I recently turned in revisions for my next book, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill (December 2016)—Book One in my first 
ever series! (The rest of my 10 books are stand alone.) The series focuses on four women friends in an English village who face changes and challenges with the help of their quirky neighbors and intriguing newcomers.
In the first book, a young widow has to decide between saving her husband’s languishing coaching inn, or trying to return to her former life as a gentleman’s daughter. The book has family drama, romance, and mystery, and celebrates the strong bonds of friendship–because in a small village like Ivy Hill, everyone is connected, like leaves on a vine.
Coaching inns in England.
Why a coaching inn?
Stage and mail coaches were the primary means of travel during the Regency period, and they stopped at coaching inns along the way to change horses, let passengers take a meal, or stay the night. Coaching inns were restaurant, hotel, “train” station, travel agency, livery and repair shop, all rolled into one.
I think it’s wonderful setting for a series, providing a backdrop for a cast of regulars who work in or frequent the inn, as well as new people traveling through to add interest.
The series will feature colorful characters like royal mail guards and coachmen, traveling performers, aristocrats and visiting men—and women—of business.
When last I was in England (2014), my old friend and traveling companion, Sara, and I visited many historic inns to research the book (a tough job 🙂 ). I have also acquired and perused many books on the subject. I think it’s a delightful setting full of possibilities. I hope readers agree!
Model coaching inn (made for me by Sara’s daughter, Katie) & research books.
I will share more about the series in future posts. But for now, what do you think? Does such a setting appeal to you? Hope so!
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Sounds fabulous, Julie! I visited the UK last year on a research trip for my Regency novel and I agree: coaching inns are ripe with possibilities. Georgette Heyer often exploited such inns in her stories; looking forward to reading yours!
I like the idea of this setting. It is different and interesting. I look forward to reading it. I also love to see all the pictures from your trips to England! I have not traveled there yet but I hope to some day.
Will look forward to reading the series.
I think it sounds like a wonderful series and I already look forward to reading it!
Sounds great! Fabulous subject and background for a series! Can’t wait to read it!
Sounds like a great setting, Julie. Who knows what mysterious person may step off that coach…?
The series sounds fun, Julie! And I know you will charm readers with your cast of characters. I look forward to it. 🙂
I’m so excited about this series, Julie! It will be fun to meet all the new colorful characters, and I’m thrilled you are finally writing a series! The coaching inn sounds like an amazing setting. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story set in one. I can’t wait!!
Hi Julie, great idea for the setting! It sounds wonderful. I love that you’re writing a series. I’ll look forward to reading these stories!
I am really excited about your new series! I love this time period and all things English! I love to read about the history of both the aristocracy and the regular folk. Kudos to you and your new series!
Fascinating! I love the setting choice. And what a perfect reason to ‘research.’ 🙂
Oh, I think it sounds like the perfect setting and I can’t wait to start reading! 🙂
I love your stand alone titles, but I think this sounds amazing! Can’t wait to read it!
I always enjoy a story with a coaching inn included because the characters and the owners are all so interesting. Some have simple food and accommodations and others have better food to offer and nicer rooms, including those “private” dining rooms that are thought to be scandalous if an unmarried couple is alone together.
I love your books, Julie, and am so excited to read and review this one as well. This new series sounds outstanding.
I like the idea of a coaching inn. It is also encouraging to know that you plan to focus on more than one character. It is nice to read a series that focuses on a different character in each book like Sarah Eden’s Lancaster and Jonquil family novels. Although I haven’t loved each novel Sarah writes, I appreciate most of them. It is exciting to know that you plan to give this a try! 🙂
The setting very much appeals to me. You can do so much there since so much of life flows through.
Julie, I’m intrigued, not only by the setting, but also by the fact that you’re writing a series. Congratulations! This is very exciting news, and I cannot wait to meet these fun characters.
Blessings on this new venture, my friend.
Andrea
Yes, this is a great idea for a setting. I’m intrigued and look forward to it in your books Julie!
LOVE the sound of this! The only ‘problem’ will be the wait for each book! Thank you for your writing, Julie. I’m looking forward to this one!
I have to admit Julie, that ANY book you write or ANY place you choose to write it in is always going to delight my heart….why? Because I’m a huge, huge reader fan of yours! 🙂
I don’t know if I’ve read any books with stage & mail coaches in them, but it would be a fascinating piece of history to learn. And you always know how to bring history to life in such a way that you educate and entertain at the same time. How do you do it 😉
Thanks for letting us know about this new book coming out later this year. It’s already on my must-buy-or-borrow list!
Right up my alley, love your ideas, and your writing!
Is there a town in England that Ivy Hill is inspired by? I have a trip planned this summer and I might be able to stop by.
Yay to you on going to England! Hope you have a fabulous time!
Sounds wonderful – so looking forward to this series!
I’m intrigued! And so delighted you are doing a series. Honestly, it’s just an excuse to read more from you!
Thanks to everyone for their comments–I read and enjoyed them all!
Oh I can’t wait to read this. My daughter and I were talking about how much we love your books, but I do love a good series, too. It’s always fun to return to the same characters and setting from a slightly different perspective. 🙂
Sounds interesting, and I am so glad you’re doing a series!!
i so look forward to your next book. i have so enjoyed all of your books and read a couple of them several times….and i share them with friends and then get them back and read them again. i have read “The maid of Milkweed Manor” almost as many times as i’ve read Pride and Prejudice. it’s story of redemption blesses me so much!
Sounds absolutely delightful, Julie!
Sounds very interesting to read about these inns and the people that are the characters we will meet in this book due out in December of this year. Looking forward to reading it, and this will be the first book written by you that I will be reading.