MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed the previous two books in the Misty Willow series so I was excited to have the opportunity to review “What Hope Remembers”. I have also read a number of other since I read them so at first I was having difficulty remembering what had taken place in them. Fortunately, “What Hope Remembers” is not dependent upon the previous novels and as I encountered characters from them I began to remember a few things. Amy Somers appeared in the previous books but not in the best light. In fact, she was mostly unlikable if not downright obnoxious so having her as one of the love interests was going to be intriguing.
Never fear! Amy had pretty much hit bottom and was carefully climbing her way out as she mended the relationships with the relatives she had hurt. It was gratifying to see the love and forgiveness shown to her by those who had reason to withhold it but Amy was having difficulty forgiving herself and was feeling pretty alone and hopeless. Along came Gabe Kendall, Amy’s first love. He was back to help his Aunt on her horse farm after his release from prison. When the pair encountered each other, feelings from the past immediately surfaced but shame and feelings of unworthiness made them keep their distance.
“What Hope Remembers” is a beautifully written novel with well-developed characters whose story is both believable and inspiring. The story moves along naturally with several unexpected twists, particularly one near the end that was heartbreaking. With its strong emphasis on letting go of the past, faith, and forgiveness, this book is one that will remain on my mind for awhile.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When you need a new beginning, sometimes the best place to start is home
When Amy Somers leaves her job as a lobbyist, she moves to Misty Willow, well aware that she’s crossing bridges she’d burned years before. With all the mistakes she’s made and the things she’s done, she can hardly believe that happiness will find her–especially when Gabe Kendall, her first crush and her first kiss, rides back into her life atop a buckskin mare.
A former Marine, Gabe is at loose ends after serving a prison sentence for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He sees beyond Amy’s hard exterior to the girl he once knew and loved, and he longs to see her open her heart. Yet with his vision clouded by shame for his past and fears about the future, it’s difficult to see the path ahead.
But the memory of that long-ago kiss just may have the power to reignite a romance that brings out the best in both of them.
Read an excerpt from “What Hope Remembers” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Jodie Westfall Photography
Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides and Where She Belongs. 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.
Connect with Johnnie at www.johnnie-alexander.com to share her love of random travel and the joy of treasured moments.
