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Bradleyville Series #1
Cast a Road Before Me
A course-changing event in one's life can happen in minutes. Or it can form slowly, a primitive webbing splaying into fingers of discontent, a minuscule trail hardening into the sinewed spine of resentment. So it was with the mill workers as the heat-soaked days of summer marched on...
City girl Jessie, orphaned at sixteen, struggles to adjust to life with her barely known aunt and uncle in the tiny town of Bradleyville, Kentucky. Eight years later (1968), she plans on leaving---to follow in her revered mother's footsteps of serving the homeless. But the peaceful town she's come to love is about to be tragically shattered. Threats of a labor strike rumble through the streets, and Jessie's new love and her uncle are swept into the maelstrom. Caught between the pacifist teachings of her mother and these two men, Jessie desperately tries to deny that Bradleyville is rolling toward violence and destruction.
City girl Jessie, orphaned at sixteen, struggles to adjust to life with her barely known aunt and uncle in the tiny town of Bradleyville, Kentucky. Eight years later (1968), she plans on leaving---to follow in her revered mother's footsteps of serving the homeless. But the peaceful town she's come to love is about to be tragically shattered. Threats of a labor strike rumble through the streets, and Jessie's new love and her uncle are swept into the maelstrom. Caught between the pacifist teachings of her mother and these two men, Jessie desperately tries to deny that Bradleyville is rolling toward violence and destruction.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
60 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Brandilyn Collins
49 books638 followersBrandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker at writers' conferences.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker at writers' conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 19, 2024
I was disappointed on this re-read.
January 3, 2010
Cast a Road Before Me: Book One of the Bradleyville Series by Brandilyn CollinsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
"Cast a Road Before Me" is the second book of the Bradleyville series that I have read and I'm fast becoming a fan of the Bradleyville series as a whole.
Book One of the Bradleyville series,"Cast a Road Before Me" is set in the small town of Bradleyville around 1968. Capturing the feel of the era, the story is centered around Jessie who is orphaned at the age of 16 and goest live her with aunt and uncle in Bradleyville, Kentucky.
What I really enjoy about the series, is the strong character development that immediately captures the reader and enwraps them in a slow, but rich detail filled story that leaves the reader unable to put the book down, and even when you do, you're still caught up going over the story in the back of your mind.
Filled with engaging drama and moments of light romance that are often nothing more than just a simple kiss, what is also endearing about the Bradleyville series as well, is how they are centered around a scriptural verse.
In the case of "Cast a Road Before Me", it's Jeremiah 29:11, but what I find especially endearing is the subtle focus on topics that are part of the Christian journey.
In Book Two, "Color the Sidewalk for me", it was about forgiveness, but in Book One, "Cast a Road Before Me", there is the sublte discussion of salvation and it's importance.
The reader is basically treated to a story within a story, within references to topical biblical passages to reinforce the books scriptural theme, and yet also interwines with the story's central theme, in this case, Jessie, coming to terms with the loss of her mother and the future she is presented with herself.
For non-Christians, this would be a wonderful way to subtly introduce what it means to be a Christian, as Brandilyn Collins' characters, face realistic situations that for some non-Christians, face or grapple with questions such as the conflict of forgiveness or in the case of "Cast a Road Before Me", the importance of salvation.
What is enjoyable about Brandilyn Collins writings, is the fact that her writing is so casual and engaging that it becomes easy to get lost in the story and forget that you are reading about fictional characters or even a Christian fiction, while she (Brandilyn Collins) achieves sharing a wonderful message of the redemptive power of our Heavenly Father.
If you are seeking for a way to engage non-Christians into discussions about faith and salvation, maybe your a new Christian, or just even for the mature follower, "Cast a Road Before Me" is highly recommended because it presents a casual but in the end, satisfying read that is both engaging, entertaining, heart warming and sends a powerful message that makes it difficult to not think about at the end of the reading.
"Cast a Road Before Me" is excellent for book club readings and to even open up discussions the importance of salvation, by providing a comfortable and heart warming neutral ground look as Jessie, herself, struggles with the question of the need for salvation, after all she is a good person, and following her mother's footsteps in doing good for others, and helps explains how "good works" is not enough, as even Jessie herself engages in those sometimes not comfortable feelings, that for those who may not have grown up in a Christian home, or did, may have gone through.
The interplay between her and her aunt and uncle and the man she falls in love with, is beautiful dialouge and at times, it is like the reader is just eavesdropping on their conversation.
"Cast a Road Before Me" will leave you feeling comforted and at the same time eager to read more of the Bradleyville series and definetely worth checking out to read!
Even though I had checked this book out of the lbrary, I definetely plan on buying the entire series to keep on my bookshelf and re-read later on.
Have to say, this has quickly become one of my favorite books for 2010!
View all my reviews >>
May 10, 2016
Jessie’s mother did everything right, but never felt good enough. She loved God, but never felt she measured up. And now Jessie, orphaned, graduated from college, and determined, plans to continue her mother’s job, to honor or mend her memory.
In a small American 1960s mill town, lives and jobs are depended on salaries paid by the owner. But a new owner, with a big house to maintain, might not have enough left over to offer a raise. When livelihoods are threatened, tempers begin to boil over and trouble brews.
“We don’t want a union,” the townspeople say, determined that no one but they should give orders, yet afraid that neighboring people might take their jobs. They do want change, and they do want action. And Jessie does want to get away. But she’s the niece of one worker, and falling in love with another, and time’s running out.
Author Brandilyn Collins contrasts small town poverty with large-world questions of peace, war and violence, bringing characters on all sides of the divide to life, and offering a convincing view of Christian faith in a very real world – faith that’s frequently flawed, but powerful just the same. With a blend of first and third-person narration, honest dialog, and fascinating relationships, she offers a story of genuine emotion, real scares, and honest Christianity. It’s a really good read.
Disclosure: I bought a copy after hearing the author speak, and I offer my honest review.
In a small American 1960s mill town, lives and jobs are depended on salaries paid by the owner. But a new owner, with a big house to maintain, might not have enough left over to offer a raise. When livelihoods are threatened, tempers begin to boil over and trouble brews.
“We don’t want a union,” the townspeople say, determined that no one but they should give orders, yet afraid that neighboring people might take their jobs. They do want change, and they do want action. And Jessie does want to get away. But she’s the niece of one worker, and falling in love with another, and time’s running out.
Author Brandilyn Collins contrasts small town poverty with large-world questions of peace, war and violence, bringing characters on all sides of the divide to life, and offering a convincing view of Christian faith in a very real world – faith that’s frequently flawed, but powerful just the same. With a blend of first and third-person narration, honest dialog, and fascinating relationships, she offers a story of genuine emotion, real scares, and honest Christianity. It’s a really good read.
Disclosure: I bought a copy after hearing the author speak, and I offer my honest review.
June 18, 2015
Brandilyn Collins has this tremendous talent for dragging you into a story and not letting go. I mean, she won't even let go when the story ends. Even as you draw a breath of relief that the hero and heroine made it all the way to the end not only unscathed, she leaving you wanting these characters to come back to life like they were a few minutes before. Now I'm an addict hollering for more. Thanks, Brandilyn.
Jessie Carlton vowed she would finish her mother's life work after her mom's life was cut short by a senseless traffic accident. Jessie's mom believed God had given her so much that all she could give would never be good enough. Never good enough. The words rang through the rest of Jessie's time in high school and through college. She would go back to that same Hope Center in Cincinnati where her mother gave her time so generously, She had served the Lord and the people in that center selflessly--serving meals, reading to the children, even bringing home some who needed a warm place to sleep. Jessie would continue her mother's work.
She had gone to live with her Aunt Eva and Uncle Frank in Bradleyville, a small town that owed everything to the mill that employed most of the employable people living there. After she graduated from college, Jessie went back to Bradleyville to wait until the fall when she'd be going to work for Hope Center. She already had the promise of a position, and she could hardly wait for August! She could go back and work for the poor like her mother had.
But life has a way of happening when you least expect (or want) it to. Life in the form of a tall handsome man with dark chocolate eyes--Lee Harding--who was swiftly sweeping her off her feet. And the town founder's son, Thomas Bradley, now retired and letting everyone know about the medals he won in Korea and WWII. Oh--and he and another of the town's patriarchs, Jake Lewellyn, constantly tried to best each other over, of all things, a marble. And then there was Lee's little sister, deserted by her husband and expecting a baby any day.
Most of all, there was the mill. After decades of pouring their lives into their work, the employees wanted a small raise. The owner repeatedly and unreasonably said "no." A strike loomed--a violent one. Lee was in the middle of it. And Jessie hated violence of any nature. She must leave. But God might have another idea.
Jessie Carlton vowed she would finish her mother's life work after her mom's life was cut short by a senseless traffic accident. Jessie's mom believed God had given her so much that all she could give would never be good enough. Never good enough. The words rang through the rest of Jessie's time in high school and through college. She would go back to that same Hope Center in Cincinnati where her mother gave her time so generously, She had served the Lord and the people in that center selflessly--serving meals, reading to the children, even bringing home some who needed a warm place to sleep. Jessie would continue her mother's work.
She had gone to live with her Aunt Eva and Uncle Frank in Bradleyville, a small town that owed everything to the mill that employed most of the employable people living there. After she graduated from college, Jessie went back to Bradleyville to wait until the fall when she'd be going to work for Hope Center. She already had the promise of a position, and she could hardly wait for August! She could go back and work for the poor like her mother had.
But life has a way of happening when you least expect (or want) it to. Life in the form of a tall handsome man with dark chocolate eyes--Lee Harding--who was swiftly sweeping her off her feet. And the town founder's son, Thomas Bradley, now retired and letting everyone know about the medals he won in Korea and WWII. Oh--and he and another of the town's patriarchs, Jake Lewellyn, constantly tried to best each other over, of all things, a marble. And then there was Lee's little sister, deserted by her husband and expecting a baby any day.
Most of all, there was the mill. After decades of pouring their lives into their work, the employees wanted a small raise. The owner repeatedly and unreasonably said "no." A strike loomed--a violent one. Lee was in the middle of it. And Jessie hated violence of any nature. She must leave. But God might have another idea.
May 8, 2022
Christian novel.
Honestly this is a little boring.
Why does every Christian novel I read have a romantic substory in it?
The intensity in the book increased in the last 50 pages or so as there was a strike looming for the company town - but this book lost a lot of points because it dealt badly with an ethical situation. It would have more than likely been illegal at the time this book was set (1960's), and it is very much illegal now. And it was done in the book as a way of honouring God and creating peace. This book would be kindling for me if it weren't borrowed.
The ending is predictable, but leaves an opening for the next book which follows.
Honestly this is a little boring.
Why does every Christian novel I read have a romantic substory in it?
The intensity in the book increased in the last 50 pages or so as there was a strike looming for the company town - but this book lost a lot of points because it dealt badly with an ethical situation. It would have more than likely been illegal at the time this book was set (1960's), and it is very much illegal now. And it was done in the book as a way of honouring God and creating peace. This book would be kindling for me if it weren't borrowed.
The ending is predictable, but leaves an opening for the next book which follows.
October 17, 2017
I listened to this book, and I'm sure I wouldn't have finished it if I had been reading it. A lot of it was boring. I didn't like the main character, Jessie, and I got sick of the arguments between her and others in the town. I found myself wishing she would leave for good and the book would end.
May 6, 2024
Mediocre, and not really my thing. (2.5 stars)
This book has a lot of the elements we’ve come to expect from Christian historical fiction, despite being set in more modern times of the 1960s. Jessie finds herself orphaned at a relatively young age, and moves to Bradleyville, a small town in Kentucky, where she lives with her uncle and aunt. She has plans to live and work in the city, but events conspire to keep her in Bradleyville.
Things are somewhat predictable: despite Jessie’s best intentions, she falls in love with Lee Harding. She also gets involved with helping the people of the community against the cruel master of the mill where most towns-people work. The storyline includes many familiar things: a romance, an unwed mother, a house that burns down, a confrontation with the big bad businessman, and of course the conversions of the two main characters in the final chapters.
I did appreciate that most of the Christian elements weren’t just pasted on, and at times there is real engagement with Bible passages, and even excerpts from sermons. I appreciated how it is emphasized that you’re not saved by doing good deeds (as Jessie’s unbelieving mother did), that going through religious motions like attending church can’t substitute for faith in Jesus Christ, that pacificism can’t be maintained consistently or Biblically, and that even a dream can be a deception of Satan.
But unfortunately other aspects of the theology have serious flaws, because a vision plays a key role in the storyline, and God is presented as speaking directly to individuals in order to facilitate their conversion. What happened to coming to faith through the preached Word of God? This didn’t sit well with me, and when combined with a sappy love story, where our protagonists are kissing after just a couple of dates (p.88), I soon found myself having to force myself to get through the pages, and even skimming parts. It didn’t help that Jessie didn’t seem that likeable, and that a lot of the book seemed to consist of small-scale bickering.
To be fair, the action did ramp up in the final chapters, leading up to a confrontation with the mill’s big boss. But even there all the loose ends weren’t tied up satisfactorily. Even worse, one of ethical choices made by one of the leading characters as part of that conflict is very problematic morally, and all the more concerning because the Christians in the story go along with it.
This is the first book by Brandilyn Collins I’ve read, and I have zero interest in reading any more of this series. Perhaps her more contemporary suspense series will be better.
This book has a lot of the elements we’ve come to expect from Christian historical fiction, despite being set in more modern times of the 1960s. Jessie finds herself orphaned at a relatively young age, and moves to Bradleyville, a small town in Kentucky, where she lives with her uncle and aunt. She has plans to live and work in the city, but events conspire to keep her in Bradleyville.
Things are somewhat predictable: despite Jessie’s best intentions, she falls in love with Lee Harding. She also gets involved with helping the people of the community against the cruel master of the mill where most towns-people work. The storyline includes many familiar things: a romance, an unwed mother, a house that burns down, a confrontation with the big bad businessman, and of course the conversions of the two main characters in the final chapters.
I did appreciate that most of the Christian elements weren’t just pasted on, and at times there is real engagement with Bible passages, and even excerpts from sermons. I appreciated how it is emphasized that you’re not saved by doing good deeds (as Jessie’s unbelieving mother did), that going through religious motions like attending church can’t substitute for faith in Jesus Christ, that pacificism can’t be maintained consistently or Biblically, and that even a dream can be a deception of Satan.
But unfortunately other aspects of the theology have serious flaws, because a vision plays a key role in the storyline, and God is presented as speaking directly to individuals in order to facilitate their conversion. What happened to coming to faith through the preached Word of God? This didn’t sit well with me, and when combined with a sappy love story, where our protagonists are kissing after just a couple of dates (p.88), I soon found myself having to force myself to get through the pages, and even skimming parts. It didn’t help that Jessie didn’t seem that likeable, and that a lot of the book seemed to consist of small-scale bickering.
To be fair, the action did ramp up in the final chapters, leading up to a confrontation with the mill’s big boss. But even there all the loose ends weren’t tied up satisfactorily. Even worse, one of ethical choices made by one of the leading characters as part of that conflict is very problematic morally, and all the more concerning because the Christians in the story go along with it.
This is the first book by Brandilyn Collins I’ve read, and I have zero interest in reading any more of this series. Perhaps her more contemporary suspense series will be better.
May 20, 2017
Enjoyed for many reasons
Lately I've found it harder and harder to find (current) satisfying books to read. It seems even my favorite authors have caved to the pressure to write books filled with gratuitous sex,profanity, and violence. I've purchased books with great plots only to have wasted my money when tasteless content has caused me to stop reading. Like finding mold while eating a delicious piece of cake. But this book, and others by this author didn't disappoint. I was drawn in from the first page. I fell in love with the characters and entered their world as they struggled with life's challenges. There was no need to weave in filth to make it exciting and thoughtful. I found myself thinking, "how sad when I'm finished and have to sift through a ton of reviews and samples to find another to read that is just as clean and enjoyable." So happy I still have many more Brandylin Collins books to read! Visit Bradleyville like I did. You'll be glad to have spent time there.
Lately I've found it harder and harder to find (current) satisfying books to read. It seems even my favorite authors have caved to the pressure to write books filled with gratuitous sex,profanity, and violence. I've purchased books with great plots only to have wasted my money when tasteless content has caused me to stop reading. Like finding mold while eating a delicious piece of cake. But this book, and others by this author didn't disappoint. I was drawn in from the first page. I fell in love with the characters and entered their world as they struggled with life's challenges. There was no need to weave in filth to make it exciting and thoughtful. I found myself thinking, "how sad when I'm finished and have to sift through a ton of reviews and samples to find another to read that is just as clean and enjoyable." So happy I still have many more Brandylin Collins books to read! Visit Bradleyville like I did. You'll be glad to have spent time there.
March 19, 2025
For the most part I enjoyed this story, but I think a lot of my enjoyment came from listening to it rather than reading it. The narrator's accents for each character were so fun and made them come alive.
The storyline captured my attention, but I will note that there's quite a bit about visions and dreams and God "speaking" to people through them, so if that's a problem for you, this is not a book you'd like. I know God can do anything and speak to people however He chooses, but in my experience, not many people get a direct message from the Lord through a vision or a dream, especially in America where we have full access to Scripture. Others may feel differently. This is just my personal take on it.
I did appreciate the author's unapologetic sharing of the gospel in the story and the focus on spiritual matters. Again, if that's not your cup of tea, you might want to skip this one.
All in all, I give this a solid four stars and would read another book by this author.
The storyline captured my attention, but I will note that there's quite a bit about visions and dreams and God "speaking" to people through them, so if that's a problem for you, this is not a book you'd like. I know God can do anything and speak to people however He chooses, but in my experience, not many people get a direct message from the Lord through a vision or a dream, especially in America where we have full access to Scripture. Others may feel differently. This is just my personal take on it.
I did appreciate the author's unapologetic sharing of the gospel in the story and the focus on spiritual matters. Again, if that's not your cup of tea, you might want to skip this one.
All in all, I give this a solid four stars and would read another book by this author.
June 23, 2019
I don't know what I expected when I started reading this but....it wasn't that & I say this in the best way possible. This book is outside of what I usually read. Is there some romance? Absolutely. Is there suspense? Perhaps a little bit. Overall though, it's just a really amazing story. It's set in a time and a town where mill working is the norm. It shows the struggles of these workers (the conditions they work in, the pay, uncooperative bosses) & the measures they have to resort to in order to get a solution.
It was also thoroughly entertaining to read the short little chapters that were essentially just based on town gossip. I think those chapters really helped put you in the town & gave it a feel of being a small town.
It just was really well done & I would hands down continue reading this series.
It was also thoroughly entertaining to read the short little chapters that were essentially just based on town gossip. I think those chapters really helped put you in the town & gave it a feel of being a small town.
It just was really well done & I would hands down continue reading this series.
April 1, 2024
I read this probably a year or two after it was published. I absolutely loved it back then and always think of it as one of my favorite books. But this time, meh. It wasn’t bad, but I didn’t like it that much either. It went on too long about the impending strike, I didn’t care for everyone trying to tell Jessie what to do. Though they may have been right, she needed to figure out on her own what she wanted to do. At times, well I don’t think “cheesy” is the right word, but it’s the closest word I can think of at the moment to describe much of this book.
December 19, 2017
Loved This Book!
What an emotional story and told so beautifully. The characters were so real. The storyline believable and spoken so eloquently. Cannot wait to start Book 2!
What an emotional story and told so beautifully. The characters were so real. The storyline believable and spoken so eloquently. Cannot wait to start Book 2!
January 29, 2018
Early works by Brandilyn... very different than her seatbelt suspense! But good...
November 7, 2020
I have always loved Brandilyn Collins’ books, but I didn’t care that much for this one. The heroine is a self-centered brat who is petulant and headstrong. Not my favorite person...
May 14, 2023
Kind of predictable, ok
August 2, 2024
Easy read and great plot. Hoping that book 2 is a little more exciting.
August 18, 2024
Great book!
December 29, 2024
good book
Read
February 23, 2017Great Book
December 11, 2010
A course-changing event in one’s life can happen in minutes. Or it can form slowly, a primitive webbing splaying into fingers of discontent, a minuscule trail hardening into the sinewed spine of resentment. So it was with the mill workers as the heat-soaked days of summer marched on.
City girl Jessie, orphaned at sixteen, struggles to adjust to life with her barely known aunt and uncle in the tiny town of Bradleyville, Kentucky. Eight years later (1968), she plans on leaving—to follow in her revered mother’s footsteps of serving the homeless. But the peaceful town she’s come to love is about to be tragically shattered. Threats of a labor strike rumble through the streets, and Jessie’s new love and her uncle are swept into the maelstrom. Caught between the pacifist teachings of her mother and these two men, Jessie desperately tries to deny that Bradleyville is rolling toward violence and destruction.
My Review - Although I thought I knew what the outcome of the story would be I liked the book pretty good. I loved Lee and Jessi together. I thought it was amazing the way the family shared God and His word with Jessi and Lee. Sharing God with family is probably harder then sharing with a stranger, sounds strange but it is true. I absolutely loved the ending of the book. I'm hoping I find out more about Jessi and Lee when I read the next two books!
City girl Jessie, orphaned at sixteen, struggles to adjust to life with her barely known aunt and uncle in the tiny town of Bradleyville, Kentucky. Eight years later (1968), she plans on leaving—to follow in her revered mother’s footsteps of serving the homeless. But the peaceful town she’s come to love is about to be tragically shattered. Threats of a labor strike rumble through the streets, and Jessie’s new love and her uncle are swept into the maelstrom. Caught between the pacifist teachings of her mother and these two men, Jessie desperately tries to deny that Bradleyville is rolling toward violence and destruction.
My Review - Although I thought I knew what the outcome of the story would be I liked the book pretty good. I loved Lee and Jessi together. I thought it was amazing the way the family shared God and His word with Jessi and Lee. Sharing God with family is probably harder then sharing with a stranger, sounds strange but it is true. I absolutely loved the ending of the book. I'm hoping I find out more about Jessi and Lee when I read the next two books!
March 18, 2016
This is the second book that I have read by Brandilyn Collins and I am hooked! I love how she grabs you from the very first page. She has you feeling like you are right there with each of her characters. I must admit that I lost time while reading this one, I just couldn't stop reading.
Jessie Carlton is orphaned after loosing her mother in a car accident. Her mother was a Christian women who gave everything she had to God and her community. She had to leave Cincinnati to go live with her Aunt Eva and Uncle Frank in Bradleyville until college. She came back after finishing college for a few months, until August because she accepted a job at The Hope Center in Cincinnati where her mother had worked. Her dreams are about to come true by being able to carry on where her mother left off helping others. But God may have more in store for her than she could ever imagine. Everything is topsy turvy due to a looming strike at the mill,protecting her family, and a tall handsome man named Lee Harding. What will Jessie do? Follow her dreams or her heart???
I recieved this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Jessie Carlton is orphaned after loosing her mother in a car accident. Her mother was a Christian women who gave everything she had to God and her community. She had to leave Cincinnati to go live with her Aunt Eva and Uncle Frank in Bradleyville until college. She came back after finishing college for a few months, until August because she accepted a job at The Hope Center in Cincinnati where her mother had worked. Her dreams are about to come true by being able to carry on where her mother left off helping others. But God may have more in store for her than she could ever imagine. Everything is topsy turvy due to a looming strike at the mill,protecting her family, and a tall handsome man named Lee Harding. What will Jessie do? Follow her dreams or her heart???
I recieved this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
May 21, 2016
An incredible personal soul searching novel!
This marvelous story is set in 1968 rural Kentucky. The time period and the setting described and presented so clearly and in such detail that I felt like I had truly gone back in time and was walking the streets of Bradleyville along with Jessie.
I love the simplicity of the characters. They are wonderfully well developed but with their simpler lifestyle they seem simple and straight forward. I ached for Jessie throughout the story. I wanted her to sort things out and figure out what God had planned for her. Her journey of growth and discovery was at times heart wrenching and heart-warming.
There were a number of strong believers who were able to speak wisdom into her life and yet willing to let her make her own decisions. As with real life there were others who were also working through their own journeys. Some of them ran parallel to Jessie’s and some of the seemed to intersect her journey.
I received a free eBook copy of this novel through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
This marvelous story is set in 1968 rural Kentucky. The time period and the setting described and presented so clearly and in such detail that I felt like I had truly gone back in time and was walking the streets of Bradleyville along with Jessie.
I love the simplicity of the characters. They are wonderfully well developed but with their simpler lifestyle they seem simple and straight forward. I ached for Jessie throughout the story. I wanted her to sort things out and figure out what God had planned for her. Her journey of growth and discovery was at times heart wrenching and heart-warming.
There were a number of strong believers who were able to speak wisdom into her life and yet willing to let her make her own decisions. As with real life there were others who were also working through their own journeys. Some of them ran parallel to Jessie’s and some of the seemed to intersect her journey.
I received a free eBook copy of this novel through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 29, 2010
This is an excellent book! I had almost given up on finding good Christian fiction before reading Cast a Road Before Me. Set in a small, charming Kentucky town, Bradleyville, in the 1960s, this is the story of a young woman named Jessie who has her life planned out and yet begins to feel the call of God in her life pointing her in the opposite direction. The author creates compelling tension as we watch Jessie resist God's wooing through the people and circumstances of her life.
I really appreciated the depth of thought and Biblical insight that the author incorporated into the story. Although it includes romance (as most Christian fiction does), the story of God's work in lives definitely supersedes the romantic elements, which is much appreciated!
I listened to the audio book version and I must say that the reader was probably the best I have ever heard. She really made the story come alive!
I really appreciated the depth of thought and Biblical insight that the author incorporated into the story. Although it includes romance (as most Christian fiction does), the story of God's work in lives definitely supersedes the romantic elements, which is much appreciated!
I listened to the audio book version and I must say that the reader was probably the best I have ever heard. She really made the story come alive!
November 29, 2016
The Book
Jesse plans to leave her hometown of Bradleyville, Kentucky. However, the peaceful, small town she’d grown to love, is in turmoil. Threats of a labor strike at the local mill threaten to tear the town a art.
My Thoughts
Because of Collins books, “Getting Into Character” and “How to Write Stunning Twists,” I started reading the Bradleyville series.
This first book in the series was everything I expected it to be. The characters were realistic and easy to like. The plot was engaging, and kept me reading. To say, ���I didn’t see that coming,” would be an understatement.
The message throughout the book came across loud and clear. God is in control even when we can’t see it. And prayer really does changes things.
I highly recommend this book and I look forward to the next one in the series.
Jesse plans to leave her hometown of Bradleyville, Kentucky. However, the peaceful, small town she’d grown to love, is in turmoil. Threats of a labor strike at the local mill threaten to tear the town a art.
My Thoughts
Because of Collins books, “Getting Into Character” and “How to Write Stunning Twists,” I started reading the Bradleyville series.
This first book in the series was everything I expected it to be. The characters were realistic and easy to like. The plot was engaging, and kept me reading. To say, ���I didn’t see that coming,” would be an understatement.
The message throughout the book came across loud and clear. God is in control even when we can’t see it. And prayer really does changes things.
I highly recommend this book and I look forward to the next one in the series.
March 29, 2016
I was very pleased with this book. The characters were very well developed, the story flowed smoothly. It was a good, Christian fiction. No sexual content. Nice and clean. The story kept me riveted to the book. It is a real page turner. You really don't know what she will choose to do. The one thing I did not like was the ending. I felt it should have gone just a little further. I can't say much about this as it will give away the ending, but it stopped short for my taste. But, other than that, it was very well worth the read. You won't be disappointed. One thing that makes or breaks a book for me is the editing. This book is very well edited also. This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
January 15, 2009
One of my all time favorite authors. She also writes mystery-thrillers, with a Christian perspective (not for the faint of heart, but when I'm done reading one of them, I can give it to my daughter to read w/out any worries regarding appropriateness, etc.) One of the author's sayings about her thrillers is 'don't forget to breath' and she's right! Cast a Road Before Me is the first book. The second is Color the Sidewalk for me (I'd rate that one 10 stars--my favorite in the series. It tugs at my heart!!) The last is Capture the Wind for Me. Really good series. There are no rating stars above as I type this but it is definitely over 5 stars
September 21, 2015
I was very disappointed with this book. I've read a couple of Brandilyn's books before and enjoyed them (especially Eyes of Elisha), but not so much with this one. I basically kept reading because my Kindle kept telling me I didn't have too much more left in the book, so I pressed on. A lot of the book seemed repetitive as to why Jessie wanted to leave so badly, and why she hated violence. I understand that both of those things were a big part of the storyline, but we got it. The first time. Also, I didn't think the "vision" made sense. Jessie becomes a hero without even doing anything. All in all, I was disappointed with this book and I will not be reading anymore of them.
May 11, 2011
I have enjoyed the Bradleyville Series. Collins plots are believeable and her character development is pretty spot on. Jessie returns to Bradleyville and her aunt and uncle's home after finishing college. She still carries deep hurts from the tragic death of her only parent, her mother, in a car crash when she is 16. Turmoil that develops in Bradleyville surrounding a possible strike at the town's mill, leads Jessie and her new love Lee into encounters that make them face their anger against life and into the arms of their Savior.
January 28, 2015
This is a very profound book about finding God's plan for your life and extending forgiveness. It has touched me deeply. The vehicle of problems in a small town and it's mill was an excellent vehicle for telling the story. Such a pleasure to read a love story that has no profanity nor sexual content of any kind is truly refreshing. Highly recommend this book to one and all.
February 25, 2015
To love or work, that is this girl's question.
This book starts out like a romance novel but quickly changes gears. Yes, there is some romance just as every good life has love in it. The author deftly weaves suspense and mystery into the love lines to keep the readers guessing. You'll enjoy the quirks of the town and the curves in the road ahead as you read.
This book starts out like a romance novel but quickly changes gears. Yes, there is some romance just as every good life has love in it. The author deftly weaves suspense and mystery into the love lines to keep the readers guessing. You'll enjoy the quirks of the town and the curves in the road ahead as you read.
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