Book Details:
Title: Edgewater Road
Series: The Rumors in Ross County Series Book 1
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Pages: 289
Release Date: March 1, 2022
Book Description:
The first in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray, Edgewater Road invites us into a world of family mysteries, small-town secrets, and perhaps a little romance along the way.
When Jennifer Smiley’s grandmother, Ginny, leaves her an old farmhouse on Edgewater Road in seemingly quiet Ross County, Ohio, Jennifer can’t pass up the opportunity for a new beginning. Almost immediately she meets a group of men who generously help her move in. When she realizes that they work for Lincoln Bennett, her next-door neighbor, she’s intrigued. Lincoln is gorgeous and has dark, lapis-blue eyes she could get lost in … but he doesn’t seem all that friendly. She’s torn between getting to know him and sticking with the solitude she knows so well. Maybe she could let down some of those walls she’s built around her emotions?
Lincoln Bennett likes to keep his head down and get his work done. He’s been to prison and he knows that a lot of folks don’t take kindly to a man with that kind of history. Plus, he’s busy helping other ex-cons get back on their feet. But when he meets Jennifer, he can’t help but feel an instant attraction. Will she be able to look past his unsavory history? Will she be able to accept the men he’s working so hard to help?
While Jennifer gets to know Lincoln and his friends, she also begins to unravel her grandmother’s story, putting together the pieces from scraps of memories and things she finds in her new home. She soon discovers that Ginny Smiley harbored some dark secrets on Edgewater Road—and that those secrets include both Lincoln and her own absent father. Is learning the truth worth the heartache it could bring?
As the weeks pass and she and Lincoln become closer, Jennifer learns there is a lot to uncover in Ross County—wonderful friendships, darling towns … and more than one secret that might be better left buried.
My Thoughts: 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.
About the Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement.
Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.
She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.
Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news...or become her friend on FaceBook.
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