I loved this wonderful story filled with love, romance and redemption. I loved Jade, Benny and Bridger. I loved that this story works through a lot of issues that people are facing today. I loved that this story is a dual time story. I loved that we learned a lot about Jade and Benny in both the past and the present. I loved learning about Route 66 also.. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Grab your tissues and settle in for a roller coaster ride along America’s Mother Road with Benny, Bridger, and Jade in the latest release from Janine Rosche. At its core, this is a story about people: where they come from and where they go. Traveling along historic Route 66, Benny seeks to honor her deceased beloved husband, Bridger seeks to honor his foster mother, and Jade finds herself dragged along for the drive. Running from her past, seeking closure for her future, and finding so much more than expected drive Jade toward the promised land and the future God holds for her. I have to confess that I probably would not have picked up this book if I had known the sensitive subjects Rosche addresses in The Road Before Us. There are a handful automatic “nopes” and at least a handful of other subjects that are sometimes particularly triggering and often not very well addressed. They are handled with great respect here. Grave subjects are relayed with delicate effectiveness, to shed light on these issues and drive the story forward carefully. This book confirms that Janine Rosche has a perennial place in my TBR collection.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions are my own and are completely genuine.

Rating 3.5

This road trip story made me want to plan my own Route 66 or similar road trip soon!

This road trip was filled with memories, old love stories and fun moments. The author brought together three different periods, present day, 1956 and 2003, and three different stories and memories together through one road, Route 66.

Though there was quite a few difficult topics in this story, dementia, kidnapping, Ponzi schemes just being some, it was told in a sensitive manner through the lives of the characters.

I loved Benny, and how she brought so many people together. Jade’s story was sad and only at the end was revealed could have been so much worse. Bridger had so much to overcome and enjoyed his prodigal son story.

The connection between Jade and Bridger added fun, banter, and some swoony kisses.

I enjoyed my journey along route 66, together with Benny, Bridger, and Jade.

A road trip on the classic mother road Route 66...yes, please! This book is told in alternating time periods and perspectives.
As our three main characters; Bernice "Benny", Jade, and Bridger set out on this road trip, they are at a crossroads in their life. Janine Rosche layers these characters with not only struggles but also personalities that you can feel through the pages.
Jade is doing all she can not to fall for Bridger and Bridger is making it extremely difficult.
The banter between Bridger and Jade had me laughing out loud a few times. Bridger and Benny's relationship is super sweet. His protection for his mom made me tear up a few times.

Bottom Line: This is a fantastic road trip book; it has love, romance, history, and exploration along the iconic Route 66. Watching these characters embrace their pasts and become better at the end is everything great story-telling is about. This is just the second book of Janine Rosche's that I've read and she's quickly become a must-read author for me.

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

A beautiful, wonderfully written time-slip that flows seemingly between 1956, 2003, and present day. With delightful characters that you fall in love with, you are quickly swept away into a road trip down Route 66.

We follow Jade, Benny, and Bridger has they each face their past, present, and futures. This story tackles a myriad of difficult issues from child kidnapping, embezzlement, and war crimes just to name a few. Each are very well written and the emotional impact comes through as you read it from the characters perspective.

This book did not disappoint and was one I hated to see end. It is one I can see myself rereading in years to come.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

3.5 stars
The Road Before Us is a thought-provoking read.

The opening immediately pulls readers in as Jade Jessop meets with her famous client, Bernice “Benny” Alderidge. Things are not as they seem and Jade’s world will come crashing down – again.

This is a story of redemption. Of second chances. And what it means to be family.

The faith thread is light, and yoga is used by one character to illustrate spiritual concepts.

The narrative is descriptive, describing Route 66 and the places visited in vivid language. It’s easy to picture Jade, Benny and Bridger cruising down the road and making stops as Bridger films his documentary of Benny’s life leading to stardom.

And what a cast of characters! There are all kinds…some you love. Some not so much.

This story moves between Jade and Benny’s points of view – in the present, and in the past. Some scenes were fast-paced while others took time to dig deeper into the themes and issues confronted in the story. Some issues that were tackled: kidnapping, PTSD, dementia, mental institutions, and international adoptions. There’s also a nod to seduction of actresses in the past.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Road Before Us
Janine Rosche
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In an instant, Jade Jessup, lost her job, her fiance, and her credibility as a trusted financial advisor as a result of an elaborate Ponzi scheme. When asked by a beloved former client to accompany her on a cross country trip, Jade agrees in an effort to clear her name. But driving cross country on Route 66 will cause Jade to relive some childhood memories she'd rather forget.

Aging 1960s Hollywood starlet Berenice "Benny" Alderidge was intent on giving away a large portion of her investments. Now that her fortune has been lost, she and her foster son, Bridger, are going to retrace the route Benny took to Hollywood in 1956. Along the way, Bridger hopes to film a documentary about the love story between Benny and her late husband, Paul.

Together, all three of these pilgrims will learn about family, forgiveness, and what it means to live free of the past. But not before Jade faces a second staggering betrayal that changes everything.

This was a relatively new author to us and we were absolutely delighted with this novel. Reading the author’s notes at the end of the book surprisingly summarized the numerous topics this book covered. However, while you are in the midst of the story, they flow seamlessly together. Rosche did a wonderful job of switching between three timelines, evoking strong emotions through her characters lives, and making the reader root for the main characters. Our biggest takeaway may have been the theme of generosity, not just financially, but in forgiveness, love, and acceptance. We thoroughly enjoyed the journey along Route 66 and highly recommend it to others.

We received an advance copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.

A fabulous read and trip down Route 66. Such a refreshing read. Thanks for the opportunity. Highly recommend.

𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑎 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑!


I loved the freshness of the story. I’m quite certain I haven’t read a book in which an aging Hollywood star, her foster son, and her former financial adviser venture down Route 66.

This story has so much to offer. Although steeped in nostalgia and history as our group hits the road, there’s a lot at play here. Jade, Benny's former financial advisor, is trying to rectify a terrible wrong. Brigder, Benny’s foster son, is filming a documentary of Benny’s love story from back in 1956.

As the miles pass, we learn more about each character. Each is layered and complex, some having had trauma and hurts, some making grave errors and seeking forgiveness. Benny reflects on her great love story, while in the present, we see the seeds of new love blooming.

Like any good road trip, there are plenty of sights to see and lessons to learn. The author has created three unforgettable characters, and you’ll love traveling with them.


𝑁𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑔𝑖𝑎, 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 - 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠!


Thank you @uplitreads @revellfiction and @janinerosche for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Uplit Reads, Revell and author Janine Rosche for the gifted physical copy and e-arc of this book to read and review!

Oh my goodness guys! This book is everything!!! I just want to give it a great big HUG!

I am absolutely OBSESSED with all things Route 66 (because >> taking an open ended vacay and driving this road from beginning to end is my DREAM!!) … so of course when I saw this cover and read the book summary, I was here for it! I loved the way the author told this story through “past meets present” multiple pov’s with flashbacks, romance and a hint of mystery … perfection!

The characters felt like family and captured my heart from the very first page. The themes of family relationships, chasing your dreams, dealing with past trauma, forgiveness, hope, fresh starts and faith were interwoven so beautifully … I was left with such a happy little heart!

This book will definitely go in my stack of favorites for 2024!

3 1/2 stars for this fun, nostalgic story! It took me a little bit to understand what was going on in the beginning, but I did enjoy the oscillating timeline and the memory recall about Chain of Rocks bridge, Coral Courts Motel (in which I remember when they tore it down and was so sad about it!) and the still operating Ted Drews! This was a charming quick read, thank you for the complimentary copy. My opinions are my own.

I’ve traveled on portions of Route 66, the Mother Road, showcased in The Road Before Us.
It’s a poignant novel that intertwines topics like dementia, adoption, and kidnapping along with the ultimate road trip in a 55 Chevy.
I found Benny to be the most compelling character because she is facing losing her past as she recounts her own travels along 66 with her her love Paul. The flashbacks were one of my favorite parts of the book.
My other favorite part was the description of the sights and fixtures along Route 66. The highway is a reminder to all,of,us. Slow down, and look around you because it can all disappear quickly.

This is sort of an adult coming of age story told around the framework of traveling Route 66. Benny is reliving an earlier journey along the route and while her companions, Jade and Bridger watch out for her and have a very rocky potential romance.

The writing style of the novel is a bit unusual with three different time periods involved. There is the present day journey along Route 66, the time of Benny and her future husband's trip along the same route in 1956 and a journey Jade took with her father in 2003 when she was eight. The current journey is broken up with flashes back to the two previous journeys. The first person viewpoint consistently used can be confusing if one forgets which time period is currently in view. I did appreciate all the motels and diners visited along the route.

There are a number of issues explored in the plot including child kidnapping, Alzheimer's, financial fraud, forgiveness, and one's identity in Christ. Benny was my favorite character. So nice, so giving. Jade and Bridger needed to mature and frequently acted immature. Thank goodness for Tim and Sandy showing up from time to time.

This is a good novel for readers who would like one about people dealing their past actions in the context of traveling along Route 66.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

The Road before Us is the story of redemption and becoming who we want to be. The reader is given the chance to travel Route 66, perfect book for the summer.
Jade finds herself alone and rejected after she reports her bosses of running a Ponzi scheme. The most heart break for her is Benny, a famous elderly actress who lost her life savings. But Benny is one to give forgiveness kindly and has Jade drive herself and now grown foster son Bridger across America on Route 66 to relive the trip she had done with her husband.
The Road Before Us brings up many past traumas for the characters and deals with the hard subject of dementia for Benny, but it's worth the read to see the story of healing.
I received a complimentary copy of The Road Before Us thanks to Revell and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

“‘I can only be responsible for my own actions, my own words. I may never know why things happened the way they did. I have to be okay with that.’”

This is the road trip book I never knew I was looking for. The trip out west from Chicago along the historic Route 66 was atmospheric. The journey the characters went on was as meandering as the road. I loved everything about it, and now I would love to drive the Route 66 myself.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Read if you like:
Multiple timelines
Road trips
Found family
Adoption stories
Old Hollywood

Thank you UpLit Reads and Revell Books for the #gifted book.

WOW this book was amazing!!!

It's my first Janine Rosche book, and it definitely won't be the last. She writes beautifully, and I was drawn into the story in every way from the first page. The plot, characters, and setting are all fantastic (and I'd like to drive Route 66 now, please!).

The multiple narrators were really intriguing, too--alternating between '50s/present Benny and '00s/present Jade. That can be hard for anyone to do, and Rosche does it excellently--another reason I'll pursue more of her books. She also deals (and deals well) with a wide variety of tough topics over the course of the read.

I love that the read included romance in addition to other, familial, relationships, especially that of Benny and Bridger. The intergenerational relationship, whether parental/familial or otherwise, is so important--we can all learn from each other, especially the young from the old(er). ;)

I'll admit I'm a sucker for Steinbeck references, too, though I must also admit I've not (yet!) read _Grapes of Wrath_--can't wait to check that out! (I hope I still say that later?! LOL!)

This is a great summertime read--the best time for road trips. (I read it on a road trip myself! #win)

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Y’all. The Road Before Us checked all the boxes for me. In fact, I would dare to call it a ‘perfect read’. It has wit, it has heart, it has depth, it has Old Hollywood, it has Route 66 and a cool car, it has a swoony Samoan hero, it has KISSES!! And that’s honestly just a drop in the bucket. I picked it up, intending to read a couple of chapters before I went to sleep, and the next thing I know it’s 4am and I’ve read the whole thing. I already know my review won’t do it justice, but that’s not going to stop me from trying.

The three main characters in The Road Before Us are so beautifully layered and they continue to become all the more compelling as we dig into those layers. These backstories are revealed to us in stages as Janine Rosche’s brilliant storytelling alternates effortlessly between the present day, 1956, and 2003, and it all came together just perfectly. Jade, Benny, and Bridger are each at a critical juncture in their lives, and the intersection of these separate life-changing events (in addition to the one that connects all three of them) not only makes their shared road trip down historic Route 66 both poignant and Providential, it’s also one of my favorite aspects to this story. Rosche tackles some sensitive issues in this book, ranging from racism to elder care and a host of things in between like parental kidnapping, adoption fraud, Ponzi schemes, addiction, and sexual harassment. But wow, does she ever do a fabulous job presenting these topics with grace and insight, making us love these characters even more in the process, and balancing the ‘heavy’ with well-timed humor and romance.

My other favorite part of this story? The banter – and sparks – between Bridger & Jade. Oh my goodness. I laughed out loud several times (“He’s celibate.”), I swooned A LOT, and I even shed a few tears once or twice. They are so cute together, despite (or I should more accurately say ‘due to’) being apparent polar opposites for most of the book. There is so much more to these two, though, than his ‘doing yoga in an elevator’ free spirit and her buttoned-up heart, and I absolutely loved getting to know their true selves and watching them fall for each other. I can’t stop grinning at how much I enjoyed these two, their shared journey, and their respective relationships with precious, feisty Benny.

Bottom Line: The Road Before Us by Janine Rosche is everything I want a road trip story to be – and more. Not only did it sweep me up in a profound exploration of the complexities of love and family and life in general, it also played triumphant tribute to finding our purpose & place. I experienced all the emotions as I rode down Route 66 with Jade, Benny, and Bridger, sometimes with laughter and other times with tears but always with joy in the story itself. The same story that let me play tourist, treated me to two swoony love stories, left me pondering some newfound perspectives, and kept me thoroughly entertained! These three characters have permanently etched themselves on my heart, and I’ll be thinking about them for a long time to come.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

4.5/5 ⭐️

Trigger warnings: war, dementia, adoption, child kidnapping and verbal abuse

I really enjoyed this book. There are three different timelines and I was invested in all of them. Benny was my favorite character and learning about her desire to be an actress and chasing after her dreams made my heart so happy. Jade is a unique and special character filled with love, conviction and just wants the best for everyone. Bridger was a fantastic caretaker and character and it was so fun learning more about him.

I would love a sequel to this book someday!

Read this book if you love:
-different timelines
-books about road trips
-dynamic family stories

I have mixed feelings about The Road Before Us by Janine Rosche. The beginning drew me in, but then I found my attention flagging. I believe part of the problem was adjusting to the multiple points of view and the three timelines. The pacing was on the slow side (it reminded me of when I was a child and a car ride felt like it is going on forever especially since I had to share the backseat with my sister). The characters were developed and multifaceted. I liked that there was a diverse cast. My favorite character was Benny. I liked her spirit and attitude. Benny was determined to get to Hollywood to be an actress (she was not taking no for an answer). I loved the descriptions of the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air (a beautiful car). We get to travel down the iconic Route 66 and see it from three points of view. I enjoyed the retired couple, Sandy and Tim from Ohio (my favorite state) that Benny, Jade, and Bridger met while traveling. Sandy and Tim were friendly, helpful, and hopeful. The story addresses several sensitive and weighty topics (parental kidnapping, PTSD, sexual harassment, PTSD, and racism—I might have missed one or two). I did feel that the author tried to put too much into one book. Faith was a minute part of the story. I appreciated the hopeful ending. While I liked some parts of The Road Before Us, I skimmed through others. I had to laugh, though, at the advice Benny offered to Ronald Regan when she met him at the wrap party after her first film.

What a wonderful book! I normally dislike books that go from the past to current time repeatedly, but this story was so compelling I couldn't read it fast enough. The author created characters that were interesting. Definitely the kind of novel perfect for a relaxing weekend.Curl up and enjoy.

Thank you to Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own thoughts and views.