark spot of guilt on her soul and she feels she must release it to the right person to clear her troubled conscience. And time is of the essence. The urgency is important for a few reasons but the main one is the Inn is about to close down. The Innkeeper has died and it has fallen to an heir that may or may not keep it.

There are two women in this story connected to Hydrangea Inn and grandmother Beverly. These woman are polar opposites it seems or at the very least, very different in many ways: such as in personality, ambition and motives. But things are not quite as they appear and the uncovering of a truth will change everything. It may free one girl while enslaving another.

Dune Island is a tranquil get-away not only for the characters but the reader, too! It is easy to get lost in the colourful setting that surrounds the Inn. It is also a place where many happy memories have occurred for granddaughter Molly. But when her grandmother passes and the wealthy Frost owners seek to shut down the accommodation, Molly is determined to give its guests one last memorable summer to honour her grandmother’s memory. She makes it her mission to convince the owner, Savannah Frost, to keep it open a little longer. Molly proposes to take up the position her grandmother had as innkeeper but soon finds it is not as easy as Beverly made it look. Of course, there are rules and behaviours one must follow and avoidance of romance with any of the guests is one of them. But will this stop a budding relationship from happening? Oceanographer, Matt, is a gentle and positive soul who comes on the scene to stay at the inn, more as a border than an overnight guest. He appears sincere in his interest in Molly and in helping her solve a mystery. But is he as he seems?

I absolutely adored this novel. There is tension, drama, mystery, emotional depth and character growth. Family is at the core, what that means and how they shape our lives and even cause personal conflict within us when we are expected to follow in their footsteps whether we want to or not. My Grandmother’s Inn is an absolute gem and I am now dying to read the previous books in the series. Kristin is an accomplished writer who knows how to steal your heart with her fascinating characters and their family dramas. Pure, inspirational positive fiction. Highly recommend for any reading occasion or season. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Carla.
7,604 reviews179 followers
April 1, 2023
When Molly Anderson's Grandmother Beverly passes, she knows that Hydrangea House will never be the same. She finds out that the owner of the Inn, Savannah Frost plans to close it and renovate so that it will become a family home once again. Molly is devastated that all the people who already had reservations will not have a summer vacation, so she convinces Savannah to let her run the Inn for one last summer. After all, she has recently broken up with her boyfriend and no longer has plans to work at the summer camp. Savannah agrees once Molly tells her she won't take a salary. Things are not as easy as Grandma Beverly made them look and Molly often struggles with things. When an older woman, Hazel, calls telling Molly she has to set the record straight, that she knows a secret about their families, Molly accepts her reservation to find out what she needs to tell her. Will this summer on Dune Island change Molly's life?

Molly is a very relatable characters with normal reactions, feelings and behaviours. I really identified with her and would love to stay at Hydrangea House. The secondary characters were all an integral part of the story. At first I didn't like Savannah, but as the story progressed, she grew on me. I think she is unhappy, so takes it out on others. Her boyfriend, Austin, was the one character that I disliked a lot. He was an a$$. He was a snob and was only out for whatever he could get. As Molly finds out more about her grandmother's past, she wants an answer to the mystery. There is also a love interest, that was so sweet. I loved the gentle way that Kristin Harper developed that relationship. I really enjoyed this story, with all it's emotion, secrets and mystery. The setting was absolutely amazing. I'm not sure if Dune Island is real or based on a real island, but it sounds absolutely amazing. A place to go to relax and rejuvenate. I have enjoyed all the books in the Dune Island series and this one is no exception. I wish there had been more at the end or even an epilogue as I found the ending a bit abrupt and I was left with some questions. I do recommend this book and any in the Dune Island series. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order, so feel free to pick them up whenever you can.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,892 reviews136 followers
July 8, 2023
“I can’t imagine a more rewarding vocation than helping others to enjoy the beauty of Dune Island and create happy memories with their loved ones. What’s more, I get to meet people from all over the world and from all walks of life. It’s a privilege to become acquainted with them and to hear their stories— I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Folks this couldn't be more truer words spoken from a heart of gold. It's exactly how I feel about working with the public too. This book y'all! It's full of fantastic family dynamics! Oh my! The best book of all by this author in my opinion If Beverly only knew. I loved every minute of this book. I'm not sure why I didn't read it sooner. Now I wish I had. But now, I'm glad I did because this book will make you stop and think about what if things were different. Even I think that about myself sometimes. I'm adopted. My heart went out to Hazel and all she endured. What awful trauma! I just couldn't imagine. But you know what they say about Karma? I'll let you figure it out. Another reason I loved this book was it offered hope, love and forgiveness something that we all sorely need from time to time Things will always work out like they're supposed to even if it's sometimes NOT how we think they should go. God works things out for His purposes NOT ours. I hope this author writes more! I looooove her work! Molly and Hazel are two special characters of mine in this story. I'm not saying why because I want you to figure it out yourselves! You'll love every minute and be spellbound just like I was! 5 stars for a very fantastic job of making this story real-life and with great enthusiasm. I highly recommend. My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,406 reviews119 followers
April 1, 2023
Once again, we are back on Dune Island where the ocean view is breathtaking, and the scent of flowers relaxes the mind. For many years innkeeper Beverley's gentle and kind spirit has welcomed and made guests feel right at home at Hydrangea House, owned by the wealthy Frost family. Devastated by her grandmother's death Molly begs the family for one last summer to have that connection with her grandmother and run the inn.
When an elderly woman who is a guest claims to have known Beverly her entire life and the family since her childhood reveals a secret it brings into question everything Molly thinks she knows about her family leading to a DNA test.
The Frost family plans on closing the inn after the current season which leaves Molly devastated.
Can an old bottle with a message in it written many years ago stop this plan if it's actually found?
As much as she wants to keep her grandmother's spirit alive through running the inn she's not really much of an innkeeper and the bad reviews filter in. The characters, I absolutely adored them and was rooting for them. This book had me hooked, I simply couldn't put it down. A summer spent searching for a missing bottle has Molly wondering if she can trust inn guest Matt whom she feels a connection with. Family connections, learning to trust and a totally intriguing read that'll pull you right in. I absolutely loved this book.

Pub Date 31 Mar 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
1,001 reviews4 followers
May 18, 2023
How does a secret from generations ago drastically change the present?
"Grieving and newly single Molly Anderson begs the wealthy Frost family, owners of Hydrangea House, to allow her to run the inn for one last summer before they shut it down. She vows to give the final guests a summer to remember by the sea. It’s what Beverly—who worked uncomplainingly for the Frosts her whole life—would have wanted.
But when an elderly woman checks in claiming to know a secret about Beverly’s true connection to the Frost family, everything Molly knows about her beloved grandmother is called into question. The woman says that a message in a bottle hidden somewhere at Hydrangea House, will not only reveal the truth, but could stop the Frosts’ plan in its tracks.
Desperate to do whatever she can to save Hydrangea House, Molly combs the inn from attic to basement, helped by visiting oceanographer Matt. She could never get involved with a guest, but Matt’s kindness as he listens to her worries, and the way his deep brown eyes keep locking with hers are hard to ignore…
But as they fill their summer with searching, rumors and bad reviews about Molly start to spread. By delving into the mystery of the past, has she shattered any chance of the inn’s future? Can Matt be trusted, or is he more closely linked to the Frost family than she thought? And when she finally unlocks the secret about her grandmother, will it bring Molly peace—or tear her apart?" synopsis copied
The ending left me feeling "let down".
5 reviews
July 31, 2023
First time reading this author, Kristin Harper. This story was so easy to read, it was a story that you kept wanting to get to the next chapter to see what happens.
Dune Island is where the beautiful Hydrangea House is located. It's been in the Frost family for years. Molly's (the main character) grandmother, Beverly, recently passed away. She was the caretaker of the Inn for as many years as the Frost family owned it.
Molly had visited a lot in her younger days and knew the Frosts granddaughter, Savannah. The story begins as Savannah the now current owner wants to close down the Inn immediately. Molly who wants to honor her grandmoms memory, cant imagine telling guests they have to cancel reservations already made. So Molly gets Savannah to agree in the plan. Molly will run the Inn for the summer. Greeting guests, planning events, and serving morning treats.
A former guest Hazel, phones the Inn and tells Molly she needs to tell her something that she has kept a secret since her Grand mom Beverly was born. This is where the story gets interesting and you will be so glad as the mystery unfolds that you picked up this book to read. There is also a sweet friendship in the making with a guest staying at the Inn by the name of Matt. Will Matt and Molly become more than friends?


Profile Image for Nana.
911 reviews17 followers
March 6, 2023
As I was reading this book, it just relaxed me. There is a lot going on in the book, but there is just something about a book with an ocean, that just sets the tone for relaxing.
Molly's grandmother, Beverly has been the manager of Hydrangea House, for many years and when her grandmother passes away, she convinces the owner to let her open it for one more summer. The owner agrees and Molly opens the inn. She realizes there is a lot more work involved than she thought. But she wants to do this to honor her grandmother. She gets a phone call from an elderly woman, Hazel, who saw the article about the inn closing and said the facts wasn't right. Hazel and her daughter came to the inn and told her what she remembered. It was an interesting mystery, Molly starts searching for answers, and as summer progresses, there are rumors and the inn is getting bad reviews.
As summer comes to an end, and the inn is closing, everyone has the answers and can move on, but I am not going to tell you how they move on, I highly recommend this book, It is amazing.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Susanne Scott.
1,487 reviews20 followers
March 16, 2023
Oh fantastic! I love this series. They fill my heart with so much love. They are pure, wholesome stories from the heart.

I enjoyed seeing Molly try to step into her grandmothers shoes and be the inn keeper, realising that it was a lot of work and just how hard her grandma must of worked her whole life, yet still loved her job so much spoke volumes. Also the realisation that it just wasn’t something she could see herself doing long term, as fulfilling guests needs really annoyed her at times.
I liked how Savannah changed throughout the book, and how her and Molly were able to reconnect and clear the air about when they were teens and move forward as better people. Matt was great too, I loved his quiet devotion to Molly and how he listened to her, and also how he saw the truth in Hazel and her tale.
Ah Hazel. I loved her and Lauren bantering together, I loved the fact that she just had to put right what she knew had been done but being only a small child herself couldn’t do anything at the time. I was so sad when Molly got the call to say of her passing, but her mission had been accomplished.
A beautiful tale from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for Caroline|Page~Turners.
575 reviews15 followers
April 2, 2023
My Grandmother’s Inn by Kristin Harper was a book I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. Molly Anderson is still in the grieving process from losing her Grandmother Beverly. She loves Hydrangea House and has many amazing memories there. The Frost family wants to close Hydrangea House now that Beverly has passed away, but Molly wants to run the Inn for one last summer. Molly soon meets Matt, a guest at the Inn and also an oceanographer and they enjoy each other's company. But when she discovers he is related to the Frost family, she begins to wonder, can she trust him?

I absolutely loved this heartwarming story of family, hard work and new found love. I was immediately pulled into this story and I wanted to walk along the beautiful sandy beach and admire the amazing sunset. I wanted to jump into the pages and not only taste the wonderful pastries served at breakfast, but I wanted to rummage through the attic and basement with Molly searching for family secrets. An absolutely lovely inspiring read. This was a wonderful story that I didn’t want to end….I loved it and I highly recommend it!!
Profile Image for Allyson.
1,055 reviews
May 26, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley, the publsihing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

This is the fifth book in the Dune Island series, I read the first two books, but have not read the third or fourth, I will definitely be adding those to my TBR pile now. This was a great addition to the series but could easily be read as a stand alone book. I enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more.

When Molly's grandmother passes, she is devastated. She thinks fondly of the Inn her grandmother used to run, Hydrangea House and realizes she will never see her grandmother standing outside the lovely place warmly ushering guests in. Molly asks the Inn's owners if she could run the inn this last summer inmemory of her grandmother and they agree. Molly is intrigued with one of he first guests, a older lady who tells her she knows the truth about Molly's grandmother, Beverly. With the assistance of Matt, another guest, she delves into the history of the house and may end of finding more than she bargained for, maybe even love.
Profile Image for Missyjohnson1.
676 reviews
May 7, 2024
nice but predictable story. Molly's grandmother Beverly has recently died. The grandmother had been the innkeeper of Hydrangea House on Dune Island for the Frost family for most of her life. She had even been born there. the matriarch of the Frost family many years ago posted in her will that the inn would be there for Beverly until she died, then the ownership and responsibility for the home would revert to the oldest living Frost family member. Molly volunteered to act as innkeeper for the summer after her grandmother's death in order to honor her and the customers who had already booked the rooms at the inn for the summer. Molly had spent time every summer at Dune house and usually with Savannah Frost who was the same age. Now Savannah owns the house and has plans to sell it. Then a mysterious phone call from an old woman claiming to have stayed at the house when Beverly was born. The caller, Hazel, had important information to give to Molly concerning a secret from that day. of course there is tension and head butting between molly and savannah. there is a handsome young professor staying the entire summer at Hydrangea House and Savannah has a smarmy boyfriend.
Profile Image for Patty.
923 reviews18 followers
March 20, 2023
Sometimes secrets are a good thing.

When Molly's grandmother dies and her boyfriend dumps her, Molly decides to volunteer as innkeeper at the Hydrangea House, the inn on Dune Island that her grandmother used to manage. Savannah, the descendant of the family who own the inn inherits it, and plans to close it. Molly convinces her to keep it open one more season.

Molly is intrigued when a elderly woman calls the inn, wanting to speak to the owner, saying she knows something important. Hazel, the woman, persists until Molly makes arrangements for Hazel to visit. The secret that Hazel reveals changes Molly and Savannah's lives forever.

This was a sweet small town novel, a bit of romance, a bit of family (and their squabbles) and a beautiful setting. I loved the idea of a cottage on premises that was rented at an affordable rate to disadvantaged families who otherwise couldn't afford it.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews

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