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.

First, I loved the writing of this book. I was captivated from the beginning and didn't want to put it down. The characters were such a treat getting to know and love. Bridger was so thoughtful and had me swooning from his introduction, and I just wanted to give Benny a hug throughout the recollection of her life. The elements of faith weren't these big grand full-page experiences, they were small but so good! I enjoyed the multiple points of view, multiple timelines, and just the overall setting of Rt 66. I've had another book from this author on my TBR, and after enjoying this wonderful story, I am excited to dive into another.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Revell for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

I’ve never been on the historic Route 66, however, after reading this fascinating story, I am ready for a road trip.
Jade’s fiancé who was also a coworker, is in jail after he scamming millions of dollars from unsuspecting clients. Jade, although unaware of the Ponzi scheme, lost her job and credibility. One of her favorite clients, a former Hollywood star in the 1960s, Berenice “Benny” Alderidge lost everything, asks Jade to drive her and her adult foster son from Chicago, back to Los Angeles in their 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, following Route 66, the original way she and her late husband had taken when the first arrived in Hollywood.
Bridger, the foster son, is filming a documentary along the way that documents the original trip along Route 66, in 1956. The film relives the love story between Benny and her beloved husband Paul. As the story unfolds with many stops along the way to reminisce, Jade is remembering her own trip along Route 66 when she was 8 years old.
There are many twists and turns to this intriguing story as it fluctuates from the present time, back to Benny and Paull’s trip in 1956, to 2003 when Jade was traveling along the same route unaware, she’d been kidnapped, until she found a picture of herself on a poster. There is a very diverse, intriguing cast of characters in this compelling, fascinating story that was difficult to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.