After losing her husband, Shelby Kincaid makes plans to leave her Chicago home and return with her two young daughters to her roots in Ohio. Hanging on to memories of her grandparents' farm, Shelby hopes to revive the old farmhouse and make new memories for her and her daughters. However, for her plans to come to fruition, she needs to face her new "landlord", A.J. Sullivan.
As Shelby and A.J. begin their business relationship, they start to uncover that their family histories are quite involved. While these two start to unearth some family history and secrets can they learn to let go of family grudges and mistakes or will what they find make matters worse?
This is the first book I've read by Johnnie Alexander. "Where She Belongs" is the first in the Misty Willow series. I'm not sure how many books will be in the series, but I am disappointed that now I have to wait until Fall 2016 for the next one to come!
Alexander opens the book with good description. Not overly wordy, but paints wonderful word pictures and keeps this up throughout the rest of the book. The pace of the book moves really well and the narrative bounces back and forth between Shelby's view and A.J.'s view, which is a writing style that I like very much.
The setting is close to Columbus. I'm from northeastern Ohio, so that was refreshing to read about a location that I know. And the hero was a Buckeye's fan, my Alma Mater! O-H-I-O!!
Characterization was developed. The supporting cast wasn't excessive, so you could follow who was who and remember names easily. The spiritual struggles were real and could be identified with.
My only negative on the book was I felt the plot moved too quickly at the end. I would have liked to have seen more development there in the last chapters. It just felt like everything happened at once. However, to Alexander's credit, those things may be addressed in the next installment.
Overall, an enjoyable, well-thought-out read. 4.5 stars out of 5
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
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Roscoe
A good walking buddy and awesome frisbee catcher! Life cut short by a brain tumor.
Tuffy
If ever there was a candidate for Dog Heaven, it would be Tuff. Tuff was put to rest December 7, 2012. At almost 14 years old, he threw the longevity curve for dogs of his breed-makeup and size. He battled 2 types of cancer and Cushing's Disease as well as arthritis. Faithful to the end and never grumpy, depite the constant care and nagging from me. Always the protector, gentleman and companion--you will be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to know you.
Cranky Thomas
Ever wonder why it's called "Life On CT Farm"? The horse you see in the pictures is Cranky Thomas, a registered quarter horse gelding. He was born May 5, 1980 in Galion, Alabama and passed away August 3, 2004 on CT Farm--his farm. He originally belonged to my husband, but I adopted him and I think he adopted me. We competed together in contest classes at local horse shows. But, an old injury finally slowed him down and I retired him in 2000. He was a loving and patient being that I completely trusted and admired. There will never be another like him, never. He meant so much to me that I named our farm after him as well as my company, Cranky T. LLC. He's gone now, but is still with me and now you.
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