"A heartwarming slice of Americana!"

THE EDGE OF TOWN takes place in Fertile, Missouri in 1922. The inhabitants of Fertile, and its bordering farms appear to be simple people who enjoy the simple pleasures in life. But appearances can be deceiving and even in a small town like Fertile there are secrets to be hidden and protected.

Julie Jones' family lives on a farm outside of town. She has been helping her father take care of her brothers and sisters since she was 16 and her mother died. She loves them dearly but she wonders what the future will be like when they grow up and leave home, and her, behind. Even if she did meet a man and fall in love, she knows her family needs her too much for her to leave them.

Evan Johnson, son of the town drunk and bully, returns to Fertile after fighting in the war. He despises what his father is, but his mother has died while he was away and he feels drawn to the farm that was her home. He meets Julie and her family and is immediately attracted to them and the love they show for one another. The family makes him feel welcome in their midst until trouble comes to Fertile, and doubts and suspicions begin to form in the minds of the community. When a murder occurs, Evan is arrested and accused of the crime. Will Julie's love for him withstand the test of blame and suspicion?

The EDGE OF TOWN is a heartwarming slice of Americana. The people are for the most part honest and hard working. The members of the Jones family genuinely care for each other and display an honesty and loyalty that is refreshing. The story is pleasantly and simply told, the mystery is interesting, but doesn't overshadow the real heart of the story, which is the people of Fertile themselves. Ms. Garlock has a way of bringing her fictional characters to life. A very enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Janice Bennett
Posted June 22, 2002

Summary

At 21, Julie Jones is convinced that life is passing her by. Her mother's death four years ago left her in charge of caring for her father and five siblings, and dashed her hopes of meeting that special someone who would whisk her away to the glamorous big city. Then all at once, Julie's predictable existence is overturned when her father finds love with an attractive widow, and Evan Johnson, the mysterious son of the town drunkard returns home and starts courting her. With his arrival, however, comes a series of devastating tragedies as Evan's father is found murdered, and a series of brutal rapes rocks the town. In a rush to judgment, the townsfolk are all pointing to Evan as the guilty party, except for one person. Amid growing tensions, Julie Jones has been hiding a dark personal secret-and falling desperately in love.