Nicole Deese

Throw mom Luella Farrow, who is a Country Music Icon, her three daughters and the son of her deceased best friend onto a refurbished tour bus for a two week nostalgic road trip and you have unexpected consequences. Driver Micah: *I am not here by chance. And neither are any of my passengers.*
Youngest daughter Reagan, wants to be able to shine on her own, not in the shadow of her well-known mom. But her dream of becoming a writer of fiction stutters when someone threatens her family and its treasured history.
*Forgiveness. Both given and received. It is meant to come in a perfect pair, no matter how pride may tell us otherwise.* (Luella)
What struck me besides being a highly readable story about family, was how the characters were living out their faith and that God and scripture were their foundation. As in real life, the players were not without their mistakes and fears, but the author clearly showed the family working through obstacles thrown in their path. Long held secrets and old hurts surfaced to help the characters grow in ther faith.
But do not think this book is morose or solemn. There are wonderful descriptions of places visted and a liberal sprinkling of humor in the right places. I loved the old Inn where they stayed out in farm country. It was decorated in Wizard of Oz splendor. And romance is included as Micah and Reagan learn to trust eachother.
A well rounded womens fiction with a dash of romance.
*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*… (meer)

The Roads We Follow is a perfect blend of realistically flawed characters, a captivating plot, a budding romance, and an intriguing mystery. Talented author Nicole Deese has written an exquisitely-crafted story of the importance of family, the power of love, and the necessity of following your heart. She deals sensitively with some deep topics as she carefully unfolds the story layer by layer.

It was easy for me to relate to Raegan as she tried to deal with her sisters and their varied personalities and quirks, since I have several sisters myself. Micah was a trooper as he drove the bus for the three sisters and their mother Luella. That would be quite a daunting task for most people, and to do it while trying to solve his own mystery had me rooting for him. I enjoyed the trip across the United States visiting some interesting areas with the Farrow family as they recreate the road trip Luella took with Micah’s mother, Lynn, many years before.

Deese’s stories are always infused with plenty of deep meaning and brimming with wit and charm. This one is a beautifully written tale that takes the reader on a journey of healing, hope, and discovery. I recommend it to those who enjoy clean contemporary Christian fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.… (meer)