"When Love Arrives" by Johnnie Alexander

A playboy turns his life around when he learns he fathered a son and meets a woman who is not even remotely who he thought he needed.

---

Dani had planned to spy on Brett--so how did she end up on a date with him? 

Dani Prescott can't believe the lie Brett Somers is trying to sell to the media. During an interview about the plane crash that killed his parents, he blamed Dani's mother. But the crash killed her as well. Vowing to restore her mother's reputation, Dani has been following Brett and taking photos, hoping to find something she can use to discredit him. But when she catches his eye instead, she quickly finds herself agreeing to a date. Brett knows this mystery girl is hiding something--but he's got his own secrets to keep. What will happen when he discovers who she really is?

---

When Love Arrives is the second novel in Johnnie Alexander's Misty Willow series. While it does stand alone, the reader will have a better understanding of the characters and a richer reading experience by reading book one, Where She Belongs, first.

I was very interested to read When Love Arrives because it's about Brett, the sort-of villain from Where She Belongs. I thought that I might have trouble rooting for him, but I found that I actually liked him right away. I also liked Dani, the woman who was out to ruin Brett before she realized he wasn't really the callous playboy she anticipated.

Dani and Brett have a very sweet love story, and I especially appreciated watching Brett struggle to be a better man as he approached his relationship with Dani. Though a lot of things happened through the course of the book, I did feel that the plot moved a little slowly. I also thought that Dani's initial plot to discredit Brett seemed like too harsh of a reaction to his comments about her mother—especially in light of the character she displayed throughout the novel.

Overall, I enjoyed When Love Arrives—it's a great redemption story coupled with a sweet romance, and the dialog is peppered with fun movie references. (Any time the classic Charade is mentioned, I'm a happy camper!) It's a fun return to the world of Misty Willow, and I look forward to continuing the story with book three next summer. 4 stars.

Buy the book.
Read my review of Where She Belongs (4 stars).

---

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.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."