"Guarded"

by

Angela Correll

Description 

Former New York City flight attendant Annie Taylor is adjusting to farm life when her grandmother threatens to tear down the old stone house, unable to finance a restoration after the summer fire. Annie’s boyfriend Jake has severed his corporate life in Cincinnati and is jumping headlong into sustainable farming on the land next door. Their new relationship is wonderful--but can it last? As they take steps forward, a paralyzing fear of abandonment threatens to destroy her trust in Jake. As Annie works to save the old stone house she finds letters written during World War II that reveal a family mystery and an Italian connection. Her grandmother is hesitant to uncover the secret, afraid of what it might mean to her family’s name if the truth is laid bare. Comments from a nosy neighbor solidify Annie’s fears about herself and when Beulah agrees for Annie to travel to Italy to search out the family mystery, Annie is happy for the time away to sort out all her feelings. In the meantime, Beulah is left with an unexpected Italian-Catholic house guest who wreaks havoc with Beulah’s Baptist ways and country routine. As the family mystery in Italy unfolds, Annie is forced to face her own past. She is ultimately faced with a choice: will she let history sabotage the future? (Angela Correll) 

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

Biography

Angela Correll lives on a farm in Central Kentucky with her husband and an assortment of grass-fed cattle, horses, goats and chickens. Correll owns a retail shop and is co-owner of a farm-to-table restaurant. Her debut novel, Grounded, was an Amazon bestseller.

Visit the author's website at: www.angelacorrell.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angela.c.correll?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~ 

Guarded is a wonderful novel of family dynamics, including extended family and a search for information regarding Annie's ancestors. The old stone house on her grandmother's property holds a key to Annie's past, and her future. A connection with a brilliant, elderly black woman unlocked many of the keys to both of their families and an unsuspected history they share. 

I was so connected to this book that I had a lot of trouble putting it aside. Annie is a sweet but insecure young woman who is searching for pieces of her past and rekindling a relationship with the young man she grew up with. There is no predicting where this story is going. It's a witty and poignant adventure through a small farming community and beyond.

Characters vary from Annie's straight-laced baptist grandmother to her neighbor who is a sophisticated lady and mother to Annie's heartthrob. The neighborhood gossip can weasel a story from the most tight lipped individual, and numerous other colorful and believable characters fill in the gaps. I was so comfortable with each of the characters, they could have been my neighbors. 

Descriptive and tenderly written, there are layers to the story that are interwoven, leading to some very heartwarming and endearing encounters. I'm very impressed with this author's writing style, and look forward to reading more of her novels. Don't miss out on a wonderful journey through a closely knit community and blended relationships that will warm your heart.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.