Member Reviews
WILDFLOWER ROAD is the second book in the MADISON RIVER ROMANCE series but the first one I’ve read. There were enough details and background information that I didn’t feel lost and look forward to reading the first book, THIS WANDERING HEART, to fill in some of the details.
When Shane’s life is destroyed, he makes a fresh start in Montana being a cook at a cabin resort that’s on its last legs. He’s their hope for getting the restaurant noticed and getting cabins filled. But Shane brings a lot of baggage with him. He never expected to be embraced by the owner couple and their daughter, Ryann, who introduces him to her friends.
The story has some dark moments, but it’s also filled with family and friends, romance and laughter. Shane is an interesting character, finally healing then regressing when dealt a new hurt. And the same with Ryann. But these feelings make them deep characters to root for. Note that there are Christian undertones to the story since Shane is a former pastor. Bible passages are read and church is held in a bar.
The vivid descriptions of the outdoors made me feel l like I was there. There is wonderful closure with the epilogue that brought tears to my eyes. I’m hoping to find out how Ryann and Shane’s story continues, as well as the future of the family’s cabin resort in the next book in the series, GLORY FALLS.
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.
Oh, how I adored this book!
When I read the novella Mistletoe Menagerie last year Janine Rosche instantly became one of my very favorite authors, I devoured and loved her debut novel, This Wandering Heart earlier this year, and Wildflower Road was one of my most eagerly anticipated reads of the year!
Oh my stars, this story exceeded every single one of my expectations, eeep it's SOOOO good and I absolutely loved every minute of it!
It takes something special to make me feel giddy with excitement, and this story did it, I couldn't stop smiling while reading this book, and the characters haven't left my thoughts yet (and I highly doubt they ever will!)
I loved Ryann! My heart broke for all she had been through. I admired her strength, confidence, and great love for others! I want to be more like her, #lifegoals!
And Shane, oh my, there simply aren't words to express just how amazing he is, so you'll just have to read the book to find out! I love him so much, he is my favorite hero this author has written so far! Shane is totally my dream guy, he stole my heart, and I will forever be obsessively fangirling over him!
I love a good redemption story and Wildflower Road is one of the best I've read! The faith story touched my heart in a million ways, it's a powerful message that everyone needs to read, in my opinion!
Another thing I loved about this book was the hint of danger and suspense, it was perfectly done and made me love the book even more!
This book does tackle some tough topics, but it does so with grace and sensitivity, while at the same time being very real about the issues we face in this fallen world.
This beautiful, captivating story held me completely spellbound from beginning to end!
Wildflower Road is utter perfection, and reading it is absolute bliss! This book is a must read that will always have a spot on my keeper shelf! It's one of my favorite reads of 2020 and I'm already itching to re-read it!
I adored absolutely everything about Wildflower Road and most highly recommend it!
(5 Stars, scratch that, all the stars in the sky!)
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!
Wildflower Road is a Clean Christian Romance, set in West Yellowstone, Montana. A beautiful setting and an amazing story. It is the second book in the Madison River series. The series deal with some hard topics. But they are written with a lot of sensitivity and understanding. We all go through trials and challenges, it is how we choose to deal with them and who we put our faith in, that helps determine the outcome. The story is very engaging and I really loved the deep understanding of Ryann and Shane. A wonderful story of redemption and second chances. I can’t wait for Thomas’ story.
I received this book from the publisher and Net Galley for my honest opinion.
Deep romance set in Montana. I LOVED THIS BOOK!! A fallen pastor pairs up with a girl who couldn't save the one she loved. When these two meet it's not only healing for them but the perfect mix of a slow burn and deep emotions. This is a must read!
WOW!! What a wonderful book! This is a well written book that the author brings to life with her words. It is full of emotions and beautiful scenery. This is a story of second chances and redemption. It deals with some heavy topics but the author handled them beautifully. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Janine Rosche and Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
WOW! What a follow-up to This Wandering Heart! The themes of redemption and sacrifice throughout this book were powerful. The faith elements were a welcome addition, particularly with regards to Shane. Once again, Janine Rosche paints a vivid picture of the location, leaving me wishing I was sitting along the riverbanks of the Madison while reading it. Ryann was a fascinating character to get to know better. And I even liked that Ms. Rosche was able to draw out my dislike for one character in particular while also making me hope for his own redemption. Wanderful book! (that's on purpose for those who have read This Wandering Heart) I look forward to the next book in this series!
Wildflower Road by Janine Rosche is the 2nd book in her Madison River Romance series. Ryann Ashcroft, our heroine, helps run the family’s resort, and despite its financial struggle, she is determined to save it. She hires a new cook, and hopes this will bring back customers.
Shane Olson, our hero and a former pastor, moves to Yellowstone, Montana, to become the cook, escaping his past, which included a jail term. Shane plans to work hard, and keep his distance, but when he meets the fun bubbly Ryann, he finds it hard not to like her. In a short time, Ryann will convince Shane to meet her wonderful friends and become part of the town. Shane will also meet Stuart, who is Ryann’s brother in law, and someone who wants Ryann for himself (her husband and his brother committed suicide years before). Stuart comes from a wealthy family, and uses his family power across the town to make sure Ryann doesn’t look at any other man; he wants her for himself at any cost. Ryann still has nightmares on the tragic death of her husband, and feels responsible mainly because of Stuart’s attempts to kiss her. Because of the constant threats to her family and friends, Ryann tries to be nice to Stuart, who is always drunk, acting only as a friend.
In a short time, Shane and Ryann become friends, enjoying each other’s company and their friends. They begin to confide about each of their past; Ryann about her husband’s suicide and Shane about his jail term, and being removed as a pastor. Shane realizes that he is falling in love with Ryann, and each time Stuart pushes himself around her, Shane is ready to come to Ryann’s rescue. Even though she too is falling for Shane, she knows that Stuart will cause havoc, and with the threats of her family losing their resort, she has no choice but agree to accept Stuart’s proposals.
What follows is Ryann’s friends and family, as well as Shane will step up to try and help her. Will Ryann be forced to marry Stuart? Will Shane find redemption? I did enjoy Shane and Ryann as a couple. I loved the many wonderful friendships and families that were part of the town.
Wildflower Road was a wonderful heartwarming story line that pulled on many different emotions; love, tragedy, manipulation, friendships/family, financial straits, suicide, and happiness. Wildflower Road was well written by Janine Rosche. I suggest you read this book.
A wonderful tale of redemption and second chances. This novel does deal with some heavy topics, while themes of redemption and grace are beautifully woven into the storyline. Readers will enjoy the incredible scenery and relatable characters in this second installment of author Janine Rosche’s Madison River Romance series.
Wildflower Road recommended for readers of contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
"She knew all too well the shattering that follows the mishandling of precious things."
Wildflower Road is about the path to redemption. Ryann tries hard to make up for other's shortcomings including what she thinks are her own. In an understandable moment of weakness, former Pastor Shane Olson inadverently destroys his life. He now feels like his life is beyond saving and that he needs to perform penance of sorts. These two form a connection that helps to result in healing.
Ryann Ashcroft's tragic loss of her husband to suicide is revealed in book 1 of this series. (I am mentioning that this is a part of the book in case this is a trigger for someone. The death is handled with tact and with sadness but is a key part of the storyline). What is not revealed is the complicated situation that happens with her late husband's family. That is also an important part of the book. Many people have complicated family relationships, so this story plays out well to reality.
But although Ryann has known tragedy, she spends her life thinking of others. She is forever trying to brighten everyone's day. Her main weakness is that she can tend toward overdoing her care for others. Many tend toward people pleasing, and this book shows some of the complications that can result from not being balanced. Over time, Ryann learns that speaking the truth matters more than smoothing over wrongs.
Shane Olson is divorced and does not want to be. He provides a good example of how to show respect toward those who have hurt you even if they are not repentant. I did struggle a bit with how he finally resolves one relationship. After thinking about it, I realized that sometimes not every relationship will result in happily every after. Living out the Christian faith may not always be neatly wrapped up.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I liked the supporting cast of characters. I liked how the relationships played out. And I really think that I need to go to Montana to see this beautiful part of the country for myself!
As this is the second book in the Madison River Romance series, I do recommend that you read the books in order. Thank you to the author, to NetGalley and to Berkley publishing for letting me read this one early. All opinions are my own.
P.S. One of my favorite quotes pokes fun at my state - at least I hope that the author knows that the Huskers are in Nebraska. "I figured you'd be back in Iowa by now, shucking corn for fun. Go Huskers, right?" Where I come from, those could be fighting words. :-)
"Wildflower Road" is a contemporary romance. It's the second book in the series, but it works as a standalone novel. This is one of those "if it can go wrong, it does go wrong" type novels. Ryann's husband committed suicide and his brother is partly to blame (though only he and Ryann know this). Unfortunately, that brother is trying to force a relationship on Ryann, and he has the wealth and influence to destroy her family's resort if she doesn't cooperate.
Shane has taken the full blame for the actions committed by himself, his best friend, and his wife. He's the one caught on video angrily attacking his best friend, after all, and he refuses to expose their sins against him and the church even though it would generate sympathy for his actions. He's been vilified and is having trouble starting over, so he's thankful for job as a cook at the resort.
The main characters were complex, well-developed, and reacted realistically to events. Ryann felt like she was being punished for not better supporting and saving her depressed husband. Shane felt like his angry, violent outburst was practically unforgivable and was broken by the betrayal of people he trusted. Both helped build the other one back up and helped them to heal and hope for a better future. Their friends helped them to deal with the brother-in-law, but it seemed like an impossible situation until nearly the end. There is no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this intense novel.
“We’ve all fallen from grace at one time or another. Not everyone knows how to accept the hand back up.” --Ryann
Ryann Marie Ashcroft loves her family’s mountain resort more than anything and will do whatever it takes to keep it going. Struggling from her husband’s tragic death, the financial struggle of her beloved resort, and a manipulative brother-in-law she toes a very fine line trying to keep things moving forward. Blessed with a loving family, friends, and the big Montana sky that’s really all she can ask for. Isn’t it?
When Shane Olson arrives as the new cook at the resort Ryann is immediately drawn to him. She knows he has secrets that he is running from; she is running from some of her own. Maybe together they will be able to face them.
As they begin to see if a future is possible, trouble comes knocking at what little balance they have created threatening to destroy everything Ryann holds dear.
Wildflower Road is a Contemporary Christian Fiction novel with heavy themes throughout such as suicide, mental health, guilt and manipulation. These leave the reader searching that Ryann and Shane can trust in their face and realize that mercy, grace and redemption is available if you are willing “to accept the hand back up”.
I appreciated the awareness brought up in this book for difficulties found in today’s world. The writing was clear and flowed well. I felt regret, fear and sadness at the reality of choices made by the characters in the book and thought the author portrayed these hard topics well.
Thank you Janine Rosche for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest review!
Yes! This series just keeps getting better!
Though there is a lot more heavy drama going on for both the main characters in this book, the same feel is there that followed from the first. The Matthews are a good hard working family, that have kept their cabin resort on the Madison River going, despite all the challenges thrown at them over the years, most of which at the hands of Stuart, Ryann’s jealous brother in law. He has wanted Ryann long before the death of his brother Tyler, and much of this was hinted at in the first book, and now the reader is about to get the history and low down of this toxic history.
Bravery is second nature to Ryann who has endured a lot, but surrounded by a good group of friends and her family she has endured it with grace thus far. Shane has rolled into town (barely) and he’s about to shake up the nightmare status quo between Ryan and Stuart. Full of secrets and a troubled past himself, it’s a joy to see the healing and hurts be overcome by love and peace. The kind that only God can bring.
This story is anything but simple. With a multitude of awesome characters, this one is a solid page turner. Yet again, I loved the descriptions of the scenery, the mountains, Yellowstone & the riverside location. You’ll be wishing for a road trip on every page.
I cannot wait for Glory Falls!
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.
Janine Rosche’s Wildflower Road is the perfect read! This book has it all: tragedy, betrayal, financial struggle, blackmail, family issues, loss, redemption, love, strong faith lessons, humor and lots of bids. (Bids, lots of bids and thanks to reading Janine’s Love Wander Read online magazine, I totally recognized them!)
This is a story of second chances. Shane is a man who knows brokenness, who comes to West Yellowstone for refuge and to start over as a cook at the family resort of Rayann. Rayann is guilt ridden but has such a big heart. She has a truly unselfish sacrificial love for others.. Both are damaged souls.
There are lots of tough issues in this book, more than most. But healing comes through grace, truth and love.
As soon as I finished I wanted to go back and reread it. It’s that good.! It’s easily in my top 10 reads ever.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read it, the opinions are entirely my own.