Member Reviews

Oh my goodness, I loved this book.

It was a little slow in the beginning for me. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to relate to a character with a famous mother, but as it turns out . . . I related very well with a daughter. With a sister. With a young woman just trying to find her own footing in a family where her role is seemingly defined for her.

I loved the romance between Micah and Raegan. I loved the growth of all of these characters. I am a country music kind of girl, so of course I LOVED Luella! But I truly loved the relationship between the sisters. As the oldest of three girls, I know there are very intricate and beautiful nuances of sisterhood. It's just something that can only be understood if it's articulated well. Deese did an impeccable job of capturing three women who were still sisters at heart, even under all of the tough stuff. I loved it so much.

And this story? It's a good one, ladies and gentlemen. Mysteries to solve and questions to answer and adventures to have. It's the best kind of journey and, thus far, this is one of my favorite Nicole Deese novels.

I also cried through the whole epilogue. It's just beautiful. I really, truly, deeply love this book. If you're a fan of Christian romance with excellent characters, do not miss this one. It's available now.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley. All expressed opinions belong to me.

Was this review helpful?

The Roads We Follow by Nicole Deese is a wonderful work of Christian romance. I have really enjoyed this book. The main character struggles to relate to her sisters and make her own way in the shadow of a famous mother. These themes were dealt with thoughtfully and beautifully in the end. This author consistently writes books full of hope and second chances. Readers of this genre should enjoy it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Review - The Roads We Follow by Nicole Deese

“A cross-country road trip. A secretive box of journals. An unforgettable summer romance.”

This book is beautiful inside and out. Brimming with themes of love and loss, coming of age, legacy and redemption, this story solidifies Nicole Deese as one of my favourite contemporary romance authors.

Things I loved about it:

🗺️- road trip vibes (perfect for summer!)
💕- sister friends (3 sisters, just like my family)
✌️- dual POV
📚- book about books
🔎- a wee bit of intrigue and mystery
😍- a swoon-worthy book boyfriend

While this is book 2 in a series, it can easily be read as a stand alone.

*This is a clean romance with some faith elements.

Was this review helpful?

Deese always weaves wonderful stories with an equal balance of women's fiction and romance. Her characters always come to life with depth and uniqueness. I enjoyed the unique mystery aspect of the story as well. Never disappointed with a Deese novel.

Was this review helpful?

“The Roads We Follow” is a beautiful story of sisterhood, the art of falling in love, and the faith that holds it all together. Raegan and Micah’s love story was so sweet and page turning. Even though we only saw two weeks of their whirlwind romance the encounters they faced and problems they worked through together made their quick fall romance 110% believable. The strained relationship between Raegan and her sisters was understandable and I struggled right along with them. There was tons of drama in this book that interconnected and deepened the plot beautifully. Did I cry? Yes. Yes I did, multiple times, but they were good tears—even the sad ones.
If you’re looking for a book with depth, touches of humor, a beautiful romance, as well as heart warming faith, The Roads We Follow is right on your highway. (See what I did there? ;)

Was this review helpful?

Micah is the book boyfriend!!!

There seemed to have a lot of unnecessary parts and information that I think I was okay without reading or skipping but this was a very cute small town romance that gets you right in the feels.
This story was definitely captivating and real. True trauma and senarios within family.

Read as a standalone and felt that was story was easily enjoyable without reading the first one.

Was this review helpful?

I would give it a 10 star if it were possible!

Nicole Deese never ceases to amaze me. I was spellbound while reading this book. Her way with words—the way she captures human emotions—is uncanny, and I am in awe!

I am still finding my way through grief, and everything in me resonates with this book. Everything!!! My heart went out to the characters. I was floored by their friendship and bond. Their common grief tethered them together, leading to their healing.

The plot twists were just mind blowing. The plot itself is the kind of stuff that makes a book a classic. The setting kept me yearning for my childhood home.

I would read this book again.

Totally and completely recommended.

I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion

Was this review helpful?

Nicole Deese once again captures her audience with her latest release, The Roads We Follow, an addictive, well-written novel that embodies the essence of heartfelt storytelling. Through authentic and simplistic writing, the story delves into the importance of family, finding peace with your past, and trusting God to pave the road ahead. Readers will be captivated by this second installment of the Fog Harbor Romance series as they meet the Farrow family and embark on a road trip across America that could either make or break their relationships. 

"It’s easy to fool ourselves into thinking secrets are the best way to protect the ones we love, when it’s really ourselves we want to protect." ~ Nicole Deese

Synopsis: 

As the youngest daughter of a country music legend, Raegan Farrow longs to establish an identity away from the spotlight and publish her small-town romances under a pen name. But after her dream is dashed when she won’t exploit her mother’s fame to further her own career, she hears a rumor from a reliable source regarding a tell-all being written about the Farrow family. Making matters worse, the unknown author has gone to great lengths to remain anonymous until publication.

Raegan chooses to keep the tell-all a secret from her scandal-leery sisters as they embark on a two-week, cross-country road trip at their mother’s request and makes it her mission to expose the identity of the author behind the unsanctioned biography. But all is complicated when she discovers their hired bus driver, Micah Davenport, has a hidden agenda of his own--one involving both of their mothers and an old box of journals. As they rely on each other to find the answers they seek, the surprising revelations they unearth will steer them toward their undeniable connection and may even lead them down the most unexpected of paths.

Finishing a fabulous, moving story has to be one of the most satisfying feelings a reader can experience. The Roads We Follow came at the perfect time in my life as I prepared to venture on my own “road trip” back to my roots. I resonated with Reagan and Micah’s struggles as they asked God to reveal their identities and guide them down the path He has paved. I can only pray my journey will bring the same clarity and perspective each character experiences in this book. 

"It’s strange how long a person can anticipate a special milestone in their life and still feel the bittersweet tug of change clinging to their coattails." ~ Nicole Deese

Nicole Deese remains one of my favorite contemporary writers because her novels are always relatable and lovable without becoming so far-fetched that readers will be unable to connect. Her writing sweeps me away, and I could feel her heart in The Roads We Follow as she put another piece of herself into the storyline. 

Reagan and Micah are my new favorite book couple! As the saying goes, “When you know, you know,” and their romance was nothing short of divine. Though they had to work apart to come together, I loved how their love was based on their qualities rather than lust or outward beauty. They cheered each other on but weren’t afraid to speak hard truths when needed. I could feel their adoration radiating off the pages and absolutely loved reading their perspectives. Micah’s thoughts while he observed Reagan with her family made me swoon, while my heart completely melted when Reagan saw how Micah quickly became the missing piece in her family. 

"To paraphrase my mother, ‘Life’s too short to be questioning what to do with the time we’ve been given.’ And, I think it’s safe to add, who we spend that time with." ~ Nicole Deese

I particularly loved the themes of communication, restoration, and sisterhood. While The Roads We Follow is categorized as a romance, it becomes so much more as readers discover the unbreakable bond between Luella and Lynn and how their journey to stardom brings their families together. There is also a powerful God element that is more front and center than Nicole’s other books. I really appreciated this aspect as she portrayed spiritually mature characters struggling with realistic problems and finding peace in God rather than people. After all, our Savior is the glue that holds us together, and you could feel His hand over the character’s lives, orchestrating their stories. 

"God doesn’t give us talents He doesn’t intend for us to use with Him and for Him." ~ Nicole Deese

The Roads We Follow will stick in my mind for a while. Hope radiates from the pages as each character seeks God’s plans for their lives. I believe God brought this book into my life to remind me that He knows my heart and is answering my prayers in His timing. 

Whether you’re looking to fall in love or read a heartwarming story of family and faith, The Roads We Follow is an incredible book that will hold your attention until the final page.  

*Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with a pre-release copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own*

Was this review helpful?

I fell in love with this author last year so I was very excited about this one and it didn’t let me down.

The second book in the Fog Harbor series, but can be read as a standalone.

Read this is you love books about family, road trips, country music, a little romance, and faith.

Recommend this author to everyone I know!

Was this review helpful?

Really really loved this story! I literally could not put this one down. I loved the characters, the journey (literal and character development) that they went on, and the ending! Oh the ending was perfection! I would love to read Luella and Lynn's story from their point of view. A fantastic story! Highly highly recommend!

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

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this second novel in the Fog Harbor series. The author is a master storyteller that takes readers on a journey in a way we can experience the sights and sounds along with the Farrow girls.
The author first introduces Micah who has just lost his mother and learned some shocking news about her past. In order to get more information about this news he reaches out to his mother’s best friend, music cooperator back in the day.
Next, we meet Reagan Farrow who is talking with a publisher about a book she’s just written. The publisher is eager to sign her up until Reagan tells the publisher she wants to use a different name. She wants to do this project without using the family name.
Reagan’s mother, a famous country legend, Luella, is excited to take her family on a road trip that will eventually end at a big music festival where Reagan’s mother is scheduled to sing. Regan's mother is trying to go back and repeat the original trip, Luella went on. She surprises her girls with a renovated RV she used back in the day. Another surprise is the fact she has commissioned Micah, Lynn’s son, to be their driver.
None of the girls want to go. All of them have busy lives but they make it work for their mother’s sake. Micah digs into the journal entries his mother had made about the first trip. Regan’s mother is trying to replicate that trip. I enjoyed Michah and Reagan’s growing friendship and how Micah helps them all keep the main thing the main thing. Loved the natural faith thread, it’s practical and heartfelt. There are a few mysteries to solve, hearts to be healed and forgiveness that will lead to healing.
I liked how the story was written in two perspectives, Micah and Raegan. I enjoyed how Michah was supportive of Raegan in her author career, but her sister was very uptight about it and saying it was just a hobby, yet Michah really encouraged her to follow where God was leading.
I enjoyed learning about Micah and Reagan’s mother, Lynn and Luella’s friendship and passed singing engagements. If you love a cute romance, a fun road trip, Country music star back story that includes reconciliation, and lost love, focusing on family, you’ll adore this story. The ending will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. Looking forward to reading the next novel in this series.
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/

Was this review helpful?

Nicole Deese can do no wrong. I finished this book a couple months ago and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since!

Was this review helpful?

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are mine.

This is the perfect read for fans of road trips,journals and a summer romance. The book follows the youngest daughter of a country music legend Raegan who chose a career different from their famous parent. Preferring to write romance and making her own mark. However she hears about the tell all book about her family and the author is unknown but the sisters take on a road trip with a bus driver with a hidden agenda. The author tackled various themes around family, found love and self belief.

Actual rating:3.5

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book got off to a slow start, but I enjoyed it a lot after that.

Was this review helpful?

An evenly paced contemporary romance with a good amount of complex family dynamics.
Nicole Deese's stories always feel deep, this one was no exception. I really appreciated how well fleshed out the characters seem, their reactions feel authentic to the character you see on page.
This story has a "quest" feel to it with the interwoven elements of family secrets and finding answers, all while following the characters on a cross country roadtrip.
I really enjoyed the dual POV of this story.
The only thing is that this book felt a little slow to get going. It might be that I am just used to reading books that are a little faster paced.
I think this book kind of falls close to the Women's fiction side of contemporary fiction.
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All thoughts and opinions are honest and completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

The Roads We Follow by Nicole Deese is a Christian romance with the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation and familial loyalty whilst find yourself and your purpose in life. As the title suggests, this is a journey of discovery. It started a little slow but progressed in a warm pace and ended on a gentle and joyful note. Thank you, Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for giving me the ARC in exchange for my honest review

Was this review helpful?

I had never read a Nicole Deese book before picking up "The Roads We Follow" and just WOW! She is such a great storyteller. The characters and the story kept me engaged. I definitely plan to go back and read her other books. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a well-written and emotional read!

Was this review helpful?

I loved the first book in the Fog Harbor series by Nicole Deese and I was really excited for this one. When I say I loved THE WORDS WE LOST, I mean it was one of my top books of 2023. While I didn't enjoy this book as much I enjoyed this one, I did like it. The story was well written and very thought-provoking.

My only qualm was: I had a difficult time connecting with the main character. Some of the things she complained about hit me as, well, a little whiney. I did like her, but I didn't love her and connect with her like I did the MC in THE WORDS WE LOST. However, I did find her arc very well done. It had a clear path and a hopeful destination (no pun intended :) )

The love interest in this book was great. He was finding his way as much as the MC, and their paths do cross. It was finding out how they lined up that was so exciting. I liked how he blended with her family.

The story of the family was almost more important than any other plot line, and I loved that about this book. It focused on family that we're given and the family that we found. And I'm a sucker for a found family story!!

Overall, I will definitely be reading more from Deese, especially the next book in this series.

Was this review helpful?

This is the second book in Nicole Deese’s Fog Harbor Romance Series and features another peek into the publishing world.

Raegan Farrow is the youngest of three daughters who’ve grown up in the shadow of their mother’s music career. Reeling from poor choices and seemingly satisfied to sell herself short, Raegan sees herself as a Cinderella, hesitating to dream big. Suddenly, a secret is revealed that results in the future of the Farrow legacy resting on Raegan’s writing ability and the astute foresight of Fog Harbor’s Acquisition Editor, Chip Stanton.

Micah Davenport’s mom and Raegan’s mom were best friends and performing partners up until her death, so it’s easy to understand why Micah offers to chauffeur the Farrow family on an epic road trip. What they don’t know is that Micah's got ulterior motives; he is on a quest to know more about his history and believes Luella Farrow can help him.

I enjoyed Deese’s message about:

💜speaking the truth
💜peacekeeping vs peacemaking
💜the definition of ‘fine’
💜not selling ourselves short because we’re afraid to lean in to something new
💜a prayer garden
💜the gift of hindsight
💜what hate reveals about us
💜the gift of compassion
💜freedom and peace working in tandem
💜leaving a legacy
💜unresolved resentments

Deese has the perfect combination of sibling/family drama, mystery, and faith. Her writing pulled me in and I felt that I had a seat in Old Goldie and was privy to the heartache and surprises along the road less traveled. I was completely absorbed in Deese’s fantastic story about a journey paved decades previously that led her main characters to the paths they were meant to take.

I can’t wait for the third and final installment in this series!

I was gifted this copy by Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Was this review helpful?

The Roads We Follow and its trip across the US kept me interested throughout. This family drama is dressed up with a sweet Christian romance, which made it all the more appealing to me.

Raegan Farrow, daughter of country music legend Luella Farrow, takes to the road with her mom and her two sisters in the tour bus their mother crossed the country in during the 1990s. Micah Davenport, son of Luella’s recently deceased but long-estranged best friend/singing partner, who’s searching for answers about his paternity, serves as their bus driver.

I thoroughly enjoyed this family drama/contemporary Christian romance. Nicole Deese is one of my favorites, and this story of reconciliation, family communication, and using your God-given talents hits all the right marks.

I loved the appreciation of natural beauty throughout this book, and this is my favorite line:
"There's a divine intimacy in nature that can't be duplicated."

Was this review helpful?