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The Dickens Inn #1
The Best of Times
A sprawling Montana setting; a charming bed-and-breakfast inn brimming with Dickensian decor; a beautiful and deeply spiritual innkeeper with secret sorrows from her past; a Granny who is as delightful as she is wise; and a handsome guest whose lifestyle and past are both troubled and troubling these are the elements of a captivating novel of romance and intrigue. With characters that are vital and vulnerable, and a plot that is wholly unpredictable, this story is a journey of choices and amazing opportunities. Once again, Anita Stansfield proves her versatility as a storyteller extraordinaire in this novel that is an ingenious blend of romance, mystery, and Dickensian charm. The Best of Times will prove to be a favorite in the best Stansfield tradition
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2009
20 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Anita Stansfield
133 books468 followersAnita Stansfield, the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist, is an imaginative and prolific writer whose romantic stories have captivated her readers.
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
June 26, 2013
2.5 stars
Ugh!!!! This book was just way too much for me!!! Too mushy and way too perfect. And over the top on preachy and way to unrealistic. I don't know if it's just my mood lately but I'm getting tired of sappy romance! I didn't care for how the writing changed toward the end. It was almost like a list of events and things that happened. I like a story. Not a list.
Ugh!!!! This book was just way too much for me!!! Too mushy and way too perfect. And over the top on preachy and way to unrealistic. I don't know if it's just my mood lately but I'm getting tired of sappy romance! I didn't care for how the writing changed toward the end. It was almost like a list of events and things that happened. I like a story. Not a list.
June 13, 2011
I'll admit that I'm an occassional Anita Stansfield junkie. Am I the only one who LOVES completely deep, thought-provoking books, but needs the occasional "fluffy" stuff? In my opinion these are easy reads, but I enjoy the reality of the trials in life and how the characters strive to muck through them in righteous ways. It's fluffy, but an occasional break that is much needed.
January 26, 2010
I picked up this book to see what all the fuss was about. I can only surmise that I am not the intended audience for this type of book. The writing style just didn't work for me- most of it felt like an outline. Some things that drove me bananas:
* Jackson is in the FBI and he has never met a mormon before? The FBI actively recruits mormons! That place is crawling with them!!!
* The whole FBI subplot felt weak, and not much time was spent fleshing it out. Who are the bad guys? Drug dealers. What is going on? It's going down. Apparently we could learn more but then they'd have to kill us.
* The self-satisfied Dickens quotes got really tired. Why would it be surprising to find someone else who knew what "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" was from? Are people who have had 11th grade English that hard to come by?
* No heterosexual male spends this much time shopping for greeting cards.
At a certain point I wanted to quit. I think it was the point where the hero and heroine were discussing how much to spend on christmas gifts for each other.
This just was not my cup of cocoa.
* Jackson is in the FBI and he has never met a mormon before? The FBI actively recruits mormons! That place is crawling with them!!!
* The whole FBI subplot felt weak, and not much time was spent fleshing it out. Who are the bad guys? Drug dealers. What is going on? It's going down. Apparently we could learn more but then they'd have to kill us.
* The self-satisfied Dickens quotes got really tired. Why would it be surprising to find someone else who knew what "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" was from? Are people who have had 11th grade English that hard to come by?
* No heterosexual male spends this much time shopping for greeting cards.
At a certain point I wanted to quit. I think it was the point where the hero and heroine were discussing how much to spend on christmas gifts for each other.
This just was not my cup of cocoa.
May 17, 2010
Not as bad as some LDS romances I've been subjected to. There was a plot twist that surprised me, and the ending wasn't TOO trite. It's not something I'd want to read again; I can't think of anyone I'd recommend it to.
I liked Chas's character and thought she was pretty well drawn. Jackson felt like a "stock" character . . . like a woman's opinion of what a man should be like. I like the fact that there was no "conversion" of the non-member character as the end of the story.
There was a lot of sobbing in this story. Perhaps I'm just hard-hearted, but there were a LOT of tears. The author didn't try to develop any of the characters besides Chas and Jackson--except, perhaps, Granny. Everyone else existed merely to make the story plausible.
This was my first Anita Stansfield book; I won't be watching out for another.
I liked Chas's character and thought she was pretty well drawn. Jackson felt like a "stock" character . . . like a woman's opinion of what a man should be like. I like the fact that there was no "conversion" of the non-member character as the end of the story.
There was a lot of sobbing in this story. Perhaps I'm just hard-hearted, but there were a LOT of tears. The author didn't try to develop any of the characters besides Chas and Jackson--except, perhaps, Granny. Everyone else existed merely to make the story plausible.
This was my first Anita Stansfield book; I won't be watching out for another.
November 21, 2009
Not too bad for an Anita Stansfield book. Although I still don't understand why her male characters cry so much. It must be some fantasy of hers to have an ultra-sensitive guy who is touch with his emotions share his life with her. Did she not see Bedeviled and how the girl got her wish for sensitive guy and couldn't stand him after awhile because he cried too much?
October 14, 2018
Unexpected and wonderful with all of the charm of Charles Dickens at the Dickens' themed Bed and Breakfast.
Characters were real and went through hard times though the book and really exemplified the Dickens' quote, "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times."
Characters were real and went through hard times though the book and really exemplified the Dickens' quote, "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times."
February 13, 2020
I quit two chapters in. An innkeeper and her customer flirting and asking each other personal questions is not only unrealistic but also wildly inappropriate. Yuck.
Also, I can't stand Dickens, so the constant references weren't exactly a selling point for me lol.
Also, I can't stand Dickens, so the constant references weren't exactly a selling point for me lol.
March 3, 2010
I just can't finish this book. I have wasted way too much time already trying to read it, trying to ignore all the problems with it. The only reason I've made it to page 170 is because it was loaned to me by a friend. This friend and I used to bond over Anita books when we were teenagers, back when she knew how to write. This book is so badly written that I actually found myself laughing out loud at a part that was supposed to be seriously sad. I'm tired of reading about cry-baby men and women who are ready for sainthood. These characters aren't believeable or relatable. If you're looking for romance, it's mild, at best. If you're looking for an inspirational/spiritual book, I think The characters growth is too glossed over and summarized to be truly inspiring. Even though I didn't make it to the end, I've read too many recent Anita books not to notice the set pattern.
December 9, 2010
I have put off reading this lastest series by Anita Stansfield because I just haven't been enjoying her books as much as I used to. This book had a very predictable plot. It also felt like the characters in this book were the same people that I have already read about in her many different stories. They are all starting to sound the same. It also really bugs me that the guys are always "well off" in almost every one of her stories and that there is always someone around to pick up the slack (running the inn, taking care of family, childcare, etc.) when the characters need help. It also frustrates me that in almost every single book a character has some major psychological problem that they just can't seem to get over.
May 1, 2013
Really had mixed feelings about this one, but then I'm actually not a big "Stansfield" fan. Perhaps because her books tend to follow a simple formula: boy meets girl and instantly they fall in love; differences seem insurmountable (especially religion); boy rescues girl (often financially); love conquers all!
The "heroine" was a pretty typical Stansfield female character but having the "hero" come from the FBI gave his personality a little punch. At the same time it was completely unbelievable to have him unfamiliar with Mormons! It would be crucial for FBI agents to be knowledgeable about all peoples and religions in order to be very good at their jobs. The story itself was OK but the FBI side plot elements were not very fleshed out; only hinted at. In all, just OK.
The "heroine" was a pretty typical Stansfield female character but having the "hero" come from the FBI gave his personality a little punch. At the same time it was completely unbelievable to have him unfamiliar with Mormons! It would be crucial for FBI agents to be knowledgeable about all peoples and religions in order to be very good at their jobs. The story itself was OK but the FBI side plot elements were not very fleshed out; only hinted at. In all, just OK.
June 16, 2016
Back when I was working at Seagull Book I read so many Anita Stansfield novels that I got sick of them and left them alone for 10 years. This one drew me in with its Dickensian theme so I thought I'd give it a try. I loved the cozy Christmas-y setting and the story was good enough, but I was quickly reminded of why I got tired of Stansfield books. Her writing style is drab and sluggish and she's too heavy-handed with religious themes. I do have to admit I was interested in the characters and I mostly enjoyed the book in between the moments of being annoyed and bored by the delivery. So 2.5 stars, I guess.
January 8, 2014
I was surprised by this book, but loved it. I had thought it might be a mystery for some reason. Instead it was a romance and very spiritual. The book was about Mormons. I'm not a Mormon, but have a very good friend who is, so it was familiar to me. I loved the way the main character based her life on her belief in God and prayer. It was a good book to read to start off the New Year and remind me to also do this.
November 26, 2014
I totally and completely fell in love with this book! I don't know what it did to me, but I see life with a different perspective. I celebrated the Sunday before Thanksgiving this year. I want to meet a guy like Jackson. I want a love story like theirs. I LOVED this book and recommend it to everyone. It is DEFINITELY one of my favorites!!!
September 1, 2015
I thought this was such a fun book. Not only did I love the characters, but I loved the whole idea of a b&b based on Charles Dickens. I find myself eager to learn more about his life and read more of his works, as he is an author whose works I thoroughly enjoy. Stansfield novels never disappoint.
Read
March 28, 2025This is the second book by this author I've read but the first in this series. I enjoyed this one just as much as I enjoyed the other. This is LDS fiction, but you don't need to be a part of the LDS church to enjoy these books. If you like books with good, wholesome, Christian themes, you'll enjoy this one. This is a good, clean romance.
Chas was raised by her grandmother, whom she calls Granny. When this story opens, her husband had been dead for 12 years, as had their first and only child. She lived in Granny's house with her, running what they'd turned into the Dickensian Inn, a bed-and-breakfast.
Jackson is an FBI agent working out of Virginia. There was a shooting about a week before the story opens, so he's on leave and haunted by the incident. He decides to find somewhere he can hide until the investigation determines whether he has a job to come back to or not. He finds the Dickensian Inn in Montana and finds himself there in the middle of a snowstorm.
There's attraction between Jackson and Chas right from the beginning, but they start out as business as usual. Jackson prides himself on being able to read people pretty well, but he's unnerved by the fact that Chas seems to have a knack for reading him too, when he's always been so good at keeping his personal life hidden. They find themselves in many conversations where they reveal parts of their lives that they made a habit of not telling anyone.
Through the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, Chas and Jackson's relationship deepens. They help each other through some difficult times in those few weeks. Chas knows Jackson has to go back to Virginia, and she doesn't know what that will mean for their relationship, but she knows she doesn't want him to leave. She refuses to beg him to stay though, so when the time comes for him to leave, they make plans to stay in touch and see where things go.
Chas goes to visit Jackson in Virginia and he comes to Montana to see her again. He's back at work with the FBI, and Chas is worried. He's got a dangerous job, and she's afraid she may not see him again. He keeps saying he needs time to settle things with his job before he can retire in peace and come to Montana for good.
Then the unthinkable does happen. Jackson runs into trouble on a mission. The FBI can't say where he is or if he's even still alive. Chas doesn't think she can make it through losing someone else so close to her.
When it's all over, no one remains the same. Jackson has a lot of issues he has to work through. He doesn't feel right burdening Chas with his issues, but she's at peace with accepting Jackson for who he is, warts and all. She's willing to do whatever she can to help him.
Will their relationship survive? Will Jackson allow Chas into his mess of a life? Do they even still have a chance at happiness after everything they've been through?
I loved this book. I laughed and cried right along with the characters. I'm glad to see this as a series, because these are characters you grow to care about and want to see how things progress with them. This was a great book.
Chas was raised by her grandmother, whom she calls Granny. When this story opens, her husband had been dead for 12 years, as had their first and only child. She lived in Granny's house with her, running what they'd turned into the Dickensian Inn, a bed-and-breakfast.
Jackson is an FBI agent working out of Virginia. There was a shooting about a week before the story opens, so he's on leave and haunted by the incident. He decides to find somewhere he can hide until the investigation determines whether he has a job to come back to or not. He finds the Dickensian Inn in Montana and finds himself there in the middle of a snowstorm.
There's attraction between Jackson and Chas right from the beginning, but they start out as business as usual. Jackson prides himself on being able to read people pretty well, but he's unnerved by the fact that Chas seems to have a knack for reading him too, when he's always been so good at keeping his personal life hidden. They find themselves in many conversations where they reveal parts of their lives that they made a habit of not telling anyone.
Through the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, Chas and Jackson's relationship deepens. They help each other through some difficult times in those few weeks. Chas knows Jackson has to go back to Virginia, and she doesn't know what that will mean for their relationship, but she knows she doesn't want him to leave. She refuses to beg him to stay though, so when the time comes for him to leave, they make plans to stay in touch and see where things go.
Chas goes to visit Jackson in Virginia and he comes to Montana to see her again. He's back at work with the FBI, and Chas is worried. He's got a dangerous job, and she's afraid she may not see him again. He keeps saying he needs time to settle things with his job before he can retire in peace and come to Montana for good.
Then the unthinkable does happen. Jackson runs into trouble on a mission. The FBI can't say where he is or if he's even still alive. Chas doesn't think she can make it through losing someone else so close to her.
When it's all over, no one remains the same. Jackson has a lot of issues he has to work through. He doesn't feel right burdening Chas with his issues, but she's at peace with accepting Jackson for who he is, warts and all. She's willing to do whatever she can to help him.
Will their relationship survive? Will Jackson allow Chas into his mess of a life? Do they even still have a chance at happiness after everything they've been through?
I loved this book. I laughed and cried right along with the characters. I'm glad to see this as a series, because these are characters you grow to care about and want to see how things progress with them. This was a great book.
March 27, 2021
This is a romance book from the very beginning but it is filled with heavy emotion to the point of being too much. There were parts that were fun, some that were touching and some that were boring and it was filled with entirely too much crying.
The protagonist in the novel is named after Charles Dickens. She is female so they named her Chas. ...really? The story is about Chas meeting a man who comes to the Dickens Inn that she runs. She falls in love with him and the whole book is about their love affair that has so many bumps and hardships. All the main characters in the novel know everything about Dickens and it just gets a little trite after hearing about him so often as the story intertwines with Dicken's life and stories.
The book is written with the views and terminology of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. That is fine with me since I am a member of the church, but I can see where it would be confusing to others not of this faith. It is an average book with an average rating by me.
The protagonist in the novel is named after Charles Dickens. She is female so they named her Chas. ...really? The story is about Chas meeting a man who comes to the Dickens Inn that she runs. She falls in love with him and the whole book is about their love affair that has so many bumps and hardships. All the main characters in the novel know everything about Dickens and it just gets a little trite after hearing about him so often as the story intertwines with Dicken's life and stories.
The book is written with the views and terminology of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. That is fine with me since I am a member of the church, but I can see where it would be confusing to others not of this faith. It is an average book with an average rating by me.
June 17, 2017
I ended up staying up way too late finishing this book a little past midnight. Chas and Jackson have a very intense and fast relationship. It is refreshing to see a character taking their time learning about the gospel, and the ecclesiastical leaders being completely supportive of this, even once marriage is officially on the table. I can't help but think back to the mixed commentary my husband and I received when he was investigating and we were engaged. Chas has a very firm grip on what is okay and not okay when it comes to her charity and service, which is truly a view I wish more shared. Overall, this is a very active and engaging story that is easy to read. Makes me look forward to reading the rest of the series more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2019
A very light story. It was a story for me, was hard to believe.
January 30, 2020
Did I have a to do list a mile long and a messy bedroom that needed cleaning? ✅
Was this book like all Anita Stansfield, mushy and moderately unrealistic? ✅✅
Did I enjoy it all the same? ✅✅✅
Was this book like all Anita Stansfield, mushy and moderately unrealistic? ✅✅
Did I enjoy it all the same? ✅✅✅
December 24, 2020
Great book
This book kept my attention all the way thru. Great story and wonderful characters Can't wait to read more of the series.
This book kept my attention all the way thru. Great story and wonderful characters Can't wait to read more of the series.
May 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.
January 4, 2016
Free from Amazon.
I downloaded this several years ago. I have never read an Anita Stansfield book before so I wasn't quite sure what to expect from her but I was pleasantly surprised.
The concept of a Dickens' bed and breakfast was fabulous. I've read the Christmas Carol, of course, but I haven't read anything else by him. This book wanted me to read everything Dickens, especially A Tale of Two Cities. The entire house/mansion is decorated after Dickens' books. Each room has is own theme based on one of his books. The author discusses Dickens' personal life but in a vague way. Personally, I find he made some bad choices but I liked the way the book chose to cover how no one is perfect and we do the best we can.
Chas (Full name Charles, a woman)is owner and manager of a bed and breakfast in Montana. She lives in the mansion with her Grandma who raised her. Jackson is an FBI agent who is placed on administrative leave and decided to leave Virginia to forget about work. He goes to stay at this bed and breakfast in Montana, where him and Chas meet. They get to know each other and a romance ensues.
I found I enjoyed this book. I found it a little exciting to see what was going to happen next. It wasn't bite my nails exciting but fun to read. The book is quite long. I felt Stansfield gave the reader something to enjoy and spend some time on. I took my time reading and I finished the book a week later.
Chas and Jackson explore their lives, past and present. This really made the characters more real. I liked all the characters in this book. There really wasn't one bad person. I cared about all of them. The characters grew from one another's strengths and the book showed you their changes rather than tell you.
I enjoyed Stansfield's writing. It was easy to understand and follow. I found the book to be surprisingly clean of errors. This was soo refreshing, like taking a turn about the room. It made me feel that Stansfield really cared about her product but then it could also mean editors and others did their job. So, so nice to not have to correct the grammar and typos in a book.
There are references to the LDS church in this book. Chas is a member who doesn't force others to change or make different choices because of her. Instead, she follows her ways and others respect her decisions. Stansfield, explains things well in this book. I feel, a reader who is not a member of the church would still understand what is going on.
Overall, very cute, Christmas story about two people who get to know one another and fall in love. I would recommend this book to those looking for a sweet romance.
Content: sexually clean, no language. Content discusses the LDS religion.
I downloaded this several years ago. I have never read an Anita Stansfield book before so I wasn't quite sure what to expect from her but I was pleasantly surprised.
The concept of a Dickens' bed and breakfast was fabulous. I've read the Christmas Carol, of course, but I haven't read anything else by him. This book wanted me to read everything Dickens, especially A Tale of Two Cities. The entire house/mansion is decorated after Dickens' books. Each room has is own theme based on one of his books. The author discusses Dickens' personal life but in a vague way. Personally, I find he made some bad choices but I liked the way the book chose to cover how no one is perfect and we do the best we can.
Chas (Full name Charles, a woman)is owner and manager of a bed and breakfast in Montana. She lives in the mansion with her Grandma who raised her. Jackson is an FBI agent who is placed on administrative leave and decided to leave Virginia to forget about work. He goes to stay at this bed and breakfast in Montana, where him and Chas meet. They get to know each other and a romance ensues.
I found I enjoyed this book. I found it a little exciting to see what was going to happen next. It wasn't bite my nails exciting but fun to read. The book is quite long. I felt Stansfield gave the reader something to enjoy and spend some time on. I took my time reading and I finished the book a week later.
Chas and Jackson explore their lives, past and present. This really made the characters more real. I liked all the characters in this book. There really wasn't one bad person. I cared about all of them. The characters grew from one another's strengths and the book showed you their changes rather than tell you.
I enjoyed Stansfield's writing. It was easy to understand and follow. I found the book to be surprisingly clean of errors. This was soo refreshing, like taking a turn about the room. It made me feel that Stansfield really cared about her product but then it could also mean editors and others did their job. So, so nice to not have to correct the grammar and typos in a book.
There are references to the LDS church in this book. Chas is a member who doesn't force others to change or make different choices because of her. Instead, she follows her ways and others respect her decisions. Stansfield, explains things well in this book. I feel, a reader who is not a member of the church would still understand what is going on.
Overall, very cute, Christmas story about two people who get to know one another and fall in love. I would recommend this book to those looking for a sweet romance.
Content: sexually clean, no language. Content discusses the LDS religion.
December 30, 2014
I would have given this book only one star, but the last few chapters brought it up. Really the entire first 200 pages or so of the book could have been condensed into a few chapters and the story wouldn't have lost anything. The idea for the story may have had some merit; tough, burned out FBI guy finds solace in the simple life at a small town B&B, falling for it's owner while finding himself...but it was more like we were told "about" what happened rather then actually watching it unfold. We were told that Chas and whatshisname had many heartfelt conversations that lasted into the night and shared many confidences and tears and quickly fell in love. But we weren't privy to any of these conversations or confidences so we'll just have to take the authors word for it. I like to go on the journey with the characters and see for myself how they fall in love, don't just tell me it happened; show me! Also, do we really need a play by play of every single thing they do during the day? First he gets up and showers then decides to go for a run, then Chas makes breakfast...eggs (scrambled), bacon, biscuits, etc... Then they all string popcorn, then make cookies, then watch yet another Dickens movie, then they baste the turkey, then Chas sends Leeds to the market 'cuz they ran out of butter...etc, etc, etc... THESE are the details that can be summed up; they spent their time preparing for Christmas, decorating the house and baking. Sum up the mundane comings and going, not the love story. Consequently I thought the characters fell flat and were mere cookie cut outs that could easily have been swapped for different people in the story without the reader noticing rather then unique individuals with their own "voices."
That said, the last few chapters did almost make up for the rest of the book..almost, but not quite. I think this portion of the book could have taken up the entire second half of the story rather then the little (totally random and out of sync with the tone of the rest of the story I might add) plot twist that neatly ties the rest of the story together while providing jumping off points for future books...which honestly the last few chapters did make me slightly more likely to do more then glance through the next few books in the series.
I don't know what happened to this author. Maybe the fame has gotten to her and she's just pumping these things out without much rhyme or reason. I really, really loved the First Love and Forever books...cheesy though they may have been, I have re-read them more then once. This book however, will not ever even be glanced at again if I can help it.
That said, the last few chapters did almost make up for the rest of the book..almost, but not quite. I think this portion of the book could have taken up the entire second half of the story rather then the little (totally random and out of sync with the tone of the rest of the story I might add) plot twist that neatly ties the rest of the story together while providing jumping off points for future books...which honestly the last few chapters did make me slightly more likely to do more then glance through the next few books in the series.
I don't know what happened to this author. Maybe the fame has gotten to her and she's just pumping these things out without much rhyme or reason. I really, really loved the First Love and Forever books...cheesy though they may have been, I have re-read them more then once. This book however, will not ever even be glanced at again if I can help it.
January 21, 2010
On the drive up to Colorado I listened to The Best of Times, a novel by Anita Stansfield (DB 2009). I had actually purchased the book on CD for my mom for her birthday in December, but she brought it on the trip and we listened to it together. It helped to make the long drive North go by much quicker.
From the back of the CD case:
“'I want to be with you, but I have to make sure I’m in a position to give you what you deserve, and I’m not sure I’m the man to do that.” Chas put a hand over her mouth to hold back her emotion, glad that he couldn’t see the tears rolling down her face. . . . “I need time Chas, because if I’m going to commit my life to you, I don’t want it to ever go bad. I would rather have you love me in memory than come to hate me because I couldn’t give you what you deserve.'
A sprawling Montana setting; a charming bed-and-breakfast inn brimming with Dickensian decor; a beautiful and deeply spiritual innkeeper with secret sorrows from her past; a “Granny” who is as delightful as she is wise; and a handsome guest whose lifestyle and past are both troubled and troubling — these are the elements of a captivating novel of romance and intrigue.
With characters that are vital and vulnerable, and a plot that is wholly unpredictable, this story is a journey of choices and amazing opportunities.
Once again, Anita Stansfield proves her versatility as a storyteller extraordinaire in this novel that is an ingenious blend of romance, mystery, and Dickensian charm. The Best of Times will prove to be a favorite in the best Stansfield tradition."
I loved the tie-in to Charles Dickens in The Best of Times; Stansfield does a great job of honoring Dickens without losing track of her plot. She is able to bring up several of Dickens' greatest works and even has some plot parallels. I also enjoyed the FBI part of the plot that added mystery and suspense to what would have otherwise been a somewhat flat romance novel.
The only thing I did not like about The Best of Times was some of the repetition of the main characters' thoughts and feelings. Maybe it was more pronounced because of it being the CD version, but it seemed like the author over emphasized how Chas and Jackson's past experiences made it more difficult for them to fall in love and commit to each other. Maybe it would not have been so obvious in the written format.
From the back of the CD case:
“'I want to be with you, but I have to make sure I’m in a position to give you what you deserve, and I’m not sure I’m the man to do that.” Chas put a hand over her mouth to hold back her emotion, glad that he couldn’t see the tears rolling down her face. . . . “I need time Chas, because if I’m going to commit my life to you, I don’t want it to ever go bad. I would rather have you love me in memory than come to hate me because I couldn’t give you what you deserve.'
A sprawling Montana setting; a charming bed-and-breakfast inn brimming with Dickensian decor; a beautiful and deeply spiritual innkeeper with secret sorrows from her past; a “Granny” who is as delightful as she is wise; and a handsome guest whose lifestyle and past are both troubled and troubling — these are the elements of a captivating novel of romance and intrigue.
With characters that are vital and vulnerable, and a plot that is wholly unpredictable, this story is a journey of choices and amazing opportunities.
Once again, Anita Stansfield proves her versatility as a storyteller extraordinaire in this novel that is an ingenious blend of romance, mystery, and Dickensian charm. The Best of Times will prove to be a favorite in the best Stansfield tradition."
I loved the tie-in to Charles Dickens in The Best of Times; Stansfield does a great job of honoring Dickens without losing track of her plot. She is able to bring up several of Dickens' greatest works and even has some plot parallels. I also enjoyed the FBI part of the plot that added mystery and suspense to what would have otherwise been a somewhat flat romance novel.
The only thing I did not like about The Best of Times was some of the repetition of the main characters' thoughts and feelings. Maybe it was more pronounced because of it being the CD version, but it seemed like the author over emphasized how Chas and Jackson's past experiences made it more difficult for them to fall in love and commit to each other. Maybe it would not have been so obvious in the written format.
January 1, 2010
Amazing book with alot of great lessons and advice on living life.Try to live life with a little more faith and hope. Don't take time to feel sorry for yourself when bad things happen because in the process you will be missing out on the joy of living. Chas was raised by her grandmother or "Granny" never knowing her mother who died giving her life and her father who ran off. She married her childhood sweetheart, Martin Henrie and left home to follow him through his Air force training where he was killed in a training accident after only a short time of marriage. She went back home to Granny to have her baby that died too. She has been heartbroken for 12 years never letting her heart open to be hurt again. She supports herself and Granny by running a bed and breakfast Inn called the "Dicken's Inn." They remodeled their old house in a victorian decor with Dicken's novel names for rooms because of Granny's love for the man. Jackson Leeds, an FBI agent trying to escape the tragedies of his work comes to get away from it all and ends up falling in love with Chas because she is honest, has spunk and the ablility to read him for who he is. They help each other through some challenging experiences of loss of loved ones and friends,reuniting family after dealing with the anger and heart of past wrongs, and dealing with opening their hearts to love through each others support.Chas is a great example of living her beliefs and not judging others by her standards, but sharing them without being pushy. When Jackson decides that he needs to return to work in Norfolk, he promises he'll return. They have a long distant relationship between montana and Norfolk, but Jackson needs more time to find the drug dealers that took so much from his FBI team. He plans on retiring and marrying Chas as soon as this one task in settled, but finds that in doing so he could loss his life in the process after he's found someone to live for. After his abduction, he is rescued and recuperating in the hospital with the help of a therapist for PTSD, but makes it back to montana, proposes and then finds strength in Chas' faith and her support by the Church. They marry and have a child that they call Charles for Dickens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2014
The Best of Times: A Dickens’ Inn Novel is book one in a series by Anita Standfield. It is a great book and a great book to reread.
Chas Henrie is a widow who lives with her Granny in a Victorian Bed-and Breakfast in Montana. The house was built in 1870 by her ancestors. Each generation had only one living child but had lost several others. Could this be a genetic problem? Chas has always lived in this house except for the short time she traveled with her husband, Martin, following his career in the Air Force. She got the news that he had died on the Sunday before Thanksgiving and she lost her baby that same day. She does not like that particular Sunday at all. She and Granny decided to turn the house into a B&B. The house has a definite Dickenian décor that her Granny insisted upon. Dickens was revered in this house since the ones who built it were great Dickens’ fans. The house exudes a promise of safety and tranquility. Chas works hard to achieve the success of the B&B. She is a member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, but compromises with her guests and Granny when needed. She is generally alone but sometimes she feels lonely. She misses her husband even after twelve years. She is urged to move on with her life; but hasn’t met the right man.
Jackson Leeds is an FBI agent who is looking for a place to hide. He is running from his past and has actually found himself running in a snowstorm when he tries driving from Butte to this little town. He is a handsome man and has the manners of a gentleman. He immediately hits it off with Chas and by the second day finds himself telling her about his past. He intends to stay at least a week at the B&B, if not longer. Can he outrun his past? Can he come to grips with it? What effect does the house have on him? How about his feelings for Chas?
Chas Henrie is a widow who lives with her Granny in a Victorian Bed-and Breakfast in Montana. The house was built in 1870 by her ancestors. Each generation had only one living child but had lost several others. Could this be a genetic problem? Chas has always lived in this house except for the short time she traveled with her husband, Martin, following his career in the Air Force. She got the news that he had died on the Sunday before Thanksgiving and she lost her baby that same day. She does not like that particular Sunday at all. She and Granny decided to turn the house into a B&B. The house has a definite Dickenian décor that her Granny insisted upon. Dickens was revered in this house since the ones who built it were great Dickens’ fans. The house exudes a promise of safety and tranquility. Chas works hard to achieve the success of the B&B. She is a member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, but compromises with her guests and Granny when needed. She is generally alone but sometimes she feels lonely. She misses her husband even after twelve years. She is urged to move on with her life; but hasn’t met the right man.
Jackson Leeds is an FBI agent who is looking for a place to hide. He is running from his past and has actually found himself running in a snowstorm when he tries driving from Butte to this little town. He is a handsome man and has the manners of a gentleman. He immediately hits it off with Chas and by the second day finds himself telling her about his past. He intends to stay at least a week at the B&B, if not longer. Can he outrun his past? Can he come to grips with it? What effect does the house have on him? How about his feelings for Chas?
December 1, 2009
Chas (short for Charles......but she's a girl) runs the Dickensian Inn while caring for her aged Granny. Tragedy has left her with only that. But you know Anita.......Chas isn't alone for long once the story opens.
Jackson is an FBI agent (finally getting warmer Anita) taking a break from the work that has consumed his life and may now ruin it.
Well after all of these years there is an armed man in one of these books! If he were only a semi normal police officer........e.g. poor, then she would have finally hit the nail on the head. But yet again, Jackson has saved all of his money and made great investments.
There was a lot of verbal banter. I would have to say that this book was one of those wordy books where I get tired of the characters talking to each other. It moved up a notch once Jackson had to go back to the FBI.
I loved Jackson. He was like an M&M.....tough shell and sweet inside. Chas was a good woman with great faith. She just did not do it for me this time.
I did like that this book had tolerance for non LDS people........most of the characters were not Church members. I also enjoyed that the various religious or nonreligious backgrounds were able to speak about values without wanting to kill each other (which would have made it more realistic).
It seemed like there was a lot of build up to the couple getting together and then ....meh, there they were.
This was a fast, soothing read. It is not one of my all time Stansfield faves.
Jackson is an FBI agent (finally getting warmer Anita) taking a break from the work that has consumed his life and may now ruin it.
Well after all of these years there is an armed man in one of these books! If he were only a semi normal police officer........e.g. poor, then she would have finally hit the nail on the head. But yet again, Jackson has saved all of his money and made great investments.
There was a lot of verbal banter. I would have to say that this book was one of those wordy books where I get tired of the characters talking to each other. It moved up a notch once Jackson had to go back to the FBI.
I loved Jackson. He was like an M&M.....tough shell and sweet inside. Chas was a good woman with great faith. She just did not do it for me this time.
I did like that this book had tolerance for non LDS people........most of the characters were not Church members. I also enjoyed that the various religious or nonreligious backgrounds were able to speak about values without wanting to kill each other (which would have made it more realistic).
It seemed like there was a lot of build up to the couple getting together and then ....meh, there they were.
This was a fast, soothing read. It is not one of my all time Stansfield faves.
January 28, 2019
I "inherited" a bag of Anita Stansfield novels from my niece. This one was okay, and I will probably read the others....because they are sitting here, and free.
I have a a hard time with, "Oh, we've known each other for a week and now we're in love" books. I like love stories where the romance grows over time. At least they didn't get married that quickly.
I also thought it strange that after the author makes a point of Chas mentioning a Book of Mormon being in Jackson's bedside table, and he should check it out, he never does. Even though there are plenty of moments where it seemed like that would be the next probable story scene.
Also, I questioned the fact that Chas was in her early thirties, yet her grandmother - who raised her- was 93. Then to add to weird ages, Granny mentions that her brother - whom she adored and looked up to - died in World War 1. Hmm.... the book was published in 2009, so I would assume that Granny was born around 1916. WW1 was from 1914-1918, which would have made her a toddler when the brother died. Poor proof reading. (Sorry, I know that I'm a neurotic reader.)
Another ridiculous story line was that Jackson (an FBI agent) had, "never met a Mormon". REALLY??? The FBI has recruited returned missionaries for years! (trustworthy, speak other languages, upstanding life-style, etc...) Please - do a little homework before cranking out another novel.
If you are looking for an easy LDS fluff romance, you might like this.
I have a a hard time with, "Oh, we've known each other for a week and now we're in love" books. I like love stories where the romance grows over time. At least they didn't get married that quickly.
I also thought it strange that after the author makes a point of Chas mentioning a Book of Mormon being in Jackson's bedside table, and he should check it out, he never does. Even though there are plenty of moments where it seemed like that would be the next probable story scene.
Also, I questioned the fact that Chas was in her early thirties, yet her grandmother - who raised her- was 93. Then to add to weird ages, Granny mentions that her brother - whom she adored and looked up to - died in World War 1. Hmm.... the book was published in 2009, so I would assume that Granny was born around 1916. WW1 was from 1914-1918, which would have made her a toddler when the brother died. Poor proof reading. (Sorry, I know that I'm a neurotic reader.)
Another ridiculous story line was that Jackson (an FBI agent) had, "never met a Mormon". REALLY??? The FBI has recruited returned missionaries for years! (trustworthy, speak other languages, upstanding life-style, etc...) Please - do a little homework before cranking out another novel.
If you are looking for an easy LDS fluff romance, you might like this.
Want to read
February 15, 2016336p A sprawling Montana setting; a charming bed-and-breakfast inn brimming with Dickensian decor; a beautiful and deeply spiritual innkeeper with secret sorrows from her past; a Granny who is as delightful as she is wise; and a handsome guest whose lifestyle and past are both troubled and troubling these are the elements of a captivating novel of romance and intrigue. With characters that are vital and vulnerable, and a plot that is wholly unpredictable, this story is a journey of choices and amazing opportunities. Once again, Anita Stansfield proves her versatility as a storyteller extraordinaire in this novel that is an ingenious blend of romance, mystery, and Dickensian charm. The Best of Times will prove to be a favorite in the best Stansfield tradition. Volume 1 in the series.
April 18, 2012
Read this one in a single night but mostly because I skipped over a bunch of stuff. About 150 pages in I was thinking, "Get to the end already" so I jumped ahead a few chapters, and guess what? I didn't miss anything. Maybe a few details but not enough for me to go back and read what I skipped.
The story is cute and I always appreciate a clean novel with characters that have high morals. You could read just this one, and feel like it had a decent ending. But since my sister gave me the whole series I will be starting on book 2 sometime soon.
The back cover said it had a shocking plot... not really.
The story is cute and I always appreciate a clean novel with characters that have high morals. You could read just this one, and feel like it had a decent ending. But since my sister gave me the whole series I will be starting on book 2 sometime soon.
The back cover said it had a shocking plot... not really.
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