Keeping the Faith is book 47 in the Tales From Grace Chapel Inn series about three sisters who run a bed-and-breakfast from their maternal ancestors' Victorian house in the village of Acorn Hill, Pennsylvania. Their late father, Daniel Howard, had been the pastor of nearby Grace Chapel, hence the name.

Widowed Mrs. Louise Howard Smith teaches piano as well as keeping the inn's books. Alice Howard is a part-time nurse. Divorced Jane Howard was a professional chef in San Francisco. She does the cooking and gardening. They share in housekeeping tasks.

These books have a formula: there will be a main problem and one or more problems for subplots. Guests and/or townspeople will be involved. Faith will play a part in resolving the problems.

Alice has been asked to be the editor for a wellness newsletter for the employees of the hospital where she works. She's nervous about interviewing people and writing articles. Luckily, Jody Monroe, one of the younger nurses, studied journalism before she switched to nursing. She's shy about interviews, but is willing to write. (It doesn't hurt that Alice is wise enough to consult the editor of the 'Acorn Nutshell' newspaper for tips in chapter 3.)

The very existence of the inn itself is threatened by the possibility of a rival establishment, bigger and more modern, coming to Acorn Hill.

Then an extraordinary young man, Perry Clay Garfield (call him 'Clay') enters their loves. Clay has walked from Omaha, Nebraska and plans to walk as far as New York. On the way he's promoting walking trails for communities. He certainly has the sisters' Aunt Ethel interested (Ethel's clothes are getting too tight).

Clay possesses a simple goodness and faith that inspires those who come in contact with him. I enjoyed reading about his interactions with the main and some of the supporting cast.

I also enjoyed the opportunities the authors took to slip in some health and ecological advice.

NOTES:

See chapter 3 for Louise's attempt to reason with the mother of a reluctant pupil. (Considering that this pupil's name is 'Charley' and another reluctant pupil in earlier books was named 'Charlie,' the superstitious might consider this an omen that Louise shouldn't to take on boys named Charles.)

See chapter 4 for information on proper socks and footwear for long walks.

See chapter 6 for diet tips for cats (poor Wendell). No mention of adding canned [no spices!] pumpkin to his food to reduce his appetite, prevent constipation, urinary crystals, and hairballs, I see.
Also, it's not easy, but cats can be trained to be walked on a leash.

Chapter 6 is also where one might read tips about preventing Type 2 diabetes.

See chapter 9 for tips about preventing heart disease.

See chapter 11 for a charming interview of a 97-year-old woman of faith.

Clay has advice about being environmentally responsible in chapter 12.

Chapter 13: I've read my Bible more than 40 times and Friday the 13th isn't mentioned in it. Clay's sensible information on the topic was refreshing.

Clay is probably the best thing about this entry in the series, although I can appreciate how difficult it is to try to do well by persons who do not have one's best interests at heart, so that subplot was good.

The recipe this time is Alice's Favorite Crab Dip.

Cat lovers: enjoy Wendell, the big (a bit too big) gray tabby. ( )