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Freedom Valley #1
Falling Inn Love
Perfect cozy fall vibes book that reads like a Hallmark movie...
Former military hero, found family, Inn life, puppies, forced proximity, fated soul mates, redemption, orphan, widow.
Beth is a struggling romance author who’s been trying to find her place in the world after the unbearable tragedy of losing her family. Unable to find peace other than in her writing, she ends up stranded by the side of the road in Freedom Valley, New Hampshire, where a strikingly hot, green-eyed, bearded flannel wearing innkeeper rescues her.
Evan, a former marine who took over his family’s inn after the sudden loss of his father, is struggling to keep afloat.
Running out of money, Beth agrees to help Evan run the inn in exchange for room and board, but she has no intention of staying too long and letting her guard down or anyone into her heart.
But there’s something about Beth that makes Evan believe he can be the man to give her the love that she deserves.
The more emotional walls Beth tries to put up, the harder Evan works to tear them down, using everything he can, including a pair of puppies he finds abandoned by the side of the road, to make her want to stay.
Will Evan be able to convince Beth to take a second chance at love?
*Falling Inn Love is a complete stand-alone and can be read without reading any of the other books, but if you prefer to read in order, start with Falling Inn Love as the characters and families are connected.*
Former military hero, found family, Inn life, puppies, forced proximity, fated soul mates, redemption, orphan, widow.
Beth is a struggling romance author who’s been trying to find her place in the world after the unbearable tragedy of losing her family. Unable to find peace other than in her writing, she ends up stranded by the side of the road in Freedom Valley, New Hampshire, where a strikingly hot, green-eyed, bearded flannel wearing innkeeper rescues her.
Evan, a former marine who took over his family’s inn after the sudden loss of his father, is struggling to keep afloat.
Running out of money, Beth agrees to help Evan run the inn in exchange for room and board, but she has no intention of staying too long and letting her guard down or anyone into her heart.
But there’s something about Beth that makes Evan believe he can be the man to give her the love that she deserves.
The more emotional walls Beth tries to put up, the harder Evan works to tear them down, using everything he can, including a pair of puppies he finds abandoned by the side of the road, to make her want to stay.
Will Evan be able to convince Beth to take a second chance at love?
*Falling Inn Love is a complete stand-alone and can be read without reading any of the other books, but if you prefer to read in order, start with Falling Inn Love as the characters and families are connected.*
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2022
601 people are currently reading
24200 people want to read
About the author
Erin Branscom
18 books881 followersSign up for Erin’s newsletter so you don’t miss any freebies: https://bit.ly/42KXO30
Erin Branscom is a creator of happily-ever-afters, crafting spicy, Hallmark-like romances that make readers fall head over heels for charming small towns. When she's not writing heart warming stories, Erin can be found anywhere there are dogs, with a cup of coffee in hand, or lost in a good book. As a passionate Scorpio, she brings intensity and heart to everything she does. Dive into her world and discover love, warmth, and a touch of spice in every story.
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Erin Branscom is a creator of happily-ever-afters, crafting spicy, Hallmark-like romances that make readers fall head over heels for charming small towns. When she's not writing heart warming stories, Erin can be found anywhere there are dogs, with a cup of coffee in hand, or lost in a good book. As a passionate Scorpio, she brings intensity and heart to everything she does. Dive into her world and discover love, warmth, and a touch of spice in every story.
FOLLOW ERIN:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erinbranscoma...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinbranscom...
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September 4, 2024If readers are into insta-love, so insta that the idea of forever has been planted at the 20%-ish mark, then they should give this a chance.
Look, I don't mind insta-love; I dig that actually. But for that to happen, there should've been at least palpable chemistry or tension between the MCs. Unfortunately, there's none of that here. All they ever had was their mutual physical attraction to each other.
Yet, both of them can't stop talking about this sort of connection that they never had before, yet as a reader, I didn't feel or see this connection at all. Like seriously, where? What? Why? How? When?
Ngl, I was bored for the majority of the story. I barely manage to finish this, and that's saying a lot considering this is only 280+ pages. I'm not even ashamed to admit that I skimmed it because I'm too stubborn to quit. 🤦♀️
Anyway, it's just not for me, but other readers might find this up their alley.
Look, I don't mind insta-love; I dig that actually. But for that to happen, there should've been at least palpable chemistry or tension between the MCs. Unfortunately, there's none of that here. All they ever had was their mutual physical attraction to each other.
Yet, both of them can't stop talking about this sort of connection that they never had before, yet as a reader, I didn't feel or see this connection at all. Like seriously, where? What? Why? How? When?
Ngl, I was bored for the majority of the story. I barely manage to finish this, and that's saying a lot considering this is only 280+ pages. I'm not even ashamed to admit that I skimmed it because I'm too stubborn to quit. 🤦♀️
Anyway, it's just not for me, but other readers might find this up their alley.
December 2, 2022
Настанявайки се удобно в края на ноември, очаквах да се срещна със забавна книга, която да ме потопи в есенно настроение. Но каквото да получих от Falling Inn Love, забавното не беше там. Невероятно място като Ню Хемпшър в САЩ може да е олицетворение на спокойствие и красива среда.
" Може би съм пристрастен, но нищо не може да се сравни с Нова Англия през есента."
Където и да сме, трудностите и трагедиите присъстват в живота на хората и всеки се справя с тях както може. Някои просто не успяват.
"Понякога да живееш, когато тези, които обичаш, са умрели, е по-трудно от смъртта. "
Това изречение показва идеята на книгата. Невъзможното съществуване на останалите живи. Дълбоката мъка и глождещата вина , че се събуждат всеки ден. Самотното справяне с ежедневието без онези, които са били всичко за тях. Самонаказанието на живите да бъдат щастливи и да изградят ново начало за себе си.
" Идиличната обстановка в Нова Англия би била идеална за представяне на филми на Hallmark. ".
Но пак там Бет се опитваше да се откаже от желанието си да е приета и обичана. Заради убеждението, че няма право да е жива след като пиян шофьор убива мъжа и бебето й в катастрофа.
" Може би съм пристрастен, но нищо не може да се сравни с Нова Англия през есента."
Където и да сме, трудностите и трагедиите присъстват в живота на хората и всеки се справя с тях както може. Някои просто не успяват.
"Понякога да живееш, когато тези, които обичаш, са умрели, е по-трудно от смъртта. "
Това изречение показва идеята на книгата. Невъзможното съществуване на останалите живи. Дълбоката мъка и глождещата вина , че се събуждат всеки ден. Самотното справяне с ежедневието без онези, които са били всичко за тях. Самонаказанието на живите да бъдат щастливи и да изградят ново начало за себе си.
" Идиличната обстановка в Нова Англия би била идеална за представяне на филми на Hallmark. ".
Но пак там Бет се опитваше да се откаже от желанието си да е приета и обичана. Заради убеждението, че няма право да е жива след като пиян шофьор убива мъжа и бебето й в катастрофа.
June 12, 2023
This book felt laborious to read. It was like a celebration of cliche. Bizarre lack of character development and this remarkable situation where there were about 17 different plots and yet nothing ever actually happened. Lacking in detail and development, virtually no vivid or descripting language, and an excess of platitudes. Flat, unrelatable characters and no chemistry between any of them. Including the puppies.
May 9, 2023
If English teachers want to teach a lesson in why “show don’t tell” is important, they could use this book (or at least the first 45 pages cause that’s where I dnf’ed).
October 10, 2022
The cover is so cute and when @novelfriendsbookclub decide to read it in October; I knew I had to join.
Beth is running away and her luck doesn't seem to get better. Her car fails, and she finds herself on the side of the road in a partially deserted place. In comes our hero, Evan, ex marine and a young man that is trying his best to keep the inn he works at afloat.
It will take a few days for her car to be ready, so she took his on his offer on staying and working at the inn.
What followed is a close-proximity, getting to know everyone in the small town and especially catching feelings for one another.
I enjoyed the writing and the overall story. It reads like a Hallmark movie, but way better, in my opinion. I found it well balanced with a great mix of characters and sweet and funny moments and some heartbreaking scenes, especially from their past.
Being a debut story, I’m more than sold that the author will find lots of readers who will enjoy her books, myself, including.
If you enjoy small town vibes, like Virgin River and Gilmore girls, look no further than this story.
Beautiful romance story that will fill your heart to the brim.
🆓📖Very grateful to the author for my review copy
Beth is running away and her luck doesn't seem to get better. Her car fails, and she finds herself on the side of the road in a partially deserted place. In comes our hero, Evan, ex marine and a young man that is trying his best to keep the inn he works at afloat.
It will take a few days for her car to be ready, so she took his on his offer on staying and working at the inn.
What followed is a close-proximity, getting to know everyone in the small town and especially catching feelings for one another.
I enjoyed the writing and the overall story. It reads like a Hallmark movie, but way better, in my opinion. I found it well balanced with a great mix of characters and sweet and funny moments and some heartbreaking scenes, especially from their past.
Being a debut story, I’m more than sold that the author will find lots of readers who will enjoy her books, myself, including.
If you enjoy small town vibes, like Virgin River and Gilmore girls, look no further than this story.
Beautiful romance story that will fill your heart to the brim.
🆓📖Very grateful to the author for my review copy
October 3, 2023
Ok nice plot but it really lacked in emotion. I was so excited when I started it but then I struggled to finish it cause I found it very flat.
September 19, 2022
I sooo enjoyed this Indie author debut!! Attracted by the cover with puppies and pitch perfect fall vibes, this dual POV, forced proximity, small town romance was a heartwarming cozy season read perfect for fans of Gilmore girls!
Struggling author and nomad Beth is running from her past trauma when her car breaks down on the side of the road, only to have Evan, ex-Marine turned local Inn-keeper help her out and offer her both a place to stay and work for as long as she needs. Beth only promises to stay for sixty days but can't resist falling for the charm of the Inn and all its people as she works to help them save the Inn from defaulting on a bank loan.
This book was full of found family, emotional depth and a beautiful romance that I couldn't have enjoyed more! Highly recommended for fans of Part of your world by Abby Jimenez or Astrid Parker doesn't fail by Ashley Blake (two other small town stories featuring Inns and small town charm).
🔥Steam level: one open door scene with mild descriptions
Struggling author and nomad Beth is running from her past trauma when her car breaks down on the side of the road, only to have Evan, ex-Marine turned local Inn-keeper help her out and offer her both a place to stay and work for as long as she needs. Beth only promises to stay for sixty days but can't resist falling for the charm of the Inn and all its people as she works to help them save the Inn from defaulting on a bank loan.
This book was full of found family, emotional depth and a beautiful romance that I couldn't have enjoyed more! Highly recommended for fans of Part of your world by Abby Jimenez or Astrid Parker doesn't fail by Ashley Blake (two other small town stories featuring Inns and small town charm).
🔥Steam level: one open door scene with mild descriptions
June 17, 2023
What a cute rom-com! I absolutely adored this book. Having been a widow, I could really relate to Beth and the emotions she was feeling!! The only thing I regret about this book was not reading it sooner!! I am excited to read and explore the rest of the books in this series!!
September 28, 2022
This book started out so well! Likable characters and a good premise. FALLING INN LOVE is definitely an insta-love romance and I just struggled to buy the depth of this relationship. Over the span of one week the MCs meet, share 4-5 very casual conversations, share 1 chaste kiss, and then— SHA-BLAM-O! — She says she is falling in love with him.
After the first 1/4 the potential in this book began to unravel. There are so many plot holes/unanswered questions in FALLING INN LOVE. Beth is a romance writer, who used to be a kindergarten teacher, who somehow has experience in social media, and also builds a website (with no budget), and writes a 6-page business plan for an Inn she has been in for 3 days, and organizes a fall festival.
Beth is living out of her car, hopping from city to city. She has one overnight bag of clothing and yet somehow has a significant wardrobe INCLUDING knee-high high-heeled boots, hiking boots, as well as regular shoes.
Beth has a literary agent and a book contract which somehow has no deadlines.
A child in the book needs a kidney donation. The male lead goes for a first appt to see if he's a match. He fasts so they can do bloodwork, and during the very same appointment he waits, and the doctor comes back and says "you are a match!" That's not even remotely how being tested to be a kidney donor works. It generally takes months, there are tons of tests: an EKG, a heart exam, a psych eval and numerous tests using the potential donors and the potential recipient's blood. If you're going to write this into your book, you must do some research. It takes 10 minutes to google tests and timelines for living donor kidney donation.
I hoped that FALLING INN LOVE would eventually resolve some of these plot-holes, but it never did. The beginning was so damn promising, but it just didn't pan out for me.
If you don't mind those inconsistencies, this book has good characters, supportive friendships, and a very swoony male lead. I just couldn't get past those story problems.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️💫
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated PG-13 / Only 1 descriptive sex scene, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: past death of spouse and child, fatal car accident, past death of parent, child with kidney failure, brief mention of domestic abuse, growing up in foster care
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗠𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
After the first 1/4 the potential in this book began to unravel. There are so many plot holes/unanswered questions in FALLING INN LOVE. Beth is a romance writer, who used to be a kindergarten teacher, who somehow has experience in social media, and also builds a website (with no budget), and writes a 6-page business plan for an Inn she has been in for 3 days, and organizes a fall festival.
Beth is living out of her car, hopping from city to city. She has one overnight bag of clothing and yet somehow has a significant wardrobe INCLUDING knee-high high-heeled boots, hiking boots, as well as regular shoes.
Beth has a literary agent and a book contract which somehow has no deadlines.
A child in the book needs a kidney donation. The male lead goes for a first appt to see if he's a match. He fasts so they can do bloodwork, and during the very same appointment he waits, and the doctor comes back and says "you are a match!" That's not even remotely how being tested to be a kidney donor works. It generally takes months, there are tons of tests: an EKG, a heart exam, a psych eval and numerous tests using the potential donors and the potential recipient's blood. If you're going to write this into your book, you must do some research. It takes 10 minutes to google tests and timelines for living donor kidney donation.
I hoped that FALLING INN LOVE would eventually resolve some of these plot-holes, but it never did. The beginning was so damn promising, but it just didn't pan out for me.
If you don't mind those inconsistencies, this book has good characters, supportive friendships, and a very swoony male lead. I just couldn't get past those story problems.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️💫
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated PG-13 / Only 1 descriptive sex scene, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: past death of spouse and child, fatal car accident, past death of parent, child with kidney failure, brief mention of domestic abuse, growing up in foster care
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗠𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
October 2, 2022
Such a cute fall rom com!! I can’t wait for book number 2. Thank you Erin for the advanced copy!
September 26, 2022
Rounded up to 3.5 stars! I won this Arc in a contest and I was so excited!
First the things I loved. This book made me FEEL fall lol. The town and inn were described so wonderfully and it really got me in the autumn spirit. Also when Beth and Evan spoke about the inn during Christmas time it got me excited to read the next book which I’m hoping is set during Christmas. It just felt so cozy!
The things that didn’t click with me as much was the back and forth with Beth. She has has a lot of trauma but I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at her always changing her mind. I also don’t super like Insta love. It almost felt too rushed with how they fell in love and Evan was literally perfect all the time. So when he got mad at her I got whip lash.
Other than that I’m excited to catch up with the other characters and to dive deeper into Mellie and what happened with her before finding Evan.
If you are a big Hallmark movie fan this book is right up your alley!
First the things I loved. This book made me FEEL fall lol. The town and inn were described so wonderfully and it really got me in the autumn spirit. Also when Beth and Evan spoke about the inn during Christmas time it got me excited to read the next book which I’m hoping is set during Christmas. It just felt so cozy!
The things that didn’t click with me as much was the back and forth with Beth. She has has a lot of trauma but I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at her always changing her mind. I also don’t super like Insta love. It almost felt too rushed with how they fell in love and Evan was literally perfect all the time. So when he got mad at her I got whip lash.
Other than that I’m excited to catch up with the other characters and to dive deeper into Mellie and what happened with her before finding Evan.
If you are a big Hallmark movie fan this book is right up your alley!
November 7, 2023
Evan is an ex marine running the family inn after his father died unexpectedly. The inn is in trouble because a jerk from the bank is calling a loan in full in a few months. But he’s the ultimate caretaker and when he finds a stranded woman on the side of the road with a broken down car, he offers her room and board in exchange for her helping at the inn.
Beth has been on the road for six years, trying to outrun her grief. Her burden is weighing her down, but as she gets to know everyone at the inn, especially Evan, she starts to feel again. The trouble is, she doesn’t think that she deserves to. Evan hopes that he can get her to stay before sixty days are up and she runs again, or before he loses the inn and let’s everyone down.
I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to everyone.
Beth has been on the road for six years, trying to outrun her grief. Her burden is weighing her down, but as she gets to know everyone at the inn, especially Evan, she starts to feel again. The trouble is, she doesn’t think that she deserves to. Evan hopes that he can get her to stay before sixty days are up and she runs again, or before he loses the inn and let’s everyone down.
I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to everyone.
September 22, 2022
I loved this book so much ! I’m so glad I got sent an ARC ! I cannot wait to read the upcoming books in this series. It’s the perfect 🍁fall book ! This was a read in one sitting type of book 😂
Evan just wants to do the right thing for his family and for the Inn
Beth has had a terrible tragedy happen to her ! They’re so perfect for each other
Evan just wants to do the right thing for his family and for the Inn
Beth has had a terrible tragedy happen to her ! They’re so perfect for each other
October 18, 2022
DNF at 20%
This book is missing something, I don’t know what but even this early I can just feel it. Seems a little juvenile with some of the word choices.
This book is missing something, I don’t know what but even this early I can just feel it. Seems a little juvenile with some of the word choices.
January 19, 2023
Thanks to @homecoodedbooks for the free audiobook copy and the chance to give my candid review—all opinions are my own.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5) Story 3 & Audio 5
Steam: 🔥🔥 (0-5) a little more than fade-to-black but not much
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 I really wanted to read this in the fall and then I saw this reviewer opportunity and could not resist. It doesn’t need to be a fall read.
🤩 Car trouble meet cute.
🤩 Inn-keeper romance—I’m such a sucker. Workplace romance & they make a great team.
🤩 Cozy vibes & found family is fabulous. Evan’s family takes in all the strays, even two cute dogs.
🤩 Dual POV—the narrators’ voices are fantastic and I could feel all the different emotions in their voices.
🤩 Evan is a former marine. He’s a cinnamon roll hero and falls first. He has such a big heart for those he loves. Oh, and he plays guitar and has “lumberjack snack” vibes.
🤩 Beth is a former Kindergarten teacher turned writer, wandering because of hard life events.
🤩 Such sweet and descriptive attraction between the MCs. Their kisses are fireworks. I could feel those lusty feels from the narrators.
🤩 Delicious descriptions of setting and surroundings too.
🤩 Great side characters—good friends who lovingly tell you like it is.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 The struggles of life felt real and heavy. Don’t go in expecting a romcom.
💫 Spouse died trope is always one I struggle to enjoy. And, it caught me off guard because I was expecting it to be another family member for some reason. What I don’t like is totally a case of, “It’s not you. It’s me.”
💫 Evan is so good with Beth’s hot and cold. But, I’m not. She wants him physically but not emotionally and I just don’t like that.
💫 Beth needs therapy.
I still want to try the next in the series, Baked Inn Love, to see if it’s just the “spouse died” trope that gets me crabby.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5) Story 3 & Audio 5
Steam: 🔥🔥 (0-5) a little more than fade-to-black but not much
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 I really wanted to read this in the fall and then I saw this reviewer opportunity and could not resist. It doesn’t need to be a fall read.
🤩 Car trouble meet cute.
🤩 Inn-keeper romance—I’m such a sucker. Workplace romance & they make a great team.
🤩 Cozy vibes & found family is fabulous. Evan’s family takes in all the strays, even two cute dogs.
🤩 Dual POV—the narrators’ voices are fantastic and I could feel all the different emotions in their voices.
🤩 Evan is a former marine. He’s a cinnamon roll hero and falls first. He has such a big heart for those he loves. Oh, and he plays guitar and has “lumberjack snack” vibes.
🤩 Beth is a former Kindergarten teacher turned writer, wandering because of hard life events.
🤩 Such sweet and descriptive attraction between the MCs. Their kisses are fireworks. I could feel those lusty feels from the narrators.
🤩 Delicious descriptions of setting and surroundings too.
🤩 Great side characters—good friends who lovingly tell you like it is.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 The struggles of life felt real and heavy. Don’t go in expecting a romcom.
💫 Spouse died trope is always one I struggle to enjoy. And, it caught me off guard because I was expecting it to be another family member for some reason. What I don’t like is totally a case of, “It’s not you. It’s me.”
💫 Evan is so good with Beth’s hot and cold. But, I’m not. She wants him physically but not emotionally and I just don’t like that.
💫 Beth needs therapy.
I still want to try the next in the series, Baked Inn Love, to see if it’s just the “spouse died” trope that gets me crabby.
December 8, 2024
Falling Inn Love by Erin Branscom
Freedom Valley #1
+282-page Kindle Ebook story ends on 279
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Sensitive Content Warning - Tragic Death of Love One by Impaired Driver; Fictional Small-Town, New Hampshire, Writers, Broke Down Car Trope, Texan, Writer, Family Owned Inn, Instant Connection, Hallmark, Dual POVs, Amazing Race Styled Epigraphs, Former Marine, Single Mothers, Workplace Haven for Runaways, Graphics, Boys, Puppies, Grief, Healing, Sex - Low Details, Family Dynamics, Excerpt of Baked Inn Love - Freedom Valley #2 Chapter 1, Author's Bibliography, Author's Links
Rating as a movie: R or adult content and language
Songs for the soundtrack: "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac, "Comin’ Under Fire" by Def Leppard, "In Case You Didn’t Know" by Brett Young, “You Are The Reason” by Calum Scott
Books and Authors mentioned: Wrong Turn by Alan B. McElroy
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🛎🐶
My thoughts: 🔖Page 136 of 282 [Chapter] 16. beth . . . Sometimes you need to reshuffle the deck. - This story is annoyingly cheesy and predictable yet there are serious themes. I'm going to ride with it, I suspect Book 2 is about the sister but who knows? They have a lot of broken people to fix with this series and they are layering the hurts on. I was distracted I didn't even wonder where the dogs were, I forgot all about them until they showed up.
I knew it! This story is perfect for people who want a deeper love story but want the quickness of a cozy romance. This is a mixture of both and once I got past that it was great. I'm going to be reading the rest of the series.
Recommend to others: Yes, this story has a breezy plot with complex characters.
Freedom Valley
1. Falling Inn Love (2022)
2. Baked Inn Love (2022)
3. All Inn Thyme (2023)
4. Love Inn Books (2023)
5. Forever Inn Love (2023)
6. Snowed Inn (2024)
Freedom Valley #1
+282-page Kindle Ebook story ends on 279
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Sensitive Content Warning - Tragic Death of Love One by Impaired Driver; Fictional Small-Town, New Hampshire, Writers, Broke Down Car Trope, Texan, Writer, Family Owned Inn, Instant Connection, Hallmark, Dual POVs, Amazing Race Styled Epigraphs, Former Marine, Single Mothers, Workplace Haven for Runaways, Graphics, Boys, Puppies, Grief, Healing, Sex - Low Details, Family Dynamics, Excerpt of Baked Inn Love - Freedom Valley #2 Chapter 1, Author's Bibliography, Author's Links
Rating as a movie: R or adult content and language
Songs for the soundtrack: "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac, "Comin’ Under Fire" by Def Leppard, "In Case You Didn’t Know" by Brett Young, “You Are The Reason” by Calum Scott
Books and Authors mentioned: Wrong Turn by Alan B. McElroy
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🛎🐶
My thoughts: 🔖Page 136 of 282 [Chapter] 16. beth . . . Sometimes you need to reshuffle the deck. - This story is annoyingly cheesy and predictable yet there are serious themes. I'm going to ride with it, I suspect Book 2 is about the sister but who knows? They have a lot of broken people to fix with this series and they are layering the hurts on. I was distracted I didn't even wonder where the dogs were, I forgot all about them until they showed up.
I knew it! This story is perfect for people who want a deeper love story but want the quickness of a cozy romance. This is a mixture of both and once I got past that it was great. I'm going to be reading the rest of the series.
Recommend to others: Yes, this story has a breezy plot with complex characters.
Freedom Valley
1. Falling Inn Love (2022)
2. Baked Inn Love (2022)
3. All Inn Thyme (2023)
4. Love Inn Books (2023)
5. Forever Inn Love (2023)
6. Snowed Inn (2024)
February 3, 2023
Falling Inn Love is the first book in Freedom Valley series by Erin Branscom.
Beth and Evan have the perfect meet cute when her car breaks down and Evan offers to help even going as far as letting her stay at his inn. It's not long after that Evan starts liking Beth but she is not ready for a relationship and it's now up to Evan to make her see the incredible future they can have.
The book delivered on what it promised - the whole scene gave off pretty cozy and warm vibes and I absolutely loved the small town romance. The book even had substance with Evan's struggle to save the inn, Allie and Caleb's health and most importantly Beth's battle with grief. I think the author handled everything really well.
I just found the book a bit difficult to get into especially at times when Evan was so persistent with Beth. I feel like he could have given her more time and space and I was even annoyed by Beth at one point for not listening to anyone at all. But the later half of the book was so very engaging and heartfelt that I let go of all my resentment.
My favourite part was the grand gesture from both sides - Beth saving the inn and Evan chasing her to Austin in order to convince her to give them a chance.
4 stars.
Beth and Evan have the perfect meet cute when her car breaks down and Evan offers to help even going as far as letting her stay at his inn. It's not long after that Evan starts liking Beth but she is not ready for a relationship and it's now up to Evan to make her see the incredible future they can have.
The book delivered on what it promised - the whole scene gave off pretty cozy and warm vibes and I absolutely loved the small town romance. The book even had substance with Evan's struggle to save the inn, Allie and Caleb's health and most importantly Beth's battle with grief. I think the author handled everything really well.
I just found the book a bit difficult to get into especially at times when Evan was so persistent with Beth. I feel like he could have given her more time and space and I was even annoyed by Beth at one point for not listening to anyone at all. But the later half of the book was so very engaging and heartfelt that I let go of all my resentment.
My favourite part was the grand gesture from both sides - Beth saving the inn and Evan chasing her to Austin in order to convince her to give them a chance.
4 stars.
September 27, 2022
Where can I find more of these sweet novels? Oh...it’s going to be a series and I’m thrilled.
A big thank you to the author who sent me an eARC to enjoy!
These characters. This small town. The inn. Puppies. Oh. My. Goodness. There’s so much to make your heart happy in this one. Evan is a cinnamon roll if I’ve ever read one and it warms my heart to read about his love for Beth (who by the way...is book bestie material). The found family in this one topped it all off.
I look forward to more in this series!
A big thank you to the author who sent me an eARC to enjoy!
These characters. This small town. The inn. Puppies. Oh. My. Goodness. There’s so much to make your heart happy in this one. Evan is a cinnamon roll if I’ve ever read one and it warms my heart to read about his love for Beth (who by the way...is book bestie material). The found family in this one topped it all off.
I look forward to more in this series!
November 22, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐️ I kinda liked how quick this was, very easy to get through. Just also very insta-lovey and packed with grief, which was fine at first until it got a little repetitive. Also had to dock for mispronunciation of the iconic Taylor Doose from Gilmore Girls. I think this could’ve been a lot stronger if maybe it had a little bit of a longer, more drawn out timeline? Or maybe just more interaction between the mains to actually make the readers believe it’s love and not lust. It’s a favorite trope of mine: girl running from her past ends up in a small town, ready and willing to help the hunky hunky business owner save his business, while he’s ready and willing to break down her walls and be the safe home she so desperately wants and needs. But in this case, with the speed of the story, it made it difficult at times to believe it was more than just lust.
September 23, 2022
Y’all!
I received this book as and ARC and I’m so in love! This book was so wholesome and good. But had me and tears at a few points. I love books where you fall in love with not only the main characters but the side characters too! The chemistry, you felt the hardship that Beth needed for to deal with to love Evan! Ahhh I enjoyed this book so much. It took me a day to read it because I was so invested. Now I’m patiently waiting until book two in the series comes out in December! 💗
Add it to your TBR you won’t be disappointed.
I received this book as and ARC and I’m so in love! This book was so wholesome and good. But had me and tears at a few points. I love books where you fall in love with not only the main characters but the side characters too! The chemistry, you felt the hardship that Beth needed for to deal with to love Evan! Ahhh I enjoyed this book so much. It took me a day to read it because I was so invested. Now I’m patiently waiting until book two in the series comes out in December! 💗
Add it to your TBR you won’t be disappointed.
September 24, 2022
I was kindly sent an e-ARC of Falling Inn Love and had so much fun with this read!
This story follows Beth as she ends up in a small town and meets Evan with whom she has an instant connection. Beth is a nomad that struggles to put down roots and Evan is an Ex-Marine that is running his family inn.
This book was fast-paced in the best way! This is the first book in a series and it leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to for the next installment!
This story follows Beth as she ends up in a small town and meets Evan with whom she has an instant connection. Beth is a nomad that struggles to put down roots and Evan is an Ex-Marine that is running his family inn.
This book was fast-paced in the best way! This is the first book in a series and it leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to for the next installment!
November 4, 2025
The insta love was so heavy handed in this one. It turned me off quite a bit. Otherwise, it had some good moments, although this focuses a lot on grief, more so than the love aspect I feel like.
November 1, 2022
ahhh super cute!!
October 2, 2022
To start, please be aware that this book contains a significant loss of loved ones. If you find that triggering or difficult to read, then this book is not for you.
Falling Inn Love follows Beth, who is a nomadic writer whose car breaks down outside of a small town in New Hampshire, called Freedom Valley. Beth feels a bit lost in life after dealing with a horrible tragedy. Evan, a gorgeous, bearded stranger, comes across Beth’s broken down car and offers to take her to the local inn because he knows the owner while her car gets towed to the local shop and fixed…Turns out Evan is the owner of the inn, having taken it over after his father suddenly passed. The sparks fly instantly when these two meet, but can Beth move past her tragic history? Can Beth and Evan find a way to save the struggling inn?
I loved the characters Beth and Evan, and the maturity level and understanding that Erin Branscom wrote these characters at. Evan didn’t push Beth for the answers he wanted, he waited for her to be ready to share with him. So often I feel like characters get too pushy for the answers they want and end up forcing truths from someone who wasn’t emotionally ready to share them. I loved that this wasn’t the case.
Falling Inn Love is honestly a heartwarming story about overcoming grief and figuring out how to adjust and continue living life instead of letting that grief continue to swallow you whole.
I’ve been in a huge book slump lately, and this book had that Stars Hollow/Gilmore Girls/Hallmark movie energy to it that is helping get me out of my slump.
This book has:
- Found family
- Forced proximity
- Former military hero
- Dual POV
- Cozy, fall vibes (think Stars Hollow)
- Insta-love
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.5/5
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Falling Inn Love follows Beth, who is a nomadic writer whose car breaks down outside of a small town in New Hampshire, called Freedom Valley. Beth feels a bit lost in life after dealing with a horrible tragedy. Evan, a gorgeous, bearded stranger, comes across Beth’s broken down car and offers to take her to the local inn because he knows the owner while her car gets towed to the local shop and fixed…Turns out Evan is the owner of the inn, having taken it over after his father suddenly passed. The sparks fly instantly when these two meet, but can Beth move past her tragic history? Can Beth and Evan find a way to save the struggling inn?
I loved the characters Beth and Evan, and the maturity level and understanding that Erin Branscom wrote these characters at. Evan didn’t push Beth for the answers he wanted, he waited for her to be ready to share with him. So often I feel like characters get too pushy for the answers they want and end up forcing truths from someone who wasn’t emotionally ready to share them. I loved that this wasn’t the case.
Falling Inn Love is honestly a heartwarming story about overcoming grief and figuring out how to adjust and continue living life instead of letting that grief continue to swallow you whole.
I’ve been in a huge book slump lately, and this book had that Stars Hollow/Gilmore Girls/Hallmark movie energy to it that is helping get me out of my slump.
This book has:
- Found family
- Forced proximity
- Former military hero
- Dual POV
- Cozy, fall vibes (think Stars Hollow)
- Insta-love
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.5/5
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
October 3, 2023
DNF @ 14%/ 5 chapters
Everything seems kind of shallow, the word choices and dialogue are weird at times, and I'm already tired of reading the "electric surge" that passes between them. The atmosphere, the sweet side characters, and the cute inn are amazing pluses. The Fall Festival... being held at just the Inn??? On one hand, I want fall festival vibes, on the other... I'm having a hard time believing this could happen at an inn especially when Autumn has already begun. Festivals require time to put together AND time for people to get their schedules together to vacation someplace.
So ehhhh didn't feel like suspending my disbelief so much.
If you're looking for a Hallmark book and you don't mind plot holes or scenes that don't make realistic sense, then you'll enjoy this one.
Everything seems kind of shallow, the word choices and dialogue are weird at times, and I'm already tired of reading the "electric surge" that passes between them. The atmosphere, the sweet side characters, and the cute inn are amazing pluses. The Fall Festival... being held at just the Inn??? On one hand, I want fall festival vibes, on the other... I'm having a hard time believing this could happen at an inn especially when Autumn has already begun. Festivals require time to put together AND time for people to get their schedules together to vacation someplace.
So ehhhh didn't feel like suspending my disbelief so much.
If you're looking for a Hallmark book and you don't mind plot holes or scenes that don't make realistic sense, then you'll enjoy this one.
September 26, 2022
My very first ARC book and I am happy to say I loved it. This book had me crying at 1:30 in the morning, not wanting to put it down. Having to figure out how everything plays out and if it all works out in the end. All the characters are so lovable and well written. Makes you want to go buy a bunch of flannels. It such an amazing read. Now just waiting patiently for the next book in the series to see what happens. 💛
January 19, 2023
Falling Inn Love
By Erin Banscom
Thank you to @homecookedbookspromo for this audiobook review copy.
What’s it about?
Beth is living out of her car and working as both a social media manager and romance author. But she’s running from past trauma and never stays in one place. That is until she breaks down in a small New Hampshire town during autumn and is rescued by handsome, buff, and bearded innkeeper Evan. He not only gives her a place to stay, but offers her a job despite the fact that their inn is about to be foreclosed on.
Beth and Evan fall into insta-love, but Beth doesn’t want to stay more than 60 days. However, she falls in love with the Inn, the staff, and a couple of rescue pups, and Evan might just be her soul mate. But first, she has to confront her grief.
Trigger warnings:
Child loss (off the page)
Spouse loss (off the page)
Parent loss (off the page)
Child terminal illness
My thoughts?
This one is a bit of a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, I loved the Inn and Evan’s family! All of the people who work there are amazing. And major bonus points for adopted puppies, even though they aren’t a huge part of the story. Our MMC, Evan, is an absolute cinnamon roll and former Marine-medic turned innkeeper. Loved him.
BUT– this book is full of so much trauma. Beth has experienced parental, spouse, AND child loss. OH, AND a failing foster care system (oof!). And, understandably, because of all her trauma, she’s so damaged that she spends a good portion of the book crying. It was… a lot. (But three cheers to audiobook narrator Kit Swann for pulling off those constant tears).
Also, I didn’t like that Evan decided to hide Beth’s broken car from her in the beginning and kept telling her he was going to keep her, even if he is sort-of-not-really-joking. Big, creepy, red flags. And those things totally didn’t jive with Evan’s overall good character the rest of the book.
There was also a tossed in side plot about a nephew needing a kidney donation that Evan recovers from almost instantaneously. And, unfortunately, it didn’t really add anything to the plot, though I know it sets up for the second book well.
I loved the audiobook narrators for this book! Both Kit Swann and Ryan Hudson bring this story to life. I could feel Beth’s trauma and grief through Kit’s words. And Ryan perfectly embodies Evan. I loved them.
By Erin Banscom
Thank you to @homecookedbookspromo for this audiobook review copy.
What’s it about?
Beth is living out of her car and working as both a social media manager and romance author. But she’s running from past trauma and never stays in one place. That is until she breaks down in a small New Hampshire town during autumn and is rescued by handsome, buff, and bearded innkeeper Evan. He not only gives her a place to stay, but offers her a job despite the fact that their inn is about to be foreclosed on.
Beth and Evan fall into insta-love, but Beth doesn’t want to stay more than 60 days. However, she falls in love with the Inn, the staff, and a couple of rescue pups, and Evan might just be her soul mate. But first, she has to confront her grief.
Trigger warnings:
Child loss (off the page)
Spouse loss (off the page)
Parent loss (off the page)
Child terminal illness
My thoughts?
This one is a bit of a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, I loved the Inn and Evan’s family! All of the people who work there are amazing. And major bonus points for adopted puppies, even though they aren’t a huge part of the story. Our MMC, Evan, is an absolute cinnamon roll and former Marine-medic turned innkeeper. Loved him.
BUT– this book is full of so much trauma. Beth has experienced parental, spouse, AND child loss. OH, AND a failing foster care system (oof!). And, understandably, because of all her trauma, she’s so damaged that she spends a good portion of the book crying. It was… a lot. (But three cheers to audiobook narrator Kit Swann for pulling off those constant tears).
Also, I didn’t like that Evan decided to hide Beth’s broken car from her in the beginning and kept telling her he was going to keep her, even if he is sort-of-not-really-joking. Big, creepy, red flags. And those things totally didn’t jive with Evan’s overall good character the rest of the book.
There was also a tossed in side plot about a nephew needing a kidney donation that Evan recovers from almost instantaneously. And, unfortunately, it didn’t really add anything to the plot, though I know it sets up for the second book well.
I loved the audiobook narrators for this book! Both Kit Swann and Ryan Hudson bring this story to life. I could feel Beth’s trauma and grief through Kit’s words. And Ryan perfectly embodies Evan. I loved them.
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