When Love is Meant to Be by Ellen Knightley

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Secrets Buried in the Dust

It takes a rare kind of fortitude to leave the comfort of Virginia to chase a dead father’s "horrible secrets" into the Arizona heat. Amelia is a compelling heroine; while I’m not certain I’d have the stomach to go digging for such painful truths, her resilience is admirable.

The narrative is undeniably complex—at times, the author takes turns that feel more like added drama than logical progression. However, the payoff is worth the confusion. The author eventually ties every loose thread together in a dramatic climax that offers a "happily ever after," though it wisely acknowledges that some wounds, like those of her grieving step-brother, don't heal quite so neatly.

With a sister full of love and a man learning to move past his grief, the story is a poignant look at the families we lose and the ones we find. A sharp, emotional read for anyone who enjoys a mystery with a soul.