Rosche writes such wonderful romance stories. Now, there is some triggers in this story but Rosche handles them with grace and delicateness. And I appreciate that she tells the readers upfront what is inside the pages of the book. This was a fantastic read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A great book written by Janine. I can’t wait to read her next one! This story dealt with some hard topics but was well structured.

I have really enjoyed reading Janine’s work, so I gladly picked up a copy of this story. Because I don’t read summaries first, (always trying to dodge spoilers), I was in for a surprise. But, let's begin with the back cover copy... And now, my review:

If authors include their author notes/letters at the beginning of a book, I read them first. As a fellow novelist, I enjoy seeing behind the scenes and learning something about the writer—sometimes it’s about their process, sometimes, their inspiration. (I also read the acknowledgments, just for fun!)

Janine’s author letter provided a warning. She lets readers know the story deals with sexual assault and sex trafficking, but that she handles those topics in a less gritty way than reality. I appreciated this foreknowledge, and because I’m sensitive to some reader topics, I immediately considered letting the publisher know I wouldn’t be reading for review after all.

Instead, I began the story, a bit warily. This is book one in a new series, with four siblings’ lives to explore. That’s a great setup for a connected series. Having read (and loved) Janine’s Madison River series, I thought I was in for more of the same. This book takes on edgier topics than I expected to face.

The heroine longs for a haven. The hero longs to help victims. I sympathized with each of them and rooted for them in their causes. However, given the impending tough topics, I found myself on edge while reading and decided to move on to other books in my TBR pile.

I’ve read other books with those topics—two titles come to mind. In those, I appreciated how we stayed a bit distant from the darkness. These are timely issues, of course, and there’s value in exploring them in fiction. However, the dread of what was possibly coming inhibited my enjoyment.

For readers who like edgier topics, this may be the perfect fit. I definitely plan to investigate further work by this author as her novels are standouts.

(NetGalley requires a rating, which, since I didn't read the entire book, I'd rather not give. In this instance I'll give 3 stars, though there's no way to give an accurate star rating since I didn't read on.)

Aspen Crossroads
A Whisper Canyon Romance #1
By Janine Rosche

Haven Haviland made a mistake and now she's living with the consequences of it. Unfortunately, Whisper Canyon is not a forgiving place and due to the sins of her late mother, they aren't about to forgive or forget the rumors that are circulating. But Haven needs to find a job soon and the closer to home the better.

Jace Daring promised his late mother that he would never return to Whisper Canyon. But when the company he works for decides this small community is perfect for their newest project. There's just one problem - Mayor Trent Garrison.

Trent Garrison has a hold on Whisper Canyon that he isn't about to let go of. Worse he has the power as mayor to destroy any and all who get in his way and Aspen Crossroads is in his sights.

This is a book that deals with several sensitive/delicate issues that have a direct bearing on the characters, their past, their present, and their future. A few of the characters are victims of sex trafficking and are being offered a chance to reclaim the life they may have had if they had been given the chance. But second chances are not easy, especially when dealing with real people with their prejudices, fears, and preconceived notions. The various aspects are handled delicately offering the reader a chance to get to know the women behind the abuse as people.

Aspen Crossroads is a well-written book that will keep the reader's attention as you root for the success of the restaurant and its employees. I would recommend this book that was my introduction to the author and her work. There are no graphic scenes to give readers pause though the various characters do discuss their pasts in a limited fashion.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Aspen Crossroads by Janine Rosche is the perfect sweet romance. The characters in this book are so well developed and their actions seem authentic in light of the past hurts they carry. Even though it is a sweet romance, nothing is easy or simple about this book’s plot. Ms Rosche’s writing shines and the plot keeps your attention throughout. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more in this series. So much more to learn an the other characters! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Jace Daring has come to Whispering Canyon to start up a farm-to-table restaurant employing women who’ve been rescued out of trafficking or other at-risk situations. The company behind this set-up is committed to helping women get on their feet financially while providing mental and emotional support as they work towards their goals. For this, Jace needs to find a counselor to work with the women, and even though he feels an inconvenient attraction to Haven, she fits the bill perfectly.

Haven Haviland shut down her counseling practice after a mistake that makes her question her judgement. So far, she’s had no luck finding other employment, until she sees the ad for Aspen Crossroads. Haven would love to help these women who’ve gone through so much, struck by all the hardships they’ve had to endure, but it’s no easy task. She also worries over her attraction to Jace hoping it won’t complicate her position.

Jace was reluctant to come to Whispering Canyon because his mother’s history in the town, and it’s a painful mystery to unravel for him. He was a sweetheart through and through and my heart broke for all that he and his mother went through. He was a bit unreasonably committed to moving onto the next job and leaving, but as this is a romance, I knew the situation would somehow work out.

Most of the folks in Whispering Canyon were supportive, but here were a few judgmental people, and I felt bad that Haven was tainted by her mother’s past behavior, but I was outraged even more by the self-righteous Mayor Trent Garrison! A true villain in this story, hellbent on making Haven miserable and running Jace out of town. I loved how Jace and Haven didn’t allow him to impact their lives in any real way, however, I eagerly awaited his comeuppance!

I don’t read Christian Romance for the most part, but I’ve read and enjoyed another story by Janine Rosche. I didn’t feel like the story was specific or preachy.

Aspen Crossroads was a heartwarming story of two people overcoming adversity, reconciling the past and falling in love. I hope we get a story focused on Haven’s brother Daniel and Lizzie next.

This book deals with difficult, horrible subject matter. So it was hard to read.
But then again … that’s what made it so good too.
I couldn’t stop reading. I even have the bags under my eyes to prove it. LOL
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for my honest review.

This powerful story reminds us that even in tough times, God has a plan for each of us. As this is a new series for Rosche, she has the chance to delve a little deeper into some of the more difficult things people face.

Haven Haviland is a woman who has always lived by the ethics she believes to be true--which has recently cost her the counseling practice that she's invested so much of herself in. Due to the rumors as to why her practice closed, life has been a struggle.

Jace Daring doesn't mind rumors. If he did, he'd never be able to help women escape the evil of human trafficking. He's passionate about the cause and ready to put his convictions into action. He's a protector, a provider for the undervalued. He is content to live on his farm on the outskirts of town, far from prying eyes.

Haven ends up targeted by someone who is not content with ruining her reputation--they want to pull Jace and his work into it, too. He can't allow this campaign to interfere with his commitment to women in crisis. He reaches out to Haven to see if she's willing to work with his clients to help them get much needed counseling. As things progress, a sweet romance begins to blossom. Can Haven clear their names and encourage the community to support Jace and his work? Or will this be yet another war she must fight?

This story of second chances, facing trauma and overcoming obstacles is definitely one that will stick with me for some time. There are difficult topics involved that could be hard for some to read, so keep that in mind. Rosche has a compassionate, endearing way of dealing with delicate topics, which is why her last series was so relatable. It appears as if the Whisper Canyon series will be just as lovely as the Madison River series!

Haven Haviland signs on at Aspen Crossroads, after a misstep has her closing her counseling practice. There she meets Jace, a man shrouded in mystery and rumors. When the mayor of Whisper Canyon targets Aspen Crossroads in his goals to clean up the town, Jace and Haven must fight to save Aspen Crossroads.

Twisted family histories come to the surface as Jace and Haven work to make a Aspen Crossroads a success. Jace can be reclusive, but he is kind, with a heart for his work and farming. I loved the chemistry between them when they first met. And I liked how they came to trust and depend on each other as Haven becomes more and more comfortable in her new job. There is a full cast of characters, in their small town, and at Aspen, and it was fun getting to know the ladies.

There is definitely a lot going on with current concerns about the mayor trying to close the center and trying to get the restaurant going. A clean read with winsome characters, overcoming their pasts and standing up to injustice. A well written read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This story packs a wallop in its pages for sure. First of all, this has one of the best meet cute scenes ever! It was adorable and definitely one of my favorite parts of the entire book. Jace and Haven are great characters and I really enjoyed their budding relationship. There are difficult elements to the story though, from the back stories of the girls Jace is trying to help, to the town villain and his evil schemes and in Jace's and Haven's histories as well. These made me so so sad. The end of the story is really good and has a happy ending which I really enjoyed. It's a beautiful story overall.

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Janine Rosche does a really great job writing flawed characters that you just can't help but love. These characters were no exception. Seeing how Haven and Jace handled the cast of characters in the town of Whisper Canyons and the characters at Aspen Crossroads with grace, humility, and just a hint of frustration (sarcasm) was a great journey. I love how realistic their lives were. This was a hard story to read due to the subject matter of sex trafficking and small-town gossip/politics, but I thought it was well-done.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Author Janine Rosche has outdone herself with this first book in her new series. Aspen Crossroads has so many well-woven intricacies, I am certain multiple reading will bring more to the surface.

Haven and Jace are two hurting people in a sea of hurting people. From the moment these two met on the page (without knowing what they carried with them from their pasts), I was rooting for them. First there’s Haven with her large family and the rumors surrounding them. Jace was a little more of a mystery but once I uncovered that, fairly early in the book, my respect for the guy shot up.

Rosche’s characters range from sweet and friendly to gruff to downright sinister. There are two sides to the coin in Aspen Crossroads—those trying to help the less fortunate who are trying to turn their lives around and those who want exclusivity for the town. I learned early on who I disliked and didn’t trust.

I could go on and on about this book, but I don’t want to give any of the surprises awaiting new readers away. So many of the characters in Aspen Crossroads have experienced pain but are finding redemption and hope in this Colorado town. Rosche manages to balance on that fine line between awareness and compassion touching on difficult and dark topics. Bravo to the author for a beautifully written story that left me with a complete sense of satisfaction while ramping up the anticipation for what she’s going to bring to the page next.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

What a stunning story! This novel was, at times, equal parts uplifting and heartbreaking, yet hope was woven through each chapter. Jace and Haven were scarred individuals working to help other scarred individuals, hoping to offer them a second chance at life.

The town was controlled by a very twisted man and for a while, it seemed to me that there would be no way to pull that control away from his grasp. It made me feel helpless as I read of the various threats and ways he worked to sully Haven’s name and also tried put a stop to the restaurant’s opening.

Jace and Haven’s developing connection and the romance that grew between them was the perfect amount of chemistry and angst. They had some things they needed to work through and there were some trying moments, for sure, but it was clear that they belonged together.

This novel dealt with the upsetting reality of the human trafficking market, with some of the characters having been forced into that world as children. The author handled the descriptions of the lives that these characters suffered through with grace, however, I was pleased that the author included a warning at the beginning of the story as a heads up for the reader.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

"We can only choose to live each day with purpose and with grace."

Another fantastic book by Janine Rosche! The author is so good at weaving together broken, hurting, real characters into a beautiful tapestry of hope, forgiveness, and redemption. She will pull at your heartstrings and make you cry ugly tears and happy tears. The book does deal with some heavy topics like trafficking, abuse, and abandonment, but the author approaches them with care and thoughtfulness. Haven and Jace are so lovely - they are one of my favorite fictional couples of 2021. Both have had much tragedy in their past but their commitment to help others, their loyalty, compassion, and perseverance make them immensely lovable despite their mistakes and failures.

I can't wait for the next book in the series! I'm hoping the series will feature all of Haven's siblings. I received the book via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

Aspen Crossroads is written with Janine Rosche’s signature style of romance, beautiful scenery, and a story that will deepen your faith.

One of the things I loved about this book was the meet cute. It was so adorable and had me wondering how Haven and Jace would come together.

Another plus is Ms. Rosche doesn’t shy away from hard topics, but instead shows the power of God and how faith gets us through. Sometimes the topic was a bit heavy (human trafficking is a heavy topic) but it was one that provided a much needed view into the horrors.

All in all, Aspen Crossroads is another good read from Ms. Rosche.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

Oh, Janine Rosche, you've done it again.

Back when Rosche wrote her debut novel, I was blessed with the opportunity to be one of her early reviewers. Her writing drew me in immediately, and she's now one of my 'auto-buy' authors.

Once again, she has written a lovely book. While the book does focus on a very difficult topic - human trafficking, her approach is beautiful. She faces the reality, but offers hope and redemption. Aspen Crossroads also tackles small town rumors, scandals, and difficult pasts. Jace and Haven's story isn't an easy one, but is a great example of what can happen when we open ourselves to healing and vulnerability.

Aspen Crossroads is the first book in Rosche's new Whisper Canyon Romance series. I am already looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.

I received a copy of this wonderful book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have provided here. A positive review was not required.

Haven has always been there for her family. Except for the times that she wasn't - then everything fell apart. But she is determined to stick it out in Whisper Canyon even though the town continues to gossip about her and her family.

Jace Daring promised his mother he would never come to Whisper Canyon, her hometown. But when his company decides to start their next farm-to-table restaurant in the community, he feels he has no choice but to go. This business venture is unique because it helps women who have escaped from trafficking to find new start. What happens when he comes up against a community that is not completely welcoming.

This book is definitely for an older audience - high school teens and up - because this book does talk about what happens when God's blueprint for sex (one man, one woman for life) is not followed. The consequences are not pretty. That being said, this book is doused with grace - God can give a fresh start no matter why we need one. Besides tackling trafficking, this book deals with rape and more. The author did not give very many details about the acts, but yet it could be triggers for certain readers. For me, it showed me how easily a person could be persuaded to give a way a part of themselves and also how easily a person could be trapped into trafficking.

The characters are definitely compelling. The parade part is definitely powerful. So is the realization that everyone is struggling. In God's eyes, we do not have to do anything to deserve a second chance. So why do we expect that of other people? I do agree with this statement. But I also think that sometimes because of the choices that we make (or are made for us), the consequences do not easily go away. Their was so much emphasis on understanding that maybe it could have been balanced a bit more with the need for restitution and recovery from mistakes.

The only part I was slightly confused about was how the rescued women knew how to run a restaurant already. There did not appear to be a time of training. But maybe they were picked to be a part of that business because they were already skilled. The farm-to-table part is mentioned, but that is definitely not the focus of the book.

This is the start of a new series for this author. She left several parts unfinished at the end, so I can guess at what stories are yet to come. I definitely plan on reading them all.

My final rating for this book: 4.8 I did receive a copy of this book as a part of a publicity campaign. I wanted to review the book. All opinions are my own.

Janine Rosche, a new author to me, writes about her characters with empathy, consideration and kindheartedness. Her talent and aptitude for addressing sensitive issues of great importance, seldom seen in Inspirational and Christian fiction, is a rare gift.

Due to a nefarious, lying character, Haven Haviland, who has lived in Whisper Canyon her entire life, becomes the target of a smear campaign. Jace Daring, who works for a company that rescues women from human trafficking and homelessness, becomes caught in the crosshairs of the smear campaign.

Aspen Crossroads highlights a bittersweet story with many aspects of the rescued women’s lives recounted, making it difficult to read. Your heart aches for the women. The story line is complex, cutting-edge and unconventional-reminiscent of Ginny Yttrup and Francine Rivers- difficult to read and challenging those who do.

**The details recounted may be triggering for those who have suffered abuse. **

Aspen Crossroads features faith and faithlessness, hope and despair, vision and shortsightedness, all tied up in a tale of deliverance and redemption. There is also a thread of a tender romance interwoven softly through the book.

I received this book from Penguin Random House through NetGalley. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

Although this book centers around some gritty, somewhat heavy subjects, the author handles them sensitively and carefully, ultimately infusing light, hope, faith, and forgiveness into this compelling story of redemption. Janine Rosche’s signature wit and humor add a layer of lightheartedness to this poignant tale. Though most of the main characters are hurting, broken people, they are realistic and engaging, and I was rooting for them to find success and happiness in their lives.

With a setting in small-town Whisper Canyon, Colorado, which aptly describes the favorite pastime of many of the inhabitants of the place, and a premise of a handsome, compassionate Jace Daring trying to give victims of trafficking a new start in life, this book pulled me in and kept me riveted to the end. The only part I was a little hesitant about was the cavern scene. Since I’m very claustrophobic, I had to take a little breather to hyperventilate a bit.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy heartfelt stories of redemption and hope, with a caution that there could be triggers due to the subject matter. I’m looking forward to reading more about these characters in the rest of the Whisper Canyon series. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own.

Will the mistakes of your past haunt you forever? Haven Haviland has always lived up to her name, but now she's floundering after one misstep forced her to close her counseling practice. She's unsure what's next, especially as rumors fly about her character.

Jace Daring came back to Whisper Canyon, the one place his mother made him promise never to revisit. His job helping women get out of sex trafficking has led him here, where he is establishing a farm-to-table restaurant as a source of work and income for these ladies. Opposition meets him at every turn, as the mayor has made it clear he does not want this outreach staining the community image he is trying to build.

In attempting to help the least of these, Jace hires Haven to mentor the women under his care. He'll only be staying in Whisper Canyon long enough to establish the restaurant before he moves on to the next project. But Haven's sweet, wounded spirit makes him reconsider his hard and fast boundaries regarding relationships.

This is a lovely and touching novel from Janine Roche. Despite the heavy and sensitive subject matter, everything is handled in a beautifully moderate and grace-filled way. It's still real and heart-wrenching, but never gritty or gratuitous. You ache for the ways the sins of others have shaped the lives of our characters. Yet that ache is hardly the overall feeling of the story, for it leaves you with hope that these things can be overcome, that truth and love still win no matter the darkness encountered before.

Rosche has set up a lovely new series full of secondary characters I want to know more about. I can't wait to see what's coming up next for her!

I received my copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.