Where She Belongs

Starred review from February 1, 2016

After Shelby Kincaid's husband's death, the grieving widow buys the farmhouse where she grew up in order to give her young daughters a new start. She is shocked to find that the current owner, A.J. Sullivan, has allowed Misty Willow to fall into ruins. He also is a member of the family that had been feuding with Shelby's for years. Despite her anger, A.J. is attracted, but Shelby instead allows herself to be courted by Brett, a wealthy attorney and A.J.'s cousin. She soon learns that Brett's secrets could rip her home right out from under her. Trusting A.J. may be her only hope for keeping her house and her heart safe. VERDICT Alexander, author of the award-winning Where Treasure Hides, launches a promising trilogy that emphasizes the importance of home and the sense of belonging. An overarching theme of forgiveness for past sins runs throughout the novel. Friendship, romance, and a bit of family intrigue make this book impossible to put down. A terrific choice for readers of Debra Clopton's "Four of Hearts Ranch" series. (See her Kissed by a Cowboy below.)

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