The Innkeeper S Wife

A marriage of convenience between laundress and cook Grace Martin and the innkeeper may lead to love.

A J Cronin was commissioned by The American Weekly to write a Christmas story for the December 21st issue in 1958. His vision for the story is described in his letter of acceptance: “It came to me very strongly that to achieve the highest and most profoundly touching results I should go back to the first Christmas of all and create a vivid reconstruction of the effects of the birth of the Child upon certain characters, notably the wife of the innkeeper where no room was found for Mary and Joseph. The title of the story would be The Innkeper’s Wife, for she, as I imagine her, is the central human character—a good and tender-hearted woman, childless herself, and bullied by an assertive and miserly husband.” Here now is the alternative story of Christmas, narrated with great skill, by the author of The Citadel, Hatter’s Castle and The Stars Look Down

The Innkeeper’s Wife is a story that came as a vision to the author. Follow her as she imagines what it must have been like inside the inn with no room. Christ was born that night as a homeless child. Someone took his family in.

With two matchmakers on the loose in the Amish community of Birch Creek, the new innkeeper doesn’t stand a chance in this sweet Amish romance. When Selah Ropp returns to Birch Creek, she is a different person than when she left. I know I haven’t done much listening in the past, Lord, she prays. But I’m listening now. Her new friend, Cevilla Schlabach, urges her to let go of regrets and allow this to be a fresh start. Cevilla herself, though, hides a secret longing behind her weathered face. Levi Stoll and his family spent a year transforming a large English house into a small inn. Now that they are open for business, Levi is pleased to have Selah join them as an employee—as long as his grandmother doesn’t try any matchmaking schemes on the two of them. After all, Selah seems as guarded as he feels, and the last thing he wants is for anyone to remind him of his history. With Kathleen Fuller’s trademark humor and memorable characters, The Innkeeper’s Bride reminds us that God’s grace in the present and our hope for the future is stronger than any pain of the past. Sweet Amish romance Full-length novel Third in the Brides of Birch Creek series, but can be read as a stand-alone

First Series from Bestselling Author Julie Klassen! The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn. Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. When she encounters two men from her past, she sees them--and her future--in a different light. With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell? And will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?

Through the years I have had the joy of reading and watching Tim's plays. I am amazed at his insight into the scriptures as he brings them alive with laughter and tears from the congregation. Our youth and adults have enjoyed acting in them. Though I have seen them many times over the years, I never get tired of seeing them once again. And, I always learn some new nugget of truth.David McLean, Sr. Pastor, Fellowship of Christ Church, Cary, NCThe Inn Keeper's Wife retells the familiar story of Christ's birth with a perfect blend of heart and humor. The characters are ordinary people telling an extraordinary story in such a way that lines from the play have become favorite quotes in our household.Carol and Joe McCoyTim Thomas blends the gift of teaching with the artistry of a playwright. He possesses a wonderful knack for taking the stories and truths of Scripture and retelling them in a way that is accurate, touching, relevant and, at times, hilarious. Over the years, as both an audience member and a participant, I have been encouraged and blessed by his plays. Pastor Gary McGheePlaying the part of the Inn Keeper's wife is a memory I will always cherish. Tim Thomas has a gift of bringing humor and insight into a very familiar story to make it come alive and new for the audience. The humor is combined with a depth of emotion and awe at the birth of the Christ child. I would highly recommend "The Innkeeper's Wife" drama. It has become a Christmas tradition in our congregation!Teresa BowyerMy wife and I played the corresponding lead roles in this drama several years ago. It remains one of the greatest memories of my life. I've seen several adaptations of this play and enjoyed each immensely. It is a clever portrayal of the spirit of the Christmas story that's lighthearted, while reaching the heart of the connection between us and the birth of Savior of all mankind.Mitchell BowyerThe Christmas story comes to life in this creative twist on the traditional narrative. Exciting, charming, and witty, it's a congregation favorite year after year!Lauren BowyerThe Inn Keeper's Wife is a lighthearted comedy that captivates our congregation time and time again. Having played the role of the Inn Keeper's wife, I can say that watching the wonderful script put into action never got old, and there is always a thrill reenacting a Christmas story that truly could have been real! I'm so excited for this drama to be published! Yay!!Katie Bowyer"

Only two weeks from his crucifixion, Jesus has stopped in Bethlehem. He has returned to visit someone important—the innkeeper who made a place for Mary and Joseph the night he was born. But his greater purpose in coming is to pay a debt. What did it cost to house the Son of God? John Piper shares a tale of what might have been through the story-poem of an innkeeper whose life was forever altered by the arrival of the Son of God. Ponder the sacrifice that was made that night. Celebrate Jesus's birth and the power of his resurrection. And encounter the hope his life gives you for today—and for eternity. This imaginative story has been redesigned and makes a great gift for families.

“With edge-of-your-seat suspense, Goodnight’s deliciously intricate series draws to a close . . . Many truths are slowly revealed as love overtakes regret.” —Library Journal (starred review) Welcome to Honey Ridge, Tennessee, where Southern hospitality and sweet peach tea beckon, and where long-buried secrets lead to some startling realizations . . . Grayson Blake always has a purpose—and never a moment to lose. He’s come home to Honey Ridge to convert a historic gristmill into a restaurant, but his plans crumble like Tennessee clay when the excavation of a skeleton unearths a Civil War mystery . . . and leads him back to a beautiful and familiar stranger. Once a ballet dancer, now co-owner of the Peach Orchard Inn, Valery Carter harbors pain as deep as the secrets buried beneath the mill. A bright facade can’t erase her regrets any more than a glass of bourbon can restore what she’s lost. But spending time with Grayson offers Valery a chance to let go of her past and imagine a happier future. And with the discovery of hidden messages in aged sheet music, both their hearts begin to open. Bound by attraction, and compelled to resolve an old crime that links the inn and the mill, Grayson and Valery encounter a song of hurt, truth . . . and hope. “Goodnight’s third Honey Ridge book blends past and present in another seamless tale that will touch the hearts of her readers.” —The Romance Dish