The Pebble in the Pond: A Tale of Stuarts Landing

For Miriam Llewelyn, moving to Stuarts Landing, Virginia, in 1978 was meant to be a fresh start after she and her husband sustain financial ruin and personal loss, but the town's polished façades hide a fiercely protective social hierarchy she was as naive in predicting as she was of navigating. She quickly discovers small-town life is anything but quiet. Her every move engenders the scrutiny of Louise Winston Caldwell, the ambitious queen of the Women's Auxiliary, who will stop at nothing to maintain control.

As Miriam settles in, befriending the eccentric, wealthy Webster sisters, she uncovers a decades-old family secret linking her late grandfather to the town's most powerful household. A tragic fire, hidden adoption, and old betrayals surface, exposing rivalries that have simmered for generations. Miriam's arrival sets in motion a chain of revelations that threatens to upend both the social order and long-held loyalties.

In a town built on tradition, Miriam must navigate ambition, jealousy, and hidden truths while finding her own place. Only by confronting the past-and choosing forgiveness-can she uncover the life her grandfather envisioned and forge her own path to belonging and peace.

Early Reviews

"Groves' talent for curating personalities that play off one another's strengths and shortcomings is unmatched, resulting in a highly immersive story. Readers who enjoy stories that hone in on the inner workings of a small town will adore The Pebble in the Pond. The emotionally driven novel will have you shedding a tear, laughing out loud, and warming your heart. While the author highlights topics such as grief and family drama, the overarching message is positive: the restorative power of kindness and forgiveness can do wonders for a community." - Stephanie Elizabeth Long for Reader Views, 5 Stars

"One thing that struck me is that it's not always who you are, it's what you reflect or stir in others that they fear or envy ... I highly recommend this book to readers who love wholesome narratives that quietly unfold while leaving a lasting impression." - Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite, 5 Stars

"The Pebble in the Pond is an easy match for book clubs who are interested in relationships, reputation, and history in small towns. It's a thoughtful, women-centered narrative that adeptly explores identity through family and social structures." - Grace Okubo for Literary Titan

"Mystery and small-town intrigue propel Groves' novel of new beginnings, social drama, and buried histories." - Kirkus Reviews