What do you think?
Rate this book
Tales from Grace Chapel Inn #39
Ready to Wed
When Belle Bannister, a real Georgia peach, checks into Grace Chapel Inn on a mission to find a husband among the eligible bachelors of Acorn Hill, the Howard sisters teeter between disbelief and awe. Belle sets off to plan her wedding, trusting God to supply the groom, and teaches them all an unlikely lesson about faith. Meanwhile, Jane gets a letter from her ex-husband, Justin, announcing that he is coming to visit. What could he want after all this time? Does he regret losing her? Will he want to rekindle their long romance? As Alice and Louise prepare for the possibility that Jane will move back to San Francisco, Jane is reminded that forgiveness can make all things new.
250 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
8 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
419 books3,265 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 25, 2018
Oh, where to begin with this book?
On the basis of a dream (that she believes came from God), Belle Bannister drives from Georgia to Acorn Hill, PA, expecting to find a husband, get married, and settle down--all by the first weekend in June, which isn't all that far away. She ends up staying at the Grace Chapel Inn where Aunt Ethel takes to her like she's one of the family and decides to help her get to know the single men in town.
Aunt Ethel's three nieces, who run the inn, aren't quite sure what to make of this--nor do I. It does seem a bit impetuous to leave everything you know behind and rush off to a new place--and expect to find the man of your dreams there and be married in a matter of weeks. Can God choose to speak to us in a dream? Yes. He's done it in the Bible, so there's no reason he couldn't do it now. But I'm not sure he does this as often as people THINK he does. I suppose if I had a dream that I KNEW without a doubt was from God, then I would follow what God asked me to do. But I think that before I would know without a doubt, I would have done a lot of searching and questioning--making sure that what I was being told was supported by the Bible etc. I would also expect that if God was directing that path that God would open the doors and remove obstacles. In some respects, Belle does have that. She manages to get a long-term room at the inn because the weather has kept most people away. The sisters who run the inn like her enough to include her in some things not usually open to inn guests.
The husband search is a bit annoying. Every single man is presented as "is this the one?"--even inn guests. It is good that Belle is being upfront about it and not hiding her ambition behind something else, but it does kind of make her a one-dimensional character. The men don't seem to know how to take her and seem to cope with this by trying to avoid her or hiding (all the while being friendly with Jane, one of the sisters who run the inn, because all she wants is friendship and they don't feel threatened). In at least one case, Jane has to counsel one of the men to be honest about his feelings and to just tell Belle that he doesn't feel the same way about her (Belle) as she might about him and that he doesn't fit into her wedding plans as the groom (some do agree to provide wedding services such as flowers).
Belle eventually seems to be a bit jealous of Jane and her relationship with all these men (even though at this point it is mostly friendships). Jane is friends with the pastor, the florist, a writer who is a guest at the inn, etc. plus her ex-husband visits to talk with her!
Eventually, Belle faces the decision of whether to give up on her idea that her dream came from God and go back to Georgia or stay in Acorn Hill (possibly as a single woman) and be content. She decides she likes Acorn Hill enough to stay even if she stays there as a single woman. She decides to buy the house--of course, it turns out that she's not the only one interested in that particular house.
Her husband-to-be shows up as a deus-ex-machina man whose name has never come up in the book before that time, even in a mention of someone visiting a relative. (and yes, other men visiting relatives are mentioned in the book, so it wouldn't have been hard to do). So in true fairy-tale-fiction form, she finds her man before the end of the book. (Wish life happened the way fiction does.)
On the basis of a dream (that she believes came from God), Belle Bannister drives from Georgia to Acorn Hill, PA, expecting to find a husband, get married, and settle down--all by the first weekend in June, which isn't all that far away. She ends up staying at the Grace Chapel Inn where Aunt Ethel takes to her like she's one of the family and decides to help her get to know the single men in town.
Aunt Ethel's three nieces, who run the inn, aren't quite sure what to make of this--nor do I. It does seem a bit impetuous to leave everything you know behind and rush off to a new place--and expect to find the man of your dreams there and be married in a matter of weeks. Can God choose to speak to us in a dream? Yes. He's done it in the Bible, so there's no reason he couldn't do it now. But I'm not sure he does this as often as people THINK he does. I suppose if I had a dream that I KNEW without a doubt was from God, then I would follow what God asked me to do. But I think that before I would know without a doubt, I would have done a lot of searching and questioning--making sure that what I was being told was supported by the Bible etc. I would also expect that if God was directing that path that God would open the doors and remove obstacles. In some respects, Belle does have that. She manages to get a long-term room at the inn because the weather has kept most people away. The sisters who run the inn like her enough to include her in some things not usually open to inn guests.
The husband search is a bit annoying. Every single man is presented as "is this the one?"--even inn guests. It is good that Belle is being upfront about it and not hiding her ambition behind something else, but it does kind of make her a one-dimensional character. The men don't seem to know how to take her and seem to cope with this by trying to avoid her or hiding (all the while being friendly with Jane, one of the sisters who run the inn, because all she wants is friendship and they don't feel threatened). In at least one case, Jane has to counsel one of the men to be honest about his feelings and to just tell Belle that he doesn't feel the same way about her (Belle) as she might about him and that he doesn't fit into her wedding plans as the groom (some do agree to provide wedding services such as flowers).
Belle eventually seems to be a bit jealous of Jane and her relationship with all these men (even though at this point it is mostly friendships). Jane is friends with the pastor, the florist, a writer who is a guest at the inn, etc. plus her ex-husband visits to talk with her!
Eventually, Belle faces the decision of whether to give up on her idea that her dream came from God and go back to Georgia or stay in Acorn Hill (possibly as a single woman) and be content. She decides she likes Acorn Hill enough to stay even if she stays there as a single woman. She decides to buy the house--of course, it turns out that she's not the only one interested in that particular house.
Her husband-to-be shows up as a deus-ex-machina man whose name has never come up in the book before that time, even in a mention of someone visiting a relative. (and yes, other men visiting relatives are mentioned in the book, so it wouldn't have been hard to do). So in true fairy-tale-fiction form, she finds her man before the end of the book. (Wish life happened the way fiction does.)
January 17, 2019
BElle Bannister comes to town saying God showed her in a dream that she should move to Acorn Hill and she would be getting married in June. She doesn’t have a groom but makes plans for the wedding, ordering flowers, cake and dresses. Jane gets a letter from her ex husband telling her that he will be in town and wants to see her. She is left wondering why. Another enjoyable book in the series.
August 14, 2010
What a great story with great characters. Belle comes to town and says she will get married in 3 weeks. Only problem she does not have a guy. She scares off most of the men in town. She along with the others make this a delightful story.
October 9, 2021
This is a nice, easy read series that makes me feel I've just spent an hour on a summer afternoon relaxing on the front porch, drinking lemonade, talking to whoever passes.
September 30, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. At the start, I thought I knew where it was going, but got a couple surprises at the end. I like the whole series :-)
May 15, 2019
Another in the Tales from Grace Chapel Inn series, this volume features the very southern Belle Bannister, who shows up at the Inn unannounced, without a reservation but with a very interesting story. Following a dream in which Belle believed God laid out a plan for her to get married to a groom she has not yet met, she drove straight through the night in her Pepso Bismol pink vintage Cadillac to Acorn Hill, Pennsylvania, landing at the Inn.
The three Howard sisters, proprietors of the Inn, while not convinced about Belle's dream, found it hard to resist her charm and welcomed her to their establishment . They began to show her the town and introduce her to its bachelors. Within a few days, Belle had chosen sites for the wedding and reception, ordered flowers and a cake, and found a home to buy. Meanwhile the selection of potential grooms began to thin in light of Belle's fervor and determination. Nevertheless she remained totally convinced that she was following God's plan for her life and that He would reveal her groom in time for the wedding.
To add to the confusion, out of nowhere sister Jane Howard received a letter from her ex-husband, announcing that he was driving cross-country from San Francisco because he needed to talk with her but including no further explanation and no contact information so Jane could reach him. The three sisters struggled with the possibility that Justin might have realized the error of divorcing Jane and intend to persuade her to return to the West Coast with him.
Filled with the usual fun characters of Acorn Hill, the book is an easy read with just enough mystery and humor to make it a delightful read.
The three Howard sisters, proprietors of the Inn, while not convinced about Belle's dream, found it hard to resist her charm and welcomed her to their establishment . They began to show her the town and introduce her to its bachelors. Within a few days, Belle had chosen sites for the wedding and reception, ordered flowers and a cake, and found a home to buy. Meanwhile the selection of potential grooms began to thin in light of Belle's fervor and determination. Nevertheless she remained totally convinced that she was following God's plan for her life and that He would reveal her groom in time for the wedding.
To add to the confusion, out of nowhere sister Jane Howard received a letter from her ex-husband, announcing that he was driving cross-country from San Francisco because he needed to talk with her but including no further explanation and no contact information so Jane could reach him. The three sisters struggled with the possibility that Justin might have realized the error of divorcing Jane and intend to persuade her to return to the West Coast with him.
Filled with the usual fun characters of Acorn Hill, the book is an easy read with just enough mystery and humor to make it a delightful read.
April 7, 2022
This book is a cozy village story about three sisters who run a bed a breakfast. In each book, you meet all kinds of guests that come to stay at the inn. In this book, a southern girl called Belle comes to the inn and announces that she has had a dream that she will find her husband in the town of Acorn Hill. She is incredibly persistent in meeting all of the eligible bachelors in the town but seems to be running out of time in finding her match. You see, she even has already picked the date and planned the entire wedding.
This is a book that moves slowly and takes its time. It reminds me of a sweet reality tv show where we just watch the small details of life unfold....what they are eating, what the weather is like, etc.
This is the kind of book I like to listen to when I am in the car. If I miss something, it is usually not a big deal. I guess lots of people love these stories....because this is book #39!
This is a book that moves slowly and takes its time. It reminds me of a sweet reality tv show where we just watch the small details of life unfold....what they are eating, what the weather is like, etc.
This is the kind of book I like to listen to when I am in the car. If I miss something, it is usually not a big deal. I guess lots of people love these stories....because this is book #39!
January 11, 2024
I am on the fence on this one. Belle was written just a little over the top. The story line was okay but not attention grabbing. The further we get along in the series the story lines seem to get weaker and further out there. Not the best in the series but still a good way to pass a snowy day.
April 13, 2022
Continuation of the Howard girls - just a great simple story - this one was funny as well as good ! Love the Howard sisters
January 5, 2024
Very entertaining, and light reading. Enjoyed the story and the characters! Especially, Belle and Ethyl!!
May 19, 2024
I love how wholesome this is 🥹 and it ended with a verse too! I'm in love with this book. And so happy there's more tales from Grace Chappel Inn! Will read each one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2017
I always enjoy reading a Melody Carlson book!
May 22, 2017
Love this series. Love it.
I thought maybe this book was about the wedding of someone in Acorn Hill, maybe even of one of the sisters. I was mistaken. The character that is getting married and the circumstances she puts herself in are revealed and are humorous, and then concerning, and then humorous, and then sad, and then, finally, success and joy. Not a wedding, but an event that gives Belle joy and progress toward her goal... I won't spoil the story by telling you details of what happens.
Our guest is Belle. She has had a dream and believes that she was sent from her home to a town having something to do with an acorn and somewhere in Pennsylvania. She ends up in Acorn Hill at the Grace Chapel Inn.
She has numerous, funny to us, introductions and conversations with the single men of Acorn Hill and word quickly gets around that Belle is looking for a husband and the men in town begin avoiding her like the plague.
Also, Jane's ex-husband is to come and visit. What he wants remains a mystery and a torment to Jane while she waits. While Jane waits she wonders about what he wants, reviews her relationship with Justin, her ex, and thinks about what happened to cause the divorce. She finds she needs to forgive again.
"'Ooh, do I sniff a trace of bitterness?'
Jane made a face at her friend. 'No, not really. I've just been remembering old stuff. Stuff that's best forgotten. It's funny how you can forgive someone, or at least you think you have, but then a reminder intrudes and you remember something that happened long ago, and it's like you have to do the whole forgiving thing all over again.'
'Seventy times seven?'
"Yes, I suppose so.'" (from page 117)
The author is referencing Mathew 18:21-22 "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."
I never thought of these verses in exactly this way. I always took it as forgiving them for different offenses. Many times I have had to forgive and forgive and forgive because an offense kept coming back to my mind and this made me feel guilty. Now I can let go of that guilt and know it is a human frailty we all fall into and I can just forgive again and move on. This was a revelation and a balm to my soul.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) –
A book set in a hotel
I thought maybe this book was about the wedding of someone in Acorn Hill, maybe even of one of the sisters. I was mistaken. The character that is getting married and the circumstances she puts herself in are revealed and are humorous, and then concerning, and then humorous, and then sad, and then, finally, success and joy. Not a wedding, but an event that gives Belle joy and progress toward her goal... I won't spoil the story by telling you details of what happens.
Our guest is Belle. She has had a dream and believes that she was sent from her home to a town having something to do with an acorn and somewhere in Pennsylvania. She ends up in Acorn Hill at the Grace Chapel Inn.
She has numerous, funny to us, introductions and conversations with the single men of Acorn Hill and word quickly gets around that Belle is looking for a husband and the men in town begin avoiding her like the plague.
Also, Jane's ex-husband is to come and visit. What he wants remains a mystery and a torment to Jane while she waits. While Jane waits she wonders about what he wants, reviews her relationship with Justin, her ex, and thinks about what happened to cause the divorce. She finds she needs to forgive again.
"'Ooh, do I sniff a trace of bitterness?'
Jane made a face at her friend. 'No, not really. I've just been remembering old stuff. Stuff that's best forgotten. It's funny how you can forgive someone, or at least you think you have, but then a reminder intrudes and you remember something that happened long ago, and it's like you have to do the whole forgiving thing all over again.'
'Seventy times seven?'
"Yes, I suppose so.'" (from page 117)
The author is referencing Mathew 18:21-22 "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."
I never thought of these verses in exactly this way. I always took it as forgiving them for different offenses. Many times I have had to forgive and forgive and forgive because an offense kept coming back to my mind and this made me feel guilty. Now I can let go of that guilt and know it is a human frailty we all fall into and I can just forgive again and move on. This was a revelation and a balm to my soul.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt(s) –
A book set in a hotel
March 4, 2013
This is only the 3rd book in this series that I have read but I do enjoy the series & I did enjoy this book although not as much as the first two. The part of the book that revolved around Belle, a woman from Georgia who wants to move to Acorn Hill because God told her in a dream that she would meet her future husband there, was a bit silly but it was also light-hearted. The other part of the book was about Jane, who has received a letter from her ex-husband saying he wants to talk to her, has a bit more substance.
I like the Christian basis of these books & the lessons they teach, but they also have their share of struggles and humor. Just an easy, delightful read.
I like the Christian basis of these books & the lessons they teach, but they also have their share of struggles and humor. Just an easy, delightful read.
May 25, 2012
This story started out cute, but I felt like the focus at the beginning of the story was about Belle and her search for "the one" wandered from its purpose in the middle. And then the author had to do some quick maneuvering to get back to the story of Belle and wrap it up before the end of the book. I felt the parts in which Jane and her ex-husband were the focus, dragged on interminably. Honestly you'd expect the guy to be wanting to get back with her, due to the all the avoiding.. but come to find out he's involved with someone else. WHAT? Anyways. That was my opinion. :)
December 31, 2012
This is another of the Grace Chapel Inn series. Like the Patchwork Mystery series published by Guidebooks, this series is written by various authors. I enjoyed the humor in this book. Like the previous book in this series that I reviewed, this book is very much a Christian literature offering. If you feel that religion must always be serious then the humor (while not making fun of anyone's beliefs or God) may bother you.
April 15, 2013
I wasn't really sure what to expect with this book because it's written differently from the other books I've read by Melody Carlson. I definitely enjoyed the story. I don't think I would read it again, but I don't regret picking it up. Belle's character was fairly amusing and I liked how you were left guessing on how the ending would resolve. There were a number of moments that I thought I might have figured out how it would end, but then something unexpected happened. I like unexpected.
May 22, 2014
Another great read in a Wonderful series.
Another great read in a Wonderful series.
l love this type of series. you get to settle in with this family and have a great read. Carlson spins a story that tugs at your heart and lifts your spirits as you are pulled into the lives of Grace Chapel Inn. You get a lesson n letting go and leaving it up to our Father.
highly recommend this book along with the whole series.
Another great read in a Wonderful series.
l love this type of series. you get to settle in with this family and have a great read. Carlson spins a story that tugs at your heart and lifts your spirits as you are pulled into the lives of Grace Chapel Inn. You get a lesson n letting go and leaving it up to our Father.
highly recommend this book along with the whole series.
March 3, 2012
I always enjoy this series of books but I think this one wasn't as good as the others I have read. The story line was a bit shallow and silly. Still I wouldn't say I didn't like it as it was the sisters again and their lovely little town and I always like visiting there :)
December 21, 2015
I just love all the tales from the inn. This one brought a woman who was going to find her mister right and it takes her on quite the journey. Not just her but the sisters as well. Was so much fun to read
July 14, 2008
Clean, easy read
August 30, 2008
I just love the series. The storylines are really inspiring and are always a nice reminder that it is ok to leave your life in God's hands.
September 24, 2014
Another Grace Capel Inn story. Part inspiritional fiction part romance. Easy read.
October 28, 2010
Using tsk tsk on the 2nd page made me wonder, but it was a very good book.
January 7, 2012
Good one.
December 17, 2012
a humorous story...good for a relaxing atmosphere throughout the read
February 1, 2013
Ready to Wed (Tales from Grace Chapel Inn, #39)
January 12, 2016
The three sisters of Grace Chapel Inn host Belle, a Georgia woman, who has received a message for God, she believes, that she is to find a groom in Acorn Hill. Fanciful, easy to listen to.
February 10, 2016
super sappy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews