Replacing Gentry

by Julie N. Ford

When Marlie attends a cadaver ball at Vanderbilt Medical School, she does not expect to actually see any cadavers. Or, that a strange apparition would issue her such a chilling message. Despite the cadaver’s warning, a year later Marlie is married to Tennessee state senator, Daniel Cannon, and living in a plantation-style mansion with two step-sons. Add to the mix her growing suspicion that something is amiss with the death of Daniel’s first wife, Gentry, and newlywed Marlie is definitely in over her pretty Yankee head.

What begins as an innocent inquiry into her new husband’s clouded past ends with Marlie facing a dangerous conspiracy.

A modern twist on the classic Gothic romance novels like Rebecca and Jane Eyre, REPLACING GENTRY follows Marlie’s precarious journey as she seeks to learn the truth about the man she married.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Paranormal, Gothic

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2013

About the author

A graduate from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science, Julie also earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama, which has only made her better able to recognize the unhealthy, codependent relationship she has with writing. Professionally, she has worked as a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Instructor, small Business Owner/Manager, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is the author of six women’s fiction novels, including Count Down to Love, a 2011 Whitney Award finalist. When she’s not writing or seeing clients, Julie entertains delusions of being a master gardener and/or beekeeper. She has lived all over the United States, including Texas, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, and Southern Utah. In December (2020), Julie relocated with her husband and Scottish Fold cat to the enchanted State of Oregon. She loves to chat with readers.

Visit her at JulieNFord.com or JulieNFord.com/blog

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I finally got around to reading "Rebecca" a few years ago and was entranced. This modern-day re-telling had me captured from the start. Full of twists and turns and strange happenings. Wow. I thought it was a great version!

Marlie is a California girl who attends a Cadavar Ball with her best friend from the South and ends up in a whirlwind relationship. Previously divorced (with her husband dying shortly afterward), Marlie's not sure she wants to jump into anything too quickly.

I liked Marlie. She was able to speak her mind and do things for herself, but soon realized that's not how she was expected to be. Still, she fought to stay true to herself. I got to where I didn't know who to trust and what was going on. Strange things, that's for sure. But so intriguing.

Content: that I can recall, there were just a few swear words; a little violence; some innuendo and mention of intimacy after marriage, but not too detailed; an instance of teens getting caught with drugs/beer.

[Julie Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about a novel that took me nearly two years to complete except that after all the changes, the cutting, reworking and rewriting, I ended up with an end result I'm most proud to put my name on. Part mystery, part suspense, part women's fiction, this novel incorporates everything I love in a good, spine-tingling story. Drawing inspiration from Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, I've created a modern, southern, version of her classic tale.

I truly love this story and I hope that all who venture to read is will as well.

Enjoy!

[Ruth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly did not know what to expect from this book when I started it. I enjoy mysteries, and I have always been a fan of the story "Rebecca." For the first third of the book, I figured that I would give it a four-star rating. It had a pretty good story, was well-written, and the mystery was somewhat intriguing. But it was nothing too special. Yes, I could see where it had some similarities to "Rebecca." Woman marries a guy she hardly knows and walks into the middle of what becomes an increasingly strange situation. But I felt it was missing something.

All that changed about a third of the way into the book! All of a sudden, the action and mystery became much more intense. Everything was told from Marlie's perspective so many of the facts were missing. The genetic issues really gave me pause--no spoilers; you need to read that for yourself. I was not greatly intrigued with Marlie, and every page I read became more eerie and filled with suspense. I had a few things correct concerning my suspicions, but for the most part, I was floored with the conclusions!

I can highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries. Rest assured that there is no profanity nor sex scenes. In fact, the book is extremely moralistic in nature, and I am happy to report that this story ends as it should. I definitely will be looking for more by this author.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marlie Evans is a 31-year-old psychiatric social worker who lives and works in California. She meets Daniel Cannon, a Tennessee state senator, at a dinner she attends with her best friend, Anna-Beth (who is also Daniel's cousin). There is an immediate connection between Daniel and Marlie, but there are also a lot of secrets they are keeping from each other.

Less than 24 hours later, Daniel proposes to Marlie as she is leaving to go back to California. A year later they are married, even though Marlie's sister is begging her not to marry a man she knows so little about.

Almost immediately Marlie realizes that life with Daniel Cannon is not what she had anticipated. There are so many secrets that she is determined to figure out. His wife, Gentry, died 3 years ago among allegations of charitable donations gone missing, drugs, and an affair. Becoming a stepmother to teenage boys brings additional challenges. And then there's the odd attraction to Johnny Hutchinson. And the woman she meets at the cemetery who looks like Daniel's deceased wife and issues her a warning. Everyone seems to be warning her to stop digging for answers, but Marlie is not easily intimidated. And she's very determined to find answers about the man she married.

Is Daniel a master manipulator or a devoted husband? Will the answers she seeks bring them together or tear them apart?

I loved the mystery part of this story, but I felt like the connection between Daniel and Marlie was either absent or contrived for most of the story.

Clean mystery romance

[Vonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
I was captivated by the cover of this book, which was the main reason why I wanted to read this. I had no clue as to what kind of book I was in for (I didn't read the whole synopsis). I was hooked right away and came to enjoy myself quite a bit.

I was surprised how many elements this book had: slight romance, suspense, ghosts, mystery, and drama. Right away this book reminded me of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. Like in Rebecca, the heroine Marlie entered a marriage where she barely knew the man, was thrown into an upper-class world, felt the disapproval of the people around her, was always compared to the first wife, and there was a big secret behind the first wife. I found these elements intriguing as how it all came together at the end.

Also, I found myself quite frustrated when reading Replacing Gentry. The emotions that Marlie went through as a new bride, who was ignored by her husband and criticized by the new people in her life, were very apparent to me. I wanted to yell at her to get herself out of her situation and tell her that she deserved better. The constant threats and undermining that she went through really got to me. I had to stop reading a few times to let my anger dissipate a bit. Is this a bad thing? No. I think Julie N. Ford did a fabulous job in bringing these emotions out, which sets the tone of the story. So, I did not mind it as much as I thought I would.

I quiet enjoyed this book. I liked the mystery behind it and the sudden changes of my emotions.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really did remind me a bit of Rebecca and Jane Eyre. It has the same eerie feel to it as Marlie tries to figure out all the strange things happening in her life.

Marlie is curious by nature which of course leads to trouble. Trouble, trouble, trouble. But, what fun would it be if Marlie wasn't in trouble?! No fun at all.

Marlie is smart and down to earth. The new family and world that Marlie gets caught up in is out of her comfort zone for sure. There are so many pretenses, secrets and people to distrust. Odd warnings that feel like threats, angry people, ghost like appearances, and a rude sister in law: all the makings for a great Gothic romance.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It had that creepy feel but it wasn't so creepy that it scared me (and I'm a big, big chicken). It had a bit of romance but felt pretty real life and not over the top. Things were never perfect. I have to say that I wan't too surprised by the end because I had the people pegged for the most part. I like that because then I feel smart in the end. :) I'm sure that is just what the author intended though and I'm all good with that.

Replacing Gentry is available for only 1.99 on Amazon right now. You seriously can't beat that price for a book like this. You really should check it out.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is described as being a modern twist on Rebecca and Jane Eyre. That had me intrigued. I have read both and was wanting to see what Julie Ford could do with the adaptation.

I went into the story thinking I had a pretty good idea of how it would go. Mystery in a marriage, secrets, danger, all of the descriptors that come to mind when considering the classics. While "Replacing Gentry" did have all of them in it, there was more to the story that I wasn't expecting.

Marlie is from California and surprises everyone with her quick decision to marry a state senator from Tennessee. She quickly learns that the societal culture is different. There is a new set of rules that she is expected to learn and master. She has a tendency to bluntness and roots for the lower class. This is not approved of with her new acquaintances.

There is also the matter of trying to live up to the expectations. She constantly feels the comparison to her husband's late wife, Gentry. There is a mystery surrounding Gentry that Marlie is determined to figure out.

I enjoyed the story and was astounded at some of the situations in the book. It all fell together nicely.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I've read two of Julie's books and I've enjoyed them both. This Gothic-style romance was completely different from her first book. I haven't ready anything quite like this book. The writing style was very good and the plot moved along at a brisk pace. The complexity and detail shown reflects the author's creativity. The setting with its Southern culture, graveyards, and creepy secret cult also gave the story an intelligent feel. The creepy scenes and odd characters added to the story's appeal and the mysterious twists and turns in the plot held my attention. I loved the emotion, the tension, the intrigue, and the sizzling romantic elements. I also appreciated how there were several instances where I had no clue about what was going to happen next, and then the author tossed in a curve ball I never saw coming. There was nothing predictable or cliche about this novel. There was even a spiritual/faith thread in the book. And the ending was sweet with just the right amount of resolution to satisfy me as a reader.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book and read through it rather quickly. I liked Marlie, though she did sometimes seem a little more impulsive than was good for her at times. To me, Daniel didn't seem sincere and was easily manipulated by about everyone he came in contact with. He marries Marlie and then sort of abandons her at his house with his boys - without much guidance as to what she was to do with them, or with the house.

Strange things have been happening to Marlie since she met Daniel - cadavers talking to her, people giving her similar warnings and knowing things about her that they couldn't possibly know. About midway through the book the action starts to pick up and I started racing to get to the end. There were some weird twists and you really have to pay attention so that you don't miss the important clues.

If you are a fan of Gothic romance, you might want to give this one a try - it does have more of a modern feel though.

[dsneaks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Replacing Gentry by Julie N. Ford for free through good reads first reads giveaway. This book is about a women who finds herself in an impossible situation while following her heart. This women's heart seems to always lead her to very dangerous places. I found it hard to put this book down and each chapter just leaves you wanting more. Its hard to put this book down after reading a chapter, each chapter just feels like a horrible cliffhanger, leaving you dying for more. Before I even finished this book I was recommending it to my friends to read. I loved it, it kept me guessing and on my toes. Some things I did see coming but for the most part I didn't . Replacing Gentry is a very creative story that wraps up nicely. Each chapter leaves you dying for more, but the end of the book leaves you content and happy. I left the end of this book with no more questions and quite satisfied with the everything.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best title of the year for me! I got this as a free download from Pixel of Ink and, as often happens with e-books, I totally forgot the summary well before I started reading this. What started as an interesting, but unremarkable romance with heavy touches of the Gothic, became an unexpected thriller that had me staying up past bedtime to finish. As a main character, I really liked Marlie. A trained social worker, her reflections on "replacing" the first wife and mother of twin boys really added depth to the book for me. I really loved the gothic element, including the "Is it real or is this woman just paranoid?" tension. I really loved this one and it brought back many happy memories of a Gothic lit course I took in college. Always interesting to explore what scares us most (which in the Gothic is often our own dread of the unknown).

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julie Ford is definitely an author to watch. I've enjoyed her other books, and this one deviates from those in genre. Replacing Gentry is an intriguing suspense about a woman named Marlie who marries Daniel, a man with a mysterious past. But mysterious doesn't begin to describe it. Marlie finds herself facing a web of secrets as she learns more about her husband's late wife. Julie's writing is a pleasure to read, and her characters are skillfully drawn. I love the quirks and uniqueness of the southern setting. The plot of Replacing Gentry is based loosely on the novel Rebecca (by Daphne Du Maurier), one of my favorite mystery writers. Without giving away any spoilers, you'll have to read this one for yourself, and you'll become a fan quickly.

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Typically I find that the Goodreads community is pretty good at leaving reviews that truthfully reflect the quality of a book... however, this was a big miss. Fortunately, I was able to borrow this at no cost from the Amazon Prime Library so the only thing I really lost was a few hours on a Saturday afternoon.

Why one star?
- Characters & plot were an utter disappointment
- Constant odd references to pop culture that cheapened the quality of the writing
- The book description was the best part of this reading experience
- Seriously?! Weird genetic experimentation, mysterious un-dead people, and a secret society? I mean... come on. Also the protagonist was absolutely one of the most dumb characters I've ever encountered.

[Charissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marlie meets Daniel at a party, and it seems like love at first sight. He takes her to the airport and proposes the next day. This throws Marlie into Daniel’s world. He’s a state senator and owner of Canon Records. He is wealthy and gives her everything she could seem to want...except his time...and his secrets about his dead wife, Gentry. Pulled in against her will as she overhears a few conversations about herself and is confronted by several of Daniel’s friends who want her out of his life, Marlie determines to uncover the truth about Gentry’s death. This book had thrilling surprises throughout, and lots of mystery and suspense. I liked the characters, even the villains were colorful and became real to me.

[Margitte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Replacing gentry - by Julie N Ford

Marlie got more than marriage when she got involved with Daniel. Secrets blanketed the death of his first wife and secret societies had a role to play. The mystery was everywhere.

Surprising and unexpected comes to mind when I think how the plot was designed to make this an easy, although sometimes a confusing, but romantic read.

I did not connect with the author that well - there was not much to identify with in the narrative, but not everyone can be kept happy in a story. However, the plot was very well constructed and promises a nice relaxing feel-good read in this genre.

It was something different to read. Getting to know the Southern lifestyle better was a bonus point for me.

[Whitney Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book during my toddler's afternoon nap and couldn't put it down! There were twists and turns and it was far from predictable. It reminded me of classic novels such as Jane Eyre or Gone With The Wind in the development and attitudes of many of the characters, and yet was modern and addressed many issues that face us today.

Conspiracies, secret societies and people who will kill to keep their pasts in the past, this book is the perfect women's fiction... mystery blended with real emotions as a woman tries to connect and integrate herself into a new family and new society.

This is an excellent novel and I highly recommend you go out and get yourself a copy!

[Alice Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julie Ford did a great job of laying out the life of a Californian that reallocates to the South. Minus the mansion and the suspenseful love story, I should know, being a Californian that resided in TN for 9 years.

Even though this book didn't end the way I wanted, it was still a great read. Ford has a knack with the romance and the suspense. I would love to spend a few minutes inside her brain as she writes out her plots.

Perhaps my favorite character of this book was the Southern sister-in-law. Bravo to Ford for nailing her on the head! There are so many southern women that I know that I could put right into her wardrobe.

Next time give me the ending I WANT!!!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have liked to give the book 4.5 stars, but ultimately I rounded up since it must mean something that I couldn't put it down. The story is very like Rebecca, which is a good thing. I would have liked to tighten up the middle and maybe expand on the ending, but ultimately, I did enjoy the book quite a bit.

Many other reviewers had problems warming up to Daniel. He disappointed me at times, but I found myself liking him from the airport forward. Marlie bugged me at times but I came around to liking her as well.

Lots of twists, some foreseeable, some not, and an entertaining, quick read.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Replacing Gentry is an excellent story with mystery, romance, and a vivid setting which will draw you in and keep you immersed in the novel. I liked how this book was reminiscent of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier yet had great contemporary presence. Julie's characters have great dialogue sequences and I love how in between racing through suspense scenes there were times when I laughed out loud as well.

All together this is an excellent read and I'm glad I had some down time to enjoy this novel!

[Braden Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I don't read romances normally, so I'm not terribly familiar with the conventions. What I do know is that this book kept me up well past my bedtime several nights in a row and kept me guessing as well. As someone who works in the areas Julie describes, I laughed out loud at a few of the minor characters. Her descriptions were spot on in both the characters and portrayal of a way of life. It was a fun read and I enjoyed it. I'll let everyone else argue about whether it's a thriller or a romance or whatever. I thought it was fun!

[Kerri Cuevas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlie thought she was marrying Daniel, and getting a new family. She didn't know she would land in the middle of a scandal with a secret society. Replacing Gentry had so many twists and turns that I didn't know what was coming next. There’s something for everyone—romance, action, ghosts, and a secret society. This was a well written story from a wonderful author.

[Gabby (What's Beyond Forks?) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
There was so much thought and detail that went into Replacing Gentry, and that made me feel like I was right there looking through the eyes and mind of Marlie.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books you think you know what it's going to be about, then it surprises you with the turns it takes. The author did an amazing job of plotting the various elements, and there are quite a few, so be prepared to expect the unexpected! An exciting read with mystery topped with splashes of humor and warm, witty glimpses into Southern culture, Replacing Gentry is a delight.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I'm a huge fan of the novel, Rebecca (more than just because it's my name), and this book has the same feel. I loved the plot twists, and didn't see the major one at the end. Great read.

[Valerie Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what to think about this book. Some things were so weird and didn't make any sense!! Like the two graves....I was totally lost on the significance of that. I also skipped over so many paragraphs. The obvious questions she kept asking her self were annoying.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously got sucked into this story!! I loved how I never knew where it was headed!! Beautifully written and how some of my questions are still unanswered. ;)

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little different from the books I usually read. It was kind of creepy, fun to read around Halloween.

[Beth Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although not a big girl-running-away-from-the-house book fan, I enjoyed Replacing Gentry as a light read. The end plot twist(s) added to the overall story, and were well integrated.

[Carmen Gaarder kumm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

I got the book for free, it was ok not something I'd read again but ok. A bit off reality

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since torn between 2 and 3, 2.5*. Definitely unusual and creative, but at times very hard to follow and confusing. Liked main character but rest rather flat.