The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is Amanda Cox’s way of getting characters into the hearts of the readers. There are some very heavy topics that are handled with dignity. Readers feel the deep anguish of the characters and the emotional pain that they carry. Yet on another level, the intense love and devotion felt by the characters is an expression of hope and uplift.

The book covers the lives of three women who are a mother, daughter, and granddaughter grouping. All three of them have difficult experiences that they have hesitated to share with one another. This book is the telling of how these “secrets” come to light and help the women heal and gain strength from one another.

The author has woven bits of old lost love in between that of failed love, deep and abiding love, and new love. It is done beautifully and has readers wanting to keep reading to find out if these ladies will ever find peace and a way to share the truth. The message that we don’t have to be alone with our trials and heartaches is well done. It causes one to ponder if keeping secrets can be an obstacle to healing and growth.

Review of an Advance Reader Copy provided by the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: Report of a man shot and killed; character recalls violence witnessed as acts of war, but the details are minimal; person contemplated suicide.

Sex/Nudity:  Many references to teenagers “going too far” resulting in pregnancy; non-married characters kiss and embrace.

Mature Subject Matter:

Illegitimate child, death of a spouse and parent, traumatic war experiences, suicide (contemplated), PTSD.

Drugs/Alcohol Use:

A teenager drinks too many beers and is very drunk; a person did all sorts of drugs due to post-traumatic stress disorder.