The Cedar Key Review

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today I’m sharing my thoughts on the fabulous book The Cedar Key by Stephenia McGee. This book…..WOW. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, as Stephenia is known for her historical novels. Until now. She needs to write more of these (do you hear that Stephenia wink wink). I mean, keep on writing the historical novels, because I am obsessed with them – but wow this book was so moving!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Cedar Key

Releases October 6, 2020

Blurb:

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 the family 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.

Links to purchase:

Amazon / iBooks / Kobo / B&N / Author Website

MY PERSPECTIVE

I have loved reading McGee’s books for quite some time now. She’s written some of my favorite historical novels! I was not sure how the switch to a contemporary setting was going to go, not because she’s not a fantastic writer, just because it’s different and I know that can be difficult for a writer. Make no mistake – this book is phenomenal. It absolutely took my breath away.

Let me start by saying that as I was reading Casey’s journey, I felt like I was on my own journey. While my life is not like Casey’s, the emotions and certain circumstances she dealt with were totally relatable. And when Ryan would bestow his words of wisdom to her, I felt like he was talking directly to me. Or when Casey would read her grandmother’s letters, a little part of me felt like they were mine. That’s how wonderfully written this book is!

That’s not really the best part to be honest with you. This book is filled with emotion, forgiveness, prayer, growth, and so much more. But even more important, it is filled with the gospel. Not in a preachy, in your face way. Now, it’s natural yet powerful. Casey learns some hard truths about her own spiritual walk that I think point out some things we all need to consider. I don’t want to give away spoilers, but I will say this. There is a big difference in believing there is a God, and believing that God will do things for us. This book drives that point home is such a graceful way.

Yes there’s a little romance, a little mystery, and some twists and turns along the way. But ultimately this book is about the truth of who we are as people, as God’s children, and understanding that we are worth something. Especially to our Heavenly Father. This is a book, and message, that will stick with me for a long time.

I highly recommend reading The Cedar Key. It is a book that will not only speak to your heart, it could just change your life! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

Do you like it when an author switches genres like this? Share in the comments!