Borrowed a copy from a friend due to download issues.

It was a good story. A writing style which I liked, although I didn’t connect the characters as much I hoped to. I think because the story ended up shifting and focusing on the romantic side of things, as opposed to Clara’s journey as one of the first female doctors (which is what intrigued me about the book to begin with).

It was a compelling read and overall I did like it, I just wish the ending had been written differently so there was less drama and heartbreak.

What a nice insight into the life of one of Canada's first female physicians. Her story was very touching and you always want to know how she'll cope with the things she encountered and lived through and the things to come. A good read!

I'm an absolute SUCKER for historical Fiction and I am so thankful to Rising Action Publishing Co, Christy K. Lee, and Netgalley for granting me advanced access to this behemoth before it came out on October 10, 2023.

First things first. This cover… *chefs kiss*. Perfection. It’s beautiful and caught my eye immediately so good job to the artist and author on this one. Love it.

Though the cover drew my eye the story sounded very different from what I normally read, but I was in the mood for something out of the norm so I requested it and took it as a sign when I was approved, so thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this one. I was very pleasantly surprised.

This one is a solid 4 stars for me. I loved almost all of it.

The character building was well done and the story line was great. So much adventure and drama. I loved it! It was so well written it felt like I was watching a movie or even there in the pages.

Clara, though good at making bad choices, was an interesting FMC. I have read some books where I would have despised her for her rash decision making and lack of ability to do what’s best for herself and tell other’s no. But she was well balanced with her positive attributes so I still was all in and rooting for her happy ending. I loved her ambition and her strength when it came to being a trailblazer for women in her field of expertise. She wasn’t afraid to fight for her goals and dreams when it came to her career. I just wish she would have had the same guts when it came to ending relationships that needed ending. However, that wouldn’t have made an interesting story I guess.

The pioneer historical romance theme was very new for me and I loved it. I’m excited to read more and can’t wait to see specifically what Christy K. Lee does next.

I’m always extra interested in books that are set in a location I am familiar with, and this one had extra appeal as it spoke of homesteading in BC’s Fraser Valley in the late 1800s which is what my great grandpa did 💗. I enjoyed the mix of characters, and although I did find a few things about their choices / actions frustrating, I found the author did a great job keeping the historic atmosphere consistent. If you enjoyed Little House on the Prairie but are ready for a more adult version of life on the homestead with characters that find themselves surrounded in gossip and hardships, then you might enjoy this book!

Following Clara Thomas, one of the few female physicians in Canada, across the western part of the country, Lee brings readers to late nineteenth century Canadian frontiers. Heavily tied to relationships and the struggles of female autonomy and independence, Clara experiences a host of struggles with her fiance and her husband, both of whom have serious issues in their personal behavior and their attitudes towards women. However, Clara manages to find camaraderie with Jo, her assistant, and Rebecca, her sister-in-law, as well as a source of comfort and affection with her neighbor Joaquin and his children. Of course, not every road is easy to drive on, and Clara faces her share of struggles and challenges throughout the novel. Lee’s characters drive the story forward, and Lee has created a host of characters with dynamic expressions and interactions, to say nothing of the spectrum of emotions and behaviors her characters go through. Setting does play a part in the novel, which is set in southwestern Canada, yet it is the structures themselves (homes, the clinic, etc.) that play significant roles in the characters’ stories and experiences. Trigger warnings abound in this story, and Lee’s characters run the gamut from heroes to truly despicable villains.

This novel was an entertaining read, though the characters were a bit one-dimensional. There were points in the story that really drew me in, but many plot points felt either overly predictable (the husband she hardly knew turns out to not be the knight in shining armor) or outlandish (the ex-fiance just so happens to be family to another antagonist in the story).

All that is to say, I can see why people enjoy the novel. It's a light read, despite the dark subject matter it deals with, and offers an interesting take on women in medicine in the 19th century. However, it wasn't really for me.

Clara is one of the first female doctors in Canada. She hates the socialite life and wants to feel useful. When she enlists to help at war, her father make her promise that when it ends, he will get to choose a husband for her, no questions ask. She agrees thinking that she will convince her father to forget about the deal after she comes back... but she can't. His father enforces marriage on her right before the war ends... and that leaves her with a choice, a dreadful one: marry the man his father choose for her, a childhood friend that is with her on the battlefield... even if he likes to take women by force, or run away with the cute irish, she doesn't know anything about him... except that he says he loves her.
Please, read the book to know how this story ends up and take into account the trigger warnings.

This book was okay… a happy ending which is always nice, but slightly unbelievable in the way it was carried out. I found the main character to be really unlikeable and found myself only rooting for her because of her love interest.

Christy K. Lee's The Roads We Take is a beautifully written historical fiction novel that chronicles the remarkable journey of Clara Thomas, one of Canada's first female physicians, as she defies societal norms in the late 19th century. Clara's unwavering determination to live life on her own terms, despite numerous obstacles and societal pressures, serves as a compelling testament to women's strength and resilience. The novel features well-crafted characters and a rich historical backdrop, immersing readers in Clara's world. While the final third of the book contains an excess of heartbreak and drama, it ultimately offers a satisfying conclusion. With its striking cover design and careful handling of sensitive themes, The Roads We Take is a must-read for fans of historical romance and those intrigued by the untold stories of trailblazing women.

A riveting story of perseverance as Clara goes through many trials to survive in 1880s western Canada and establish a medical practice. It’s very well paced and I tore through it in only 3 days! I loved the characters and the old west setting was very atmospheric.

I had to DNF this for the time being. It was extremely episodic in the writing style and I found the FMC to be a perfectly perfect Mary Sue type, and yet made terrible choices for herself. She didn’t seem intelligent even though she was presented to be. Mostly, I dnf’d because this was so depressing and every move this character made was frustrating. I’m not rating it at the moment on my socials, maybe I can pick it up another time, I’ve just read too many debut novels with unestablished writing styles lately that I can’t handle another. This author is not without talent and has an interesting viewpoint but I would need to go back on my meds to finish this one.

Clara is a strong character and a trailblazer throughout her story. It was so interesting to read more about Canadian history because I know very little about it.

I loved the setting of this book. I am always thrilled to find historical novels set in Canada, and the author includes lots of details about the journey west and day to day living in that era. I was fascinated by the information on medicine and medical procedures used at that time. I also liked the accurate portrayal of how dangerous childbirth was before modern times.

I really liked Clara and seeing her become a stronger person throughout the book. I also appreciated the realism of the author’s portrayal of a bad marriage and her husband’s struggle with alcohol addiction.

The book has more than one “found family” elements in it and I liked them all. I especially liked Clara and Jo’s connection and Clara and Rebecca’s relationship.

My only complaint about the book is the last section where someone from the beginning of the book returns. I didn’t think the added drama was needed. Other than that though, I really enjoyed the story and highly recommend it.

This is an amazing and beautiful read by a debut Canadian author. The plot is well paced, the characters are fully formed and easy to root for and the writing is superb. It was fascinating to read about daily life and struggles of women living in the early days of my hometown. 100% recommend!

this was okay, but read a little juvenile and i didn't feel connected to the characters or what happens to them at all. i can see other reader enjoying this a lot tho!

— thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the free digital ARC.

3.5 ⭐

Clara Thomas journeyed many roads in her life, yet the one she travelled which fully captures the essence of this amazing woman is the one that lead becoming one of the first female physicians in Canada. Arguably, her refusal to conform to society’s expectations of her made her a woman ahead of her time. I think what endeared me to this strong female was that she still acknowledged that she was out of her comfort zone despite her abilities, accomplishments, overwhelming courage and steadfastness. She lived in a time (1885) when women weren’t given a voice and she struggled to get more out of life than domesticity.

The theme of escape is tightly woven throughout this historical romance and leaves readers on the edge of the seat wondering if Clara can manipulate her present to follow her dreams. Lee examines our basic needs for connection and acceptance and spotlights our desire to find ‘our person’ - the one who recognizes our passion and wants to share our dream.

I loved recognizing many of the locations and mile markers in history. The Grade 10 Social Studies program in B.C., Canada highlights many of the paths Clara trod. The focus on our own provincial heritage was wonderful.

For those who love fictional historical romances, especially ones set in the pioneer era and with open-door scenes, and don’t mind reading about detailed medical procedures, attempted sexual assault, stillbirth, miscarriage and mild domestic violence, this one’s for you.

I was gifted this copy by Rising Action Publishing Co. and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Set in 1885 this is another story of a woman who wants more in a time when women were very much tethered to their home and family. But Clara Thomas had dreams and desires and so this book tells her story.

A great historical fiction where we once again see women as the possession of the man and at his ever whim, where women are defined by the man they marry. But we see the strength of women and how they cope and also rise above this typecast.

The author wrote well and told the story so we the readers could understand the plight of Clara and I myself was drawn into her story. It kept my interested, intrigued and invested for sure. Loved it and look forward to seeing what Christy K Lee writes next.

Thank you NatGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Clara is one of the first female physicians in Canada.
You follow her story and the start of her career. I could not put this down. I absolutely loved the writing style and story. The characters were all well written and I found myself rooting for Clara through the story.
I had the chance to beta read this story from the author. I'm absolutely so grateful to support a local indie author get her start!
Christy is a fantastic writer and I can't wait for more books from her!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your book!

This historical fiction follows a female dr and her trials and tribulations that's she faces not only personal and professionally. It was so good. It was so absorbing. I loved this.
I just reviewed The Roads We Take by Christy K. Lee. #TheRoadsWeTake #NetGalley
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