Imagine your husband of less than a year decides he wants a divorce. His reason is a debilitating genetic condition that he may or may not have. However, that’s not all; it gets worse! Your husband has an advertiser who wants the two of you to showcase their miniature campers-a teardrop variety- on a cross-country trip.

So, against your better judgment, and with the hopes you can change his mind, you agree. Then, an at-risk foster child is included in the trip.

Cynthia Ruchti’s Miles from Where We Started is so true to life; you can’t help feeling the Duncan family might be someone you know. Their struggles, though not quite what most people face, are evocatively captured in the story, and easily relatable.

The story captures the angst, anger, hope, mercy and love everyone feels at some time or another. The people they meet help teach skills and wisdom paralleling lessons every person can benefit from.

Miles from Where We Started is not a book to pick up and read in a short period of time, both because of its length, but more especially because of the morals and principles gleaned throughout the novel. It was a book I wanted to steep myself in.

I received the book from NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

These no-longer-newlyweds want out of this road trip—and their marriage. Too bad they can’t find the off ramp.

Weeks away from their one-year wedding anniversary, Mallory and Connor Duncan can’t even agree on how to end their marriage. But when a last-minute crisis lands them on a three-thousand-mile road trip together, Mallory wonders if their story may not be over after all.

The trip begins to unravel before the key is even in the ignition, and an at-risk, trouble-seeking missile of an eleven-year-old is unexpectedly launched into their travel plans. Close quarters get even tighter, and the couple believes this whole experience will spell disaster.

Their first year of marriage hasn’t been the arm-in-arm togetherness they expected. How can they find a new beginning when the road ends?



My Thoughts: What happens when you put a couple on the brink of divorce, a foster teen and a micro camper on a road trip? A very interesting novel! This is a story of hope, faith, and commitment. As you read this story you learn how important it is to keep your commitments. When we make our promises they are not meant to be broken, broken promises hurt and in this story emphasizes this. Broken promises can break people, by breaking their spirit as we read with the youth at the teen center and with the foster teen. This is a story of standing with and holding on no matter what the circumstances may be... in sickness and in health.


The characters are wonderful, I truly loved Judah, he was the comic relief in the storyline. Well written and fun to read I think this is a great book for everyone.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy. This is the first book I have read by this author. This is a great clean romance novel. Mallory and Connor are just about to celebrate their one year wedding anniversary, but the celebration is actually a divorce in the making. A potential health scare for Connor has him running from living life to the fullest. When Connor's work partner can not go on a preplanned promoting tour, Connor ask Mallory to go along. Little does she know when she agrees to go, that they will have to stay in a microcamper that is barely big enough for one person. They will also have a troubled foster child along on the trip. Along the way - which is along a lot of back roads. They must rough it for most of the trip. Their stops bring them to meet many great people who help bring them back to a relationship with God. They soon realize that their marriage is worth saving and building a new life together is what they want.

I love the title of this book because it applies to almost every aspect of Connor’s and Mallory’s lives—emotional, relational, geographical, occupational, spiritual, and any other -al you can think of.

Cynthia Ruchti pulls back the veil of happily-ever-after and digs into the work it takes to make a marriage work. When Connor steps in front of God, deciding what’s best for himself and his wife of less than a year, things fall apart.

The road trip (aka adventure) is a fantastic metaphor for life. Along the way, we should stop and appreciate the scenery. We’ll meet people who have walked the road before us who model what is needed but also the truth in love into our doubts and fears. Mis-directions and unexpected detours are to be expected. But most of all, the journey, though difficult at times, is better shared with those we love along for the ride.

I’m not sure why this is the first book penned by Ruchti that I’ve read, but I can say without a doubt, this author is one I’ll be reading more stories from soon.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Another powerful and emotional book by Cynthia Ruchti! Connor and Mallory have been married less than one year when Connor decides he wants a divorce! Connor and Mallory are both excellent protagonists! In order to keep Connor's business from failing, Mallory agrees to go on a promotional road trip for RoadRave in a teardrop camper. Circumstances happen causing a foster child, eleven year old Judah. to need a home for a few weeks......with Connor and Mallory! You will enjoy seeing the country as Connor, Mallory and Judah experience some unusual adventures and gain followers. Mallory determines to show Connor love even though he says he doesn't want it. Many problems can be worked through if people are willing to be honest and confront their fears. I recommend Miles from Where We started to anyone who enjoys a tender story. I received a complimentary e-book from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

"Because I love you, Conner Duncan," she shouted into the serenity, fists now waving. "I'll always love you. And because marriage isn't about avoiding discomfort. It's about commitment!"

This book was my introduction to Cynthia Ruchti's writing and now I understand what everyone is raving about. Cynthia Ruchti has a unique style of writing that reads like stream of consciousness with lyrical, flowing, heart-rending prose. Though it's written in limited third person narrative, it reads like a first person narrative and allows the read to get into the heart, mind, and spirit of the main characters. Though Connor and Mallory's thoughts, perspectives, and memories are heartbreaking, there also are humorous and funny dialogue and thoughts even in the midst of their tangible and real struggles. As they travel together with a temporary foster preteen in tow, Connor and Mallory learn to find themselves and each other in the journey that engages their bodies, hearts, minds, and souls. This deeply emotional and soul-bearing story is indeed thought-provoking and had me contemplating my own marriage and spiritual journey and how we have also come many miles from where we started.

I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Connor and Mallory are soon to celebrate their first anniversary, except Connor wants a
divorce. His father is dying of a genetically passed disease, his brother also had the disease and he just "knows" he's got it too even though he's never been tested for it. To save Mallory the pain of taking care of him, he's decided to leave her. But he's got a commitment to keep for his business--one that could make or break his business. He's got to road test a teardrop camper for RoadRave and their ad campaign #justaddhumans.

To make matters worse, they have become respite foster care providers for Connor's partner's nephew. He's eleven years old and considered at risk. Mallory has experience working with at risk youth and she's willing to take on the boy, but Connor isn't so sure.

Cynthia Ruchti writes with the real world in mind. She brings in real world problems that people deal with every day. These characters are real, the adventures are believable, and the attitude of the eleven-year-old is spot on. In some respects, I'd love to take the trip where everything is random and unknown.

I have to give Miles from Where We Started five stars, two thumbs up, and a teardrop trailer. #Justaddhumans.

My thanks to Gilead Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.

This is an incredible, thought-provoking story. Exactly what I've come to expect in a book written by Cynthia Ruchti.
Connor and Mallory are approaching their first wedding anniversary, but they've already reached an agreement to end their marriage. But she doesn't like it, and would do anything if he would only change his mind.
Then they are asked to embark on a three week road trip, for the sake of Connor's job. And not only will this put them into tight quarters and force them to spend lots of time together, a troubled youngster is also thrown in with them.
The author delivers reality and shows how God shows up in our hard times. And yes, marriage is hard.
I love this quote, "...marriage isn't about avoiding discomfort. It's about commitment!"
Anyone who is married will know this to be true.
As Connor and Mallory grow in their own spiritual journeys, I loved seeing how they grew as characters.
This is a book of hope. And commitment. And God.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Enjoyed the book. Pretty much everyone Conner, Mallory and Judah met on the road trip provided a life lesson for them. It took me a while to get into the story and felt like it took forever for Conner and Mallory to even start their trip and the adventure to begin. I liked the premise of the story and most of the characters. The biggest problem I had were the excuses everyone gave to justify their actions. Nathan and jury duty. You can get your date changed to another time. It's pretty simple. Then there was Conner. Conner just grated on my nerves and his reasons for getting a divorce were so extreme and almost laughable. Mallory and Conner haven't even reached their one year anniversary and he is ready to bail. I guess for better or worse and in sickness and in health is meaningless. Conner must not have much interaction with children with the way he reacted and treated Judah.

Mallory and Conner find themselves on a three thousand mile road trip while they are in the midst of a separation. Pretty much everything is being filmed. Add in a micro-camper, a total of twenty dollars a day for food and an eleven year old who has seen his share of foster homes. What could go wrong???

I enjoyed the story, writing style and characters. My favorite parts were the actual adventures and the people that they met along the way. I found some of it unrealistic- a micro-camper for three and only twenty dollars a day for food. One person barely fit in the camper. I could not understand Conner's reluctance to get the genetic testing. Judah pretty much acted like most eleven year old boys.

I definitely recommend the book. Just add humans and the adventure begins.

Thanks to NetGalley, Gilead Publishing and the author, Cynthia Ruchti, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.

This novel is all about relationship repair and renewal. It centers on relationship commitment and what that means. The pace is slow and steady as characters gain insight into themselves and others. At the beginning of the novel, Connor and Mallory discuss ending their marriage. Much of the ensuing story contained bickering dialogue between the two. That might be hard for some readers to appreciate, having had similar experiences.

My favorite character by far was Judah. He is an eleven year old oozing with pain from being abandoned by his mother. He is smart and witty and has more insight into life than most twice his age. We wonder if Connor and Mallory will realize the opportunity for love that stands before them. There are some great secondary characters too, people Connor and Mallory meet on their road trip. They offer much needed insight into successful relationships.

This is a novel for readers who would love to read about a relationship in trouble and the slow and methodical journey toward repair.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an honest and independent review.

Miles From Where We Started by Cynthia Ruchti is a beautifully written Christian contemporary novel. The words are healing balm for your soul. Let them wash over you and restore your hope in love. The story is "in search of a secret passageway to hope."
Cynthia Ruchti writes about issues that are relevant. In this novel there is a marriage in crisis. "Marriage isn't about avoiding discomfort. It's about commitment." Possible health problems become a road block in a relationship. Instead of running towards each other, fear pulls away. When fear rules our life, there is no room for God. We need to exercise our faith muscle so at the end of our lives, people say "She walked as deliberately as she could... toward Jesus. I didn't lose her."
The novel explores the topic of fostering. An eleven year old boy has been passed from pillar to post. One of the saddest sentences in the book is his secret for survival. "The secret to survival... Not caring. I have to learn how not to care."
Huge hearts pepper the story. The biggest is God's. "We all come from the heart a' God." God's heart is seen working its way out through people.
The characters are on a journey - literally and figuratively. There are lessons to be learn along the way for both the characters and the reader. "Forgive more often than you think you should have to." This is wise advice. If in doubt - forgive because we have been forgiven.
Within the tale there are elements of the prodigal son story. I love the image in the story of the father looking out for his son, and when he sees him, he picks up his robes and runs towards him. This reminds the reader that if we make the slightest movement towards God, He will pick up His (figurative) robes and run towards us.
Cynthia Ruchti always writes such beautiful novels. The words sink into my heart and warm my soul. I savour all her books. They always leave me smiling, contented and more in love with God than ever before.
Whatever you have been through, it is not the end. "Your story doesn't end in a mistake." God says you are loved and He does not make mistakes. He has redeemed you and called you by name. Answer His call today.
A beautiful, beautiful story.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Miles from Where We Started
A Novel
by Cynthia Ruchti
Gilead Publishing
Christian , General Fiction (Adult)
Pub Date 16 Oct 2018
I am reviewing a copy of Miles From Where We Started through Gilead Publishing:


It's only weeks after their one year wedding anniversary. Mallory and Connor Duncan can't even come to an agreement on how to end their marriage. A last minute crisis means they have to be on the road together for a three thousand miles together. On the road trip Mallory wonders if their story may not be over after all.


But the trip begins to fall apart before it even begins. Because a trouble seeking eleven year old is thrown into their travel plans, causing close quarters to become even tighter. The couple soon believes this whole trip will be disastrous!


The first year of marriage for Mallory and Connor was more than expected. But can they find a new beginning?


I give Miles From where They Started five out of five stars!

MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED was a slow read that packed a powerful punch. Newlyweds Connor and Mallory are weeks away from their one-year anniversary--to be celebrated with a permanent separation. Divorce. Because Connor believes he made a mistake since he might be a carrier, 0r a victim of, a fatal disease.



Then the worst case scenario happens. They have to take a trip. Together. In a teardrop camper (research this. Who knew.) With a smartmouth eleven-year-old boy in the foster system. And tour the backroads of America.



Okay, teardrop camper aside, I would love to be on this trip and see all those waterfalls. Maybe not to the magnificence of Niagara Falls, but still charming all on their own. And the people they met along the way. (I did have issues with the way she portrayed southerners as speaking, but it added another touch of comedy to a heavy story.)


I absolutely adored Slade, I laughed out loud when Judah threw his arms up and said "We found our people." And I loved, loved, loved, the character growth, development and the faith message. She did peg Millennials right. As the parent of three... all different, but all definitely Millennials I could relate. I could see some of my children.


This is women's fiction, a family facing together time, and I recommend it to readers who adore women's fiction. I would've liked better closure at the end, but readers are left to their imagination. Where did they go? What will they do? What will become of Judah?


I received a copy free. All opinions are my own.

It took me a bit to get into this book, but when the child arrived it became a page-turner, how I loved him, a tough little cookie.
The author has us with a couple that has been married less than a year, but are about to thrown the towel. What happens next is something you never expect, when these two take off in a mini camper with an eleven-year-old boy, not related to them. There isn’t room in this thing to even turn around and now there are three of them traveling around the country. It soon becomes so funny that I found myself falling in love, especially with the boy, you never knew what was going to happen next.
I don’t think you will be disappointed picking this one up, and as we travel we find so many people with such great compassion, this one will make you think!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gilead, and was not required to give a positive review.

I got to hear Ruchti speak at Christian Fiction Reader's Retreat and really enjoyed it, but had never read any of her books. Then recently her book came up as what I should read next and I figured it was about time.

The premise of this story sounded interesting - didn't seem like my cup of tea, but interesting... But once I was really into the book and realized they weren't just on a car road trip - but a car hauling a camper road trip it appealed even less. I am about the least outdoorsy girl you'll ever find!

I did like the outreach and acceptance of a young foster boy though. Probably the only part that kept me reading.

I think this would be an excellent read for more adventurous people than myself!

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Miles from where we started

Nothing like a cross country trip to either improve a marriage or make it worse. Especially one in a very tiny camper and with a young foster boy. Conner and his partner was supposed to make the trip but plans change. They are trying out the tiny camper and doing a video along the way for a promotion.

I really enjoyed the people they met along the way, such fun and interesting characters. Having Judah with them along the trip definitely gave some interesting conversations. They had limited money to spend so they had to sometimes work for their food. Connor and Mallory are trying to make it through their first year of marriage which sometimes can be the hardest.

I received an complementary copy of the book from NetGalley through the author and Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.

Because today - October 16 - is the official publishing day for this book, I really don't want to give out too much of the story. I'll give you a little background so you will know you need to head out and grab your own copy of this book though. I even saw one person say "I am richer for having read this book". WOW! That's some powerful motivation to get out and pick up your copy.

The story starts with Connor and Mallory Duncan admitting the fact that they are deciding to end their one year short marriage. The truth is, though, that Connor has decided and Mallory doesn't really agree. They are having issues trying to decide exactly how to officially end the marriage, and in the midst of that situation, they end up having to head out on a 3,000 mile business trip to promote RoadRave's micro camper.

Will their marriage end for good on this road trip? Can Mallory and Duncan possibly find a new beginning on this trip? No spoilers here, folks!

I'm so happy to report that this book grabbed me from page 1 and kept me reading more even when I should have gone to sleep, should have gotten ready for work, and should have returned back from the lunch hour! All in all, I finished the book in a solid 24 hour period AND went to work! LOL! 

Duncan and Mallory really do love each other, and I felt their pain and heartache. This trip was powerful for them too - it opens their eyes to what commitment and forgiveness really mean, and it helps give them a better perspective on their lives together.  As they set out on their journey across America, they run into some really awesome folks, and it seemed that they received some great strength, wisdom and life lessons surrounded in love with each group.

I loved the author's ability to provide readers with very interesting, well-described and believably unique characters.  Miles from Where We Started is highly recommended for those who love a beautiful Christian romance, with great tales of redemption. Within the couple's problems and the journey they are on, readers see a glimmer of hope that can heal hearts and can provide the possibility of making it through tough times.

I was provided with a complimentary electronic advanced reader copy from the Author and Gilead Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my post.  I was not required to post a positive review, but have chosen to do so because this book was amazing! Thank you!

Cynthia Ruchti delivers another soul stirring story with Miles from Where We Started. I love the deeper message of her stories and her lyrical writing.

Miles From Where We Started, a roadtrip full of life lessons for everyone! 5 amazing stars!

There is something really special about a Cynthia Ruchti book! She knows how relationships work, and don't work, and has the ability to portray them with such realism, understanding and vulnerability. Such is Ruchti's talent, she had me laughing one minute and choking up the next.

Conner and Mallory's first year of marriage has not gone as expected and may be on the verge of ending, but fortunately for them Cynthia Ruchti is steering the boat, or in this case the mini-camper. A business deal has the couple on a three thousand mile road trip promoting RoadRave's new tiny camper, with a byline of "just add humans". But this trip is so much more than what the couple thought it would be, a trip so powerful it will open their eyes to what commitment, togetherness and forgiveness really mean, giving them a new perception on life. I really enjoyed watching the blinders come off and the lightbulbs go on between them.
The addition of streetwise eleven year old, Judah would seem to make the journey they embark on even more of a challenge, but the not-so-secretly needy boy was such a charming little conman I couldn't help but love him and all his witty dialogue.
The widower Slade was another character I loved, so full of wisdom and understanding to share with this struggling young couple. And what's not to love about the Charlene and Bernard Tray, owners of the Tray Sheek café and their loving mix of family members? More life lessons for Connor and Mallory!

I loved Ruchti's interesting and unique characters, her witty banter, her turn of a phrase and wise insightful quotes. I learned a few life lessons myself on the trip that took the characters and readers Miles From Where We Started, and that's fiction at it's very best.
I appreciate Cynthia Ruchti's amazing writing and Gilead Publishing for making a copy available for review!

Just add humans and let the adventure begin!

Thoughtful, thought-provoking heart-touching story… Conner and Mallory are in for a rough ride. Their newlywed status has yet to expire and yet the honeymoon is already over. Conner loves Mallory enough to want to protect her from the debilitating illness he might have inherited; Mallory is stubborn enough to want to see it through. When Conner’s company is on the line, there’s a contract that affects not only his company, but Mallory’s beloved literacy program for at-risk youth, they both saddle up for the trip of a lifetime.

RoadRave produces micro-campers and other travel equipment, and they want to send Conner and Mallory on a back-road road trip complete with cameras, soundbites, and an internet media blitz. Add in one pre-teen boy from Conner’s partner’s foster care, and a whole lot of interesting personalities along the way, and the micro becomes even smaller, and yet enlarging.

From texts to videos to tiny homes to mysterious boxes, all the aspects of a publicly documented trip combine to shine a spotlight on Conner and Mallory’s broken hearts. While the public cheers them on and they keep their game faces up for the most part, they have plenty of time to reflect on where their paths diverged.

Can they learn from all the characters they meet and the preteen character they’ve dragged along? Will all the forced closeness bring THEM closer or drive the final wedge in their separation?

Miles from Where We Started abounds with hope, acceptance, and love. The road isn’t easy, but it’s worth the journey. Highly recommended for those who love Christian romance, tales of redemption, and scenic byways with regional characters.

I received this book as a digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.