"When Love Arrives" by Johnnie Alexander

When Love Arrives (Sept. 20, 2016) by Johnnie Alexander.*

Call it spying or call it stalking, but Dannaleigh “Dani” Christina Prescott was purposefully following Brett Somers, a young, handsome millionaire. However, it was an accident that they met. Too soon, Dani is off to a classic movie after introducing herself as Regina Lampert, and Brett is undeniably and inexplicably drawn to her. That one movie turns into seeing her the next day and the next. Soon, Dani is drawn into Brett’s world, ever aware about her real reason for being in Columbus, Ohio, and perfectly aware of his modern-day Casanova reputation, yet she can’t help admitting that he’s a much different person than she pictured. It goes against the one grain she had to propel her to track him in the first place. The grain in which Brett vehemently denounced Dani’s mother, who had piloted a plane that killed his parents. It also killed Dani’s mother, and it is his defamation in one interview that has led her to where she is now. A now in which they are clearly drawn to each other. Dani knows she has to tell Brett that she knows who he is and how, and Brett knows Dani is keeping a secret. What will happen when the truth is out? Will their budding attraction survive the resurfaced pain?

            This contemporary romance, inspirational fiction novel is written well. The characters are uniquely fleshed out, despite the ever-popular feature that all the characters are extremely attractive. As smartly written as this novel is, I’ll admit that it moved slower for me than I’d have liked, though not slow enough to quell my interest in possibly picking up the third installment when it’s released. As indicated, friendship will shift to budding romance, but don’t forget the big secret that Dani keeps from Brett. This isn’t only a story of romance, but of forgiveness on multiple fronts and giving it to the Lord to see one through it. There is also reconciliation with the Lord, even in such a seemingly simple way as coming back to prayer. Although I didn’t love the story, there is dimension to it.

            I want to close with a quote from a character named Aaron. He’s paraphrasing something Aristotle said in response to a question asking Aaron if he ever gets angry. He says, “I won’t get it exactly right, but he said something about the key to anger is having the right amount at the right time about the right situation. We’re not good at that. People in general, I mean.” (p. 256) We have all seen that, probably even in ourselves. Not our best moments and not the best of others, either. So if you’re angry, find an outlet that is not a person. Preferably an inanimate object, like a punching bag!

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. 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.”