My book club read The Cedar Key, Stephenia McGee‘s contemporary small-town novel, for our February meeting. This combination women’s fiction/light romance by a new-to-us author was just what we needed! We liked it!
Could the key to Casey’s future be hidden in someone else’s past?
Casey Adams unexpectedly inherits an old Victorian house full of other people’s memories. Stuck in a quirky little Mississippi town, Casey’s hope for a fresh start died as soon she had to lay the grandmother she’d just met to rest
But Grandma Ida carried secrets beyond the grave.
Before her death Ida carefully planned a trail of clues to help Casey unlock the Macintyre family secrets and finally explain why they abandoned her. But each of Ida’s letters will only come from Casey’s handsome — and often frustrating — new neighbor. As Casey pieces together the stories behind the objects filling her grandmother’s house, she embarks on a heart-stirring journey that rattles her foundations, ignites her faith, and leads her to a startling discovery that will reshape her future. But only if she can face the lies that have been slowly tearing her apart.
Best-selling author of Christian novels, Stephenia H. McGee writes stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. When she’s not twirling around in hoop skirts, reading, or sipping sweet tea on the front porch, she’s a homeschool mom of two boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Visit her at http://www.StepheniaMcGee.comfor books and updates.
My Impressions:
I have to admit that I had no preconceived notions before beginning The Cedar Key. I knew McGee’s reputation for quality historical fiction, but had never read anything by her. I discovered a true gem. This novel combines women’s fiction and romance with a small southern town setting. I really liked it — recommended!
Main character Casey has had a difficult life full of abandonment. Shortly after finding her biological grandmother, she is again hit with loss. Desperate for some stories of the family she never knew, she prepares for a short stay in Maryvillle, MS and a bit of discovery of where she came from. What she finds is a new sense of who she is in God’s eyes. I loved this message — no matter who people say you are, you are loved and valuable to God. I read an interview by McGee in which she said that her target audience is Christian women and she desires to tell stories that reinforce their worth in Jesus. The Cedar Key achieves this in a natural way — no preachiness here. I found Casey very relatable and many of the other characters charming. All except one. McGee is good at making a reader dislike the bad guy. LOL! Of course the author also had me feeling sorry for that person and desiring a little redemption for them as well. The main story centers on Casey and her journey of discovery, but there is some sweet romance as well. Casey and next-door neighbor, Ryan, have a relationship that develops naturally. My book club wanted more after the final page was turned. Could there be a return visit to Maryville? We all hope so.
Endearing characters, a wonderful setting, a bit of humor, and a thoughtful message make The Cedar Key a recommended read!
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
I really enjoyed this book. It’s one I’d like to re-read since by reading so many (and because of my age), as time passes, I forget a lot of the details or blur them with other stories I’ve read.
Maybe try the audiobook. One of our members said it was great.
I’m glad to know your book club enjoyed The Cedar Key. My book club has it scheduled for November.
Yay! I hope you like it too.