Twenty-nine-year-old Jade Jessup is jobless, homeless, and owns little more than the fancy finance executive wardrobe she wore before she found out her fiancé and his father (her boss) were using her client’s money to finance their extravagant lifestyles through a giant Ponzi scheme.

Jade gets a shot at redemption when Berenice “Benny” Alderidge and her foster son, handsome playboy Bridger Rosenblum, invite her to join them on their roadtrip down Route 66, following Benny’s trip close to seventy years earlier.

The story starts with a Prologue which, honestly, was a little confusing. It’s one of those prologues that turns out to be from somewhere in the middle of the story, but it took a while to work out it was the future.

The story then moves between three timelines: Jade’s present story (told in first person present tense), Jade’s past story (also told in first person), and Benny’s past story (told in first person past tense). I enjoy stories told in first person, but I know not everyone does.

The Prologue, combined with the three timelines, made the story a little hard for me to follow at first.

Perhaps I should have read the book description … The book description makes it quite clear there are three stories in this novel. However, I did work out the present journey was echoing the past—Benny’s original road trip to Hollywood with the man she later married, and Jade’s less-happy road trip as a child, when she was kidnapped by her father. As such, the time shifts were a clever way of sharing the information and showing the progression of the three stories.

Once I got into the flow of the story, I loved it. Jade, Benny, and Bridger all had their own emotional journeys. I was fascinated by Bridger’s backstory—I hadn’t known about the Samoan adoption scandal before, and it’s horrible to think of all the people hurt through the lies. I love it when I read a novel and learn something new like this.

Bridger’s backstory was fascinating and tragic, but it came out fairly easily and naturally through the story. Jade’s backstory was fascinating and tragic in a different way, but was far harder to uncover, even though Jade was the main point of view character. It’s a testament to Janine Rosch’s strong writing that it never felt like Jade was hiding information from the reader, even though there were some big surprises in her story.

The writing was excellent, and while the novels wasn’t overtly Christian (in that there was no on-the-page prayers or church services), the story had definite Christian themes. And for the romance lovers out there, there is also a romance subplot …

Recommended for fans of dual (or triple) timeline fiction who don’t mind first person present tense. Thanks to Revell Books and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

The relationships in this book were really cool. I love the road-trip journey and the backstory. It was a book I wanted to read slowly and take my time with to enjoy.

While not huge fan of road trip novels but I did enjoy this one. More so for the interactions between the main characters.

“Compassion and empathy are the two most underutilized values in society.”

Janine Rosche has such a beautiful storytelling voice that captivates you from the opening line to the very last word of the book. The first person narrative comes in three parts - present time and 2003 in Jade’s voice and 1956 in Benny’s. Benny's spunk, fire, and impulsivity in her twenties is juxtaposed with her wisdom and nurturing ways in her eighties. I loved seeing how Benny grows, matures, and embraces her faith. Jade is a bit mysterious and only when her past is unfolded completely do we truly glimpse her vulnerable self, her longing for home and family. Traveling along Route 66 was absolutely fascinating and I really felt like I was cruising along the famous route with Benny, Bridger, and Jade.
Paul and Bridger are amazing heroes - very different in their life experiences but so very similar in makeup, loyalty, and steadfast love.
The author also addresses several sensitive topics, including dementia, failed adoptions, racism and PTSD. She approaches each topic with tender care and weaves them into the story seamlessly and poignantly.

It's another winner from Janine Rosche. I highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys thoughtful and moving stories. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book, but her previous book, With Every Memory, was among my favorites of 2023, and I have to say I enjoyed it more.

Having checked reader reviews, I must say that of Valerie S., reviewer, summed it up nicely for me.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Four stars.

I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the beginning and was unable to put it down. I loved the characters and will be rereading to visit them often.

The book was well done. I didn't know the author but I enjoyed the plot and the characters. It was not a must read for me but it was good.

I’ve read all of Janine Rosche’s books. They’re great reads, but there was just something special about this one! It’s definitely my favorite of hers! I’m not always a fan of multiple timelines, but Rosche wove this story together so beautifully. It was a seamless transition each time from past to present. Both Jade’s story and Benny’s story, so different, yet perfectly balanced each other. I also can’t forget to mention Bridger, and all his likable charm. Also, Ohio, who knew the State of Ohio could seem so romantic!

I loved every minute of it!

The Road Before Us by Janine Rosche is a journey - both a literal road trip along famous Route 66 and an emotional journey for its characters. And such a unique group of complex and flawed characters it is:

Jade: a financial planner whose fiancé /colleague stole millions from their clients in a Ponzi scheme

Berenice (“Benny”): 50+ years ago she starred in movies, now she’s a senior citizen whose wealth was robbed by Jade’s fiancé

Bridger: Benny’s adult foster son who’s filming a documentary recreating her 1956 trip on “the Mother Road” when she fell in love with her recently deceased husband Paul.

In the first chapter, the author drops readers into the midst of the story so it took me a bit to get my bearings, but once I did, I enjoyed traveling alongside Jade, Benny, and Bridger in this dual-timeline novel. I’ve heard Route 66 referenced through the years but wasn’t familiar with individual stops, and I felt like I was driving from city to city with Jade, Benny, and Bridger as they listened to Benny’s memories and made new ones, not all pleasant, of their own.

This story has several subplots, most of which feature serious issues; yet the author’s sense of humor shines through from time to time to relieve the tension. It’s such a powerful illustration of the power of forgiveness.

Thank you to Revell and Uplit Reads for the complimentary copies of this novel; all opinions are my own.

The Road Before Us is a wonderful dual timeline novel of Bennie, Jade & Bridger as they learn about facing their past hurts.

I have never traveled on Rte. 66 but reading about it in this book has helped me to visualize it.

This is a dual timeline book and was enjoyable to read.

Thank you NetGalley and Revell Fiction for giving me the opportunity to read The Road Before Us in exchange for an honest review.

Jade Jessup and her fiancé are in court at the start of the book; Jade recently learned that her fiancé had stolen millions of dollars from their financial clientele. An enormous Ponzi scheme. Jade is distraught. Berenice "Benny" Alderidge, a 1960’s Hollywood movie star, was one of the customers. Bridger, Benny's grown foster son, is currently producing a documentary in which he recounts the 1956 journey which started Paul and Benny’s romance. Bridger and Benny want Jade to be part of their documentary adventure.

Readers experience the road trip Jade, Benny, and Bridger go on in present day, the author intermingles memories of Jade's life in 2003 and Benny's in 1956. Jade is revisiting the trauma she endured when, at the age of eight, her non-custodial father abducted her in 2003. As Benny struggles to recollect her 1956 former life with Paul, she starts exhibiting symptoms of dementia.

This author skillfully and gracefully tackles several noteworthy subjects, such as the treatment of Prisoners of War, dementia, parental abduction, racism, and sexual harassment.

This book is for you if you enjoy complex well-developed characters, a variety of points of view, a modern setting with flashbacks, and has a satisfying resolution. I enjoyed hearing about the author’s vacation and experiences on route 66. Your book group may have a great conversation about this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars

OK, y’all, this book was such a wonderful story. I went on a road trip down Route 66 without ever leaving my house.

Bridger and Jade were my favorites. Their relationship was so much fun to see play out and their banter was hilarious. Benny was a hoot and I loved hearing her story and the guidance and wisdom she had. I really enjoyed getting to know each character, I was truly invested.

You will laugh, cry and swoon while reading this book. I’d love the faith elements weaved throughout the story. It’s a wonderful Christian fiction full of forgiveness and second chances.

This was the first book I had read by this author, Janine Rosche, and it was no disappointment! Such an endearing story of redemption.
Jade was a financial advisor who worked for her fiance's father's company. She was shocked and dismayed when it came out that the company was involved in a huge Ponzi scheme and had stolen millions of dollars from investors who had put their trust in them (and Jade). Jade turned them in when she realized what was going on. She had became friends with some of the clients and felt such a responsibility. Fortunately, she wasn't sent to prison, but her, now ex-fiance' was. She wonders how could she have been so blinded by the kind of person he really was? How could this have happened to people who trusted her with their life savings?
One of her clients, Benny Alderidge, has asked her to go on a trip with her and her grown foster son, Bridger. This trip is down Route 66 in the 55 Chevy that belonged to Benny and her deceased husband. Benny was a well known Hollywood actress when in her prime. Jade feels such guilt and sorrow that Benny is now broke because she invested in the company she previously worked for. Jade feels obligated to go on this trip with them. A penance of sorts. Oh, the adventures and learning on this trip!
This was just an amazing and heart warming story! Wonderful characters! I just loved Benny and Bridger. Also, Jade!
This story deals with the devastating effects of dementia on both the patient and the loved ones and family members.
The forgiveness and love Benny exhibits was amazing and something to strive for.
I was given an advanced ecopy from the publisher, Revell through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Wow what a wild ride of a road trip. It was supposed to be for a documentary of movie star Benny Alderidge and her trip down the Mother Road with her husband from Chicago to LA in 1952. It was nostalgic, too, for Jade Jessup and her trip with her father in 2003.
Lots of connections for me, also, since I grew up outside of Chicago and now live in a town on the old Route 66. One of my favorite groups is The Eagles and I love old cars.
This book had all the feels, from joy to tears. A swoony hero to a troubled heroine. Family angst to faith and forgiveness. The author wove everything together with poignant lessons and descriptive scenes.
So glad I read this wonderful blast from the past and a realistic present.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

Thank you so much @uplitreads @janinerosche for a #gifted copy of this book!

🚗 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 🚗
This story is a very interesting historical fiction read mixed with the Route 66 nostalgia, historical events, tragic backstories, and found family. It tells multiple characters stories at once, focusing on Jade and Benny.

Jade is a financial guru who has a downfall when her fiancé’s business she works for goes down for stealing from clients. Benny is a Hollywood icon of the 1950s-ish era, who has lost her money in the business Jade works for. Benny recently lost the love of her life Paul too, and is planning on taking a roadtrip down memory lane literally by journeying down Route 66 like she did in the 50s with her husband.

Bennys adopted son Bridger enlists Jade’s help by asking her to go on this trip. Little do we know, there is more to Jade’s story than meets the eye! Jade’s POV is both past and present in this book, and we get Benny’s POV in the 50s on her original trip down Route 66.

Jade and Benny are both similar at this point in their lives. They have lost so much and this trip is a chance for them to face that and move forward. It’s also a chance to revisit memories, good and bad, which definitively shaped them into who they are today. There are side character stories too that impact the storyline, but I think the main focus was on these two women, and how strong and resilient they are in their own ways.

I think readers who like travel will definitely enjoy this story. Everyone has a place they like to revisit from days past, that bring up memories that affected them deeply. Not all places have good memories for the main characters either, and it was good to see them grow.

🛣️ 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
🚙 Past/Present Interwoven Timelines
🚗 Dual POVs
🚙 Historical fiction
🚗 Found Family
🚙 Route 66 Travels
🚗 Self-Discovery

Such a wonderful story set to the theme of traveling Route 66! I loved the flashbacks to the 1950's and then the early 2000's. The author tackles some difficult subjects from history and relationships. but handles them well. This is a wonderful book to pick up this summer!

This book is a Women's Contemporary Christian Fiction book, that takes you along Route 66 and the a journey back into time of 1956. Jade, a well know financial adviser looses her career integrity, due to her coworker stealing millions from a ponzi scheme. She sets out to help Benny a starlet from the past, get her love story told of her marriage and romance of 70 years before. Her foster son, Bridger is along to document the trip. They learn more from the travels, then they ever expected. The past can haunt you, make you smile and give you meaning, purpose and forgiveness. Can they all relive the past and get freedom and peace from their past?
If you want a book that will keep you turning pages until the end, and then when you finish make you still think about it.... this is the book for you. This book tackles alot of issues : kidnapping, stealing, trust, assaults', dementia and so much more. It is a book that is packed with action, hope, faith and redemption. This is the first book I have read from this author and very glad I did. It was a great adventure read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

What a beautiful and emotional story. Told in three different timelines- Jade's trip with her dad in 2003, Bernie's trip in 195 with Paul and the current road trip. It was a touching story as Jade tries to forgive herself, for her fiance's crimes and her past, Bridger is trying to come to terms with feeling worthy of Bernie's love, while also connecting to his past and Bernie is trying to have this last experience before she faces what's next, without Paul by her side and a scary medical diagnosis.

It culminated beautifully in the end, but honestly, I wanted more. I think we could have taken another chapter or two to wrap everything up. And there were storylines that never really met their full potential. I wanted more about Bernie's brother. I wanted to see what came next for Jade, her dad and know more about her mom. Jade's revelation at the end to her dad was kind of a mic drop, out of nowhere moment and that was it. And I needed a little clarification about the documentary... What was it supposed to be, what was Bridger doing with it now and I wanted a little sneak peak into Jade and Bridger's future!

Overall, it was a truly touching ride. I grew invested in all the characters, their journey and the story.

Thank you Netgalley and Revell for access to this arc.

Although I knew that this wasn’t going to be a laugh-a-minute fun road story, it encompassed quite a bit more darkness than I was expecting. And yet that darkness was so quietly and calmly worked into the story that it rarely felt forced or out of place. Some things could be triggering so readers should check Rosche's author comments about what these are and that sensitivity readers read the book.

The reason for Jade accompanying Bridger and Benny makes a bit more sense in the story than in the abbreviated blurb. Jade was the person who figured out the Ponzi scheme and blew the whistle. That Benny wants Jade to be on this road journey as a way to help recover a bit of Jade’s public credibility shows what a wonder Benny is and adds to the reasons Jade agrees.

Bridger, Benny’s foster son, is also a darling. Well, mostly. Bridger is the type of person to always ask how you’re doing even if it’s his house burning down. He reintroduces Jade to the delight of chili dogs and reminds her that “We’ve seen each other eat chili dogs. Nothing is too personal anymore.” But as Jade discovers, there are still things that Bridger is keeping up his sleeve.

As the journey continues, Benny recounts on film how she and her brother’s best friend (and Benny’s not really so secret crush) Paul headed west to follow their acting dreams. Meanwhile Jade remembers how over twenty years ago, she and her father traveled this same route one summer while listening to Eagles’ songs and playing games. Both Benny (then) and Jade (now) ended up learning about themselves and about these men in their lives. Not everything is light and sweet. Paul and Benny’s brother were POWs in North Korea and what happened there haunts both men in terrible ways. Jade thought she was on an adventure with her beloved father only to have this crash around her when the truth came out.

The book is an inspie. Most of the main characters are religious and speak of religion at times – usually to comfort each other. It is not a preachy or judgmental religiosity. There is no moralistic finger-wagging.

There were some charming tertiary characters (the Ohio couple) and some #@*&*$-holes who just seemed to be there to either be lovely or horrific people when the plot needed it.

By the end, some old pain was laid to rest, some self discovery was done, and a romance had begun. I almost totally love the romance but needed just a bit more contrition from one party towards the other who had been lied to and manipulated in the past. Watching Benny slowly sinking deeper into dementia was hard; this is partially made up for by watching her (past) growing love affair with Paul. Kudos for letting younger Benny be a little immature, impatient, and stubborn at times. I’m not much for road trips anymore, despite the lovely imagery in the book about the places along the journey, so I think I need to go listen to Nat King Cole sing about Route 66. B

Brilliant! The Road Before Us reeled me in from the very beginning and did not let go. This multi-layered story is more than a journey on Route 66, it is a journey of healing as three travel companions find the courage to face their individual pasts, hoping to finally heal old wounds. I was hooked by the fictional road trip down iconic Route 66. But more than that, I was totally captivated by three of the most endearing characters.

The story is skillfully told by alternating timelines. Revealing the backstories of Jade and Benny through their respective timelines of 2003 and 1956, the years that changed the direction of their lives forever. Jade and Bridger are accompanying Benny, an aging film star, on a trip down memory lane. As she shares her story, she shares a lifetime of wisdom to two broken people. Sensitive topics such as PTSD and childhood kidnapping with grace.

Not only does The Road Before Us tells two love stories, it is also a story of family. Just when I thought I knew the way the story would end, there was an unexpected twist to the story that changed the way I viewed one of the characters. Looking forward to the next compelling read from Ms. Rosche.

"...people travel Route 66 for all kinds of reasons, but it isn't just travelers on that specific road who are running. In our own way, we're all running from or running to something. The lucky ones get to do that with someone they love at their side. "

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher thorough Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.