The Broken Circle: Beyond Cedar Cove, Book Two

by Cynthia Ulmer

In "The Broken Circle, Beyond Cedar Cove," Cynthia Ulmer tells a moving story about hope, resilience, and the bonds that unite a community in times of crisis.

In this second part of the series, we find the tranquil town of Cedar Cove on the brink of chaos; the local Baptist Church, a cornerstone of the community, is thrown into turmoil when its pastor, Joe Marley, crashes his car into the Jansans' feed store. James Jansan, the respectable head deacon, must find a substitute preacher to take over while the community grapples with various issues that threaten to unravel its tight-knit fabric.

Meg Kerwood, known for her abusive and neglectful behavior toward her six-year-old daughter, wants to have a baby boy. She believes that unwavering faith and divine intervention will answer her prayers. But her journey toward motherhood takes an unexpected turn, leading her down a path of heartache and turmoil. Adding to the chaos, someone from Grandma Cal's past resurfaces, bringing secrets and complications that test the town's unity.

As the truth comes to light, Meg's life takes a frightening turn, leaving her shattered and on the brink of disaster. Will Cedar Cove find the strength to overcome the challenges that threaten to tear them apart, or will they succumb to the weight of their secrets?

In this captivating novel, join us on a breathtaking journey filled with compassion, redemption, and the power of faith.

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2024

About the author

Award medal recipient and acclaimed writer Cynthia Ulmer was born in Newport News, Virginia, and raised in Leland, North Carolina. Her wholesome 'Southern Family Fictional' book series, The Cedar Cove Chronicles, is an award-winning series of books.

It is a Christian-themed realistic drama series that follows the Jansan family and their friends and neighbors in the fictional community of Cedar Cove, North Carolina, during the 1940s and 1950s. Books one and four of "The Cedar Cove Chronicles" have won medals from the 'Wishing Shelf Indie Book Awards' and several have received several 5-star book reviews from Readers Favorite.

Now ready to bring readers to the present, she has released a new book series called Beyond Cedar Cove. Book one, Underneath The Honeysuckle Vine, was released in 2021, and book two, Broken Circle, is set to release soon. Her titles are available on Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and many other online bookstores and literary publications.

Cynthia shares, "Some people grapple with their life's purpose, while others are born knowing it. At an early age, I knew I would be a writer--as the narratives were always alive in my mind." The author's characters are so rich and relatable that readers will feel an intimate connection with them and eagerly anticipate the next chapter in their lives. The author hopes her books resonate with readers, stirring their hearts and inspiring them to foster deeper faith-filled connections with the Lord.

When Cynthia isn't writing, she finds joy in cooking, crocheting, immersing herself in music, and delving into the works of her favorite authors, Catherine Hyde Ryan, Lucinda Berry, and Wiley Cash. Above all, she treasures the time spent with her extensive family, particularly her grandchildren. Cynthia and her husband continue to call North Carolina home.

Reviews

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Ulmer’s “The Broken Circle: Beyond Cedar Cove,” book two in the Beyond Cedar Cove Series, is an absorbing Christian-themed narrative that deftly addresses a variety of topics, including guilt, hidden secrets, love, and reform. The peaceful town of Cedar Cove is at the center of it all, as a slew of unexpected occurrences threaten to upend its stability and tranquility.

The Jansan farm in Cedar Cove, North Carolina has welcomed its newest residents: Meg Kerwood, her husband Jonny, and their six-year-old daughter, Carin. Meg is from a wealthy family, and she does not think her life with Jonny is quite what she deserves. She has a conceited attitude that keeps earning her more and more enemies. Her own husband describes her as the most conceited, selfish, and heartless person he has ever known. She exhibits rage and enjoys putting her daughter down whenever it suits her, making her feel worthless. Ironically, a second child, she believes, is the only thing that will bring her true happiness in life.

Meanwhile, Preacher Joseph Marley of the Cedar Cove Baptist Church crashes into Jansans’ feed store. While recovering from an illness that has been causing him blackouts, Colonel Quincy Edward Palmer arrives and announces his plan to take over as church head. Additionally, Quincy surprisingly suggests that he and his previous sweetheart, Grandma Agnes, who attends the church, get back together the way they did decades ago before he enrolled in the military.

To be discovered by the reader is a sinister backstory regarding Meg’s grandfather and his appalling attempt to discipline her for a terribly planned scheme that caused shame to the family. Concurrently, a medical professional makes a revelation that sets off a chain of events, giving sense to a miraculous event that takes the medical community by surprise. Furthermore, an ambitious lover who is hooked on cough syrup dies, leaving his widow perplexed.

With each new truth that comes to light, the plot in “The Broken Circle” thickens and becomes more intriguing. It invites one to sit down and be thrown into a world of sheer drama and emotion. This literary gem is a beautiful piece of realistic literary fiction with endearing characters whose decisions and points of view make the book fun to read. It also has the incredible potential to rekindle hope and belief in God. Despite being a sequel, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.

[Catherine Townsend-Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another unique and enriched Christian-themed family saga!
This book is a wonderful addition to the book series "Beyond Cedar Cove" by one of my favorite indie authors. "The Broken Circle" is book 2 of this series. However, I suggest readers may want to read book 1 first to gain the full perspective of the ever-evolving saga of the "Jansan Family." Of course, I surely don't want to share any spoilers...

Here are some of my takeaways after reading "The Broken Circle."

The story is deeply rooted in Southern Christianity, which I enjoy most about the author. It is about rural farm life in the Carolinas. It's another delightful realistic fiction and history of family drama, with former characters on the humorous side like Grandma Cal, and some new characters within a new decade.

However, the character of Meg is a real piece of work with a rotten attitude and a personality of selfishness. Her choices and neglectful motives for wanting another baby, a baby boy, not only does this affect her family but also those around her, like her little 6-year-old daughter who goes through the 'twist of faith' and journey along with Meg. When secrets are revealed, life lessons from God are being learned, a community is in disarray while consequences need to be fulfilled, and so much more, how in the world does this all END?

Well, I highly suggest you read this one to see how it does.
It is deserving of my 5-star rating!

By Cat's Book Library 4 Readers

[Lee McMillion · Rating 4 out of 5]

What struck me most was the way the characters tiptoe between grace and exhaustion. Trudy’s boundary setting, Clyde’s dry humor, Reggie’s compassion they’re the kind of people we all wish we had nearby. And Meg oh, Meg. She is chaos wrapped in perfume and denial. Every scene she’s in pulses with tension. But somehow, Ulmer doesn’t turn her into a caricature. She’s broken, manipulative, and hurting in ways she doesn’t understand.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading a story i was grieving with them, laughing at their wit, and aching for redemption. This novel is about what happens when people collide and unravel and the slow, quiet grace of those who stay to help pick up the pieces. A Southern literary gem.

[Priscilla Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this with my book club was such a powerful experience. We all agreed that Meg might be one of the most compelling anti heroes we’ve read in a long time. She’s infuriating and pitiful all at once, and Ulmer makes her real. Some of us saw her as a villain; others as a victim of her own illusions.
What really impressed us was how the community responded to Meg’s drama some with grace, others with frustration. The scenes with Clyde, Todd and Trudy showed what it means to hold compassion and boundaries at the same time. We had so many thoughts about Carin too, and what children absorb from family tension.
It’s a novel that invites discussion, discomfort and deep reflection. Perfect for a group read, and unforgettable on a personal level too.

[Shauna Macgregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Broken Circle took me on a deeply emotional ride. Cynthia Ulmer paints a vivid portrait of life in Cedar Cove, where every character breathes and bleeds and loves with raw honesty. Meg Kerwood is frustrating, complex, and unforgettable her selfishness is so well drawn, yet you can’t look away from the trainwreck of her decisions.
The layered dynamics between Jonny, Meg and their daughter Carin are gut-wrenching. Watching Carin cling to her father’s warmth while her mother spirals into tantrums broke my heart. And then there’s Preacher Joe, whose decline into confusion is tragic and painfully real. Ulmer blends community, faith and dysfunction so skillfully. I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

[Annie M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel is everything I hoped it would be and more. Ulmer captures the heart of small town life beautifully, with all its complexities. I was drawn to the characters’ inner battles as much as their outward challenges and I appreciated how honestly their journeys were told.
The themes of healing and reconciliation resonated with me the most. It reminded me that even when bonds are tested, love and understanding can bring people back together. The writing feels authentic, never forced and I found myself lost in the story for hours at a time.
By the end, I felt like I had been on a personal journey of growth right alongside the characters. This is a book that nourishes the soul as much as it entertains.

[Katherine Tenorio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Ulmer writes with such compassion that it’s impossible not to be moved. The struggles of the characters were written with honesty and I found myself empathizing deeply with them.
The pace of the story was perfect steady and thoughtful, allowing time to reflect on the deeper themes of forgiveness, resilience and belonging. It’s not just about what happens to the characters, but what they teach us about life.
I closed this book with a full heart and a renewed appreciation for community and family. A truly lovely read.
Cynthia Ulmer writes with such compassion that it’s impossible not to be moved. The struggles of the characters were written with honesty and I found myself empathizing deeply with them.

[Pete Hawks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meg is a masterpiece of contradiction. I hated her. I feared for her. I understood her. Her desperation to matter, to be seen it’s the story of many women whose dreams didn’t come true. That scene with her deciding to get pregnant? Devastating.
Jonny is the kind of man you quietly root for. He carries so much. His relationship with Reggie and the warmth of the Nobles family gave me some of the most touching moments in the book.
Ulmer has a gift for writing tension. The arguments, the silences, the sharp edges they all felt real. I was fully transported into this deeply flawed but unforgettable world.

[Deborah Beeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every now and then, you stumble on a book that shakes you. The Broken Circle did that for me. It got under my skin in a way few books have. It’s the kind of novel you carry with you for days after finishing.
Ulmer captures the messy truths of family and small town life how love and resentment can sit side by side. It’s often funny, sometimes tragic and always honest. The character work is extraordinary. Even the minor characters feel fully realized.
I especially appreciated the intergenerational dynamics. There’s wisdom and weariness in the older characters that balances the recklessness of the younger ones. This is a master class in character driven fiction.

[Liz R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished The Broken Circle and had to sit with my thoughts before writing this review. This book moved me. It made me uncomfortable. It made me think. It made me cry. Cynthia Ulmer doesn’t pull punches and I love her for it.
Meg is such a complicated antagonist. I hated her and pitied her. Her longing for control, for beauty, for recognition it’s painful to watch. But I understood her. The real tragedy is how many people in her life carry the consequences of her pain.
Jonny and Carin’s bond is the heart of this book. It gave me hope in a story otherwise soaked in conflict. This is storytelling that cuts to the bone.

[Sara N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something utterly addictive about The Broken Circle. I found myself rooting for characters I didn’t expect especially Jonny and little Carin. The writing is vivid raw emotions jump off the page. The story pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
Meg is infuriating and yet heartbreakingly human. Her pain is real, even when her choices are terrible. I caught myself yelling out loud during her scenes! That’s how immersed I was. The family dynamics are rich and tangled, just like in real life.
The pacing is brisk but emotionally intense. Every chapter adds another piece to the puzzle of Cedar Cove’s complex relationships. Cynthia Ulmer, take a bow!

[Johnny Bale · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first page, I felt like I was in Cedar Cove. Ulmer’s writing feels effortless like sitting on a front porch and listening to stories passed down through generations. The characters are so familiar, it’s like you’ve known them your whole life.
Meg frustrated me beyond belief but I also saw the broken little girl inside her. It’s painful to watch her destroy everything she touches but it’s written so honestly that I couldn’t look away.
And then there’s Carin that sweet, innocent child trying to hold onto love in the middle of chaos. She tore my heart open. This is one of the most honest portrayals of family pain I’ve read.

[Carole H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading The Broken Circle felt like sitting down with old friends and hearing their stories around the kitchen table. The small town setting of Cedar Cove is so alive and each character felt like someone I could meet in real life. Their strengths and flaws made them deeply human and I found myself caring about each one as though I lived among them.
What really struck me was how Ulmer balances hardship with hope. There are real struggles here family tensions, heartbreaks and personal trials yet the story always circles back to resilience and love. I admired how the characters leaned on faith and community when life became heavy.

[David K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuation of the Cedar Cove series exceeded my expectations. Cynthia Ulmer writes with such tenderness, allowing us to see the beauty and struggle of ordinary lives. I admired how she gave each character a moment to shine, no matter how small their role might have been.
The pacing was steady and comforting, much like the rhythm of real life in a close knit town. While there are trials and sorrows, the undercurrent of faith and compassion keeps the story hopeful and deeply relatable.
This is the kind of book that makes you want to call your family, hug them a little tighter, and appreciate the connections you have. I loved every page.

[Brittany Watley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I think about The Broken Circle, what stands out most to me is the humanity of the characters. They are imperfect, sometimes frustrating, yet so very real. I felt like I could reach out and sit on the porch with them, sharing their joys and sorrows.
The writing is rich without being overdone, and the emotional depth took me by surprise more than once. There were moments that made me smile, others that brought tears to my eyes, but all of it felt earned.
It’s a novel about love, loss, and redemption the kind of story that makes you want to call your loved ones just to say you appreciate them.

[Betty Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading The Broken Circle with my book club was an amazing experience. Each character had so much depth that we found ourselves debating their choices long after we closed the book. It was refreshing to read a story that wasn’t one dimensional, but layered with both hardship and grace.
The themes of family loyalty, redemption, and community were especially meaningful. We spent half the night talking about how those themes play out in our own lives, which shows how relevant the book is even beyond its setting.
We all agreed that Cynthia Ulmer has a rare gift for writing stories that touch the heart. The book left us with a sense of hope, which is exactly what we needed.

[Brandon Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discussing The Broken Circle in our group was such a joy. Every member had a different favorite character, which shows how well rounded and relatable the writing is. Some found Meg frustrating, others felt compassion for her but either way, it made the discussion lively.
The faith elements also sparked good conversation. It wasn’t heavy handed but it raised thoughtful questions about community, resilience and grace.
Several people in the group said they don’t usually read this type of book, but they were glad they did because it opened their eyes to the power of storytelling about everyday life. That’s the mark of a great book club read.

[Nick Gilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Broken Circle was chosen by our club because we wanted something heartfelt and it exceeded expectations. From the very beginning, the characters drew us in, and we all agreed that Cynthia Ulmer writes with honesty and heart.
The story touched on topics that opened up meaningful conversations for our group parenting, forgiveness, community and the pursuit of happiness. It wasn’t just a book we read; it became a mirror to our own experiences.
We closed the night by agreeing this was one of the best choices our club has made this year. Several members said they’re planning to continue with the series on their own.

[Barbara Daniels Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sequel to book one

What a great sequel to author Cynthia Ulmer's "Beyond Cedar Cove Series." Her ability to weave a story through the times of joy and heartbreak for the families in her books is amazing. I certainly hope there is another novel in the series coming soon. I highly recommend this book, but it is really best read after the first one. Our author certainly did pull a fast one on me with the ending in this one. I believe these two books would be great in audio form with the southern accents, especially Meg's. What a character!

[Ora Olmos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meg is a tornado of unmet dreams and misdirected rage and she’s unforgettable. Watching her relationship with Jonny crumble and seeing how it affects Carin is absolutely heartbreaking. Ulmer writes with both wit and empathy never letting the reader fully hate or forgive any one character.
The scene where Meg smashes the TV had me gasping out loud. This book delivers drama with emotional depth, never tipping into melodrama. A powerful portrayal of family unraveling and the quiet strength it takes to endure it.

[Sandra Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The Broken Circle in one weekend because I simply couldn’t stop. The pacing, the layered conflicts, the flawed but fascinating characters it all came together in a story that felt completely alive. The banter, the gossip, the tension over Easter Sunday, it was all so vivid.
Meg’s obsession with television and appearances struck such a tragic note. She’s starving for validation, and she’s willing to wreck everything around her to get it. This is a novel about dysfunction, yes but it’s also about grace in small, everyday acts.

[Regina Seely · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the first sentence. Meg’s opening tantrum set the tone perfectly for what became a rollercoaster of personal and communal drama. Cynthia Ulmer doesn’t write caricatures she writes people. Raw, flawed, complicated people.
Clyde, Wanda and Trudy were my favorite characters by far. I loved how they struggled to balance kindness with boundaries. The way they cared for little Carin warmed my heart. This novel made me laugh out loud and cry within the same chapter. It’s Southern fiction at its best.

[Esther Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The Broken Circle with my book club, and let me just say this sparked some of our most heated and thoughtful discussions yet. We were all stunned by Meg’s destructive entitlement and Jonny’s heartbreaking patience. Ulmer doesn’t sugarcoat anything.
We especially loved how the novel captures both the humor and hardship of small town life. Preacher Joe’s blackouts were both sad and oddly endearing. You can feel the nostalgia and the weight of generational memory in every scene. A deeply Southern story with soul.

[Sabrina Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with my book club and we were all absolutely hooked. The opening chapter had us gasping Meg is a storm in human form. We couldn’t believe the layers of drama that unfolded. Each chapter peeled back a little more pain, longing and Southern complexity.
We had a heated debate over Meg’s character some felt for her, others couldn’t stand her. That’s the beauty of Ulmer’s storytelling you feel everything. The town of Cedar Cove is bursting with life sometimes chaotic, sometimes beautiful but always believable.

[Orland Ferry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my book club and we were all absolutely hooked. The opening chapter had us gasping Meg is a storm in human form! We couldn’t believe the layers of drama that unfolded. Each chapter peeled back a little more pain, longing, and Southern complexity.
We had a heated debate over Meg’s character some felt for her, others couldn’t stand her. That’s the beauty of Ulmer’s storytelling: you feel everything. The town of Cedar Cove is bursting with life sometimes chaotic, sometimes beautiful but always believable.

[Victoria Esparza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book club unanimously loved this read. Some of us were drawn to the family dynamics, others to the strong sense of place and community, but everyone found something meaningful.
The writing gave us so much to talk about the balance between hardship and faith, the role of love in healing and the ways brokenness can actually bring people together.
By the end of our discussion, we felt closer as a group, which is the ultimate sign of a great book club choice. The Broken Circle didn’t just give us a story, it gave us an experience to share.

[Thomas N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia Ulmer has such a gift for weaving together family, faith and community in a way that feels timeless. The Broken Circle pulled me right into Cedar Cove, where the characters’ joys and struggles resonated deeply with me. I loved the warmth of the relationships, the challenges they faced and the way grace and forgiveness always seemed to find a path forward.
This book left me with a full heart. It reminded me that even in the toughest of times, love has a way of knitting the broken pieces back together. I truly can’t wait to see where Ulmer takes us in the next part of this series.

[Annie M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first page, I felt at home in Cedar Cove again. The atmosphere Ulmer creates is so inviting, yet she doesn’t shy away from portraying life’s difficulties. That balance makes the story both realistic and inspiring.
The way the characters face heartbreak and still find a way forward left me deeply moved. Their strength comes not from perfection but from learning to forgive and lean on one another. That’s a lesson I think we all need from time to time.
This book will stay with me for a long while. It gave me both comfort and hope and I’m grateful for that.

[Thomas D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Broken Circle is a beautifully written continuation of the Cedar Cove journey. I loved being reunited with familiar characters and watching their lives unfold in such a meaningful way.
The themes of forgiveness, redemption and resilience were woven seamlessly throughout the story. Ulmer has a way of making you feel like you are living alongside the characters, sharing their joys and sorrows.
This book reminded me of the importance of love and grace in every season of life. It’s a rare gem that I will gladly return to again and again.

[Anthony Aragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something so comforting about stepping back into Cedar Cove. It feels like revisiting old friends but with new challenges and new lessons to discover. I loved how each character’s journey felt authentic and layered.
Ulmer doesn’t shy away from showing hardship but she balances it with faith and the importance of community. That combination left me inspired and encouraged, even when the story touched on difficult themes.
This book reminded me of the resilience of the human heart. It’s one I’ll be revisiting when I need a little hope.