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Waratah Inn #1
The Waratah Inn
Wrested back to Cabarita Beach by her grandmother's sudden death, Kate Summer discovers a mystery buried in the past that changes everything.
Kate returns home to the sleepy hamlet of Cabarita Beach and the run-down Waratah Inn for her grandmother's funeral. She spent many happy childhood years at the inn, but all she wants to do now is sell the dilapidated boutique inn and head back to the city and her busy, professional life. But she and her two estranged sisters discover they've inherited the inn together. To sell, they need all three sisters to agree to the sale.
Soon, her carefully constructed life begins to unravel and Kate decides to stay in Cabarita Beach to renovate the elegant, old building. Despite her misgivings about reviving the crumbling structure, she quickly becomes consumed with crown moulding, history and an attractive horse wrangler she can't seem to ignore.
When she discovers a clue to a mystery from the past in her grandmother's things, she'll be drawn down a path that raises more questions than answers. Piece-by-piece she and her sisters will uncover the secret former life of their beloved grandmother. A life of love, intrigue, and loss. A life they never knew she had.
An opportunity to sell the Inn pushes them to make a choice: commit to the Waratah Inn and family, or walk away from the Inn and each other, back to their separate and isolated lives.
For fans of Debbie Macomber, Carolyn Brown, Danielle Steele, Grace Greene, and Pamela Kelley.
NB. Includes recipes and a discussion guide.
Kate returns home to the sleepy hamlet of Cabarita Beach and the run-down Waratah Inn for her grandmother's funeral. She spent many happy childhood years at the inn, but all she wants to do now is sell the dilapidated boutique inn and head back to the city and her busy, professional life. But she and her two estranged sisters discover they've inherited the inn together. To sell, they need all three sisters to agree to the sale.
Soon, her carefully constructed life begins to unravel and Kate decides to stay in Cabarita Beach to renovate the elegant, old building. Despite her misgivings about reviving the crumbling structure, she quickly becomes consumed with crown moulding, history and an attractive horse wrangler she can't seem to ignore.
When she discovers a clue to a mystery from the past in her grandmother's things, she'll be drawn down a path that raises more questions than answers. Piece-by-piece she and her sisters will uncover the secret former life of their beloved grandmother. A life of love, intrigue, and loss. A life they never knew she had.
An opportunity to sell the Inn pushes them to make a choice: commit to the Waratah Inn and family, or walk away from the Inn and each other, back to their separate and isolated lives.
For fans of Debbie Macomber, Carolyn Brown, Danielle Steele, Grace Greene, and Pamela Kelley.
NB. Includes recipes and a discussion guide.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
10306 people are currently reading
4276 people want to read
About the author
Lilly Mirren
38 books309 followersLilly Mirren is a USA Today Bestselling women's and contemporary fiction author.
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.
"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.
"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
February 24, 2025
Kate Summer was head chef at a popular restaurant in Brisbane, and when she was notified of her grandmother's death, she dropped everything to head to nearby Cabarita Beach. The Waratah Inn had been home to Kate and her two sisters since the deaths of their parents in a devastating car accident, cared for by their Nan and Pop. Now Kate was shattered to realise she'd never see Nan again (Pop had passed some years prior). Mima, who'd been Nan's best friend for a long time, cooked breakfasts for the guests at the Inn, and the elderly Jack, handyman, worked all other aspects of the property. Kate and her sisters knew their lives had changed with Nan gone.
Finding, and reading Nan's journals, Kate saw a different life of their Nan's past, one they hadn't known about. As they tried to work out what to do with the Inn - sell or save - reading Nan's words brought them close again. What would they do? Would they renovate the Inn and keep it running, or sell it and move on with their lives?
The Waratah Inn is the 1st in the Waratah Inn series by Aussie author Lilly Mirren, set in a place I've stayed, several times. Cabarita Beach is a beautiful part of the world, just south of the Queensland border; it's a place I wouldn't mind visiting again. The three MCs - sisters, Kate, Bindi and Reeba - had drifted apart as they grew; Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, and it was good to see them reconnect. I'm looking forward to #2 in the not too distant future. Recommended.
Finding, and reading Nan's journals, Kate saw a different life of their Nan's past, one they hadn't known about. As they tried to work out what to do with the Inn - sell or save - reading Nan's words brought them close again. What would they do? Would they renovate the Inn and keep it running, or sell it and move on with their lives?
The Waratah Inn is the 1st in the Waratah Inn series by Aussie author Lilly Mirren, set in a place I've stayed, several times. Cabarita Beach is a beautiful part of the world, just south of the Queensland border; it's a place I wouldn't mind visiting again. The three MCs - sisters, Kate, Bindi and Reeba - had drifted apart as they grew; Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, and it was good to see them reconnect. I'm looking forward to #2 in the not too distant future. Recommended.
November 5, 2019
If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it.
Read full review in the 2019 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2019 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 29, 2020
This book is very typical of the genre. There is little to no mystery as to how it will end. Kate Summer’s grandmother passes away and leaves an inn to her and her two sisters. The story takes place in Australia which is the most interesting thing about it. Thanks to this story I now know the chook is Australian slang for chicken. ( I think it sounds like an alien race. “Captain, the Chook have boarded the ship!”) And Waratah is a type of flowering bush.
Conveniently Kate loses her job and then her fiancé but don’t worry there is a warm, caring, handsome stud working in the stable who is just getting over the death of his wife.
I should point out that except for Mimi, a plump older woman who was a friend of Kate’s grandma, all the characters are fit and beautiful. No one struggles with weight or skin conditions or hair loss.
And conveniently all three sisters can leave their spouses and careers for several months while they have the inn refurbished. Grandma was kind enough to leave enough money for a complete remodel.
Anyone who has three sisters knows that they would kill each other if they had to remodel an inn together. And yet it never is an issue. We are supposed to think it will be a mystery what they want to do with the inn.
Despite being in the middle of nowhere all of a sudden a developer shows up with a huge offer to buy the inn. Will they sell it? Will the sun rise in the East?
Where will Kate, a professional chef find work? (Hint: Mimi, the inn’s cook is getting up in years)
And then there is Grandma’s diaries which reveal her sordid past which really isn’t that sordid. Kate reads them as though she was discovering Grandma was a serial killer. Sadly she wasn’t.
But there is a seemingly endless market for books such a these and there always will be.
Conveniently Kate loses her job and then her fiancé but don’t worry there is a warm, caring, handsome stud working in the stable who is just getting over the death of his wife.
I should point out that except for Mimi, a plump older woman who was a friend of Kate’s grandma, all the characters are fit and beautiful. No one struggles with weight or skin conditions or hair loss.
And conveniently all three sisters can leave their spouses and careers for several months while they have the inn refurbished. Grandma was kind enough to leave enough money for a complete remodel.
Anyone who has three sisters knows that they would kill each other if they had to remodel an inn together. And yet it never is an issue. We are supposed to think it will be a mystery what they want to do with the inn.
Despite being in the middle of nowhere all of a sudden a developer shows up with a huge offer to buy the inn. Will they sell it? Will the sun rise in the East?
Where will Kate, a professional chef find work? (Hint: Mimi, the inn’s cook is getting up in years)
And then there is Grandma’s diaries which reveal her sordid past which really isn’t that sordid. Kate reads them as though she was discovering Grandma was a serial killer. Sadly she wasn’t.
But there is a seemingly endless market for books such a these and there always will be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2020
This was my first book by this author and I will tell you it was fantastic. It was told in multiple POVs and each one just added all that much more to the story. I loved it.
It had everything. Plus, I just couldn't put it down. If you love a feel good, warm, small town feel centered around family with some secrets thrown in then this is definitely the book for you.
I highly recommend this book and the others in the series. Fantastic read!!
It had everything. Plus, I just couldn't put it down. If you love a feel good, warm, small town feel centered around family with some secrets thrown in then this is definitely the book for you.
I highly recommend this book and the others in the series. Fantastic read!!
May 31, 2020
It’s always fun to come across an unfamiliar author through the Nook Serial Reads. This book was just okay for me but of course it’s a series and of course there is a lot left unresolved. So maybe I’ll read more...
December 27, 2024
Cute story. Would be willing to read the next in the series.
August 15, 2019
Poignant Australian family drama
“Life isn’t a competition, it’s a journey we take together.” Youngest sister, Bindi, sums up the story beautifully with this quote. Three once close siblings have become estranged, all of them off track in their lives. They have to find a way to become a close and journey together again, and each sister needs to figure out what she really wants. This book is middle sister Kate’s story. In addition to taking us through the girls’ sad backstory, Kate finds a box of Nan’s diaries beginning when she was 10 years old. It reveals, in vivid detail, great joy and heartbreaking loss. In places, the emotion just grabs you like a strong current pulling you underwater. Get the Kleenex out before you start. The diary took you back just before WWII and I don’t think I’ve ever read anything about the war from Australians’ perspective. Note: This is book 1 in a trilogy; while it fully presents Kate’s story, the story of Nan will run through all three books and you’ll want to know her sisters’ stories after reading this book. One of the best books I’ve read all year. Looking forward to the next two.
“Life isn’t a competition, it’s a journey we take together.” Youngest sister, Bindi, sums up the story beautifully with this quote. Three once close siblings have become estranged, all of them off track in their lives. They have to find a way to become a close and journey together again, and each sister needs to figure out what she really wants. This book is middle sister Kate’s story. In addition to taking us through the girls’ sad backstory, Kate finds a box of Nan’s diaries beginning when she was 10 years old. It reveals, in vivid detail, great joy and heartbreaking loss. In places, the emotion just grabs you like a strong current pulling you underwater. Get the Kleenex out before you start. The diary took you back just before WWII and I don’t think I’ve ever read anything about the war from Australians’ perspective. Note: This is book 1 in a trilogy; while it fully presents Kate’s story, the story of Nan will run through all three books and you’ll want to know her sisters’ stories after reading this book. One of the best books I’ve read all year. Looking forward to the next two.
August 15, 2019
A beautifully written story! Ms. Mirren has interwoven several generations of a family together to spin a complex and interesting tale. 3 independent sisters, coming together, leaving their "not-quite perfect" lives to attend their Nan's funeral and deal with her Waratah Inn. I loved the description of the Australian coast, flowers, food (& check out the recipes at the back of the book!). A wonderful job, and I can't wait for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this clean and well written romance. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
May 28, 2020
Probably would't have read this book, had I known there was a cliff hanger. I will not finish this series, though I am curious. But not enough to purchase.
Not a fan of cliff hangers or triangle relationships that go on and on and on. Made the mistake of reading one where there were 4. She just couldn't pick from 3. Really...SMH
Not a fan of cliff hangers or triangle relationships that go on and on and on. Made the mistake of reading one where there were 4. She just couldn't pick from 3. Really...SMH
August 24, 2019
The Waratah Inn
By: Lilly Mirren
A beautiful written story. Three sisters return to their grandmother’s bed and breakfast after her passing. Ms. Mirren tells about several generations of family ties. These sisters grew up with their grandmother at this Inn. They learn somethings they did not know. This old bed and breakfast is falling apart. Will they sell or will they try to bring it back to its glory? Can the three agree on anything? All three sisters live in other towns and have other lives.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I Had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
By: Lilly Mirren
A beautiful written story. Three sisters return to their grandmother’s bed and breakfast after her passing. Ms. Mirren tells about several generations of family ties. These sisters grew up with their grandmother at this Inn. They learn somethings they did not know. This old bed and breakfast is falling apart. Will they sell or will they try to bring it back to its glory? Can the three agree on anything? All three sisters live in other towns and have other lives.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I Had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
November 16, 2021
Lackluster, predictable, kept waiting for something exciting to happen. I got frequent on- line nudges to read this book touting it to be a best read of the summer. So I got it thru Audible. The narration was annoying with intonations that lead me to believe there would be many sentences with exclamation points at the end. Could overlook the narration if there was excitement to the story.
May 27, 2020
Nook serial read for the month of May. I liked the story of these 3 sisters although their relationship was a bit too flat. I would have liked a bit mote detail and depth.
I didn‘t like how the story ended, unfinished really and to find out more, one would have to buy the next book .... not cool!
I didn‘t like how the story ended, unfinished really and to find out more, one would have to buy the next book .... not cool!
May 5, 2021
This was a nice easy story. Kind of predictable but I'm annoyed about the ending as you can't read it as a standalone if you're curious about the fates of some of the characters. I couldn't believe the way it just dropped off!
May 16, 2020
This is a family saga that spans several generations. When three sisters' lose their beloved Nan, each has to come to terms with her death as well as their own lives.
Kate, Reeda, and Bindi had lived with their grandmother and grandfather since their parents died in a car accident years earlier. Now adults, they lead separate lives and rarely see each other.
Kate lives in Brisbane with her fiance Davis; Bindi is a journalist, and Reeda is married to a physician Duncan. Each is having issues, but time and distance has allowed their relationship to each other founder.
When they inherit the house, the Waratah Inn, they are forced to deal with each other once again. What's more, they must decide together what to do with the house (and the people who are connected to the inn).
While updating the inn (to keep or to sell?), Kate discovers her Nan's journals, which tells of her mysterious life before. Love, loss, intrigue are all a part of what Kate finds as she reads of her grandmother's life before Pop.
What will happen to the inn when it is completed? Will it be sold, or will it become an integral part of the girls' lives? What about what is next for the individual girls and their lives away from the Waratah Inn? What are the secrets Kate discovers in her Nan's words? And don't forget: there is a pesky possum causing havoc...what will happen to it?
This is the first in a series, but it is complete as is. Thanks to Judy C. for the suggestion of this author.
Kate, Reeda, and Bindi had lived with their grandmother and grandfather since their parents died in a car accident years earlier. Now adults, they lead separate lives and rarely see each other.
Kate lives in Brisbane with her fiance Davis; Bindi is a journalist, and Reeda is married to a physician Duncan. Each is having issues, but time and distance has allowed their relationship to each other founder.
When they inherit the house, the Waratah Inn, they are forced to deal with each other once again. What's more, they must decide together what to do with the house (and the people who are connected to the inn).
While updating the inn (to keep or to sell?), Kate discovers her Nan's journals, which tells of her mysterious life before. Love, loss, intrigue are all a part of what Kate finds as she reads of her grandmother's life before Pop.
What will happen to the inn when it is completed? Will it be sold, or will it become an integral part of the girls' lives? What about what is next for the individual girls and their lives away from the Waratah Inn? What are the secrets Kate discovers in her Nan's words? And don't forget: there is a pesky possum causing havoc...what will happen to it?
This is the first in a series, but it is complete as is. Thanks to Judy C. for the suggestion of this author.
April 8, 2020
An excellent read.
Although I am an Australian, I rarely read books set in our magnificent country, and I must rectify that. Lilly Mirren is a new author to me, and I have already purchased more of her books as I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style.
Following the loss of their beloved Nan, Kate and her sisters return to Cabarita Beach and the run-down Waratah Inn, where they had spent so much time in their childhood. Lots of secrets from the past are revealed, as the girls decide what the future holds for this old inn which holds so many memories.
Well written and entertaining from beginning to end; this is a book I would highly recommend.
P.S. Can't wait to read more.
Although I am an Australian, I rarely read books set in our magnificent country, and I must rectify that. Lilly Mirren is a new author to me, and I have already purchased more of her books as I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style.
Following the loss of their beloved Nan, Kate and her sisters return to Cabarita Beach and the run-down Waratah Inn, where they had spent so much time in their childhood. Lots of secrets from the past are revealed, as the girls decide what the future holds for this old inn which holds so many memories.
Well written and entertaining from beginning to end; this is a book I would highly recommend.
P.S. Can't wait to read more.
March 30, 2020
This was definitely the best book I have read in a while. It is the story of 3 sisters who come home for their grandmas funeral and have to decide what to do with the inn. Kate finds and old box with Grandma Nan's journals in them and finds out about her past. I have bought the next 3 books in this series and can't wait to read them.
April 12, 2020
This was the perfect book to read during this difficult time. It was sweet and hopeful. Loved the characters!
May 27, 2020
Excellent book. A little bit of love and a title but of mystery. Can’t wait to start book 2.
June 10, 2020
This book is a treasure♥️ A story of a fractured family of three Sisters brought together by their beloved Grandmother's death. They return to the Inn and find things are not what they believed. I am thrilled I have more of this series to read......
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June 15, 2022
Enjoyable
A beautiful heartwarming story about how sisters can pull together and live new lives. Lilly Mirren writes from the heart.
A beautiful heartwarming story about how sisters can pull together and live new lives. Lilly Mirren writes from the heart.
August 8, 2022
Good summer read. I may read the others in this series.
August 15, 2021
Beautiful setting, timeless story.
March 22, 2020
Lovely
Great read. Loved the back and forth between the present and past. Would like to know Jacks story... perhaps that's in another book? I will read the other 2 books.
Great read. Loved the back and forth between the present and past. Would like to know Jacks story... perhaps that's in another book? I will read the other 2 books.
August 27, 2019
An intriguing, spell-binding story!
Three sisters are called to come to the Inn where their grandparents finished raising them after their parents died. None of them had been back very often, after pursuing their jobs; but all were determined to go back, when they heard their grandmother (Nan), died. Kate was head chef and beginning a change of menu, which she was excited about. Then she was called to the phone, and heard the news. Dropping everything, she turned things over to the sous chef and let the owner know she was going to leave, and wasn’t sure how soon she could return. She was the first of the girls to arrive. There is so much they learn, as Kate finds Nan’s journals, then begins to share what she read. After Reeda and Bindi arrive, they are all reeling with the information, and the waiting. Soon, each realizes they haven’t kept in touch with each other, never-the-less their Nan. They begin to make up for that, during the wait.
This book drew me in immediately, and I found it to be mesmerizing and somewhat complex, as they discover things. Lilly Mirren is a good writer, and I never was wanting to put it down for very long. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to additional book in this series!
Three sisters are called to come to the Inn where their grandparents finished raising them after their parents died. None of them had been back very often, after pursuing their jobs; but all were determined to go back, when they heard their grandmother (Nan), died. Kate was head chef and beginning a change of menu, which she was excited about. Then she was called to the phone, and heard the news. Dropping everything, she turned things over to the sous chef and let the owner know she was going to leave, and wasn’t sure how soon she could return. She was the first of the girls to arrive. There is so much they learn, as Kate finds Nan’s journals, then begins to share what she read. After Reeda and Bindi arrive, they are all reeling with the information, and the waiting. Soon, each realizes they haven’t kept in touch with each other, never-the-less their Nan. They begin to make up for that, during the wait.
This book drew me in immediately, and I found it to be mesmerizing and somewhat complex, as they discover things. Lilly Mirren is a good writer, and I never was wanting to put it down for very long. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to additional book in this series!
August 17, 2019
This is a rich family drama that will span more then one generation with a beautiful told story that will take you a journey. As Kate and her sisters discover things about there family and beloved Nan who has passed away.
Kate has come home to Cabarita Beach to attend her Nan's funeral and to sell her beloved Waratah Inn but she soon discovers that returning to her life in the big city may not be set in stone she's not the only one who owns the Inn her sister's do as well. She will have to make peace with them while fixing up the Inn and discover who her grandmother was threw her journals and just what sadness she carried with her.
I can't say enough nice things about this book with love and loss the description of the Australian coast it was very vivid and you could imagine yourself there can't wait for the next book.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Kate has come home to Cabarita Beach to attend her Nan's funeral and to sell her beloved Waratah Inn but she soon discovers that returning to her life in the big city may not be set in stone she's not the only one who owns the Inn her sister's do as well. She will have to make peace with them while fixing up the Inn and discover who her grandmother was threw her journals and just what sadness she carried with her.
I can't say enough nice things about this book with love and loss the description of the Australian coast it was very vivid and you could imagine yourself there can't wait for the next book.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
September 7, 2019
The Waratah Inn is by Lilly Mirren. This book is set in Australia and a hotel by the beach. It is a lovely beginning for a two-book series.
Kate, her sisters Reeda and Bindi had been brought up by their grandmother, Nan. They had fond memories of Waratah Inn; but as busy as they were in their lives, they hadn’t visited as often as they should have. Now they had to face that their grandmother Nan had died and left them the Inn. Would they keep it and renovate it or sell it to the highest bidder.
As each sister deals with the inn and its problems, they also deal with their friends and their careers. They also begin to find out more about Nan’s life and their own heritage. Will their choice to renovate the inn have been the right choice?
Kate, her sisters Reeda and Bindi had been brought up by their grandmother, Nan. They had fond memories of Waratah Inn; but as busy as they were in their lives, they hadn’t visited as often as they should have. Now they had to face that their grandmother Nan had died and left them the Inn. Would they keep it and renovate it or sell it to the highest bidder.
As each sister deals with the inn and its problems, they also deal with their friends and their careers. They also begin to find out more about Nan’s life and their own heritage. Will their choice to renovate the inn have been the right choice?
January 19, 2020
Three sisters inherit an inn when their grandmother passes away. They haven't seen each other in years and, though they all loved Nan, they didn't visit her very often. Regrets abound among them and they must learn to get along because Nan left the inn to them and hoped they would refurbish it and become a family. Kate is an up and coming chef with a not-so-understanding boss. How can she take the time away? Yet, when she gets to the inn, she discovers Nan's diaries. Yes, secrets that Kate and her sisters never knew about themselves. This is the first in a series, an enjoyable read. Guess I will be spending a lot of nights away from my bed.
August 13, 2019
OMG! Absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. Kate goes back to Cabarita Beach when her grandmother Nan passed away. She raised Kate and her sisters Reeda and Bandi after their parents were killed at her Waratah Inn a B&B. Kate finds her Nans journals and starts reading them telling of her life and the hardships she lived through. I could not put this book down until I finished it had drawn me in to every page and I could not get enough.
Received from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Received from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
August 14, 2019
I read books under Lilly's other pen name, Vivi Holt, and when i was offered the chance to read an advance copy of this by the author I jumped at the chance.
Telling the story of three sisters who return to their Grandmother's bed and breakfast upon her death and how they decide to renovate it, this first book concentrates on Kate's perspective. I normally don't like serials as they "push" you into buying the next book(s), however in this case the story is complete in itself, however leaves you wondering about the other two sisters.
Telling the story of three sisters who return to their Grandmother's bed and breakfast upon her death and how they decide to renovate it, this first book concentrates on Kate's perspective. I normally don't like serials as they "push" you into buying the next book(s), however in this case the story is complete in itself, however leaves you wondering about the other two sisters.
August 13, 2019
Love and Life on the Australian Coast
This is a wonderful bit of women's fiction. Be aware that it takes 3 books to complete the whole story. This episode is about how several generations of women lived and loved and dreamed. It is emotionally quite heavy. The description of the beach and the seasons makes the reader able to imagine it all in great detail. I greatly enjoyed this book and this is my honest opinion.
This is a wonderful bit of women's fiction. Be aware that it takes 3 books to complete the whole story. This episode is about how several generations of women lived and loved and dreamed. It is emotionally quite heavy. The description of the beach and the seasons makes the reader able to imagine it all in great detail. I greatly enjoyed this book and this is my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews