Miles from Where We Started

'Forgive more than you think you should have to. And that includes yourself.'

This was my first book by Cynthia Ruchti and it will not be the last. This one is going on my top ten reads of 2018. Worth a re-read, too, down the road.

Connor and Mallory Duncan have decided to end their year long marriage. Well, Connor has. He has his reasons but Mallory doesn't agree with him at all. They can't agree on how to end the marriage, though. A last minute situation sends them off on a three thousand mile road trip in a mini camper and Mallory feels like their marriage just might have a chance. Then an 11 year old at risk boy is tossed into the mix and their travel quarters, while impossibly close already, become closer still. This is not a recipe for anything good to happen and quite possibly, disaster will happen. Will their marriage end for good? Can they find a new beginning on this trip?

This book captured my attention from the very first chapter and held me completely until the last word. This young couple truly do love each other, but circumstances cause one of them to think they have no future. I felt their love for each other, their pain and their heartache. The emotions ran deep, hard at times, nearly too hard, but there also was a sweetness to it all. As they set out on their journey across America, they run into some absolutely wonderful people. People that blessed me to no end, making me wish I could run into them myself. Each group they ran into imparted great wisdom and strength and love to them. These people deposited so much grace into Mallory and Connor's life and also to mine! Sometimes you read a book that just doesn't want to leave you for a while. This is such a book.

I wept through the last fourth of this book. Everything about it was so tremendously powerful. I am richer for having read this book. I highly recommend it. Truly. Do not miss this book.

*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. All opinions stated here are entirely my own.

In MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED, CYNTHIA RUCHTI tells the story of a marriage and a fifteen year old boy that both need rescuing. It is a delightful read, very emotional but relieved with a good dose of humour.
Connor and Mallory Duncan haven't even been married for a year and their marriage seems to be over. They are about to go their separate ways when, because Connor's partner, Nathan, can't get out of jury duty, they end up embarking on a three week road trip in a very small camper, in order to make sure that their firm gets the RoadSave account. Add Nathan's troubled foster son, Judah, and things really get interesting!
It is a beautifully told story of courage, redemption and restoration, as we see God's grace at work in their hearts. I especially love the way the people they meet on the way have such input in their lives. It is not only RoadSave that is organizing their route - God Himself definitely has a hand in it!
I was given a free copy of the book by Gilead Publishing from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Cynthia Ruchti never fails to touch my heart. Miles from Where We Started kept my heart engaged from this very first page.

A young married couple are struggling in their less-than-a-year old marriage; communication has completely broken down. The husband has determined that his genetic inheritance may, or may not, shorten his life, making him a burden on his wife, something he has decided would be just unfair to ask of her. The wife is just as determined that her commitment is lifelong and nothing about it would be burdensome.

Mallory and Duncan agree to a 3000 mile road trip in a very small camper. They’ve also agreed to allow an 11 year old troubled foster boy to travel with them. The road trip destinations are directed by the company marketing the small camper. Along the way, the three find themselves in some interesting situations and meeting some unique individuals, each of them having a story to share. Interestingly, each destination always includes a waterfall, some requiring considerable hiking.

As the trio travels along something begins to happen; self-reflection that leads to listening and listening that leads to hope.

This is one of the best books I've read this year. Mallory and Conner have been married just under a year and are on the verge of separating when an emergency with Conner's job requires a 3-week road trip, Mallory and a co-worker's foster child go on a trip of a lifetime with Conner. As Mallory and Conner navigate a rebellious foster child and their mixed feelings regarding their marriage and upcoming separation, God's hand works in the midst of the turmoil and unknowns. The book describes the physical and emotional journey of both Conner and Mallory in this unforgettable book about life.

This book is absolutely wonderful!! Don't start it if you have to get up early the next morning because you can't put it down. Come join Conner, Mallery and Judah on a road trip you will never forget. You can't help but fall in love with Judah, he is such a special kid. This book has you laughing, cry and cheering. I can't wait to read more books by Cynthia Ruchti, I love how she has the theme of hope and God's mercy woven into this story. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Gilead Publishing via NetGally for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of this great book.

Miles from Where We Started is yet another winner by Cynthia Ruchti. She knows how to write believable characters that readers can relate to and this book is proof of that. I enjoyed this story. My favorite character would have to be Judah. I personally he was hilarious and a perfect addition to Mallory and Connor Duncan’s world. I loved the journey they all went on. I never knew what would happen to them next.

I would give Miles from Where We Started one hundred stars if I could. I highly recommend it for readers who need to something that is clean, heartwarming, inspirational, full of faith, and lessons that so many of us all could learn from.
Miles from Where We Started is a great book that readers should not miss. I had a hard time putting the book down and wound up reading it in after a few hours.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

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.

Coming up to their one-year anniversary, Connor tells Mallory that their marriage isn't working, and they will be separating after he returns from a three-week road trip with his business partner Nathan that is an attempt to gain an important account for their fledgling advertising business. Mallory is reluctant to accept this, but is still more horrified when a call to jury-service means that Nathan is no longer available - and she is being asked to go along instead. Playing the happily married couple on video for all of America to see? And that in a tiny teardrop camper? Throw into the mix Judah, Nathan's recalcitrant preteen nephew, who they agree to take along in lieu of putting him into foster care for the duration of Nathan's service, and they seemingly have a recipe for complete disaster. But being out on back roads brings some perspective-changing experiences and insightful new friends. Maybe by the end they will have come a long way from where they started in more ways than one...

I wasn't sure what to expect of this book, but it exceeded whatever I might have thought of expecting. The slow growth of each character and the development of the relationships between them were well managed and enjoyable to watch unfold. There were also some insightful comments on a range of topics, but without feeling preachy. Though the first book I've read by the author, I hope it won't be the last! Highly recommended.

Characters: It was a pleasure to get to know them, and I'd like to see more of their story, particularly Judah.
Storyline: Relatively straightforward, but never too predictable. Well managed.
Content and language: Clean, no issues noted.
Message: Lessons about faith in God, but not extensive.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED is the first book I've ever read by Cynthia Ruchti. I loved everything about this beautiful story and I'm excited to read more by Ms. Ruchti. Cynthia Ruchti really has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go. One week from their one year wedding anniversary, Mallory and Connor know their marriage is in trouble. They can't even agree how to end their relationship. If you are looking for a beautiful story to pull you out of your book slump, you can’t go wrong with MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED.


Neither one of them expected their marriage would end so quickly. But you know what they say about life's plans, they hardly ever turn out the way you thought they would but they are sometimes exactly what you need. When a last minute trip arises, Mallory begins to wonder if their relationship just might stand a chance. They begin their three thousand road trip without knowing how it will end. MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story.


MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Cynthia Ruchti was taking us and what would happen to Mallory and Connor. How could Connor want to end his marriage based on the fact that he may or may not have a genetic condition? There is so much heart in Cynthia's writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I've known them for a long time. I'm so excited to read more of Cynthia Ruchti's previous books! Can Connor and Mallory save their marriage and deal with whatever comes their way as far as Connor's health goes? You are going to want to read MILES FROM WHERE WE STARTED!

I have been a big fan of Cynthia Ruchti for a while now. I read her debut novel, They Almost Always Come Home, and was hooked! She always delivers highly readable and thoughtful books with big messages. Miles from Where We Started, her newest offering, is no exception. The characters drive the story, but the foundation of a road trip adventure adds fun and interest. I give this one a highly recommended rating.

Ruchti’s three main characters — married couple Connor and Mallory Duncan and 11 year old Judah — fill the pages of Miles from Where We Started with heart. With a marriage on the rocks and a foster kid with lots of trust issues, they make an unlikely trio for a trip that will promote the joys of micro-camping. As the social media world follows their wanderings on the back roads of America, with hikes to secluded waterfalls and interactions with people along the way, the three navigate love and life. I have to admit I wasn’t a big fan of Connor or Mallory at the beginning of the book, but as they grew in their relationship with each other and God, they grew on me 😉 . Judah, though, was an intriguing and sympathetic character right from the start. I couldn’t help but love and cheer on the troubled and sometimes trouble-making pre-adolescent. Secondary characters are a treat and make a big difference in Connor, Mallory, and Judah’s attitudes and understanding of God. RoadRave, the company that hires Connor’s PR firm to embark on the adventure, determines their course, but it soon became apparent to this reader (and the characters) that God had a bigger hand in the travel plans. As Mallory and Connor discover there’s “A path carved for us by a creative imagination bigger than our own.” (p 326.)

Miles from Where We Started is written with a light hand in spite of some heavy situations. I loved the wit and wisdom that is expressed along the way. I think this novel would be perfect for a book club — there’s so much to talk about. So grab this book and some friends and head out on a fun reading adventure.

Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

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.

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.

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

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.

3000 mile road trip!! What a trip we take in a micro-camper with the Duncan family! On the verge of breaking up, his business needing this publicity tour and a take along, for now, foster son. Ups, downs, some very serious moments and a few made me smile moments. Always some life lessons to learn when I read a Cynthia Ruchti novel.
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary...

I had a hard time putting this book down. I loved Mallory, Connor and Judah. I don’t always understand how someone could begin to say that a marriage is going bad in less than a year. These three people do something I would never do. I could not go quite as small as they do and video all that they do. This book made me happy in the end. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Mallory and Conner are approaching their first wedding anniversary, and it's looking like there won't be any other anniversaries. Conner's dad suffers from an illness that is genetic. Conner's brother has already passed away from it, and Conner has watched the devastating effects it is having on his parents. He doesn't want Mallory to ever have to give up her life to take care of him, as his mom is doing. Conner fails to consider Mallory's feelings on the subject, nor will he agree to medical tests to see if he even will be stricken with the disease.
Mallory loves Conner with her whole heart and being and feels she would gladly care for her husband should this happen.
A sudden crisis with Conner's job lands him and Mallory on a long backroads trip in a micro camper. Also, with them, is an eleven year old at risk foster child, Judah, of Conner's business partner.
Their journey is video taped and added to their blog. They have to keep up their facade of a happy marriage. They eventually accumulate many followers of their journey. Each stop has them hiking and ending up at a waterfall. Mallory begins to wonder the significance of these.
They meet some interesting people along their journey, which is life changing for all three travelers.
I truly loved this story!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, Gilead and Netgalley. All opinions stated here are my own.

As I finished this book, I realized that I had become a part of their tour to see the country. The author has an elegant way to bring readers in with wonderful easy to relate to characters. I loved the idea of traveling across country to see the sights and along the way meet interesting people. There were just two small problems to make the trip perfect. We have a newlywed couple wanting to call it quits before their first anniversary. Add to the equation, a young boy who needs to be loved and accepted. This has all the makings for a journey that only God could handle.

Mallory and Conner don't realize it but they have a big pride issue. Neither one wants to give in and try to save the marriage. How can they give up so easily? Maybe this trip for Conner's work will have an impact on them. The people they meet along the way are in some way a blessing to them. There are some wise people out there and all Mallory and Conner need to do is open their hearts to the truth.

Judah is a smart young boy who has not felt the love of a parent. Mallory and Conner hopefully can help him see that there are people out there who do care and do want to make a home for him. I think Judah was my favorite character because he was so hungry to learn about God. His need to be accepted was heart breaking at times. The author does a great job of letting us see how a young child can be affected by their parents choices.

The story is one that is filled with life lessons we sometimes forget. How often do we enjoy the beautiful sky as the sun is rising? Do we tell those we love how important they are to us? Forgiveness begins with us. We have to make that first step and sometimes our pride gets in the way. The author has captured my full attention and swept me away on a journey to redemption, love, forgiveness, trust and the importance of marriage and family.


"Forgive more than you think you should have to. And that includes yourself."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Cynthia Ruchti never fails to captivate. Readers of this book will be drawn in to the marriage struggles between this young couple who don't know how to communicate how they truly feel. Connor is a workaholic who has just learned that his father's life threatening disease is a genetic complication which could cripple him and leave his wife nothing but a care-taker. Mallory doesn't care, but struggles to express herself properly to this new version of the man she married. When the couple is thrown together on a cross-country road trip, close quarters force them to reconsider their impending divorce.

Stuck together with them in this tiny camper is a foster child with quite an attitude. He was probably my favorite character of the book, and helps in some of the best scenes. I found myself wanting to slap the characters upside the head (OFTEN) because of their communication issues, the issues that they are having are common and only seem obvious because the reader hears both sides of what the characters are thinking.

All throughout the book, Cynthia's writing remains excellent, tying together the simple moments life, laughter, and despair. Her message of hope is resounding and leaves you with the inspiration to go and hug your loved ones. Recommended reading for lovers of contemporary women's fiction, clean romance, and inspirational titles.

I had a hard time putting this book down. It’s one of those stories that really drew me in and made me forget that it’s a fictional tale. The journey these characters embark on – the spiritual one, especially – kept me turning the pages as fast as I could read. By the end, I found myself wishing I was on the road trip with them. 🙂

Mallory and Connor are both struggling with real fears. They’re not sure their love can withstand the obstacles in their way. They’re hurt and scared. A quirky road trip throws them together, along with an eleven-year-old foster child who is desperate to belong. God meets these three on the road with some unexpected blessings in various forms.

I couldn’t wait to see where their travels were going to take them next. I couldn’t wait to see if love and courage would indeed save their marriage. This contemporary story is full of heart and a deep call for faith in God during the unknown. It doesn’t hide the hardships. Instead, it points us to our Hope.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

What a fresh story! This follows newlyweds Mallory and Connor Duncan as they try to decide whether to separate and divorce. Connor checked out of the marriage months ago when he decided his possible, hereditary medical condition would be too much of a drain on Mallory. The two met through an online dating service and we enter around month 11 of their marriage. Through a set of circumstances, the pair find themselves part of a road trip vlog for the RoadRave teardrop (tiny) RV company. They are joined by a foster child Judah, age 11, who has experienced too much life disappointment for his years.
With the video component of the trip, they do not have much privacy for discussion. And, they have to deal with the emotional issues of Judah, in addition to their own issues. Each day RoadRave gives them their travel itinerary and they meet the most interesting folks on the way. These folks all have heart and they share their life lessons with Mallory and Connor. One takeaway quote from the book is "Marriage isn’t about avoiding discomfort. It’s about commitment."
Though they were likely unready for marriage when it started, the growing year has helped them immensely. Readers will find themselves pulling for Mallory and Connor, and also for Judah, through this great, heart-reaching story.

I have enjoyed Cynthia Ruchti’s books in the past, but as I got into this story I wasn’t sure if her “hemmed in hope” motto would prevail. The newlywed couple’s rapidly failing marriage seemed doomed. Why didn’t they discuss commitment rather than consider personal needs the priority? This not only disturbed me, but I seemed to project the negativity onto my own marriage—showing how powerful her writing is since you can’t help but react because it feels so real. Anyway, I’m so glad I continued reading and witnessed the heart-stirring growth of Mallory and Connor as well as their challenging foster boy, Judah. This novel certainly touches the heart and makes one think. I enjoyed experiencing their adventures with nature and with human nature as they traveled the backroads of life. The author’s way with words weaves a beautiful story. Embrace the journey as you explore the miles with this trio and their tiny trailer. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Books like Miles from Where We Started are few and far between. Stories that capture the emotion and complex feelings that are built within other stories are some of the best I think a reader can read. This book was everything and then some. It was hard to say goodbye in the end, but I can always start over, like Connor and Mallory, I can make another go at the book and at love.

This is a terrific story. It is absolutely one of the best books I’ve read this year. This road trip with Mallory, Conner and Judah made me laugh, sigh, and be near tears during different parts of the story. The road trip setting is perfect and the dialogue among the characters is snappy. Mallory and Conner begin this three week road trip for his business not knowing if they are able to save their marriage by the time they return home. Adding in a troubled 11 year old does not make this an easy trip, but it is an unforgettable one for the characters and the reader. There are fun moments along the way that offset some of the serious problems that Mallory and Conner face. This story is well-deserving of five stars.

This is a sweet and clean Christian contemporary romance with no foul language.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

You know about those, right? No alcohol involved. It's when you stay up way too late because you get wrapped up in a book, and then you feel all out of whack the next day. You guys. It's way past my bedtime, but I had to write this down. Today I had so much to do...and I got some of it done, and then honestly, I was just sitting there kind of listlessly. If that's a word. Grammarly didn't correct it, so that's a good sign. Sometimes this happens. Sometimes I check out. It's not a good feeling. So I figured I could at least check my calendar and see which book I needed to review next. Let's see...Miles from Where We Started. Almost divorced couple goes on a road trip. Sounds like fun. Maybe I'll read a few chapters and fall asleep in the book.

Yeah, that didn't happen.
Laughed loud enough to wake the neighbors. And cried a little too. Finished the book in one sitting. And it wasn't a short book, I just...stayed up WAY too late. Two words. Waterfall sweat.

If I have read any book that should be made into a movie this year, this is it.
It would make a great road movie. What happens when an almost divorced couple and an at-risk foster kid end up taking a road trip in a tiny camper for a publicity stunt? Well, I can't tell you. That would be...telling.

Maybe I can tell you a little. Lots of awkward moments. Middle school humor (did I mention the kid is 12?). Hilarity ensues. A Yoda-type character, a baby born (not in the camper), unexpected friendships, tiny houses, deep questions about why we believe one way and live another. And...hope. You guys have to read this book. I'm a little stingy with that 5th star, but this one gets it. Really well done, Cynthia.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.