The Secret of Willow Inn by Pat Nichols
Pat Nichols
The Secret of Willow Inn character interview
Emily Hayes:
A few days ago, I learned I’m pregnant with twin girls. As an only child I grew up yearning, even begging for a sister, so I’m thrilled my daughters will never long for a sibling. At the same time, I’m worried about the added financial burden two babies will place on my husband. While my job as a reporter for our bi-weekly newspaper brings in a little money, his job is the main source of our income. He manages Hayes General Store. It’s the century-old family business which hasn’t changed much over the years.
Anyway, thirty years ago the shocking murder of the local hero sent my hometown on a downward spiral and placed residents’ futures in jeopardy. Thanks to my parents’ vision to transform Willow Falls into a tourist destination, the dead man’s home is weeks away from opening as The Willow Inn. Mom and Dad are also working to raise money and finish building the only hotel which never opened. To help with the rescue mission, I plan to begin writing a novel about Willow Falls’ past. I believe a story based on our colorful history will attract visitors and put us on the map.
Did I tell you there’s some sort of mystery surrounding the murder? I’m counting on my nose for news to snoop it out—maybe even include it to my novel.
Rachel Streetman:
I can’t count the number of times I stood at my office window thirty-eight floors above downtown Atlanta and imagined performing at the renowned Fox Theater. Fact is, I last performed seven years ago when I played Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street during my senior year at the University of Georgia. I didn’t abandon my aspiration to pursue an acting career out of fear or due to a sudden change of heart. It was a sense of obligation to my father that compelled me to toss my dream on the trash heap of unrealized childhood fantasies.
You see, my father is a hard-driving, workaholic, widower who envisions his only child following in his footsteps and eventually taking the helm at Streetman Enterprise. Although the prospect of him ever retiring from the business he loves is a long shot at best. A few weeks ago, he promoted me to Executive Vice President of Acquisitions, reporting directly to him. One more link in the invisible shackles that keeps me tied to a job I struggle to endure.
At least when it comes to my personal life, I refuse to let my father interfere. In fact, I have a date with Charlie Bricker. He’s a client’s son who plans to build and manage a vineyard and winery for his dad on a swath of forest outside Willow Falls. I’d never heard of the North Georgia spot until I read a newspaper story about a tragic accident a few miles from the town.
Back to Charlie. Although he’s good looking and charming, I have no idea if we’ll hit it off. If we do, I’ll defy my father and follow my heart.
Sadie Liles:
The entire town is having a hissy fit because I came back. You’d think thirty years behind bars would be punishment enough. Not for killing my stepfather—the man everyone called the town hero because he had money. Or so they thought. Only four people know the truth about that murder, and one of them is dead.
You might be wondering why I returned to the scene of my crime. Fact is, I had no place else to go. I was eighteen when I pulled the trigger, so I spent more than half my life in prison. My mama and grandparents died while I was in prison and I don’t have any brothers or sisters. Thanks to my friend Pepper and her husband, the town’s sheriff, I have a place to stay until I can find a way to make it on my own.
The third book in the Willow Falls series, Starstruck in Willow Falls releases February 2nd. The first two books, The Secret of Willow Inn and The Trouble in Willow Falls released in 2019. The series follows Emily, Rachel, Sadie, and the quirky, opinionated Willow Falls residents as they struggle to triumph over trouble.
Bio:
Retired from a twenty-seven-year corporate career, Pat Nichols is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams. She draws on her experience in seven different management positions working with hundreds of amazing women from all walks of life to create stories about women facing tension-laced challenges and heart-warming triumphs in the pursuit of their dreams. Her debut novel, The Secret of Willow Inn, is a 2020 Selah Award finalist, debut novel category. Pat received a 2018 NGCWC Georgia Peach Awards for her short story, The Vet and Valentine’s Day, and a 2019 NGCWC Georgia Peach Award for Star Struck in Willow Falls. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers International. She has been featured on WATC Television Atlanta Alive and in Voyager Magazine
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Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1946016772/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Willow-Falls/dp/1645262715
