In a change from her usual Amish writing, Shelley Shepard Gray pens a contemporary novel with a touch of suspense and a pinch of romance that is utterly unique. Jennifer Smiley has moved to Ross County Ohio to claim her deceased grandmother's home and acreage after her grandmother's death. She has always been close to her grandmother; but is Jennifer in for a huge surprise as she cleans the house out after she moves in? And is another surprise waiting for her next door when she discovers it is a huge ranch that is a recovery stop for released felons run by John Lincoln Bennett who himself is a recovered felon and who was close friends with her grandmother?

This is the first novel I have read that focuses on the needs for a "halfway house" for felons as they try to learn and earn their way back into regular society. John "Linc" Bennett was an amazing character. Yes he had his faults, but his caring and support for those men who he picked to try and assist back into society was immense. It was also wonderful to see the changes in Jennifer as she became more understanding and developed friendships with the men next door. In return, the way they all protected and looked after Jennifer during her trials and discovery about her grandmother made the all seem like a bunch of big brothers!

Well written novel and I look forward to what happens next in this series.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Edge water Road is a very well written and entertaining book. I enjoyed the plot and the character dynamics. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

So, first off, I've read several other books by this author and they've all been great! This one, however, is a bit of a different story...

•The plot: Very different but very good! It was actually nice to read something that was so different because it felt brand new instead of a rewrite of the typical old "Hallmark" plot. Also, the two worlds colliding and the hearts mending was so sweetly written without being cheesy, preachy, or cliche.

•The romance: Sweeter and cleaner even than a lot of your average CF books. It was actually more realistic because it wasn't rushed from enemies to steamy lovers in a matter of pages.

•The rest of the content: Sketchy simply because we're dealing with a bunch of ex-cons. However, these men are seeking to turn their lives around so they're really great. My issue was the unnecessary use of foul language when a simple "Lincoln swore" would've proved the same point of his character without crossing that line. [SPOILER!] There is also a very intense scene where a woman is attacked and I feel that could've been handled in a slightly different way to still get the point across without having such graphic images planted in the reader's head.

All in all, I actually really enjoyed it but, due to the things mentioned above, I won't be reading it again, nor would I recommend it.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary e-copy in exchange for my honest review.

Edgewater Road is not the first book that I have read by Shelley Shepard Gray and it will not be the last. I absolutely loved reading Lincoln and Jen’s story. Jen and Lincoln’s story was by far my favorite book that I have read by Shelley Shepard Gray, I couldn’t put it down. Edgewater Road is the first in a new series called Rumors in Ross County and I can’t wait to read the next story in the series. It starts off with Jen inheriting her grandmother’s house and also a very interesting neighbor. Lincoln and Jen seem to hit it off from the very first moment, but things get a little rocky between them when Jen learns that Lincoln is an ex-con and so are all of his men. Will Jen be able to accept Lincoln for the man he is instead of judging him by his past? Read Edgewater Road to find out what happens.

Edgewater Road is unlike any book I have read by Shelley Shepard Gray. Her typical genre is Amish Christian romance, so this one took me by surprise. This is the first book in The Rumors in Ross County series a contemporary fiction romance.

Edgewater Road is well-written, and I enjoyed the story line. It is different from any story that I have read. There are quite a few interesting characters, but I had a hard time connecting with any of them. I think Jennifer is way too naive, and Lincoln is a conundrum. I loved Lincoln's job of rehabilitating ex-cons and Jennifer's growth and care toward her neighbors. I appreciated the message that our past does not define our future. We don't have to be stuck in the pattern of making the same mistakes over again (and in this case, end up back in jail).

There were a few things that were off-putting to me. First, when Jennifer and Lincoln (John?) meet, his name is super confusing, with alternating between his first and middle name in the first few pages. Second, his calling Jennifer "babe" and "sweetheart" gave me creepy vibes as they had literally just met. Third, this book is geared toward a more secular market, which is fine, but it was not what I was anticipating from this author. Fourth, the minor curse words and drinking (again because it was not what I expected of this author).

Overall, this is an intriguing read. There is a lot going on, with a few surprises along the way, and lots secrets. I am interested to see where this series goes next.

Thank you to Net Galley, the publisher, and the author, for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Title: Edgewater Road
Series: The Rumors in Ross County Series, #1
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Genre: Mystery, Christian
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Release Date: March 1, 2022
Format: Kindle (read), Audiobook, Hard Cover
Pages: 289
Source: NetGalley
Cover: Eye-catching. Fits the plot. Love the typography.

Description:
A family’s mysteries and secrets of a small town are the basis of this new series.

Imagine! Your grandmother’s iron-clad will bequeaths you her home in the country. Your next-door neighbor is an ex-con. Whoa!

She thought she knew her grandmother but secret upon secret comes to light. And grandma may not have been at all who Jennifer thought she was.

Review:
And a bit of romance is thrown into this mystery story making it even better. Once I started reading it, I found excuses to read some more. And more.

I knew I wanted to read this book because I like how Shelley Shepard Gray writes. I’ve read several of her Amish-centric books. Two Amish characters are in the book — one who has gone ‘Englishe’ and one young man who needs a job to help his ‘daad’ buy a horse.

I like mysteries. I like plots that hint of a genealogy angle and this one did. Grandma had secrets. Oh boy! Did she have secrets!

John Lincoln Bennett, her next-door neighbor, was more than just a friend to Jennifer’s grandmother. And yes, he has secrets of his own and knows more about other people. Oh — btw, he’s a hunk. Then there is Jennifer’s father who was basically a sperm donor. He was never a father. Boo hiss!

I loved the pacing of this story — the ebb and flow of the scenes and actions of the various characters had just the right mix. There is a great group of characters. Rich. But never a problem to keep who is who straight.

The Christian aspect of this book is softly woven into the story. It always fits the scene.

Be sure to read the “Dear Reader” (preface) as well as “Acknowledgments” at the end. This book may have been a challenge to write but the result is wonderful. My thanks to the author for hanging in there.

Ms. Gray has a wonderful knack for ending a chapter exactly right. I believe that is called talent. I highly recommend this lovely mystery and am personally looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary e-ARC copy of Edgewater Road via NetGalley from the publisher, Blackstone Publishing. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#EdgewaterRoad #NetGalley #ShelleyShephardGray

This is a unique book. Many authors struggle to write fluently in more than one genre not so with this author her contemporaries are every bit as wonderful as her Amish books.
Edgewater Road is a very intriguing book that kept me flipping pages quickly after I started it because I just had to see how it ended.
I enjoyed seeing how the author shows the main character's strength after an unfortunate event happens to her. The character goes deep within herself to find inner strength,courage,fortitude and healing. The author could have had the woman portrayed as weak and helpless but I liked the strength she gave her. I also believe the saying " don't judge a book by it's cover" applies here as well in the sense that we should not judge a person by how they look and their past activities.
I was very impressed by this book and look forward to the next book in the series.

Pub Date 01 Mar 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Edgewater Road
by Shelley Shepard Gray
Pub Date: March 1, 2022
Blackstone
Edgewater Road is the first in a new series by Shelley Shepard Gray. Set in Ross County Ohio, Jennifer Smiley inherits her grandmother Ginny's old farm house. Wanting a different life, Jennifer moves into the farmhouse with help from her neighbor Lincoln Bennett and his crew. However, Jennifer has a moment of unease when she realizes who these men really are.
Thanks to Blackstone and NetGalley I was able to read the ARC. This book is unlike many of the books I have read by this author, but I am glad she is finding a new genre to write in.
I am recommending this book and purchasing it for my library.
4 stars

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.

Edgewater Road
The Rumors in Ross County Series - Book 1
By Shelley Shepard Gray

Blackstone Publishing - March 2022

Contemporary Romance


When Jennifer had decided to move into the home her grandmother left her, nothing was as she expected. Her grandmother had secrets, and she had to decide if she wanted to leave them in the past, or learn the truth. She also might have initially been surprised by Lincoln's past, but she quickly got past that and was happy to get to know Lincoln and the men. She too was willing to give them all a chance.

Lincoln Bennett knew Jennifer Smiley the moment he saw her at her grandmother's burial. He hadn’t met her when Ginny was still alive, but he couldn't help but want to help her as she stood alone. Jennifer was everything Lincoln was not, naive, innocent, and not an ex-con. He had turned his life around, and was helping other recent parolees get a second chance and make the right decisions. Now, he knew that a future with Jennifer was the right future for him. It was just if he was right for her that needed answered.

Edgewater Road is a fascinating entry to Shelley Shepard Gray's new The Rumors in Ross County series. Lincoln is a wonderful hero, willing to own his past mistakes and help others. Jennifer is the perfect heroine for him, able to soften his hard edges and willing to accept him fully. There were multiple intriguing characters in Edgewater Road, and I look forward to seeing whose story will be next.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

Edgewater Road is a new inspirational Fiction book by Shelley Shepard Gray. The ARC e-book that I reviewed was not properly formatted for a Kindle and needed significant editing, in my opinion. For this reason, I'm not publishing my review on any sites other than NetGalley.

Edgewater Road requires editing for formatting and typographical errors before being published, in my opinion. There is no table of contents for an e-reader. I really think a professional editor should suggest significant changes as far as the story order goes.

Comments on the story itself:

The male MC is named John Lincoln Bennett. The female MC alternates between calling him "John" and "Lincoln", his preferred name. At first I thought she was doing it to irritate him, but she calls him different names in the same paragraph. it doesn't make sense to the reader.

At approximately 50% of the way through the story, John/Lincoln is described as being 6' 4" tall and weighing 240 pounds. That should be at the beginning of the story. Other male characters are described earlier in the book.

Jennifer, the female MC, is extremely naive.
1.She's nervous about John/Lincoln being an ex-convict, but seems oblivious to the fact that he has a houseful of them who come to perform work around her house.
2. No way should she be having a 12-year-old boy helping her inside her house with no one else present.
3. Initially she is described as having a close relationship with her late grandmother and namesake, but then we see that she really didn't know her and didn't spend much time with her.

The 12-year-old Amish boy is named Wayne. The Amish give their children Biblical names, so this seems off. His ex-con cousin is named Seth, which is appropriate.

I cannot recommend this book in its current state. It needs more work before being published.

I'm a big fan of Shelley Shepard Gray and when I found out about Edgewater Road I knew I had to read it. Edgewater Road is a slight departure from the Amish reads I usually read from Ms. Gray and is part Ms. Gray's Rumor's in Ross County Series . Edgewater road is a contemporary fiction novel full of unanswered questions and intrigue that centers around Jennifer and John "Lincoln". Jennifer moves into her grandmother Ginny's house after she passes away. John "Lincoln" is Jennifer's ex-con neighbor who helps fellow ex-cons build a life after prison.

As Jennifer goes through her grandmother's belongings she learns things about her grandmother's past that she never knew. She also learns things about the father that abandoned her that she never knew. Jennifer also finds out that her grandmother is part of the reason John ended up in jail. Despite everything, Jennifer and John fall for one another.

I loved the lesson of letting your past define you that was weaved through the book. It was a great book, but as the reader, I wanted to know more about Ginny's past and the secrets that were in her house. I'm hoping that the future books of The Rumor's in Ross County Series will answer some of my burning questions. All-in-all a great first book in a new series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.

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.

Shelley wrote a really nice book in this novel. Jennifer inherits her grandmother's home and all of the things in the home and boy are they're a lot of them. She finds letters, ammo in the barn, and so much more. Lincoln is the guy who lives next door and they are attracted to each other from the time they met, but he feels like he is below her as he has been in prison. Little does she know that it is her grandmother's doing that put him there, but he was not so innocent. Lincoln is now helping men who have been released from prison to be successful. This story is a love story and sweet in the telling and not mushy at all. I really enjoyed this book and this is my honest review of this book.

3/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This one just wasn't for me. The romance was insta-love for the most part (and it starts pretty much in the prologue.) I was also expecting more intrigue, suspense, and mystery based on the blurb and cover. However, the secrets about Jennifer's grandmother and her house aren't really a huge part of the story.

I also didn't really like either of the two main characters. Lincoln seemed to have anger issues or mood swings--he would go from nice to angry/rude so fast. And Jennifer was portrayed as rather naive. Like, really really naive. At one point, one of the male characters in the book warns her that people can lie on dating apps. Her response is, "Actually, they don't lie. You have to promise to be truthful when you sign up."

Bo, Seth, and Wayne ended up being my favorite characters. The loyalty of the ex-cons and the bromance between Bo and Lincoln were what I liked most about this book. I have no intention of continuing this series, but I might consider it if Bo got his own book. He seemed to be the most level-headed and practical character in the book.

A lot of people liked this book, so I think I'm in the minority here. If the blurb appealed to you, don't let my review turn you away! It might not have been for me, but I could see other people enjoying it.

Content: maybe one or two uses of minor swearing, assault

Edgewater Road was such a unique story! Jennifer struggled with her place in the world, content to be alone for her medical transcription job, yet also feeling as if she might be missing out on life in the isolation that it brought. I enjoyed watching as Jennifer’s new set of neighbors continually went out of their way to be helpful and protective of her. It was interesting and understandable to see her struggle with the reality that Lincoln and the men who worked with him were ex-cons.

Jennifer and Lincoln seemed a strange match at first, with not a lot in common in their backgrounds, yet they were definitely meant for each other and their hearts seemed to recognize that. They had some hurdles to overcome before all worked out smoothly for them, though. Lincoln’s help and care for Jennifer in a particularly trying time showed what a good heart he had and how committed he was to her.

Jennifer spent much of the book trying to learn more about the grandmother that she thought she had known. It turned out that her grandmother, Ginny, was much more complicated and secretive than she could have imagined. There were some things Jennifer wished she could forget and trouble that seemed to crop up at the worst times.

I am looking forward to seeing what future books in this series are about.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Edgewater Road by Shelley Shepard Gray is the first book in a new series. I'm telling you this because I was disappointed in the ending until I remembered that little detail. Of course, there is a lead in to the next book but this one was more like a cliffhanger. As for the story itself, I liked it, I think. The storyline is believable and keeps the plot moving without too much "fill in backstory." There are some parts I struggled with, to be honest. Is every ex-con good-looking? How can anyone in these day and times be as bubble headed innocent as the main character? But, if you can get past that, Edgewater Road is an enjoyable read. Am I going to continue the series? Probably not.

A fabulous story that will keep you wondering just how everything turns out. I'm used to Shelley's Amish Fiction but this book is a highly recommend. I encourage you to add it to your reading list. Well done Shelly.

From the moment that Lincoln spots Jennifer at her grandmother's funeral, he feels protective of her. Jennifer radiates sweetness and goodness and she is moving next door to him. Lincoln is an ex-con and runs a construction company that helps other ex-cons adjust to normal life. Lincoln's program has a very good success rate. Jennifer is taken back at first to find out that Lincoln and his men are ex-cons. Before long, Jennifer is baking for the men as she gets to know them. Clearing out her grandmother's home, she finds out that her grandmother had secrets and Lincoln helps her to understand her grandmother better. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love this new series and look forward to the next book. This book has wonderful characters, some humor, romance and suspense. I am so glad that Jennifer had Lincoln's support since she is so sweet, innocent and naïve. Lincoln has genuine caring for the men he works with and works hard in his business. There are also wonderful secondary characters that I hope to see in future books such as Bo, Seth, and Danny. I really enjoy reading this book.

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.