Rest Thy Head

by Elaine Cantrell

Running away from a fiancé who betrayed her, Peyton O’Malley finds employment at a beautiful mountain inn called Rest Thy Head. She didn’t expect to live in the haunted room or to fall for the inn’s owner, a fire-scarred, war veteran who uses the inn to hide away from the world. She didn’t expect her sister to show up at Rest Thy Head either, much less her formidable mother.

Now, thanks to the aid of a friendly ghost, Peyton has a shot at true love, and so does her sister Ashley, provided the guys cooperate of course!

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2014

About the author

Born and raised in South Carolina, I hold a master's degree in personnel services from Clemson University and am a member of Romance Writers of America, EPIC authors, and Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary society for women educators. I've been married for thirty five years to my college sweetheart. We have two sons-a physicist and a fraud investigator. They've given us three wonderful grandchildren-one girl and two boys. We also have two mean cats and one sweet, brown dog.

I've been writing since 2001 when my son asked me to proofread a book he'd written. I figured if he could, so could I. My first published novel, A New Leaf, was the winner of the 2003 Timeless Love contest. If I wasn't sold on writing before, that did it. I've been writing ever since and don't have any plans to stop. Frankly, I don't think I could even if I wanted to. Writing is a strange compulsion that drives me to spend long hours in front of a keyboard when I could be doing important things like napping or eating chocolate. My house isn't dusted as often, I rarely cook, and who cares if the laundry got done or not. Yeah, no doubt about it, I'm addicted.

When I'm not writing or teaching I enjoy gardening, quilting, and trying new restaurants with my friends. You can learn more about me at my web site http://www.elainecantrell.com and at http://www.facebook.com/elainepcantrell. I also have a blog at http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rest Thy Head by Elaine-Cantrell is a 2014 Astraea publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rest Thy Head is a really sweet paranormal romance/ mystery, and is a perfect book to curl up with for a little light, clean entertainment.

When Peyton discovers her fiance is a cheat and is only marrying her because of parental pressure, she runs away to a quaint mountain inn called “Rest Thy Head”. Immediately, she strikes up a friendship with Patrick a part owner of the inn. However, his brother Jake, is a not so warm.
Jake has returned home from war scarred and suffering much loss. He hides away at the inn nursing his bitterness and spreading that around wherever possible among the inn's staff. But, when circumstances arise where the inn needs some additional help, Peyton takes on the job and is determined to prove to Jake he needs to come out of hiding and begin living his life again.
In the meantime some odd things begin taking place at the inn and Peyton's sister, Ashley arrives too, after she has a little bad luck and needs a job. Then things really get interesting.

A ghost with a penchant for match making, plus the heartwarming story of a scarred veteran who must decide whether to remain in hiding or learn to trust again, then throw in some mystery and suspense and you have a great combination. This is an entertaining and easy read which I will recommend to lovers of sweet romance, cozy mysteries, and paranormal romance. 4 stars

[L.J. Scar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clean, easy paced, traditional romance. The setting is a serene B&B in the mountains-what is not to love about that!. The characters are two sisters hurt by the actions of a manipulating mother and disappointing men, two brothers - one visually damaged, the other a less major character, and a not so obvious ghost. Rest Thy Head to me was a modern day jaunt into the conservative romances of old with a bit of suspense, and a smidgeon of paranormal. I see this appealing to readers who are on the reserved side (there is no profanity, no sexual situations, nothing offensive). I would feel comfortable recommending this book to all ages.

[Frances Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story

Rest They Head is a pleasant place, and just the place for a woman who came dangerously close to marrying a cheater. The brothers who own it are attractive men, except one carries burn scars from Afghanistan & A chip on his shoulder big as the Grand Canyon. Sweet love story.

[Tresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

FUN and Easy Read

This is the story of sisters Ashley and Peyton. The storyline does seem to drag, with a lot of extra wording that doesn't need to be there but overall a fun and easy read.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghosts?!

This is my first book from this author and I'm absolutely impressed! What a wonderful read this was. Just enough suspense, romance, angst, and a touch of paranormal! I loved it! I'm definitely going to read more of her work!

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Inn!

I enjoy old American houses still around today. Throw in somelovers maybe 2 , add some mystery shake it all up and you have a wonderful read. I was so pleased. Thank you Elaine Cantrell.

[Katy Alice · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is silly, and not in a fun way. After walking in on her fiancé hugging—yes HUGGING—another woman (a woman who is slut-shamed every time she’s mentioned) Peyton is ready to call off her wedding, but is pressured into going through with it by her irredeemably nasty social climber of a mother and her suddenly repugnant boyfriend. But never fear! She does run away from her wedding after overhearing two one-dimensional mean girls revealing that her fiancé is only going through with because his father would cut him off otherwise. Peyton hightails it to a small town inn which is inexplicably called the Rest Thy Head, where she meets handsome sweetheart Patrick, grumpy, hideously scarred veteran Jake and a maid named Annie who is so obviously a ghost that she may as well be wearing a sheet over her head and wailing in the hallways all night. Through a series of the most minding numbingly dull flirtations (brushing a horse, playing in a pool, I think I remember a foodfight?) Peyton finds herself falling for one of the brothers… and I pretty sure you can guess which one. After some bizarre Jane Austenesque hijinks, a liberal dash of Beauty & the Beast and a HILARIOUS (though it’s certainly not meant to be) kidnapping on horseback, will the O’Malley sisters find true love? Well there’s only one way to find out…
Read the cover of the book.

It’s right there. The first sign the reader gets that this book is going to be an uninspired, sugary sweet Hallmark Channelesque nightmare is right on the cover—which is really thoughtful if you think about it. Below the title, these words appear
“Two sisters find love at a haunted inn”
Yup. That’s right on the cover. I don’t know about you, but a big part of reading a book is well…not knowing the ending before I open it. But Rest Thy Head resists any attempt to build the tension a good story needs to keep the average reader interested. It gives you all the answers before the questions are asked.
I know that I’m a grump and my reviews usually tend toward the negative, but this novel may easily be the worst book I have ever read. It lacks depth, wit, heart and humor, and for a romantic comedy novel that is worse than death. The characters are one-dimensional figures who move around the plot not because they are inspired to but because Cantrell is shoving them, forcing them to do things that don’t feel natural or interesting. Peyton, our protagonist, is so devoid of personality that only moments after putting the books down I forgot everything about her… besides her chestnut hair. Her possible love interests are either so ill-formed that they fade into the background or so ridiculously overdrawn that they’re laughable. Same goes for her sister (plain oatmeal with a side of skim milk) and her mother (may as well have had a long twirly villain mustache for most of the book).
Nothing in this novel feels like it has been crafted by the hands of a skilled veteran writer, but perhaps the worst offense is what seems to be a ham-fisted use of 19th century novel tropes. It almost feels as though Cantrell was working with a “How to Write a Jane Austen Novel” Checklist…
Pennyless, disgraced but ultimately good/kind sisters? CHECK
Male Land Owners? CHECK
Enough Suitors to go around? CHECK
One Charming/Nonthreantening & One Complicated/Passionate? CHECK
Melodramatic Recuse Plot in the 3rd Act? CHECK
A Makeshift Theatrical? CHECK
A Happy Ending? Well… you’ll have to read the cover to find out.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peyton discovers her fiancé Drew is cheating on her with the town floozy. She tries to break it off but her mother talks her into going through with it (rolls eyes). On her wedding day, Peyton overhears the truth about Drew and his feelings for her. She flees, leaving her mother and Drew behind. She drives towards the mountains and discovers a lovely inn called Rest Thy Head.

Rest Thy Head is run by two brothers (Patrick and Jake), both of whom find Peyton beautiful. Jake, a scared war veteran, is the inn’s chef and he’s scarred both physically and emotionally. He keeps everyone at arm’s length, including Peyton.

Peyton decides to stay awhile and gets herself a job at the inn. She likes Jake and befriends him. The harder he pushes her away, the closer she comes to breaking down the walls around his heart.

When Peyton’s sister (Ashley) comes to stay, events happen to make Patrick, Jake and even Ashley realize how precious Peyton is to Rest Thy Head.

I love a good old-fashioned contemporary romance with dashes of romantic suspense. So when I started reading Rest Thy Head, I was in my element as a reader. I loved the characters right away (except for Drew and Peyon’s mother of course) and was drawn into the lives of those staying and working at Rest Thy Head.


Filled with suspense, a mysterious ghost and romance, Rest Thy Head is a winner. The ending was a bit rushed, however.

But all in all, a romance to make you believe in love in all shapes and sizes. I can’t wait to read more from Elaine Cantrell!

Favorite Character: Peyton. She’s such a complex character. When we’re introduced to her, I thought she was a little flighty and I felt sorry for her having to deal with such a horrid controlling mother. But as I got to know her (as she got to know herself), she’s a compassionate, loving woman who sees people for who they are, not what they look like or where they come from. I loved how she’s stubborn and wouldn’t take Jake’s no’s for answers. She’s brave and sticks up for herself and others. A person I’d feel blessed to call a friend.

Favorite Quote:

“You aren’t being fair. Of course people notice your scars. Unless they’re blind they’d have to, but they’d get used to your appearance. I don’t even think about the scars now. Mostly, if you want the truth, you’re still pretty hot.”



My Rating: 4 stars



This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/

[Candith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rest Thy Head is my first introduction to the writings of Elaine Cantrell and I will surely read more!

Peyton and Ashley were raised by a mother who, through her own insecurities, pushed them toward superficial things in hopes of eventually landing a husband of good name and community standing. When Peyton discovers the infidelity of her fiancé she is faced with following her mother's skewed advice or taking control of her own future. Peyton panics and escapes minutes before her own wedding with the full support of her sister, Ashley.

The strong bond Peyton and Ashley share in spite of their upbringing is refreshing. They have developed into strong young women with a positive outlook that outshines their mother's influence. I enjoyed that the story related to the growth of all three women without getting bogged down in the mother's details. There were just enough scenes with her to let the reader draw their own conclusions.

The sisters support each other through thick, thin, and men. Peyton's respite to Rest Thy Head inn becomes just what both women need to give themselves a fresh start and renewed purpose for their lives. The brothers who own and run the inn are strong, likeable characters with their own endearing flaws.

I had read this novel's description and understood there would be ghostly help along the way. Yet I wonder if I would have recognized it so quickly had I not been aware of its existence because the writing is easily followed and characters readily accepted as they are presented.

Enough about that. Would you like to know why I consider this to be a five star tale? It is because I began reading it in the evening and had to force myself to put it down and go to sleep. Then throughout the night I found myself waking up with my first thoughts being, "is it time to read yet?" Oops. No. It's only 2am. Over and over. All. Night. Long.

So a big THANK YOU to Elaine Cantrell for a very enjoyable story and lovely introduction to her writings. I look forward to catching up with her other books and recommend that you do, too!

[KyBunnies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at Bunny's Review


I really enjoyed the old style romance in this book. It was a nice clean read without all the sex happening every other page. A touch of ghost with lots of fun when two sisters realize that finding Mr. Wonderful is not as hard as they thought.

Sisters who grew up with a mother that really did not deserve to be a mother and was destructive to their emotional health lead the sisters down a path to second-rate men and relationships.

I would love to give this book to all females lacking in self-confidence today. Showing them that everyone suffers thru something similar but this will make them stronger and to just wait for Mr. Right to not accept second-rate men for anything.

I recommend this book to any who enjoy contemporary romance without the sex every 2 pages.

The bunnies and I give this book carrots.



I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.

[Anna Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb on Amazon said, "A romantic story in which a ghost helps the heroine find true love after she flees her cheating finacee on her wedding day." It sounded good.

And the story is good. It's solid. There's action, and plot, and humor and good chemistry and even a little history (if the back stories are true... which might not be the case. But still). Payton flees the altar and seeks refuge in a little inn where she befriends a maid named Annie and falls in love with both the inn and it's owner.

But the writing...!! If it had been written by anyone else, it would've been five stars. But there's just so much horrible over-reacting and 'yummies' that you can stand in one book. And no research was put into it at all (it's skin grafts, not skin graphs). People throw pots and scream and have tantrums and... I think the author might be fourteen years old. It's written from that maturity level.

Also, always with the disfigured heroes who conveniently have all of their scars restrained to one side of their face, only. That must be so nice for them all. No vision or hearing damage... not even any permanently singed hair patches. And although it extends down his whole left side, no mobility issues at all. ((Amateur authors... *sigh!*))

I liked the story. VERY much. But it's the voice that ruined the book.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Goddess Fish Promotions in return for a fair and honest review.

This is a sweet, old-fashioned kind of romance that has a splash of mystery and suspense and a soupcon of paranormal in the shape of a friendly ghost.

There are lessons to be learnt by pretty much everyone in this book, none so much as the mother of Peyton and Ashley.

The story flows smoothly and is well paced throughout. The characters all have their own foibles and most of them are likeable. There is a depth to the descriptions which make it very easy to 'see' everything - from the scenery to the characters themselves.

I would recommend this without hesitation to any who enjoy contemporary romance that is without descriptive sex but still sizzles nonetheless.

If I had one negative to say it would be Patrick's behaviour towards Peyton near the end of the book. He had known her long enough by that point - she was well liked amongst staff and guests alike as opposed to someone who had upset pretty much everyone from the moment she arrived. I am trying to see his side but I do have to agreed with Peyton, Ashley and Jake!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this book was pretty predictable. There is a part at the end that will throw you, though. You are going to be thinking it is one person, but it isn’t. This is such a sweet story and has a really good message if you are like me, and look deeper than the words on the page. I love how it relays to not judge a book by its cover and reminds us that everyone has a story. Some are just prettier than others. The writing is good, it is slow starting if you can stick with it though, it is worth it. You won’t end up disappointed. It was also nice seeing two people who are attracted to each other but wait until they are both ready to come together instead of either having to fix each other or dealing with the fallout. You are going to find the author draws you in and you love who you’re supposed to while hating those she wants you to hate. Jake is such a wonderful guy, and he has forced his insecurities onto everyone he meets. Patrick is the class clown with jock looks. Then you have Ashley the homecoming queen turned bad girl. Lastly, you have the girl with the world at her feet now that she got rid of her baggage. Come along for the ride.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is another page turner by Elaine Cantrell that you will not want to put down. Complete with a cast of characters, some you will love and want to protect and some you can't wait to see get their comeuppance. Peyton and Ashley O'Malley are both strong women with a bitter mother. Jake and Patrick Douglas are two brothers who have taken the home their parents had purchased and turned it into a charming mountain inn that is rumored to have a ghost. I loved the mystery and suspense in the story, and not everyone is really who they seem to be. There are many emotions, love, betrayal, deceit, bitterness, anger, loss, redemptions, forgiveness and new beginnings. I love a story to end with a HEA.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself becoming so completely involved in this story that I just couldn't put it down. It is a wonderful romance with a mystery that will keep you guessing and a ghost thrown into the mix. There is also a wonderful message within that reminds us that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and only skin deep. The characters are endearing and real; I felt like I could almost reach out and touch them. I was inspired by Peyton and loved her amazing personality. Jake melted my heart and I just wanted to give him a big hug, but only after I gave him a big shake...LOL! All the characters brought out different emotions....Elaine Cantrell is definitely a masterful storyteller! I highly recommend this book!

[Elaine Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote it folks so naturally I think it's a 5 star work. Here's a little blurb for you.

Running away from a fiancé who betrayed her, Peyton O’Malley finds employment at a beautiful mountain inn called Rest Thy Head. She didn’t expect to live in the haunted room or to fall for the inn’s owner, a fire-scarred, war veteran who uses the inn to hide away from the world. She didn’t expect her sister to show up at Rest Thy Head either, much less her formidable mother.

Now, thanks to the aid of a friendly ghost, Peyton has a shot at true love, and so does her sister Ashley, provided the guys cooperate of course!

[Jessica Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Love, betrayal, mystery, suspense, this book had it all. I loved all the characters, I think they had depth and character. I loved to dislike Eleanor, she made me angry and frustrated, but she surprised me. Patrick and Jake, were lovable characters as well. I enjoyed the interaction between all of them. I felt bad for Jake, not pity, but bad. I love the growth process that he went through. Annie was amazing as well. I have to say I kinda knew where the story was headed, but I LOVED getting to the end. I wanted to know how it would play out. I really recommend this book.

[kozettekaysmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous and Enchanting !!

I Loved this book. I have read a lot of books but nothing like this one. From the very beginning you will fall in love with these two sisters. I like a book you just can't put down and I had a hard time doing just that. I was so deep in these character's I felt I was there with them . Miss Cantrell is a wonderful story teller and I just hope she has written more books like Rest Thy Head. Don't pass this one up , these books this enjoyable are hard to find.
kozettekaysmith

[Dmcl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old fashioned romance

Rest Thy Head is a beautifully romantic story with a little something for everybody - runaway bride, handsome brothers, one of whom was terribly scarred in service to his country, beautiful sisters who've struggled with misfortune, and a very friendly ghost. There's heartbreak, mystery, action and romance, all set against the panoramic beauty of Wyoming. A story appropriate for young adult and mature reader's, it's HEA ending will leave you smiling.

[Donna Flint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rest Thy Head by Elaine Cantrell

I read the last word in this book and my first thought was, "Oh my gosh!" It had me spell bound from the first word and I couldn't stop reading it until the end. Elaine tells such a captivating story. I felt like I was watching a movie while I was reading it. The triple happy ending brought tears to my eyes! I highly recommend this book to anyone.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! Loved this book! Was completely intrigued with the author's concept of her story line and characters. She gives you a little romance and some mystery to keep you entertained and glued to the book! They way this book took some twist was well set. To say the least this book is a page turner.

*Received for an honest review*

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A runaway bride, a disfigured veteran who believes himself to be unlovable, and a ghost in a room at the inn all make for a wonderful story. Rest Thy Head is a straight-up, sweet romance.

Cantrell's descriptive writing never fails to paint a picture in my mind. Her characters are very believable and easy to relate to.

If you're looking for a Happy ever after, this book is a good choice.

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Story

A great story with romance, a narrow escape from a big mistake, a haven full of interesting characters, and a glimpse of mountain beauty as well as the dangers that can co front the unwary. Several characters had difficult choices to make...some involved forgiving, some involved realizing what is important in life. A sweet romance that never got boring.

[Lorena Helfers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant story

The story was well written except for a few times when the baby for when the bad guy did some things that seemed impossible. It just didn't make sense.
However I liked the story in it self.

[Michael L. Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I really liked this story. It was romantic and intriguing at the same time. I was really surprised that Drew was behind all the problems happening to Peyton. And I really loved Annie the ghost although I knew from the beginning that she was a ghost. Great ending.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful love story with a bonus love story!

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast, easy read. Entertaining story.

[Glenda Bixler · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadershe...

Love Story spotlighting injured veteran.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light and Refreshing

Beautiful story line. Refreshing, I enjoyed this book very much. Love and tenderness. The beauty of family and ever lasting love.