How Not to Run a B&B

By: Bobby Hutchinson

Narrated by: Randye Kaye

Bobby Hutchinson, a best-selling Harlequin writer, decides to open a B & B in Vancouver, BC, when sales of romance novels falter. Despite never having stayed in a B & B and knowing absolutely nothing about running one, she jumps right in. Strange people from nearby and halfway around the world arrive at her home with their stories and struggles, not to mention their baggage, psychological and otherwise.

Each chapter is peppered with a humor, a little tragedy and many life lessons (but mostly humor). There are sure-fire breakfast recipes guaranteed to turn out even if the cook is half asleep. In explaining why she opened a B & B, she says, "I was far too old for prostitution, the only other job I could think of which might net enough to pay the mortgage."

©2014 Bobby Hutchinson (P)2017 Tantor

funny, easy to read (listen to) book

lots of insights in B and B business, very funny author, sharing from her personal life, neighbours.. all the things that are there

Good tips with a bit of humor.

I liked it! The experience was real and not exaggerated. Good recipes but a little hard to write down being it audio.

Great writing style!I

I loved hearing about the Blue Collar Inn. I wanted an update though as to whether or not she ever got the fishing in that she was supposed to get (or did I miss that part?)

I was so sad to hear about her neighbor passing after she yelled at him, but that is a huge lesson for all of us to learn. I'm glad the cat found a loving home with the new owners.

Cheers to Book II soon (fingers crossed)

What does Randye Kaye bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The tone of her voice. It gave me a much better picture of the way it really was. A B&B run by a regular, everyday, humble and hardworking woman who makes the very best of what presents itself.

Any additional comments?

I felt myself reeling in anguish over Louie. Because I had impatient feelings about him as well, I felt so disappointed in myself after that sad night. He was alone. That really hurt my heart.
I was uplifted however, after Sammy was sought after by the-perhaps, unknowing family. I'd like to think he mellowed out. (smile)
I sure hope the next book is being written! This is the stuff that inspires many to make lemonade. Really tasty lemonade. That the author can make the best of any given situation is something we can all learn from. I love how she shares the stuff life hands her even when it isn't pretty. That's real life.

Delightful

So many wonderful reminders to cherish life's messes and mistakes. Thank you for the delightful recipes. I own a bed and breakfast in Maryland and this was so fun and relatable. Thank you!

Solid story - hilarious

I was searching audiobooks for business books on how to start a B&B and came across this book.

Whilst it is more a novel than a biz book, there are quite a few useful tips which made listening to this worthwhile.

I found the narrator’s different impressions of characters in this book hilarious, especially the deep male voice.

Worth listening to for aspiring B&B entrepreneurs.

An enjoyable look behind the scenes of a B & B

Many years ago my family had the opportunity to purchase a B&B. It sounded like a lovely idea and a wholesome way to raise our children.
Life had other plans for us and we never bought into that life.
After listening to Bobby’s “adventure in innkeeping”, I s as m both entertained by her stories and grateful that fate had other plans for my family. This is a lifestyle that seems lovely and romantic, but is clear not for the faint of heart. :::::smile::::
I did enjoy Randy Kaye’s narration and will look for other books that she’s read.
Thank you Bobby Hutchinson for sharing your story.

How to make a 50 year old hunter / fisherman cry?

Louie and Sammy. I thought about those three words being my entire review, an attempt at being clever, but it wouldn't be enough to say how grateful I am for this audio book. First: Very well written even though the word suicide, or a reference to it, is used at least seven times (6 in the first hour or so). I know I know the word "garden" is in there maybe a hundred times. Words are words but without going into detail some words effect people differently than others. Second: Bobby is very up front and tells it to you like it is like it was and like it will be. Who knew Canadians said some of those words. I figured that kind of descriptive language stoped at the border. Third: It goes by too fast (that's a good thing) I've listen twice in two days as my best friend is trying to lure me in to a B&B. This title seemed like the best first choice for audible study. Lastly: This book was read by Randye Kaye, who I now want to read my eulogy. Timing is spot on, the different dialects are appropriate and understandable, and it truly seems like Bobby was in the room directing as the tracks were laid down because Randye really seems to get it. Well done ladies. Bobby don't expect any reviews on the romance stuff. Imagine getting caught with one of those in a deer stand. "How Not to Run a B&B" I could explain easily. "Vagabond Lover: Undercover in Paradise" may be a little more difficult.

I hoped this book would focus more on the B&B

Listening to this book was like trying to keep on a deer path in the forest. It branched off in numerous directions that went nowhere, often offering minutiae that felt irrelevant. I did appreciate the author's sense of humor, but am sorry to say that it just isn't well written. And the narrator should avoid accents as they are not her strong suit. As a B&B owner myself, I wanted to commiserate, but in the end there was very little content about actually running an inn.