This story has everything a reader who loves intrigue and a bit of romance look for. The characters jump off the pages with realism and I became so glued to the book I didn’t put it down until I finished it. Joy is a great character who has a big heart. She loves to help others who don’t know how to read. I love how the author highlights illiteracy and how many people deal with this daily. I am happy that we have volunteers like Joy who give their time to help others. She does have a group of people she teaches to read who she feels needs that extra touch to show that they are important.

Bo is by far my favorite character in this book. With his background I can see why he is a little uncomfortable putting himself out there. Something about Joy catches Bo’s attention while at a coffee shop. You can feel his shyness as he approaches Joy and I thought it was cute to see this big strong intimidating man feel so shy around Joy. The author gives us history on Bo’s past which helps readers see that people can change and be a better person.

The story is filled with emotions that are raw that shows how important it is to open up to someone when you are in trouble. When Joy finds herself being stalked she starts to become anxious and withdraws a little from Bo. With an ex-husband to deal with she is not sure she can share her feelings and let Bo in. Can she trust him?

The author is very good at unraveling a mystery with gripping suspense. I wasn’t sure who was behind it but I never suspected the person that was revealed. When Joy’s daughter realizes that her mom could be in trouble she turns to her Amish friend Finn. His calm spirit helps them decide to call Bo. With an action packed ending, readers won’t have a chance to rest as tragedy is very near. Get ready for an intense story that puts this author on the front burner for one of the best books for 2023.

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

Another great story by Shelley Shepard Gray! This is the second book in The Rumors in Ross County Series. You don’t need to read them in order, but you will want to!
Bo is an ex con who helps reform other ex cons. He befriends Joy, a single mother with a daughter. Joy starts getting mysterious texts and they work together trying to figure it out. There’s also a secondary story with Joy’s daughter Chloe and a young Amish man, Finn.
If you like a slow burn, this is for you! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Many thanks to the author, Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Sycamore Circle
The Rumors in Ross County Series - Book 2
By Shelley Shepard Gray

Blackstone Publishing - February 2023

Contemporary Romance


Samuel Beauman, Bo to everyone, wasn't the type of guy to stand in line and then pay too much money for coffee. Neither was he the type of guy to become mesmerized by a woman and try to pick her up. Or at least make an introduction. But that was exactly what happened the moment Bo laid his eyes on Joy Howard. He couldn’t leave the coffee shop without meeting her. The more Bo learned about Joy, the more interesting he found her, and wanted to spend even more time with her. She was kind to everyone, patient with those she was helping, and a wonderful mother to her daughter. She was everything he would want. But he knew he might not be everything she would want.

Joy was surprised to be the center of attention of the younger stranger who approached her, but couldn't deny she was pleased... and equally interested. As she got to know Bo, she saw a hard-working, caring man. His past didn't concern her, it was his dedication to help other ex-cons that mattered now.

When threatening notes arrive, it is Bo that she turns to. And it is Bo who is determined to keep her safe.

Sycamore Circle is a fun, sweet addition to Shelley Shepard Gray's new The Rumors in Ross County series. Bo is a wonderful hero, trying to keep the guys on the right path. Joy is dedicated to her daughter and helping others. I loved watching Bo and Joy find their happiness together. There are some additional side stories that were included and equally enjoyable. I look forward to returning and reading more stories set in Ross County.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

Great book! I loved Bo and Joy’s story. The characters were well developed and the mystery kept me turning the page. I really liked the inclusion of the Amish characters and learning about some of their story also. I’m looking forward to the possibility of reading the stories of the other people and the T DOT.

Sycamore Circle by Shelley Shepard Gray is a charming story. I enjoyed getting to know Samuel “Bo” Beauman and Joy Howard. I thought Sycamore Circle was well-written with realistic, developed characters. The story moved along at a quick pace. I like that we get to catch up with the characters from Edgewater Road (Lincoln, Jennifer, and the ex-cons who are getting a second chance). Joy is divorced and raising her teenage daughter who takes dance classes each day (which means driving her to and from). Her ex-husband only takes their daughter, Chloe one night a week. Joy tries to keep the relationship between her ex-husband and herself cordial. Joy makes a living by selling her paintings and teaching people to read. She is also a literacy tutor. We also get to know Joy’s daughter, Chloe and her Amish friend, Finn. Chloe takes dance classes near the diner where Finn works for his relatives. Finn has a difficult father and a mother who goes along with the father’s decisions and behaviors. Chloe and Finn become friends and there is a hint of something more. I enjoyed the mystery which was suspenseful. Bo is protective of Joy and Chloe. He wanted to make sure no harm comes to either of them. Bo is a man with a big heart. He uses terms of endearment which touches Joy’s heart. The ex-husband is a piece of work. Joy is lucky to be rid of him. Faith is nicely woven through the story. I like that it is light (not preachy). The author nicely blended romance, family, friendship, drama, faith, and intrigue into one touching story. Sycamore Circle is the second book in The Rumors in Ross County series. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Edgewater Road. I am looking forward to the next book in The Rumors in Ross County series. Sycamore Circle is an edgy and endearing tale with a caring ex-con, a pretty painter, a dancing daughter, an exasperating ex-husband, a scary stalker, a determined detective, and a gracious God.

The author gives us a great mystery with ex-cons, an ex-wife, ex-husband, and a teenager, all being important characters in this book. Love, forgiveness, redemption and mystery make this a very interesting book.

Bo, the ex-con who is working so hard for redemption from the world, works with other ex-cons to help them find their places back out in the world.

Joy, the ex-wife, who lives on Sycamore Circle is such a busy woman with her teenage daughter who always needs to go places, her volunteer work teaching people to read, painting pictures to sale and just life in general keeps her so busy that she does not have time for much else in her life. Her ex-husband suddenly decided that he is interested in her again, but she has no interest whatsoever in him.

Love at first sight? Bo sees and hears Joy talking to one of her clients across the room at a coffee shop and immediately is drawn to her.

Bo tries to become close to Joy, but she is hesitant, especially when she finds out his background. When Joy starts getting mysterious texts and phone calls, Bo wants to protect her.

You will not want to miss how all of this ends. I highly recommend this book to lovers of clean mysteries. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Sycamore Circle picks up where Edgewater Road, book one of the Rumors in Ross County, left off. This story is about another ex-con, Bo, who is working for Lincoln and helping other ex-cons transition back to the real world. He's a tough guy who meets sweet Joy and falls head over heels for her. She has a lot going on in her life including an ex-husband, teenage daughter and is strangely receiving scary texts and phone calls. Bo jumps right in and wants to protect her. Of course Joy struggles with all of this but as usual (because don't we all want happy endings?!) you're in for a sweet conclusion. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series and hoping to see more of Joy's daughter, Chloe, and her Amish friend Finn in future books too!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publishes 7 February 2023.

I know the author is a wonderful Amish fiction writer, but boy howdy, she can sure write a mystery romance as well. I really enjoyed the story line and the characters. The hero is Bo, and I fell for his brawny bad boy persona. He is tender hearted and loving under all those tattoos and scowls. He is a fierce protector to those he loves. The heroine, is Joy and she is a beautiful person who takes care of her daughter but also teaches adults how to read. Joy has a stalker and the reader is poised to find out who it is. Honestly, I had a few suspicions, but didn't guess who the bad guy was. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I certainly hope there will be more books in the series.
*I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Another winner winner chicken dinner of a novel by Shelley Shepard Gray! Quick, great read and want more.

Wow!

Wow! I don't even know where to begin. Sycamore Circle is just another example of author Shelley Shepard Gray's amazing writing. She has once again blown me away with another fantastic story.

Joy and Bo's story captivated my heart, and I especially loved hearing tough guy Bo using terms of endearment. (sigh) Joy and Bo each have a caring heart, but their background stories are so different. Those differences, their feelings and their uncertainties about a relationship made their story so endearing and kept me guessing just how their relationship would evolve.

The romance was just one of the things that made this such a great story. Entwined with the romance is intrigue, mystery, suspense, a light message of faith and some really great secondary characters. No element overpowers another making this a perfect combination that kept me glued to the pages.

Sycamore Circle is a truly amazing story and a great addition to the Rumors in Ross County Series. Even though it is part of a series, it contains plenty of background information from book one, Edgewater Road, that it can be read as a stand alone. It is a great read and one that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are strictly my own.

Having not read the first in this series I felt a little loss at times. The storyline was very different from her other books. Both Joy and Bo have a love for helping others which is commendable. I thought Joy giving out her phone number to a perfect stranger unbelievable. The romance was too quick. I love this author but this was not a favorite.

Sycamore Circle
by Shelley Shepard Gray
Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2023
Blackstone Publishers
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns with the second novel in her “tantalizing” (Publishers Weekly) Rumors in Ross County series. In Ross County, love can stay the course, but first, you have to know who to trust.
This author is very popular in our library but primarily for her Amish books. This was a quick read, and I read it one day. It moves along at a good steady pace. Out of the two books so far in the series, I can honestly say that Edgewater Road is still my favorite, but I still very much enjoyed this read too. I'm looking forward to more of the other ex-cons’ stories, especially Seth’s. Very excited about the next installment of the Rumors In Ross County Series. Keep up the great work Ms. Gray!
4 stars

I’ve been reading Shelley Shepard Gray’s books for many years now and I enjoy her style very much. She always brings something new and exciting to the table, whatever the setting. Last year, when Edgewater Road was released, I thought it was going to be an average read. Something quick and enjoyable or something good to pass the time with, but I was thoroughly shocked about how good it was. It was suspenseful, romantic, and edgy. Edgy in the way that the men mentioned in the book were ‘no prince charming’ types. Great Aspect!

In Sycamore Circle, the series continues with “Bo” Samuel Beauman, another one of our ex-cons who meets and slowly woos divorcee Joy Howard. All the while, the two are dealing with a jealous ex-husband and a persistent stalker hell-bent on doing harm.

I liked the romance between Joy and Bo. In this particular book, the meat of the book focuses more on the suspense happening around their brand new love, but that doesn't detract from the story at all.

“Bo had long ago given up trying to understand the why’s and the how’s. All he knew was that there were times to pay attention. This was one of those times. As far as he was concerned, the big guy up in the clouds had put him in this place to meet this woman. He wasn’t going to pass that up.”

From Sycamore Circle by Shelley Shepard Gray

Also, like I mentioned in the review for Edgewater Road. I don’t know what it is, but I love the endearments the heroes have for the FLs!

“I’ll text you later, girl.”
She got little chill bumps everytime he said that.
“I hope so. Bye.”
“Bye.”
What was it about that guy?
Without even trying he could lift her spirits and make her feel warm all over.”

From Sycamore Circle By Shelley Shepard Gray

All I can say was it added attractiveness and oomph to the ML!

This was a quick read, and I read it one day. But it moves along at a good steady pace. Out of the two books so far in the series, I can honestly say that Edgewater Road is still my favorite, but I still very much enjoyed this read too. I'm looking forward to more of the other ex-cons’ stories, especially Seth’s. As a whole, the author does an excellent job of making their pasts mysterious and interesting. The heroes are not open books at all! Gray has a talent for building her stories from this. Very excited about the next installment of the Rumors In Ross County Series. Keep up the great work Ms. Gray!

A modern day damsel in distress; this plot will keep you on your toes guessing! Who is the mystery stalker and what are his connections and motives? The main characters, Joy and Bo are in a budding relationship learning to trust again and lean on people. They are both independent, strong individuals who have some baggage. Both are doing valiant community service work and find themselves in a tangled mess.
I enjoyed the unique plot, and the way that the author kept the story moving. I never found the story dull or slow. There is a bit of Amish culture woven into the scenes as well.

This book is acceptable for teenage readers, even with the slightly romantic moments. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.

Bo is the best book boyfriend! Sweet. Protective. HOT HOT HOT! This was a nice story that held several points of view. I hope there's more to the series with some of the others like Chloe and Finn! I enjoyed the read.

I think this book was written well, but I just couldn't get into the story. I tried to read the first few chapters, but they didn't keep my attention. It may be no fault of the authors. Instead, it may have been my own preferences.

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Family and friends…love and romance…secrets…the past…starting over…teenagers…this novel has all of this and more. Written by a talented author. It is intriguing and a quick read…reading the texting was awkward, but it moved along to a satisfying end.

I loved Bo and Joy's story. What a great continuation. They were so well written with a lot of sub characters, that I couldn't put it down. Shelly is one of the best writers I've read and everyone should try her. Hope there is more to come