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The Mother Road
"You don't want to miss this fun story that will tweak your every emotion (and a few you might have forgotten about)! I'm making space on my 'keepers shelf' for this one!" --Loree Lough, best-selling author of more than 80 award-winning books, including reader favorite From Ashes to Honor A New Road Home--or Another Dead End? Within the course of a week, marriage expert Natalie is dumped by her husband, receives an urgent call home from her father, and discovers her estranged sister, Lindsay, is pregnant. A road trip on Route 66 may not help, but it sure couldn't hurt. Or so Natalie thinks, until Lindsay's boyfriend starts stalking them. Will their trip down the Mother Road bring the two sisters closer together or turn out to be the biggest wrong turn of their lives? "I fell in love with these characters and wished the road trip hadn't ended so soon. Novel Rocket and I give it a very high recommendation. It's a must-read." --Ane Mulligan, Sr. Editor, Novel Rocket
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
59 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer AlLee
33 books153 followersJennifer AlLee was born in Hollywood, California, and spent the first 10 years of her life living over a mortuary one block away from Hollywood and Vine. An avid reader and writer, she completed her first novel in high school. That manuscript is now safely tucked away, never to see the light of day again.
She has worked in numerous fields, including as a church secretary and as an administrative assistant at a cable company, but wherever she works, writing always becomes part of the job description.
Her first novel was published in 2007. Since then, she's published 11 novels and quite a few novellas with five different publishing houses. While she's thrilled to be living her dream as author, Jennifer considers raising her amazing son to be her biggest creative achievement.
She lives in southern Nevada with her husband, Nic, who is a hunky Englishman and the best cabbie in Las Vegas.
She has worked in numerous fields, including as a church secretary and as an administrative assistant at a cable company, but wherever she works, writing always becomes part of the job description.
Her first novel was published in 2007. Since then, she's published 11 novels and quite a few novellas with five different publishing houses. While she's thrilled to be living her dream as author, Jennifer considers raising her amazing son to be her biggest creative achievement.
She lives in southern Nevada with her husband, Nic, who is a hunky Englishman and the best cabbie in Las Vegas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 26, 2012
I'm a sucker for books about sisters so I was thrilled to catch this for free at the Kindle Store (Amazon). I wasn't disappointed. It dealt with rough situations (infidelity, infertility, divorce, misconceptions, Alzheimer's) but as expected, the road trip to the mother road (Route 66) gave these sisters the bond they needed to square their lives. See, Natalie, the older sister, the marriage expert novelist who just got dumped by her husband for a younger woman (his assistant, no less) needed a breather, especially after the fiasco on her lecture engagement. Lindsay, the rebellious, pregnant, younger sister also could use a fresh air after not getting anywhere with her unemployed, musician boyfriend. Hey, how about a visit to dear ol' parents? Of course Lindsay doesn't want to fly so off to a road trip instead. Having been awhile since the sisters have seen each other, Natalie was surprised and ambivalent to see Lindsay pregnant ..oh did I forget to mention that Natalie had been trying unsuccessfully to have a child? Then of course, Natalie wasn't jazzed about father-boyfriend so she went to older sister mode and wanted Lindsay out of the relationship. This was going to be a fun trip!
It was a fun trip. Both the road trip and the read. There was enough tidbits about Route 66 to be interested but I like that the story focused on the family mechanics. It made for a relatable and tender read. Plus, the supporting characters did an excellent job and helped make this a funny read as well. In the end, you will find comfort in appreciating life as is, bad and good.
By the way, they passed by my city but I wasn't home so they went on their merry way! Shucks!! ;)
Jinky is Reading
March 3, 2018
Jennifer AlLee's heartwarming novel, The Mother Road, offers a portrait of how reliance on faith can help someone through life's unexpected challenges. When Natalie, a bestselling author and marriage expert, finds out that Tony, her husband of almost twenty years, has cheated on her, she's the last person to think how anything good might be salvaged from her spouse's betrayal. AlLee's novel focuses on Natalie's decisions and a number of other storylines concerning familial relationships. Natalie's estranged sister, Lindsay, also finds herself in a dilemma with her boyfriend, Ben, who is unreceptive to Lindsay wanting to keep the couple's child. In a road trip that proves to be a journey of self-discovery for both women, they set out from Santa Monica on the historic Route 66 to go see their parents in Chicago. Their travels give them the perfect opportunity to overcome their sibling differences as they prepare to deal with the reality of their mother succumbing to Alzheimer's disease. For Natalie, she must turn to her faith and learn to forgive Tony before she can move forward with her life. Embracing her faith also allows her to accept Lindsay's willingness to take Ben back and eventually marry him. For both women, coming to terms with their mother's disease is equally life-altering. The chapters that address the sadness of watching a loved one with Alzheimer's are particularly poignant and well-done. AlLee knows how to tell a tender, emotional story that captures the bonds that unite family. Her clean, smooth prose keeps the pace of events moving rapidly. She weaves together the many plots to show how even the hardest of circumstances can be overcome and how the most strained of relationships can be mended.
June 16, 2012
I am a huge judge by the cover person, I know I shouldn't be but I go author first , then cover and then blurb. I didn't know the author but the cover screamed road trip to me as I guess if I had been American, then the title would have been an obvious as apparently Route 66 in America is also known as The Mother Road.
In Jennifer Allee's book , we meet Natalie who has spent her whole life writing books about relationships and marriage -only now eighteen years to discover her husband has had an affair , and wants a divorce. The worst thing is that the woman is pregnant with his baby , the one thing in the world that Natalie could never give Tony. With a phone call to her dad, he talks Natalie in returning home but with one catch, to pick up her sister on the way. Natalie and Lindsey haven't spoke n in five years , so when Natalie turns up on Lindsey's doorstep and Lindsey is pregnant and with a black eye, Natalie is quick to judge. The pair then against both their better judgements head out on a road trip filled with tragedies, triumphs, laughter and tears and all this along The Mother Road of the States - Route 66.
A great novel that once you start reading you will not be able to put down and beware the trip along the Mother Road will be a bumpy and emotional journey.
In Jennifer Allee's book , we meet Natalie who has spent her whole life writing books about relationships and marriage -only now eighteen years to discover her husband has had an affair , and wants a divorce. The worst thing is that the woman is pregnant with his baby , the one thing in the world that Natalie could never give Tony. With a phone call to her dad, he talks Natalie in returning home but with one catch, to pick up her sister on the way. Natalie and Lindsey haven't spoke n in five years , so when Natalie turns up on Lindsey's doorstep and Lindsey is pregnant and with a black eye, Natalie is quick to judge. The pair then against both their better judgements head out on a road trip filled with tragedies, triumphs, laughter and tears and all this along The Mother Road of the States - Route 66.
A great novel that once you start reading you will not be able to put down and beware the trip along the Mother Road will be a bumpy and emotional journey.
July 19, 2012
Within a week, best-selling author and marriage expert, Natalie Marino is dumped by her husband, receives a desperate phone call from her father and discovers that her estranged sister, Lindsay, is pregnant. A trip down Route 66 to visit their parents, may not be the most ideal bonding experience for the sisters, but it surely couldn't hurt either of them. Or so Natalie thinks, until their car and belongings are stolen and Lindsay's boyfriend begins to stalk them.
Will their trip down The Mother Road bring the sisters closer together, or will their next destination turn out ultimately to be their last? I truly enjoyed this book and found it to be very suspenseful but ultimately uplifting. It definitely struck a chord within me, as I have recently discovered that two close relatives are suffering from the beginnings of Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. I cried throughout this novel but I loved it! I give this book an A!
Will their trip down The Mother Road bring the sisters closer together, or will their next destination turn out ultimately to be their last? I truly enjoyed this book and found it to be very suspenseful but ultimately uplifting. It definitely struck a chord within me, as I have recently discovered that two close relatives are suffering from the beginnings of Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. I cried throughout this novel but I loved it! I give this book an A!
December 2, 2012
Jennifer ALlee just gets better and better. If you haven't read The Pastor's Wife and The Mother Road, you have a treasure awaiting you. I love the imperfect people—including Christians like me—in Jen's books who struggle with difficult situations in their lives. But her books always leaves me with hope and with food for thought on how I might respond to the challenges I face.
Lots of humor. A great, thought-provoking read.
Lots of humor. A great, thought-provoking read.
May 22, 2020
After being dumped and presented divorce papers by her husband of 18 years, Natalie and her estranged sister, Lindsay, who is pregnant and unmarried, head down Route 66 towards their family home in Illinois where their mother is failing slowly due to Alzheimer's.
This book has languished on my e-reader since 2012, and after reading it, I wondered why. Very well written with a strong spiritual thread and complex realistic characters, it brought back lots of wonderful memories of my family driving route 66 from California to its end as we headed to visit my grandparents in Ontario, Canada. AlLee's coverage of the pain and heartache of Alzheimer's and the effects on members of the family was also very well written.
Thoroughly enjoyable book and I wonder how many other treasures are lost in the old collections on my Kindle.
This book has languished on my e-reader since 2012, and after reading it, I wondered why. Very well written with a strong spiritual thread and complex realistic characters, it brought back lots of wonderful memories of my family driving route 66 from California to its end as we headed to visit my grandparents in Ontario, Canada. AlLee's coverage of the pain and heartache of Alzheimer's and the effects on members of the family was also very well written.
Thoroughly enjoyable book and I wonder how many other treasures are lost in the old collections on my Kindle.
October 28, 2013
"The Mother Road" by Jennifer AlLee is a quick paced, fun read for the most part. Its biggest flaw is a missed opportunity to teach a lesson so large you could fit all of Route 66 into it. I will explain in a moment.
Within the novel, protagonist Natalie and her sister Lindsay take a road trip up Route 66 from Santa Monica to Illinois. The sisters have not gotten along in the past and have not spoken in years. Natalie has become a successful Christian writer and lecturer, focusing on Christian marriage. Her cheating husband has just asked for a divorce, which has caused her to feel that not only is her marriage done, but her career as well. Lindsay has drifted into an unplanned pregnancy with an allegedly abusive boyfriend. They are traveling to meet with their parents, whom neither have seen in many years.
The writing is bright and energetic, yet can be taxing to read. Natalie narrates the story in the present tense, mostly in fragmented sentences that make the story sputter like an engine with a dirty carburetor. For a moment I'd like to mention that I'm a fairly newcomer to reading Christian fiction. What I am finding, and this book is no exception, is that the writers I have read so far do not fully understand the craft of writing. What I feel Jennifer AlLee is trying to do is give Natalie a distinctive "voice" by having her speak in the present tense, most of the time in clipped, fragmented sentences. The result is not a charming characterization, but a read that is halting and awkward most of the time. A writing style should become fluid and not keep reminding the reader that the style is there. The writing style should not distract from the story.
While I liked Lindsay and most of the other characters, I found it difficult to like Natalie. She is impulsive, shallow and often times judgmental. This is what leads to the grand missed opportunity I mentioned before.
All in all, a good, fun read but the lessons and subplots could have used more work.
Within the novel, protagonist Natalie and her sister Lindsay take a road trip up Route 66 from Santa Monica to Illinois. The sisters have not gotten along in the past and have not spoken in years. Natalie has become a successful Christian writer and lecturer, focusing on Christian marriage. Her cheating husband has just asked for a divorce, which has caused her to feel that not only is her marriage done, but her career as well. Lindsay has drifted into an unplanned pregnancy with an allegedly abusive boyfriend. They are traveling to meet with their parents, whom neither have seen in many years.
The writing is bright and energetic, yet can be taxing to read. Natalie narrates the story in the present tense, mostly in fragmented sentences that make the story sputter like an engine with a dirty carburetor. For a moment I'd like to mention that I'm a fairly newcomer to reading Christian fiction. What I am finding, and this book is no exception, is that the writers I have read so far do not fully understand the craft of writing. What I feel Jennifer AlLee is trying to do is give Natalie a distinctive "voice" by having her speak in the present tense, most of the time in clipped, fragmented sentences. The result is not a charming characterization, but a read that is halting and awkward most of the time. A writing style should become fluid and not keep reminding the reader that the style is there. The writing style should not distract from the story.
While I liked Lindsay and most of the other characters, I found it difficult to like Natalie. She is impulsive, shallow and often times judgmental. This is what leads to the grand missed opportunity I mentioned before.
All in all, a good, fun read but the lessons and subplots could have used more work.
August 27, 2019
Yay
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, read it in 2 days, well written and entertaining. My parents didn't live long enough to have Alzheimer's so I personally have not had to deal with this devestating terrifying disease, I believe it was described well and handled with Grace in this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, read it in 2 days, well written and entertaining. My parents didn't live long enough to have Alzheimer's so I personally have not had to deal with this devestating terrifying disease, I believe it was described well and handled with Grace in this book.
May 5, 2021
The rest of the story…
How to get through a divorce, would have been a good title for this adventure. A road trip through Route 66 is something I would love to do and this novel gives some insight into what you might need to see. Disappointed that you left Adam and Natalie’s furthering relationship in cliffhanger mode.
How to get through a divorce, would have been a good title for this adventure. A road trip through Route 66 is something I would love to do and this novel gives some insight into what you might need to see. Disappointed that you left Adam and Natalie’s furthering relationship in cliffhanger mode.
August 13, 2017
A lovely book. Christian Fiction. All about renewal and second chances. Learning to cope with a mother whose memory is leaving her. A page turner I read in one day. Highly recommend. A really feel good book.
May 13, 2017
A fun, clean read. It is a bit neat and tidy for life comparisons but a fun story - I'd love to see a sequel but if that never happens I am just as happy dreaming up futures for these characters!
March 19, 2020
Decent easy read
Kept my attention. Predictable story. Happy ending. I liked it well enough. Worth a read if you have time. Enjoys
Kept my attention. Predictable story. Happy ending. I liked it well enough. Worth a read if you have time. Enjoys
April 8, 2020
Quite enjoyable
I appreciated the Christian worldview in this book. The characters were engaging although they often made bad decisions and presumptions. Just like real life.
I appreciated the Christian worldview in this book. The characters were engaging although they often made bad decisions and presumptions. Just like real life.
October 31, 2020
Uplifting story - kinda based on 'splinter in your brothers eye, take out log in your own'
September 28, 2022
A nice light read, Which left me wanting to know if Natalie gets together with Adam?
Do Lindsay and Ben stay together?
How are the family coping with the mum Alzheimers?
Do Lindsay and Ben stay together?
How are the family coping with the mum Alzheimers?
December 18, 2022
Audible
May 15, 2012
Natalie Marino is a top selling Christian romance novelist / motivational speaker, aka "the marriage expert." Life as she's known it comes crashing down when Tony, her husband of eighteen years asks for a divorce. He confesses that he's had an affair with Erin, his administrative assistant, for the past two months and she's pregnant. Natalie is at a crossroads, unable to continue with her motivational speaking career, she doesn't know what to do next. Her father suggests she come home to Illinois for a visit, one that she hasn't made in four years, mainly because she doesn't want to face the pain of watching her mother deteriorate from Alzheimer's. Her father asks her to bring her younger sister, Lindsay, who she hasn't seen in seven years, but there is one problem, Lindsay is six months pregnant and won't fly, so they have to travel via a road trip down the Mother Road, the famous Route 66. With thirteen years separating them, the sisters barely knew each other as kids, and now as women they don't know each other at all, essentially they are two strangers. As they travel down Route 66, Natalie and Lindsay go on a journey of discovery, reflection, forgiveness and redemption.
The Mother Road is a wonderful Christian inspirational novel about family, relationships and self-discovery. This is a beautifully written story that captivates the reader from the start. Filled with real life issues such as marriage, infidelity, divorce, pregnancy, family relationships and Alzheimer's Disease; this story will pull at your heartstrings. The author engages the reader with her thoughtful writing style, and the reader goes along for the ride on Natalie and Lindsay's journey down the Mother Road, the famous Route 66. The author does a wonderful job of describing the various scenic stops along Route 66: The Santa Monica Pier; The giant orange in Fontana, CA; the burros that freely roam the street and the Clark Gable/Carol Lombard honeymoon suite in Oatman, AZ; the 50-60s themed town of Seligman, AZ; the huge wooden lumberjack in Flagstaff, AZ; the Wigwam Village in Holbrook, AZ; and a side trip to the Grand Canyon. These scenic descriptions makes me want to go on a road trip down the Mother Road so I can visit all these places too! The author does a great job of balancing out the life issues that are predominant throughout the story, by interweaving it with the fun road trip, which makes the story that much more endearing and compelling.
The Mother Road is a powerfully compelling story of relationships, life issues, self-discovery, forgiveness and redemption. This thoughtful story is one that will leave an imprint long after you have finished reading it. For anyone who would like to read a heartwarming, realistic, funny and thought provoking story, The Mother Road, is a novel that won't leave you disappointed!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher (Abingdon Press) in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event.
Virtual Book Tour Event: On Tuesday, May 15, 2012, in association with Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours, author Jennifer Allee participated in a virtual book tour event with an Author Guest Post on Jersey Girl Book Reviews. http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
The Mother Road is a wonderful Christian inspirational novel about family, relationships and self-discovery. This is a beautifully written story that captivates the reader from the start. Filled with real life issues such as marriage, infidelity, divorce, pregnancy, family relationships and Alzheimer's Disease; this story will pull at your heartstrings. The author engages the reader with her thoughtful writing style, and the reader goes along for the ride on Natalie and Lindsay's journey down the Mother Road, the famous Route 66. The author does a wonderful job of describing the various scenic stops along Route 66: The Santa Monica Pier; The giant orange in Fontana, CA; the burros that freely roam the street and the Clark Gable/Carol Lombard honeymoon suite in Oatman, AZ; the 50-60s themed town of Seligman, AZ; the huge wooden lumberjack in Flagstaff, AZ; the Wigwam Village in Holbrook, AZ; and a side trip to the Grand Canyon. These scenic descriptions makes me want to go on a road trip down the Mother Road so I can visit all these places too! The author does a great job of balancing out the life issues that are predominant throughout the story, by interweaving it with the fun road trip, which makes the story that much more endearing and compelling.
The Mother Road is a powerfully compelling story of relationships, life issues, self-discovery, forgiveness and redemption. This thoughtful story is one that will leave an imprint long after you have finished reading it. For anyone who would like to read a heartwarming, realistic, funny and thought provoking story, The Mother Road, is a novel that won't leave you disappointed!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher (Abingdon Press) in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event.
Virtual Book Tour Event: On Tuesday, May 15, 2012, in association with Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours, author Jennifer Allee participated in a virtual book tour event with an Author Guest Post on Jersey Girl Book Reviews. http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
June 3, 2012
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK!
The Mother Road by Jennifer Allee
Natalie had it all, a thriving author and motivational speaker on marriages, she and her husband making a comfortable living, a nice home, and most of all, a storybook marriage with the love of her life. That is until her husband comes home from work one night and tells Natalie he wants a divorce. But that couldn’t be, could it? Natalie spends her life helping other ladies keep their husbands home and keep their marriages together. And to make matters worse, she finds out her mom’s illness is getting worse, and her dad wants her to come home while mom will still recognize her. And bring her sister Lindsay, whom Natalie hadn’t had contact with for years, with her.
Wow this book starts off with am emotional bang and keeps you in the grip of its pages until the very end. Natalie was faced with what so many people face today, and that is infidelity. She is now dealing with the hurts, rejection, heartaches, loses, and everything else that comes with the situation.
Spoiler, kinda of, so don’t read further if you don’t like spoilers.
What I just can’t understand is this, why did Natalie not fight for her marriage. Yes there was surprises that would make it more difficult, but being an author and a speaker on keeping marriages together, I think she totally handled it the wrong way. I mean, she really did nothing whatsoever to save her marriage, she just let him go, pronto! I say this because this very same thing happened to my son, and he went above and beyond what he needed to do in order to save his marriage. Does this mean she really didn’t believe what she has been teaching and writing about all of these years? And ok I know how it all ended, but still I think she should have at least tried. Ok this is just my take on this part.
Other than this, the book is awesome. The characters are very well thought out and created, characters that play there parts so very well in the story. The unique way that brought the sisters together was very special, and just the rest of the entire story was really awesome. So I do recommend that you run out and grab a copy of this book to read and enjoy. This unique trip on The Mother Road will be different from any trip you have ever been on in your life.
This book was provided by the author through PUYB blog tours. I was not expected to give a positive review, only an honest one. The opinions in this review are mine only.
The Mother Road by Jennifer Allee
Natalie had it all, a thriving author and motivational speaker on marriages, she and her husband making a comfortable living, a nice home, and most of all, a storybook marriage with the love of her life. That is until her husband comes home from work one night and tells Natalie he wants a divorce. But that couldn’t be, could it? Natalie spends her life helping other ladies keep their husbands home and keep their marriages together. And to make matters worse, she finds out her mom’s illness is getting worse, and her dad wants her to come home while mom will still recognize her. And bring her sister Lindsay, whom Natalie hadn’t had contact with for years, with her.
Wow this book starts off with am emotional bang and keeps you in the grip of its pages until the very end. Natalie was faced with what so many people face today, and that is infidelity. She is now dealing with the hurts, rejection, heartaches, loses, and everything else that comes with the situation.
Spoiler, kinda of, so don’t read further if you don’t like spoilers.
What I just can’t understand is this, why did Natalie not fight for her marriage. Yes there was surprises that would make it more difficult, but being an author and a speaker on keeping marriages together, I think she totally handled it the wrong way. I mean, she really did nothing whatsoever to save her marriage, she just let him go, pronto! I say this because this very same thing happened to my son, and he went above and beyond what he needed to do in order to save his marriage. Does this mean she really didn’t believe what she has been teaching and writing about all of these years? And ok I know how it all ended, but still I think she should have at least tried. Ok this is just my take on this part.
Other than this, the book is awesome. The characters are very well thought out and created, characters that play there parts so very well in the story. The unique way that brought the sisters together was very special, and just the rest of the entire story was really awesome. So I do recommend that you run out and grab a copy of this book to read and enjoy. This unique trip on The Mother Road will be different from any trip you have ever been on in your life.
This book was provided by the author through PUYB blog tours. I was not expected to give a positive review, only an honest one. The opinions in this review are mine only.
September 20, 2013
Natalie is a professional on marriage. She’s written several books on how to keep your marriage alive and she has speaking engagements all over her calendar to prove her worth in that arena. Unfortunately, this doesn’t stop her from having marital difficulties. When her husband leaves her for another woman, Natalie is devastated. And not only does it destroy her marriage, it takes her career down with it.
It’s not exactly what Natalie was planning, but when her father calls to tell her that her mother is slipping further and further away into the dregs of Alzheimer’s, Natalie decides that a trip back home is just about perfect right now. She even starts to get excited about it and before she can think too hard, she invites her sister Lindsay along. Of course, she gets another surprise when she shows up and Lindsay is pregnant and in the midst of leaving her boyfriend.
The topics in this book are heavy and very real, which could have easily bogged the book down into not only a boring read but also a highly depressing one. Thankfully, Jennifer AlLee handles the situations with a lightness of hand that leaves a gentle touch on the reader’s soul. Where you want to cry along with Natalie, you also can’t help laughing later when she and her sister find themselves in some of the craziest situations you could imagine. I admit there were times when I wanted to shake Natalie and yell at her – pretty loudly I might add. But as frustrated as I was, I do understand that often the person in the center of the controversy or difficult opinion is the last one to see things clearly.
Natalie is stubborn, stuck in her ways and convinced she can hold her life together though everything around her is falling apart. And I admit to some of that stubbornness myself.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, and it hit the spot right at the perfect time for a good summer read. As hard as it was to watch Natalie fall, it was a pleasure to watch things start to come back together too.
Book provided by the author. Thank You!
It’s not exactly what Natalie was planning, but when her father calls to tell her that her mother is slipping further and further away into the dregs of Alzheimer’s, Natalie decides that a trip back home is just about perfect right now. She even starts to get excited about it and before she can think too hard, she invites her sister Lindsay along. Of course, she gets another surprise when she shows up and Lindsay is pregnant and in the midst of leaving her boyfriend.
The topics in this book are heavy and very real, which could have easily bogged the book down into not only a boring read but also a highly depressing one. Thankfully, Jennifer AlLee handles the situations with a lightness of hand that leaves a gentle touch on the reader’s soul. Where you want to cry along with Natalie, you also can’t help laughing later when she and her sister find themselves in some of the craziest situations you could imagine. I admit there were times when I wanted to shake Natalie and yell at her – pretty loudly I might add. But as frustrated as I was, I do understand that often the person in the center of the controversy or difficult opinion is the last one to see things clearly.
Natalie is stubborn, stuck in her ways and convinced she can hold her life together though everything around her is falling apart. And I admit to some of that stubbornness myself.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, and it hit the spot right at the perfect time for a good summer read. As hard as it was to watch Natalie fall, it was a pleasure to watch things start to come back together too.
Book provided by the author. Thank You!
November 10, 2012
I debated between 3 & 4 stars. I enjoyed the book. It was an easy read. I really didn't have much of a problem putting it down to go to bed.
I've always been fascinated with Route 66, the Mother Road. We drove a short distance on it a few years ago through Oatman, Ariz., but didn't stop. We did see some burros (donkeys). I would enjoy a road trip along Route 66 the way Natalie & Lindsay did, slowly, with a video camera. But, the way we would do it, would be to drive as far & as fast as we could.
I thought it interesting to read about Alzheimer's. I have done a little bit of research on it, but since my family hasn't had to deal with it, I've focused more on their problems.
What really hooked me though, was the Christian slant of the book. It was a satisfying ending, too.
I've always been fascinated with Route 66, the Mother Road. We drove a short distance on it a few years ago through Oatman, Ariz., but didn't stop. We did see some burros (donkeys). I would enjoy a road trip along Route 66 the way Natalie & Lindsay did, slowly, with a video camera. But, the way we would do it, would be to drive as far & as fast as we could.
I thought it interesting to read about Alzheimer's. I have done a little bit of research on it, but since my family hasn't had to deal with it, I've focused more on their problems.
What really hooked me though, was the Christian slant of the book. It was a satisfying ending, too.
April 30, 2012
The Mother Road by Jennifer AlLee
First thing that interested me about his book was Route 66. Tom Brockaw had done a special on TV about the places on that route.
Natalie Marino married for 18 ears had the perfect welcome home dinner ready on the table when her husband came home from his business trip. Instead he informs her he's with his assistant and she is pregant and he, Tony wants a divorce.
She is a Christian romance writer, how to books about marriage and how will others see her now that she won't even be married?
Jade her assistant helps pack up and move his clothes to the porch and even finds her a lawyer.
Nat stops at her sisters apartment an hour away and finds her things packed, a bruise under her eye and 4 months pregnant. She convinces her their Dad needs them to come home to see their Mother while she may still remember who they are.
The start out at Santa Monica Pier and travel along Rt 66 to get to their parents home in Illinois.
Upon after an elderly couple take a video of them standing near the sign they find out their car with all of Lindsay's belongings is stolen.
They get a nice convertible with a radio as a loaner.
Fascinating thing is the travel agent has highlighted all the places along 66 that they just must stop at. While Nat is videotaping she reads along from the tour guide so I feel like I'm seeing/hearing about the places as if I am right there.
As the sisters have not been in contact with one another the trip is going to be a long one especially when Lindsay is 4 months pregnant and always has to use the bathroom.
Sleep in a Wigwam has got to be the ultimate thing to do driving cross country! Sisters are bonding and talking more as they also sightsee along their journey.
Upon arriving home they see for themselves what the disease has done to their mother.
They have a lot to work through but with faith anything is possible....
First thing that interested me about his book was Route 66. Tom Brockaw had done a special on TV about the places on that route.
Natalie Marino married for 18 ears had the perfect welcome home dinner ready on the table when her husband came home from his business trip. Instead he informs her he's with his assistant and she is pregant and he, Tony wants a divorce.
She is a Christian romance writer, how to books about marriage and how will others see her now that she won't even be married?
Jade her assistant helps pack up and move his clothes to the porch and even finds her a lawyer.
Nat stops at her sisters apartment an hour away and finds her things packed, a bruise under her eye and 4 months pregnant. She convinces her their Dad needs them to come home to see their Mother while she may still remember who they are.
The start out at Santa Monica Pier and travel along Rt 66 to get to their parents home in Illinois.
Upon after an elderly couple take a video of them standing near the sign they find out their car with all of Lindsay's belongings is stolen.
They get a nice convertible with a radio as a loaner.
Fascinating thing is the travel agent has highlighted all the places along 66 that they just must stop at. While Nat is videotaping she reads along from the tour guide so I feel like I'm seeing/hearing about the places as if I am right there.
As the sisters have not been in contact with one another the trip is going to be a long one especially when Lindsay is 4 months pregnant and always has to use the bathroom.
Sleep in a Wigwam has got to be the ultimate thing to do driving cross country! Sisters are bonding and talking more as they also sightsee along their journey.
Upon arriving home they see for themselves what the disease has done to their mother.
They have a lot to work through but with faith anything is possible....
May 25, 2012
The Mother Road by Jennifer Allee is a book about Natalie who is cheated on by her husband and tells her one evening that he wants a divorce. He not only had an affair with his assistant but he has gotten her pregnant. Natalie is of course devastated by this news and of course is angry, angry at her husband, angry at herself and angry at God. Natalie is a published author and expert on marriage so she feels because of the divorce she will be jobless as an author. She gets a phone call from her father telling her that she and her sister, Lindsay, who she has not seen in years, need to come home to see their mother. He tells Natalie that her mother has Alzheimer's, and that he is concerned that she will not know her daughters.
Natalie contacts her sister and they plan on driving from California to Illinois and plan to travel as much as they can on Route 66. Lindsay is pregnant and Ben the father of her child does not want children so Natalie does not trust him at all and thinks that Ben is abusing Lindsay.
I have been divorced and I can understand the feelings of anger and betrayal and I could feel along with Natalie her mistrust of men and feeling like a failure. The other issue in this story is the subject of Alzheimers. I have also been influenced by this horrible disease that robs a person of cognizant thought and functions. I felt that the author touched on these sensitive issues with grace and compassion. We all have to learn forgiveness in ourselves and others before we can be truly happy in life and The Mother Road does just that, I do not want to give anything away but I was happy with the ending of the story. The Mother Road is also the name for Route 66 and I found it interesting that the author included this in the story..like a new beginning.
Natalie contacts her sister and they plan on driving from California to Illinois and plan to travel as much as they can on Route 66. Lindsay is pregnant and Ben the father of her child does not want children so Natalie does not trust him at all and thinks that Ben is abusing Lindsay.
I have been divorced and I can understand the feelings of anger and betrayal and I could feel along with Natalie her mistrust of men and feeling like a failure. The other issue in this story is the subject of Alzheimers. I have also been influenced by this horrible disease that robs a person of cognizant thought and functions. I felt that the author touched on these sensitive issues with grace and compassion. We all have to learn forgiveness in ourselves and others before we can be truly happy in life and The Mother Road does just that, I do not want to give anything away but I was happy with the ending of the story. The Mother Road is also the name for Route 66 and I found it interesting that the author included this in the story..like a new beginning.
December 21, 2013
I honestly had no idea what I would think of this book, but the author immediately got my attention with the terms writer and divorce. Imagine a Christian romance novelist and marriage author/speaker who is blindsided with her husband's affair and divorce. Being a Christian divorcee myself, this instantly struck a nerve with me. And although my ex never cheated on me, the whole issue of
Christians getting divorced struck a nerve with me.
I absolutely loved the characters Natalie, Lindsay, and Adam. I fell in love with Adam as I wondered if men like him existed. And I could sympathize with Natalie as she tried to sort herself out. And poor Lindsay. She seemed so helpless but ended up being so strong.
The part about Alzheimers intrigued me as well due to our family history. My heart broke every timne Meredith forgot yet another part of her life. It was sometimes hard to read, and I can only hope and pray this never happens to someone I love. But if it does, may I react as God would have me.
I was not really too excited about traveling Route 66. I have been on parts of that road, but it did not capture my attention. I was more intrigued with how God worked on the sisters during their road trip. Infact, it was nice yet again to read a book that allowed God to break through its pages without being preachy.
While this is not a deep book--definitely a nice, light read--I would love to see the author write a sequel so we can see how the characters go on to accomplish their individual struggles.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100 percent mine, and I was not financially compensated.
Christians getting divorced struck a nerve with me.
I absolutely loved the characters Natalie, Lindsay, and Adam. I fell in love with Adam as I wondered if men like him existed. And I could sympathize with Natalie as she tried to sort herself out. And poor Lindsay. She seemed so helpless but ended up being so strong.
The part about Alzheimers intrigued me as well due to our family history. My heart broke every timne Meredith forgot yet another part of her life. It was sometimes hard to read, and I can only hope and pray this never happens to someone I love. But if it does, may I react as God would have me.
I was not really too excited about traveling Route 66. I have been on parts of that road, but it did not capture my attention. I was more intrigued with how God worked on the sisters during their road trip. Infact, it was nice yet again to read a book that allowed God to break through its pages without being preachy.
While this is not a deep book--definitely a nice, light read--I would love to see the author write a sequel so we can see how the characters go on to accomplish their individual struggles.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100 percent mine, and I was not financially compensated.
August 6, 2012
Motivational speaker Natalie Marino is suddenly crestfallen when her husband of 18 years leaves her for another woman. A divorce appears inevitable, and Natalie proceeds to cope by traveling cross country from her home in California to her roots in Illinois. Natalie and her pregnant young sister Lindsay take the days long drive retracing the historic Route 66 (Hence, The Mother Road). Upon arrival in Illinois, Natalie discovers that significant changes are taking place in the lives of her parents, on top of the separation issues she herself is facing with her former husband.
When I picked up this book, I was expecting more of grand tour of the towns and landmarks that dot the landscape of the old Route 66. These places, as the author insists in her epilogue are not made up. Natalie and Lindsay dine out at a "Road Kill Cafe" and sleep in a wigwam motel room. They take in the sights out west, but whiz their up the newer interstates that eventually replaced 66 as a modern day thoroughfare. The title is symbolic is two ways, such that they drive on Route 66, which John Steinbeck branded as the Mother Road. However, the drive is to visit with their mother in Illinois, who is beginning to face health concerns. A good book for those who like to read into family issues. For people wanting to know more about the actual highway, this books leaves more to be desired.
When I picked up this book, I was expecting more of grand tour of the towns and landmarks that dot the landscape of the old Route 66. These places, as the author insists in her epilogue are not made up. Natalie and Lindsay dine out at a "Road Kill Cafe" and sleep in a wigwam motel room. They take in the sights out west, but whiz their up the newer interstates that eventually replaced 66 as a modern day thoroughfare. The title is symbolic is two ways, such that they drive on Route 66, which John Steinbeck branded as the Mother Road. However, the drive is to visit with their mother in Illinois, who is beginning to face health concerns. A good book for those who like to read into family issues. For people wanting to know more about the actual highway, this books leaves more to be desired.
April 10, 2016
I loved this book! It has a lot of humor but it's very serious too, not the fluffy chick-lit book I was expecting.
It begins with Natalie's husband telling her he wants a divorce, he's been having an affair and his girlfriend is pregnant. Natalie didn't see that coming. She thought they were happy, and in fact she earns her living writing and speaking about how to have a happy marriage. Then she talks to her dad and he tells her to come home because her mom's Alzheimer's is getting worse and that she needs to bring her sister. Natalie hasn't seen sis in years, but agrees. Fortunately, sis lives nearby in Santa Monica, California, but home is near Chicago in Illinois and pregnant sis refuses to fly. The two very different women alternate between feuding and bonding along Route 66, the Mother Road, aptly named for their situation as they try to make it home. They have typical tourist experiences along the road, but they also have a stalker.
In Illinois, the reunion with mom and dad is very poignant as they struggle with mom's memory loss and erratic behavior, and witness the toll taken on dad's health as he serves as caregiver. Life as they knew it is over for everyone, but there may be hope in all their new beginnings.
It begins with Natalie's husband telling her he wants a divorce, he's been having an affair and his girlfriend is pregnant. Natalie didn't see that coming. She thought they were happy, and in fact she earns her living writing and speaking about how to have a happy marriage. Then she talks to her dad and he tells her to come home because her mom's Alzheimer's is getting worse and that she needs to bring her sister. Natalie hasn't seen sis in years, but agrees. Fortunately, sis lives nearby in Santa Monica, California, but home is near Chicago in Illinois and pregnant sis refuses to fly. The two very different women alternate between feuding and bonding along Route 66, the Mother Road, aptly named for their situation as they try to make it home. They have typical tourist experiences along the road, but they also have a stalker.
In Illinois, the reunion with mom and dad is very poignant as they struggle with mom's memory loss and erratic behavior, and witness the toll taken on dad's health as he serves as caregiver. Life as they knew it is over for everyone, but there may be hope in all their new beginnings.
May 14, 2012
I just loved The Mother Road, named for Route 66. I loved how Jennifer Allee took actual places on the road to incorporate into her book, leading us on a virtual tour along with Natalie and Lindsay! Some of the out of the way places and people they met were great in keeping the story moving.
Natalie and Lindsay have been estranged sisters for much of their lives, a large age difference separating much of their lives from each other. Now as they drive the Mother Road they have time to talk, to vent, to learn about each other. I think the name of the book, The Mother Road is important to Lindsay's unplanned pregnancy as well as their journey to visit their own mother who is suffering with Alzheimers.
It doesn't matter how well versed you are in marriage, in parenting, or the Christian faith, the devil is out to kill, steal and destroy. I enjoyed the redemption that Jennifer Allee shows in this novel for the sisters as well as the central theme of forgiveness.
5 stars, just loved it!!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Pump Up Your Book.
Natalie and Lindsay have been estranged sisters for much of their lives, a large age difference separating much of their lives from each other. Now as they drive the Mother Road they have time to talk, to vent, to learn about each other. I think the name of the book, The Mother Road is important to Lindsay's unplanned pregnancy as well as their journey to visit their own mother who is suffering with Alzheimers.
It doesn't matter how well versed you are in marriage, in parenting, or the Christian faith, the devil is out to kill, steal and destroy. I enjoyed the redemption that Jennifer Allee shows in this novel for the sisters as well as the central theme of forgiveness.
5 stars, just loved it!!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Pump Up Your Book.
October 24, 2015
My favourite parts of this book were the times spend on route 66. I really want to go visit Oatman and the Grand Canyon now. I wish there had been more stops along the road. I found it hard to like Natalie. She was very judgemental of her sister's boyfriend and stuck to that opinion even after others tried to show her differently. When she thought she lost both her marriage and her career, she didn't seem to fight for them, just gave up. The sudden crush on Adam after only meeting him briefly and only a few weeks after her husband's news. Then not visiting her parents for 3 years, when she knew her mom was sick. And Natalie was suppose to be a Christian author writing books on marriage. I just could not connect with her. I did like seeing how the broken family relationships were able to be resolved and that in the end the family was there for each other through the difficult journey of dealing with Alzheimer's. The lesson to be taken from this book is that with faith in God you can get through anything.
February 20, 2013
This book was surprisingly good. On the surface, the plot seemed typical, husband cheats on wife, gets girlfriend pregnant and leaves wife. But it's much more than that. The wife is a self-help author of religious marriage books, so not only is her marriage DOA, but so is her career. She ends up going home to visit her parents with her estranged sister on a road trip and the protagonist learns to let God do the driving in her life.
A very important part of the book is her mother has early onset Alzheimer's, with the father as her care taker. It's sad, but true to life. Yes, the protagonist learns to cope with her life falling down around her ears, but it never feels forced and its never magic-wand easy. God is also a major thread in this novel, which I enjoyed. He wasn't in the reader's face, but He was there. Not as a magic worker, but as the Father and an invisible means of support.
Very good book, I would read it again.
A very important part of the book is her mother has early onset Alzheimer's, with the father as her care taker. It's sad, but true to life. Yes, the protagonist learns to cope with her life falling down around her ears, but it never feels forced and its never magic-wand easy. God is also a major thread in this novel, which I enjoyed. He wasn't in the reader's face, but He was there. Not as a magic worker, but as the Father and an invisible means of support.
Very good book, I would read it again.
April 23, 2012
Another good read by Jennifer AlLee - kept me really interested the whole time!
After reading two of her books (this one, and The Pastor's Wife), I have to say that I appreciate her style of writing Christian Fiction without making it too Christiany. Maybe that doesn't make sense, but I'm really tired of too much schmaltzy, fake situations and dialogue in Christian novels. Jennifer seems to make her books pretty realistic. I love that.
The only beef I had is with the sister's boyfriend. I feel like the main character made a snap judgement about him, and never gave any thought to it at all. Compared to the way she seemed to analyze everything else in her life, it came off as very uncharacteristic for her, and it bothered me. Perhaps a little more attention could have gone to that part of the story, but otherwise it was a great little book.
After reading two of her books (this one, and The Pastor's Wife), I have to say that I appreciate her style of writing Christian Fiction without making it too Christiany. Maybe that doesn't make sense, but I'm really tired of too much schmaltzy, fake situations and dialogue in Christian novels. Jennifer seems to make her books pretty realistic. I love that.
The only beef I had is with the sister's boyfriend. I feel like the main character made a snap judgement about him, and never gave any thought to it at all. Compared to the way she seemed to analyze everything else in her life, it came off as very uncharacteristic for her, and it bothered me. Perhaps a little more attention could have gone to that part of the story, but otherwise it was a great little book.
March 7, 2016
Fun- lighthearted read!
After starting this book I went to look at reviews out of curiosity. I was surprised that many People attacked the main character, Natalie for being judgmental. I disagree completely. I felt she acted out of love for her sister & her character was a realistic interpretation of a newly divorced woman trying to make sense out of her life. I enjoyed this book a lot. I liked that as a Christian book it did not have an unrealistic outcome of a husband who cheated, not everyone is able to salvage their marriage after such an experience & usually Christian books bring them back together somehow. Sure it'd be great if that was a possibility- nothing is impossible for God but realistically it usually doesn't work.
I enjoyed this light read & enjoy the easy-to-read style of this author!
After starting this book I went to look at reviews out of curiosity. I was surprised that many People attacked the main character, Natalie for being judgmental. I disagree completely. I felt she acted out of love for her sister & her character was a realistic interpretation of a newly divorced woman trying to make sense out of her life. I enjoyed this book a lot. I liked that as a Christian book it did not have an unrealistic outcome of a husband who cheated, not everyone is able to salvage their marriage after such an experience & usually Christian books bring them back together somehow. Sure it'd be great if that was a possibility- nothing is impossible for God but realistically it usually doesn't work.
I enjoyed this light read & enjoy the easy-to-read style of this author!
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