This was such an enjoyable book! I had not read any other books by Johnnie Alexander, but I can already say that it will be hard to wait until book two of this Misty Willow series releases.
I really liked the two main characters, AJ and Shelby. For the first part of the story, I originally felt that Shelby hung on to her grudge against the Sullivans for too long. She extended that grudge to AJ, part of the Sullivan family. I wanted her to “get over it” and realize that he was not his grandfather. But, as the story progressed and I learned more about what tore her family apart, I understood her feelings and I decided that the way she reacted made perfect sense. It also provided the opportunity for this character to really grow a lot spiritually through the novel. I absolutely loved the difference in the way Shelby viewed life at the beginning of the story with the peace she found at the end.
The attraction between Shelby and AJ was palpable and the longing I felt for things to work out between them made for such an engrossing read. There was a love triangle complication, past relationship issues to be resolved, family members with ulterior motives, and two precious little girls. I was also pleasantly surprised when I began reading this book and discovered that there were hints at some kind of trouble from the past that could impact everything. I loved watching that information unfold.
(5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Shelby Kincaid is ready to move on from her grief. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family’s ancestral homestead so she can raise her young daughters in the only place she ever truly belonged. She plans to transform the abandoned house into the perfect home of her memories. But she’ll have her work cut out for her.
AJ Sullivan never wanted the homestead. Inherited as a punishment from his grandfather, it has sat empty for fifteen years and fallen into ruin. He’s glad to finally unload it. But a clean break isn’t possible when he can’t get the young widow Shelby off his mind.
Welcome to Misty Willow, a place that will have as great a hold over the reader as it does over its inhabitants. With writing that evokes a strong sense of place and personal history, Johnnie Alexander deftly explores the ties that bind us to home–and the irresistible forces that draw us to each other.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Johnnie Alexander writes inspiring stories that linger in the heart. Where Treasure Hides, her debut novel, won the ACFW Genesis Contest (2011) and Golden Leaf Award (2014). The first of her three contemporary romances, Where She Belongs (Misty Willow Series), releases from Revell in January 2016.
She also has won Best Novel and Best Writer awards (Florida Christian Writers Conferences), and Bronze Medalist (My Book Therapy Frasier Contest).
A graduate of Rollins College (Orlando) with a Master of Liberal Studies degree, Johnnie treasures family memories, classic movies, road trips, and stacks of books. She lives in the Memphis area where her morning chores include feeding dogs, cats, chickens, and a small herd of alpacas.
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