Edgewater Road

Secrets, Secrets, and More Secrets When Jennifer Smiley inherits an old farmhouse from Ginny, her grandmother, she is excited for the chance at a new beginning. Her first item on her agenda is to get her grandmother's house cleaned out. As she begins the task, Jennifer makes some discoveries that cause her to question the few memories she has of her grandmother, and also has her questioning who her grandmother really was. In order to get some answers, Jennifer calls on her grandmother's very handsome neighbor, John Lincoln Bennett. One thing Jennifer knows is that her grandmother trusted Lincoln, and that must mean that Lincoln can shed some light on Ginny's secrets. And yes, Lincoln does indeed know many of Ginny's secrets, but he has some major concerns. Is Jennifer ready to hear Ginny's secrets, and in turn, is she ready to hear his? Shelley Shepard Gray has brilliantly written this story in a way that draws you in from the start and keeps you holding on until the very end. Jennifer and Lincoln's story deeply gripped my heart. I so wanted their relationship to grow, but considering how Jennifer and Lincoln were like night and day and came from such different backgrounds, I had no idea as to how it could possibly happen. But not to worry, because the way the author has blended the mystery of Ginny's secrets with Jennifer and Lincoln's relationship is just one of the many elements that makes Edgewater Road an absolutely awesome read. There are also some wonderful secondary characters which gave the story an even greater depth and made it all the more enjoyable. Also woven throughout the story were elements of judging others, overcoming your past, second chances and new beginnings, as well as a light message of faith. Some moments had me holding my breath, some had me reflecting, and yet others had me smiling and laughing. The author flawlessly combined all of these elements together into a beautiful and amazing story that left an impression on me long after I had finished reading it. Edgewater Road is just that good. ****I received a copy of this book from Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are strictly my own.

Edgewater Road by Shelley Shepard Gray is the debut of The Rumors in Ross County series. I thought Edgewater Road was well-written with developed, realistic characters. I could relate to Jennifer who prefers her own company to that of others. I liked all the secondary characters that included Bo, Seth, and Wayne. Wayne was a great addition and provided a nice twist (a young Amish boy). I did feel that the romance between Lincoln and Jennifer was pushed into the background, but I did not mind (you know I love mysteries). I preferred the suspense and mystery portion. Jennifer discovers that she never really knew her grandmother and searches for more information on her. It is a good thing that her grandmother was a pack rat. There is drama in the story and a scary situation. There is violence that is very descriptive. I did have some trouble getting into the story. Once I did get into it, I was curious to see how the story would turn out. I found this story different from the author’s Amish novels. The Christian element was light, but it was nicely woven into the story. I did have some unanswered questions at the end of the book. I was curious as to why there was so much ammo in the barn and why did Jennifer’s father want the house (greed or was it something else). I liked how the ex-cons helped Jennifer and came to care for her. Edgewater Road mixes romance, family drama, secrets, hope, second chances, curiosity, and faith into one charming story.

Quiet Jennifer Smiley moves to Ross County when her grandmother leaves Jennifer her country home. She sees this as a chance to be on her own and have a new beginning. What she never expected was to be both scared and fascinated by her new neighbors, all ex-cons. But especially so by their boss, LIncoln Bennett. A man who has redeemed himself and wants to give others like him a chance to become better men as well as one whose past was intertwined with Ginny, Jennifer’s grandmother. A woman who unbeknown to her granddaughter, kept many secrets, not all good. As Jennifer gets to know her neighbors, a sort of friendship develops. Especially with Lincoln. The attraction is evident, but Lincoln feels he is not good for Jennifer, and continues to send mixed messages. But whenever a possible danger arises, the men are there for her. Will Lincoln and Jennifer allow the past or the future to keep them from finding their happiness? Will they stop being afraid to love? I have to confess that it took me a while to get invested in the story. Something that has not happened before when I start a book by this author. That said, once I got into it, I did enjoy it. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.