Book Summary
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.
There’s a lot going on in Joy Howard’s life. She’s got an ex-husband who starts acting like he doesn’t want to be an ex anymore, a sixteen-year-old daughter in need of a guiding hand and a lot of rides to dance practice, more orders for paintings than she has time to paint, and a roster of tutoring clients who sometimes need far more than she can give.
What she doesn’t have is time for a new relationship.
Samuel “Bo” Beauman is a lot of things. He’s a counselor for transitioning ex-cons, a good friend to many, a construction worker, a brother and son, and even a part-time model for a high-end sportswear catalog. He’s also a man searching for redemption.
One thing he isn’t is a man in need of a girlfriend.
But none of that seems to matter when Bo hears Joy’s kind voice in a crowded coffee shop. He instantly knows she’s someone he wants to know better. The two of them hit it off—much to the dismay of practically everyone they know—but Bo doesn’t care what other people think. He feels at peace whenever he’s with Joy, and he won’t let her go without a fight.
When Joy starts getting mysterious texts and phone calls from unknown numbers, she tries to ignore it. But instead of going away, the messages escalate, and Joy realizes she can’t handle it alone. But she is juggling a jealous ex-husband, a handful of students with little to lose, and a brand-new boyfriend who spent several years behind bars. Who can she trust?
My Thoughts
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.
Sycamore Circle is available from Amazon*. The first book in The Rumors of Ross County Series is Edgewater Road. You can find Shelley Shepard Gray's other novels here. The author has Amish Fugitive coming out on July 25. Thank you for joining me today. I will be sharing my thoughts about Murder at an Irish Castle by Ellie Brannigan tomorrow. It is the debut of An Irish Castle Mysteries. Every Good Gift by Kelly Irvin came out today along with Six Sweets Under by Sarah Fox. I hope that you have a jubilant day. Take care and Happy Reading!
Kris
The
Avid Reader
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