PAULA'S REVIEW:
“You are loved, you are cherished, and you are chosen by our Savior, and your identity is far greater than any label someone tries to place on you.”
South of Somewhere was such a good, hopeful story. I read it in record time. From the start, I rooted for Junie who had been through so much. This story had a lot of hurt and a lot of heart. A perfect struggle-to-overcome-addiction story with a happy outcome. It had a friends to more romance, witty banter, family angst and lots of great spiritual lessons. It was a peek into how different Alcoholic Anonymous meetings operated and showed how true friendships were made. A favorite character was Gilbert who was a probation officer, sobriety coach, and father figure rolled into one. But he was there for Junie with tough love, too.
This is one of the authors who writes stories that I savor, with characters that are relatable and a writing style that I have come to appreciate with each book of hers that I read.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Tyndale through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*Beyond 5 stars and a solid faith thread
BackCover Blurb:
When
Juniper Wilder's grief spiraled into addiction, leading first to an
arrest for drunk driving, then jail and court-ordered rehab, she lost
the most important thing in her life: her baby girl. Now, sober and on
probation, Junie is determined to prove she can be the mother Fern
deserves. But she's burned a lot of bridges, ones that can't be easily
rebuilt.
Not every road is closed to her, however. Exiled to her
late grandmother's South Carolina beach house, Junie starts over, ready
to pay off her debts and prove to her brother that he can safely return
custody of Fern. She works hard and finds surprising grace in an
eclectic recovery community. There's an unexpected friendship, too—and
maybe more—with her neighbor, Henry, a quirky college professor who
helps her believe in second chances.
Still, it's hard for Junie
to imagine ever forgiving herself, let alone receiving forgiveness from
those she's hurt . . . particularly when her past rears its ugly head
and threatens to undo every bit of progress she's made.
-Contemporary Southern fiction for fans of Lauren K. Denton, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Mary Kay Andrews, and Victoria Benton Frank
-An inspiring and hopeful summer read featuring a sweet, opposites attract romance
-Contains inspirational themes of recovery from addiction, second chances, unexpected love, redemption, and found family
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs, recipes, and a playlist inspired by Junie's story
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