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That Sweet Place: At Home in the Heartland
After some major midlife setbacks, Samantha Jarrett has started life over. She's returned to her beloved Indiana hometown and is finally settling in as owner of the town's only bed-and-breakfast.
Still, she waits for what's next: for her inn to show a profit, for a son's much-anticipated announcement, and, maybe even for love.
Stan Bennett is also waiting. For most of his life, he's kept a secret. The time has come to reveal it and pursue his dream before it's too late. But there's a problem: he's falling in love with Samantha. Could she change his plans?
Joy Williamson is waiting, as well: for her baby's arrival and for her complicated life to straighten out. In the meantime, she's gotten off to a rocky start with her innkeeper. How will she get through the trying months ahead?
While their lives come together in one small town, they're searching for that sweet place where life is good, and love conquers all. Readers who enjoy Donna Cronk's charming novels savor each chapter.
Her main characters are flawed-as are we all-yet they seek lifestyles of cherishing community and commitment to their beliefs. They are looking for home. Perhaps that means a new location, or maybe staying in this small town. Either way, their lives are about to take a variety of twists and turns.
Along with Samantha, Stan, and Joy, others drop by to enrich the pages. There's Samantha's nemesis, Ellen, who can't accept that the innkeeper landed the prettiest house in town, the one where Ellen would love to live. She's hatching a new plan to get it.
There's a dog named Reggie. The lovable pup proves a handful for Samantha. But more, Reggie serves as an unexpected catalyst.
Sam's loved ones weigh in as she works through a variety of situations from her challenging days at the inn to a tendency toward getting too far ahead of herself.
Delicious recipes, including a scrumptious Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie created by the talented baker Blaise Doubman, and Katherine's Date Swirl Cookies, a childhood neighbor's signature treat, will send readers straight to the kitchen. Samantha also reveals a family secret to terrific homemade vegetable soup.
Noted Hoosier artist Marilyn Witt created a beautiful, original cover scene that invites readers into the small-town inn.
Says Christy Ragle of WholeHeart Communications in an advance review, "Often laugh-inducing and subsequently thought-provoking, you won't want to miss this journey to 'That Sweet Place.'"
Christian writer and blogger Debbie McCray says, "Donna Cronk has done it again! The author takes us on another ride with Samantha Jarrett through small-town life. The twists and turns of the story with humor sprinkled throughout remind us of the struggles and victories in our lives. We become a resident of fictional Freedom, Indiana, watching the events unfold and hoping for that happy ending. Samantha's story encourages us in our faith walk that God does have that sweet place for each one of us."
Stop by Freedom and tap on Samantha's back door. The tea kettle is on and Sam is pulling out a pie from the oven. Would you like a slice? Well then, come on in! What are you waiting for?
Still, she waits for what's next: for her inn to show a profit, for a son's much-anticipated announcement, and, maybe even for love.
Stan Bennett is also waiting. For most of his life, he's kept a secret. The time has come to reveal it and pursue his dream before it's too late. But there's a problem: he's falling in love with Samantha. Could she change his plans?
Joy Williamson is waiting, as well: for her baby's arrival and for her complicated life to straighten out. In the meantime, she's gotten off to a rocky start with her innkeeper. How will she get through the trying months ahead?
While their lives come together in one small town, they're searching for that sweet place where life is good, and love conquers all. Readers who enjoy Donna Cronk's charming novels savor each chapter.
Her main characters are flawed-as are we all-yet they seek lifestyles of cherishing community and commitment to their beliefs. They are looking for home. Perhaps that means a new location, or maybe staying in this small town. Either way, their lives are about to take a variety of twists and turns.
Along with Samantha, Stan, and Joy, others drop by to enrich the pages. There's Samantha's nemesis, Ellen, who can't accept that the innkeeper landed the prettiest house in town, the one where Ellen would love to live. She's hatching a new plan to get it.
There's a dog named Reggie. The lovable pup proves a handful for Samantha. But more, Reggie serves as an unexpected catalyst.
Sam's loved ones weigh in as she works through a variety of situations from her challenging days at the inn to a tendency toward getting too far ahead of herself.
Delicious recipes, including a scrumptious Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie created by the talented baker Blaise Doubman, and Katherine's Date Swirl Cookies, a childhood neighbor's signature treat, will send readers straight to the kitchen. Samantha also reveals a family secret to terrific homemade vegetable soup.
Noted Hoosier artist Marilyn Witt created a beautiful, original cover scene that invites readers into the small-town inn.
Says Christy Ragle of WholeHeart Communications in an advance review, "Often laugh-inducing and subsequently thought-provoking, you won't want to miss this journey to 'That Sweet Place.'"
Christian writer and blogger Debbie McCray says, "Donna Cronk has done it again! The author takes us on another ride with Samantha Jarrett through small-town life. The twists and turns of the story with humor sprinkled throughout remind us of the struggles and victories in our lives. We become a resident of fictional Freedom, Indiana, watching the events unfold and hoping for that happy ending. Samantha's story encourages us in our faith walk that God does have that sweet place for each one of us."
Stop by Freedom and tap on Samantha's back door. The tea kettle is on and Sam is pulling out a pie from the oven. Would you like a slice? Well then, come on in! What are you waiting for?
234 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2016
7 people want to read
About the author
Donna Cronk
3 books13 followers When I cleaned out our attic as a way to redeem the time early in the pandemic, I found much more than objects.
I found lessons learned, advice given and taken, failures and follies, successes and silly memories.
While THERE'S A CLYDESDALE IN THE ATTIC: RFELECTIONS ON KEEPING AND LETTING GO is a "memoir of sorts," it's also loaded with topics that include faith, family, farm, school days, parenting, and so much more.
My finds beg the question: What's in YOUR attic? It will be a theme I explore during this next season of sharing experiences and swapping stories at social and service clubs, book clubs, and banquets.
The book is different from my two novels, SWEETLAND OF LIBERTY BED & BREAKFAST, and the sequel, THAT SWEET PLACE: AT HOME IN THE HEARTLAND.
Check them all out and let me know what you think.
I grew up on my family's farm in tiny Union County, Indiana. Early memories include pretending that I had my own talk show where I interviewed famous guests, and pretending to "cover" a political convention.
That little girl could never have imagined that she would cover a presidential inauguration, but it happened.
Early on in life, my grandmother shared exciting stories of what our community was like around 1900 -- and way before that. Her mother had seen the Lincoln Funeral Train.
I loved the stories and at 16, while watching the dog show at the 4-H fair, I knew in a sudden "ah-ha" moment that I wanted to be a newspaper reporter, one like the intern I saw walking around with a notepad and camera.
I've never wanted to be anything else.
A career journalist, my days are now spent writing columns for several newspapers, marketing the CLYDESDALE book, and finding the silver linings around every corner. I also aim to show gratitude to the Good Lord for his provision.
It's a fun ride and if anyone asks me to speak or attend a book club or otherwise take the show on the road, my answer, if possible, is YES!
I'm active in my church, an international Bible study, a volunteer service group, and am co-founder of the writers' support group, the Writer Chicks Society.
Brian and I have been married for a long time, and pray for many more years and days of life and laughter together!
I found lessons learned, advice given and taken, failures and follies, successes and silly memories.
While THERE'S A CLYDESDALE IN THE ATTIC: RFELECTIONS ON KEEPING AND LETTING GO is a "memoir of sorts," it's also loaded with topics that include faith, family, farm, school days, parenting, and so much more.
My finds beg the question: What's in YOUR attic? It will be a theme I explore during this next season of sharing experiences and swapping stories at social and service clubs, book clubs, and banquets.
The book is different from my two novels, SWEETLAND OF LIBERTY BED & BREAKFAST, and the sequel, THAT SWEET PLACE: AT HOME IN THE HEARTLAND.
Check them all out and let me know what you think.
I grew up on my family's farm in tiny Union County, Indiana. Early memories include pretending that I had my own talk show where I interviewed famous guests, and pretending to "cover" a political convention.
That little girl could never have imagined that she would cover a presidential inauguration, but it happened.
Early on in life, my grandmother shared exciting stories of what our community was like around 1900 -- and way before that. Her mother had seen the Lincoln Funeral Train.
I loved the stories and at 16, while watching the dog show at the 4-H fair, I knew in a sudden "ah-ha" moment that I wanted to be a newspaper reporter, one like the intern I saw walking around with a notepad and camera.
I've never wanted to be anything else.
A career journalist, my days are now spent writing columns for several newspapers, marketing the CLYDESDALE book, and finding the silver linings around every corner. I also aim to show gratitude to the Good Lord for his provision.
It's a fun ride and if anyone asks me to speak or attend a book club or otherwise take the show on the road, my answer, if possible, is YES!
I'm active in my church, an international Bible study, a volunteer service group, and am co-founder of the writers' support group, the Writer Chicks Society.
Brian and I have been married for a long time, and pray for many more years and days of life and laughter together!
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 5, 2017
One of the most remarkable things about living for God is knowing that there is always hope. I firmly believe that if we listen for Him, we will hear Him—and that He's not done with us yet.
This novel is a story in which those concepts are played out—it's sweet, charming, and real. Donna Cronk realistically depicts small-town life—and its sense of community—with humor and kindness. Samantha, the innkeeper, is authentic and someone you could expect to meet in real life. The characters are people who try to do the right thing and yet make mistakes, as we all do. But ultimately, they trust in God and get to experience the surprises of life with Him in control.
The best Christian novels are the ones that are not preachy, but show through examples how a person's life is changed for the better when he or she lets God lead. Just as the characters in this novel eventually find that sweet place, readers will walk away believing that it exists for them, too. It may not be in Liberty, Indiana, at this cozy bed and breakfast, but it is certainly out there. If we just keep watching for it.
This novel is a story in which those concepts are played out—it's sweet, charming, and real. Donna Cronk realistically depicts small-town life—and its sense of community—with humor and kindness. Samantha, the innkeeper, is authentic and someone you could expect to meet in real life. The characters are people who try to do the right thing and yet make mistakes, as we all do. But ultimately, they trust in God and get to experience the surprises of life with Him in control.
The best Christian novels are the ones that are not preachy, but show through examples how a person's life is changed for the better when he or she lets God lead. Just as the characters in this novel eventually find that sweet place, readers will walk away believing that it exists for them, too. It may not be in Liberty, Indiana, at this cozy bed and breakfast, but it is certainly out there. If we just keep watching for it.
December 31, 2016
I'm glad I got to read That Sweet Place: At Home in the Heartland. The book took me back to Samantha's bed and breakfast, Sweetland. I first became acquainted with the Sweetland when I read Sweetland of Liberty Bed and Breakfast. I keep wanting to call someone and make a reservation. Too bad it's a fictional inn. The author did a great job with plots and subplots, finally surprising me at what I thought was going to be a predictable ending. The book left me with a smile. The book is a great read. Relax, the the world go by, pick up the book, and go to That Sweet Place.
June 5, 2017
It is wonderful to read Donna Cronk's That Sweet Place: At Home in the Heartland, which is the sequel to Sweetland of Liberty. When Donna writes of the town of Freedom, it is a place you want move to or at least be able to visit in real life! Donna writes of real-life challenges and when she does, you can feel the pain, but you also, cling to hope along with the characters. This book includes a lot of realities as life in the Hoosier state. People are friendly and talkative, even if sometimes a bit too much! Donna artfully weaves together the archetypes of society through her characters.
The first night I began to read this book, I read several chapters straight though. Donna's characters became a part of my thought process as I continued to wonder what would happen to them. The last night I finished the book, I read far into the night. I just had to see how it all turned out.
I would recommend reading both of Donna's books. One thing I enjoyed was with this sequel, Donna didn't waste a lot of time playing the catch-up game. There are references of happenings in the first book, but not overly so. The sequel can stand on its own. Another one hit out of the park by Donna Cronk!
The first night I began to read this book, I read several chapters straight though. Donna's characters became a part of my thought process as I continued to wonder what would happen to them. The last night I finished the book, I read far into the night. I just had to see how it all turned out.
I would recommend reading both of Donna's books. One thing I enjoyed was with this sequel, Donna didn't waste a lot of time playing the catch-up game. There are references of happenings in the first book, but not overly so. The sequel can stand on its own. Another one hit out of the park by Donna Cronk!
October 30, 2017
I just finished, That Sweet Place: At Home in the Heartland, and I really enjoyed this wonderful novel. It was an excellent sequel to Donna Cronk's first book, Sweetland of Liberty Bed & Breakfast. It was also a tremendous blessing to read about main characters who are in their boomer years, yet still have plenty of dreams and ambitions for life. Probably because that's the season of life that I'm in, and many books seem to ignore the calling and passion for life that continues to burn from within, even as we age.
I like this author's work so much, that I am excited that the story lends to another novel in what will become a series of engaging novels. I am especially impressed by Cronk's understanding of complex human issues, while still keeping her books inspirational. There are times, when we all experience conflict in relationships, disappointments, and misunderstandings. Even though these elements are present in this title, they are resolved in a very realistic and uplifting way. The author's writing style allows the reader to be entertained, and yet it teaches profound lessons at the same time.
I can't wait to read the next one!
I like this author's work so much, that I am excited that the story lends to another novel in what will become a series of engaging novels. I am especially impressed by Cronk's understanding of complex human issues, while still keeping her books inspirational. There are times, when we all experience conflict in relationships, disappointments, and misunderstandings. Even though these elements are present in this title, they are resolved in a very realistic and uplifting way. The author's writing style allows the reader to be entertained, and yet it teaches profound lessons at the same time.
I can't wait to read the next one!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews