The Cedar Key

Written by Stephenia H. McGee

Narrated by Bryn Austin

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: By The Vine Press
• Release date: Dec 19, 2020
• ISBN: 9781635640847

Reviews for The Cedar Key

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.)

[George Ehling · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love your stories and how you weave God and prayer into them. Can't wait for the next one.

[sbmc-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"My stories. Those of my family. They weren't all good, but they were mine. I finally had all the answers I'd wanted, only to realize that the truth of the past never had the power to define me."Oh, what a heart-rending story of struggle, strife, forgiveness, and unconditional love! Painted into the heart of a small town in Mississippi, this contemporary novel will thoroughly captivate you as Casey launches on a journey to find herself and her biological family's legacy through letters left by her grandmother. Told through the eyes of Casey, we slowly learn why this young woman is so prickly and rude and you can't help but learn to love this woman who trusts no one yet has a deep tender heart underneath. Ryan is a swoony hero - patient, kind, compassionate, and honest but he isn't perfect and does end up needing Casey's help, especially in the youth ministry that he leads. Ryan's mom is the best and knows how to stand firm in love and truth; I want to be like her when I grow up!Brimming with lovable and real characters, raw emotions, a fascinating plot that melds the past with the present and offers some surprises along the way, wonderful spiritual truths, and beautifully penned words, The Cedar Key will delight every reader. I received a copy of the book from the publisher/author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[anne_rightler-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Having several of Stephenia McGee’s books on my ever-growing TBR pile when an opportunity came up to read The Cedar Key, I was excited to read it. I was not disappointed in the least. Cassandra’s story drew me in immediately and never let me go until the satisfying end. Unexpectedly finding herself the owner of her grandmother’s home, Casey comes to a small Mississippi town hoping to find answers to her past—a past full of hurts and disappointments. The Cedar Key is a captivating story of second chances, of recognizing that just perhaps a loving God has been there all the time and has found value in His children, not because of who they are but because of who He is. The characters are strong and vibrant and some of them were people I wish I had in my life. The neighbors, Ryan and his mom, continually speak encouragement and wisdom into Casey’s life. The author has crafted her story with a bit of humor, friendships, maturing faith in God, and a romance...what's not to like! Readers who enjoy contemporary small town romance will not want to miss reading The Cedar Key. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.