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Christmas at Barncastle Inn PB (Romancing America) by Darlene Franklin, Janelle Mowery, Lynette Sowell Susan Page Davis
You can experience Christmas during the time period of your choice—if you rent the entire Barncastle Inn of Vermont for the whole week of Christmas. When they first decided to do this, Jayne Barncastle is determined to prove to her parents it will work. Will she overlook her own chance for romance in the process? Will a World War II era “White Christmas” recreate a scene of forgiveness for an embittered couple? Can a pirate’s lair be the place of fun-filled reunion for old lovers? When coworkers assist in recreating the first Christmas for the inn, will they discover romance?
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About the author
Susan Page Davis
176 books527 followersFROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: I'm a native of central Maine, and grew up on a small farm with a wonderful mom and dad, three sisters and a brother. Most of my books take place in small towns, many of them in Maine.
My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!
Our children are all home-schooled. When Jim retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, we moved from Maine to Kentucky.
I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books.
Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.
For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.
My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!
Our children are all home-schooled. When Jim retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, we moved from Maine to Kentucky.
I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books.
Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.
For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 5, 2016
Quick easy read nice read. Retiring age couple has a college age daughter. They want to sell their home but she has the idea of turning it into a specialty Inn. They rent to people that can choose the setting and environment they want in the inn for their rental period. People have rented it and chosen Middle Ages,Pirates and more. My favorite was the first story.
December 12, 2016
I loved it from beginning to end! All four novellas were by new-to-me-authors but they were all fabulous!!! So glad I bought this one!
December 14, 2011
Novels involve fantasy. Because I’ve always dreamed of ways to drop people into historical settings and let them experience how things were then, I thought Barncastle Inn was a great idea.
Jayne Barncastle turns her back on a dream job in the city and transforms her parents bed and breakfast into the holiday time and place visitors long for. It will be an expensive holiday celebration because of all that is involved in the creations, and only the wealthy can afford it.
Guests could experience the simpler times of the 1930s with sledding parties, caroling and gifts typical of the era. She would even take them back to Charlemagne’s coronation on Christmas Day in 800
AD, playing up the castle aspects of the large inn. Food from the Middle Ages would be served with the staff wearing medieval costumes.
Jayne creates a World War II era Christmas, too, and then goes back to the time and place where it all began in Bethlehem.
A young widower and his son check out the place in order to recommend it to his former mother-in-law. His little son loves castles, dragons, sword fighting with harmless little weapons in the novella by Susan Page Davis, Love Comes to the Castle.
Three other authors tell the stories about Barncastle Inn: Darlene Franklin, Janelle Mowery and Lynette Sowell. As characters experience Christmas in a fresh new way, trouble and Cupid always show up.
I enjoyed this book. A review copy was provided.
Jayne Barncastle turns her back on a dream job in the city and transforms her parents bed and breakfast into the holiday time and place visitors long for. It will be an expensive holiday celebration because of all that is involved in the creations, and only the wealthy can afford it.
Guests could experience the simpler times of the 1930s with sledding parties, caroling and gifts typical of the era. She would even take them back to Charlemagne’s coronation on Christmas Day in 800
AD, playing up the castle aspects of the large inn. Food from the Middle Ages would be served with the staff wearing medieval costumes.
Jayne creates a World War II era Christmas, too, and then goes back to the time and place where it all began in Bethlehem.
A young widower and his son check out the place in order to recommend it to his former mother-in-law. His little son loves castles, dragons, sword fighting with harmless little weapons in the novella by Susan Page Davis, Love Comes to the Castle.
Three other authors tell the stories about Barncastle Inn: Darlene Franklin, Janelle Mowery and Lynette Sowell. As characters experience Christmas in a fresh new way, trouble and Cupid always show up.
I enjoyed this book. A review copy was provided.
January 17, 2012
All four stories were really sweet. There was also the right amount of drama. The second story really got into my head and made me want to watch White Christmas.
January 26, 2025
Did not care for the third book in the 4in 1 collection the pirate themed one. Mostly enjoyed the first and the last. It is a religious book, but if you’re reading a Christmas book that makes sense.
December 11, 2011
Title: CHRISTMAS AT BARNCASTLE INN
Authors: Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, Janelle, Mowery, Lynette Sowell
Publisher: Barbour Books
September 2011
ISBN: 978-1-41626-438-3
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
Four couples find romance at Barncastle Inn in Vermont.
Love Comes to the Castle by Susan Page Davis: Jayne Barncastle has earned her MBA in marketing and has a job offer in Boston. But when she visits her parents she learns they are hoping to retire in the New Year and sell the inn—if she doesn’t take over. Jayne has some big ideas, but will they work? Luke Gilbert’s wealthy in-laws want to rent the inn for a Christmas gathering—if Luke’s six year old son likes it. Luke agrees to take Andy up and visit for the weekend, but he doesn’t expect to be attracted to the pretty hostess. But with her considering a big city job and the fate of the inn in his in-laws hands, things could go bad very quickly.
Christmas Duets by Lynette Sowell: Sean McSweeney has “kidnapped” Marcella Goudreau’s grandfather, destroying what Marcella perceived as a happy marriage. She invests her life’s savings into renting the inn for a week so her grandmother and grandfather can get back together. But when her grandfather brings Sean along, Marcella sees her plans for reuniting her grandparents dying. But Sean isn’t want he seems. Is there hope they might by able to save their grandparents’ marriage?
Where Your Heart Is by Janelle Mowery: Stephanie Minter is a nanny to two young children and she agrees to accompany the family to Barncastle Inn when they go for their Christmas vacation. But the last person she expects to see there is her former love, Matthew Raynor, at the inn. Matt has been hired as a set designer at the Inn. He’s not overly thrilled to see Stephanie there, and harbors a lot of hurt over their breakup. Is there any hope that the two of them will get beyond their past and find a future?
First Christmas by Darlene Franklin: Waverly Coe is an unwed mother, working as an assistant to veterinarian Alex Ross. When the Barncastle Inn is rented out for a rendition for the first Christmas, Alex and Waverly work together to care for the live animals at the manager scene. With both of them facing difficult circumstances, will they find their way clear for love?
BARNCASTLE AT BARNCASTLE INN is a four-in-one collection with a unique twist. Set at Barncastle Inn in Maine, it is the story about four couples that find romance at the inn at Christmas time. This is an excellent read, with three of the four stories completely engaging me. The stories were well plotted, with interesting and engaging characters and situations that left me cheering for the couples.
These stories are easy to read in one sitting, making it an ideal book for the holidays when you don’t have tons of time to read. One of the better four-in-one romances I’ve read recently by award winning authors Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, Lynette Sowell and Janelle Mowery. $7.99. 343 pages. 4.5 stars.
Authors: Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, Janelle, Mowery, Lynette Sowell
Publisher: Barbour Books
September 2011
ISBN: 978-1-41626-438-3
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
Four couples find romance at Barncastle Inn in Vermont.
Love Comes to the Castle by Susan Page Davis: Jayne Barncastle has earned her MBA in marketing and has a job offer in Boston. But when she visits her parents she learns they are hoping to retire in the New Year and sell the inn—if she doesn’t take over. Jayne has some big ideas, but will they work? Luke Gilbert’s wealthy in-laws want to rent the inn for a Christmas gathering—if Luke’s six year old son likes it. Luke agrees to take Andy up and visit for the weekend, but he doesn’t expect to be attracted to the pretty hostess. But with her considering a big city job and the fate of the inn in his in-laws hands, things could go bad very quickly.
Christmas Duets by Lynette Sowell: Sean McSweeney has “kidnapped” Marcella Goudreau’s grandfather, destroying what Marcella perceived as a happy marriage. She invests her life’s savings into renting the inn for a week so her grandmother and grandfather can get back together. But when her grandfather brings Sean along, Marcella sees her plans for reuniting her grandparents dying. But Sean isn’t want he seems. Is there hope they might by able to save their grandparents’ marriage?
Where Your Heart Is by Janelle Mowery: Stephanie Minter is a nanny to two young children and she agrees to accompany the family to Barncastle Inn when they go for their Christmas vacation. But the last person she expects to see there is her former love, Matthew Raynor, at the inn. Matt has been hired as a set designer at the Inn. He’s not overly thrilled to see Stephanie there, and harbors a lot of hurt over their breakup. Is there any hope that the two of them will get beyond their past and find a future?
First Christmas by Darlene Franklin: Waverly Coe is an unwed mother, working as an assistant to veterinarian Alex Ross. When the Barncastle Inn is rented out for a rendition for the first Christmas, Alex and Waverly work together to care for the live animals at the manager scene. With both of them facing difficult circumstances, will they find their way clear for love?
BARNCASTLE AT BARNCASTLE INN is a four-in-one collection with a unique twist. Set at Barncastle Inn in Maine, it is the story about four couples that find romance at the inn at Christmas time. This is an excellent read, with three of the four stories completely engaging me. The stories were well plotted, with interesting and engaging characters and situations that left me cheering for the couples.
These stories are easy to read in one sitting, making it an ideal book for the holidays when you don’t have tons of time to read. One of the better four-in-one romances I’ve read recently by award winning authors Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, Lynette Sowell and Janelle Mowery. $7.99. 343 pages. 4.5 stars.
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: You can experience Christmas during the time period of your choice—if you rent the entire Barncastle Inn of Vermont for the whole week of Christmas. When they first decided to do this, Jayne Barncastle is determined to prove to her parents it will work. Will she overlook her own chance for romance in the process? Will a World War II era “White Christmas” recreate a scene of forgiveness for an embittered couple? Can a pirate’s lair be the place of fun-filled reunion for old lovers? When coworkers assist in recreating the first Christmas for the inn, will they discover romance?
REVIEW: This book is composed of 4 novellas which all take place at the Barncastle Inn. I loved how the authors carried the main characters throughout the novellas but were able to use their own writing styles as they had each of the guests create a different "setting" for their particular Christmas stay: medievil Yuletide, World War II, a pirate's life, and the First Christmas. Each novella was filled with sweet romance and a taste of time travel as the hosts created each particular setting. A very enjoyable holiday read. This book is part of the Romancing America series but is also part of its own series Celebrate Anytime.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "At Christmastime, we often get caught up in the busyness of the holiday. So many things try to claim our attention, and we forget the simplicity of what Christmas means. The blessings that God has given us far, far outweight the grief or difficulty that life can bring."
"...we hope you have been reminded of the real gifts of Christmas, gifts you can't put in a box. Love, giving to others, just like God gave His best Gift to us that first Christmas many years ago."
"But don't you see, God redeems even the times we stray."
REVIEW: This book is composed of 4 novellas which all take place at the Barncastle Inn. I loved how the authors carried the main characters throughout the novellas but were able to use their own writing styles as they had each of the guests create a different "setting" for their particular Christmas stay: medievil Yuletide, World War II, a pirate's life, and the First Christmas. Each novella was filled with sweet romance and a taste of time travel as the hosts created each particular setting. A very enjoyable holiday read. This book is part of the Romancing America series but is also part of its own series Celebrate Anytime.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "At Christmastime, we often get caught up in the busyness of the holiday. So many things try to claim our attention, and we forget the simplicity of what Christmas means. The blessings that God has given us far, far outweight the grief or difficulty that life can bring."
"...we hope you have been reminded of the real gifts of Christmas, gifts you can't put in a box. Love, giving to others, just like God gave His best Gift to us that first Christmas many years ago."
"But don't you see, God redeems even the times we stray."
December 26, 2024
This book was a good read.
December 2, 2012
The four novellas that make up "Christmas at Barncastle Inn" take the reader through four depictions of love. The book covers several years because Barncastle Inn's new marketing niche allows patrons to rent the entire bed-and-breakfast for the holidays and enjoy Christmas with their family and guests in the era of their choice.
Part of the fun in the stories comes from how each era is recreated and the various snags that are encountered. The love stories at the core of each novella share a locale but little else as each author brings a different perspective to the individual story. Each couple is different and the road they must travel to romance takes a variety of forms.
These tales are good, clean fun with a Christmas heart and very readable. If you enjoy history, romance, Christmas or any combination of the three, you should put "Christmas at Barncastle Inn" on your list for Santa!
Disclaimer: This review is based on a purchased copy of the book.
Part of the fun in the stories comes from how each era is recreated and the various snags that are encountered. The love stories at the core of each novella share a locale but little else as each author brings a different perspective to the individual story. Each couple is different and the road they must travel to romance takes a variety of forms.
These tales are good, clean fun with a Christmas heart and very readable. If you enjoy history, romance, Christmas or any combination of the three, you should put "Christmas at Barncastle Inn" on your list for Santa!
Disclaimer: This review is based on a purchased copy of the book.
December 30, 2023
This was a re-read for me and I enjoyed it. I read another one in this series earlier in the Christmas season - Christmas Belles of Georgia - but I enjoyed this one more. This one takes place over the course of four years at the Barncastle Inn where they have themed Christmases. The first book has a medieval theme, the second one WW2, the third a pirate theme and the last one is the first Christmas when Jesus was born.
I really liked the idea of different themed Christmases and it made the books interesting. Two of the stories have very fast romances which I don't really love but I still enjoyed the overall story. The second two stories the people already know each other which I found much more believable.
Overall though I found the stories enjoyable and completely clean which is nice. The writing was pretty good for the most part.
I really liked the idea of different themed Christmases and it made the books interesting. Two of the stories have very fast romances which I don't really love but I still enjoyed the overall story. The second two stories the people already know each other which I found much more believable.
Overall though I found the stories enjoyable and completely clean which is nice. The writing was pretty good for the most part.
December 29, 2023
This is one of my new favorite Christmas books!!
It's 4 stories in one. The first one is about Jayne Barncastle. Her family owns the Barncastle Inn. She has a great idea to get customers to come for Christmas. The first story is hers. The next 3 are about families that come to the Inn or people associated with the Inn. Jayne and her family are in each of the subsequent stories but they aren't the main story.
They are fun, easy reads. They are full of the true meaning of Christmas. These are definitely Christian Christmas books. So if you don't like Jesus, the Nativity, and hearing about what God did for you, then you won't want to read these books. But if you're looking for a fun way to get into the spirit of Christmas (with a touch of White Christmas thrown in) then read these books!!
It's 4 stories in one. The first one is about Jayne Barncastle. Her family owns the Barncastle Inn. She has a great idea to get customers to come for Christmas. The first story is hers. The next 3 are about families that come to the Inn or people associated with the Inn. Jayne and her family are in each of the subsequent stories but they aren't the main story.
They are fun, easy reads. They are full of the true meaning of Christmas. These are definitely Christian Christmas books. So if you don't like Jesus, the Nativity, and hearing about what God did for you, then you won't want to read these books. But if you're looking for a fun way to get into the spirit of Christmas (with a touch of White Christmas thrown in) then read these books!!
January 4, 2016
I picked up this book because it the setting sounded interesting and I have read other works by Susan Paige Davis and enjoyed them. The other 3 authors were new to me. First I loved the setting of the inn and each of the Christmas themes were interesting. White Christmas is one of my favourite Christmas movies so I could really picture the setting the author was describing. I really enjoyed the first two stories, the last two were just okay. I found the endings on those two a little rushed. Each story was easy to read and each wrapped up perfectly with minimal character development, but a light read is nice at times.
December 8, 2012
Well, it is predictable and lightweight, but I enjoyed it. This time of year, with final exams and the end of semester rush, when I find time to read for pleasure I just want something lighthearted, with uplifiting themes, little conflict, and positive endings. Christmas at Barncastle Inn delivered on all of those levels. I am glad it was free, though, as I would not have paid for it and thus would have missed its gentle good humor.
January 6, 2012
The Christmas goose is long gone, the packages are long unwrapped, it is time to kick back and enjoy a good book. This is it. The novellas all center around a bed and breakfast, the first story shows how the B & B becomes successful and the other stories are Christmas gatherings at the inn.
It is cute and fun, just what a Christmas book should be.
It is cute and fun, just what a Christmas book should be.
January 8, 2014
I have to say while I loved this book I have to give it three stars. If I were rating it as one story I would but I am rating it for the four individual stories inside of it and two of them seemed to just drag on and weren't that exciting for me while the other two were really exciting and I was on the edge of my seat to see how they ended. It's a must read at any Christmas time though I think.
January 13, 2012
I picked this book up because I have read some of Susan Page Davis's work before and liked it. I did enjoy her story the best but the others were also good. It was an interesting setting for a book.
September 18, 2012
Downloaded this book not realizing it was part of the faith-based romance genre. Read it anyway. The first story had a light touch with bringing Christianity into the romance but some of the other stories were more heavy-handed. A very fast read.
January 5, 2013
This was pretty much what you would expect from Christmas themed novellas. Easy, fast reading and stories that wrapped up perfectly with minimal character development. Perfect reading for multi-tasking during the Christmas season--entertaining but not engrossing.
December 10, 2012
Christmas at Barncastle Inn was a great collection of cute, sweet and inspirational love stories that I enjoyed very much.
January 4, 2013
Four stories by four different authors about one place, Barncastle Inn in Vermont. Nice easy read, clean, positive stories. A little predictable but enjoyable for the holidays.
October 13, 2014
Four short stories to make you smile about Jayne and her family's Victorian B & B experiencing Christmas with different guests
January 5, 2016
I loved each of these stories. Just the right amount of excitement and yet very uplifting.
December 1, 2017
A collection of intertwined Christmas novellas. The authors did a great job of making the stories flow. Typical to the format and genre, not too many surprises or much to think about.
December 15, 2021
Fun and short Christian Christmas stories.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews