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The Gathering Table
“A feast of small-town charm and characters who feel like dear friends.” —Liz Johnson, bestselling author of The Red Door InnFrom USA TODAY bestselling author Kathryn Springer comes a tale of starting over when life takes an unexpected turn.Winsome Lake, Wisconsin, is postcard-pretty, but for chef Jessica Keaton it’s also a last resort. Fired from her dream job, Jess is starting over as a live-in cook and housekeeper. When she arrives, she finds her new employer is in rehab after having a stroke, and Jess expects she’ll be all alone in Elaine Haviland’s quaint house. A chef with no one to cook for.But instead, she encounters a constant stream of colorful visitors who draw her back into the world. As Jess contends with local teenagers, a group of scrappy women and a charming football coach, Elaine faces some battles of her own that extend past her physical challenges. For both of them, all the ingredients for a fulfilling life are within reach, if they’re willing to take a leap. And maybe Jess will start to see that it’s not just what’s on the table that matters—it’s the people gathered round it.A must-read novel from Love Stories to Uplift and Inspire.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2021
17 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Springer
60 books494 followersKathryn Springer grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child, she spent many hours sitting at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books – which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own.
After a number of busy years, when she married her college sweetheart and became a stay-at-home mom, Kathryn rediscovered her love for writing. An unexpected snow day from school became the inspiration for a short story, which she submitted to Brio magazine. She went on to publish over a dozen more short stories for Brio, but it wasn’t until her youngest child started school that she decided to pursue her dream to write a book. In August 2004, her Love Inspired® debut novel, Tested by Fire, was published.
Fast forward to today and Kathryn has written over thirty novels. She lives on a lake in northern Wisconsin where she enjoys long walks in the woods and the change of seasons (although sometimes she wishes the "change" between winter and spring didn't last quite so long!) When she isn’t at the computer, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, paging through cooking magazines or sitting in the sun. A really, really good day includes all three! If you want to know more, follow her blog Table Grace. . .thoughts and musings on living a life with nothing artificial added.
After a number of busy years, when she married her college sweetheart and became a stay-at-home mom, Kathryn rediscovered her love for writing. An unexpected snow day from school became the inspiration for a short story, which she submitted to Brio magazine. She went on to publish over a dozen more short stories for Brio, but it wasn’t until her youngest child started school that she decided to pursue her dream to write a book. In August 2004, her Love Inspired® debut novel, Tested by Fire, was published.
Fast forward to today and Kathryn has written over thirty novels. She lives on a lake in northern Wisconsin where she enjoys long walks in the woods and the change of seasons (although sometimes she wishes the "change" between winter and spring didn't last quite so long!) When she isn’t at the computer, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, paging through cooking magazines or sitting in the sun. A really, really good day includes all three! If you want to know more, follow her blog Table Grace. . .thoughts and musings on living a life with nothing artificial added.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
October 6, 2021
This is a Women's Christian Small- Town Romance. I have to say I love this small town in this book, and the characters where so great. I love how all the characters just always try to help each other, and that is how a true small town is like. I love the animals in this book as well. I think the animals brings this book to another level. There is also so many messages in this book. I really enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a cute small town romance with nosey neighbors this is the book for you. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired Trade) or author (Kathryn Springer) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
September 24, 2021
The Gathering Table
Kathryn Springer
Sometimes I crave for a cozy read that inspire and warm the heart. The Gathering Table did just that with an interesting main character, and an even more delightful cast of characters in a small town setting. The story is centered around a chef named Jess Keaton whose last stop is small town Winsome Lake, Wisconsin where Jess is hired as a live-in cook, housekeeper for Elaine Haviland who is in Rehab after suffering from a stroke. While she is at the home, she gets to know all the townsfolk and while her guard is up, she opens up to the community and also to experience some love along the way.
I just love the wholesomeness of the story, the mouth watering goodness Jess is cooking up, and some swoon worthy romance as well.
This was such a lovely read I highly recommend.
Kathryn Springer
Sometimes I crave for a cozy read that inspire and warm the heart. The Gathering Table did just that with an interesting main character, and an even more delightful cast of characters in a small town setting. The story is centered around a chef named Jess Keaton whose last stop is small town Winsome Lake, Wisconsin where Jess is hired as a live-in cook, housekeeper for Elaine Haviland who is in Rehab after suffering from a stroke. While she is at the home, she gets to know all the townsfolk and while her guard is up, she opens up to the community and also to experience some love along the way.
I just love the wholesomeness of the story, the mouth watering goodness Jess is cooking up, and some swoon worthy romance as well.
This was such a lovely read I highly recommend.
September 28, 2021
Wow, all I can say is, this story blew me away! Keep the tissues close by as you are reading THE GATHERING TABLE by Kathryn Springer. She will have your emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! The story is just that good. The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Jessica after so much heartache! What an awesome story. All of Kathryn’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartache a person can stand before they completely break down and shatter.
THE GATHERING TABLE is all about friendships and the past and the secrets that come out are heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Jessica and Nick and all the secondary characters. Jessica is shattered after she is unjustly fired from her dream job. How will she ever get over her self doubt? She decides the only way she can be happy is to move away and start all over. Maybe she can find the meaning of her life once again. Jess is hired as a live-in cook and housekeeper for Elaine Haviland who is in rehabilitation after suffering from a stroke. But Jessica doesn’t learn that until after she arrives. THE GATHERING TABLE is a heart tugging story that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to put down!
THE GATHERING TABLE is without a doubt one of the best books I’ve read in 2021 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. As a revolving door of neighbors start showing up to learn more about Jessica and check on what she is doing, Jessica feeds them. I instantly felt the sense of community takes over and stole my heart. I wanted to be sitting at that table so badly! Be prepared to be very hungry as you are reading this wonderful story! My heart broke for Nick and Jessica and for all they were dealing with but Sienna shredded me. She had such a lonely and sad childhood and no one deserves to grow up like that. Kathryn Springer really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. I have many of her older books to read and that brings me so much joy and happiness to know they are waiting for me!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Love Inspired through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
THE GATHERING TABLE is all about friendships and the past and the secrets that come out are heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Jessica and Nick and all the secondary characters. Jessica is shattered after she is unjustly fired from her dream job. How will she ever get over her self doubt? She decides the only way she can be happy is to move away and start all over. Maybe she can find the meaning of her life once again. Jess is hired as a live-in cook and housekeeper for Elaine Haviland who is in rehabilitation after suffering from a stroke. But Jessica doesn’t learn that until after she arrives. THE GATHERING TABLE is a heart tugging story that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to put down!
THE GATHERING TABLE is without a doubt one of the best books I’ve read in 2021 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. As a revolving door of neighbors start showing up to learn more about Jessica and check on what she is doing, Jessica feeds them. I instantly felt the sense of community takes over and stole my heart. I wanted to be sitting at that table so badly! Be prepared to be very hungry as you are reading this wonderful story! My heart broke for Nick and Jessica and for all they were dealing with but Sienna shredded me. She had such a lonely and sad childhood and no one deserves to grow up like that. Kathryn Springer really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. I have many of her older books to read and that brings me so much joy and happiness to know they are waiting for me!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Love Inspired through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 30, 2022
The Gathering Table by Kathryn Springer is “A feast of small-town charm and characters who feel like dear friends.” —Liz Johnson, bestselling author of The Red Door Inn; From USA TODAY bestselling author Kathryn Springer comes a tale of starting over when life takes an unexpected turn.
Winsome Lake, Wisconsin, is postcard-pretty, but for chef Jessica Keaton it’s also a last resort. Fired from her dream job, Jess is starting over as a live-in cook and housekeeper. When she arrives, she finds her new employer is in rehab after having a stroke, and Jess expects she’ll be all alone in Elaine Haviland’s quaint house. A chef with no one to cook for.
But instead, she encounters a constant stream of colorful and likable visitors who draw her back into the world. As Jess contends with local teenagers, a group of scrappy women and a charming football coach, Elaine faces some battles of her own that extend past her physical challenges. For both of them, all the ingredients for a fulfilling life are within reach, if they’re willing to take a leap. And maybe Jess will start to see that it’s not just what’s on the table that matters—it’s the people gathered round it.
Winsome Lake, Wisconsin, is postcard-pretty, but for chef Jessica Keaton it’s also a last resort. Fired from her dream job, Jess is starting over as a live-in cook and housekeeper. When she arrives, she finds her new employer is in rehab after having a stroke, and Jess expects she’ll be all alone in Elaine Haviland’s quaint house. A chef with no one to cook for.
But instead, she encounters a constant stream of colorful and likable visitors who draw her back into the world. As Jess contends with local teenagers, a group of scrappy women and a charming football coach, Elaine faces some battles of her own that extend past her physical challenges. For both of them, all the ingredients for a fulfilling life are within reach, if they’re willing to take a leap. And maybe Jess will start to see that it’s not just what’s on the table that matters—it’s the people gathered round it.
August 22, 2021
This is such a delightful town, this Winsome Lake, Wisconsin. When Jessica Keaton, a chef fired from her job, comes to work for Elaine Haviland as a housekeeper, she is quite unprepared for the town and its inhabitants. She discovers she's gotten more than a job. She finds a town full of people are just what she did not know she needed.
Warmly written and deeply felt, this one will be remembered long after the last page.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.
Warmly written and deeply felt, this one will be remembered long after the last page.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.
November 3, 2021
Such an enjoyable, feel good, hope filled story! I love the way it's built around Jess's love for cooking and how that transforms her from guarded loner to part of an adopted 'family.' I was prepared for a good read, this is a Kathryn Springer novel after all, but I wasn't expecting it to be an all-consuming, emotional jubilee of all that is right and good about living in community.
The way the author pulls loner Jess back into the world is touching and funny and blink-back-tearing at times. She's had a hard life -- neglected childhood, professional let down and no where to turn until she 'happens' upon a want ad for a live-in cook and housekeeper. She looks upon the opportunity as a stop gap measure but her employer is certain there is nothing happenstance about it. Divine intervention more like.
I was enthralled -- and that's really the only way I can describe it. I was catapulted into Jessica's messy life from the very first page, emotions leading me to an empathetic understanding and a fierce hope for this scrappy heroine to find her 'people' and her faith. And, whooooooaaaaa, does the author deliver all that and so much more.
The Gathering Table is a kinda Women's Fiction / Contemporary Romance hybrid. We get multiple points of view, two (TWO!) scrumptious romances and a bevy of amazing fictional friends. Along with solid inspirational threads that bind them all together.
I listened to the audible edition and loved Ann Marie Gideon's narration. So much so that I compulsively listened to the whole book in one day!
The way the author pulls loner Jess back into the world is touching and funny and blink-back-tearing at times. She's had a hard life -- neglected childhood, professional let down and no where to turn until she 'happens' upon a want ad for a live-in cook and housekeeper. She looks upon the opportunity as a stop gap measure but her employer is certain there is nothing happenstance about it. Divine intervention more like.
I was enthralled -- and that's really the only way I can describe it. I was catapulted into Jessica's messy life from the very first page, emotions leading me to an empathetic understanding and a fierce hope for this scrappy heroine to find her 'people' and her faith. And, whooooooaaaaa, does the author deliver all that and so much more.
The Gathering Table is a kinda Women's Fiction / Contemporary Romance hybrid. We get multiple points of view, two (TWO!) scrumptious romances and a bevy of amazing fictional friends. Along with solid inspirational threads that bind them all together.
I listened to the audible edition and loved Ann Marie Gideon's narration. So much so that I compulsively listened to the whole book in one day!
April 12, 2022
4.5
I loved this book…it felt like a warm blanket or front porch sitting on a cool summer evening. This is an inspirational romance so we are following characters of faith-for most of the book, talks of faith are done via side characters and the main protagonist becomes a believer towards the end-so it’s not a heavily preachy story-won’t pull you out of it.
It’s the story of someone who has been a bit down on her luck. It’s two women finding each other when they both need it in their own ways. It’s a sweet romance that builds casually. It’s community. It’s found family. It’s a story you’ve probably read before but with it’s own spark of magic. I really loved it.
I loved this book…it felt like a warm blanket or front porch sitting on a cool summer evening. This is an inspirational romance so we are following characters of faith-for most of the book, talks of faith are done via side characters and the main protagonist becomes a believer towards the end-so it’s not a heavily preachy story-won’t pull you out of it.
It’s the story of someone who has been a bit down on her luck. It’s two women finding each other when they both need it in their own ways. It’s a sweet romance that builds casually. It’s community. It’s found family. It’s a story you’ve probably read before but with it’s own spark of magic. I really loved it.
September 10, 2021
I loved this book! :) Fall is my favorite season, and the cover alone completely got me in the mood, lol. Pair that with a new read published by Love Inspired–a fantastic line of Christian-fiction books–and it’s bound to be a winner!
Winsome Lake is truly just that, winsome. If only it were a real town … I’d completely visit! Charming, quirky, small-town-esque in every sense. Stars Hollow, but better. I particularly enjoyed the “Scrappy Women”–what a hoot–and their antics got me literally laughing out loud. The entire read really got me thinking about the true definition of family and how sometimes it can transcend blood.
And Jessica’s food … oh, man. It all sounded heavenly. Could I sign up to be a taste-tester, or at least get her recipes?
Plenty of great one-liners, some funny and others poignant. A twist near the end really caught me by surprise; I totally didn’t see it coming, but it really worked.
4/5.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Winsome Lake is truly just that, winsome. If only it were a real town … I’d completely visit! Charming, quirky, small-town-esque in every sense. Stars Hollow, but better. I particularly enjoyed the “Scrappy Women”–what a hoot–and their antics got me literally laughing out loud. The entire read really got me thinking about the true definition of family and how sometimes it can transcend blood.
And Jessica’s food … oh, man. It all sounded heavenly. Could I sign up to be a taste-tester, or at least get her recipes?
Plenty of great one-liners, some funny and others poignant. A twist near the end really caught me by surprise; I totally didn’t see it coming, but it really worked.
4/5.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 5, 2022
A feel good, wee bit religious, heavy on the Hallmark vibes.
September 28, 2021
I can honestly say that The Gathering Table will be making my top 10 of 2021. This has to be one of the sweetest feel good books I have read this year. I loved it from start to finish and read it in one sitting. The characters were wonderful and just made me smile. I loved how Jess was embraced by the Scrappy Ladies. They were really fun and added a lightness to the story. We are also treated to two very sweet romances. One of my favorite parts of the book was the food. Jess is a chef and is constantly making what would probably be very delicious food in real life. I'll admit to snacking while reading. It was making me hungry.
I highly recommend this one. If you are looking for an uplifting, feel good story, then pick this one up. Just be prepared to be really hungry after reading it.
I highly recommend this one. If you are looking for an uplifting, feel good story, then pick this one up. Just be prepared to be really hungry after reading it.
September 28, 2021
Warm, Endearing, Comforting! All in a town you want to move to! Engrossing, Kind, and Deep characters and menagerie! This story reminded me of hope, and faith!
I’m so happy I decided to read this book right now, I really needed it. There’s no greater gift than picking up a book that you later find out was the perfect read on the perfect day!
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I’m so happy I decided to read this book right now, I really needed it. There’s no greater gift than picking up a book that you later find out was the perfect read on the perfect day!
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 10, 2021
What a delightful story Loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2022
Delightfully wholesome and breezy and charming.
June 21, 2021
This is small town at it's best! When everyone watches out for their neighbors and everyone take care of each other.
Jessica is a personal chef that's lost her job, unfairly, and on a whim answers a newspaper ad from Elaine for a live in chef. When she arrives, she finds out that Elaine has suffered a stroke but wants her to move in and stay until she comes home from rehab. Then a whole revolving door of neighbors start showing up and Jessica feeds them and the whole sense of community takes over. Soon she's involved in the lives of so many townsfolk. Elaine comes home with a slew of her own secrets that she shares with Jessica, too.
It's a sweet story, small town, interesting neighbors, a little romance.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
Jessica is a personal chef that's lost her job, unfairly, and on a whim answers a newspaper ad from Elaine for a live in chef. When she arrives, she finds out that Elaine has suffered a stroke but wants her to move in and stay until she comes home from rehab. Then a whole revolving door of neighbors start showing up and Jessica feeds them and the whole sense of community takes over. Soon she's involved in the lives of so many townsfolk. Elaine comes home with a slew of her own secrets that she shares with Jessica, too.
It's a sweet story, small town, interesting neighbors, a little romance.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
November 18, 2021
I'll give it a three. I listened to it on audio, and the reader did a good job. Plus, I never listened to more than a chapter or two at a time. My rating might be lower if I had read the book myself.
This book can be summed up in two words: Christian Hallmark. There are no surprises, everyone gets their dream ending, and the reader gets to meander through a very surface-level, feel-good reality. The protagonists don't really make "mistakes," they just get themselves caught in unfortunate situations due to extenuating circumstances. But don't worry. They feel a lot of unwarranted shame for these circumstances. There is an entire genre dedicated to this, and I understand a lot of people enjoy the genre.
The author has a flowery, descriptive style that works, except for the fact she can't go more than three paragraphs without including a simile. (This might be an exaggeration, since I didn't have the actual book to see paragraph breaks. But there was an overabundance of unnecessary, over-the-top comparisons.)
Also, Nick has a foot fetish. That is the only possible explanation for a grown, straight, football-playing man noticing a woman's changing toenail polish everytime he sees her. I literally laughed out loud at "his perspective," because there is no way a man would notice the things he notices or think the way he thinks.
I could go on and on about the missteps the author takes to try to Christianize/water-down the secular world. But if I speak too much longer, I might drop the rating further.
To sum it up: If you like Christian Hallmark, you will probably enjoy this book just fine.
This book can be summed up in two words: Christian Hallmark. There are no surprises, everyone gets their dream ending, and the reader gets to meander through a very surface-level, feel-good reality. The protagonists don't really make "mistakes," they just get themselves caught in unfortunate situations due to extenuating circumstances. But don't worry. They feel a lot of unwarranted shame for these circumstances. There is an entire genre dedicated to this, and I understand a lot of people enjoy the genre.
The author has a flowery, descriptive style that works, except for the fact she can't go more than three paragraphs without including a simile. (This might be an exaggeration, since I didn't have the actual book to see paragraph breaks. But there was an overabundance of unnecessary, over-the-top comparisons.)
Also, Nick has a foot fetish. That is the only possible explanation for a grown, straight, football-playing man noticing a woman's changing toenail polish everytime he sees her. I literally laughed out loud at "his perspective," because there is no way a man would notice the things he notices or think the way he thinks.
I could go on and on about the missteps the author takes to try to Christianize/water-down the secular world. But if I speak too much longer, I might drop the rating further.
To sum it up: If you like Christian Hallmark, you will probably enjoy this book just fine.
February 21, 2022
Personal Chef Jessica is turning a page in her life. Starting over in the small town of Winsome Lake, as a live-in cook after losing her job to a horrible misunderstanding. But when she arrives she finds that her employer had a stroke and is recuperating in rehab, but instead of being alone she finds herself surrounded by a community of people that welcome her into their lives.
A heartwarming, feel-good story about a small town community, faith, love and finding home. I liked how this book followed both Elaine and Jess, as they make the most of their situations finding friendship and a chance at love along the way. Jess was reluctant at first, but as people kept coming to her, she found the right things to say or do to give them comfort. Jess had a rough upbringing, and I liked how that gave her compassion for those around her. Elaine is a strong woman of faith, and I loved how she found a home among her friends in Winsome Lake. Plus her and Matthew were super adorable.
Overall, this was a heartwarming read with wonderful characters, friendship and faith. I loved how Jess connected with Christopher and Sienna helping them and giving them confidence. This is such an enjoyable read, and definitely recommend it to someone looking for a faith filled feel-good romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A heartwarming, feel-good story about a small town community, faith, love and finding home. I liked how this book followed both Elaine and Jess, as they make the most of their situations finding friendship and a chance at love along the way. Jess was reluctant at first, but as people kept coming to her, she found the right things to say or do to give them comfort. Jess had a rough upbringing, and I liked how that gave her compassion for those around her. Elaine is a strong woman of faith, and I loved how she found a home among her friends in Winsome Lake. Plus her and Matthew were super adorable.
Overall, this was a heartwarming read with wonderful characters, friendship and faith. I loved how Jess connected with Christopher and Sienna helping them and giving them confidence. This is such an enjoyable read, and definitely recommend it to someone looking for a faith filled feel-good romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 24, 2021
This delightful, charming story is the first I’ve read of Kathryn Springer – and definitely won’t be the last. Her characters are well developed, strong individuals who have good values and care about others. They are just the kind of people I’d want for friends. Reading this book felt like when you’ve been gone a long time and the comfort of finally being home.
After being fired unfairly from what she felt was her “dream job” as a personal chef, Jess finds herself in the small town of Winsome Lake, Wisconsin, where she accepted a job to be the cook, housekeeper and caregiver for Elaine, who has been in rehab recovering from a stroke. It’s a far cry from the career path she’d been on, however, she had nowhere else to go. Upon arriving at Elaine’s house, she is met by friends of Elaine who advise Elaine took a fall and is now out of rehab but is in the hospital.
Upon settling into the guest room, Jess soon learns that small-town living is nothing at all like the big cities she is used to. Elaine’s friends and neighbors are frequent visitors; she wakes early in the morning to find a local teenager practicing the piano downstairs and Nick who lives down the street returns Elaine’s cat, he’d been caring for in her absence, and he’s also taking care of her yard, although the backyard is a mixture of flowers and herbs that have taken over the yard and despite neglect, seemed to be flourishing. Jess would have been long gone, had she somewhere else to go. What an unexpected development when she finds her heart softening towards the town and the people in it. It is scary that this place and these people growing in her heart, could possibly begin to feel like home.
As this intriguing story unfolds and Elaine eventually returns home there are long held secrets revealed that will change the course of several lives. This is a beautifully written story of faith and hope that life will turn out as it should, despite many bumps along the way.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy of this book. All comments are my own.
After being fired unfairly from what she felt was her “dream job” as a personal chef, Jess finds herself in the small town of Winsome Lake, Wisconsin, where she accepted a job to be the cook, housekeeper and caregiver for Elaine, who has been in rehab recovering from a stroke. It’s a far cry from the career path she’d been on, however, she had nowhere else to go. Upon arriving at Elaine’s house, she is met by friends of Elaine who advise Elaine took a fall and is now out of rehab but is in the hospital.
Upon settling into the guest room, Jess soon learns that small-town living is nothing at all like the big cities she is used to. Elaine’s friends and neighbors are frequent visitors; she wakes early in the morning to find a local teenager practicing the piano downstairs and Nick who lives down the street returns Elaine’s cat, he’d been caring for in her absence, and he’s also taking care of her yard, although the backyard is a mixture of flowers and herbs that have taken over the yard and despite neglect, seemed to be flourishing. Jess would have been long gone, had she somewhere else to go. What an unexpected development when she finds her heart softening towards the town and the people in it. It is scary that this place and these people growing in her heart, could possibly begin to feel like home.
As this intriguing story unfolds and Elaine eventually returns home there are long held secrets revealed that will change the course of several lives. This is a beautifully written story of faith and hope that life will turn out as it should, despite many bumps along the way.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy of this book. All comments are my own.
September 25, 2021
What an enjoyable story! While it took me a couple chapters to get into the book, I quickly became so intrigued by Jess and Elaine's story.
Jess is a woman who never fit in, who constantly tried to compensate for being "that girl," the one with absentee parents and an unstable home life. When she takes a job as a housekeeper/cook for Elaine, she definitely gets more than she bargained for - an absent employer, neighbors who pop in at all hours, a potential love interest, and two special teenagers who work their way into her heart. As she settles in, she begins to experience connection and acceptance like she's never known before.
Ultimately, this book is about found family - for both Jess and Elaine. I loved the small-town feel of this novel, and all the characters were so fun to get to know. There's just a hint of romance, and I thought the book's ending was absolutely brilliant. This is a lovely women's fiction novel with a clear (and unforced) Christian thread, and it makes for a wonderful reading experience.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Jess is a woman who never fit in, who constantly tried to compensate for being "that girl," the one with absentee parents and an unstable home life. When she takes a job as a housekeeper/cook for Elaine, she definitely gets more than she bargained for - an absent employer, neighbors who pop in at all hours, a potential love interest, and two special teenagers who work their way into her heart. As she settles in, she begins to experience connection and acceptance like she's never known before.
Ultimately, this book is about found family - for both Jess and Elaine. I loved the small-town feel of this novel, and all the characters were so fun to get to know. There's just a hint of romance, and I thought the book's ending was absolutely brilliant. This is a lovely women's fiction novel with a clear (and unforced) Christian thread, and it makes for a wonderful reading experience.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
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October 5, 2021The Gathering Table is a fantastic small town, close friends, romance. Being from a small town in Wisconsin myself, I really appreciated the way Winsome Lake was described, The friendships, the weather, the Friday night fish fries! When Jess needs a job, and sees an ad in a newspaper for a live-in helper, she jumps at the opportunity. I loved the way the author weaved Jess' story in throughout the story. And as she became friends with the neighbors. The secondary characters are wonderful as well. Each of the neighbors has their own story and they're told in a way that draws you in and makes you love them all. There is so much to love about this book, I think it'll win over the hearts and minds of many, many readers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 12, 2021
After Jessica loses her dream job as a personal chef in the big time city, she takes a job out of desperation as cook/housekeeper/caregiver in small town USA for Elaine, who is recovering from a stroke. While there, Jessica quickly learns that working in a small town comes with it's own challenges but she slowly finds herself falling more and more in love with the life she is living as she develops relationships with those around her.
This was a fun, quick and easy novel to read that gave me the "feel goods." It felt like a warm cup of hot coco on a winters day where you found yourself smiling with each passing chapter. There was nothing ground breaking about the story, but so many times after reading such heavy stuff, I find myself in desperate need of something to warm my belly like this book does.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinions.
This was a fun, quick and easy novel to read that gave me the "feel goods." It felt like a warm cup of hot coco on a winters day where you found yourself smiling with each passing chapter. There was nothing ground breaking about the story, but so many times after reading such heavy stuff, I find myself in desperate need of something to warm my belly like this book does.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinions.
September 28, 2021
Do you need a sweet, wholesome small town romance story to read?
The Gathering Table is a sweet, heartwarming Christian based story that I truly loved.
Community
Hope
Love
Faith
It’s all here in The Gathering Table.
All the characters are endearing and each one will steal your heart as you see their personalities shine through.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Gathering Table is a sweet, heartwarming Christian based story that I truly loved.
Community
Hope
Love
Faith
It’s all here in The Gathering Table.
All the characters are endearing and each one will steal your heart as you see their personalities shine through.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
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January 26, 2022What a heartwarming book! Jess has been fired from her previous job so she hopes things go better in her new job. Her client is in the hospital when Jess arrives but Jess slowly makes herself at home. She meets the local citizens and it’s a wonderful cast of characters. This is truly a lovely book about finding what is important in life.
November 1, 2021
This was such a beautiful story! This was a new author for me and I will surely check out more by this author. The characters and their relationships reminded me of the Neta Jackson series that takes place in Chicago. I am very glad I stumbled upon this author!
January 4, 2022
I picked this book because I loved the cover. It ended up being a sweet little small town Christian novel. The writing was lacking but it made up for it in charm. But I’m a sucker for a good small town story. I’ve always wanted to live in one.
November 17, 2021
I hope there is a part 2. Such a feel good book. Some of the things hit home for me and took me back to a time I would rather not have had to go through. Sometimes you are not given a choice.
December 29, 2021
This is so good!
November 17, 2023
It was an interesting story, a little hidden mystery to make it interesting, a bit of romance and people who come together.
September 18, 2024
The feel good book I needed right now.
December 15, 2021
The Gathering Table by Kathryn Springer is a heartwarming story about hope, faith, and friendships. It is set in an idyllic small town that I’d move to in a heartbeat! I really liked all of the main characters and the secondary characters really added to this story.
Jessica was very guarded at first and I loved how the townspeople slowly slipped past her defenses as they completely embraced her. I felt like her and Nick’s relationship grew at the perfect pace for the situation Jessica came from. I also really loved the secondary romance and would totally love for Elaine and Matthew to get their own full story!
What really made The Gathering Table special for me though was the way people helped each other and the friendships that grew throughout the story. I loved how everyone helped everyone and accepted them for who they were.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light.
Jessica was very guarded at first and I loved how the townspeople slowly slipped past her defenses as they completely embraced her. I felt like her and Nick’s relationship grew at the perfect pace for the situation Jessica came from. I also really loved the secondary romance and would totally love for Elaine and Matthew to get their own full story!
What really made The Gathering Table special for me though was the way people helped each other and the friendships that grew throughout the story. I loved how everyone helped everyone and accepted them for who they were.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light.
September 12, 2022
Such a sweet, heartwarming book. Sweet friendships, and a little romance❤️
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