The Persistent Road
by Tim Bishop
Narrated by Kim Rasmussen
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Pub Date Feb 01 2024 | Archive Date Apr 14 2024
Open Road Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks
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Description
Winner in Self-published Fiction, 2023 Notable Book Awards of the Southern Christian Writers Conference
Finalist in Christian Fiction, 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Finalist in Inspirational Fiction, 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
There’s always an escape. Sometimes you need to search long and hard for the right one.
After losing all he once cherished, Doug Zimmer follows his wife's parting bread crumbs and rides up the Pacific coast—on a bicycle. Armed with a revolver and only a vague plan to get through the months ahead, he aims to end his depression one way or the other.
As spiritual forces wrangle for his soul, he pedals eastward across America. He meets Lauren Baumgartner—a younger adventurer with a vibrant spirit—and a band of zealots who confront his aversion to religion. Accompanying Doug are not only sunny days and the beauty of nature but also the perils of the road, fellow travelers with their own stories, and the hollow silence of solitary campsites playing host to unseen creatures of the night.
A jarring episode on a climb through a treacherous pass brings Doug face-to-face with life and death. Will Doug's adventure deliver him from loneliness and lament . . . or hurtle him to an abrupt end?
“An enjoyable and unexpected story that tackles tough spiritual questions.”
—KATIE POWNER, Christy Award-winning author of Where the Blue Sky Begins
“A beautifully written story of tragedy and triumph. This is a journey well worth taking.”
—ACE COLLINS, Christy Award-winning author of The Color of Justice
“It's a book I'll read again and again.”
—PATRICIA BRADLEY, Author of Counter Attack
TIM BISHOP has bicycled many of the roads that Doug Zimmer travels in The Persistent Road. And having coached people struggling with similar issues, the author is familiar with his protagonist's problems. Tim and his wife, Debbie, are coauthors of the award-winning Wheels of Wisdom.
A Note From the Publisher
eBook: 9798986012513
Paperback: 9798986012506
eBook: 9798986012513
Advance Praise
“The Persistent Road is an enjoyable and unexpected story that tackles tough spiritual questions. The characters felt authentic and down-to-earth even while doing things I could only dream of. If you enjoy engaging, faith-based stories that take you on a journey, this book is a good choice.”
—KATIE POWNER, Christy Award-winning author of Where the Blue Sky Begins
“The Persistent Road is a beautifully written story of tragedy and triumph. It’s a simple, straightforward narrative of the complicated nature of love, loss, and faith. In a way the novel reminds me of the iconic television series, The Fugitive, but rather than a journey to prove innocence, the lead in Tim Bishop's book is searching for self-worth and reasons to live. Prompted by the wishes of his late wife, the people who come into Doug Zimmer’s life make the road he travels fascinating and meaningful for readers. This is a journey well worth taking.”
—ACE COLLINS, Christy Award-winning author of The Color of Justice
“Tim Bishop's The Persistent Road will draw you in and keep you turning the pages and telling yourself, ‘just one more chapter’ until the very end. It's a book I'll read again and again.”
—PATRICIA BRADLEY, author of Counter Attack
“A convincing story of how even the hardest of hearts isn’t hopeless. Expect a wonderful but intense journey on two wheels, one that is both difficult and freeing. Great book!”
—BETH PATCH, senior editor/producer for CBN.com
“A deeply moving, suspenseful, and satisfying book, The Persistent Road portrays God's love in a way that captures well both the miraculous and the mundane in a potent mix and life-changing journey. You may catch a glimpse of your own story, past or present, and become excited for the next day's ride.”
—ANDY REESE, author of The Spiritual Gifts Blueprint
“The Persistent Road is a beautifully written story of how Doug Zimmer navigates a roadway of suffering, escape, and hardheaded resistance toward an unfamiliar destination of hope. A compelling page-turner.”
—KEN VANDERPOOL, author of The Music City Murders
“Tim Bishop’s love of real-life bicycle adventures shines true in this faith-based fictional tale of a man who’s hit bottom in more ways than one and needs a miracle to save not only his own life, but that of a man he’s just met. Persistence goes both ways for Douglas and the Lord of life who stands knocking at every turn in this heart-pounding ride.”
—LISA LICKEL, author of UnderStory and UnderCut
“Written with immersive descriptions and deep reflection, The Persistent Road takes readers on a journey through the marvels and wiles of both nature and the human condition. In a world that isolates and discourages vulnerability, it’s a book that makes us all feel a little less alone. More than a novel, it’s hope on paper.”
—KATIE SHANDS, author of the award-winning Finding Franklin
“Anyone serious about cycling realizes that it is an exercise of sheer grit, determination, and the strongest of wills. In The Persistent Road, Tim Bishop delivers a fictional tale of one man's intense journey of changing gears when life seems hopeless and unforgiving. This book is not only an engaging celebration of the human spirit but an insightful reminder that God can create miraculous outcomes even when all seems lost.”
—CHRIS CARPENTER, managing editor for Crossmap.com
“In The Persistent Road, Tim Bishop masterfully chronicles the journey of a man who undertakes a grueling bicycle trek to escape his despair. A deep and satisfying read from beginning to end.”
—SALLY BURBANK, Author of the Ladies in Lab Coats series
“An empathetic peek into the emotions of those who have suffered loss, a touching portrayal of the persistent call of God, and a declaration of faith.”
—JERIS HAMM, chaplain, Marketplace Chaplains
“A well-written story filled with adventure, vivid imagery, and timely plot twists. Highly recommended! The Persistent Road challenged me to keep the heart of God in mind when I share my faith.”
—JUSTIN HANNEKEN, Executive Director, Ends of the Earth Cycling
Available Editions
EDITION | Audiobook, Unabridged |
ISBN | 9798986012520 |
PRICE | $24.95 (USD) |
DURATION | 12 Hours, 56 Minutes, 48 Seconds |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
The Persistent Road is a heartwarming tale of loss, faith, and survival! Doug loses his wife to cancer and struggles with deep depression. Discovering letters his wife has left him, he sets out on a bicycle trip through multiple states. Through his journey he deals with his loss as well as questioning his non-existing faith. A great Christian fiction read!
YouTube review to come: 03/27/24
YouTube Handle: KeenCat
Many thanks to NetGalley and Open Road Press for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This is narrated by Kim Rasmussen who does a great job. I recommend the audio version if that is of interest to you.
This was not the story that I expected with cliche references to religion...its an excellent story of a man's drive to live life after great disappointment, only to find salvation and God's peace at his lowest point. This is very well written and an engaging story!
Doug loses his wife to cancer, his job to greed, and his material things to debt, all in one season. So he heads out on a treasure hunt led by his late wife's parting letters while riding on his bike across the west coast. This character driven novel is told by Doug as he is put through the paces on his bicycle journey. When he arrives in Missoula, Montana, he pairs up with some other riders that play parts in his journey.
Highly recommend!
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