Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander

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.

My Thoughts
I have had this author's previous novel on my TBR list pretty much since it first came out but I just haven't gotten around to reading it. So when I had the opportunity to review this book I jumped at the chance (even though the plot didn't sound like my typical read) because I knew if I ended up loving her other book I would be kicking myself for passing up on this one.
Shelby and AJ where both great characters and despite a slightly rocky beginning they really fit well together. I really liked how AJ didn't let money change who he was or keep him from doing what he loved. And I loved how he was always trying to help and care for those around him. Also it was so cute how he interacted with Shelby's daughters. Shelby fiercely loved her girls and was determined to give them the happy memories she'd had from her childhood. She was a little stuck in the past but with good intentions and even though she was a little irrational at the very beginning she turned out to be pretty great and I loved watching her and AJ's relationship unfold.
Shelby's neighbors were all very kind and welcoming and I really liked their characters. AJ's cousins on the other hand where a different story. I didn't like Brett and Amy at all from the get go, though Brett did start to redeem himself as the book went on. I'm very interested to see how his story will play out in book two.
The plot was well done and kept me engaged the whole time. There was a slight mystery deeply hidden that really intrigued me and though it could have been woven throughout the book a little more the end was satisfying.
So all that to say, I enjoyed this book, I'm looking forward to book two, and if this sounds like your cup of tea then I highly suggest you check it out!

Meet the Author
Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides. Johnnie is an accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and taking road trips. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.