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 received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. I loved all the stuff about Route 66 also. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )

loved this book had a hard time putting it down about jade whos boyfriend scammed a lot of people out of money but jade was close to benny an old actress who lost most of her and her late husbands money...when benny asks jade to help her son drive to california to make a movie of bennny s trip there many years ago with her husband paul jade agrees as the drive down route 66 it reminds jade of a trip she took when she was younger with her father... ( )