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Tales from Grace Chapel Inn #17
Tempest in a Teapot
When an out-of-state developer wants to drain Fairy Pond-a beloved piece of Acorn Hill's past-and put in a gas station, a storm of protest rises up. While most residents are opposed to destroying the idyllic spot, some businesspeople are in favor of the added commerce a gas station will bring. With the town divided, Mayor Lloyd Tynan is having a hard time keeping everyone happy. And when the stress starts to affect his health, the fight over Fairy Pond takes on a new urgency. With the mayor out of commission, who will champion the cause of saving this natural wonder? A recluse who lives by the pond has some answers, but his strange history with Louise complicates matters. As the Howard sisters take charge to fight the development, help arrives from an unexpected source and reminds the whole town of the wonder of God's creation
241 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
10 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Judy Baer
105 books125 followersaka Judy Kaye
Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, USA. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Her most ambitious conjuring did not succeed, however. She kept a clean stall with hay and oats for the horse she imagined would come but unfortunately, it never did. As an adult, however, she managed to make that dream come true and raised foundation quarter horses and buffalo for some years. A voracious reader, Judy learned to read with comic books, anything from Little Lulu and Superman to the Rawhide Kid. She sold her first story for $10.00 to a farm magazine. She still has the $10.00.
She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota with a major in English and education and a minor in religion. At the time, she was simply studying what interested her, but now realizes that she was educating herself for her future career as an inspirational christian romance writer.
Judy wanted to write for Harlequin even in high school but it wasn't until her youngest child learned to say "No" that she realized that she'd better consider a second career to fall back on when mothering was done. Her first book was written with her little girl on her lap. Judy would type a few words, say "Now, Jennifer," at which time her daughter would hit the space bar before Judy continued typing. It wasn't the fastest way to work, but it offered a lot of mother-daughter time together. An over-achiever, she's written 71 books for various publishers. The mother of two and step-mother of three, she now has lots of family to enjoy.
In 2001, she went back to school and became a certified professional life coach. Currently she is working on her Master's in Human Development in the areas of writing, coaching and spirituality and writing inspirational Chick Lit which, she says, is the most fun she's ever had writing.
Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, USA. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Her most ambitious conjuring did not succeed, however. She kept a clean stall with hay and oats for the horse she imagined would come but unfortunately, it never did. As an adult, however, she managed to make that dream come true and raised foundation quarter horses and buffalo for some years. A voracious reader, Judy learned to read with comic books, anything from Little Lulu and Superman to the Rawhide Kid. She sold her first story for $10.00 to a farm magazine. She still has the $10.00.
She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota with a major in English and education and a minor in religion. At the time, she was simply studying what interested her, but now realizes that she was educating herself for her future career as an inspirational christian romance writer.
Judy wanted to write for Harlequin even in high school but it wasn't until her youngest child learned to say "No" that she realized that she'd better consider a second career to fall back on when mothering was done. Her first book was written with her little girl on her lap. Judy would type a few words, say "Now, Jennifer," at which time her daughter would hit the space bar before Judy continued typing. It wasn't the fastest way to work, but it offered a lot of mother-daughter time together. An over-achiever, she's written 71 books for various publishers. The mother of two and step-mother of three, she now has lots of family to enjoy.
In 2001, she went back to school and became a certified professional life coach. Currently she is working on her Master's in Human Development in the areas of writing, coaching and spirituality and writing inspirational Chick Lit which, she says, is the most fun she's ever had writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 24, 2012
Title: TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT
Author: Judy Baer
Publisher: Guideposts
2005
ASIN: B001NPSW2O
Genre: Women’s fiction
An out-of-state developer wants to drain Fairy Pond and build a gas station at the site. While the idea of destroying such an idyllic spot of protest in Acorn Hill, there are a few people that would like to see the town become more progressive, catering more to tourists and businessmen who travel through the town. The town is divided, and Mayor Lloyd Tynan is indisposed. Who will try to save the town and the pond?
Louise, Jane and Alice are siblings in their sixties who manage a bed-and-breakfast in Fairy Pond. They are noticing an increase in businessmen staying in their inn, but never think it might be related to the changes at the lake.
A recluse who lives near the pond is someone that Louise used to love, but time and other things broke them up. Is it possible that this hermit might have the answer to the towns problems?
TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT is the thirteenth book in the Tales from Grace Chapel Inn series. I never read any of the other books in the series and I picked this book up because I like Judy Baer’s romances. I didn’t realize it was women’s fiction until after I started reading it.
The story is cute, but it is obvious Ms. Baer isn’t at the level of writing she is now. There is a lot of telling, keeping the reader distant. I also got confused about whose point of view we were in at times. But that said, the three main characters were well developed, kind—even to difficult guests, and there are some witty moments that made me smile.
This story—and the collection—was recently repackaged, with new covers. If you are looking for one of Guideposts series written by different authors centered around the same people then TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT (and the other books in this series) would be a good collection. Available online at Amazon, or at Guideposts.
Author: Judy Baer
Publisher: Guideposts
2005
ASIN: B001NPSW2O
Genre: Women’s fiction
An out-of-state developer wants to drain Fairy Pond and build a gas station at the site. While the idea of destroying such an idyllic spot of protest in Acorn Hill, there are a few people that would like to see the town become more progressive, catering more to tourists and businessmen who travel through the town. The town is divided, and Mayor Lloyd Tynan is indisposed. Who will try to save the town and the pond?
Louise, Jane and Alice are siblings in their sixties who manage a bed-and-breakfast in Fairy Pond. They are noticing an increase in businessmen staying in their inn, but never think it might be related to the changes at the lake.
A recluse who lives near the pond is someone that Louise used to love, but time and other things broke them up. Is it possible that this hermit might have the answer to the towns problems?
TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT is the thirteenth book in the Tales from Grace Chapel Inn series. I never read any of the other books in the series and I picked this book up because I like Judy Baer’s romances. I didn’t realize it was women’s fiction until after I started reading it.
The story is cute, but it is obvious Ms. Baer isn’t at the level of writing she is now. There is a lot of telling, keeping the reader distant. I also got confused about whose point of view we were in at times. But that said, the three main characters were well developed, kind—even to difficult guests, and there are some witty moments that made me smile.
This story—and the collection—was recently repackaged, with new covers. If you are looking for one of Guideposts series written by different authors centered around the same people then TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT (and the other books in this series) would be a good collection. Available online at Amazon, or at Guideposts.
September 15, 2014
I love this series about 3 sisters who re-unite after their father's death and turn their old family home into a B&B. However, this was my least favorite of the books I have read so far.
Each of the books usually focus on one of the sisters as well as interesting guests that stay with them. Always part of the books, took, are the great residents of Acorn Hill, a small Pennsylvanian town.
This book focuses on Jane, the youngest sister, and her attempts to save Fairy Pond, a picturesque are that that she loves, from development. The possibility of development and what it might mean for the town threatens to cause an enormous amount of dissension within the town. It was an OK story but since I am not a big proponent of governmental intrusion into our lives, I have mixed feelings about how this story developed.
There were really not many interesting guests in this book. Rather, it was the "good and the bad" in a list of characters surrounding the potential development.
I still love this series and will continue to read as many of them as I can but this just wasn't my favorite.
Each of the books usually focus on one of the sisters as well as interesting guests that stay with them. Always part of the books, took, are the great residents of Acorn Hill, a small Pennsylvanian town.
This book focuses on Jane, the youngest sister, and her attempts to save Fairy Pond, a picturesque are that that she loves, from development. The possibility of development and what it might mean for the town threatens to cause an enormous amount of dissension within the town. It was an OK story but since I am not a big proponent of governmental intrusion into our lives, I have mixed feelings about how this story developed.
There were really not many interesting guests in this book. Rather, it was the "good and the bad" in a list of characters surrounding the potential development.
I still love this series and will continue to read as many of them as I can but this just wasn't my favorite.
October 2, 2012
Not one of my favorites out of the 17 that I have read. Still uplifting spirtually, but the story was just not one that excited me.
November 3, 2025
Acorn Hill residents are opposed to the out-of-state developer who wants to destroy their serene Fairy Pond... fill it in and put a gas station in it's place.... Well, most of the town is against it... some see up and coming future development and new jobs for some as a good thing !!! Mayor Lloyd Tynan is having such a difficult time seeing his beloved town divided and possibly destroyed... so much so that the stress is affecting his health badly. The Howard sisters are trying to come up with a plan to change the events that are threatening their beloved town and probably the future of the Grace Chapel Inn. This was another opportunity for the town to see the wonders and protection of the God they worship.
October 23, 2018
This book was harder to read because it showed people who have a steady income wanting to save land for green space and not really caring that other people in town need jobs. The town is divided, the mayor has a heart attack and is giving up which makes Aunt Ethel really upset. More of Louise's past comes out and a recluse comes out of hiding.
July 10, 2017
Whether to live in Mitford or Acorn Hill...that is the question.
October 27, 2017
1 1/2 stars
November 6, 2017
This is the first book I have read in this series and I really liked it. Clean, inspirational and a mystery all in one.
July 22, 2018
3 1/2 stars for this light read
February 23, 2019
I enjoy these stories. They are about real people, with failings and foibles. Perhaps it's un-Christian of me, but I just want to smack Aunt Ethel upside the head most of the time.
September 7, 2020
Entertaining, clean, predictable but a good fun read.
November 6, 2022
Took a little longer to get into,but it ended up being another enjoyable read. Good story! Can hardly wait to get back to Grace Chapel In.
September 13, 2023
I really liked this one. Predictable, but a lot of good tidbits.
September 26, 2023
This was such a cute, fun read. The Howard sisters and the population of Acorn Hill never fail to entertain.
November 30, 2023
Just a sweet little story!
March 24, 2024
Mel LP.
July 7, 2015
Jane Howard, the chef and artist of Grace Chapel Hill, is the main character in this tale. She enjoys spending time walking, relaxing, and painting at Fairy Pond, alone and with her friend Sylvia. But with rumors that the state will soon be establishing a new highway through Acorn Hill, a developer has his eyes on the Fairy Pond Land to build a gas station. The town becomes divided - should progress prevail and trump the environment and fond memories? Mayor Lloyd becomes very stressed and ill as a result of his inability to keep Acorn Hill the same. Jane becomes very distressed too, but moves to seek a possible solution.
I liked the theme that friends should be able to respect their differences of opinions and not "require" their friends to agree with them.
"I have been thinking about friendship and what it can, or cannot, withstand . . . . I see people I think are true friends so polarized over this topic that their friendship is being threatened. Then I begin to wonder - is that possible if a friend is really true? Love me, love my opinion. And if you don't love my opinion, you aren't my friend? . . . Whatever happened to 'love me, respect my opinion? We seem to be having a difficult time separating others' beliefs from who they are as human beings."
Once again, the Howard sisters are being a good example and therefore the "best sermon." (Their father Daniel always said, "Christ is in us. He's living through us, and it should show.")
I liked the theme that friends should be able to respect their differences of opinions and not "require" their friends to agree with them.
"I have been thinking about friendship and what it can, or cannot, withstand . . . . I see people I think are true friends so polarized over this topic that their friendship is being threatened. Then I begin to wonder - is that possible if a friend is really true? Love me, love my opinion. And if you don't love my opinion, you aren't my friend? . . . Whatever happened to 'love me, respect my opinion? We seem to be having a difficult time separating others' beliefs from who they are as human beings."
Once again, the Howard sisters are being a good example and therefore the "best sermon." (Their father Daniel always said, "Christ is in us. He's living through us, and it should show.")
January 13, 2025
I love getting to curl up with new to me books in the Tales From Grace Chapel Inn series, and I've been enjoying (slowly) working my way through as many of the titles as I can. I ended up picking this one up to read after finishing a rather disturbing Christian thriller title, and this ended up being exactly what I needed for a much more positive reading experience.
Coming back to Acorn Hill always feels like reconnecting with old friends; only this time the small town is rife with drama and division as a developer wants to turn the beautiful fairy pond into a gas station, and the town is divided pretty much right down the middle on how they feel about it. Jane Howard in particular can't seem to let the situation go, and as she watches everyone around her fighting over it, she'll have to learn to trust that God always has a master plan, if we're only willing to trust Him to reveal it.
Another wonderful, heartwarming title from a favorite series, and one I didn't want to see come to an end. I loved how the reader is treated to a little bit more of Louise's backstory in this title, and also, how once again the focus is more on family, faith and friendship than it is on romance.
If you're in the mood for a sweet, faith based series that will leave you with a big smile on your face, then I'd highly recommend Tempest in a Teapot or any of the other titles in the Tales From Grace Chapel Inn series.
Final Rating: 4/5.
Coming back to Acorn Hill always feels like reconnecting with old friends; only this time the small town is rife with drama and division as a developer wants to turn the beautiful fairy pond into a gas station, and the town is divided pretty much right down the middle on how they feel about it. Jane Howard in particular can't seem to let the situation go, and as she watches everyone around her fighting over it, she'll have to learn to trust that God always has a master plan, if we're only willing to trust Him to reveal it.
Another wonderful, heartwarming title from a favorite series, and one I didn't want to see come to an end. I loved how the reader is treated to a little bit more of Louise's backstory in this title, and also, how once again the focus is more on family, faith and friendship than it is on romance.
If you're in the mood for a sweet, faith based series that will leave you with a big smile on your face, then I'd highly recommend Tempest in a Teapot or any of the other titles in the Tales From Grace Chapel Inn series.
Final Rating: 4/5.
December 29, 2012
This, as it says, is one of the Tales from Grace Chapel Inn series. I love this series. The topics are varied and keep my attention, there is always an element of faith in each book, the quaint town is lovely and the people are as varied as the topics.
The three sisters and the townfolk of Acorn Hill are fighting to keep Fairy Pond when a developer comes and wants to put a gas station on the site. Will they save Fairy Pond for the present and future generations of Acorn Hill to enjoy? Can they find a legal way to stop the developers?? Should natural spots be preserved or should businesses be built that might bring jobs to the town? Will the gas station be a blessing because of more jobs and traffic for the businesses in town or a curse of more traffic in the little town bringing in "riff raff?' Read this series/book and find out the answers to all these questions.
The three sisters and the townfolk of Acorn Hill are fighting to keep Fairy Pond when a developer comes and wants to put a gas station on the site. Will they save Fairy Pond for the present and future generations of Acorn Hill to enjoy? Can they find a legal way to stop the developers?? Should natural spots be preserved or should businesses be built that might bring jobs to the town? Will the gas station be a blessing because of more jobs and traffic for the businesses in town or a curse of more traffic in the little town bringing in "riff raff?' Read this series/book and find out the answers to all these questions.
March 9, 2024
I have the first five of this series that I bought a long while back. I wonder how many there are now. I liked the idea of the B&B in an old house so much that my mama, gone now, and I tried to find an old Victorian to turn into one. We did find one, but weren't fast enough to get it. I also like the idea, not in these stories, but another series, of a place for people to stay, but no meals included, forcing them to go to outside places to eat and therefore supporting the economy of the town.
For this series, I like that they are clean and Christian based. The sisters attend church, are involved in their community, and pray often, the way all of us should, without pushing or bullying or forcing anything on anyone. Glad to share, always, and let God shine through us, the best testimony and witness we can give.
For this series, I like that they are clean and Christian based. The sisters attend church, are involved in their community, and pray often, the way all of us should, without pushing or bullying or forcing anything on anyone. Glad to share, always, and let God shine through us, the best testimony and witness we can give.
January 2, 2015
This is a reminder of how we should act during a crises that effects a whole town.
Of course every one has their own thoughts and opinions about what is going on. Fewer people
prayed but there was more gossip, complaining and back biding. Forgetting to leave the
situation in Gods hands, and not really thinking of others and their feelings. Saying
the wrong things at the wrong time. When this happens it causes stress, and then stress
into heart attacks. This can identify with us in many ways. Good lessons and story lines
to learn from! Enjoyable book from start to finish.
Of course every one has their own thoughts and opinions about what is going on. Fewer people
prayed but there was more gossip, complaining and back biding. Forgetting to leave the
situation in Gods hands, and not really thinking of others and their feelings. Saying
the wrong things at the wrong time. When this happens it causes stress, and then stress
into heart attacks. This can identify with us in many ways. Good lessons and story lines
to learn from! Enjoyable book from start to finish.
Read
February 10, 2016The Fairy Pond is in danger of getting mowed over in favor of a mall. The Howard sisters mull how to prevent this. Each of them is cnetred on different aspect of finding a way. Judy loves to paint there. Louise dated the brother of the guy who wants to sell out, and ? is working hared at getting the locals to come around. It's got a suprise in the end and I loved this one as much as the others.
March 4, 2016
ok nothing earthshattering about this book and actually the back of the book gives it all away, I just really love the escape from our harsh world that I get caught up in when I read through this series. I love the characters for sure so I gave it 4 stars because that means I (me) really liked it, but it's not anything that's going to bring revelations or substance to anybody. it's just a sweet retreat...
October 5, 2010
Another great book. I love the characters. This time land developers wanted to tear down a little hide away Jane loved. Jane won in the end. The mayor had a heartattack, but survived. All worked out. No recipes though :(
November 21, 2010
Another comforting read in the Grace Chapel Inn series. I always like to have one of these on hand to read when I want something very light, cozy and predictable :)
January 31, 2011
Another in the Grace Chapel Inn series of books, borrowed from Stacy. Three sisters running an inn, not much changes with them except the seasons and guests they have! Easy and homey!
January 3, 2016
Think Alcott's "Little Women" - if they were 80 year old spinsters. Predictable, boastful, religious & dull.
The touch of environmentalism was appreciated though.
The touch of environmentalism was appreciated though.
July 7, 2016
Another great story from the Tales from Grace Chapel Inn series. I enjoy biking and riding the nature trails in our area. Grace Chapel would be a great city to live in.
January 19, 2017
Mystery
Very captivating a little to disruptive for me but a very interesting story kept me tying to solve the problem good ending
Very captivating a little to disruptive for me but a very interesting story kept me tying to solve the problem good ending
Read
January 15, 2009YA GCI
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews