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Tales from Grace Chapel Inn #42
The Way We Were
Once readers visit the charming village of Acorn Hill they'll never want to leave. Three sisters-Louise, a widow from Philadelphia; Alice, an unmarried nurse who lived with her father; and Jane, a divorced chef from San Francisco-reunite in the sleepy town after their father's death and turn the family home into a charming bed-and-breakfast. Here the sisters rekindle old memories, rediscover their childhood bonds, revel in the blessings of friendship and meet fascinating guests along the way.
Alice is caring for a patient suffering from amnesia, and the only clue to her identity is the dog that was watching over her after her car went off the road. As Alice tries to help this woman recover her life, Louise counsels a guest whose marriage is on the rocks. Can she help the young woman give it one more try? Meanwhile, three of Jane's art school friends come to Grace Chapel Inn for a reunion and a reminder of the blessing of old friends.
Alice is caring for a patient suffering from amnesia, and the only clue to her identity is the dog that was watching over her after her car went off the road. As Alice tries to help this woman recover her life, Louise counsels a guest whose marriage is on the rocks. Can she help the young woman give it one more try? Meanwhile, three of Jane's art school friends come to Grace Chapel Inn for a reunion and a reminder of the blessing of old friends.
307 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
10 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Judy Baer
105 books125 followersaka Judy Kaye
Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, USA. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Her most ambitious conjuring did not succeed, however. She kept a clean stall with hay and oats for the horse she imagined would come but unfortunately, it never did. As an adult, however, she managed to make that dream come true and raised foundation quarter horses and buffalo for some years. A voracious reader, Judy learned to read with comic books, anything from Little Lulu and Superman to the Rawhide Kid. She sold her first story for $10.00 to a farm magazine. She still has the $10.00.
She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota with a major in English and education and a minor in religion. At the time, she was simply studying what interested her, but now realizes that she was educating herself for her future career as an inspirational christian romance writer.
Judy wanted to write for Harlequin even in high school but it wasn't until her youngest child learned to say "No" that she realized that she'd better consider a second career to fall back on when mothering was done. Her first book was written with her little girl on her lap. Judy would type a few words, say "Now, Jennifer," at which time her daughter would hit the space bar before Judy continued typing. It wasn't the fastest way to work, but it offered a lot of mother-daughter time together. An over-achiever, she's written 71 books for various publishers. The mother of two and step-mother of three, she now has lots of family to enjoy.
In 2001, she went back to school and became a certified professional life coach. Currently she is working on her Master's in Human Development in the areas of writing, coaching and spirituality and writing inspirational Chick Lit which, she says, is the most fun she's ever had writing.
Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, USA. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Her most ambitious conjuring did not succeed, however. She kept a clean stall with hay and oats for the horse she imagined would come but unfortunately, it never did. As an adult, however, she managed to make that dream come true and raised foundation quarter horses and buffalo for some years. A voracious reader, Judy learned to read with comic books, anything from Little Lulu and Superman to the Rawhide Kid. She sold her first story for $10.00 to a farm magazine. She still has the $10.00.
She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota with a major in English and education and a minor in religion. At the time, she was simply studying what interested her, but now realizes that she was educating herself for her future career as an inspirational christian romance writer.
Judy wanted to write for Harlequin even in high school but it wasn't until her youngest child learned to say "No" that she realized that she'd better consider a second career to fall back on when mothering was done. Her first book was written with her little girl on her lap. Judy would type a few words, say "Now, Jennifer," at which time her daughter would hit the space bar before Judy continued typing. It wasn't the fastest way to work, but it offered a lot of mother-daughter time together. An over-achiever, she's written 71 books for various publishers. The mother of two and step-mother of three, she now has lots of family to enjoy.
In 2001, she went back to school and became a certified professional life coach. Currently she is working on her Master's in Human Development in the areas of writing, coaching and spirituality and writing inspirational Chick Lit which, she says, is the most fun she's ever had writing.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 14, 2019
Jane is having reunion of her 4 classmates from college. Alice has a patient at the hospital who was found in a ditch and can’t remember anything. A wife comes to stay at the inn after a fight with her husband. All of them have something in the past to overcome. Aunt Ethel and Florence make friends with the new postmistress who isn’t keeping the mail secret, so they are spreading rumors around town.
May 20, 2023
A great story of faith and friendship and how it can help you in your hour of need.
May 22, 2017
Another GREAT Tales of Grace Chapel Inn series. The theme of the book seems to be, “'God's just tossing us people who seem to need us...” (pg. 38)
A wonderful book full of a reunion of old college friends. Friends. Food. Fellowship. Jane, helping the friends that she thought were more well off than she is to fix the brokenness of their lives. A woman taken in by the sisters who has amnesia and has no idea who she is. Alice helps here have some feeling of security while she slowly gains back her memories of who she is. Another woman whom Louise is aiding that has escaped her life to hide out at the Inn and pout over a mistake her husband made.
“'You're managing your lives just fine,' Jane said gently. 'There are elements that are problematic right now, that's all. Everyone's life is like that – ups and downs.'
'How do you do it, Jane? How do you manage?'
'I've had help.'
'Your sisters?'
'Partly. But these days I leave the heavy lifting to God.'
'I miss Him.' Patty murmured. 'Maybe He'd forgive me if I could only forgive myself.'” (pg 129)
“'Sometimes God waits until we clear a path through our attempts to solve things. When we finally turn things over to Him. He can do the healing and blessing that He's been waiting for and wanting to do all along.'
'And when I finally asked Him to help...He was there, ready, willing and waiting.' Becky marveled. 'You know, Jane, if I travel for the rest of my life, no trip will ever stack up to this weekend.'” pg 251
This was a very good book. I enjoyed it immensely.
Unfortunately I could not find any prompt this fit for my Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge. That is why I may have to count some books twice. I have books I want to read this year that don't/may not fit the challenge.
A wonderful book full of a reunion of old college friends. Friends. Food. Fellowship. Jane, helping the friends that she thought were more well off than she is to fix the brokenness of their lives. A woman taken in by the sisters who has amnesia and has no idea who she is. Alice helps here have some feeling of security while she slowly gains back her memories of who she is. Another woman whom Louise is aiding that has escaped her life to hide out at the Inn and pout over a mistake her husband made.
“'You're managing your lives just fine,' Jane said gently. 'There are elements that are problematic right now, that's all. Everyone's life is like that – ups and downs.'
'How do you do it, Jane? How do you manage?'
'I've had help.'
'Your sisters?'
'Partly. But these days I leave the heavy lifting to God.'
'I miss Him.' Patty murmured. 'Maybe He'd forgive me if I could only forgive myself.'” (pg 129)
“'Sometimes God waits until we clear a path through our attempts to solve things. When we finally turn things over to Him. He can do the healing and blessing that He's been waiting for and wanting to do all along.'
'And when I finally asked Him to help...He was there, ready, willing and waiting.' Becky marveled. 'You know, Jane, if I travel for the rest of my life, no trip will ever stack up to this weekend.'” pg 251
This was a very good book. I enjoyed it immensely.
Unfortunately I could not find any prompt this fit for my Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge. That is why I may have to count some books twice. I have books I want to read this year that don't/may not fit the challenge.
June 27, 2024
Once I started reading this book, I realized that I have read it before. No matter, I love this series so much that I have no problem reading it again. It is just a warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you read this series. Faith, family, and friends are what it is all about.
The sisters are once again opening their home and touching the lives of their guests with simple acts of kindness and service.
A joy to read.
The sisters are once again opening their home and touching the lives of their guests with simple acts of kindness and service.
A joy to read.
April 15, 2021
Another cozy story about 3 sisters who run a B&B together, who never argue, who never miss an opportunity to support the unfortunate, and whose prayers solve everything. Not at all realistic, but a sweet and refreshing visit over a cup of tea and delicious baked goods. The high reader ratings don't really reflect the quality of the writing, but the quality of the readers.
January 16, 2024
I am loving these Tales From Grace Chapel Inn...just comfortable, relaxing and easy to read. Characters are wonderful, three sisters, Alice, Louise and Jane, all with their own skills and personalities...then to top them off, their late dad's sister, Auntie Ethel!! Small town living at it's finest!
October 20, 2025
This is a fantastic book! I enjoyed getting to know the sisters who run Grace Chapel Inn. They all have unique and interesting personalities. When Jenny's college friends come to visit, things are revealed and they all support each other. They also get a chance to help a woman with amnesia.
October 4, 2019
Cute story. A nice light read.
April 23, 2020
This was a very sweet book about three sisters. It was an easy, quick read with a great message.
January 9, 2023
A lovely book about friendships, sisters, small towns, caring, hero dogs, family, baking, flowers,gardens, quilts and tons of God's love. Amen
June 3, 2023
3.5 stars
March 5, 2024
Hoopla audio this one was better than most.
April 22, 2025
Louise takes a woman under her wing that’s struggling in her marriage. Alice takes a woman in that has amnesia. Jane hosts her college friends.
July 7, 2015
The Grace Chapel Inn series is written by various authors but Judy Baer is one of my favorites. This particular tale is a bit out of the ordinary as it has a bit of mystery/intrigue. Howard sister Alice befriends one of her patients who is suffering from amnesia. Jane Howard, the youngest sister and the chef at the inn, is hosting a college reunion, and Louise Howard, the first-born sister, counsels a young wife named Claire, drawing upon experiences from her own marriage.
Two prominent themes are celebrating friendship and Biblical living. For example when the woman with amnesia is overwhelmed by the kindness of the Howard sisters, the Reverend tells the story of the Good Samaritan, reminding everyone that showing mercy is what it means to be a good neighbor.
I personally connected with Becky, a devoted mom, who was frustrated by her eldest son's choices. She comes to realize that she is over-involved in her children's lives and needs to remember that she always loves her children even if she doesn't like their choices. She also is reminded about the importance of clear communication. (Becky is one of Jane's college roomies.)
Two prominent themes are celebrating friendship and Biblical living. For example when the woman with amnesia is overwhelmed by the kindness of the Howard sisters, the Reverend tells the story of the Good Samaritan, reminding everyone that showing mercy is what it means to be a good neighbor.
I personally connected with Becky, a devoted mom, who was frustrated by her eldest son's choices. She comes to realize that she is over-involved in her children's lives and needs to remember that she always loves her children even if she doesn't like their choices. She also is reminded about the importance of clear communication. (Becky is one of Jane's college roomies.)
June 24, 2016
An uplifting book in this series about life in small town Acorn Hill. The series centers on three sisters who turn their family home into a B&B after the father dies. This book has two main story-lines. The first involves Jane, the youngest sister and artist/chef at the B&B, as she welcomes her old college roommates for a reunion. As the women catch up on each others' lives, they learn things about each other and about themselves.
The other story is about Mary, a patient suffering from amnesia. Alice, the middle sister and a nurse, feels led by God to help her in whatever way she can, including taking her into their home as she struggles to regain any memory of who she is or where she came from.
Great lessons about caring for others, giving of oneself and hope that only God can give.
The other story is about Mary, a patient suffering from amnesia. Alice, the middle sister and a nurse, feels led by God to help her in whatever way she can, including taking her into their home as she struggles to regain any memory of who she is or where she came from.
Great lessons about caring for others, giving of oneself and hope that only God can give.
January 22, 2009
Another enjoyable book in the Guidepost series "Tales from Grace Chapel Inn." I have enjoyed each and every one of these I have read. They're predictable and light, but good, heartwarming Christian fiction. I know what to expect when I pick up one of these books, and I'm always happy to pore over the pages and see what guests are staying at the inn, what is happening in the village of Acorn Hill, and what values of faith, forgiveness or grace I can glean from the pages. I love all of these books and hope they re-release more from this series in the future, as I think I am current on the ones that are out (and that I own!)
January 16, 2014
The Way We Were is part of the Grace Chapel Inn published by Guidepost. This series has multiple authors. The series as a whole in the books that I have read so far is awesome. The books are a fun light read. Three sisters whose father was a minister have turned the family home into a bed and breakfast. Alice is a nurse, Jane is a chef. In this book, Jane’s roommates from college come for a reunion week. In the meantime Alice has a patient with amnesia that she brings home and they all work to try and find her family. I loved this book and love the series.
October 14, 2010
Another great book, but no recipes. A woman comes into the hospital with amnesia. The sisters put her up at the inn when she is released and try to help her get her memory back. Jane has a reunion with three college friends. Old hurts and injustices come to light and all is made right. In the end the woman learns her identity and her family comes for her. Ethel and FLorence are running around town tell half truths and other rumors. Louise has to set them straight.
July 24, 2014
Old friends from college having a reunion, mysterious arrival of a woman who has no idea of who she is from an accident, old secrets, gossip and more happen in the small town of Acorn Hill. Well the three sisters have an enjoyable week or will it turn into chaos. Christian based story with lots of suspense and adventure which is sure to thrill readers of all ages.
Read
February 12, 2015This book is like the fluffiest of the fluff. There was potential for interest - a woman who has 'marriage problems' ( but really just got in a snit about something and ran off) - a woman with amnesia (her story wraps up far too nicely - even the gossiping aunt that no one really confronts and she never really apologizes and makes things right.\nThis book was disappointing to me.
May 25, 2009
I love the Tales from Chapel Inn books and the 3 sisters that run it. Louise has a reunion at the inn with her college roomates, Alice takes in an amnesia patient and a young wife seeks refuge at the inn. Aunt Ethel learns a lesson about gossiping.
September 30, 2013
another great story about The Grace Chapel Inn
Read
February 10, 2016 We are treated to all the angst of Judy's college reunion and a secret one of the girls has kept all this time. There is also a guest at the inn who has amnesia.
June 26, 2022
Very, very good
January 11, 2011
This was a very fast read. I enjoyed this book and reading about all the different relationships.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews