What a beautiful and emotional story. Told in three different timelines- Jade's trip with her dad in 2003, Bernie's trip in 195 with Paul and the current road trip. It was a touching story as Jade tries to forgive herself, for her fiance's crimes and her past, Bridger is trying to come to terms with feeling worthy of Bernie's love, while also connecting to his past and Bernie is trying to have this last experience before she faces what's next, without Paul by her side and a scary medical diagnosis.

It culminated beautifully in the end, but honestly, I wanted more. I think we could have taken another chapter or two to wrap everything up. And there were storylines that never really met their full potential. I wanted more about Bernie's brother. I wanted to see what came next for Jade, her dad and know more about her mom. Jade's revelation at the end to her dad was kind of a mic drop, out of nowhere moment and that was it. And I needed a little clarification about the documentary... What was it supposed to be, what was Bridger doing with it now and I wanted a little sneak peak into Jade and Bridger's future!

Overall, it was a truly touching ride. I grew invested in all the characters, their journey and the story.

Thank you Netgalley and Revell for access to this arc.

Although I knew that this wasn’t going to be a laugh-a-minute fun road story, it encompassed quite a bit more darkness than I was expecting. And yet that darkness was so quietly and calmly worked into the story that it rarely felt forced or out of place. Some things could be triggering so readers should check Rosche's author comments about what these are and that sensitivity readers read the book.

The reason for Jade accompanying Bridger and Benny makes a bit more sense in the story than in the abbreviated blurb. Jade was the person who figured out the Ponzi scheme and blew the whistle. That Benny wants Jade to be on this road journey as a way to help recover a bit of Jade’s public credibility shows what a wonder Benny is and adds to the reasons Jade agrees.

Bridger, Benny’s foster son, is also a darling. Well, mostly. Bridger is the type of person to always ask how you’re doing even if it’s his house burning down. He reintroduces Jade to the delight of chili dogs and reminds her that “We’ve seen each other eat chili dogs. Nothing is too personal anymore.” But as Jade discovers, there are still things that Bridger is keeping up his sleeve.

As the journey continues, Benny recounts on film how she and her brother’s best friend (and Benny’s not really so secret crush) Paul headed west to follow their acting dreams. Meanwhile Jade remembers how over twenty years ago, she and her father traveled this same route one summer while listening to Eagles’ songs and playing games. Both Benny (then) and Jade (now) ended up learning about themselves and about these men in their lives. Not everything is light and sweet. Paul and Benny’s brother were POWs in North Korea and what happened there haunts both men in terrible ways. Jade thought she was on an adventure with her beloved father only to have this crash around her when the truth came out.

The book is an inspie. Most of the main characters are religious and speak of religion at times – usually to comfort each other. It is not a preachy or judgmental religiosity. There is no moralistic finger-wagging.

There were some charming tertiary characters (the Ohio couple) and some #@*&*$-holes who just seemed to be there to either be lovely or horrific people when the plot needed it.

By the end, some old pain was laid to rest, some self discovery was done, and a romance had begun. I almost totally love the romance but needed just a bit more contrition from one party towards the other who had been lied to and manipulated in the past. Watching Benny slowly sinking deeper into dementia was hard; this is partially made up for by watching her (past) growing love affair with Paul. Kudos for letting younger Benny be a little immature, impatient, and stubborn at times. I’m not much for road trips anymore, despite the lovely imagery in the book about the places along the journey, so I think I need to go listen to Nat King Cole sing about Route 66. B

Brilliant! The Road Before Us reeled me in from the very beginning and did not let go. This multi-layered story is more than a journey on Route 66, it is a journey of healing as three travel companions find the courage to face their individual pasts, hoping to finally heal old wounds. I was hooked by the fictional road trip down iconic Route 66. But more than that, I was totally captivated by three of the most endearing characters.

The story is skillfully told by alternating timelines. Revealing the backstories of Jade and Benny through their respective timelines of 2003 and 1956, the years that changed the direction of their lives forever. Jade and Bridger are accompanying Benny, an aging film star, on a trip down memory lane. As she shares her story, she shares a lifetime of wisdom to two broken people. Sensitive topics such as PTSD and childhood kidnapping with grace.

Not only does The Road Before Us tells two love stories, it is also a story of family. Just when I thought I knew the way the story would end, there was an unexpected twist to the story that changed the way I viewed one of the characters. Looking forward to the next compelling read from Ms. Rosche.

"...people travel Route 66 for all kinds of reasons, but it isn't just travelers on that specific road who are running. In our own way, we're all running from or running to something. The lucky ones get to do that with someone they love at their side. "

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher thorough Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Here's a story for fans of Route 66 and split time novels! This is a sweet tribute to The Mother Road and also pays homage to a special connection between the author's parents and this famous highway.

Jade Jessup's past swirls all around her, a vortex of the pain and misdeeds of others that has once again left her at the end of herself. When an unexpected offer comes along, she finds herself driving down Route 66 with an old Hollywood movie star and her documentary-making son, capturing the retelling of the actress's love story and her start in the film industry.

Three timelines weave their way through the pages. The contemporary Route 66 trek, Benny's journey to California in 1956, and Jade's childhood adventure with her father that was not all as it seemed. Memories arise—both good and bad—as Jade, Benny, and Bridger travel west from Chicago through the heart of America.

I have traveled a little down Route 66 and enjoyed the mentions of places I have been to. The characters even stayed one night at a motel that I've stayed at, which was a fun to read. As far as the characters, I had a little trouble connecting with them. The story starts so fast that I felt like the road trip began before I knew who these people were, and the connections between them didn't always make sense to me.

However, the author does a great job with descriptive language and she touches on a lot of sensitive topics that give this book a bit of a dark, gritty tone. And perhaps that's why I didn't connect with it personally at this moment in time, but it might be perfect for another reader. I can see why someone might feel themselves represented in this story in ways that can be overlooked in other Christian fiction.

I hope you'll give The Road Before Us a try if you like road trip adventure stories and deep tales that aren't afraid to look at real topics.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Reading this took me on quite a ride! In the absolutely best possible way....it took me a bit to get into the story, but then I got hooked....and found myself reading until way too late into the night.

I've always been intrigued by the whole Route 66 journey, and would love to travel that highway sometime. Seeing a book about this, I knew immediately that I wanted to read it.
But...much more than just a story about a road trip, Janine Rosche has given us an incredible read with so many various topics intertwined. Included are some really hard things to read about. It definitely gives lots of food for thought.

What I really liked about this story though is the amazing characters.
Jade is such an enigma. Her life story is revealed slowly, and I only grew to love her more, the more I read about her. All she really wants to do is right all the things she's wronged in her life.
And then there's Benny.
Could there be a more sweet and kind elderly lady?! I just want to meet her!
And we can't forget Bridger. He's the one I understood the least. But he has such good intentions, and all he wants to do is help Benny, because of all she's done for him.

I enjoyed reading the different timelines, and I especially liked the 1956 one, and seeing Paul and Berenice/Benny in their younger days. Understanding who they were and why they did what they did.

If you are looking for an enjoyable read with lots of deeper things mixed in, you won't want to miss this story!
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

I loved this drive down Route 66. It is a timeless tale that brings together unlikely companions as they travel down memory lane literally and figuratively. Jade, Bridger, and Benny are tied together through circumstances and are on a journey Benny's life.

The journey becomes more than any of them could predict. Jade is at a crossroads. Benny has lost everything. Bridger is taking his adopted mother home to take care of her.

These three are an unlikely group. Benny was a starlet in Hollywood's heyday, She and her husband once made the journey from Chicago to California. Bridger is filming her story for a documentary. Jade is driving.

What they encounter are memories, these guide the story and inform the reader. The story has three different timelines and multiple perspectives. I loved this story as I read it, I looked forward to each part of the individual stories that brought the main story together, The overarching story was one of familial love and of healing. It was a journey of faith.

Janine Rosche brought a story full of reminiscing the good times, reconciling the bad, and finding real love from friends and from family.

I received an early copy of the story from the publisher and this is my honest review,

Sometimes, we cannot fix our mistakes even we really want it. But sometimes there is a second chance for us to redeem our mistakes even it put a lot of effort and a long road way to go. This story by Janine Rosche brings my own conscience to forgive and what it means to live free of the past

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

Grab your tissues and settle in for a roller coaster ride along America’s Mother Road with Benny, Bridger, and Jade in the latest release from Janine Rosche. At its core, this is a story about people: where they come from and where they go. Traveling along historic Route 66, Benny seeks to honor her deceased beloved husband, Bridger seeks to honor his foster mother, and Jade finds herself dragged along for the drive. Running from her past, seeking closure for her future, and finding so much more than expected drive Jade toward the promised land and the future God holds for her. I have to confess that I probably would not have picked up this book if I had known the sensitive subjects Rosche addresses in The Road Before Us. There are a handful automatic “nopes” and at least a handful of other subjects that are sometimes particularly triggering and often not very well addressed. They are handled with great respect here. Grave subjects are relayed with delicate effectiveness, to shed light on these issues and drive the story forward carefully. This book confirms that Janine Rosche has a perennial place in my TBR collection.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions are my own and are completely genuine.

Rating 3.5

This road trip story made me want to plan my own Route 66 or similar road trip soon!

This road trip was filled with memories, old love stories and fun moments. The author brought together three different periods, present day, 1956 and 2003, and three different stories and memories together through one road, Route 66.

Though there was quite a few difficult topics in this story, dementia, kidnapping, Ponzi schemes just being some, it was told in a sensitive manner through the lives of the characters.

I loved Benny, and how she brought so many people together. Jade’s story was sad and only at the end was revealed could have been so much worse. Bridger had so much to overcome and enjoyed his prodigal son story.

The connection between Jade and Bridger added fun, banter, and some swoony kisses.

I enjoyed my journey along route 66, together with Benny, Bridger, and Jade.

A road trip on the classic mother road Route 66...yes, please! This book is told in alternating time periods and perspectives.
As our three main characters; Bernice "Benny", Jade, and Bridger set out on this road trip, they are at a crossroads in their life. Janine Rosche layers these characters with not only struggles but also personalities that you can feel through the pages.
Jade is doing all she can not to fall for Bridger and Bridger is making it extremely difficult.
The banter between Bridger and Jade had me laughing out loud a few times. Bridger and Benny's relationship is super sweet. His protection for his mom made me tear up a few times.

Bottom Line: This is a fantastic road trip book; it has love, romance, history, and exploration along the iconic Route 66. Watching these characters embrace their pasts and become better at the end is everything great story-telling is about. This is just the second book of Janine Rosche's that I've read and she's quickly become a must-read author for me.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A beautiful, wonderfully written time-slip that flows seemingly between 1956, 2003, and present day. With delightful characters that you fall in love with, you are quickly swept away into a road trip down Route 66.

We follow Jade, Benny, and Bridger has they each face their past, present, and futures. This story tackles a myriad of difficult issues from child kidnapping, embezzlement, and war crimes just to name a few. Each are very well written and the emotional impact comes through as you read it from the characters perspective.

This book did not disappoint and was one I hated to see end. It is one I can see myself rereading in years to come.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

3.5 stars
The Road Before Us is a thought-provoking read.

The opening immediately pulls readers in as Jade Jessop meets with her famous client, Bernice “Benny” Alderidge. Things are not as they seem and Jade’s world will come crashing down – again.

This is a story of redemption. Of second chances. And what it means to be family.

The faith thread is light, and yoga is used by one character to illustrate spiritual concepts.

The narrative is descriptive, describing Route 66 and the places visited in vivid language. It’s easy to picture Jade, Benny and Bridger cruising down the road and making stops as Bridger films his documentary of Benny’s life leading to stardom.

And what a cast of characters! There are all kinds…some you love. Some not so much.

This story moves between Jade and Benny’s points of view – in the present, and in the past. Some scenes were fast-paced while others took time to dig deeper into the themes and issues confronted in the story. Some issues that were tackled: kidnapping, PTSD, dementia, mental institutions, and international adoptions. There’s also a nod to seduction of actresses in the past.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Road Before Us
Janine Rosche
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In an instant, Jade Jessup, lost her job, her fiance, and her credibility as a trusted financial advisor as a result of an elaborate Ponzi scheme. When asked by a beloved former client to accompany her on a cross country trip, Jade agrees in an effort to clear her name. But driving cross country on Route 66 will cause Jade to relive some childhood memories she'd rather forget.

Aging 1960s Hollywood starlet Berenice "Benny" Alderidge was intent on giving away a large portion of her investments. Now that her fortune has been lost, she and her foster son, Bridger, are going to retrace the route Benny took to Hollywood in 1956. Along the way, Bridger hopes to film a documentary about the love story between Benny and her late husband, Paul.

Together, all three of these pilgrims will learn about family, forgiveness, and what it means to live free of the past. But not before Jade faces a second staggering betrayal that changes everything.

This was a relatively new author to us and we were absolutely delighted with this novel. Reading the author’s notes at the end of the book surprisingly summarized the numerous topics this book covered. However, while you are in the midst of the story, they flow seamlessly together. Rosche did a wonderful job of switching between three timelines, evoking strong emotions through her characters lives, and making the reader root for the main characters. Our biggest takeaway may have been the theme of generosity, not just financially, but in forgiveness, love, and acceptance. We thoroughly enjoyed the journey along Route 66 and highly recommend it to others.

We received an advance copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.

A fabulous read and trip down Route 66. Such a refreshing read. Thanks for the opportunity. Highly recommend.

𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑎 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑!


I loved the freshness of the story. I’m quite certain I haven’t read a book in which an aging Hollywood star, her foster son, and her former financial adviser venture down Route 66.

This story has so much to offer. Although steeped in nostalgia and history as our group hits the road, there’s a lot at play here. Jade, Benny's former financial advisor, is trying to rectify a terrible wrong. Brigder, Benny’s foster son, is filming a documentary of Benny’s love story from back in 1956.

As the miles pass, we learn more about each character. Each is layered and complex, some having had trauma and hurts, some making grave errors and seeking forgiveness. Benny reflects on her great love story, while in the present, we see the seeds of new love blooming.

Like any good road trip, there are plenty of sights to see and lessons to learn. The author has created three unforgettable characters, and you’ll love traveling with them.


𝑁𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑔𝑖𝑎, 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 - 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠!


Thank you @uplitreads @revellfiction and @janinerosche for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Uplit Reads, Revell and author Janine Rosche for the gifted physical copy and e-arc of this book to read and review!

Oh my goodness guys! This book is everything!!! I just want to give it a great big HUG!

I am absolutely OBSESSED with all things Route 66 (because >> taking an open ended vacay and driving this road from beginning to end is my DREAM!!) … so of course when I saw this cover and read the book summary, I was here for it! I loved the way the author told this story through “past meets present” multiple pov’s with flashbacks, romance and a hint of mystery … perfection!

The characters felt like family and captured my heart from the very first page. The themes of family relationships, chasing your dreams, dealing with past trauma, forgiveness, hope, fresh starts and faith were interwoven so beautifully … I was left with such a happy little heart!

This book will definitely go in my stack of favorites for 2024!

3 1/2 stars for this fun, nostalgic story! It took me a little bit to understand what was going on in the beginning, but I did enjoy the oscillating timeline and the memory recall about Chain of Rocks bridge, Coral Courts Motel (in which I remember when they tore it down and was so sad about it!) and the still operating Ted Drews! This was a charming quick read, thank you for the complimentary copy. My opinions are my own.

I’ve traveled on portions of Route 66, the Mother Road, showcased in The Road Before Us.
It’s a poignant novel that intertwines topics like dementia, adoption, and kidnapping along with the ultimate road trip in a 55 Chevy.
I found Benny to be the most compelling character because she is facing losing her past as she recounts her own travels along 66 with her her love Paul. The flashbacks were one of my favorite parts of the book.
My other favorite part was the description of the sights and fixtures along Route 66. The highway is a reminder to all,of,us. Slow down, and look around you because it can all disappear quickly.

This is sort of an adult coming of age story told around the framework of traveling Route 66. Benny is reliving an earlier journey along the route and while her companions, Jade and Bridger watch out for her and have a very rocky potential romance.

The writing style of the novel is a bit unusual with three different time periods involved. There is the present day journey along Route 66, the time of Benny and her future husband's trip along the same route in 1956 and a journey Jade took with her father in 2003 when she was eight. The current journey is broken up with flashes back to the two previous journeys. The first person viewpoint consistently used can be confusing if one forgets which time period is currently in view. I did appreciate all the motels and diners visited along the route.

There are a number of issues explored in the plot including child kidnapping, Alzheimer's, financial fraud, forgiveness, and one's identity in Christ. Benny was my favorite character. So nice, so giving. Jade and Bridger needed to mature and frequently acted immature. Thank goodness for Tim and Sandy showing up from time to time.

This is a good novel for readers who would like one about people dealing their past actions in the context of traveling along Route 66.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.