‘Guarded’ tells a beautiful story

Readers may remember I reviewed Angela Correll's first book, 'Grounded” in 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 now is 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 World War II 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.