When you have a book that is the “best friend or family member dies and I am following their last wishes that takes me on an adventure I was not ready for” style of book, I have found that I either love the story or hate the story. The story The Inn at Tansy Falls, had me hooked immediately, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with the Hallmark-esque small town of Tansy Falls.

Dearest Nell, if you’re reading this letter, I’m already gone. You’re my best friend in the world, and as my last request I’m asking you to lay me to rest hundreds of miles away, in my crazy gorgeous, totally one-of-a-kind hometown of Tansy Falls. I know you’re a born-and-bred city girl, but hear me out. After first losing Adrian, and then me… I know your heart is hurting, Nell. I think you’ll find that you need Tansy Falls as much as I do.

So, I’ve got it all planned out. For two weeks, you’ll be staying at the sweet, local inn and every day you’ll be trying something new. And if you follow my instructions to the letter, you may discover there’s more to my story than you think. A surprise something… or someone at the end of it? Only you can find out!

Some last advice before you set off, Nell. Don’t forget your sturdy boots and make sure to give Boomer, the inn’s resident dog, a belly rub from me. Stay well away from former quarterback Brody Knott (boy, do I have some stories about him!). And finally, let the future bring what it brings. While Tansy Falls may look small, I know better than anyone that new beginnings can be found in all kinds of places. That little Vermont town you’d never heard of? Well, it might suddenly begin to feel just like coming home…

If you love feel-good love stories by ReaAnne Thayne, Debbie Macomber and Robyn Carr, you’ll adore this gorgeous, heart-warming novel about starting over.

While living in London, Nell Swift’s best friend, Megan, passes away from cancer. Before she died, Megan gave Nell a letter and told her to read it after her passing. In it, she asks for Nell to trust her as she sends Nell to a small town in Vermont called Tansy Falls. Nell decides to take the journey, and while there, she meets quite the cast of characters, from a good friend of Megan’s to the owner of the town store, and characters in between.

Fans of Hallmark small town classics will absolutely love this story! I was pulled in from page 1 and could not put it down, even at ridiculous times in the middle of the night! This is one of those stories where I wish I could drop everything and move my family to a small town in Vermont or Connecticut for some crazy “find myself” adventures. But since I can’t, I am super excited to read that this will be an ongoing series, where I can revisit all the characters I fell in love with, especially Nell!

This is a story of friendship, loss, finding yourself and helping your friends along the way. All in all, this is a perfect, easy beach read that I highly recommend!

Possible trigger warnings: there are discussions of grief, of the moments leading up to Megan’s passing away from cancer, and having to experience the loss when Nell shares what has happened to Megan to those that knew her from Megan’s childhood.

Will you be giving this book a chance? What is your favorite small town stories you have read? Let us know in the comments below!