About the Book
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Courtney Walsh returns with a hopeful and emotional new book about seizing second chances, finding yourself, and forging your own path.
Beth Whitaker isn’t supposed to be a small-town girl. She’s always dreamed of leaving Willow Grove, Illinois, for the big city, but she feels trapped, struggling to make up for a mistake that’s haunted her for years. Just when Beth is finally ready to break free, her sister impulsively buys a beloved but run-down farm on the outskirts of town, and she begs Beth to help with the restoration. Reluctantly, Beth agrees to help—and puts her own dreams on hold once again.
Drew Barlow hasn’t been back to Fairwind Farm since he was a boy, and he’s spent all these years trying to outrun the pain of a past he thought he buried long ago. When he learns that the owner has passed away, his heart knows it’s finally time to do the right thing. Returning to Willow Grove, Drew revisits the old farm, where he attempts to piece together his memories and the puzzle of the crime he witnessed so long ago.
Both on a journey to find peace, Beth and Drew are surprised when they begin to experience a restoration of their own. But when long-buried secrets break through the soil and the truth unfurls, will it threaten their budding relationship—and the very future of the farm?
My Review
Four Stars
I love books that feature small towns. I also love books that showcase life on the farm. So when you combine the two, it's sure to be a winner for me and Hometown Girl was just that. It was a charming and heartwarming romance that I really enjoyed.
Beth Whitaker's life hasn't gone the way she'd hoped it would. She had a series of major disappointments that shattered her confidence and left her with somewhat of a defeatist attitude. She's a pragmatic perfectionist who's constantly trying to prove herself and feels like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Drew Barlow has a lot of guilt over something that happened twenty years ago. He's back at Fairwind Farm hoping to find closure. I really liked both of these characters. I could relate to Beth in a lot of ways. Drew intrigued me and I really felt for him. The constant pressure that was put on him as a little kid was so wrong. It was great watching them grow and learn to trust each other.
The element of faith was strong and woven seamlessly throughout. There was also a mystery aspect that I didn't expect, but really enjoyed. I did get a bit frustrated with all the secret keeping. There were times I wanted to scream at the characters to just tell each other the truth and stop hiding things from each other.
All in all, this story was a joy to read. I'm really hoping this is the start of a series because I'd love to visit Willow Grove again and read more about Beth's siblings. This was my first time reading anything by Courtney Walsh, but it definitely won't be the last!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Favorite Quotes
“I feel like I'm living with a bird in a cage. You've got wings, my darling daughter. Use them.”
“I'm saying if you do what you were made to do, then you'll find the peace you've been looking for. You can't work for it, you know. You just have to rest in it.”
