I enjoyed the book and the author's writing that I'm continuing the series but I don't like posting reviews that are 3 stars or less unless I have to. Lincoln's hot/cold treatment of Jennifer was a bit hard to read and I wish we'd actually gotten more of a relationship between them before the end of the book. I like him as a character and want to see more of his work & the people he's helping so I'm going to look to the next book to see how the series progresses before deciding further.

A different love story, a slow-burn romance between Jennifer and Lincoln. She has just moved into the county and tries to settle down in her grandma's house while long-forgotten secrets tumble out.
I loved the sweet, easy storyline, with simple incidents taking the story forward. The ex-prisoners who are looking for a second chance and their hard work were heartwarming.
The little connection to the Amish linked the stories to the lives of other Amish books I have read by Shelley.
The cute page-turner was an easy read and I can't wait to read more stories from Ross County.
Lincoln with his soft words and Jennifer with her yummy bakes were the perfect foil for each other.
A rumour-filled story with love and surprises.

Jennifer Smiley, inherits her grandmother’s homestead. Single, with a work-from-home job, Jen decides to relocate to that property. Next door lives John “Lincoln” Bennett who was affiliated with her grandmother. He was, repeatedly, kept from Jen when she visited Gramma Ginny. The reader needs to learn why and figure out Ginny’s motives. Ginny’s house depicts her as a packrat, with secrets. Lincoln runs a halfway house at his next door property.
This was a unique story with some twists. The halfway house concept was explained to a point where I could appreciate his mission.

This is book 1 in a new series, The Rumors in Ross Country. Jennifer inherits her Grandmother's home on Edgewater Road and is intrigued by her neighbor, Lincoln and his friends. Lincoln has been in prison and is helping other ex-cons find their way back into society. He is fascinated by his new neighbor Jennifer who is hiding a secret. Together they overcome their insecurities and develop a friendship. A nice story for a summer read on the deck. Looking forward to the next installment, there are several good candidates for their own book.

I absolutely love Shelley Shepard Gray and especially love it when there's a mystery involved. I need book 2 like now LOL.

A different kind of book from Shelley Shepard Gray. A departure from her Amish books. I loved Lincoln and Jennifer’s second chance story.

Edgewater Road

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Jennifer inherits her grandmother Ginny’s old farmhouse with acreage in Ohio and soon discovers that her neighbor is John Lincoln Bennett, an ex-con who has a business managing properties. He also helps other ex-cons reintegrate into society when they are released. Jennifer works in her home as a medical transcriber but wants to reach outside the shield she has established to avoid trusting others. Lincoln is immediately drawn to her and feels very protective of her.

Edgewater Road contains romance, but the real focus is on the characters as their backgrounds are revealed and relationships are developed. There is also some gripping action and danger along with moments of humor as the characters interact in some awkward situations. Lincoln is a natural leader who instills respect, and Jennifer is almost too nice and trusting for her own good. Both are characters that you want to be successful individually and together. The ex-cons in general turn out to be helpful and respectful, especially Bo, Lincoln’s right hand man and Seth, formerly Amish and very polite and trustworthy. Wayne, a young Amish boy, needs to earn money, and his role in the story adds interest as does that of Chad, a semi-feral cat that Wayne finds in Jennifer’s barn.

Author Shelley Shepard Gray excels with plot action. The book is a page turner for me with Gray alternating telling the story from Jennifer’s perspective and from Lincoln’s. Without sugar coating a life of crime, Gray presents the difficulties that might lead one down a bad path, what prison is like, and the reactions of people to ex-cons. They are often viewed with suspicion and distrust and many end up back in prison for various reasons.

I highly recommend Edgewater Road and look forward to the next book in this series.

I would like to extend my thanks to NetGalley and to Blackstone Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: General Fiction (Adult), Romance

Notes: 1. #1 in a new series, The Rumors in Ross County.
2. Although the books deals with some rough ex-cons, there is nothing graphic or offensive in the book, and it is clean in all aspects.

Publication: March 1, 2022—Blackstone Publishing

Memorable Lines:

There was a part of him that was drawn to her like a prisoner to a decent meal.

“That woman’s got more work that needs to be done than an old lady at the plastic surgeon.”

Back when he’d started this, his goals had been almost noble. He’d wanted to give men like him, men who’d made mistakes but were still decent, a second chance… Now, nearly eight years later, his aspirations weren’t quite so lofty. Oh, his heart still searched for the good in people, and he often shared some of the teachings he’d learned from the Bible. However, he’d also learned that not everyone could be rehabilitated.

My thoughts: Edgewater road is a different sort of Shelly Shepherd Gray book. Yes there is an Amish man in there, and there are cats, but otherwise the people are very chill as my teenage daughters would call them. Ex-cons living next to a single woman whose grandmother was an ex-con sort of. For the more conservative type there are some software words and a lot of beer drinking and there is absolutely no faith message but the Reed was interesting and one was kept sort of guessing although I did guess what the black moment might entail and I was sort of right. If you like romance that is clean with no sexual tension and no faith message then you would probably love Edgewater road and any of the other books that might be following in the series. I was a bit disappointed because maybe I didn't read the description well enough but I was thinking it was Amish and it wasn't except for the loan Amish men. Just may or may not be a book that you enjoy. I recommend it with reservations. I was given a copy free and all opinions on my own.

Things are not as they appear. Jennifer Smiley inherits her grandmother's house on Edgewater Road, she soon learns that her grandmother wasn't quite who she thought she was. Lincoln Bennett lives next door and runs a place for convicted felons to have a new lease on life. I loved the characters. The story drew me in and I didn't want to put it down. There is some mystery, humor, romance, and action in this book. I'm excited to read the next book in the series.

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/

A reclusive woman inherits her grandmother’s home- and her secrets. Moving into the house and meeting the startling neighbors is more than upsetting and it might be the catalyst Jen needs to let down her walls and let life in.

Edgewater Road is a first in series by a new to me author. I spotted this one and impulsively decided to give it a try after reading the blurb. It had a suspenseful vibe and made me curious and the promise of romance between a sheltered woman and an ex-con who turned his life around already had me rooting for them.

Edgewater Road had my interest early as I met the key players and the situation. Then it started to lag. It was odd, but paths that were interesting as they developed never led anywhere. There is a chance that this is because they will come up later in the series so I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt that plot develop will progress.

But, what truly had me struggling to get into the story was the heroine. Jen is portrayed as this sweet innocent who brings out the protector and warm hearts of the ex-cons, but she is awkward in social situations. I never understood why. There was no big moment in her past that caused here to be this way. She has isolated herself to such a point that she’s unused to everyday ordinary interactions. And, what I thought was real odd for a recluse who keeps people at a distance- she doesn’t get things like people on dating apps can and do lie and it’s not smart to meet a guy from said dating app at an isolated, not very frequented restaurant at night with a dark parking lot. She pushes away the hero and then gets hurt and confused when he stays away. She gets stubborn and brave when she should be cautious and gets cautious when she should open up. There is a damsel in distress about her and she never really grows through the story other than to accept Lincoln and his guys who all tend to look on her as their baking, sweet angel.
On the flip side is Lincoln who has his flaws- obviously he made big mistakes in his past. I felt like the reader gets the context of all that happens in the present because his past from childhood in an abusive home and what he is working to do with his program as well as his faith are laid out as background, but Jen is only given the tip of the iceberg when it comes to him. Lincoln never shared much even what he was doing and that he’d be unable to drop by or text for a few days. He ran hot and cold as a result. I had no idea, beyond attraction, what the pair based their deepening romance on.

Now, all that said, I didn’t want to toss in the towel and I was still drawn into wanting to see the story through and see what comes next. I liked assertive and generous Lincoln with the emerging warm-hearted Jen. I am dying to know what all Ginnie and her rotten son were up to as well as further Ross County secrets that might come out. Most of all, I want to see what comes of Lincoln’s guys in the program and those who are his right-hand help like Bo and Seth.

So, while this story often left me scratching my head or frustrated there were equally moments that had me wholly engaged and loving what I was getting. Lincoln is a Christian and his faith is what helped him change while in prison, but I wouldn’t call this an inspirational romance. I also hesitate to call it a romantic suspense since there isn’t much suspense though it does have that tone at times. So, I’m going with sweet contemporary romance with suspenseful overtones to guide how it will fit other readers

Due to a whole lot of issues in life, I did not get to read this book as quickly as I would have liked! It actually took me three weeks of reading in between little moments when I had a chance to pick it up because life was so crazy. I am so glad it finally settled down enough for me to finish it! As always, Shelley Shepherd Gray does a great job and this book is no exception When Jen’s grandmother dies and leaves her house she moves in to find her next-door neighbor is an ex-con who helps other ex-cons get their lives together. She does not expect to find romance or hope in her future with any of these men but life takes her by surprise! Full of laughs and smiles and great moments, you will adore this book just like I did. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read it, finally!

I have said it before and I’ll say it again – Shelley Shepard Gray could write a phone book and I wouldn’t be able to put it down! I love the variety of genres she writes in while still under the romance umbrella, as well as the way her characters & plots always manage to surprise me in some way – even with as many books as I’ve read by her. I went into Edgewater Road not exactly sure what to expect. Is it a mystery? Suspense? Small town romance? Edgy? Sweet? The answer to all of those questions is ‘a little bit, yes’. And it’s a whole lot of good writing, too!

Jennifer is definitely a character I could identify with in many ways – she’s a bit sheltered, naturally introverted, and works from home. I liked her warm personality (once she relaxes a bit) but I did want to shake her a couple of times haha. (Like when her naivete causes her to make stupid decisions or when she keeps going back and forth between calling Lincoln ‘Lincoln’ and ‘John’ – his first name.) She is a character I would have fun spending time with in real life, though, and I enjoyed following along with her quest to solve the mysteries surrounding her grandmother’s secret life.

When she moves into her late grandmother’s house after the funeral, she encounters a group of ex-cons next door who are still a little (or a lot) rough around the edges. In fact, if you’re the type who is prone to pearl-clutching you might find yourself doing so a couple of times when some of them are on the page. For my part, I appreciated that the men had layers that made sense with their less-than-squeaky-clean pasts and that the author was able to depict those rough edges authentically while still staying true to a ‘clean read’ novel. I was particularly intrigued by Bo and Seth, and I hope the next books in the series feature them, too!

Speaking of intriguing men, there is Lincoln – who I found in equal turns swoony and exasperating. He frequently calls Jennifer ‘babe’ from the get-go, which I never like in men who don’t actually know a woman, and stakes his claim on her among his men but has no intention of pursuing her. Exasperating. BUT he also watches out for her from the get-go with a tender ferocity that is especially endearing, and once he does decide to pursue her? keep those fans handy. Swoony. He’s part alpha-male and part teddy bear, and his redeemed rogue persona is one that never fails to make my reader heart all twitterpated. His faith journey, while key to the person he is when we meet him, is brushed subtly across this story so that it isn’t ‘in your face’ while still showing the power of grace to change a life.

Bottom Line: Edgewater Road by Shelley Shepard Gray has a little bit of everything, appealing to a wide variety of readers. Family secrets. Small-town vibes. Swoony romance. Redeemed hero. Relatable heroine. It’s a little bit edgy and a little bit sweet, but both descriptions make sense given the characters’ backgrounds & the growth they undergo in this compelling romance. Even the supporting players in Edgewater Road grabbed my attention and held it fast, and I look forward to reading more about them in future books. If, like me, one of the reasons you love Gray’s Amish fiction is because it is rarely stereotypical or idealistic, then you’ll enjoy her new contemporary (decidedly non-Amish) romance too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Layers of secrets and mystery:
I enjoyed this slow burn romance with its elements of mystery and danger. It was multifaceted and intriguing, I liked that I never knew what was going to happen next. I thought the inclusion of ex-convicts was a novel and interesting feature and added a certain grittiness to the plot. Whilst interesting, some things unfortunately didn't make sense and weren't explained, such as why Lincoln had to have someone guard his truck and what about all the ammo in the garage? Perhaps more will be clarified in future books?
I came to care for the main characters and I was glad that things worked out for them. I would have liked the faith element to have featured more prominently especially in Jennifer's life as we were never told what her beliefs were. Also I didn't get the whole John/Lincoln name thing and just thought this added confusion to the story. There were some wonderful secondary characters who added depth to the story and I would be interested in discovering more about them in upcoming books.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I read the "Dance with Me" series by this author and thoroughly enjoyed it, this is the start of a new promising series and I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
It poignant and life affirming, compelling and enjoyable. The characters and the plot are well developed and I liked how the author dealt with the different topic.
I can't wait to read the next story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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.

I always love Shelley's books they keep getting better and better each and every time I can't wait to read more. I love the cover and the title and the characters, I wish I could do more for my reviews but I don't give spoliers.

Edgewater Road isn’t the typical Shelley Sheard Gray story, because it’s not Amish but Contemporary. Please note while there are references to God, this book IS NOT listed as Christian fiction but as Romance. It’s very intense and there were times I had to set it aside for a while. But it always pulled me back to read more. I enjoyed watching romance develop and I can assure potential readers that it’s very clean.

With well developed characters you will come to either love or intensely dislike, I was especially drawn to Lincoln and the men he helps; they were very caring guys. Gray shows us that there’s hope for anyone who wants to change and to grow.

This book has a lot of mystery and I was always trying to figure out the next turn it would take. I failed. Ha! I will warn readers that there is a physical attack with attempted rape that takes place. Gray isn’t afraid to write it in detail so if this is a trigger for you, you need to be aware. Of course after the attack healing takes place.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

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.

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.