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May Hollow Trilogy #2
Guarded
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 houseguest 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?
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 houseguest 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?
274 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2015
35 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Angela Correll
11 books145 followersAngela 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 11, 2015
There are some novels that stick with you no matter how long it has been since reading it. Ms. Correll’s first book was one of those. I was surprised by the depth of the story and it really hit home for me.
This new release is written in the same vein, with depth and descriptions that take you right into the story. I could really relate to the fear and insecurity that Anne was feeling. Losing a job and having to come home. Hearing what others think about you… and the fear of unknown and yet the overwhelming love of family that she had too. This author has a way with words that just wraps you up and sucks you right in to the Kentucky homestead.
The author also takes you on an amazing journey through some old letters that were found and I could just imagine the feeling of loss and heartbreak – then the joy in finding secrets from the past. What a story!
This book takes you on a emotional ride from happiness and joy to sorrow and many feelings inbetween. A refreshing look at family today in a women’s contemporary fiction setting. This is one that you need to check out.
Do you have to read part one, Grounded? No, but I think it would really fill in so much of the story for you and make the entire experience worth it!
This new release is written in the same vein, with depth and descriptions that take you right into the story. I could really relate to the fear and insecurity that Anne was feeling. Losing a job and having to come home. Hearing what others think about you… and the fear of unknown and yet the overwhelming love of family that she had too. This author has a way with words that just wraps you up and sucks you right in to the Kentucky homestead.
The author also takes you on an amazing journey through some old letters that were found and I could just imagine the feeling of loss and heartbreak – then the joy in finding secrets from the past. What a story!
This book takes you on a emotional ride from happiness and joy to sorrow and many feelings inbetween. A refreshing look at family today in a women’s contemporary fiction setting. This is one that you need to check out.
Do you have to read part one, Grounded? No, but I think it would really fill in so much of the story for you and make the entire experience worth it!
July 30, 2025
This is a cute continuation of the series. It wraps up nicely, but still leaves room to finish the story in book 3.
November 23, 2015
Sometimes the best kept secrets lay buried where no one can hopefully find them. However this is not the case. When a fire burns through one room of the stone home in Kentucky, Annie Taylor along with her grandmother Beulah discovered a metal box containing letters from Beulah's parents as they received word from her brother Ephraim who was serving overseas during WWII. It isn't so much what is discovered in the stack of letters her parents kept, but why would they keep them buried beneath the floorboards of the bedroom?
Annie struggles with trying to find a job as she helps her grandmother decide if the family home is worth salvaging from the fire or whether she should just accept the paltry insurance check they they have offered along with a local estimate to salvage from the home what is left. It would mean the possibility to rebuilding a new home, but is it possible this old stone home is worth more than what the insurance company and others believe it is? Is there a possibility it might just be a historical landmark of some sort and thus gain some money to restore it rather than level it and begin again?
As Annie tries to find ways through research on the old family home she uncovers a bit about herself in the process. Just as her boyfriend Jake moves home, they are beginning to slowly learn more about one another. Why is it so easy for Jake to fit into this small town and find a job whereas everywhere Annie looks no one seems to be hiring, or it is that no one simply wants to hire her? Will she be able to come to terms with her own past before she can begin to discover a potential future with Jake or are some secrets simply better off not being known at all?
I received Guarded by Angela Correll compliments of Koehler Books for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review of the book. This is the sequel to Grounded, Angela's previous novel even though it's not formerly in a series per say and you gain quite a bit more of Annie and Jake's background as well as Beulah's if you start there first before reading Guarded. I love the tie in with WWII because I am a huge fan of history and love the elements that she incorporated to learn what happened to Beulah's brother during the war through real letters that the author read from people who had written home. It just keeps that element more believable as you read through them and understood how they might have wanted to keep those at home from worry while gaining a bit of home in the process by asking questions about what was going on at home. A wonderful story that is sure to resound in the hearts of romance fans everywhere and for me, once again another splendid edition to my home library, for that reason it garners a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
Annie struggles with trying to find a job as she helps her grandmother decide if the family home is worth salvaging from the fire or whether she should just accept the paltry insurance check they they have offered along with a local estimate to salvage from the home what is left. It would mean the possibility to rebuilding a new home, but is it possible this old stone home is worth more than what the insurance company and others believe it is? Is there a possibility it might just be a historical landmark of some sort and thus gain some money to restore it rather than level it and begin again?
As Annie tries to find ways through research on the old family home she uncovers a bit about herself in the process. Just as her boyfriend Jake moves home, they are beginning to slowly learn more about one another. Why is it so easy for Jake to fit into this small town and find a job whereas everywhere Annie looks no one seems to be hiring, or it is that no one simply wants to hire her? Will she be able to come to terms with her own past before she can begin to discover a potential future with Jake or are some secrets simply better off not being known at all?
I received Guarded by Angela Correll compliments of Koehler Books for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review of the book. This is the sequel to Grounded, Angela's previous novel even though it's not formerly in a series per say and you gain quite a bit more of Annie and Jake's background as well as Beulah's if you start there first before reading Guarded. I love the tie in with WWII because I am a huge fan of history and love the elements that she incorporated to learn what happened to Beulah's brother during the war through real letters that the author read from people who had written home. It just keeps that element more believable as you read through them and understood how they might have wanted to keep those at home from worry while gaining a bit of home in the process by asking questions about what was going on at home. A wonderful story that is sure to resound in the hearts of romance fans everywhere and for me, once again another splendid edition to my home library, for that reason it garners a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
August 18, 2016
I really enjoy a good family mystery and this book definitely delivered. I enjoyed reading about the different characters and found myself relating to more than one of them.
February 18, 2016
Another great book from Angela Correll!
September 30, 2017
I won "Guarded" by Angela Correll in a GoodReads Giveaway that I entered because I liked the cover and it sounded like an interesting book.
There are quite a few characters in the book, maybe too many. Some of the main characters seemed to be placeholders rather than fully developed characters that I cared about as a reader. I felt some of the people such as Beulah, Rossella and Vesta were more interesting, and cared more about them than the main characters Annie and Jake. The whole town seems to be preparing for Scott and Mary Beth's wedding which they appear for, but they don't seem to have much connection with the people, then show up for their own wedding.
I did not realize while reading it that it was the 2nd book with some of the same characters and was a continuation of their story. This book stood well on its own and as I was reading it I never felt that I was missing information as I sometimes do when I come into a series part way through. Now I wonder if I had read the first book if I would care more about some of the other characters?
Some questions bothered me during the book, like why Annie was let go from the airline when it was purchased but then thought about going back. If she was fired what made her think she could go back? That was answered way later in the book when it mentioned seniority. There were a few similar things that bothered me but then were answered later. It was almost like the author realized the questions were out there for the reader and threw in the answers later. The question that was never answered is why these keepsake letters had a special hiding place in the floorboards instead of just being on a closet shelf or in a cupboard somewhere?
One thing I want to mention is that the author has done a great job keeping the dialog in the book realistic and not making it hard to read trying to put southern accents in while people are talking. There is enough to remind you the characters are in Kentucky but it is not overdone like many books I have read that take place in the "south". I really appreciated that.
All in all this was an enjoyable read, I may track down the first book and read that also. This would be a very good read for readers that enjoy Christian books. Thanks for the Giveaway Angela, good luck with your writing!
There are quite a few characters in the book, maybe too many. Some of the main characters seemed to be placeholders rather than fully developed characters that I cared about as a reader. I felt some of the people such as Beulah, Rossella and Vesta were more interesting, and cared more about them than the main characters Annie and Jake. The whole town seems to be preparing for Scott and Mary Beth's wedding which they appear for, but they don't seem to have much connection with the people, then show up for their own wedding.
I did not realize while reading it that it was the 2nd book with some of the same characters and was a continuation of their story. This book stood well on its own and as I was reading it I never felt that I was missing information as I sometimes do when I come into a series part way through. Now I wonder if I had read the first book if I would care more about some of the other characters?
Some questions bothered me during the book, like why Annie was let go from the airline when it was purchased but then thought about going back. If she was fired what made her think she could go back? That was answered way later in the book when it mentioned seniority. There were a few similar things that bothered me but then were answered later. It was almost like the author realized the questions were out there for the reader and threw in the answers later. The question that was never answered is why these keepsake letters had a special hiding place in the floorboards instead of just being on a closet shelf or in a cupboard somewhere?
One thing I want to mention is that the author has done a great job keeping the dialog in the book realistic and not making it hard to read trying to put southern accents in while people are talking. There is enough to remind you the characters are in Kentucky but it is not overdone like many books I have read that take place in the "south". I really appreciated that.
All in all this was an enjoyable read, I may track down the first book and read that also. This would be a very good read for readers that enjoy Christian books. Thanks for the Giveaway Angela, good luck with your writing!
June 9, 2018
These books keep unexpectedly giving me the feels! This author is superb at conveying emotion without seeming flowery. My one and only dislike about this book is that the question of the stone house is all but gorgeous for a huge chunk. I devoured this book in just a few days. Without giving spoilers, I'll just say it was a bit jarring to be reminded that the house issue was still hanging around after another major story line (or two) had been resolved.
February 16, 2024
After reading the first book in the trilogy, I couldn't wait for this one to come out and again I devoured it. My only regret is that I now have to wait for the third book to be written before I can enjoy it as well. I am sure I would love to see these become movies one day as they remind me of Nicholas Sparks novels.
June 12, 2017
Loved her first book Grounded so Guarded was a must read. Looking forward to seeing Guarded on stage at the
Pioneer Playhouse this summer. Can't wait for Book 3! (Kentucky setting, Kentucky author, first loves, family, going home, letters, World War II).
Pioneer Playhouse this summer. Can't wait for Book 3! (Kentucky setting, Kentucky author, first loves, family, going home, letters, World War II).
June 25, 2017
This was the perfect summer read! A beautiful story of mystery, family, and love... Being from Kentucky, Correll's characters were so believable, from the nosy & presumptuous neighbor to the traditional Baptist.
I can't wait to continue the story in book 3!
I can't wait to continue the story in book 3!
December 9, 2017
I loved the history searches to save an old house, remodeling and the search for Annie's relatives in Italy that was throughout this whole book. I am going to certainly be looking for more books by this author!
August 5, 2020
Enjoyed this sweet story filled with plenty of family love, family historical mystery both here and afar, the wonderful and yet sometimes frustrating love of mature as well as young love and evidence of life enduring seemingly great obstacles.
February 9, 2021
Another enjoyable read! I've been a little surprised at how much I've enjoyed these books. The first two in this trilogy have been entertaining and relaxing. The characters are well developed and feel like neighbors to me now. I'm looking ahead to the next book and ready to dive in!
May 9, 2021
Loved this second book in the series as much as the first. From small town Kentucky to Italy, the settings were perfect. Beulah was the best character and her interactions with Rossella were hilarious.
February 13, 2018
Though I enjoyed the first book, this one became even more compelling as the plot thickened around the Italian connection and as characters deepened.
September 3, 2018
The second book of the May Hollow Trilogy is as good as the first one, Grounded. Kentucky author, Angela Correll writes about the lifestyle of Kentucky people and the traditions that make it great.
March 21, 2019
Guarded
Wonderful Christian novel about a Kentucky family and their daily lives mixed with worries and the everyday struggles of a normal family.
Wonderful Christian novel about a Kentucky family and their daily lives mixed with worries and the everyday struggles of a normal family.
February 7, 2024
This was my favorite of the May Hollow Trilogy!
March 21, 2016
GUARDED is actually the second book by Angela Correll which features Ann Taylor, her grandmother, and the rural Kentucky community where Taylor grew up. While I did not read the first, titled GROUNDED, I had no problems following this second novel. Taylor is now living with her grandmother and wants to restore the family's stone house which had previously been damaged in a fire. Hoping to access some historical grant money, Taylor turns to an elderly black woman in a nursing home who believes the stone house was the first home built in the state. As Taylor begins working on restoration, she finds an old tin of letters beneath the floor boards of one bedroom. Most of the letters were written by her great uncle (older brother of her grandmother) who died in WWII. But beneath those letters was one single letter written in Italian. When Taylor has the letter translated by a friend, the contents send her and the friend on a trip to Italy to discover a secret kept for over fifty years. While working to find the truth for her grandmother, Taylor is trying to face some truths about herself and her past. Is she like her father who could not settle down and who abandoned his young family long ago, or can she embrace her rekindled romance with Jake? Will she be content to permanently return to the farms on May Hollow Road? Correll has written a gentle novel filled with warmth, occasional laughter, and true heart. I had to chuckle when the Italian mother-in-law of Taylor's friend comes and spends a week with Taylor's grandmother Beulah because the Italian woman could not be trusted to stay alone back in New York. Both Beulah and Rossella believe their way, especially their foods are the best, and it appears that battle lines would have been drawn, but this is a novel of heart, and Beulah's lets her see beyond Rossella's actions into the overbearing woman's heart. It is then Beulah learns that beliefs and culture do not define a person; love for friends and family and having a purpose in life does.
I like "community" novels which feature a cast of interesting minor characters and Correll has supplied those. We have Jake's mother Evelyn who has been acting slightly forgetful and Tom, a lawyer and widow whose been acting the same. Then there is the town gossip Betty Gibson whose curiosity often is the source of trouble. Add in a few goats and chickens and there is plenty to like.
I want to thank Angela Correll for sending me a copy of this novel to review. I am delighted to recommend this novel to my fellow readers. I really recommend that you get both books and enjoy the whole story of Taylor, Jake, Beulah, and the town. I can see from Angela's website that she is making several personal appearances in Kentucky to promote the book. Just like I am thrilled when I find a new Wisconsin author who can capture the feel of our world, I am sure Kentucky readers are glad to have Correll on the scene. But I assure you that you don't need to be from Kentucky to enjoy her work.
I like "community" novels which feature a cast of interesting minor characters and Correll has supplied those. We have Jake's mother Evelyn who has been acting slightly forgetful and Tom, a lawyer and widow whose been acting the same. Then there is the town gossip Betty Gibson whose curiosity often is the source of trouble. Add in a few goats and chickens and there is plenty to like.
I want to thank Angela Correll for sending me a copy of this novel to review. I am delighted to recommend this novel to my fellow readers. I really recommend that you get both books and enjoy the whole story of Taylor, Jake, Beulah, and the town. I can see from Angela's website that she is making several personal appearances in Kentucky to promote the book. Just like I am thrilled when I find a new Wisconsin author who can capture the feel of our world, I am sure Kentucky readers are glad to have Correll on the scene. But I assure you that you don't need to be from Kentucky to enjoy her work.
January 12, 2016
Readers may remember I reviewed Correll's first book, GROUNDED in the fall of 2013. Correll writes from her Kentucky home surrounded by farm animals and gardens. She is passionate about farming and has her own farm-to-table restaurant as well as a shop that sells natural beauty products. These passions, as well as her faith, come through in the stories she writes.
In GUARDED, Correll picks up on Annie's story from GROUNDED. Annie had been laid off by her job as a flight attendant and dumped by the man she expected to marry. So, rather than going back to the crazy life she led in New York City, she returned home to her grandmother's farm in Kentucky. Move forward a few months, and Annie is now trying to find a way to fix up the family stone house that was damaged in a fire. While fixing it up, she finds letters hidden in the floorboards. The letters hold a family secret that will take her to Italy and back in time to WWII to find out the answers.
Since Annie’s return to Kentucky, she has been reunited with childhood friend, Jake. Their romance has been developing slowly and now that Annie feels like she is ready for a life with Jake, something from her past begins to put a wedge between them. With all these secrets, Annie isn't sure there is a future for her on the farm in Kentucky.
I appreciate how Correll has connected her two books while also allowing them to stand alone. Fans of her first book will enjoy reading about the same characters and new readers will enjoy her casual writing style that makes you feel like you are sitting at the table with Annie and her grandmother enjoying pie and coffee. The conversations flow and when their faith is weaved into the story, it is natural and not overbearing.
The historical piece in this novel was my favorite, especially the telling of the story through letters sent during the war. My mother's family also has a historical stone house and this story made me wonder about the secrets and memories that house also holds in its walls.
Correll did a beautiful job telling a story from the war that is not readily talked about. Her descriptions of Italy, the food, and the people made me want to book a trip there. This part of our war history has been ignored and her twist to this piece of our history was handled delicately and with love. This easy weekend read is perfect for cuddling up with a cup of coffee and a fire….and don’t forget the pie.
In GUARDED, Correll picks up on Annie's story from GROUNDED. Annie had been laid off by her job as a flight attendant and dumped by the man she expected to marry. So, rather than going back to the crazy life she led in New York City, she returned home to her grandmother's farm in Kentucky. Move forward a few months, and Annie is now trying to find a way to fix up the family stone house that was damaged in a fire. While fixing it up, she finds letters hidden in the floorboards. The letters hold a family secret that will take her to Italy and back in time to WWII to find out the answers.
Since Annie’s return to Kentucky, she has been reunited with childhood friend, Jake. Their romance has been developing slowly and now that Annie feels like she is ready for a life with Jake, something from her past begins to put a wedge between them. With all these secrets, Annie isn't sure there is a future for her on the farm in Kentucky.
I appreciate how Correll has connected her two books while also allowing them to stand alone. Fans of her first book will enjoy reading about the same characters and new readers will enjoy her casual writing style that makes you feel like you are sitting at the table with Annie and her grandmother enjoying pie and coffee. The conversations flow and when their faith is weaved into the story, it is natural and not overbearing.
The historical piece in this novel was my favorite, especially the telling of the story through letters sent during the war. My mother's family also has a historical stone house and this story made me wonder about the secrets and memories that house also holds in its walls.
Correll did a beautiful job telling a story from the war that is not readily talked about. Her descriptions of Italy, the food, and the people made me want to book a trip there. This part of our war history has been ignored and her twist to this piece of our history was handled delicately and with love. This easy weekend read is perfect for cuddling up with a cup of coffee and a fire….and don’t forget the pie.
January 14, 2016
What a delight to find another author to put on the favorites list! I immediately fell into Angela Correll’s second novel, Guarded. The charming rural Kentucky setting matched with appealing characters and a story that piqued and kept my interest all added up to a very pleasurable reading experience. This novel, definitely women’s fiction, is book 2 in a series and continues the story begun in Grounded. I have not read book 1, but never felt behind or confused — the author does a good job of naturally recapping the story. But I do want to go back and read Grounded. Correll is too good an author to miss out on her books!
Annie Taylor is back at home on the farm after ten years working as a flight attendant. Living with her grandmother, Beulah, is starting to grow on her, and Jake, the boy next door, has grown up and is definitely her soulmate. However, Annie is left feeling not quite settled and scared that she may take after her roving father in too many ways. As Annie strives to save her childhood home from the ravages of a fire, she discovers family history buried for too long. Letters from both the 1700s and the 1940s shed light on family treasures and secrets.
Do family traits carry on throughout the generations? Guarded explores the influence, for bad and good, of heritage and legacies. I loved how one secondary, yet critical, character challenges Annie to look at what God can do to change what others say is set in stone. Correll’s characters are very well-developed; I felt they could have been my own neighbors! The sense of place was strong as well. Can I please go to Kentucky (not to mention Italy!). Faith is naturally woven through the story and the characters lives’. While the novel is contemporary drama at its best, Correll does have a deft hand with humor as well. You are going to love the scenes between Beulah and her houseguest, Rossella!
Guarded is a great book, and I am looking forward to more from Angela Correll.
Highly recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Annie Taylor is back at home on the farm after ten years working as a flight attendant. Living with her grandmother, Beulah, is starting to grow on her, and Jake, the boy next door, has grown up and is definitely her soulmate. However, Annie is left feeling not quite settled and scared that she may take after her roving father in too many ways. As Annie strives to save her childhood home from the ravages of a fire, she discovers family history buried for too long. Letters from both the 1700s and the 1940s shed light on family treasures and secrets.
Do family traits carry on throughout the generations? Guarded explores the influence, for bad and good, of heritage and legacies. I loved how one secondary, yet critical, character challenges Annie to look at what God can do to change what others say is set in stone. Correll’s characters are very well-developed; I felt they could have been my own neighbors! The sense of place was strong as well. Can I please go to Kentucky (not to mention Italy!). Faith is naturally woven through the story and the characters lives’. While the novel is contemporary drama at its best, Correll does have a deft hand with humor as well. You are going to love the scenes between Beulah and her houseguest, Rossella!
Guarded is a great book, and I am looking forward to more from Angela Correll.
Highly recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
December 10, 2015
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.
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.
September 2, 2017
I really enjoyed reading Guarded by Angela Correll. The main character, Annie, had gone through some major life changes and we follow her in a journey that turns out to be more self-discovery than anything. It was something I could relate to in a deep level at this moment in my own life. I loved traveling to Italy with Annie in an effort to find lost family. Beaulah is a stickler who you can't help but love even though she makes you roll your eyes occasionally. The true star, in my opinion, is Rosella. Annie's friend's relative from Italy who stays with Beulah while Annie and her friend travel to Italy. I don't want to give any spoilers so I can't go into detail but Rosella is the spitfire Italian woman who many people in my family resemble. I wouldn't mind getting to try some of her cooking either.
Guaraded is a light-hearted and enjoyable read. It has a little bit of everything too: history, love, adventure and more. I loved reading letters from WWII and all of the research Annie did in an effort to reunite family and save a historical piece of land.
Guaraded is a light-hearted and enjoyable read. It has a little bit of everything too: history, love, adventure and more. I loved reading letters from WWII and all of the research Annie did in an effort to reunite family and save a historical piece of land.
December 4, 2015
I received a review copy
This cover caught my attention right away. The colors really stood out to me and then after reading the blurb and learning we would have the past mixed in with the present, I was sold. I love these types of books! The beginning started off a little slow for me, though I was interested in the events happening. I wasn’t super engaged yet … but then the letters were found and things started to really pick up for me. There are secrets to be revealed and a heartbreaking love story that unfolds that had my heart hurting as I read. The trip to Italy was really amazing to read, especially how everything was able to come together. While it took a while to pick up speed, I was left happy and fulfilled at the end.
This cover caught my attention right away. The colors really stood out to me and then after reading the blurb and learning we would have the past mixed in with the present, I was sold. I love these types of books! The beginning started off a little slow for me, though I was interested in the events happening. I wasn’t super engaged yet … but then the letters were found and things started to really pick up for me. There are secrets to be revealed and a heartbreaking love story that unfolds that had my heart hurting as I read. The trip to Italy was really amazing to read, especially how everything was able to come together. While it took a while to pick up speed, I was left happy and fulfilled at the end.
October 29, 2019
Annie came home to stay with her grandmother which lead to helping her with the fire damage on grandmother's historical home in Kentucky. Going through old things in the attic, a box of letters was found. The letters were mostly from her grandmother's brother who was killed in WWII. Under the box was a special compartment with a letter and a picture, pointing them to a connection to Italy.
Annie and her best friend decide to go to Italy to find this connection.
This was a pretty good book but not a page turner, nor was it highly romantic. There were lots of characters plus several small stories going on around two or three main stories, but the peripheral stories felt like page fillers that didn't amount to much. Could have been shorter or focus more on details of the main stories.
Annie and her best friend decide to go to Italy to find this connection.
This was a pretty good book but not a page turner, nor was it highly romantic. There were lots of characters plus several small stories going on around two or three main stories, but the peripheral stories felt like page fillers that didn't amount to much. Could have been shorter or focus more on details of the main stories.
December 24, 2016
Frankly, my expectations were low because most Christian fiction is hard to swallow. But Correll's book was a nice surprise. Unlike most Christian novels, the writing was good. People have Bibles, go to church, and pray, but faith is never forced or awkward. There is romance, but it isn't the only focus of the story. The lost/found letters lead to an adventure for Annie and her grandmother that brings healing to old hurts, which makes this light read very satisfying.
July 14, 2016
Angela Correll's follow up to "Grounded" doesn't disappoint. Her characters have become dear friends and I enjoy visiting with them. The culture in which Correll sets her story is one I recognize and it feels very authentic. (It may be my imagination, but I see a strong Anne of Green Gables influence.) I loved this book and look forward to the next.
April 24, 2016
I loved "Guarded" by Angela Correll. Now I will go back and read the first book of hers "Grounded".
This story was heartwarming, suspenseful, and with believable characters in the middle of many of the problems we all face. Just my cup of tea!
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This story was heartwarming, suspenseful, and with believable characters in the middle of many of the problems we all face. Just my cup of tea!
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
June 23, 2016
Truly enjoyed
This book was beautifully written but a VERY SLOW START. Stay with it..it gets better. It's all about family and how generations are tied together. Different cultures definitely add humor!
This book was beautifully written but a VERY SLOW START. Stay with it..it gets better. It's all about family and how generations are tied together. Different cultures definitely add humor!
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