4.5-STAR REVIEW: WILLOW’S RIDGE by Gisèle L Grieves

Publication Date: September 20, 2020

Life as a young adult can be exciting. We seem braver and are willing to explore life, love, friendship and our sexuality. Ally is no exception.

Journey through Ally’s life as she goes through trials and tribulations, love and happiness, fear and devastation. Just when life for Ally seems to be nearly perfect, one phone call changes everything.

Willow’s Ridge by Gisèle L Grieves started slowly for me. Ally, one of the main characters, was hard to like, and it took a while for the story to pick up. But when it did, look out. 

The story was not what I was expecting at all. An emotional read that had me crying, sniffling, almost sobbing and gave me a headache and congestion but was oh, so worth it. I kept turning the pages and didn’t want to put it down. There were definitely surprises throughout—some good, some bad.

Set in Canada, we get to know the characters a little at a time. James, Ally’s love interest, was likable from the first, and while he and Ally had chemistry, she didn’t understand why he didn’t want to act on it. As they got to know each other better, they really clicked and were stronger in their relationship as a result. 

Ally’s family is warm and caring, while James’ family is dysfunctional, and his mom and sister believe the world revolves around them. His father, who’s divorced from his mother, is a caring individual, and it’s hard to believe he and his ex were ever a couple. Given his mother’s behaviors and actions, it’s very surprising James turned out as well as he did and is successful in his career.

When life doesn’t seem like it can get much better for Ally and James, an unexpected tragedy strikes their family. How they were able to get through it together speaks to their relationship and fortitude but also the strength of their love and commitment. 

I loved how family, friends, members of their church, and others in their community rallied around them in the ensuing years. There are twists and turns to the story, along with anger, sadness, and grief. There are gatherings, get-togethers, celebrations, laughter, lots of loving, romance, and love in the good times. The story has a nice flow after its slow start and a beautiful closure in many different ways. 

Willow’s Ridge is a richly beautiful tapestry of love, strength, and moving on to live your best life despite previous trials. Ms. Grieves knows how to pull at every heartstring, and I am here for it!

Ms. Grieves is a new-to-me author. I look forward to reading her other book, Country Hearts, and hope there will be many more.

Gisèle was born in a small town in Northern Ontario and now resides in the most southern part of the province. She has been married for 16 years and has 4 wonderful children. Gisèle has had many careers over the years, ranging from truck driving and selling insurance, to working in schools and cattle ranching. No job has ever mattered more to her than being a mom. Gisèle started writing to give her something to do once her kids were in bed. She also has a vivid imagination, and writing gives her a way to get her thoughts out. What started out as a guilty pleasure has turned into is something much bigger. She is excited to share this second novel with her readers.

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