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The Road to Testament

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Ashlynne Rothschild grew up with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth. Smart and sassy, Ashlynne expects to inherit the "Park Avenues" magazine empire. But her family has other ideas. Feeling she needs to understand the world beyond, they ship her off to Testament, North Carolina, for a little learning about life." William Decker grew up in a small town with dreams of big-city success. But when the spoiled Ashlynne falls under his authority, her big city ways aren t so appealing. Ashlynne s attempt at learn normal ends with a wounded spirit, while William's reach for the stars attitude ends with a wounded heart. When these two journalists go head to head, the race is on to see if either will succeed in getting what they really want.

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352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

12 people are currently reading
336 people want to read

About the author

Eva Marie Everson

66 books368 followers
Eva Marie Everson is a best-selling, multiple award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction. She is the CEO of Word Weavers International and the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference. She enjoys teaching and speaking at writers events across the US. Eva Marie was the 2022 recipient of the Yvonne Lehman Legacy Award and the 2022 recipient of the AWSA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023 her book, The Third Path, won the Golden Scroll Book of the Year.

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5 stars
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42 (32%)
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23 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Rick.
106 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2014
It’s funny sometimes how books find their way to me. This book was one that I received from the author because she stole my question during an author chat that we were both attending. I told her since she stole my question, that she owed me her newest book. About a week later, “The Road to Testament” was in my mailbox and I was on my way to reading, and now reviewing, this book.


Unlike most people her age, Ashlynne has her life all planned out. Working for her family magazine, she knows that as soon as her Grandmother retires, that he father will take over and she will move into his role. A position that she feels is just hers for the taking. When her Grandmother announces her retirement, Ashlynne finds out that her father won’t let her take over his role until she moves up to North Carolina to a newspaper owned by friends of her Grandmother’s and makes some changes in her life. Assured that six months will pass before she knows it, she heads up to fulfill her obligation to her father. Never having been out of Florida, she isn’t quite prepared for what life is like in a small town in North Carolina. As she digs up secrets that have been buried for years, she also digs up feelings for her new boss that she hasn’t felt in a long time, if ever. Can she make it through 6 months so that she can get her position back in Florida? Why is her new boss so mean to her and why can’t she stop thinking about him? What kind of secrets does she uncover and will this small town ever be the same again after everything is aired? Wait till halftime of the football/basketball game and then go BUY THIS BOOK!

So as I sit here and think about this book and whether or not I liked it, I’m really perplexed. This book was what I consider a very solid read. There weren’t any plot twists or turns that came out of left field. The story line flowed from beginning to end with great character formation and brilliant descriptions of locations. I could picture this book being made into a movie, a great Hallmark Channel movie that you sit down with the family on a Sunday night and watch. At the same time, there wasn’t anything that really stood out that made this book exciting. I appreciate the strength of the writing and the way everything fell into place, but there were times I would have liked to see something explode or somebody get gunned down, but that’s the “guy” side of me talking.

Is this a "guy's book"? Not in the sense of piles of suspense and intrigue, but definitely because it is a great book. There’s nothing overtly romantic about this book, even though there is romance involved. This is a contemporary novel about second chances and redemption and being able to take a different look at what makes you happy in your world. There isn’t very much suspense, but there is a great side story about some uncovered graves and who they might belong to that makes this book one that would be enjoyed by anyone.
Profile Image for Paula Vince.
Author 12 books109 followers
June 2, 2014
Ashlynne is prodded out of her comfort zone and sent to work on a country town newspaper to develop some 'people' skills her grandma thinks she may be lacking. She accepts the challenge, although William Decker, the grandson of her grandma's old partners, is almost more than she can handle.

From the blurb, I'd half expected Ashlynne to be a stereotyped entitled princess type of character who looks down her nose at everyone and needs to be taken down a peg or two during the story. Was I wrong! I was really pleased to find that she was never stuck up at all. Rather than considering herself superior, she had her fair share of deep insecurities and scars from her past, and certainly didn't think of herself as better than anyone else.

It turns out the hero, Will, had the same expectations as my initial ones based on first impressions, but his were all wound up with personal reasons from his own unhappy past. Not having the benefit of seeing things from her point of view, it took longer to convince him of his mistake. And of course, his coming to see the light is part of the fun of this story.

What a character she was, proving that we all have own brands of knowledge gleaned from our unique experiences, and shouldn't judge each other for it. She can identity the brand of Will's aftershave from a whiff as he walks past, and she knows exactly what to do with her napkin on a silver service table and how to apply expensive make-up. Yet she doesn't know enough to take her pile of dirty clothes to a laundromat, and it took her awhile to figure out that her pork dish came from a pig.

I think reading about a woman like Ashlynne is good for those of us who need to see that we may all be pretty similar deep down, where it counts. She over thinks, sometimes tries too hard to fit in, and goes through every email for impression management before sending it. I can relate to all that, although I consider myself nothing like her in most particulars. And best of all, the girl has a quick wit.

A highlight for me was every scene between Ashlynne and Will. Their dialogue is everything a romance novel should have. They start off trying to be civil to each other, then gradually warm up without wanting to admit it. They mask their flirting with semi-hostile attitudes, both knowing very well that the chemistry is there. It almost sizzles through the pages at times.

The other highlight was the serious nature of the themes. Both characters find themselves in situations where their moral fibre is tested, when the right thing to do isn't the easiest or that which will win them most friends. Even in the twenty-first century, acts of extreme courage are called for.

I received a copy from Net Galley and Abingdon Press in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls).
2,227 reviews5,241 followers
May 30, 2014
About this book:

“Ashlynne Rothschild grew up with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth. Smart and sassy, Ashlynne expects to inherit the "Park Avenues" magazine empire. But her family has other ideas. Feeling she needs to understand the world beyond, they ship her off to Testament, North Carolina, for a little learning about life." William Decker grew up in a small town with dreams of big-city success. But when the spoiled Ashlynne falls under his authority, her big city ways aren’t so appealing. Ashlynne’s attempt at learn normal ends with a wounded spirit, while William's reach for the stars attitude ends with a wounded heart. When these two journalists go head to head, the race is on to see if either will succeed in getting what they really want.

Another bio about this book: {Mine is an Advance Readers Copy (ARC) and is different from both of these.}

“Ashlynne Rothschild never wanted to be a people person. She learned a long time ago that the more she protected herself from the details of people’s personal lives, the better off her life would be. So it comes as a surprise when she finds herself liking—if not loving—the good, God-fearing people of Testament, North Carolina, where she is sent to earn her chops as a reporter. And it is with some anxiety that she unearths a story that could turn these people against her. Beneath the picturesque setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains, secrets are buried—one secret in particular. Keeping it hidden would go against Ashlynne’s journalistic integrity, but publishing the story would hurt those she’s learned to love—even her gruff, unapproachable boss, William Decker, who harbors mysteries of his own. Ashlynne has two options: run away or expose the truth of Testament . . . whatever the cost?”


Series: As of now, no. :(


Spiritual Content- Everyday—or almost every day—Ashlynne starts off with a devotional; Two Scriptures and with each devotional; Prayers; Talks about God & His Will; Church goin’.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: seven ‘shoot’s (Will was trying to teach Ashlynne how to say “Shoot, I reckon.” and they repeat it many times); Drugs & Slaver play a part but are not-detailed and once semi-detailed.


Sexual Content- Two semi-detailed kisses & a few not-detailed kisses.

-Ashlynne Rothschild
P.O.V. of Ashlynne
346 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
{It would be okay for Pre’s but see Negative & Sexual content first}


This was my first book by Eva Marie Everson I’ve read {I looked on my ‘shelves, and I own “This Fine Life” by her, just haven’t read it yet.} and it defiantly won’t be my last! It was a sweet story with a historical past.
See y’all on Monday for another review!

Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this ARC for free from a Goodreads giveaway for this review.
Profile Image for Deb Haggerty.
355 reviews22 followers
May 2, 2014
Eva Marie Everson is one of my fave authors – I’ve been reading her for many years. The Road to Testament, the latest in this prolific writer’s arsenal of great Southern fiction, is one you’ll enjoy. Get yourself a glass of ice-cold sweet tea, find a comfortable rocking chair, and sit back to enjoy Ashlynne’s journey from up-scale Winter Park, FL – where she is known for her work on Parks & Avenues, a posh local magazine – to Testament, NC, for six months – where she is slated to be a little fish in an even littler pond working as a reporter on the local paper.

Ashlynne thought the summons to her grandmother’s office was to announce that Constance was retiring, Ashlynne’s dad was being promoted to Editorial Director, and that she, Ashlynne Rothchild, was being promoted to Editor-in-Chief. To her shock and dismay, she found she was being “banished” to Testament, NC, a tiny town in the mountains, to work for the local paper run by friends of her grandmother – she was to learn the business and perhaps restart a magazine her grands had started years before, as well as to learn some “people” skills.

With no choice but to obey if she ever wanted her dream job, Ashlynne headed off to NC in her Jaguar filled with designer clothes and shoes to begin her sentence…

Running afoul of her new boss the first day on the job, Ashlynne cannot begin to imagine what the weeks ahead will bring her. No spoilers here. You’ll have to read the book to find out about Ashlynne, Rob, Will, Brianna, Alma – their adventures, mysteries, and even a scandal. Be sure and have plenty of sweet tea on hand – you won’t want to leave your rocking chair until you’ve finished!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
163 reviews
August 9, 2016
I received an ARC of The Road to Testament and was already hearing good things from other ARC readers. I was really excited when my copy arrived and couldn't wait to dive into it.

Before beginning to read, I was wondering if I would like our heroine. I knew she had been born with the proverbial "silver spoon" and assumed we would have a spoiled unlikable lady. There is a reason we aren't supposed to assume. :) Not far into the book, I realized that I was going to like her. She had sass and spunk but was also insecure and vulnerable making her easy to relate to. Once our hero was introduced, I really liked him as well. He to had his flaws but was also easy to like, and I enjoyed watching as he worked through his issues.

I really enjoyed the story flow, plot and characters. I loved the immediate clash of the hero and heroine and loved even more how they were able to work through the issues that caused them to clash in the first place.

The Road to Testament is an easy read with a good balance of tension, romance, conflict and resolution. I really liked this book and would give it a 4.5 star if I could!

*I received this book free through Goodreads First Reads.
Profile Image for Joy.
385 reviews12 followers
April 18, 2014
I loved this book! It has a great storyline and such a lovely cover. Spoiled Ashlynne will inherit her family's empire and she's definitely ready for it... however, her family decides to send her to a small town in North Carolina to learn about "real" life. She meets William who dreams of moving away to the big city. The two eventually learn valuable lessons.

The author writes so well and describes the inner pain of her characters that those around them aren't aware of. She has a way of bringing people together and solving issues that leaves you feeling satisfied as you finish the last page. This is just a great book and gets 5 stars from me!
Profile Image for Ane Mulligan.
Author 21 books200 followers
February 22, 2014
Eva Marie Everson's Road to testament isn't just any read—it's an experience of Southern charm. With unforgettable characters, you'll explore the small town of Testament, NC, dipping your toes in the waters of tradition inherent to the South. Novel Rocket and I give it our highest recommendation. It's a 5-star read and going on my Top Ten for 2014 List.
Profile Image for Debra Williams.
Author 2 books28 followers
September 2, 2020
I loved this book. It has everything, a small town, a little romance, even a bit of mystery. Such a compelling story told with deep feeling and a knowledge of all things Southern. I'm such a fan of Mrs. Everson's work. This one is my all-time favorite. The setting was so beautifully described, and the language is exactly what I expected from a story set in the mountains of NC. Told in FPPOV, if you are a writer and you want to know how to do that and do it well, this is the book to read. Simply a great book told by one of the best Southern fiction writers of today.
Profile Image for KELLY  MADEWELL.
19 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2024
I thought I had read all of Eva Marie Everson’s book over the years. Some I read more than once. I found “The Road to Testament.” How did I miss this one. She did not disappoint. This is a wonderful book. If you’ve never read Everson’s book you’ve missed a great storyteller. This is a good one to start your journey!
EXCELLENT!!!
842 reviews1 follower
Read
January 29, 2023
Hoopla ebook, I wanted to know how everything turned out.
Profile Image for Zoe McCarthy.
Author 19 books125 followers
August 27, 2014
The Road to Testament by Eva Marie Everson is my kind of book. It has the right amount of conflict, hero and heroine banter, and moments to make me laugh out loud.

ASHLYNNE ROTHSCHILD must prove she’s ready to take over her father’s position in the family magazine business. That means becoming a people person. The question is: how can she relate to others if she’s so out of touch with the world around her? She thinks barbeque has only one meaning, for Pete’s sake. No wonder she’s sent off to work on a daily paper in Testament, North Carolina for six months where she’ll have to learn much and make adjustments to survive. Especially to endure WILLIAM DECKER. He’s not too keen on her joining his family’s business, even for six months.

I enjoyed watching Ashlynne grow in faith and in person and getting to know Testament’s inhabitants and their challenges. And, I’d like having a friend like Will’s gentle best buddy. All the characters were three-dimensional, far from clichés, and worth getting to know. But most of all, I was drawn into the play and sparks between Ashlynne and Will.

The cover surprised me. It’s a great cover. But I didn’t expect to find the treasure of the fun romance inside. Or the laughs the story elicited.

I recommend The Road to Testament to men and women who enjoy a well put together story, intriguing characters, and a romance that keeps your heart hopping.
Profile Image for Kelley.
740 reviews147 followers
June 20, 2014
ARC received courtesy of Goodreads.com giveaway

I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice, predictable romance with a mystery or two thrown in the mix. Although I generally avoid signing up for Christian fiction, I signed up for this one without realizing it. However, the book was not preachy or offensive in it's message and I really appreciate that.

Ashlynne is sent to Testament, North Carolina, by her family to learn to be part of a community and to learn to be a friend. William, the editor of the small newspaper in Testament and Ashlynne's boss doesn't want any part of her. When a friend discovers dozens of graves in the woods behind his home, Ashlynne is intrigued and wants to find out who is buried there. Will would just as soon she leave it along.

I enjoyed the depth of character and setting that Eva Marie Everson was able to develop in the story. The setting becomes almost another character. The depth of relationships between characters is excellently described as well. A great way to spend a rainy June day!
Profile Image for kerrycat.
1,918 reviews
July 18, 2015
The charming Christian town of Testament is filled with likable characters who readers will wish they could join for a glass of sweet tea and small talk. Will is particularly complex in his desire for the simplicity of small-town life, and it is his past that proves most interesting.

Ashlynne Rothschild is used to being judged for her family’s wealth and the expectation that she is a spoiled princess. But that doesn’t keep her feelings from being hurt when she arrives in Testament, N.C., to work at the local paper and her new boss, William Decker, goes out of his way to show his disapproval. Falling in love with him is not part of her plan. Neither is discovering a devastating secret about the high school football star and another about a violent event in the town’s slaveholding past. (ABINGDON, Apr., 320 pp., $14.99)
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Profile Image for Stacey.
2 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2014
I received "The Road to Testament" by Eva Marie Everson as a free advanced reader copy. If you're looking for a light entertaining book that is positive and clean, this is a great book. The story was very easy to get into and I always wanted to pick up the book and continue reading. The characters were interesting and varied. They describe the main character as spunky, but honestly, I thought she was overly cautious and not spunky at all. Despite that comment, I enjoyed the book which took me into the south and the mountains of North Carolina. I enjoyed the different sub-plots going on which gave the reader a little mystery and scandal. I would recommend this book as a good light and entertaining read. I'm grateful to have received a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,249 reviews80 followers
May 11, 2014
This was my first book by this author and definitely not my last. I really loved her writing. It was smooth and drew me right in. I loved the characters and the fun interactions. I loved everything about this sweet fish out of water tale :) the only part I didn't care for was the "big" thing that supposedly happened in middle school that messed this character up to her early 30's! I thought since she let it color her life so much it was a very traumatic experience. Instead it turned out to be...nothing! Somebody tell her to get over it for real lol. The conflict at the end was a little contrived also. But with 95% of the book being so terrific , I am not holding that against my scoring of this book. Recommended!
Profile Image for Maria.
1,366 reviews70 followers
June 5, 2015
I won The Road to Testament by author Eva Marie Everson on Goodreads First Reads for free and to review.

The Road to Testament was an enjoyable read. It was equal parts romance, scandal and mystery. It had a wonderful small southern town feeling.

I really enjoyed the romance and both Ashlynne's and William's characters. The romance was slow to bloom but believable and intense.

There was a wide assortment of side characters so this story could continue on and feature others as leads easily. The only part I didn't enjoy is there was so story elements left unresolved and I'm hoping future books will tie up those loose ends.

I plan to read more books by this great author!
Profile Image for Teresa Snyder.
712 reviews31 followers
July 24, 2014
I really enjoyed the small town, southern storyline. The characters were well developed. The dialog between characters could have occurred in any southern town. There were several story plots which keep it interesting. All the characters were likable. What I didn't like were the unresolved, in my opinion, issues. I also did not like the presumed happily-ever-after-ending. Perhaps I'm expecting a romance novel rather than a novel about a spoiled girl who typically runs from her problems staying put and ridding it out to the end. I was hopeful that this would be the beginning of a series. I'm told that there are discussion regarding a second book, but nothing about a series.
Profile Image for Tina Hunt.
52 reviews28 followers
January 2, 2018
I fell in love and just want more!

This book by Eva Marie Everson is not just a romance, though that’s in there. In Testament you will find historical cover ups, personal struggles with worth, the importance of football in the South, ethical struggles, and a little danger that lands our leading lady in a broom closet.

There are so many layers to these characters—I feel like we just scratched the surface and then the book was done. I do hope the future holds Another Trip to Testament—we surely haven’t traveled every road!
Profile Image for Starr Ayers.
31 reviews14 followers
July 26, 2014
The Road to Testament was my first Eva Marie Everson novel. I was not disappointed. Her colorful characters full of strong conviction and southern charm are endearing. Their playful exchange coupled with an unassuming romance and a century old scandal makes it a fun read. Everson’s masterful weaving of a greater message throughout the story―straightforward but never preachy―is refreshing. The Road to Testament left me wanting more. Until then, for me, it’s on to Chasing Sunsets.
3 reviews
July 8, 2014
I received this book through Goodread's first reads program. I really enjoyed this story and found it very refreshing as compared to what I've been reading lately. My only complaint about the story is that it ended too soon! LOL I wouldn't mind reading the continuation of Ashlynne's adventures and life. I look forward to reading more from this author.
266 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2014
Another very good book by Ms Everson she makes the characters so real. So glad when Ashlynne decided to stay in Testament and start a relationship with William and continue at the paper. Keep the good books coming......
Profile Image for Suzanne.
31 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2016
Good story and characters. Hard to believe that a lady from Florida knew so little about football! The ending felt a bit rushed.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews