Anyone up for a road trip? This one is life changing for the three people who embark on it--an adventure meant to salvage a company. Throw in a marriage on the rocks, plus a snarky preteen boy, and send them off together in a tiny camper for three weeks. Are we having fun yet?

"Love Takes Courage."
Mallory's personal slogan for the trip and ultimately her marriage says it all. The first year of any marriage takes a lot of adjustment, but this one seemed like it dropped out of the honeymoon phase early on. It reminded me of my own a bit too much at times, which made for an uncomfortable read in the beginning, with a lot of hurt and pride in the mix. As with all of this author's books that I've read so far though, she brings a lot of hope to the table and enough faith to make it work into something good. It brought the verse to mind in Romans 8:28, that says God can work all things together for good for those who love him. When they begin to consider the faith factor into their marriage, encouraged by all of the wonderful examples of various people they've met along the way, the hope meter zooms upward. Judah is a fun add to the mix, with his own needs for love and acceptance. Families come in all shapes and sizes for sure, glued together with love and commitment. "That's what families do--give everything."

Readers who enjoy contemporary character driven stories, with realistic relationships, will want to add this to their reading list. 4.5 stars

Author Ruchti knows how to write relevant stories in such a way that has you flipping pages. This story is about marriage, a marriage that is dying, and to one spouse it is dead. Mallory and Connor were two characters that I genuinely liked. Both were dedicated to their careers, but not so much each other. There was more to the problems of their marriage and Connor had already made up his mind that it would be best for them to divorce.
As we read through this story, we get more of their back story and their view points. Connor and Mallory are suddenly thrown together for a 3000 mile trip to promote a business Connor and his business partner, Nathan, have been trying to sign on. Not only that, but Nathan needs them to take his 11 year old nephew Judah as well. Judah was a very smart if not sassy kid who has had his fair share of pain in his life. So in this mix you have a broken marriage and a troubled kid, and all three are going to make a go of this trip-which will be video logged to the masses as well. The company will be sending them on an adventure where you “just add humans” as they try to promote RoadRave’s camper and other ingenious ideas to get families back on the road and spending quality time together.
What an adventure it was-heartwarming, sad, happy, and meaningful. These three would need to work together to survive this trip and to save Connor’s business. Three weeks together in the vehicle doing nothing but spending time together and seeing the sites. Mallory is hurt and wants to keep working on their marriage and I like that at the beginning of this trip she acknowledges this just might be the answer to her prayers. An answer that will take courage and some ingenuity to pull off, because in her book marriage was supposed to be forever.
While reading this I wanted to take the trip, only with a bigger camper.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

This is a terrific story. It is absolutely one of the best books I’ve read this year. This road trip with Mallory, Conner and Judah made me laugh, sigh, and be near tears during different parts of the story. The road trip setting is perfect and the dialogue among the characters is snappy. Mallory and Conner begin this three week road trip for his business not knowing if they are able to save their marriage by the time they return home. Adding in a troubled 11 year old does not make this an easy trip, but it is an unforgettable one for the characters and the reader. There are fun moments along the way that offset some of the serious problems that Mallory and Conner face. This story is well-deserving of five stars.

This is a sweet and clean Christian contemporary romance with no foul language.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

You know about those, right? No alcohol involved. It's when you stay up way too late because you get wrapped up in a book, and then you feel all out of whack the next day. You guys. It's way past my bedtime, but I had to write this down. Today I had so much to do...and I got some of it done, and then honestly, I was just sitting there kind of listlessly. If that's a word. Grammarly didn't correct it, so that's a good sign. Sometimes this happens. Sometimes I check out. It's not a good feeling. So I figured I could at least check my calendar and see which book I needed to review next. Let's see...Miles from Where We Started. Almost divorced couple goes on a road trip. Sounds like fun. Maybe I'll read a few chapters and fall asleep in the book.

Yeah, that didn't happen.
Laughed loud enough to wake the neighbors. And cried a little too. Finished the book in one sitting. And it wasn't a short book, I just...stayed up WAY too late. Two words. Waterfall sweat.

If I have read any book that should be made into a movie this year, this is it.
It would make a great road movie. What happens when an almost divorced couple and an at-risk foster kid end up taking a road trip in a tiny camper for a publicity stunt? Well, I can't tell you. That would be...telling.

Maybe I can tell you a little. Lots of awkward moments. Middle school humor (did I mention the kid is 12?). Hilarity ensues. A Yoda-type character, a baby born (not in the camper), unexpected friendships, tiny houses, deep questions about why we believe one way and live another. And...hope. You guys have to read this book. I'm a little stingy with that 5th star, but this one gets it. Really well done, Cynthia.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful story of second chances. Even through struggles meeting other people can help you though the tough times.

Connor Duncan is the son and grandson of men carrying the gene mutation that results in a 50% chance of suffering with von Hippel-Lindau or VHL, a disease that results in body-wide tumors that even if benign can result in blindness, mental and/or memory problems, or death. Mere months after his marriage to Mallory, his brother dies unexpectedly from this same disease, and Connor begins distancing himself from everyone he cares about. Mallory finds herself facing divorce before their first anniversary and to add to the frustration, a simple DNA test could verify whether or not Connor carries the mutation, but he refuses to have the test done. And he refuses to believe that Mallory loves him enough in any case, and if they draw the short straw she will deal with it, just as Connor's Mother has. He however refuses to take a chance on putting her into the situation he has watched his mother have to handle over the years.

They are both facing challenges with their chosen field of work, as well. Connor is half of a two man marketing firm courting their make-or-break national client, RoadRave. RoadRave is a firm producing innovations in camping and leisure equipment and are attempting to bring back the no-pressure, non-Interstate method of family travel, with many small, interesting destinations instead of the frantic pace to a single destination - say DisneyLand or NYC. And to launch RoadRave, Connor and his partner Nathan Troyer will be taking the show on the road, with a RoadRave low profile tear-drop camp trailer and a three week road trip - with only 24 hours of daily destinations known to the crew of Nathan, his 11 year old at-risk nephew Judah, and Connor. They will be using traditional news and advertising as well as flooding social media in hopes of having their trip go viral.

Mallory on the other hand is the director of Hope Street Youth Center, a non-profit working with at-risk, troubled and homeless teens, finding them access to lodging, sources of meals and medical assistance, educational opportunities, and mentors. Her job entails finding said sources, either donated or paid for by donations and grants, and so most of her work is done via phone and internet from home.

And then Nathan is called for Jury Duty. He flat refuses to request a deferment, stating that he has to meet this social duty and pushing his share of the trip responsibilities onto Mallorie's shoulders. She can work from anywhere, and is used to working with problem teens so Judah will be no problem, despite the fact that he doesn't know the Duncan couple. The heavily advertised launch for the RoadRave trip is non refundable and a will make or break the marketing firm of Troyer and Duncan.

Yeah, that's going to work. Miles From Where We Started is a quick, fun Christian read suitable for teens as well as adults, the characters are likable and the road trip is enlightening. I can happily recommend this novel to friends and family.

I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Cynthia Ruchti and Gilead Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.

Cynthia Ruchti never fails to captivate. Readers of this book will be drawn in to the marriage struggles between this young couple who don't know how to communicate how they truly feel. Connor is a workaholic who has just learned that his father's life threatening disease is a genetic complication which could cripple him and leave his wife nothing but a care-taker. Mallory doesn't care, but struggles to express herself properly to this new version of the man she married. When the couple is thrown together on a cross-country road trip, close quarters force them to reconsider their impending divorce.

Stuck together with them in this tiny camper is a foster child with quite an attitude. He was probably my favorite character of the book, and helps in some of the best scenes. I found myself wanting to slap the characters upside the head (OFTEN) because of their communication issues, the issues that they are having are common and only seem obvious because the reader hears both sides of what the characters are thinking.

All throughout the book, Cynthia's writing remains excellent, tying together the simple moments life, laughter, and despair. Her message of hope is resounding and leaves you with the inspiration to go and hug your loved ones. Recommended reading for lovers of contemporary women's fiction, clean romance, and inspirational titles.

Quest stories cross the ages and cultures. Mythology is filled with them. Native American leaders repeated tales around the campfires of their young seeking their true names and destinies while hunting or conquering nature's challenges. And doesn't everyone know the King Arthur stories? Contemporary fiction readers latch onto series like Richard Paul Evan's THE WALK knowing ahead of time that the journey will be part of a growing and a healing. Nonfiction shelves offer such quests as Bill Byson's A WALK IN THE WOODS. Last year, I was awed and inspired reading I'LL PUSH YOU: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheel Chair. It is with that kind of quest in mind that Cynthia Ruchti begins her latest book MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED.
Mind you, Mallory Duncan and her husband Connor know nothing about this life-changing undercurrent to their story. Well, in a way they do know something in their lives is going to change. But they think it is the upcoming end to their brief marriage --- a parting of the ways because Connor cannot commit. What began as a love story fit for fairy tales is withering faster than a dry pumpkin vine. Ruchti has used the couple's several week journey across the rural spots of the southeast US in a tiny teardrop trailer with a tag-along, challenging 11 year old foster kid, to take Mallory and Connor to a quest destination that neither knew they needed or wanted. I won't say anymore. Don't want to add any spoilers. It will suffice to say that this is another one of Ruchti's wonderful, hope-filled books. Like real life, the hope is hard-earned, requiring attitude changes and more. Like the classic quest stories, characters with just the right "back story" or wisdom cross the couple's path at the exact moment needed --- almost as if there was a divine hand in this story. (Are you seeing the real purpose for this story yet?) Ruchti has said she's written this story for millennials, a group she admires for their strength and gifts. I hope they appreciate the book. We older readers recognize that first years of marriage are far from blissful and what priorities emerge during those months lay the foundation for all the years and the challenges to come. That Ruchti found a way to tell that story using a tear drop camper (we own a tear drop camper just a bit bigger than one described in the book) and a visit to a community of tiny homes ( I must confess I watch every tiny home reality show there is) is icing on the cake. There must be a tiny home/camper/quest analogy I could use here, but right now I can't find one. I recommend this novel to all that have read other Cynthia Ruchti books and to those who have not discovered her yet, I say,"What are you waiting for?" I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are mine.

Miles Away From Where We Started is a very emotional story. It is powerful and so well written that you feel you along for the ride. The characters are very well developed and become your friends. Make sure you have plenty of time when you start this book, because you will want to read every word before stopping. I highly recommend this book! Thanks to netgalley for the arc in exchange for this. My honest review.

3000 mile road trip!! What a trip we take in a micro-camper with the Duncan family! On the verge of breaking up, his business needing this publicity tour and a take along, for now, foster son. Ups, downs, some very serious moments and a few made me smile moments. Always some life lessons to learn when I read a Cynthia Ruchti novel.
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary...

I had a hard time putting this book down. I loved Mallory, Connor and Judah. I don’t always understand how someone could begin to say that a marriage is going bad in less than a year. These three people do something I would never do. I could not go quite as small as they do and video all that they do. This book made me happy in the end. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Mallory and Conner are approaching their first wedding anniversary, and it's looking like there won't be any other anniversaries. Conner's dad suffers from an illness that is genetic. Conner's brother has already passed away from it, and Conner has watched the devastating effects it is having on his parents. He doesn't want Mallory to ever have to give up her life to take care of him, as his mom is doing. Conner fails to consider Mallory's feelings on the subject, nor will he agree to medical tests to see if he even will be stricken with the disease.
Mallory loves Conner with her whole heart and being and feels she would gladly care for her husband should this happen.
A sudden crisis with Conner's job lands him and Mallory on a long backroads trip in a micro camper. Also, with them, is an eleven year old at risk foster child, Judah, of Conner's business partner.
Their journey is video taped and added to their blog. They have to keep up their facade of a happy marriage. They eventually accumulate many followers of their journey. Each stop has them hiking and ending up at a waterfall. Mallory begins to wonder the significance of these.
They meet some interesting people along their journey, which is life changing for all three travelers.
I truly loved this story!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, Gilead and Netgalley. All opinions stated here are my own.

As I finished this book, I realized that I had become a part of their tour to see the country. The author has an elegant way to bring readers in with wonderful easy to relate to characters. I loved the idea of traveling across country to see the sights and along the way meet interesting people. There were just two small problems to make the trip perfect. We have a newlywed couple wanting to call it quits before their first anniversary. Add to the equation, a young boy who needs to be loved and accepted. This has all the makings for a journey that only God could handle.

Mallory and Conner don't realize it but they have a big pride issue. Neither one wants to give in and try to save the marriage. How can they give up so easily? Maybe this trip for Conner's work will have an impact on them. The people they meet along the way are in some way a blessing to them. There are some wise people out there and all Mallory and Conner need to do is open their hearts to the truth.

Judah is a smart young boy who has not felt the love of a parent. Mallory and Conner hopefully can help him see that there are people out there who do care and do want to make a home for him. I think Judah was my favorite character because he was so hungry to learn about God. His need to be accepted was heart breaking at times. The author does a great job of letting us see how a young child can be affected by their parents choices.

The story is one that is filled with life lessons we sometimes forget. How often do we enjoy the beautiful sky as the sun is rising? Do we tell those we love how important they are to us? Forgiveness begins with us. We have to make that first step and sometimes our pride gets in the way. The author has captured my full attention and swept me away on a journey to redemption, love, forgiveness, trust and the importance of marriage and family.


"Forgive more than you think you should have to. And that includes yourself."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Love Cynthia's books and this one does not disappoint. My only criticism was I had a hard time getting into the story. Once the story included Judah, my interest improved.

What a fresh story! This follows newlyweds Mallory and Connor Duncan as they try to decide whether to separate and divorce. Connor checked out of the marriage months ago when he decided his possible, hereditary medical condition would be too much of a drain on Mallory. The two met through an online dating service and we enter around month 11 of their marriage. Through a set of circumstances, the pair find themselves part of a road trip vlog for the RoadRave teardrop (tiny) RV company. They are joined by a foster child Judah, age 11, who has experienced too much life disappointment for his years.
With the video component of the trip, they do not have much privacy for discussion. And, they have to deal with the emotional issues of Judah, in addition to their own issues. Each day RoadRave gives them their travel itinerary and they meet the most interesting folks on the way. These folks all have heart and they share their life lessons with Mallory and Connor. One takeaway quote from the book is "Marriage isn’t about avoiding discomfort. It’s about commitment."
Though they were likely unready for marriage when it started, the growing year has helped them immensely. Readers will find themselves pulling for Mallory and Connor, and also for Judah, through this great, heart-reaching story.

I have enjoyed Cynthia Ruchti’s books in the past, but as I got into this story I wasn’t sure if her “hemmed in hope” motto would prevail. The newlywed couple’s rapidly failing marriage seemed doomed. Why didn’t they discuss commitment rather than consider personal needs the priority? This not only disturbed me, but I seemed to project the negativity onto my own marriage—showing how powerful her writing is since you can’t help but react because it feels so real. Anyway, I’m so glad I continued reading and witnessed the heart-stirring growth of Mallory and Connor as well as their challenging foster boy, Judah. This novel certainly touches the heart and makes one think. I enjoyed experiencing their adventures with nature and with human nature as they traveled the backroads of life. The author’s way with words weaves a beautiful story. Embrace the journey as you explore the miles with this trio and their tiny trailer. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED is the first book I've ever read by Cynthia Ruchti. I loved everything about this beautiful story and I'm excited to read more by Ms. Ruchti. Cynthia Ruchti really has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go. One week from their one year wedding anniversary, Mallory and Connor know their marriage is in trouble. They can't even agree how to end their relationship. If you are looking for a beautiful story to pull you out of your book slump, you can’t go wrong with MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED.


Neither one of them expected their marriage would end so quickly. But you know what they say about life's plans, they hardly ever turn out the way you thought they would but they are sometimes exactly what you need. When a last minute trip arises, Mallory begins to wonder if their relationship just might stand a chance. They begin their three thousand road trip without knowing how it will end. MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story.


MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Cynthia Ruchti was taking us and what would happen to Mallory and Connor. How could Connor want to end his marriage based on the fact that he may or may not have a genetic condition? There is so much heart in Cynthia's writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I've known them for a long time. I'm so excited to read more of Cynthia Ruchti's previous books! Can Connor and Mallory save their marriage and deal with whatever comes their way as far as Connor's health goes? You are going to want to read MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED!

I have been a big fan of Cynthia Ruchti for a while now. I read her debut novel, They Almost Always Come Home, and was hooked! She always delivers highly readable and thoughtful books with big messages. Miles from Where We Started, her newest offering, is no exception. The characters drive the story, but the foundation of a road trip adventure adds fun and interest. I give this one a highly recommended rating.

Ruchti’s three main characters — married couple Connor and Mallory Duncan and 11 year old Judah — fill the pages of Miles from Where We Started with heart. With a marriage on the rocks and a foster kid with lots of trust issues, they make an unlikely trio for a trip that will promote the joys of micro-camping. As the social media world follows their wanderings on the back roads of America, with hikes to secluded waterfalls and interactions with people along the way, the three navigate love and life. I have to admit I wasn’t a big fan of Connor or Mallory at the beginning of the book, but as they grew in their relationship with each other and God, they grew on me 😉 . Judah, though, was an intriguing and sympathetic character right from the start. I couldn’t help but love and cheer on the troubled and sometimes trouble-making pre-adolescent. Secondary characters are a treat and make a big difference in Connor, Mallory, and Judah’s attitudes and understanding of God. RoadRave, the company that hires Connor’s PR firm to embark on the adventure, determines their course, but it soon became apparent to this reader (and the characters) that God had a bigger hand in the travel plans. As Mallory and Connor discover there’s “A path carved for us by a creative imagination bigger than our own.” (p 326.)

Miles from Where We Started is written with a light hand in spite of some heavy situations. I loved the wit and wisdom that is expressed along the way. I think this novel would be perfect for a book club — there’s so much to talk about. So grab this book and some friends and head out on a fun reading adventure.

Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Imagine your husband of less than a year decides he wants a divorce. His reason is a debilitating genetic condition that he may or may not have. However, that’s not all; it gets worse! Your husband has an advertiser who wants the two of you to showcase their miniature campers-a teardrop variety- on a cross-country trip.

So, against your better judgment, and with the hopes you can change his mind, you agree. Then, an at-risk foster child is included in the trip.

Cynthia Ruchti’s Miles from Where We Started is so true to life; you can’t help feeling the Duncan family might be someone you know. Their struggles, though not quite what most people face, are evocatively captured in the story, and easily relatable.

The story captures the angst, anger, hope, mercy and love everyone feels at some time or another. The people they meet help teach skills and wisdom paralleling lessons every person can benefit from.

Miles from Where We Started is not a book to pick up and read in a short period of time, both because of its length, but more especially because of the morals and principles gleaned throughout the novel. It was a book I wanted to steep myself in.

I received the book from NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

These no-longer-newlyweds want out of this road trip—and their marriage. Too bad they can’t find the off ramp.

Weeks away from their one-year wedding anniversary, Mallory and Connor Duncan can’t even agree on how to end their marriage. But when a last-minute crisis lands them on a three-thousand-mile road trip together, Mallory wonders if their story may not be over after all.

The trip begins to unravel before the key is even in the ignition, and an at-risk, trouble-seeking missile of an eleven-year-old is unexpectedly launched into their travel plans. Close quarters get even tighter, and the couple believes this whole experience will spell disaster.

Their first year of marriage hasn’t been the arm-in-arm togetherness they expected. How can they find a new beginning when the road ends?



My Thoughts: What happens when you put a couple on the brink of divorce, a foster teen and a micro camper on a road trip? A very interesting novel! This is a story of hope, faith, and commitment. As you read this story you learn how important it is to keep your commitments. When we make our promises they are not meant to be broken, broken promises hurt and in this story emphasizes this. Broken promises can break people, by breaking their spirit as we read with the youth at the teen center and with the foster teen. This is a story of standing with and holding on no matter what the circumstances may be... in sickness and in health.


The characters are wonderful, I truly loved Judah, he was the comic relief in the storyline. Well written and fun to read I think this is a great book for everyone.