Book Review - The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

 

Sarah Ashby returns to her childhood home after her husband perished in a accident. She is determined to live out her childhood dream of running the Old Depot Grocery with her mother and grandmother. However, to her dismay, her mother, Rosemary, announces that she plans to close the store and sell it. Sarah and her grandmother, Glory Ann, is desperate to save the store that's so near and dear to them. Rosemary refuses to let Sarah spend her entire life at the Old Depot Grocery like she did. Rosemary has her reasons why she stayed but, she refuses to let her daughter make the same mistakes.

In 1965, Glory Ann finds out that she is pregnant with her deceased fiancé's baby. To avoid bringing shame to her family, they force her into a marriage of convenience with a shopkeeper to preserve their family reputation. Glory Ann is distraught and vows to never love again.

The heart warming read is told in a dual time frame. At times, I felt a little annoyed by it because each chapter was very small and I wanted to know what was going to happen but, then the story switched timelines. I did like most of the characters except for Sarah because she seemed a bit annoying at times. She wanted her family to be open and honest but, she failed to do the same thing with her secrets. Overall, I found that the story was an sweet and emotional read.

Book Review - The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox

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Ivy Rose returns home after she receives news of her grandmother passing. She organizes an estate sale for her grandmother's things but, she realizes her grandmother left her a key to unlocking Ivy's adoption. Ivy tries to find the truth about her past but, she realizes she is missing an important piece of the mystery.

 Twenty-four years earlier, Harvey James is out scavenging the highway for abandoned things he can use. He stumbles upon an abandoned newborn who gives him a sense of human connection that he has never had. He wants to take care of the child because of his own past abandonment. However, he struggles with taking care of the child because he is homeless. Two people see Harvey struggling and are trying to help Harvey find his way. Harvey is afraid of letting them in before he ends up losing the baby.

I enjoyed reading the emotional read. I actually found myself drawn to Harvey's storyline than the Ivy in the present day. I thought it was a change of pace that a male character found a child and went to extreme lengths to care for and protect her. I found it enjoyable on finding out the thread that connected all the characters. The book showed readers that not all family bonds are made by blood. 

  **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**