Friday, January 22, 2016

Misty Willow #1

Where She Belongs (Misty Willow, #1)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.

My Thoughts:
Published January 5th 2016 by Revell 

When I pick up up book to read I look at every detail and of course I start with the cover.  To me, this is a beautiful cover and tells a story within itself.  You see a couple embraced which tells me there will be a romance and the background gives me the impression of farm life and possibly small town.  
The back gives a description of can love redeem a broken past?  Intriguing.  The two main characters are Shelby Kincaid and AJ Sullivan and both appear to know what it means to have dealt with trouble.  
As I opened the book and began to read the author gives a hint at how complex the characters are which immediately draws me into the story.  Of course when she compares AJ to Cary Grant I immediately had a wonderful image of him in my mind.  (And I must admit it was one that I enjoyed.)  The author uses vivid descriptions to detail not only the farm house, but the entire area. Shelby's dream was to purchase the farm house that had been in her family for over 100 years.  AJ, the now owner, was more than glad to sell it to her, but someone was going to put a stop to it.  As a friendship develops Shelby finds herself battling not only for the farm, but also for love.
This is a wonderful amazing story of grief and how the past can shadow the future. 
This story is a combination of romance and forgiveness interlaced with a little mystery and suspense.  The plot was engaging and flowed effortlessly.  The characters and setting are detailed and perceptive.  The characters are complex and have real issues.  I really liked Shelby and  AJ.  
This is a book I could pick up and read over and over again.  I loved the plot and characters.  The message conveyed in this story reminds me that all things are possible with God.  
I give this book 5 Stars. 

*I received this book from the publisher as part of their bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  




285555_WhereSheBelongsAlexander_160x600 revised Giveaways of my latest release, Where She Belongs (Misty Willow Series #1), are happening throughout the virtual world. You’re invited to join in the fun at these wonderful blogs.
“Meet Johnnie Alexander–Author of Where She Belongs” on the Fiction, Faith, and Fun blog with Sarah Ruut. Deadline: Thursday, January 21st.
“Misty Willow: A Family’s Tree” on the Sweet South Blog with Natalie Monk. Deadline: Saturday, January 22nd.
“Author Spotlight: ‘Where She Belongs’ by Johnnie Alexander” on Suzanne Woods Fisher’s blog.Deadline: Monday, January 24th.
“The Inside Scoop on Johnnie Alexander and a Giveaway” on Relz Reviewz. Deadline: Wednesday, January 26th.
“Writer Wednesday” on the Thinking Thoughts blog with Emilie Hendryx. Deadline: Thursday, January 27th.
(See each blog for more details and official rules.)

Available for Purchase:





Meet the Author:

Johnnie Alexander 

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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2 comments:

  1. Katrina, thank you for your glowing review. I'm glad you loved the story. (Warms my heart!)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Johnnie, thank your for stopping by and your kind words. I am anxiously awaiting to read your next book.
    Blessings

    ReplyDelete