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New York City flight attendant Annie Taylor is grounded, putting a halt to weekends in Rome and her jet-setting lifestyle. Soon her noncommittal boyfriend’s true nature is revealed, and to top it all off, she loses her apartment.

With nowhere else to go, Annie leaves the city for the family farm in Kentucky, a place she’s avoided for years. She finds a shotgun-wielding grandmother, a farm in disrepair, and a suspicious stranger renting the old stone house.

The country quiet haunts Annie with reminders of a past that can’t be changed. She tries persuading her grandmother to sell the farm, but is met with stubborn refusal? Yet in the midst of her crashing life, Annie sees a glimmer of hope for a second chance.

Jake Wilder is contemplating jumping off the corporate ladder to follow his passion for sustainable farming. He’s almost ready to propose to Camille, a girl who wants more, not less. Annie believes Jake is about to make a terrible mistake, but does she have the right to tell him?

As the summer heats up, so do Annie’s unexpected feelings for Jake and her interest in the land. When a sudden phone call comes from New York, Annie is forced to choose between coming to terms with her past or leaving it all behind.

274 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

22 people are currently reading
1249 people want to read

About the author

Angela Correll

11 books143 followers
Angela Correll is the author of Restored in Tuscany, released March, 2024, along with Grounded, Guarded and Granted, a trilogy of novels that became Amazon bestsellers and have been adapted to the stage for sold-out audiences. She is also co-founder of Wilderness Road Hospitality, a suite of hospitality businesses in Stanford, Kentucky.

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5 stars
162 (36%)
4 stars
159 (35%)
3 stars
86 (19%)
2 stars
25 (5%)
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10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for Lesley.
291 reviews32 followers
October 6, 2013
If I had to pick one word to describe this book it would be "nice". It's just a "nice" book. It's an easy read that doesn't stir up too many emotions and doesn't have much action. If I had known it was Christian literature, I never would have picked it up in the first place. While the story was quite interesting, though a tad predictable, I wanted nothing to do with the religious "teachings" of it. I found some of the dialogue a bit forced and not quite organic feeling... but maybe that's because I'm not a Southerner? One thing I liked was the discussion of "new" farming practices and I feel like I could go can my own green beans now :)
Profile Image for PopcornReads - MkNoah.
938 reviews101 followers
November 12, 2013
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Staying Warm/Keeping Cool Giveaway Hop. Just the name of this hop made me think about a novel I could get cozy with on a cold winter night. For that reason I’ve chosen Grounded by Angela Correll. When I read the publisher’s description of Grounded, it resonated with me personally but I also thought it was universal and timely given what so many people have gone through in the recent economic upheaval in the U.S. Layoffs seem to have been the norm instead of the exception for the last 4-5 years. In fact a friend said on Facebook just the other day that layoff season was approaching at her company, a phenomenon of the times.

This is a novel about finding what’s important to you in life, getting back in touch with your values. It’s about family, roots, and most of all about reinventing yourself – and that’s something we all have to do at some point in our lives. Although I’d classify it as contemporary Southern women’s fiction, I think it will resonate with most people no matter where they live or where they come from. And someone is going to win a copy in our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6772.
Profile Image for bumblethunderbeast.
1,046 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2014
I really wanted to like this, but after 89 pages (11 chapters) I surrendered. It wasn't the oh-so-predictable plot, because the storyline is one I genuinely like. Perhaps it was the combination of myopic and flat characters who were making achingly predictable choices. Whatever it was, I am very disappointed. With its high rating, I expected more.
Profile Image for Laura.
66 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2025
This was a cute, clean read.
Profile Image for Logan Cantrell.
31 reviews8 followers
September 27, 2013
I found this novel extremely refreshing and perfect for Correll's debut novel. Being a southern girl myself, it was extremely relatable and familiar. At times I felt like I was reading about my family and hometown. I absolutely loved the characters, especially the grandmother. Her strong personality and stubbornness reminds me of my grandmother. She definitely made me laugh. I also really loved that she quoted scripture throughout the book. I loved that this book was extremely clean. It is a nice change compared to many other novels out there. I feel really good about recommending this book to family and friends, since I am often reluctant to do so with other novels because of the language. The story reminds you how special and valuable home is and reminds you of the importance of family and your heritage.

The only negative I would give this book is that it was a little slow through the middle. It had a great beginning and end, but the middle did seem to drag for a bit. Other than that, it kept my attention and I was able to fly through it. It was a very enjoyable book.

If you're looking for a feel-good read, this is the book for you! It will bring you home to the south and make you smile. I look forward to reading the sequel! I gave Grounded 5 stars.

This book will be available October 1st! Be sure to grab your copy!
Profile Image for Chris  C - A Midlife Wife.
1,833 reviews463 followers
February 8, 2015
This story is set in Kentucky where everyone knows you and the boy next door is probably the one you marry. I love the way the author tells the story of Annie and the relationship she has with her only living relative, her grandmother. They are from different times and have very different views, but the longer Annie spends with the grandmother, the more they come to understand each other.

Classified as contemporary women’s fiction but also as Christian Fiction, this book has everything you want in a awesome read. A bit of romance, a touch of heartbreak, plenty of family and friends, a touch of mystery, and lots of down home wisdom that only grandparents know how to dole out. It is a refreshing story that leaves you wondering just what the future will hold. Maybe a sequel is in the works because this story is not completed. When you want to read more… it’s a great book! Definitely one to pick up!
Profile Image for Jonnie.
817 reviews
September 14, 2020
Having grown up in a small Kentucky town near the writer's hometown, I thought it would be interesting to read her depiction of the area. The storyline was interesting although the description of the southern small town and dialogue would have been more accurate for the 1950s and 60s than current day.

This isn't the genre I normally like reading so maybe that is why my rating is lower than others. There is little action or suspense and thankfully no romance. However, do be prepared for frequent religious references. I personally found the writing overly descriptive in some places with no reason for the added paragraphs. This forced me to speed read through several paragraphs at a time which made it quick read.

In summary, if you like the Hallmark Channel then you will probably like this book.
Profile Image for Kerry - Readkerryread .
1,388 reviews6 followers
May 19, 2016
This book had a sort of cadence to it, and I found myself along for the ride. Having to figure out what to do while waiting to be hired back as a flight attendant, Annie goes back home. Her Grandmother is looking forward to teaching Annie about farm life and growing her own food, while imparting her wisdom and family history.

Annie's best friend from childhood is also at a crossroad and is trying to decide his future. A sweet tale about finding your passion, family ties, and following your heart.

Profile Image for Jessica *The Lovely Books*.
1,265 reviews650 followers
December 13, 2017
I think the most disappointing part of the whole book was the romance aspect of it. While the heroine and hero were childhood best friends, we didn’t really get to see much interaction between the two. One minute he’s in a relationship with another woman and then bam, he loves Annie. No build up. To be fair, he’s always loved her but again, there was no build up.

Other than that, I loved the southern roots and the farm life. Will definitely be picking up the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
July 16, 2014
I loved this book! Reminded me so much of growing up and spending time at my Granny's
Profile Image for Louise.
1,548 reviews87 followers
September 27, 2013
Story Description:

Koehler Books|October 1, 2013|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-1-938467-56-1

New York City flight attendant Annie Taylor is grounded, putting a halt to weekends in Rome and her jet-setting lifestyle. Soon her noncommittal boyfriend’s true nature is revealed, and to top it all off, she loses her apartment.

With nowhere else to go, Annie leaves the city for the family farm in Kentucky, a place she’s avoided for years. She finds a shotgun-wielding grandmother, a farm in disrepair, and a suspicious stranger renting the old stone house.

The country quiet haunts Annie with reminders of a past that can’t be changed. She tries persuading her grandmother to sell the farm, but is met with stubborn refusal. Yet in the midst of her crashing life, Annie sees a glimmer of hope for a second chance.

Jake Wilder is contemplating jumping off the corporate ladder to follow his passion for sustainable farming. He’s almost ready to propose to Camille, a girl who wants more, not less. Annie believes Jake is about to make a terrible mistake, but does she have the right to tell him?

As the summer heats up, so do Annie’s unexpected feelings for Jake and her interest in the land. When a sudden phone call comes from New York, Annie is forced to choose between coming to terms with her past or leaving it all behind.

My Review:

Thirty-two-year-old, Annie Taylor was a ten-year flight attendant with TransAir. Right now she is warned about losing her job as there are other airline companies attempting a takeover. Losing her job would make it difficult to pay her part of the rent on the apartment she shared with three other flight attendants. However, her handsome boyfriend, Stuart told her not to worry about it that he’d look after her.

Annie met Stuart six months ago at a costume party. Not only was he extremely good looking, but successful and rich. For her birthday just past, he gave her a pair of beautiful diamond earrings and asked her to move in with him.

Soon enough, Annie finds out some very disturbing news about Stuart. She accidentally bumped into someone she didn’t know and they struck up a conversation about Peoria, Illinois and Annie happened to mention her boyfriend had grown up there. Well, she received some very unexpected news, with details, about her lover, Stuart. Annie went directly to his office to in the financial district of New York, but Stuart wasn’t there. (I’ll leave it up to you readers to find out on your own what happened and where he was.) Feeling irritated and frustrated, Annie returned to work only to be confronted by her boss. He told Annie the takeover had taken pace and now she was out of a job, effective immediately.

Annie rented a car and made the twelve hour drive to her Grandma Beulah’s farm in Kentucky. Beulah was so happy to see her granddaughter after almost a year, except for a very short stop-over at Christmas. She planned on staying about a month, hoping by then that she could be re-hired at the new airline that took over TransAir.

The following day, a Sunday, was Beulah’s turn to host the after church dinner. With a beautiful beef supper and everyone happy to see Annie after all this time, they had a nice evening. Evelyn was there whose son, Jake had grown up with Annie after her mother died when she was twelve. It just so happened that Jake too was taking time off work to contemplate his future. Evelyn told Annie that she hoped she and Jake would have some time together for old time sake. Jake was currently dating Camille and had been since last fall, but Jake had known her father for years and he had been a mentor to Jake through banking connections. Camille was also coming down to the farm to spend time with Jake.

With the string of recent home invasions occurring lately, Annie suggested Gramma consider selling the farm and moving into town to a nice apartment with far less work for her to do. At seventy-something she wasn’t getting any younger but Beulah slept with a loaded shot gun underneath her mattress just in case these home invaders dared to get into Beulah’s place looking for money to buy drugs which had become a big problem in the area recently. But Beulah had no intentions whatsoever of selling the farm and that was the end of the conversation.

One morning, Annie decided to go for a jog around the farm area. On the way back she carefully took in the sites of the fences, the house, the old stone house out the back which had just been recently rented, the barn, and all the other out-buildings. Upon this close scrutiny she realized how much the farm had fallen into disrepair since her grandfather passed away a couple of years ago. At the same time, Annie did understand that it was a lot of upkeep for someone Beulah’s age. Annie missed her grandfather and used to love spending time with him. He always listened to her without judgment and encouraged her dreams for the future. Her relationship with her grandmother was a bit strained as she always had to turn any conversation into a lesson for Annie to learn. Her grandfather said they were too much alike.

Jake finally stopped by to visit with Annie. They reminisced about old times, talked about Jake’s girlfriend, Camille, and Annie’s break-up with Stuart.

Annie asked Jake what his plans for the future were and he replied that was why he was here at the farm trying to decide and sort things out in his mind. He was leaning toward farming where his real passion lay. Jake realized farming now required a big operation in order to be successful and sustainable which is what he had to investigate while he was here. However, Camille’s father wanted Jake to work with him in the hotel business as did Camille, but that wasn’t really his thing. Farming was definitely at the top of his list. After Jake left, Annie thought about how Jake was like a brother to her, but the years that had passed had pushed them apart. But “being with him again reminded her of their easy relationship, of how he made her laugh and his positive view of life.”

After walking through the old cemetery one afternoon and reading all the headstones of passed on family members, it really hit Annie at how much loss she and her grandmother both had suffered. Annie and her grandmother were all that was left of the family and she made a solemn vow to her grandmother that she would do everything possible in her power to hold onto the old farm after her grandmother was gone. Annie began to realize that the lack of visiting in the past had been a serious mistake and promised to visit more often. The importance of family and feeling connected was a glaring reality for Annie. She realized her poor visitation record had been hard and sad for her grandmother and she now regretted that.

Jake’s girlfriend, Camille finally arrived and before Annie even met her she sees them hugging and embracing each other which bothered her for some reason. After a few moments she pretends or tries to tell herself that she doesn’t really care, but deep down she does. It didn’t help matters any that from a distance, Camille looked to be about a size zero and with that blonde hair, it made Annie feel a tad jealous of her being with Jake but didn’t understand why it bothered her so much? Was she beginning to have different feelings for Jake other than the brother/sister type relationship they’d enjoyed their whole lives?

The more Annie gets to know Camille, the more she realizes that Jake is making a terrible mistake in marrying her. Annie found her to be deceptive, manipulative, and obviously a tad spoiled. But, was it her place to talk to Jake and tell him what she thinks and feels? And, what is she going to do about her job back in New York, will she return when or if she is re-hired by the new company?


I was totally captivated by Grounded. It was full of beautiful imagery that I could picture in my mind’s eye, it had just the right amount of romance to make the novel perfect. I loved the fact of Annie and Grandmother living off their own land. I loved Annie and Beulah, although their relationship was a wee bit strained at times, there was no doubt whatsoever that they loved and respected each other deeply. Annie’s time on the farm only enhanced and reinforced their bond. Their relationship made me think about my Grandmother and how much I loved her, we were very close but she’s been gone now for thirteen years.

Beautifully written, Grounded is a skillfully woven story that takes you through unexpected twists and turns. Immerse yourself in the heartwarming and surprising tale of love, forgiveness, the importance of family, and healing.

I guarantee your heart and soul will be touched by this charmingly written novel!!!

Profile Image for Teri.
95 reviews11 followers
July 26, 2024
Flight attendant Annie gets laid off and then leaves her dead end relationship with her boyfriend on the same day. But she just gave up her apartment to move in with him before she realized he wasn’t who she thought he was. Without anywhere else to go, she heads to her Grandmother’s farm in Kentucky, where she was raised. While there, she starts to see life in a different perspective and asks herself what is it that she really wants. This story is full of goodwill, second chances and a little bit of romance which make for an enjoyable read.

When I was describing this book to friends that would ask what I was reading, I kept using the word wholesome. That’s exactly what this story is, wholesome. So, if you need a break from all of the mainstream books that are pages upon pages of nothing but sex, murder, vulgarity, and betrayal, then his is the book for you. I found it to be a refreshing change of pace and will gladly recommend it in the future.

Oh and I didn’t realize it until I searched for other books by this author, but this is the first book in a trilogy. So now I have the other two to look forward to reading. 😁📚
Profile Image for Hope.
1,504 reviews161 followers
January 4, 2018
I read the second book in the series first (Guarded) and I think the author was hitting her stride by the second installment. Parts of Grounded felt a little forced to me. I'm not against buying local, farm-to-table produce, or sustainable farming, etc., but Correll mentioned them one time too many for them seem like a natural part of the story. Also, although the characters talk about God much more naturally than in most Christian fiction, there were a few times when the subject seemed forced - like when Annie recommits her life to the Lord out of nowhere.

Still, I like Correll's "voice" and the varied personalities of her characters. I was glad the romance wasn't front and center in this book. And that Annie matures as the book goes along. She wasn't just grounded from flying as a stewardess, but she learned to be grounded in the things that matter.
Profile Image for Vivian.
1,347 reviews
June 9, 2025
I really wanted to like this book as it got a lot of good reviews, however, it just felt so predictable to me. Girl is “in love” with rich, handsome man who seems like a great guy. He wows her with jewels and wants her to move in with him. Only then does she find out that he is a commitment phobe who is always keeping his options open. So she runs home where boy next door just happens to come as well. Suddenly “home” doesn’t seem so boring and Hicksville after all and boy next door who was only ever a good childhood friend suddenly sets off electricity. Some other weird stuff gets thrown in there but we all know how this one is going to end. Nothing new to see here folks so I’ll just move along.
Profile Image for Tori.
382 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2021
So my last few books have been pretty heavy so I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and was simply a "feel-good" book. I grew up in the town she based "Somerville" on and it was like going home.

Some readers might be put off by Buelah's character but I found her absolutely delightful! This book made me long for home and a simpler time.

My MIL gifted me all 3 books in the trilogy for Christmas so I'm getting ready to dive into #2. If you want something to read that's warm and cozy, check out these books!
Profile Image for Lillian LeBlanc.
Author 1 book6 followers
May 11, 2024
A sweet story, and I greatly appreciated the Christian perspective.

There is a beautiful unfolding of the relationship between the main character, Annie, and her grandmother, Beulah. The novel contains meaningful life lessons on purpose and priorities.

It does drag just a bit in the middle; the pace could be stepped up as Annie adjusts to life on the farm and reconnects with her childhood friend, Jake. However, the last 25% or so of the story picks up considerably.

I’m looking forward to reading the subsequent installments in this trilogy.
Profile Image for Carole.
16 reviews
August 7, 2017
Good story

I enjoyed the story because it is so similar to my background growing up in rural Kentucky beat Lexington. I think the connection with the land is genuine and can be so strong. Although I don't live there now, there is still a draw and connection. The book is well-written and kept my attention although the plot was predictable except for the character Stella. A good fairly quick read.
Profile Image for Tammy Adams.
1,353 reviews16 followers
September 11, 2020
This was bland and boring for me. I didn’t particularly like any of the characters and it never felt like a “love story” between Annie and Jake. I was irritated by the jarring transitions between people/locations. It often felt like a few sentences were left out or something. Trying to hint that Stella was making meth was a reach. I’m not interested in any more of this series.
Profile Image for Penny.
Author 12 books144 followers
November 4, 2023
I loved this story of second chances. The setting is a comfort and the characters have rich personalities. I enjoyed the growth and changes in the relationship between granddaughter and grandmother as well as Annie and Jake's reunion. Grounded is a well-written heartwarming story. I can't wait to read books 2 & 3.
Profile Image for Megan Sandlin.
9 reviews20 followers
January 3, 2019
It is a beautiful story of life. It keeps the reader engaged in her/his reading all the way through. I highly recommend it to other people and be sure to get the other two books of the triology to really get inspiration and good reading.
13 reviews
July 3, 2024
Love that Correll is from my neck of the woods. She writes about a love story taking place practically in my back yard. Easy to fall in love with the characters and root for their love story to work out.
7 reviews
November 21, 2024
Wow! One of new all time favorites! I loved that it is set in Kentucky my home state, but I loved the story most of all. The importance of God and family. Good friends. Can’t wait to read the next one in this series!
Profile Image for Lydia.
49 reviews
September 1, 2018
This was a pleasant and enjoyable read. Easy, light, heartwarming, and hallmarkesque (can I make that a word?!). It was exactly what I was craving and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Profile Image for Cheryl Ballard.
314 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2018
Southern fiction by an Author from Kentucky. Sweet story with a nice ending and Christian overtones.
1 review
February 2, 2021
Page turner

Love this book! I felt I was back at my grandparents farm and reliving all of Annie’s experiences with her again. Page turner and a fast read. Recommend!
Profile Image for Dana McReynolds.
902 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2021
This is a great book set in small town Kentucky, written by a Kentucky author. I loved Beulah and could picture all of these characters from my own hometown. I can’t wait to read more of the trilogy!
Profile Image for Linda.
Author 3 books66 followers
August 19, 2022
A charming story filled with characters who will make you feel like you've crossed into the South and can slow down now! It felt like a vacation to enjoy time with these people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews

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