Readers first meet Jennifer Smiley and friends at her grandmother’s funeral. Jennifer has decided to move into the house she inherited from her grandmother, Ginny. Her mother isn’t happy about this move since she works from home and the house is in the middle of nowhere. Jennifer’s mother wonders how she will ever meet a nice guy and get married, living and working in the woods.

Lincoln Bennett, Jennifer’s next-door neighbor, offers her help after the funeral, with moving boxes etc. Later, she stops by his house to deliver a cake she’d made to show, thanks. Lincoln then introduces her to all the men in his program.

Jennifer is scared to death (after meeting the guys) and tries not to show it, but visions of “every television movie and sensational headline about ex-cons and rolled it into her psyche. She had been afraid to trust.” She didn’t know quite how to act, so she didn’t. Furthermore, she just tried to be herself and do her job. All the while, Lincoln makes sure she stays safe, and her house is looked after. I liked Lincoln and the guys he helped.

Jennifer is fun, to hang out with and a wonderful baker, but her naivete gets her in trouble. I wanted to sit Jennifer down and tell her to listen to that still, small voice telling her what to do and giving her warning of possible danger. I enjoyed these believable characters, their complicated lives and how Lincoln’s passion for the work he does with the men willing to do what it took to turn their lives around.

I was intrigued at how this author combines an interesting mystery surrounding Ginny, Jennifer’s Grandmother, Lincoln’s men, and Jennifer’s father. She discovers documents and other items she never thought possible.

This author has written many Amish novels, it was fun she included an Amish boy in this one. I liked the light message of faith woven naturally into the story line. I also enjoyed the author’s well-timed humor. This is a great escape and one that would work well for your next book club pick. There is much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a digital copy of this book by the publisher/NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/ ( )

Reading this book has shown me just how versatile this author truly is. I've enjoyed her Amish books and contemporary romances, but Edgewater Road proves that Shelley Shepard Grays knows her way around suspense and mystery. Jennifer Smiley and John "Lincoln" Bennett are the two main characters, but there are several other intriguing characters in this story that's set in Ross County, Ohio. Jennifer's deceased grandmother Ginny is a key player, and I couldn't read fast enough to learn more about this complicated woman who had such a major effect on Lincoln. Jennifer thought that she knew her grandmother but moving into her farmhouse proves just how wrong she was. Her search for answers leads Jennifer to discover some secrets that may have been better left uncovered, exposes her to danger, and introduces her to a man unlike any she's ever known! He's an ex-con who will protect her at all costs!

Edgewater Road shows how circumstances can affect both our past and present, but they don't have to define our future. Many of Jennifer's neighbors are former inmates, and Gray offers a poignant picture of Lincoln's desire to help them change their lives. This is an absorbing story with intriguing characters, many surprises along the way, and the poignant reminder that love and compassion are two qualities that we all need to cultivate! There's also a sweet, but powerful, chemistry between Jennifer and Lincoln waiting to be explored! I recommend Edgewater Road to all who enjoy contemporary romantic suspense, and I'm looking forward to the next books in The Rumors in Ross County series.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

Jennifer Smiley inherited her grandmother’s farmhouse on Edgewater Road. She is unaware that her hunky neighbor runs a program for ex-cons out of his home nor that that the neighbor is an ex-con himself. Jennifer works at home as a medical transcriptionist and rarely ventures out. She is surprised when Lincoln and his friends offer to help her move in. They then begin showing up with offers to help. Jennifer finds herself looking forward to their visits, especially Lincoln’s. While cleaning out her grandmother’s bedroom closet, she finds a box of receipts and a ledger that arise Jennifer’s suspicions. It seems that her grandmother had secrets and the only person who can help her learn the truth is Lincoln. Can Jennifer handle what she learns about her namesake? 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. ( )

I was so excited to have a chance to read the first book in a new series by this amazing and talented author. She has chosen one of my ideal settings of a small town to introduce us to the characters. There is something about a small town that makes me feel welcome and brings a sense of grace and comfort. Anything to do with a farmhouse piques my interest right away. When Jennifer inherits her grandmother’s place I was ready to walk beside her on her journey.

I’m not sure Jennifer would think the farmhouse was great since it looked like it had been overlooked in the upkeep of the place. Oh but wondering around in the house she knows there is history there. I loved the mystery that Jennifer uncovers about her grandmother. What a shock she had when secrets starting coming out and the hurt and disappointed she felt as the image of her grandmother suddenly changed. I’m sure we all have secrets in our family history that would be hard to deal with. Jennifer wanted the truth, but now what does she do with it? Will it change her feelings for her grandmother and father?

It is hard to say just how much I admired Lincoln. Being in prison is difficult but now that he is free he has a big heart to help others that need a fresh start like he got. I can just imagine the look on Jennifer’s face when she finds out about Lincoln’s incarceration. I loved how Lincoln didn’t shy away from telling Jennifer even though he saw the shocked look on her face. The author adds intrigue which connects Lincoln and Jennifer’s grandmother. This part of the story is where we see a man who is upfront about his past yet doesn’t want to share everything because he knows it will hurt Jennifer. What a tangled web it becomes when more secrets are revealed.

The story is well written with characters that share something in common. They all want to be accepted and loved. Out past doesn’t have to define was when we chose to follow God. Lincoln will always have a special place in my heart because he illustrates how you can overcome your past and be an example to others who need compassion and a second chance.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion. ( )

I enjoyed this read, and it really made you think! How would you feel inheriting a home that your Grandmother left you, and having it right next to a home with a lot of ex-cons? Well, once you get over the initial shock, I found that I really liked most of these kind hearted fellows.
Jennifer Smiley’s life changes tremendously as she embarks to make the home her own, and has the task of cleaning out mountains of boxes and crates. She also learns things, that she really didn’t want to know, but how Lincoln Bennett is tied to her Grandmother is also revealed.
We get to meet and assortment of characters here, from a young Amish boy to not really hard core criminals. We meet her parents, and wonder how this will all play out, and lastly her on line date!
Yes, this is a page turner for answers, and we are gifted with an epilogue!
I received this book through Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )