The Inn of Dreams (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798223769545)

The Inn of Dreams tells the story of Xenda Grey. He grew up on a farm but had a burning desire to see what was over the far hills. As a dutiful son, he would never hurt or disappoint his parents which made him a good son but also made him feel trapped. When the Duke's recruiter came through the area, he jumped at the chance to join knowing that his parents could hardly object to his willingness to serve his Duke. After a tearful goodbye, he set off to meet his future. He had dreams of great adventures with men of valor who other men envied and for whom women swooned. In fact, he mostly scrubbed floors and marched. He determined that, in his years of service, he had marched twice the distance around the kingdom on a two acre parade ground.

When the time came to muster out he chose to stay in the city. Luckily, he found work almost immediately working at the Duke's stable. The stablemaster was a kind-hearted little man with sparkling eyes and a round belly. Xenda settled in immediately. The work was familiar, the pay was reasonable and he had food and shelter.

He had been at the stable for a few month when he decided to venture out and find some entertainment. Instead he was robbed and left unconscious. He woke up in Zora's lean-to. Meeting Zora would change the direction of his life. He found his great adventure that thrilled and sickened him. His acts of courage and efforts to protect the kingdom earned him the accolade Favorite of the King. After the battle, all he wanted was to return to the comfortable routine of the farm. As will happen, he met Charlotte. They married and set off to make a future together.

As happens in life, a breakdown changed their plans. They took over an abandoned building and made it a home. They gave comfort and protection to a mother and daughter who were escaping an abusive situation. Their kindness and generosity led to them meeting four men who would become woven into the tapestry of their life, along with their niece, Daisy.

Xenda was dealt a brutal blow when his beloved Charlotte was found to be seriously ill. She did not survive. He buried her in a field of periwinkle, near a stream. He recovered from his grief and soldiered on. As the innkeeper, he met people with wonderful or terrible life stories. Each one carried a lesson. He was changed by his encounters as were the travelers. He lived a good life full of love and duty. He helped and was helped by many. In the end, he was able to sit in the sun satisfied that he had done his best.