A review by turquoiseavenue
The Roads We Follow by Nicole Deese

5.0

Time and time again, I find myself turning to Nicole Deese novels for many reasons. First, I know her books will be uplifting, heartwarming and sure to make me laugh or smile. Second, because I'm a feelings reader, in that, I love to feel deeply when I read and Deese has such a beautiful way of evoking emotion in both her characters, and me. And lastly, because I simply adore her delightful, relatable characters and her richly woven stories of redemption, hope, joy and sorrow.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Cross-Country Road Trip on a Bus · Sisterhood & A Search for Truth · Family Legacy & Country Music · Secrets, Novels and Old Journals · Wit, Charm and a Heartwarming Romance

In this newest release, Deese thoroughly entertained me from beginning to end with deep threads of sisterhood, faith and family, the brokenness found there, and the redemption that followed.

I absolutely loved the nostalgic idea of a modern-day road trip, touring the country on a bus, singing at local haunts and dives while recapturing memories along the way through past journal entries and relived moments. From the setting of Raegan's home in Nashville, TN to the mountains of Micah's Idaho home and all the states in between, I loved every moment of the throwback, late 1970's - early '80's music industry vibes that influenced this story.

I found the main characters, Raegan and Micah, to be well-crafted and loved watching their stories unfold as Raegan struggled with her place in her family, dreaming of making a name for herself as an author and the revelation of Micah's sought-after hidden truth. The broken, fragile bond between Raegan and her sisters, as well as the love and honor they held for their widowed, country music superstar mother was so touching. As the sisters navigate secrets, grief, loss and heartache, their bond changes, stretches, breaks and grows.

Lastly, but not least, I loved the romance thread in this story, finding Raegan and Micah's meeting and initial interactions witty, heartwarming and cute. Their bond strengthens and grows throughout the story as well, making their romance sweet and full of sparks. I loved Micah's gentle, yet firm, manner and thought it very appropriate that he was a bus-driver-therapist, who tenderly and carefully strengthened the familial bond between the Farrow women.

Oh, this story was simply so rewarding! This is a must-read and a solid five stars (I would give it ten, if I could) that will appeal to readers who enjoy books by Christina Suzann Nelson or Rachel Hauck, as well as reader's who enjoy women's fiction with a contemporary romance twist.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.