Angela Correll

I first became familiar with Angela Correll's writing back in 2013 with her first book in this May Hollow series, GROUNDED. In that story, we met Annie, a flight attendant who went back to Kentucky after losing her job due to an airline buyout and a bad breakup. Annie returns to Kentucky to take care of her grandmother who needs help after surgery. The story continues in the second addition to the series, GUARDED. At this point, Annie has begun a new life in Kentucky and finds a stack of letters in the old farmhouse that leads her on a new adventure she never would have expected.

In GRANTED, readers pick up right where GUARDED left off with Annie preparing for her wedding to her childhood friend, Jake. Her grandma, Beulah, is doing well and Annie and Jake are preparing to move into the old farmhouse after renovations are complete. Things get a bit stressful when Annie's new job isn't what she imagined and Beulah's friend has a heart attack. Wedding plans seem to be a low priority with everything going on until Jake has a great idea and Annie's Italian family has the perfect setting for a wedding.

Even though this book stands alone and gives you enough background information from the previous books, I think readers would benefit from reading the whole series. Correll takes great care in developing her characters in this small community in Kentucky so that the readers feel a part of the community as well. Correll feels strongly about her faith and makes that a part of all her novels. Correll also has a passion for sustainable farming and especially in Granted, it becomes a new focus for Annie and Jake.

This addition to the May Hollow series is just as delightful as the previous ones. You are more invested in the characters in GRANTED and care when they are hurting and struggling. When Annie and Jake finally get married, you feel as proud and happy as Beulah and the other family members attending. Correll's addition of Annie's father adds a story of forgiveness that can be inspiring to those who have been hurt or disappointed by someone they love.

If you need a feel-good story that is realistic, yet inspiring, check out the May Hollow series of books. I'm a fan of Correll's writing but, she isn't just a fantastic author. Correll is the owner of several businesses. Someday, I'm hoping to stop by Stanford, Kentucky to visit her shop, cafe, and bed and breakfast.… (mere)