While Jennifer gets to know Lincoln and his friends, she also begins to unravel her grandmother's story, putting together the pieces from scraps of memories and things she finds in her new home. She soon discovers that Ginny Smiley harbored some dark secrets on Edgewater Road -- and that those secrets include both Lincoln and her own absent father. Is learning the truth worth the heartache it could bring? If it had been listed this way, I would have given it a pass. Wish I had. Way too much religion for it not to come with the Women Sleuths ) was laughable, as a woman who inherits her grandmother's house is just trying to find out who her grandmother was by going through her stuff and the "Mystery" never gets solved. 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.

Two secondary characters have captured my interest -- Bo and Seth -- and I'm hoping they both get their own stories in the Rumors in Ross County series. Both seem much more grounded than Lincoln so I'm thinking (hoping) their stories won't be as unsettling as I found this one. I'm intrigued enough to give the second book a try, now that I know what to expect. Woman also can't even call her neighbor by the name everyone calls him and what he wants to be called. 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. Ch. 8) - I can see exactly where this is going. This story has a much darker tone than any of her other books. This review is all over the place and I honestly don't think I can give it a star rating. It did hold my attention, kept me listening (the narrator was fabulous!) but I was discombobulated enough by some of the content to be uncertain as to whether I'd be rating a secular novel or a Christian one.The first in a new series from New York Times best-selling author Shelley Shepard Gray, Edgewater Road invites us into a world of family mysteries, small-town secrets, and perhaps a little romance along the way. Might have been a good short story if there had been more details about the so-called mystery and how her boyfriend got so much money; if her grandmother was wealthy, where did all the money go, and several other things that were just left hanging . Way too many loose strings. Too many subplots introduced in a way that smells like a way to introduce characters for future books, but should have been edited out this book. Then you might have a salvageable short story. Too many grammatical mistakes in narration. 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. 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. 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 first in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray, Edgewater Road invites us into a world of family mysteries, and small-town secrets. Oh -- and there's this really weird thing with his name which bugged me through the whole read but had me particularly confused in the beginning few chapters -- maybe because I was listening to the audio edition. His full name is John Lincoln Bennett but he goes by Lincoln. For some unknown reason, Jennifer insists on referring to him as John. I was so lost when she kept thinking about John and seeing John and greeting John. I literally rewound my audio book several times to try to figure out who this mystery man was until I clued in that John and Lincoln were the same man! Gah! So keep that in mind when you start reading. 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! Jennifer is the classic introvert who works at home and only sees people virtually in the occasional office meeting. Can't we all relate to that after COVID?! So she's pretty overwhelmed by the guys next door while Lincoln both infuriates and fascinates her. She's unusually naive and struggles with finding confidence in herself. There's some great character growth as she gradually comes to grips with her family's past and Lincoln's connection to them.

She is so annoying and stupidly gullible she actually says that everyone on the dating app has to promise to tell the truth, so, of course, they are always telling the truth. 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 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.

Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. While Jennifer gets to know Lincoln and his friends, she also begins to unravel her grandmother’s story, putting together the pieces from scraps of memories and things she finds in her new home. She soon discovers that Ginny Smiley harbored some dark secrets on Edgewater Road—and that those secrets include both Lincoln and her own absent father. Is learning the truth worth the heartache it could bring? 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. Featuring: Rual Ohio, Ginny and Jenny, Ex-Cons, Amish Country, Work From Home, Family Secrets, Criminal Activity, Daddy Issues, Online Dating, Assault 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!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. Lincoln is a Christian (converted in prison) and he runs a business rehabilitating ex-cons, but his life style and some of the things he allows to go on in his home don't always reflect that. He's definitely a work in progress (aren't we all?) and I can understand that portrayal but Edgewater Road reads more like a milder secular novel than an edgier Christian novel, if that makes any sense.

The first in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray, Edgewater Road invites us into a world of family mysteries, small-town secrets, and perhaps a little romance along the way.

Ch. 25) - This is different from any other book I've read by her. It's also not a cozy just a family secrets plot. 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... 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. 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. Lincoln is a gruff, macho, over protective, bossy hero! And oddly appealing despite that. I found parts of his story disturbing -- and parts of his personality irritating but the man does have a heart of gold and good intentions. You just have to look past the hardened exterior to see it. There were times his over bearing got to be too much. Continually calling Jennifer "Babe" in a proprietary way from the first time they meet and staking his claim in front of his crew of men without planning on acting on it. A kind of "hands off, she's mine but I'm not good enough for her but no one else can have her either," which raised a bit of a creep factor for me.