The Inns of Devonshire

Timeless Regency Collection

by Sally Britton, Annette Lyon, Deborah M. Hathaway

Join us for three novellas in one collection:

The Seventh Star Inn by Sally Britton

The Truth about Mr. Blackmore by Annette Lyon

The Coachman's Choice by Deborah M. Hathaway

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency, Historical, Historical Romance, Clean Romance, Anthologies

300 pages, ebook

First published October 5, 2021

About the author

Sally Britton is sixth generation Texan, received her BA in English forever ago, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back.

Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and their overly energetic Australian Shepherds, cat, and snake named Nancy. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.

Reviews

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection is delightful from start to finish! I loved the countryside setting with inns as a main feature. The role of the inn was different with each story, and I appreciated the variety. A similarity between them is that the heroine is in a situation with low marriage prospects, considered a spinster, when the opportunity for love arrive unexpectedly. I was enthralled with each story, and loved them each equally, which is the best thing ever in a collection! I give credit to the authors for creating characters that I could quickly relate to and connect with, interesting plots, and fun relationships of sweet romance blossoming with attraction and chemistry. Adding this one to the faves folder on my Kindle for re-reading in the future!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all of these! What a great collection. All were well told. Good stories with great conclusions. Seriously one of my favorite short story sets, not but can beat the mail order bride one:}

[Rebecca Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet as candy…

Three stories with happy endings. I believe that deserves a swoony sigh and a smile. Clean romances are just the best, especially when some sizzling kissing is part of it.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Inns of Devonshire is a collection of three novellas by three very talented authors. Each story is set in a different part of the Devonshire countryside, in a different inn, with a sweet love story that blossoms between a fatherless young woman with limited marriage possibilities and a man who has come to stay at the local inn. Beyond those commonalities, however, the stories are not all that similar – each with a unique voice and plot – so readers are assured of their attention being captured all the way through the collection.

In The Seventh Star Inn by Sally Britton, we are introduced to my favorite characters of the collection – Susan Baxter & Collin Stonecraft & Collin’s young daughter. I loved their personalities and the laid-back, sweet nature of their story. I also enjoyed becoming acquainted with the quaint village of Totnes & its history, seeing it through Susan’s eyes and watching Collin fall in love with it, too, even as he falls in love with Susan. Both hero & heroine seemed so genuine of heart and that made their romance all the sweeter.

Annette Lyon’s The Truth about Mr. Blackmore had my favorite angle, with hints of Cinderella tucked throughout the story. Not to mention Mattias & Leigh’s discussions of fairy tales in general. I especially loved Mattias – his endearing awkwardness, his author side, and his kind heart. Leigh is adorable and also easily likable, all the more noticeable with how unlikable her aunt and uncle are. You may find yourself cheering the most by the end of this story, too.

The Coachman’s Choice by Deborah M. Hathaway contained my favorite romance – full of sparks but still so very sweet. Robert and Mary have very different goals in life, at least at first glance, goals which are definitely incompatible. Yet, their tentative friendship can’t mask the chemistry & attraction between them (which makes for some fabulous kisses, just sayin’). The character growth in this novella is also outstanding, particularly on Robert’s part, despite it not being a full-length novel. The last chapter & epilogue had me grinning from ear-to-ear, while also a little misty-eyed because it was so sweet.

Bottom Line: The three novellas of The Inns of Devonshire are sweet romances that whisk you away to the peaceful English countryside and three quaint inns. Each story has its own unique elements and gives the reader a taste of each writer’s style. I enjoyed the swoony kisses (of course!), the romances themselves, the atmospheres and the side characters too! From a spinster with a heart of gold & her new landlord with a motherless daughter; to an aspiring artist who is forced to work off debt at a local inn & the reclusive author who is captivated by her; to a flirtatious coachman & the late innkeeper’s daughter with different goals – each novella draws you in and puts a smile in your heart.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet and enjoyable collection of Regency romance stories.
The Seventh Star Inn by Sally Britton
The characters in this book were adorable, not just Susan and Collin, but the side characters as well. I enjoyed the pacing of the novella and that it felt like a complete story with a sweet happily ever after.

The Truth About Mr. Blackmore by Annette Lyon
This story surprised me by how interested I was right off the bat in how things would turn out. It felt like a little mystery and I wondered how the secret identity and romance would unfold. Unfortunately, the ending felt incredibly abrupt and I was disappointed. I wanted more closure and more loose ends wrapped up. It felt like there were unanswered questions and pieces that maybe would have been better suited to a full-length novel.

The Coachman's Choice by Deborah Hathaway
This was probably my favorite of the three. I loved how absolutely unique the story was and the way the author moved the characters in time. It was just a sweet story and very well-written. I loved the flirting between the characters and the ending was fantastic.

Overall, this was a good read with three unique novellas. I received an advance reader copy of this anthology. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Regency set!

I love Regency romances and the great thing about this set is that the characters are all considered to be spinsters, as well as working class. Of course, the upper crust would be a blast, but there weren't all that many of them, so it's relatable for them to be "normal," strong, everyday women.

THE SEVENTH STAR INN tells the story of Susan and her mother, and their new landlord, Collin, and his adorable daughter. I loved the charming, rich history of this town and the wonderful relationships, and the way Susan fights so hard to keep things as they are. Seeing Totnes through her eyes was beautiful.

A hidden identity is a major factor in THE TRUTH ABOUT MR. BLACKMORE. The way the inn plays a role in Mattias's secret was endearing, but the tangled web soon ensnares him. Mattias had to overcome a lot in his life and I enjoyed watching him navigate things, especially an attraction to Leigh.

THE COACHMAN'S CHOICE was a wonderful way to end the collection. We all have choices to make in life--the good, the better, and the best--and I delighted in watching Robert try to have his cake and eat it too. Mary has new opportunities to pursue and has choices to make of her own, and it heartwarming to watch them figure their lives and desires out.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 Wandering Men Discover Love and Happiness During Their Travels

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Blog Tour

The Inns of Devonshire is the 18th published anthology in the Timeless Regency Collection and consists of three stand alone Regency Romance novellas written by three well-known and talented writers. Each novella is around 90 pages in length and takes places in various inns located in different Devonshire villages. I hope this breakdown is helpful!

THE SEVENTH STAR INN – Sally Britton

- The Premise: Collin Stonecroft, the new landlord for several homes and businesses in Totnes, pays a visit to assess his inheritance and make plans for modern improvements. Susan Baxter, the lovely but impoverished vicar’s daughter, finds much to admire about the new landlord, but she must be wary as he could leave her with a broken heart and ruin the historic village she holds so dear…

- My Thoughts: I loved the Emma vibes in this one! With her spinsterish age, situation of living with her mother in a shop on a main thoroughfare in town, and dependence on the thoughtfulness of their neighbors Miss Baxter felt reminiscent of Miss Bates. Except for one thing – she isn’t at all garrulous. I loved seeing her passion for the history of her village and her sweet and gentle way of befriending Mr. Stonecroft and his daughter. Their scenes together gathering flowers and exploring the village were enchanting.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MR. BLACKMORE – Annette Lyons

- The Premise: As an orphan who is beholden to unkind relations and working in their inn out of necessity, Leigh Cutler lives for the moments where she can escape reality and visit the world of imaginative stories. And with the inn’s new guest, Mattias McGrady, it seems like Leigh has found a kindred spirit. But happens when she discovers his secret…

- My Thoughts: Leigh and Mattias are so endearing! I love their stolen moments together, and how they found understanding, encouragement, and a sense of home with each other. Like Cinderella, Leigh is treated as a lowly servant by her relations. And Mattias, ends up being as noble and gentlemanly as a prince. I loved how their story played out and the drama of Mattias’s secret.

THE COACHMAN’S CHOICE – Deborah M. Hathawy


- The Premise: Given a heartbreaking past experience, Mary Thorne has a healthy mistrust of coachmen – especially flirtatious coachmen who enjoy ruffling her feathers, like Robert Northcott. And even though there is some attraction between them, Mary knows anything more is impossible…

- My Thoughts: This one might be my favorite! I love how Robert is actually somewhat of a sincere flirt and how Mary takes him to tasks about his empty flattery. I admired how these characters had hardships and pain in their pasts and were ambitiously pursuing their own dreams for their futures. And I loved witnessing the moments when both Robert and Mary realized that their feelings ran much deeper than those of good friends.

CONCLUSION:

I found The Inns of Devonshire and my sojourn to various coastal towns and quaint villages in this county to be utterly charming! I enjoyed how these stories focused on characters of the working class and portrayed the various lifestyles of these hardworking individuals – whether they be accountants, innkeepers, maids, or coachmen. I highly recommend this collection to readers who desire light and engaging novellas that feature compelling characters and rewarding romances.

Austenesque Reviews

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

More and more I love anthologies! It’s so nice to be able to read a well written, enjoyable story in a day. In this delightful collection of three novellas, each author bases their stories on characters who stay or live at an inn.

The Seventh Star Inn by Sally Britton: This story really starts the entire collection off so well. Susan has lived in the small quaint town of Totnes her whole life. It’s a town where neighbors take care of each other. She’s learned this first hand when she lost her father and she and her mother have had to depend on the kindnesses of those around them. When Collin Stonecroft arrives at the local inn as the new landlord in the town, there’s concern that he might change everything. As Susan gets to know Collin and his daughter, she begins to see a possible future with them, but what will happen when she learns of his plans for the town? This story drew me in right away. It has a sort of enemies to lovers feel at first because of a few misunderstandings. But, the story quickly evolves into so much more as Susan and Collin interact and grow to admire each other. I enjoyed each of their interactions and the slow build romance.

The Truth About Mr. Blackmore by Annette Lyon: Loved this story! It’s about a writer who stays at an inn while trying to work on his next novel. He writes under an assumed name and the delightful Leigh who is the niece of the inn’s proprietors is determined to figure out his secrets. Both have a delightful imagination and make the fanciful surrounding landscape come alive as they share their thoughts, history, and feelings. It’s a bit of a Cinderella story as Leigh and Mattias’s romance evolves so sweetly and enjoyably. It was hard to believe how much was packed into this short story. Definitely swoon worthy romantic moments.

The Coachman’s Choice by Deborah M. Hathaway: This story was so good and was possibly my favorite of the three. Mary is set to inherit The Golden Mermaid Inn from her mother. Every Thursday, the flirtatious Robert Northcott arrives with his passengers to stay at the inn. Mary looks forward to his visits, but she maintains her skepticism of all coachmen because of what happened to her in the past. She is willing to be friends with Robert, but nothing more, especially when he flirts so outrageously. Robert isn’t looking to become entangled with anyone. He enjoys his carefree lifestyle and wants to do his best so that he can obtain a more prestigious coachman’s position in London. But as their feelings grow from mere friendship to something more, will he be willing to give up his ambitions and settle down? This story really kept me turning the pages. I loved the way the author makes even the simple act of closing a window romantic. It’s those simple touches or near touches that makes this story sizzle with romantic tension.

Honestly, all of these stories are strong stories and enjoyable to read. Each story is easily read in one sitting and leaves the reader completely satisfied. Highly recommend this anthology! I received an advanced copy from one of the authors and was not required to provide a review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and freely given. I gave it 4 1/2 stars rounded up to 5.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

November 2021 update:
I listened to the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed the narrator. She's done other Timeless Regency Collections. I listened to these stories while driving, cooking and cleaning and it makes these tasks much more enjoyable.

Another great collection of Regency romances. How fun that each revolves around an Inn. I like that each story can be read in a short amount of time.

THE SEVENTH STAR INN by Sally Britton--Susan Baxter grew up in Totnes and can't imagine living anywhere else. When the small town learns they have a new landlord, Collin Stonecroft, she worries if he'll start changing things.

What a great start to this collections. I loved how Susan interacted with Collin's young daughter in the bookstore. I also liked that Susan took Collin on a tour of Totnes so he could see what she loves about he small town.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MR. BLACKMORE by Annette Lyon--When Mattias McGrady comes to stay at the Old Grey Inn he is taken by Leigh, who works for her aunt and uncle who own the Inn. He lets her know his true identity, that of author Simon Blackmore, and invites her to attend a society function masquerading as his intended, but things do not go as planned and both of their futures may be ruined.

I loved the mystery of this one as a famous author stays under an assumed name. I liked that Leigh was already a fan of his books and that she and Simon got along so well. The dinner going downhill so quickly and thoroughly took me by surprise but I was happy with the ending, especially that Leigh was free of the aunt and uncle who were taking advantage of her.

THE COACHMAN'S CHOICE by Deborah M. Hathaway--Mary Thorne helps her mother run the Golden Mermaid, where coachman Robert Northcott stops every Thursday. He is a major flirt and Mary wants nothing to do with him or any other coachman. One day a harsh comment from Mary about his flirting makes him start to rethink his flirtatious ways and maybe a possible future with Mary.

I liked that Robert took Mary's words to heart and thought about all his interactions with the women he met along his coaching route. I also liked that he was willing to set aside his plans to have a life with Mary.

I received a complimentary copy to review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three magical stories you’ll love
This book has three wonderful stories that will entrance and engage you, all set around inns. Each book is independent of the others and each book is an enchanting read.
The first is The Seventh Star Inn by Sally Britton. Susan is the daughter of a vicar who has died leaving Susan and her mother to fend for themselves in whatever way they can. With the help of the villagers, they survive in very modest but comfortable means. When a stranger and newly inherited owner of much of the village property, Collin Stonecroft, arrives with his ten year old daughter the village is excited about possible changes. But what happens when Collin’s vision of what is best for the village doesn’t match Susan’s which view will succeed?
The second book is The Truth about Mr. Blackmore by Annette Lyon. Leigh Cutler has lived and worked in her aunt and uncle’s inn since shortly after the death of her mother. First with her father and now, since his death, alone. Constantly being told she has a debt to repay them for taking her in and always failing, in their eyes, to do enough. Her only escape was a fanciful, fairy tale world she imagined helped by the writings of Simon Blackmore. When a mysterious stranger, Mattias McGrady, appears one rainy day to announce he would be staying at the inn for at least two weeks to finish some it does not for Mattias and Leigh to form a friendship. But when secrets are revealed and Mattias’ work revealed with the friendship survive? Could it ever be more?
The third book is The Coachman’s Choice by Deborah M. Hathaway. Robert never knew his parents or any sense of home and that suited his lifestyle as a coachman. Always on the road racing from one stop to the next. He met plenty of people but had no real friends. Then his route changed and he began staying at the Golden Mermaid Inn owned and operated by Mary Thorne and her widowed mother. It had been in Mary’s family for generations and she could not even think of leaving the inn. It was her home. Robert flirts with Mary, he flirts with all women, until one day Mary says something that makes him stop and consider what he wants in life and how he wants to live it. As their friendship grows both Mary and Robert begin to see the world differently but still their goals are miles apart. What will happen when one of their dreams comes true and hard choices must be made? I received an early copy and this is my honest review. I highly recommend this book.

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Three lovely novellas take the reader on a tour of Devonshire’s finest fictional inns.

The Inns of Devonshire is a beautiful anthology of sweet Regency romances centered in picturesque English inns.

The book includes three novellas: The Seventh Star Inn by Sally Britton, The Truth About Mr. Blackmore by Annette Lyon, and The Coachman’s Choice by Deborah M. Hathaway.

The Seventh Star Inn

The Seventh Star Inn tells the lovely story of a vicar’s daughter (Susan) who lived with her mother in reduced circumstances after her father’s passing.

When their new landlord (Colin) arrived at the local inn, he came with his 10yo daughter, a lot of charm, and some undesirable ideas about renovations and rental increases.

I loved the relationship between Susan and Colin’s daughter and how it influenced the romance between the MCs.

Sweet and romantic!

The Truth about Mr. Blackmore

The renowned author Mr. Blackmore was undercover at an inn trying to work on his manuscript when he met the adorable Leigh, a poor relation of the inn’s owners.

I loved the main character’s humble backgrounds and how they both were independent and resourceful. I also enjoyed the slow-burn romance.

Sweet read!

The Coachman’s Choice

A rogue coachman and a prim inn owner had to fight their mutual attraction because of past hurts and their incompatible goals in life.

I found Robert adorable and Mary so very smart and loyal. Once again, I enjoyed the social standing of the MCs (or lack thereof).

The story was well developed, and the couple had great chemistry.

Lovely read!

Disclosure: I received a paperback copy from the author for an honest review.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love to see what the Timeless Romance Anthologies' next collection will be. When this one was announced I was pretty excited to read it and see how each author would approach a story about an inn. I mean, the sky is the limit. So many different ways to approach this story. These three wrote about a girl who lives in the village, next to the inn, and the others about young ladies who's home is an inn. But they were all so different. I love the variety that I can count on when reading these novella collections. And even with them being novellas, I come away satisfied as if I've read a complete novel. The stories are developed as well as the characters. They're just delightful!

My favorite of the three was Sally Britton's contribution. Not to lessen the delight I found from reading the other novellas. I loved the personalities and struggles of each main heroine, as well as their hopes and dreams. I found myself cheering them on and hoping they'd find joy and happiness.

And the heroes are just as wonderful and dashing! Again, Sally Britton's hero, Collin Stonecroft was one of my favorite heroes of the three. But you will need to read the collection to decide for yourself what your favorite novella is, or if it is all three.

Content: Each Novella is clean. There is nothing more than chaste kissing. These collections are all clean, that's one of my favorite aspects about them.

I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Emily Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of Novellas does not disappoint. These are not your traditional Regency stories as the occur amongst the lower classes which adds to their charm and character. These are stories about people that have to work a little bit harder to make things right.

Our heroines are just as determined as those of the upper classes, but have to endure more from those around them.

The Seventh Star Inn by Sally Britton introduces us to a former vicar's daughter, her father had passed away, who with her mother were taken in by the village in an attempt to help them get by. They are succeeding until a new landlord comes to town with ideas that will change things forever. She is contracted to take care of the widowed landlord's daughter while he attends to business. What follows is a lovely story about seeing beyond your own ideas and opening your heart to others.

The Truth about Mr. Blackmore brings a little intrigue as our hero has a secret and our heroine is trying to break free of abusive relatives. She feels trapped in her world and finds freedom with the new guest who desires her company.

The Coachman's Choice is about a girl with big plans to take over her parent's Inn. She doesn't trust the coachman on the route because she has been misled by a coachman before. This story tells a tale of trusting you heart and trusting someone with your heart, which is really difficult for someone determined to stay independent.

The three stories gave me a wonderful escape and much to think about, the stories were satisfying and emotionally fulfilling.

I received an early copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable anthology, especially if you enjoy reading Regency romances that are among the working class. All three novels are sweet and romantic, and even though they're short, I don't feel like I'm missing something. Here are my thoughts on each story:

The Seventh Star Inn by Sally Britton: Sally Britton has a way of writing sweet, feel-good stories. I always feel all warm and fuzzy after reading her books. I liked how this couple's relationship is fairly straight forward and that the conflict in the story is not a relationship issue. That's a nice change from most of the books I've read lately.

The Truth about Mr. Blackmore by Annette Lyon: this was a sweet Cinderella story. It was cute and easy to read.

The Coachman's Choice by Deborah M. Hathaway: I liked how the author was able to span this story over several weeks. I liked seeing the characters evolve.

[Sallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to receive a review copy of this book because Sally Britton and Deborah Hathaway are two of my favorite authors. I had never heard of Annette Lyon but found her book very enjoyable. I did have to look up a few unfamiliar words but now I have expanded my vocabulary!!

My criteria for 5 stars is quite simple—it has to keep me reading and no, or very few non-glaring, typos or grammar errors. Those are my pet peeve.

The three novellas were the perfect length for me to read each one in one sitting. Due to the length, the relationships always develop quickly. I really like the way Deborah Hathaway spaced her story out by weeks.

[Alicia Rivoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed each of these novella’s. They were clean, well written, and sweet with characters I grew to love. It was different to read stories focusing on England’s Innkeepers rather than balls, soirée’s, and dinner parties with the upper classes and nobility. I highly recommend these novella’s to anyone who loves the Regency period and cute romances. The bad thing about novella’s, however, is they always end too quickly, leaving you with a desire for more. Well done, ladies!

(I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was in no way encouraged by the authors or publishers to leave a review which wasn’t a true representation of my feelings on the stories.)

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this Timeless Romance anthology caught my attention because what’s not to like about three Regency romance novellas with quaint inns as the backdrop? I enjoyed all three as each story offered its own spin on the development of a sweet romance connected with one of the inn’s guests. While the length of a novella can pose tighter timeline challenges compared to a regular length book, none of these stories felt rushed and each developed naturally and led to a very satisfying conclusion. Fans of sweet Regency romance as well as readers of Sally Britton, Annette Lyon and Deborah Hathaway should definitely check out this collection. Well done!

I received an advanced review copy from one of the authors. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

[The Swoony Awards]

Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67

[Rachel Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of The Inns of Devonshire Collection 📚👒

(I received an early reader copy and am happy to share my thoughts)!

I've never read a novella set of three like this before, but I found it was nice on a busy weeknight to be able to get wrapped up in a story...and actually finish it that same week without sleep deprivation!

In the first novella, Sally Britton caught my attention right away. I love a Regency ballroom as much as the next person, but was interesting to read how her characters had to cope in more modest circumstances. An intelligent young woman befriends the daughter of a handsome landlord, and must help the dad see the value in their small town. Amidst fields of daisies and sheets of rain, the story was sweet and satisfying.

Annette Lyon's tale features an imaginative artist being taken advantage of by her cruel aunt and uncle. She crosses paths with an Irish guest who is concealing his true identity. I really enjoyed this rags-to-riches tale that also gives some insight into being an author in olden times!

In the final story by Deborah M. Hathaway, a charming coachman possessing an uncommon gift with horses is the last person a heartbroken innkeeper's daughter can let close. Both must do some serious soul-searching before achieving their happily-ever-after. As an English teacher, I so appreciated the author's knack for similes in the collection's conclusion!

Thanks so much for the enjoyable read, Timeless Regency authors!

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three sweet short stories in this collection, and all equally charming. I ranked them in reading order...

The Seventh Star Inn by Sally Britton was good.

The Truth About Mr. Blackmore by Annette Lyon was better.

The Coachman's Choice by Deborah M. Hathaway was the best and my favorite. The writing quality was top notch with this one as well.

All three were pleasant reads but none struck me as being so amazing I would want to tag it for future rereading. Just good, sweet and clean romances with embraces and chaste kisses. All three stories centered around spinsters who worked at an inn but the storylines were very different. I would have liked one of the stories to have had the hero be an innkeeper and our heroine a visitor, but that didn't happen here.

Anyhoo, still a good read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Anna (The_Reading_Pantry) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this collection of novellas, I knew I wanted to read it just for the amazing list of authors alone. These stories were engaging and charming. I’m glad that I read them and am grateful to these ladies for writing them.

THE SEVENTH STAR INN by Sally Britton

Susan and Collin were so sweet together. Collin is a doting father and Susan was the perfect match to his daughter, Beth. Their town, Totnes, was entirely charming and I loved the community the people have created. It’s amazing what kind of story can be told after only eight chapters.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MR. BLACKMORE by Annette Lyon

I love stories when the MC is an author. It takes things to a completely new level for me. I really enjoyed the internal dialogue of Mattias McGrady and Leigh Cutler. It was cute how well they complimented each other. Fun read!

THE COACHMAN'S CHOICE by Deborah M. Hathaway
This might have been my favorite in the collection. Robert and Mary’s witty banter was super fun to read. Their story was amazing with so much feeling! I almost wish it had been a full novel. I would have read every page! I loved it!!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collection of three novellas.

1) 4 stars
2) 2.5 stars
3) 3 stars

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

However, readers looking for a little more happily ever after in their lives, but in a short time frame, will find plenty to enjoy here!

Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Inns of Devonshire is another delightful Regency romance collection! These three novellas can each be read in an hour or two - perfect for an evening when you want to read a complete story from start to finish! 4 stars for the collection. (Keep reading for my thoughts on each novella.

The Seventh Star Inn
This novella is so charming! I love stories about women who are slightly older; though Susan was only in her late twenties, she would have been considered an old maid in that time. Her connection with both Collin and his daughter Beth was really sweet, and I loved watching both relationships develop. 4 stars.

The Truth about Mr. Blackmore
I'll take a good secret identity story any day of the week, and this one is certainly delightful! I loved how Leigh and Mattias had long kept their true selves hidden from the world but quickly found kindred spirits among each other. I thought the reveal of Mattias's secret, both to Leigh and to the public, was handled well, and I just was really satisfied with this story. (OK, so I did keep expecting the villains to be more villainous than they really were, but that ended up being a pleasant surprise.) 4-1/2 stars.

The Coachman's Choice
Of the three novellas, this was the hardest for me to get into. I did enjoy Mary and Robert's story, but I wasn't flying through the pages. I did appreciate that their relationship progressed slowly and that the reader got to watch it unfold; by the end, I was definitely rooting for Mary and Robert's happily ever after! 3-1/2 stars.

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.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun collection of novellas!

The Seventh Star Inn by Sally Britton. This was a fun story. Susan lives with her mother in an apartment above a book store. After her father passed away the small town did a great job of taking care of her and her mom. When the new owner of her building has ideas to change the town and raise rent. Collin Stonecroft just inherited the buildings in this small town and is planning on doing updates and improvements. After getting to know one another Susan and Collin find way to meet in the middle and find common ground. So all in this town they love so well are served well.

The Truth about Mr. Blackmore by Annette Lyon.
Leigh worked at the Old Grey Inn. Mattias McGrady came to the inn to stay for an indefinite amount of time. They grew close and had a great relationship. However Mattias was keeping a secret from Leigh. After some contention and hard times they learned what matters in love.

The Coachman's Choice
Mary worked at the Golden Mermaid Inn, eventually it would be handed down to her and she would run it. Every Thursday her friend Robert (a coachman) would come spend the evening at the Inn. They had a great friendship that could easily turn into something more. However Robert is looking to get a route in London which will take him away from Mary. Mary is afraid to trust Robert because she has been hurt by a coachman in the past. They both realize what really matters in life and that it is ok for goals to change.

I was given an ARC of this book. I left the review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful collection of three novellas written by three amazing authors. Each story is unique but all are tied together with strong heroines and the Inns that are a part of each story. This is also a terrific addition to the Timeless Regency Collection of Books written by multiple authors.

These stories were all clean with no foul language or graphic sexual content. I was already familiar with two of the three authors in this collection and was pleased to find another wonderful author to add to those to whom I enjoy reading.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Genres and Journals *Tia* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three sweet Regency novellas that revolve around Inns in Devonshire (as the title suggests).
All three are well written with likable characters, engaging dialogue and heart warming romances. Definitely a cozy way way to spend a rainy afternoon. I plan on checking out more in this series collection.

[Melynne (mels_booknook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun lighthearted collection of novellas. I loved the sweet romance in each. I loved the setting of each one being at an inn. Each story was unique and different and all had happy endings which I liked. Fun if you like regency romance.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun trio of stories? I love how they have have women who are considered "on the shelf" and are looking for ways to make their future happen. None of them are looking for the man to save them, they are all trying to take care of themselves.

I loved the relationship of the little girl and the heroine in Seventh Star Inn. It felt natural and real. It was interesting how Susan could share her love of the old and make a difference around her.

In The Truth about Mr. Blackmore, we have a young women with an imagination who finds her match.

In The Coachman's Choice we learn the importance of family and home.

It is truly and enjoyable anthology.

[Nari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all three novellas. I usually have a favorite one but not this time. They were all so good I couldn’t pick one above another. The story were well developed which does not always happen with a novella. I highly recommend this book.