I feel like it has been an absurdly long time since I’ve done a traditional review (because it has). However, this lovely little book came out on Valentine’s Day and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it.
A little over a year ago, I was in one of the biggest reading slumps of my adult life. On a whim*, I picked up Hester Young’s The Gates of Evangeline and absolutely loved it.
So I was both excited and nervous to read The Shimmering Road**, Young’s second book featuring journalist Charlie Cates. I am happy to report it’s an enthralling read and a solid follow-up to her first novel.
Charlie, expecting her first daughter, is now in Arizona, searching for clues that might help solve the murder of her mother and half sister. Plagued by recurring nightmares, she can’t help but worry about the fate of her unborn daughter and that of her half-sister’s daughter, even as she gets drawn further into the mystery surrounding the murders. Her c
The novel is fast paced, unexpected, and a pleasure to read. The Shimmering Road, as is its predecessor, is everything a page-turner—with a supernatural flare—should be. Admittedly, I loved Gates of Evangeline just a little bit more and I missed the southern Gothic aspect, but it was nice to revisit characters I enjoyed.
*That whim got it’s start from Sarah’s (of Sarah’s Book Shelves) love of Gates of Evangeline.
**I received a review copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
flannel and folklore 
I loved Gates of Evangeline and have been waiting on this one. I’m glad it’s keeping in the same vein as Gates. Your review is the first review I’ve seen for this one.
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I was surprised not to see more about this book around its publication day, especially given Gates of Evangeline’s success!
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Thanks so much for linking to my review! I’ve been shying away from The Shimmering Road b/c I loved the setting of Gates of Evangeline so much. I just wasn’t sure if I’d be able to buy the supernatural element without the spooky Southern Gothic setting.
Maybe I’ll give it a shot. Would probably be a good choice for my summer reading list!
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It’s an easy read, and while I didn’t enjoy it as much as Gates of Evangeline and really missed the Southern Gothic vibe, it’s worth picking up. I read it while on maternity leave and that might be one of the primary reasons the ease appealed to me (didn’t require much concentration).
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I’ve seen Gates of Evangeline everywhere but never stopped to actually read the synopsis. I really love the sound of it though! Putting it on my TBR. 🙂
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I finally got Gates of Evangeline from the library! I’m happy to hear that the sequel did not disappoint.
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