If you are looking for a fast paced novel that will keep you at the very edge of your seat... well, to be honest, this one isn't going to be it. On the other hand, if you are looking for something a little slower that will slowly work it's way into your heart with beautifully written characters that will stick with you long after the final pages... well, this one might just be what you're looking for! It takes awhile to get into the story of these three generations of women--- or at least it did for me, but it's a worthwhile read once you get into it.

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is a dual timeline story. As I've said in the past, these can be pretty hit and miss for me, but I feel like Amanda Cox did this one justice, especially considering that she is still a fairly new author- this being only her third published novel. I enjoyed seeing the secrets unveiled across the storylines, and there were certainly many of them to keep things interesting! If you enjoy women's fiction, this is one to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

HOW SECRETS SHAPE LIVES

Author Amanda Cox has written a very thought-provoking dual-storyline novel, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery. She writes in present day as well as 1965, telling the story of three generations of women in one family. Cox paints a vivid picture of the mother-daughter dynamic and particularly showcases how the grandmother/granddaughter have the closer relationship than either of the mother/daughter relationships. This story involves other relationship challenges as a fiancée is sent off to War and a husband is killed in accident, both leaving unfinished business. Cox shows how one family makes a choice to react to a situation instead of respond to it. Cox does a marvelous job of driving the points home that the secrets we keep shape our lives and the lives of others and shows the wonderful healing power of telling the truth.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Revell & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

Amanda Cox has a very unique voice. I love her writing style and have enjoyed the books I have read by her. This one was no exception. The twists and turns and unexpected secrets that come to light throughout this book will have you turning pages.

The things that hold these women together can also tare them apart. I just wanted to tell them to spill it, be honest with each other.

If you like a deeper storyline that is bit different I am sure you will enjoy this book.

A copy of this book was given to me through the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Amanda Cox is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors with the release of her second book! This dual-timeline story introduces us to three generations of women in Glory Ann, Rosemary, and Sarah. From the relatable characters to the small Southern town to the heart-wrenching twists with a hint of mystery, this book has something for everyone. It touches on many issues women face, including mother-daughter relationships across generations, with themes of forgiveness, redemption, and hope.

While romance is a part of each woman’s story, it is a supplement rather than the main point. All three heroes are wonderful complements to our heroines, but Clay in the present day is my favorite. His steady friendship and care for Sarah as someone who had also suffered loss and rebuilt his life allowed her to find her place and grow into her new life. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy women's fiction with heart, especially fans of Rachel Hauck and Lauren K. Denton!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow! This one exceeded the hype and previous reviews. Amanda Cox enlivens the small town life with a deep understanding of complex characters and family dynamics, as well as three generations through decades of family secrets. Nuggets of truth, shock, humor and grace abound in this tale of broken people living life as they know how. The author doesn't stop at offering second chances, but extends redemption and restoration many times over. I will keep watch for more from Amanda Cox.

The grocery is based on the author's family store of the same name, but all characters are fictional.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox involves three generations of Clearwater women. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters. It is a dual-timeline novel that is told from Glory Ann, Sarah, and Rosemary’s point-of-view. The story revolves the family grocery store began by Clarence Clearwater, Glory Ann’s husband. Each woman is at the Old Depot for a different reason. They have secrets that come to light over the course of the book. There is misunderstandings and miscommunications that do not help these ladies’ relationships. There are good life lessons presented in this generational saga. Forgiveness of others and oneself is the first one and the second one is that God is in control. We can worry, manipulate, scheme, and plan. In the end, it is best to leave it in God’s hands because His plans are the ones that will happen in the end. I liked that there was hope in the story. A person may be going through a tough time or grieving, but there was still hope to help get them through. I enjoyed the epilogue that nicely wrapped up this emotional, thought-provoking tale. There is something for each reader in this Southern story. The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is a story that will linger with you long after you finish it.

This book was given to me to read and give my unbiased, honest review and here it is.

I have enjoyed every book by Amanda Cox and this one is near the top of the list. She had merged yesterday's problems and secrets with today's problems and secrets in a very interesting way. The story goes back and forth in time to explain what is going on in these 3 generations of women's lives.

It starts with the grandmother and goes through her granddaughter's early 20s. The story is mostly told from the view of the grandmother and granddaughter, but the daughter/mother has her times also.

It is a Christian book and shows how faith and the lack of faith affect us. It also shows what happens when some secrets are kept or kept too long.

I really enjoyed the book. It ended in a way that a second book could happen but doesn't have to. I would recommend this book. Very well written and edited.

When I saw that Amanda Cox had a new book coming out, it went immediately to my Want-to-Read Goodreads shelf! Then the title and cover was revealed I could hardly wait for it to release!

This book is about three generations of women, Glory Ann, Rosemary, and Sarah, their lives so close, (by blood and by Old Depot Grocery) yet so far away because of secrets kept.

Two words that I think of immediately after reading this book are consequences and redemption.
One little moment of stolen pleasure for Glory Ann, heaped a life of consequences on all those around her. She kept her secret because she didn’t want to hurt those she loved most, yet by keeping the secret she did exactly that. John 8:32 says “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Sarah, Rosemary, and Glory Ann all had secrets, yet once they shared the truth, the past that had them bound lost its grip.

Amanda did it again with the development of each character. Each individual character is unique but so beautiful connected together. It was almost like I was reading a three book series all at one time. It was amazing.

Every time I pass a Train Depot or an old grocery store, I will forever be reminded of Old Depot Grocery. I can’t wait to see what Amanda creates next!!

"I'd say broken pieces and all, we have a pretty beautiful life."

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is a story about three generations of women connected to a family grocery store that has served each of them through critical points in their lives. I appreciated the nostalgia of each woman's history with the store but what really drew me to each page were the men. Ms. Cox crafted three men who truly epitomize selflessness, grace, and sacrificial love that I think wins this story and IMO softens the hard edges of the heroines. It was easy to slip into the story from the early pages but became a bit slow and I wish the uncovering of secrets happened a bit sooner but that might be my own impatience as I could see the pieces falling together early on. If there's one thing I *really* struggled with it was the secondary character and sister, Jess, I started the story not being a fan of hers and ended it the same way. Maybe there's more to her in books to come? Overall, tremendous writing, heartfelt emotion in the death of my favorite hero (so disappointed his story ended), and left me longing for the good 'ol days.

***I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.***

I was not sure that I would enjoy reading The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox. However, after the first two chapters, I was intrigued to know just what secrets three generations of women held in their hearts prevented them from being close to each other.

I found that Ms. Cox gave each of the main characters a depth of personality that I found interesting in that their familial relationships were so close. Sarah Ashby returns to her hometown after the death of her husband and immediately is caught up in the struggle between her mother and grandmother over whether or not to keep the grocery open in the face of changes facing a new way of life for the community. New and advanced technologies, shopping habits, and younger patrons prove to be an almost insurmountable problem for the three women to agree upon. As the struggle among these three personalities continues, secrets from long ago find their way to the surface and help the women find a bond enabling them to go forward in each of their lives.

I ended up enjoying reading this story and thought that Ms. Cox did a good job of showing the strengths and weaknesses of the characters in the novel.

I thought The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery was a fabulous read. I instantly felt an instant connection to both Glory Ann and Sarah. I was able to relate to them easily and understand what they were going through. Their story is one that had me captivated right the first chapter and my attention was held all the way to the end. I loved every single page.

I am giving The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery a very well deserved five plus stars. Lovers of Historical fiction with dual timelines will definitely want to read this one. It is among one of my favorites I have read for the year. I would love to see where else Amanda Cox’s imagination will take her readers to next.

I received a paperback copy of The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

One wrong decision...for Sarah, her mother and her Grandmother. And the secrets they all kept. The Old Depot Grocery is a way of life for each of them as they grow up. The story time slips from the Vietnam war era to present day and through the years between, revealing what each of the women are holding in their hearts and minds. Interesting the way it unfolds. Full of heartache and misunderstanding, but also love. A messy sort of family. Sarah, widowed, has come back to her family and the store, trying to hold on to what is good. The store is failing though. And there are lots of layers to the relationships there. Good read.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheSecretKeepersofOldDepotGrocery #NetGalley

I really enjoyed this story.
This is one of those stories that you really, REALLY don't want to stop reading.
And yet, as I sat down to put my thoughts into words, I found it hard to really articulate well what I appreciated about this book.
This is a story spanning numerous generations.
Glory Ann. Rosemary. Sarah. Each one of them keeping secrets. Each determined to protect their family members, and only give their best.
And yet, as some of these long-buried secrets come to life, there is renewal and restitution in their relationships, as never before.
This is a story of mothers and daughters. Of self-acceptance, forgiveness, and lots more.
I loved the setting. A beautiful old depot-turned grocery store. There's just something about those old-timey stores...not very many are left, but they are so incredibly fascinating.
This story is one I could sit for hours and try to tell you what is about, and yet, not reach the end of it.
Amanda Cox has given us a beautiful story that is well worth reading, and perhaps, rereading.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery
by Amanda Cox
Published Sept 7

I loved this book!! This earned the "Karen couldn't put it down award". I have been looking for a good book for a long time and now I even found an author I want to read more of. Amanda Cox!! Check her out!~!
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for send me the ARC. I love learning about new authors and reading great books!

5 star

Amanda Cox brings three generations of one family together to examine the secrets we keep and the cost of those secrets in The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery. Glory Ann, the matriarch who is struggling to keep her husband’s legacy alive and provide security for her children and grandchildren through the grocery store her Clarence used to care for his family and his community. Rosemary, who holds on to store out of duty, but also the jealousy and guilt that rob her of joy. And Sarah, the woman whose childhood dreams of carrying on the family legacy were crushed by her mother’s prodding to go farther and do more than their small town could offer. Sarah’s return to her childhood home fervor to save Old Depot Grocery is the catalyst that drags those secrets into the light, slowly but doggedly, and prods all the women of Old Depot to reveal secrets that have the power to undo them or to strengthen them as they determine their own ways of dealing with the things left in the dark for way too long.

It doesn’t take long for the reader to become completely enmeshed in the lives of these women. Cox creates a family into which one is easily and thoroughly inserted, so that their stories are our stories and their life lessons are ours as well.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

I am not given to shedding tears over books,but as this story moved toward its end, tears I shed. The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is a story of three generations of a family whose lives were vastly altered by the secrets they kept. The keeping did not come from a spirit of malice, but rather from a desire to protect. Those misguided attempts led to lives disrupted by unnecessary pain. That's not what provoked my tears though. No, it was the freedom that came with secrets revealed and fears set aside. Amanda Cox is a masterful writer whose characters lead readers to deep insight. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this, her latest release, from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed her are my own.

Decades old secrets, mistakes, three generations of women make up The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery. The story flips from present day to the past to tell the story of Glory Ann, Rosemary, and Sarah. It revolves around Old Depot Grocery, a store owned by a kind and generous man who was willing to make a life with a young woman who found herself pregnant by another man in the mid-sixties. Her fiancé died during the Vietnam war and Glory Ann needed a respectable marriage in which to raise her daughter. Clarence Clearwater was willing and able to do just that. Decades later, Sarah, the granddaughter, finds herself widowed and pregnant. She comes home to help her widowed grandmother and mother at Old Depot Grocery, something she has dreamed about doing. Once home, she discovers her mom, Rosemary, wants to sell the store but Glory Ann does not. Rosemary has her reasons and secrets to sell while Glory Ann and Sarah wish to maintain the legacy of Clarence, husband and grandfather. As their lives become entwined with each other, they discover each woman has a secret. If Sarah can learn those secrets, will it set them free? Will they be able to save the store? This is a story of the long road each woman has taken to learn the importance of love and trust in a family; but will it be enough? I enjoyed this book and recommend it for those who like the entanglements of multiple generations of family members.

Thanks go to Revell and Netgalley for the opportunity to give an honest review of the book.

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is a dual time line novel about three generations of women and their secrets and memories. Great character dynamics. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

This was ultimately a story of redemption, of growth, and of faith. It was also about family and three generations of women that worked at keeping their own secrets from each other. Three women in a family is always good reason for drama.

The story moved through the past and present, slowly uncovering the mysteries of time and the secrets of this family. Sara moved home after the passing of he husband. Rosemary held on to her own secrets while helping her mother, Glory Ann, run a failing store. The store that holds their past and their secrets.

The characters are each compelling and have to work through their own secrets before sharing with others. Some things are just painful for them to process, but with prodding and the passage of time, the secrets slowly come out with other mysteries unearthed along the way,

I found myself cheering for each of these women and hoping that their hurts could be healed. The ending was not as I expected, but fit the story perfectly.

I received an early copy through the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Three women, three different generation: grandma Glory ann, mother Rosemary, daughter Sarah.
And a shop, Old Depot Grocery, where all 3 women are working: full of memories, but also secrets.
Sarah would carry on that legacy, but something or someone thinks otherwise.
The story is realistic, well written, easy to read.
Very good characters: fragile, broken, messy, likeable, proud, sensitive. I'll miss them.
I recommend this book.
I thank you to let me read this book to: Author, Editor, Interview&Review, Netgalley.