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The Taverner's Son: A Novel
Will Kendrick is dead set on putting old memories to rest.
But after the passing of his estranged father forces him to visit his quiet, historic hometown in Florida, the young screenwriter steps back into painful memories that he’s spent the last decade trying to forget. Haunted by his mother’s tragic death, Will is determined to shut down the family tavern and get back to LA.
Jess Wilder has waited a lifetime for Will to return. With the memory of their childhood friendship still alive in her heart, she struggles to help him discover a glimpse into a side of the tavern – and his father – that he never knew. But as Will unearths his past, he quickly realizes that his mother’s death is shrouded in secrecy... and he can’t escape the disturbing suspicion that the truth is far darker than he imagined.
Caught up in a puzzling mystery and grappling with his growing attraction toward the only woman he’s ever trusted, Will must unravel the real story behind his father and the tavern. And when a shocking truth throws everything into doubt, he’s faced with an impossible abandon Jess and flee back to LA, or stay and fight for a future with the only woman who can save him.
Step into a hauntingly beautiful mystery novel that captures your imagination with gripping emotional drama, exhilarating twists, and a feel-good romance that will keep you hooked until the very last page. Scroll up and grab your copy now...
But after the passing of his estranged father forces him to visit his quiet, historic hometown in Florida, the young screenwriter steps back into painful memories that he’s spent the last decade trying to forget. Haunted by his mother’s tragic death, Will is determined to shut down the family tavern and get back to LA.
Jess Wilder has waited a lifetime for Will to return. With the memory of their childhood friendship still alive in her heart, she struggles to help him discover a glimpse into a side of the tavern – and his father – that he never knew. But as Will unearths his past, he quickly realizes that his mother’s death is shrouded in secrecy... and he can’t escape the disturbing suspicion that the truth is far darker than he imagined.
Caught up in a puzzling mystery and grappling with his growing attraction toward the only woman he’s ever trusted, Will must unravel the real story behind his father and the tavern. And when a shocking truth throws everything into doubt, he’s faced with an impossible abandon Jess and flee back to LA, or stay and fight for a future with the only woman who can save him.
Step into a hauntingly beautiful mystery novel that captures your imagination with gripping emotional drama, exhilarating twists, and a feel-good romance that will keep you hooked until the very last page. Scroll up and grab your copy now...
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2023
63 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 6, 2024
The Taverner's Son is a well written deeply moving novel that has a beautiful story line that everyone can really sink their teeth into. Family secrets, tragedy and a small village help to make this book a real page turner. I love the characters and each one of their with own "quirks".
https://amzn.to/48wiM8V
What family doesn't have some sadness and misunderstandings that get in the way of family connections? I don't think there is one family out there who can't relate in some way.
So it is with Will Kendrick. He has lived most of his adult life away from the small town that was his home. Misunderstandings and pride make it difficult to get through to the part where we still love each other. And sometimes it's too late to do anything about it!
Will gets a phone call letting him know that his father has passed away. Living on the west coast for many years, Will had not given his father too much thought. Now he is in shock and trying desperately to make sense of it all, realizing that there is no more time left.
Will makes the plans to return to the little fishing village of Apalachicola. First he had to make his way from California to Tallahassee and then drive from there to what had been his home. As he drives the roads back to his "home" memories come flooding back to him.
Of course there are the people of the town whom he had known growing up and many that had left the small town for bigger and better opportunities. But there was also one of his oldest and dearest friends from his childhood who remained. Jess, his long time friend from grade school, who had always been there during his childhood, made her life in the small town of Apalachicola.
Will is making his way around town and sees the tavern where he spent many days helping his father. Homework was done on one of the small tables in the back. Penny, the cook and keeper of the kitchen took Will under her wings when Will's mother had died. Will was only 3 years old when his mother died. Penny and her husband were the imaginary parents that Will wanted. His father had become distant and depressed, withdrawn from his son and anything that reminded him of his beloved wife. Will was the spitting image of his mother. So that made things even harder for Will's father. And now Will is standing in the Tavern that now belongs to him.
Will has a lot to learn about the father he didn't know so well and more about his mother too. When you lose your mom at 3 years of age, you really don't know too much about her. As you get into the book, the story takes on a life of it's own and you will be hard pressed to put the book down. So many questions that Will has and so few answers, yet, there is something going on that doesn't make sense.
I don't want to give too much of the story away, but, I would encourage you to pick this book up. It really is a riveting story of family, family secrets and how they impact the people who are being "saved from the truth". This book is masterfully written, a love story with twists and turns that you will not see coming. It is a page turner that you won't want to put down.
I received this book from VoraciousReadersOnly with the promise of sharing a review. It was my pleasure to read this book and review it for you here.
https://amzn.to/48wiM8V
What family doesn't have some sadness and misunderstandings that get in the way of family connections? I don't think there is one family out there who can't relate in some way.
So it is with Will Kendrick. He has lived most of his adult life away from the small town that was his home. Misunderstandings and pride make it difficult to get through to the part where we still love each other. And sometimes it's too late to do anything about it!
Will gets a phone call letting him know that his father has passed away. Living on the west coast for many years, Will had not given his father too much thought. Now he is in shock and trying desperately to make sense of it all, realizing that there is no more time left.
Will makes the plans to return to the little fishing village of Apalachicola. First he had to make his way from California to Tallahassee and then drive from there to what had been his home. As he drives the roads back to his "home" memories come flooding back to him.
Of course there are the people of the town whom he had known growing up and many that had left the small town for bigger and better opportunities. But there was also one of his oldest and dearest friends from his childhood who remained. Jess, his long time friend from grade school, who had always been there during his childhood, made her life in the small town of Apalachicola.
Will is making his way around town and sees the tavern where he spent many days helping his father. Homework was done on one of the small tables in the back. Penny, the cook and keeper of the kitchen took Will under her wings when Will's mother had died. Will was only 3 years old when his mother died. Penny and her husband were the imaginary parents that Will wanted. His father had become distant and depressed, withdrawn from his son and anything that reminded him of his beloved wife. Will was the spitting image of his mother. So that made things even harder for Will's father. And now Will is standing in the Tavern that now belongs to him.
Will has a lot to learn about the father he didn't know so well and more about his mother too. When you lose your mom at 3 years of age, you really don't know too much about her. As you get into the book, the story takes on a life of it's own and you will be hard pressed to put the book down. So many questions that Will has and so few answers, yet, there is something going on that doesn't make sense.
I don't want to give too much of the story away, but, I would encourage you to pick this book up. It really is a riveting story of family, family secrets and how they impact the people who are being "saved from the truth". This book is masterfully written, a love story with twists and turns that you will not see coming. It is a page turner that you won't want to put down.
I received this book from VoraciousReadersOnly with the promise of sharing a review. It was my pleasure to read this book and review it for you here.
October 24, 2025
Good in parts sort of soap opera but others parts good
January 26, 2024
Loved this book! The characters were amazing and so well thought out.
February 26, 2024
Book Review: "The Taverner's Son"
by Leslie Park Lynn ✨📚
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey of discovery, emotion, and intrigue with "The Taverner's Son" by Leslie Park Lynn. 🌟
👉From the moment you open the pages of this spellbinding novel, you're transported to the sun-drenched shores of a small Florida town, where secrets lurk beneath the surface and every corner holds a story waiting to be told. At the heart of it all is Will Kendrick, a complex and compelling protagonist whose quest for truth leads him down a path he never could have imagined.
👉Lynn's prose is nothing short of mesmerizing, weaving a tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations that immerse you in the rich tapestry of Will's world. From the cozy confines of the family tavern to the sweeping vistas of the Forgotten Coast, every detail is rendered with exquisite care and attention, painting a vivid portrait of a place both familiar and mysterious.
👉But it's not just the setting that captivates – it's the characters who inhabit it, each one brought to life with depth, nuance, and authenticity. From the enigmatic figure of Will's father to the steadfast loyalty of his childhood friend Jess, every character feels like a fully realized individual, with their own hopes, fears, and desires driving the narrative forward.
👉At its core, "The Taverner's Son" is a story about the power of love – love lost, love found, and love that transcends time and space. As Will delves deeper into his family's history, he discovers that the bonds that connect us to our past are often the same ones that shape our future, and that forgiveness can be the greatest gift we can give ourselves.
👉But make no mistake – this is no ordinary tale of redemption. With its masterfully crafted plot twists and turns, "The Taverner's Son" keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, as secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and the true nature of love is laid bare.
👉In short, "The Taverner's Son" is a literary masterpiece that defies easy categorization. Equal parts mystery, romance, and family drama, it's a book that will linger in your mind .
#bookreview
by Leslie Park Lynn ✨📚
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey of discovery, emotion, and intrigue with "The Taverner's Son" by Leslie Park Lynn. 🌟
👉From the moment you open the pages of this spellbinding novel, you're transported to the sun-drenched shores of a small Florida town, where secrets lurk beneath the surface and every corner holds a story waiting to be told. At the heart of it all is Will Kendrick, a complex and compelling protagonist whose quest for truth leads him down a path he never could have imagined.
👉Lynn's prose is nothing short of mesmerizing, weaving a tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations that immerse you in the rich tapestry of Will's world. From the cozy confines of the family tavern to the sweeping vistas of the Forgotten Coast, every detail is rendered with exquisite care and attention, painting a vivid portrait of a place both familiar and mysterious.
👉But it's not just the setting that captivates – it's the characters who inhabit it, each one brought to life with depth, nuance, and authenticity. From the enigmatic figure of Will's father to the steadfast loyalty of his childhood friend Jess, every character feels like a fully realized individual, with their own hopes, fears, and desires driving the narrative forward.
👉At its core, "The Taverner's Son" is a story about the power of love – love lost, love found, and love that transcends time and space. As Will delves deeper into his family's history, he discovers that the bonds that connect us to our past are often the same ones that shape our future, and that forgiveness can be the greatest gift we can give ourselves.
👉But make no mistake – this is no ordinary tale of redemption. With its masterfully crafted plot twists and turns, "The Taverner's Son" keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, as secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and the true nature of love is laid bare.
👉In short, "The Taverner's Son" is a literary masterpiece that defies easy categorization. Equal parts mystery, romance, and family drama, it's a book that will linger in your mind .
#bookreview
January 1, 2024
The taverners son. Will Kendrick gets a phone call about his father's death. He hasn't spoken to his father in a very long time. As soon as he was able to leave, he left. Now Will is a screen writer. But he has to go home to handle his dad's funeral arrangements and his assets. Will is set to sell off all his assets until he is back living above the pub. His friend from when he was young Jess has worked and managed the tavern for awhile. His dad has helped her with her son and with a job at the tavern almost like he is treating her like he is her dad. Jess's dad had left when she was 16, around the time Will and her had a bit of a falling out. When Will was about 3 years old his mom died and after that his dad and him had drifted apart. His dad was torn up after the death of his mom. Will is back trying to figure out what happened to his mom. He wants to sell off the assets but is not sure if that's the right idea or not. The small town seems to start growing on him once he is back for a while.
I found this book exhilarating with its mystery and romance mixed together. It kept pulling me back to pick it up and read it. I wanted to know if he finds out about his mom or if he stays in his home town or back to city life. What will Will Kendrick do.
I found this book exhilarating with its mystery and romance mixed together. It kept pulling me back to pick it up and read it. I wanted to know if he finds out about his mom or if he stays in his home town or back to city life. What will Will Kendrick do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 21, 2023 I received this book as a gift from the author in exchange for an Honest review from the Voracious Readers Only list.
The Taverner’s Son is about Will, who has been estranged from his father Grant for years. With few memories of his mother Will,left his hometown in Florida to live in California to try and forget how un affectionate his father was toward him growing up.
However after he hears of his father, Grant’s death, he returns to the small town to deal with his father’s estate including the community tavern that has existed for decades. As friends and memories begin to be refreshed Will slowly discovers some of the resin he loved his childhood there along with his best friend Jessi.
The novel is well written and the characters slowing introduced with lots of descriptive details and dialogue. Each of the main individuals evolves to learn the mysteries of the past and the real value of love. It is well rounded plot of mystery romance and suspense. I gave it four stars. I would have liked a liked a liked more development on some of the minor characters such as Mason and Connor West as they were son and father too.
The Taverner’s Son is about Will, who has been estranged from his father Grant for years. With few memories of his mother Will,left his hometown in Florida to live in California to try and forget how un affectionate his father was toward him growing up.
However after he hears of his father, Grant’s death, he returns to the small town to deal with his father’s estate including the community tavern that has existed for decades. As friends and memories begin to be refreshed Will slowly discovers some of the resin he loved his childhood there along with his best friend Jessi.
The novel is well written and the characters slowing introduced with lots of descriptive details and dialogue. Each of the main individuals evolves to learn the mysteries of the past and the real value of love. It is well rounded plot of mystery romance and suspense. I gave it four stars. I would have liked a liked a liked more development on some of the minor characters such as Mason and Connor West as they were son and father too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2024
I adored this book. You know it's good when you turn the last page and know you'll miss the characters forever. Set in a small coastal town, the scenery described is magical, and the characters are so real and genuine. The story, about a young man who returns to his small town in Florida, is masterfully written with mystery and suspense, plot twists, and a tender, angsty romance that will yank on our heartstrings. If you are looking for an excellent read that will fill you up, I highly recommend this one.
May 31, 2024
Short, enjoyable novel. Love the setting in Apalachicola, Florida. Main character was raised here but left for West Coast for college and stayed there as a screenwriter. His father passes and he flies home to the tavern he left him and the girl who was his childhood playmate. It starts to feel like home and he digs into the mystery of his mother's "suicide" when he was just a boy. All the loose ends suddenly come together in the last few pages. It was solid writing but it was like the author just ran out of steam for the whole story.
January 18, 2024
I really loved this book. It began as a potential love story (man returns to small town to collect inheritance from estranged family and sees the girl he always loved) but it quickly becomes a mystery to solve. His past is calling and he stays to discover it all the while becoming closer with the woman he doesn't want to leave.
March 10, 2024
From start to finish, this book kept you engaged, curious, and immersed in the unfolding story. The historic town where the story took place is forever somewhere I will long to visit.
Suspense, romance, mystery, lies, deception, love… this book has it all. It left me impatiently waiting for a sequel. I will read everything by this author. Cannot recommend enough!!!
Suspense, romance, mystery, lies, deception, love… this book has it all. It left me impatiently waiting for a sequel. I will read everything by this author. Cannot recommend enough!!!
March 21, 2025
I enjoyed this story. Although, parts reminded me of a Hallmark movie. Those parts I’m referring to are, misreading a facial expression, overhearing part of a conversation, etc. The mystery part of the book was the better part of the book. Without the Hallmark part, I would have rated the book higher.
May 4, 2025
Great Book
This was truly a very moving story of passion, mystery and great characters ! I bought this book because it seemed like it would be a great story and to I had never read this author . if you like a good romantic and mystery story then you definitely need to read this book!!
I recommend it with a 5 Stars review
This was truly a very moving story of passion, mystery and great characters ! I bought this book because it seemed like it would be a great story and to I had never read this author . if you like a good romantic and mystery story then you definitely need to read this book!!
I recommend it with a 5 Stars review
February 5, 2025
Enjoyed
This is a well written book taking place in ApaLachacola, FL. It is free of four letter words and steamy sex, which I find refreshing. The romance is complicated and the mystery has been hidden for years. I enjoyed the story and recommend it.
This is a well written book taking place in ApaLachacola, FL. It is free of four letter words and steamy sex, which I find refreshing. The romance is complicated and the mystery has been hidden for years. I enjoyed the story and recommend it.
November 6, 2023
Loved this book! Intricate plot twists, heartfelt romance, and a great story all come together to make this an excellent read. Highly recommend!
November 6, 2023
Excellent! Great story!
November 13, 2023
Enjoyed this book thoroughly!
January 27, 2024
Great storyline. Not predictable, very likable characters,
A page turner to the end! Leslie is a great story-teller!
A page turner to the end! Leslie is a great story-teller!
February 4, 2024
Another book about Apalachicola, FL called to me. An interesting story.
March 4, 2024
Very good read. Interesting story with compelling characters
April 9, 2024
Best love story since Cinderella!!!
November 15, 2025
Twists and turns galore , but , very happy ending.
December 26, 2023
I received this book as a complimentary copy from the author from Voracious Readers Only. The Taverner’s Son is about Will, who has been estranged from his father Grant for years. With few memories of his mother Will,left his hometown in Florida to live in California to try and forget how un affectionate his father was toward him growing up.
However after he hears of his father, Grant’s death, he returns to the small town to deal with his father’s estate including the community tavern that has existed for decades. As friends and memories begin to be refreshed Will slowly discovers some of the resin he loved his childhood there along with his best friend Jessi.
The novel is well written and the characters slowing introduced with lots of descriptive details and dialogue. Each of the main individuals evolves to learn the mysteries of the past and the real value of love. It is well rounded plot of mystery romance and suspense. I gave it four stars. I would have liked a liked a liked more development on some of the minor characters such as Mason and Connor West as they were son and father too.
However after he hears of his father, Grant’s death, he returns to the small town to deal with his father’s estate including the community tavern that has existed for decades. As friends and memories begin to be refreshed Will slowly discovers some of the resin he loved his childhood there along with his best friend Jessi.
The novel is well written and the characters slowing introduced with lots of descriptive details and dialogue. Each of the main individuals evolves to learn the mysteries of the past and the real value of love. It is well rounded plot of mystery romance and suspense. I gave it four stars. I would have liked a liked a liked more development on some of the minor characters such as Mason and Connor West as they were son and father too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2023
A captivating, beautifully written story that draws you in and keeps you wanting to know more about Will's mother and his relationship with his father, all while waiting for him to admit his feelings for Jess. The characters are complex and flawed and you slowly learn their secrets as the story develops. There is mystery, intrigue and a slow burn romance all set in a small town.
October 18, 2023
Super story!
This reader enjoyed the story line of The Taverner's Son. It began with well developed characters, charming setting (who doesn't like old Florida coastal areas?), and the desire to know more about the hearts of each individual introduced. I was able to envision the bar and fall in love with the area. This gentle love story capture my soul and went beyond the pages of the book. Thank you Leslie Park Lynn for your gift of presenting a well written book that leaves me wanting more of your talents!
This reader enjoyed the story line of The Taverner's Son. It began with well developed characters, charming setting (who doesn't like old Florida coastal areas?), and the desire to know more about the hearts of each individual introduced. I was able to envision the bar and fall in love with the area. This gentle love story capture my soul and went beyond the pages of the book. Thank you Leslie Park Lynn for your gift of presenting a well written book that leaves me wanting more of your talents!
September 9, 2025
This book shows how your past and buried secrets can shape the way you live your life and even your future. It really highlights why mental health and finding closure—especially from your parents—are so important in building healthy relationships.
The story follows a son whose mother dies in a tragic accident. He never felt love from his father, so the moment he was able to leave, he did—and he never looked back. Later, his father’s dies, he learns that everything has been left to him: the tavern, the apartment, the cars.
By then, he’s living fast in California, enjoying women, money, and success, with no desire for children. In his eyes, the hometown he left behind was too slow, so he plans to return only long enough to sell everything and head back to California. But what actually happens when he gets there will completely blow your mind.
The story follows a son whose mother dies in a tragic accident. He never felt love from his father, so the moment he was able to leave, he did—and he never looked back. Later, his father’s dies, he learns that everything has been left to him: the tavern, the apartment, the cars.
By then, he’s living fast in California, enjoying women, money, and success, with no desire for children. In his eyes, the hometown he left behind was too slow, so he plans to return only long enough to sell everything and head back to California. But what actually happens when he gets there will completely blow your mind.
December 7, 2024
I loved the setting of this forgotten coastline in Florida and how the twist and turns kept me reading until I finished. I could not put it down and loved the characters and suspense! Highly recommend and cannot wait for book 3!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews