Running away from home after her father betrayed her, Marie Carrington is desperate and almost broke. Sitting on the bench in the harbor, Marie counts her money one more time. All the money she has is not enough to pay for the ferry ride over to Prince Edward Island and a new beginning. "Now what do I do? Where can I go?" Watching her, an older gentleman sitting next to her, gives her a curious glance and instantly knows she can use some help. He holds out four paint swatches to her and asks, "Which color do you like best?" Introducing himself, Jack Sloan tells her he is renovating a Bed and Breakfast Inn and could use "a ladies touch."

After talking together, Jack buys her a ticket and offers her room, board, and a salary to come work with him on the Inn for a few months. Marie is searching for a new beginning, a place to belong, after an experience that left her with horrific memories. Accepting his offer, she arrives at a lovely old house close to the sea. She meets Seth Sloan, the handyman nephew who is helping his uncle get ready for the Inn's opening. Seth had a bad experience too. His fiance stole his money, broke his heart and left him. Thinking Marie may have untrustworthy motives, and he feels the need to protect his uncle, so Seth is "sour" in his treatment to her. Their barbs and insults produce a rocky beginning but in time, a friendship begins.

THE RED DOOR INN is a heartwarming story of second chances, restoration and hope, with an inspirational thread that appeals to me as it weaves throughout this feel-good book. The lovely locale on fabled Prince Edward Island as described by L.M. Montgomery in my favorite novel of all time, ANNE OF THREE GABLES, is outstanding. Quaint Bed and Breakfast inns, filled with nostalgic antiques and themed rooms have a keen interest for me and I loved watching the beautification that produced THE RED DOOR INN. One of my favorite parts in this tale is the notes written to each other by Marie and Seth on the antique Underwood typewriter. It is so sweet and very precious!

Liz Johnson is a sterling storyteller and introduces a colorful and appealing cast of characters. Each has a story of their own. Jack finds a special surprise with Aretha Franklin (No relation to the singer.) Caden, had me swooning with her descriptions of her homemade goodies, especially her peanut butter brownies. WOW! But my favorite is Seth, with his humor and charm that fought his way into Marie's heart showing her she is safe, secure and protected with him always and forever. THE RED DOOR INN is a not-to-be-put down book I adored and look forward to the next one, coming soon, I hope. A trip to Prince Edward Island is going to the top of my Bucket List too, thanks to Ms. Johnson.

Book Summary

Marie Carrington is broke, desperate, and hoping to find sanctuary on Prince Edward Island while decorating a renovated bed-and-breakfast. Seth Sloane moved three thousand miles to help restore his uncle’s Victorian B and B—and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart. He wasn’t expecting to have to babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her.

The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just two months will take everything they’ve got—and they have to find a way to work together. In the process, they may find something infinitely sweeter than they ever imagined on this island of dreams.

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