Review of When Love Arrives by Johnnie Alexander
When Love Arrives is book two in the Misty Willow Series, the follow-up novel to Johnnie Alexander’s book, Where She Belongs (Misty Willow Series #1).
In Where She Belongs (Misty Willow Series #1), we were introduced to Shelby Kincaid and AJ Sullivan, two characters on opposite sides of a years-old family feud. By the end, AJ and Shelby discovered that a shared history can create a beautiful future. In Johnnie Alexander’s first installment, we also meet a supporting character, Brett Somers, as he learns some life-altering news.
In When Love Arrives, we follow Brett Somers as he copes with the reality that he has fathered a son, only learning of the child after unfortunate circumstances land the boy in a coma. As Brett’s heart changes and he seeks to make things right, he’s brought face-to-face with the damage that his selfish behavior has caused.
As Dani Prescott digs for dirt on the man who ruined her mother’s reputation, she inadvertently runs into Brett as she follows him to the hospital where Brett’s son resides. When Brett asks Dani on a date, she says yes, telling herself that it will be the quickest way to find a devastating secret to use against him. Shelby, AJ, and the whole Misty Willow cast welcome Dani with open arms, giving her the family that she so desperately wants. As time wears on, Dani’s bitterness is slowly dismantled by the new man Brett is trying to be. But the truth Dani keeps hidden has the power to destroy the burgeoning romance.
Johnnie Alexander’s story-telling skills shine again as she deftly weaves themes of abiding love through her characters’ search for peace and redemption. Dani’s heartache is palpable, even as classic movies compliment Brett’s new-found chivalry. As a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed the by-play between the new characters and the appearance of some of my favorite characters from book one.
When Love Arrives was a wonderful addition to the Misty Willow series, and I’m eager to read book three. With believable characters, smooth writing, and light humor, this inspirational, Christian romance is a highly recommended read.
Johnnie Alexander
When Love Arrives: A Novel
Misty Willow series
Revell Publishers
978-0800726409, paper, 368 pages, $14.29 (ebook also available)
September 2016
About the Author
Johnnie Alexander imagines stories while raccoons and foxes occasionally pass by her window. Her debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, was a CBA bestseller and has been translated into Dutch and Norwegian.
Where She Belongs (Misty Willow Series #1), her first contemporary romance, was a Library Journal Pick of the Month. Recent releases include The Healing Promise (Courageous Bride Collection) and When Love Arrives (Misty Willow Series #2).
In addition to winning the prestigious American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Genesis Contest (Historical), she was named a Bronze Medalist in the My Book Therapy Frasier Contest and has received several conference awards.
Johnnie is marketing director for the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference and president of the ACFW Memphis chapter.
A graduate of Rollins College (Orlando) with a Master of Liberal Studies degree, she lives near Memphis with Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, the princely papillon who trees those pesky raccoons whenever he gets the chance.
Join Johnnie on her website at http://www.johnnie-alexander.com to experience the charm of country living, the love of random travel, and the joy of treasured memories.
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