What do you think?
Rate this book
The Doors of Rome
A delightful, up-lifting story of an ordinary woman whose life is transformed by one simple Photographing the doors of Rome.
Salt-of-the-earth housewife, Millie Devonshire enjoys making a home for her husband and going on "therapy" jogs with her best friend, yet Millie feels adventure is missing from her life. Middle-aged, childless, and married to all-too practical Walter, Millie is consistently told to wait until retirement for their adventurous life to begin. One day, she enters a photography contest and wins first prize—an all expenses paid trip to Rome for two. Certainly Walter will agree to go on this free adventure with her, right?
When Walter declines because he's up for a promotion at work, Millie decides to make her own dreams of adventure come true. She heads to Rome with her best friend and running partner, Edith instead. Yet Edith has her own She'll go only if Millie runs the Rome Marathon with her. When Millie and Edith arrive in Rome, they have no idea how their lives are about to be turned upside down and how many other lives will be transformed forever. Always kind, always cheery, and always hopeful, the indomitable Millie takes Rome by storm and learns some of life's greatest lessons along the If you don't invest in love, you'll lose it and sometimes you have to leave someone behind to get their attention.
Salt-of-the-earth housewife, Millie Devonshire enjoys making a home for her husband and going on "therapy" jogs with her best friend, yet Millie feels adventure is missing from her life. Middle-aged, childless, and married to all-too practical Walter, Millie is consistently told to wait until retirement for their adventurous life to begin. One day, she enters a photography contest and wins first prize—an all expenses paid trip to Rome for two. Certainly Walter will agree to go on this free adventure with her, right?
When Walter declines because he's up for a promotion at work, Millie decides to make her own dreams of adventure come true. She heads to Rome with her best friend and running partner, Edith instead. Yet Edith has her own She'll go only if Millie runs the Rome Marathon with her. When Millie and Edith arrive in Rome, they have no idea how their lives are about to be turned upside down and how many other lives will be transformed forever. Always kind, always cheery, and always hopeful, the indomitable Millie takes Rome by storm and learns some of life's greatest lessons along the If you don't invest in love, you'll lose it and sometimes you have to leave someone behind to get their attention.
- GenresContemporary
262 pages, Paperback
Published May 12, 2023
7 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Douthitt
23 books93 followersFormer writing teacher, R. A. Douthitt is an award-winning author of many books for middle grade readers and adults in fiction and non-fiction. She is the winner of the 2022 Christian Indie Awards FIRST PLACE in YA, the 2017 Moonbeam Children’s Books Award-Bronze Medal for Best Book Series, and the 2018 Gateway to the Best third prize winner of the Missouri Romance Writers of America contest. Ruth is working on a Christian-themed women's inspirational fiction series, coming soon. She currently works for Grand Canyon University and lives in Phoenix with her husband Scott and their little dog. When she isn't writing, Ruth loves to run, draw, paint, and garden.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 29, 2023
" Вратите се отварят.
Вратите се затварят.
Това правят вратите.
Да отвориш врата,
без да знаеш какво има от другата
страна,
изисква смелост.
За затварянето на врата,
която никога не е трябвало да се
отваря,
е необходима вяра."
The Door of Rome ми напомни моментите, когато съм слизал от самолета или автобуса на ново място. С широко отворени очи и с разтуптяно сърце, всичко, за което мога да мисля в такъв момент е,че най - после се е сбъднала още една мечта. Всяка забележителност, всеки изглед или преживяване дават възможност за приключение, което да скътаме при спомените си. А един спечелен конкурс с награда пътуване до Рим може да ни накара да повярваме в себе си, дори ако вече удобно и очаквано сме се превърнали в невидиме нишки от завесата или част от интериора у дома. Затова мислено аплодирах Мили за решението й да грабне случая и да изжевее своите 60 минути слава в Рим. Да опознае себе си и на пренареди приоритетите си. Отдалеч истината за отношенията у дома се виждат по - ясно. И можем да разберем дали самотата е нашата чаша капучино.
Вратите се затварят.
Това правят вратите.
Да отвориш врата,
без да знаеш какво има от другата
страна,
изисква смелост.
За затварянето на врата,
която никога не е трябвало да се
отваря,
е необходима вяра."
The Door of Rome ми напомни моментите, когато съм слизал от самолета или автобуса на ново място. С широко отворени очи и с разтуптяно сърце, всичко, за което мога да мисля в такъв момент е,че най - после се е сбъднала още една мечта. Всяка забележителност, всеки изглед или преживяване дават възможност за приключение, което да скътаме при спомените си. А един спечелен конкурс с награда пътуване до Рим може да ни накара да повярваме в себе си, дори ако вече удобно и очаквано сме се превърнали в невидиме нишки от завесата или част от интериора у дома. Затова мислено аплодирах Мили за решението й да грабне случая и да изжевее своите 60 минути слава в Рим. Да опознае себе си и на пренареди приоритетите си. Отдалеч истината за отношенията у дома се виждат по - ясно. И можем да разберем дали самотата е нашата чаша капучино.
October 8, 2023
Women's Fiction novel set in Rome. The author does a great job of describing the scenery.
North Carolina housewife Millie is worn thin of waiting for her life to begin and takes matters into her own hands. She wins a photography contest and a free trip to Rome. Unfortunately, her husband Walter isn't willing to take time away from work.
Millie's friend Edith tags along on the trip. Millie and Edith enjoy the sights of Rome and have plenty of adventure. The wedding scene was my favorite. At times the words and actions of some characters seemed out of alignment with their age and life experiences.
The cover is lovely!
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
North Carolina housewife Millie is worn thin of waiting for her life to begin and takes matters into her own hands. She wins a photography contest and a free trip to Rome. Unfortunately, her husband Walter isn't willing to take time away from work.
Millie's friend Edith tags along on the trip. Millie and Edith enjoy the sights of Rome and have plenty of adventure. The wedding scene was my favorite. At times the words and actions of some characters seemed out of alignment with their age and life experiences.
The cover is lovely!
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 24, 2023
It won't allow for half stars, but I'd give this a 3.5 if it did!
The Doors of Rome was a sweet, delightful story. And I'd like to be upfront and say that it might be my own life experience and inability to relate to parts of the story that made my rating a little lower.
Being a photographer like many of our major characters in this book, I resonated with the artistry and the breathtaking beauty of exploring a culture much older than my own (here in America). Looking through a lens helps us capture details others might not pay attention to, and for Millie, doing this in Rome helped her see that even closed doors weren't always what they seemed. I loved seeing her, and others (looking at you, Judith) grow throughout the book.
I loved the story itself and the idea behind the characters. My only "negative" is that, even as a Christian, some of the conversations about faith didn't feel authentic to me. Because of that, I struggled to see some of the characters the way the author intended and only connected with them at a few points in the story.
However, I realize this won't be everyone's experience. The story itself is intriguing and enjoyable, though, so I recommend reading it if you're looking for a sweet romance focused on middle-aged love and set in a fascinating culture.
The Doors of Rome was a sweet, delightful story. And I'd like to be upfront and say that it might be my own life experience and inability to relate to parts of the story that made my rating a little lower.
Being a photographer like many of our major characters in this book, I resonated with the artistry and the breathtaking beauty of exploring a culture much older than my own (here in America). Looking through a lens helps us capture details others might not pay attention to, and for Millie, doing this in Rome helped her see that even closed doors weren't always what they seemed. I loved seeing her, and others (looking at you, Judith) grow throughout the book.
I loved the story itself and the idea behind the characters. My only "negative" is that, even as a Christian, some of the conversations about faith didn't feel authentic to me. Because of that, I struggled to see some of the characters the way the author intended and only connected with them at a few points in the story.
However, I realize this won't be everyone's experience. The story itself is intriguing and enjoyable, though, so I recommend reading it if you're looking for a sweet romance focused on middle-aged love and set in a fascinating culture.
July 27, 2023
You know those books where you want to crawl inside and become best friends with the characters? That’s how I felt with R. A. Douthitt’s “The Doors of Rome”.
Main character Millie and her best friend Edith were so likable and fun. I felt as if I was touring Italy right alongside them. Millie’s middle-age struggles were heartbreaking and relatable, which made her triumphs all the more exciting, and I wanted to hop on a plane to Rome and cheer her on! At the same time, I wanted to sit down with Millie’s husband Walter and give him a serious talking to!
Isn’t the cover beautiful? The author herself took the photos of the doors on her own Roman holiday.
Main character Millie and her best friend Edith were so likable and fun. I felt as if I was touring Italy right alongside them. Millie’s middle-age struggles were heartbreaking and relatable, which made her triumphs all the more exciting, and I wanted to hop on a plane to Rome and cheer her on! At the same time, I wanted to sit down with Millie’s husband Walter and give him a serious talking to!
Isn’t the cover beautiful? The author herself took the photos of the doors on her own Roman holiday.
May 30, 2023
This was a quick book! It revolves around five people who won a photography contest. They all got a trip to Rome for the prize.
Millie wanted her husband to go with her but he didn’t want to be away from his work. Instead her friend Edith went on their adventure.
It’s a good descriptive story. It made me feel like I was with the group.
Thanks to the author for the early copy
Millie wanted her husband to go with her but he didn’t want to be away from his work. Instead her friend Edith went on their adventure.
It’s a good descriptive story. It made me feel like I was with the group.
Thanks to the author for the early copy
August 7, 2023
Wow-this story drew me in and kept my interest throughout. It is a clean, Christian story with no bad language. I enjoyed getting to know Millie and Edith. Their interactions with the other characters were great and I liked how they all learned about themselves and changed throughout the trip. I was pretty annoyed by Walter's behavior throughout most of the story, but love how he redeemed himself in the end. I almost felt I could see the doors that Millie became interested in and photographed and the wedding scene was wonderful. Very satisfactory ending.
May 19, 2023
The Doors of Rome was a fun book! I love best friend stories, Millie and Edith’s story was entertaining. It made me snicker every time Edith called Walter, Walt, cause I felt he deserved it! 😉 The only reason I couldn’t give it 5 stars was that Edith ditched Mille at a crucial moment for a man. It just didn’t sit well with me.
But, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves books about friends and travel!
But, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves books about friends and travel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2023
The Doors of Rome by R.A. Douthitt is a fun novel about a woman who wins a once in a lifetime trip to time. After her photograph is selected, Millie brings her friend Edith along to explore Rome along with the photography contest winners. They meet interesting people along the way. I love the message of this book and I especially love the ending. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
June 17, 2023
“Doors open and doors close. That’s what doors do. To open a door without knowing what’s on the other side takes courage. To close a door that never should have been opened requires faith.”
Millie has won a trip to Rome after winning a photography contest. She really wanted her husband, Walter, to go with her but he’s too busy with trying to get a promotion at work. He explains to her that there’s always time later to travel. So Millie recruits her best friend, Edith, to travel with her and Edith’s only request is that Millie must agree to run a marathon with her. They meet a group of people who were other contest participants that quickly become like their friends.
The use of doors and how it pertained to Millie’s life played a very key role in this book. Sometimes you need to see past a closed door if you truly wanna experience what life has to offer. You may miss something really important if you choose not to open it. The company who arranged this contest tells the participants to pick a theme and I can see why Millie chose to photograph the doors in Rome.
Millie learns so much about herself and grows as an individual during her time in Rome. She’s determined to not give up even when you think she might and having her best friend Edith there really helps her. The way the author used vivid descriptions made me feel like I was there exploring everything with them. This story had a couple plot twists and I really enjoyed seeing how it all played out. I felt the author did a good job at capturing it all. Totally recommend this book! Now I really wanna go to Rome!
I received an advanced copy from the author. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Millie has won a trip to Rome after winning a photography contest. She really wanted her husband, Walter, to go with her but he’s too busy with trying to get a promotion at work. He explains to her that there’s always time later to travel. So Millie recruits her best friend, Edith, to travel with her and Edith’s only request is that Millie must agree to run a marathon with her. They meet a group of people who were other contest participants that quickly become like their friends.
The use of doors and how it pertained to Millie’s life played a very key role in this book. Sometimes you need to see past a closed door if you truly wanna experience what life has to offer. You may miss something really important if you choose not to open it. The company who arranged this contest tells the participants to pick a theme and I can see why Millie chose to photograph the doors in Rome.
Millie learns so much about herself and grows as an individual during her time in Rome. She’s determined to not give up even when you think she might and having her best friend Edith there really helps her. The way the author used vivid descriptions made me feel like I was there exploring everything with them. This story had a couple plot twists and I really enjoyed seeing how it all played out. I felt the author did a good job at capturing it all. Totally recommend this book! Now I really wanna go to Rome!
I received an advanced copy from the author. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions stated here are my own.
June 1, 2023
An enjoyable read by a new to me author.
May 26, 2023
The Doors of Rome is one of the most inspirational books I have read this year!
Set in the most romantic city in the world, Rome, Italy.
Millie wins a photo contest and wins a trip to Rome. She brings her best friend Edith. Also Edith Signs them up to run a marathon in Rome.
She meets other winners of the Photography Contest. The company who arranged this trip wants them to pick a theme to photograph. Millie chooses The Doors of Rome.
While in Rome they become friendly with the locals and learn the culture. The group meets as strangers and at the end they go home as friends.
I love this story because it is about two women in their 50's and it is never to late to follow your dreams.
I love this saying that the author uses:
Doors open and Doors close
that's what doors do
to open a door without knowing what's on the other side takes courage.
To Close a door that never should have been opened requires faith.
Love the characters in the book. Great description of the historical places in Rome.
Set in the most romantic city in the world, Rome, Italy.
Millie wins a photo contest and wins a trip to Rome. She brings her best friend Edith. Also Edith Signs them up to run a marathon in Rome.
She meets other winners of the Photography Contest. The company who arranged this trip wants them to pick a theme to photograph. Millie chooses The Doors of Rome.
While in Rome they become friendly with the locals and learn the culture. The group meets as strangers and at the end they go home as friends.
I love this story because it is about two women in their 50's and it is never to late to follow your dreams.
I love this saying that the author uses:
Doors open and Doors close
that's what doors do
to open a door without knowing what's on the other side takes courage.
To Close a door that never should have been opened requires faith.
Love the characters in the book. Great description of the historical places in Rome.
April 15, 2025
A cute story that I read in anticipation of making a trip to Rome myself!
Millie is one of 5 photography contest winners who end up winning a trip to Rome. Her husband won't go on the trip with her so she brings along her friend Edith. The other 4 pairs who came on the trip are a mother/daughter, father/son, sweet and in love husband and wife, and a grumpy wife with her husband. When they get to Rome, they are told they need to choose a theme of what they will photograph during their time in Rome. Millie, as you might be able to guess from the title, chooses to photograph the doors of Rome.
As time goes by, these pairs get to know each other and form lifelong friendships. It's neat to see what each couple ends up representing to Millie. Some characters are developed a little more than others, and (almost) all of them have their own back story.
I enjoyed this story and think anyone who likes to read contemporary romances will like this one too. The faith themes were light and unforced.
Millie is one of 5 photography contest winners who end up winning a trip to Rome. Her husband won't go on the trip with her so she brings along her friend Edith. The other 4 pairs who came on the trip are a mother/daughter, father/son, sweet and in love husband and wife, and a grumpy wife with her husband. When they get to Rome, they are told they need to choose a theme of what they will photograph during their time in Rome. Millie, as you might be able to guess from the title, chooses to photograph the doors of Rome.
As time goes by, these pairs get to know each other and form lifelong friendships. It's neat to see what each couple ends up representing to Millie. Some characters are developed a little more than others, and (almost) all of them have their own back story.
I enjoyed this story and think anyone who likes to read contemporary romances will like this one too. The faith themes were light and unforced.
May 25, 2023
An enjoyable story about a woman who doesn't feel seen at home who wins a photography contest for an all expense paid trip to Rome. The author did a wonderful job of describing all of the places that Millie and Edith and the group visited in Rome, i felt like I was there with them walking the streets and looking at all that famous art and architecture. I loved the theme of the doors and what lies behind them has always fascinated me. I gave the story four stars because I didn't like the fact that the main character couldn't really make up her mind on anything. One minute she's made a decision but then the next someone can talk her out of it. That was the only drawback I had. The story line for each of the characters was great and believable and the characters grew from there experiences with each other and their environment.
May 28, 2023
This is a fun-filled, light read about a middle-aged housewife, Millie, who is looking for adventure. She wins a contest and takes a trip to Rome with her best friend, Edith. The secondary characters were not as fully realized as the main two, and certain plot twists seemed a bit contrived. However, the descriptions of the Italian settings were believable and exciting. All the descriptions of authentic Italian cuisine made my mouth water. After reading it, I'm craving real Roman gelato!
April 19, 2024
Douthitt has crafted an exquisite masterpiece. I was immediately immersed into the drama. Rich with detail and spiritual truths this novel will linger long after the final page. I enjoyed my time in Rome with these wonderful characters. I devoured this novel in one sitting.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational women's fiction.
I borrowed a copy from KU. I have expressed my honest view.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational women's fiction.
I borrowed a copy from KU. I have expressed my honest view.
May 19, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. It was an enjoyable book about an unexpected trip to Rome that opened up Millie's eyes to new things. It was fun to read about Millie's thoughts on doors and the ending was better than expected.
May 26, 2024
Such a sweet story about hope, faith, adventure, and love! I really enjoyed this one and all the wonderful sites around Italy and running - it brought back many memories for me and I related to Millie in ways that surprised me. Looking forward to exploring more books by this author.
May 29, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. The story flowed from page to page. Not your typical romance with fluffy love, but speaks of real love. Love that lasts. Releases May 30. Check it out!
February 2, 2024
An engaging story about a middle-aged woman who longs to be seen by her husband and appreciated for the things she does and who she is. She wins a photography contest and is awarded with a trip to Rome for two. She decides to go with a friend when her husband declines to go with her. After running a marathon through Rome and meeting new people and engaging with other people who are on the same adventure, she realizes that maybe she hasn’t really seen her circumstances clearly. As she listens and empathizes with her group, she is given a different perspective and decides to fight for her marriage and become the true version of herself.
I liked the faith Millie displayed during times of distress and uncertainty and how it pulled her through. I’m looking forward to reading more in the series. I give this book 3.5 stars.
I liked the faith Millie displayed during times of distress and uncertainty and how it pulled her through. I’m looking forward to reading more in the series. I give this book 3.5 stars.
February 2, 2024
A 5 star read
A new to me indie author of a wonderful romance. I love the book. It made me laugh and cry and think. The story is amazing. I look forward to the next one.
A new to me indie author of a wonderful romance. I love the book. It made me laugh and cry and think. The story is amazing. I look forward to the next one.
August 16, 2024
This was a new author to me and I'm glad I gave this book a try. I will be reading more of this series!
September 6, 2025
I loved this book! I can't wait to read the others in the series
January 11, 2024
A photography contest Millie wins earns her an all-expenses paid trip for two to Rome, minus her husband who cannot go because he’s up for a promotion at work. She and her close friend Edith, who is a best- selling author, jump at the opportunity to go. I’ve never been there, so this book was like a virtual fun romp through the Roman scenery. It’s not all fun though, but the conflicts are equally balanced with the lively journey with fantastic sights and sounds. All of the characters were very relatable and easy to become invested in, except maybe for Judith. One of the goals is the Rome Marathon where Millie stretches herself both mentally and physically and picks up an amazing friend along the way. This story is incredibly more than about a trip to Rome though. Millie digs in deep and learns considerably more about herself, her estranged family, her husband, and what’s behind those beautiful doors of Rome.
I’ve not read any of the author’s other books, as she is primarily a children’s author to date. This is her first adult contemporary romance. I will look forward to more adult titles from her in the future.
I received an e-copy of this book from the author and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
I’ve not read any of the author’s other books, as she is primarily a children’s author to date. This is her first adult contemporary romance. I will look forward to more adult titles from her in the future.
I received an e-copy of this book from the author and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews