Scan barcode
bookrecsbyjess's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the ARC and physical copy of The Roads We Follow by Nicole Deese. All opinions are my own.
Last year, I read my first Nicole Deese book, which was The Words We Lost, the first Fog Harbor book. I knew after enjoying that book that I would want to read the next book in the series.
While this book wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, I did really enjoy it.
The Roads We Follow is marketed as a contemporary romance, but I would say that the romance isn’t the focus of the book. With family being the main focus, I would classify it more along the lines of contemporary fiction or women’s fiction.
This story follows Raegan and Micah and is told using dual points of view. I enjoyed reading from both perspectives, and I think that added to the meaningfulness of the story.
One thing that Deese does well is to tell stories in such a beautiful and heartfelt way. I loved how she talked about family, faith, communication, and learning to accept yourself in the way that God sees you instead of focusing on what others want from you.
The Farrow sisters had such an unhealthy relationship with each other, so it was nice to see each sister grow and realize that they didn’t have to be stuck in the choices they had made.
Micah was such a sweet character. I loved how he and Raegan connected quickly and formed a strong friendship. I also liked that Micah helped reconnect the Farrow family members and taught them how to communicate better while also dealing with his own issues. He was so calm and thoughtful, and I liked how he brought out the best in other people.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a slower paced story that’s more about character growth and reuniting with family.
This is a story of redemption and growth. It shows that it’s never too late to change the path you have chosen in life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity and Drug use
turquoiseavenue's review
5.0
Time and time again, I find myself turning to Nicole Deese novels for many reasons. First, I know her books will be uplifting, heartwarming and sure to make me laugh or smile. Second, because I'm a feelings reader, in that, I love to feel deeply when I read and Deese has such a beautiful way of evoking emotion in both her characters, and me. And lastly, because I simply adore her delightful, relatable characters and her richly woven stories of redemption, hope, joy and sorrow.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Cross-Country Road Trip on a Bus · Sisterhood & A Search for Truth · Family Legacy & Country Music · Secrets, Novels and Old Journals · Wit, Charm and a Heartwarming Romance
In this newest release, Deese thoroughly entertained me from beginning to end with deep threads of sisterhood, faith and family, the brokenness found there, and the redemption that followed.
I absolutely loved the nostalgic idea of a modern-day road trip, touring the country on a bus, singing at local haunts and dives while recapturing memories along the way through past journal entries and relived moments. From the setting of Raegan's home in Nashville, TN to the mountains of Micah's Idaho home and all the states in between, I loved every moment of the throwback, late 1970's - early '80's music industry vibes that influenced this story.
I found the main characters, Raegan and Micah, to be well-crafted and loved watching their stories unfold as Raegan struggled with her place in her family, dreaming of making a name for herself as an author and the revelation of Micah's sought-after hidden truth. The broken, fragile bond between Raegan and her sisters, as well as the love and honor they held for their widowed, country music superstar mother was so touching. As the sisters navigate secrets, grief, loss and heartache, their bond changes, stretches, breaks and grows.
Lastly, but not least, I loved the romance thread in this story, finding Raegan and Micah's meeting and initial interactions witty, heartwarming and cute. Their bond strengthens and grows throughout the story as well, making their romance sweet and full of sparks. I loved Micah's gentle, yet firm, manner and thought it very appropriate that he was a bus-driver-therapist, who tenderly and carefully strengthened the familial bond between the Farrow women.
Oh, this story was simply so rewarding! This is a must-read and a solid five stars (I would give it ten, if I could) that will appeal to readers who enjoy books by Christina Suzann Nelson or Rachel Hauck, as well as reader's who enjoy women's fiction with a contemporary romance twist.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Cross-Country Road Trip on a Bus · Sisterhood & A Search for Truth · Family Legacy & Country Music · Secrets, Novels and Old Journals · Wit, Charm and a Heartwarming Romance
In this newest release, Deese thoroughly entertained me from beginning to end with deep threads of sisterhood, faith and family, the brokenness found there, and the redemption that followed.
I absolutely loved the nostalgic idea of a modern-day road trip, touring the country on a bus, singing at local haunts and dives while recapturing memories along the way through past journal entries and relived moments. From the setting of Raegan's home in Nashville, TN to the mountains of Micah's Idaho home and all the states in between, I loved every moment of the throwback, late 1970's - early '80's music industry vibes that influenced this story.
I found the main characters, Raegan and Micah, to be well-crafted and loved watching their stories unfold as Raegan struggled with her place in her family, dreaming of making a name for herself as an author and the revelation of Micah's sought-after hidden truth. The broken, fragile bond between Raegan and her sisters, as well as the love and honor they held for their widowed, country music superstar mother was so touching. As the sisters navigate secrets, grief, loss and heartache, their bond changes, stretches, breaks and grows.
Lastly, but not least, I loved the romance thread in this story, finding Raegan and Micah's meeting and initial interactions witty, heartwarming and cute. Their bond strengthens and grows throughout the story as well, making their romance sweet and full of sparks. I loved Micah's gentle, yet firm, manner and thought it very appropriate that he was a bus-driver-therapist, who tenderly and carefully strengthened the familial bond between the Farrow women.
Oh, this story was simply so rewarding! This is a must-read and a solid five stars (I would give it ten, if I could) that will appeal to readers who enjoy books by Christina Suzann Nelson or Rachel Hauck, as well as reader's who enjoy women's fiction with a contemporary romance twist.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
kristensreadingnook's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
goodeyreads's review
medium-paced
4.5
4.5 stars
Thank you to Bethany House for the free book.
BEAUTIFUL.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I really enjoyed this story. I was captivated from the get-go and there’s something about Nicole Deese’s writing that draws you in. I loved all of the themes of forgiveness, finding where you belong and reconnecting with your family. This felt authentic to me and I think that’s why it resonated so well. I could feel the complicated family dynamics and sometimes the backwards journey it takes to find balance and a place of peace with loved ones.
The romance was tender and sweet. It’s more instant attraction than I’m generally drawn too but I didn’t have that issue at all here. I felt that connection and that click between Raegan and Micah. I loved that they had the tough conversations, moments to breath, and some good kissing scenes too. This was also dual POV (which y’all know I love) and only added to the story getting Micah’s side and reasoning behind his choices too.
I loved all of the road trip antics. How the journey was up and down and ultimately ended exactly where I hoped it would. I loved all of these characters and watching the relatable nature that is life bring this family together.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: None
- Romance: Kisses
- Violence: Low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of using diet pills/unsafe weight loss, loss of a parent, divorce, depictions of grief, alcohol consumption
Thank you to Bethany House for the free book.
BEAUTIFUL.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I really enjoyed this story. I was captivated from the get-go and there’s something about Nicole Deese’s writing that draws you in. I loved all of the themes of forgiveness, finding where you belong and reconnecting with your family. This felt authentic to me and I think that’s why it resonated so well. I could feel the complicated family dynamics and sometimes the backwards journey it takes to find balance and a place of peace with loved ones.
The romance was tender and sweet. It’s more instant attraction than I’m generally drawn too but I didn’t have that issue at all here. I felt that connection and that click between Raegan and Micah. I loved that they had the tough conversations, moments to breath, and some good kissing scenes too. This was also dual POV (which y’all know I love) and only added to the story getting Micah’s side and reasoning behind his choices too.
I loved all of the road trip antics. How the journey was up and down and ultimately ended exactly where I hoped it would. I loved all of these characters and watching the relatable nature that is life bring this family together.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: None
- Romance: Kisses
- Violence: Low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of using diet pills/unsafe weight loss, loss of a parent, divorce, depictions of grief, alcohol consumption
More...