The Road Before Us by Janine Rosche - 4 Stars
This is a Christian Contemporary Fiction story surrounding a road trip on Route 66. From the very beginning of the story, you are invested in these characters, their backstories and their journey on this road trip. The story begins with Jade Jessup, in court with her fiancé after realizing he scammed their financial clients out of millions of dollars in a huge Ponzi scheme. One of the clients was a huge Hollywood star back in the 1960s, Berenice "Benny" Alderidge. Benny's adult foster son, Bridger, is filming a documentary retracing Benny's 1956 trip that started the love story between Benny and her recently deceased husband, Paul.

We see Jade, Benny and Bridger's road trip journey in modern day, plus flashbacks of Jade's life in 2003 and Benny's in 1956. Jade is reliving trauma she experience when was kidnapped by her non-custodial father in 2003 traveling through Route 66 when she was 8 years old. Benny is experiencing signs of dementia as she tries to recount her previous life with Paul from 1956. The story continues from here as we see growth, forgiveness and their history as their trip progresses together.

If you like a good Contemporary Women's Fiction story, road trips, Hollywood stories and in depth characters who have went through so much in their lives - pick this up. Jade, Benny and Bridger went on quite the journey along Route 66 in this book. We saw so much of their past, hardships in life and how they planned to move on in the future. This book also tackled some heavy topics such as parental kidnapping, dementia, treatment of POWs, racism, sexual harassment and much more. The author handled each topic very well with grace. My heart broke for what the characters were going through but seeing their journey was beautiful.

Regarding the faith content, there were some good smaller moments of faith interweaved throughout the story. I wasn't a fan of the way yoga was mentioned a couple times in this book but that is a personal preference of mine for Christian books. It was only a couple of things for that, so it didn't take away from the story too much for me but something I wanted to mention.

Overall, anyone who is looking for a great in depth multi-POV contemporary story with a lot to unpack about the past, forgiveness, redemption and moving forward should pick this up!

Thank you to Revell for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Have you ever traveled on Route 66? You will enjoy this trip with Jade, Benny and Bridger as they travel Route 66 in a 1955 Chevy Bel Air.
Jade was leaving behind a fiancé that had just swindled a lot of people, including Benny out of millions of dollars, Jade was not part of it but her boyfriend swindled her clients!
Benny and Bridger were part of a documentary about Bridger was filming about Benny and her late husband Paul's trip to Hollywood to become famous in the 1950's.
Enjoy your route 66 trip!

The Road before Us by Janine Rosche was a stunning story from beginning to end!
This has to be some of the best writing I’ve come across in some time.
I was immediately sucked into the story and journey of these characters and loved every minute of it.
The emotions I could feel, the characters I saw, the setting I breathed in.
It's a wonderful book that you should highly consider reading!

Thank You NetGalley and Revell for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I doubt I’ll read another book in 2024 that is so beautifully written as The Road Before Us. Janine Rosche has crafted a masterpiece, weaving multiple timelines together to present a seamless story of grace and redemption. She managed to include so many of my favorite things: forced proximity romance, mid-century charm, Old Hollywood, and The Eagles. This was definitely a 5 star read for me.

I loved how the peeks into the past showed us how Benny and Paul fell in love along Route 66 as they parallel Jade and Bridger’s journey. As if two spectacular romances weren’t enough, Rosche layers in the story of Jade’s traumatic childhood and how it shaped her. This book is rich, descriptive, and bursting with points to ponder. I could see it being a great book club pick.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. All views are my own.

BOOK REVIEW - The Road Before Us - Janine Rosche - 5/5 Stars

THE STORY
The Road Before Us is one of my most anticipated reads this year, I've been looking forward to reading it since I first heard about it. And I was not disappointed! Bring the tissue box for this one, it's one emotional roller coaster! I didn't realise this story would be a split timeline, especially between three stories, but I was all for it and the stories were so easy to follow. Driving Route 66 as always been something I've thought about doing one day and now I want to do it more than ever! I loved the blend of the real story set in the 50s and the nostalgia of driving it in the present day. I absolutely loved seeing the legacy of the long and happy marriage between Benny and Paul, it's such an accomplishment these days and needs to be celebrated.

THE ROMANCE
Dual timeline means two romances, yay! I adored Benny and Paul's story! I wasn't quite as keen on Jade and Bridger though I think it's because I don't read super-softie MMCs who cry as much as the FMC very often and is not usually my go to. However I did enjoy picturing a Jason Mamoa-like character for the whole book!

THE TRUTHS
For me, this book highlighted how our past contributes to who we are but shouldn't determine who we become. Looking back at our pasts is important to gain perspective on the present but should never be used to shape our futures. No matter our pasts, God wipes our slates clean when we invite Him into our lives so we can look to the future with hope, seeing ourselves as God sees us, as precious, forgiven, valued, loved and so much more!

⚠️This was a romp of a road trip novel. Thanks to @uplitreads for the #gifted copy and invitation to feature this book! ‘The Road Before Us’ is out today!

⚠️ I really enjoyed this adventure — a trip across America via Route 66 with past and present timelines detailing a few different trips down the same road.

⚠️ What I liked:
- a lot of action
- the depth of the characters
- the sense of adventure

⚠️ As much as I enjoyed this one, there were some parts that dragged a bit. Also, this isn’t listed as Christian fiction but it felt like the deeper we got into the book, more and more references to God and the Bible were peppered in to the point it started feeling a bit preachy. If that’s your thing you may love this- but it wasn’t for me.

⚠️ Overall, I think this would be a good pick for a summer read— especially if you’re going on any road trips! Again, it’s out today!

Oh what a beautiful story!!! I absolutely adored this book of love and memories and secrets and lies.

Told in 3 different time periods this book is the story of Jade and Bridger and Benny. They embark on a cross country trip on the famous Route 66 to recreate the trip that Benny and her husband Paul first took in 1956. They were on their way to Hollywood to become movie stars.

Each stop brings a different memory and for the now-aged Benny it is way to bring her beloved husband back to her. Bridger is their adopted child who has a fierce sense of love and protection for Benny. Jade is the woman who worked for the firm that swindled Benny and Paul out of their vast fortune. These 3 characters each bring their own secrets to the trip and as each mile passes they are forced to be more real with the others and with themselves.

This is a 5-star read for me!!! Thank you Netgalley and Revell for the chance to read and review this book.

There was so much I loved about this book! My son and I have watched Cars more times than I can count, so the setting of this story felt extra special. In effort to fix her mistakes, Jade agrees to drive recently widowed Benny and her rather charming adult foster son, along Route 66 to film a documentary that retraces Benny’s love story. But the journey forces Jade to revisit memories of her own dark past. The Road Before Us is about learning to come to terms with the past and having hope for the future. I teared up at the amount of times I read, “I am God’s child, and no matter what I am chosen and dearly loved.” The story brushes over some heavy topics, but I never felt without hope or left feeling heavy. And I always love some twists that I didn’t see coming. If you love a good story that has its own soundtrack scattered throughout, this one is for you! There are lots of music references for this road trip!

The Road Before Us was such a great book! I loved the story from beginning to end. There are 3 different time periods in the book, and all are connected. Benny and Paul’s love story was beautiful. Jade’s kidnapping and then reunion with her father was heartwarming and Bridger and Jade’s love story was sweet. I loved it and highly recommend it.

This book was a slow start for me. It took me the prologue and a chapter or two before I was truly enjoying the book. Don't give up, it's a good book.

The story is told between two people, mainly. It also jumps around in time from the present to Jade's past and to Benny's past.

This story touches on some tender, at least for me, subjects. They were handled well, but for me, many things touched home. They are not overly sensitive subjects, just things that I relate to.

This is a Christian book but, not at all pushy.

The editing was very well done, with only one or two errors such as a missing letter in the word "it". The characters are quite well-developed. The story flowed fairly well.

I would recommend this book to a friend. I give it a 4 out of 5-star rating.

I requested to read and review an ARC copy of this book through the Revell Reads program. All thoughts are my own. A positive review is not required.

Take a scenic ride down Route 66 with Janine Rosche's The Road Before Us, a novel that blends history, relationships, personal growth, romance, and the pursuit of redemption against the backdrop of America's most legendary highway. Ideal for fans of Christian Fiction, Women’s Fiction, or anyone drawn to narratives brimming with authentic characters, this novel promises to enthrall readers seeking their next unforgettable adventure.

Jade, Benny, and Bridger embark on a transformative pilgrimage, where each mil marker brings them closer to healing old wounds and embracing the freedom of forgiveness. Witness unlikely bonds blossom as they navigate the open road, guided by faith and redemption.

In the heart of this story stands Jade Jessup, once a respected financial advisor in Chicago, now struggling with a tarnished reputation after her fiancé's Ponzi scheme. Seeking to mend past wrongs, Jade finds herself on a transformative road trip with the enigmatic Hollywood starlet Benny Alderidge and her foster son Bridger. As they cruise the winding roads of Route 66, Jade is confronted with the shadows of her past, including a childhood trauma that has haunted her for years.

Rosche deftly intertwines multiple timelines, shifting between the present-day journey and the memories of Benny's 1956 cross-country trip with her late husband and Jade’s childhood. Through these interwoven stories, readers are treated to a diverse cast of characters and experiences, each contributing to the overarching theme of forgiveness and second chances.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its rich and multifaceted characters, each facing inner turmoil and motivated for redemption. From Bridger, whose tumultuous upbringing has left him yearning for acceptance, to the resilient Benny, whose indomitable spirit shines through life's adversities, Rosche's characters leap off the page with depth and authenticity.

While the novel tackles weighty topics (parental kidnapping, post-traumatic stress disorder, war crimes, sexual harassment and assault, treatment of POWs then and now, dementia, the Samoan Adoption Scandal, the bombing in Oklahoma, the Tulsa Race Massacre, the realities of Jim Crow and modern-day racism), Rosche handles these sensitive subjects with perfect grace and sensitivity, infusing the narrative with an undercurrent of hope, faith, and resilience. Through the characters' journeys of self-discovery and healing, readers are reminded of the power of forgiveness and the possibility of redemption, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

In addition to exploring the realms of love, loss, redemption, and faith, the book incorporates elements like yoga practices embraced by some characters. While such practices may not resonate with all readers (including me – as I avoided those paragraphs), they serve as a reminder of the characters' individual journeys of healing and self-discovery. Regardless of personal convictions, the narrative's core focus remains on the transformative power of forgiveness, faith, and second chances, offering a compelling and beautiful story that will resonate with readers.

Rosche's vibrant descriptions catapult the iconic Route 66 into full Technicolor, whisking readers away on a joyride through the past while reveling in the timeless thrill of the open road. Picture bustling diners serving up heaping plates of nostalgia alongside neon-lit motels beckoning weary travelers with promises of retro charm and the breathtaking vistas of the American Southwest. The setting isn't just a backdrop—it's a lively character in its own right, injecting the story with a hefty dose of charm and allure that'll leave you itching to hit the road yourself!

Get ready to cruise because The Road Before Us is a vintage ride through the heartland, fueled by the timeless melodies of the Eagles and the purr of a classic car engine. With love, loss, and forgiveness in the driver's seat, this story takes you on a road trip like no other. Rosche's characters are as iconic as a '57 Chevy, and her attention to historical detail is like a finely tuned V8. So, buckle up, dear reader, and surrender to the allure of the open road. For in the journey that awaits, every turn and crossroad hold the promise of discovery and the sweet embrace of redemption.

I received a digital copy of The Road Before Us from the publisher, Revell. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

I am happy to have had the chance to read the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy of “The Road before Us" by Janine Rosche; thank you NetGalley and Revell!

A journey along Route 66 is one I have always wondered about, and between the pages of this memorable story of love stories, I was able to sit back and recline for this road trip as the emotional dramas and traumas of these characters were revealed.

My favorite stop in the story was definitely Winslow, Arizona as I am a forever fan of The Eagles. To know that the city has made the classic songs a part of their community would be a wonderful sight to see. As I imagined where I was being taken along this road, and with this story, I had a bit of a hum going on “...Hi there how are ya? Been a long time. Seems like we've come a long way…” I think I’ll need to listen to some Eagles tunes now that I’ve finished and experienced my own glimpse of this historic road through the eyes of this sensitive and talented author.

I feel like I took Route 66 myself. This book is a journey worth taking. The setting became its own character, rough around the edges, but offering so much to the story. It’s an emotional ride, not just for the characters, but for the reader as well. While Janine tackles some sensitive topics (as is usual with her books), nothing overwhelmed the story. Each added to it in an organic way. The flashback sections worked well for me. They offered enough of a glimpse to keep me reading. (I actually read the last 3/4 of the book in one day) The characters were all so well written that I was drawn into each of their stories.

The Road Before Us by Janine Rosche is nostalgic, poignant, and hopeful. Taking a drive along Route 66, listening to the music of that era (yes, I had to listen to the Eagles singing "Take It Easy' as they traveled through Winslow, Arizona), flashbacks into the lives of the main characters, and looking forward to the future are the foundation of the story. Forgiveness and dealing with many sensitive topics (including dementia) forge the path into a spellbinding novel. Characters that have gut-wrenching histories, yet through faith find their way forward. I think I need a few days before I can begin another book. Not ready to leave this one behind.

Release May 21st. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I thought this story was wonderful!
It was a journey that I very much enjoyed and appreciated.
I couldn't put this fantastic adventure down!
Jade had a story to tell me and wouldn't let me go until the end. In fact, I'm still thinking about her and all that she went through.
"Benny" is a pretty cool character too.
I've never been on Rt 66 but now I have through this heartfelt story.
Rosche has done a marvelous job with even the toughest of subjects. Some that will melt the hardest of hearts.
I'm giving this novel 5 stars for a job well done and for keeping me engaged throughout the book.
I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a great story! There were a lot of deep issues talked about in this story but the author did a great job portraying it thoughtfully and not overdoing it. It made me want to jump on Route 66 to discover all of the stories that it holds. I loved the characters of Bridger, Benny and Jade.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

The Road Before Us is a well written book. The plot crosses over three time periods. The story in the three time periods are woven effortlessly together. My first book by this author but I definitely will be reading more. My thanks to Netgalley for my advance book. This is my unbiased review.

Having traveled along Route 66 (often with the soundtrack of Cars playing in the background), there's definitely a bit of nostalgia attached to that for me. As such, I was really excited about this book. And it did not disappoint. There was a lot going on in this story. The POV switched back and forth and across three different timelines--- one in the 50s, one in 2003 and the current timeline. While it could have gotten confusing (and admittedly, did take me a bit to sort out in my mind), I found it was done wonderfully and I enjoyed the stories across them all. It all came together to create one beautiful story of restoration... and of course, some beautiful love stories too.

There were definitely some tougher topics addressed within the story to include PTSD, dementia, racism, parental kidnapping, sexual harassment... perhaps more I'm forgetting. As such, it did get a little heavier at times... but despite all the weightier topics, in the end, there is definitely an overall sense of hope and healing.

If you're looking for a wonderful Christian women's fiction, this is certainly one you'll want to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I just loved this story by Janine Roche - "The Road before Us". This is my first book I've read by this author and it won't be the last. I really enjoyed the Route 66 theme and sites. When she starts out at the beginning on the iconic Route 66 sign in Chicago, I can just picture the scene after being in that very spot so many times in the past - the authors words transported me back to that spot.

The characters all see major growth during the story. You see Benny now in her 90's, a widow and starting to lose her memory. Jade, kidnapped by her father,, and Bridger - born in Samoa and adopted then given up by the couple that adopted him. Benny, despite losing all of her money in a ponzi scheme still finds hope in life and wants this trip to connect back to the beginning of her life with her deceased husband.

The people that the 3 main characters meet along Route 66 are brought to life and you feel like you are traveling right along with them from Chicago to California. The triple timeline of this book - Benny's earlier life in the 1956's, Jade's life in 2003 and the lives of all 3 main characters in present day make for an excellent story with the three different perspectives and decades.

There are several twists and turns in the story that I don't want to spoil for perspective readers. This one will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I honestly didn't know what to expect with this one but couldn't put it down once I started it. There are also really cool 1950's and 1960's Hollywood references that add fun dialogue to the story, including highlights from Marilyn Monroe and Ronald Regan!

I highly recommend this book to my fellow readers. Thank you to NetGalley and Revell Fiction for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

What an absolutely captivating and refreshing read by an author who is new to me – Ms. Janine Rosche. I’ve never had the experience of driving the entire historic Route 66, but after reading The Road Before Us, I am more than ready to take it on! I thoroughly enjoyed every single aspect of this book. Benny, Bridger and Jade were well-developed characters and so well written that I was invested in their story immediately after reading the prologue. I don’t want to ruin the story line by going into detail and possibly giving too much away--I’d much rather say that it was a riveting and thought-provoking read that kept me up well past my bedtime. There’s a bit of everything in this book–family dynamics; a bit of mystery; a swoon-worthy romance; twists & turns; 1960's Hollywood nostalgia; actual highlights from actual places along Route 66 that I found fascinating! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg – their road trip had me laughing, thinking, contemplating and crying my eyes out. It’s one of my favorite reads this year. I most definitely recommend this 5+ star read if you’re looking for a deeply emotional and moving read with engaging and charming characters who will stay with you long after you’ve completed reading their journey. I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.