Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander

Shelby Kincaid is ready to move forward after the death of her husband left her devastated. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family's homestead, Misty Willow, 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 has her work cut out for her.

AJ Sullivan never wanted Shelby's family homestead in the first place. His grandfather left it to him as punishment for not following his wishes, and he's let it fall into ruin. AJ's more than happy to unload it to this spitfire of a woman. But even after angry exchanges over the state of the house, he can't get her off his mind.

With writing that evokes a strong sense of place and family history, Johnnie Alexander deftly explores the ties that bind us to home--and the irresistible forces that draw us to each other.

This is the first book I have read by Johnnie Alexander.  It will not be the last.  I’m not sure what I was really expecting but I was delighted with what I found.  Shelby’s character was that of a widowed mother with two young daughters.  She was trying to bring back past memories of where she was the happiest.  At the home of her grandparents whit had been abandoned and left to fall down.  AJ Sullivan is just happy to get rid of the property his grandfather saddled him with.  There are family secrets on both sides that have been hidden for way too long.  Shelby had to learn that happiness wasn’t a place and AJ had to learn to forgive himself and his grandfather for what had happened in the past.  The ending had a twist I never saw coming.  The secrets that were revealed made the entire story. 

I highly recommend this book to everyone.  I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.