The Roads We Follow

Fog Harbor #2

by Nicole Deese

As the youngest daughter of a country music legend, Raegan Farrow longs to establish an identity away from the spotlight and publish her small-town romances under a pen name. But after her dream is dashed when she won't exploit her mother's fame to further her own career, she hears a rumor from a reliable source regarding a tell-all being written about the Farrow family. Making matters worse, the unknown author has gone to great lengths to remain anonymous until publication.

Raegan chooses to keep the tell-all a secret from her scandal-leery sisters as they embark on a two-week, cross-country road trip at their mother's request and makes it her mission to expose the identity of the author behind the unsanctioned biography. But all is complicated when she discovers their hired bus driver, Micah Davenport, has a hidden agenda of his own--one involving both of their mothers and an old box of journals. As they rely on each other to find the answers they seek, the surprising revelations they unearth will steer them toward their undeniable connection and may even lead them down the most unexpected of paths.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Christian Romance, Audiobook

396 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2024

About the author

Nicole Deese is a Christy and Carol Award-winning, bestselling author of hope-filled, humorous, and heartfelt contemporary romance novels. When she's not sorting out character arcs and story plots of her own, she can usually be found listening to an audiobook and multitasking at least four different chores at once. She’s a hoarder of sparkling water, a lover of long walks and even longer talks with friends, and a seeker of fun and adventure at all times.
She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.

To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.com.

Reviews

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
waaaaaaait that ending though?!

I went in so hesitant and hopeful that I would like this. There were moments when I wasn’t sure but the CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT???? Literal tears.

We follow Reagan Farrow who comes from a famous family name in the music industry. She secretly just wants to be a fiction writer but her oldest sister insists that the family business needs Reagan’s undivided attention and writing cannot be in her future.

Reagan’s mom, the famous singer, wants to take the family on a road trip leading up to a big music event. She piles the family in an old RV and commissions a nice man named Micah to drive.

Micah happens to be the son of Reagan’s mom’s recently passed best friend. He wants to find answers about their relationship and his own questions about his parentage.

There’s family tension, tears, fights, and swoony looks that had me utterly captivated.

I definitely skimmed some of the journal entries detailing the moms’ friendship and history in music together. I wanted the here and now. Aka Micah and Reagan. Their meet cute had me laughing. Micah is the PERFECT new book boyfriend. What a fine man.

I don’t usually like reading about family drama where the members are all just selfish and won’t set pride aside. Somehow, Nicole Deese was able to reel me in to care about them more than be frustrated. I think reading the family through Reagan’s eyes was what did it. She had such an innocent and sincere perspective that her love for each person came through in the writing. Very impressed.

We get Micah’s perspective too, which is a must with the romance developing. Ugh I loved his character.

Yeah there were some slow parts but truly the parts I loved elevated this book to 5 star status easily. Like the last 30% was PERFECT.

The faith content was lovely as well. Not cheesy, just practical and heartfelt.

I would highly recommend this and you don’t have to read The Words We Lost to read this one. A character or two show up from The Words but this is more like a true companion than sequel.

Thank you to the publisher for a free copy to read and review! All opinions are my own.

[Samantha | samanthakreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read in 2025:
I wanted to refresh myself on this series before reading book 3!

Initial review 2024
In this story you will find:
•A family road trip
•Dual POV
•Aspiring writer
•Family dynamics
•Romance (Kisses only)
•Faith content
•Country music vibes
•Old Journals
•Hidden Secrets & Mystery

I love Nicole's writing. It's beautiful and immerses you right into the story as if you are sitting alongside the Farrow family on their road trip. She writes relatable and realistic characters, which I love and appreciate!

What stuck out to me in this book was how Nicole writes family dynamics and sister relationships where the story depicts flawed and imperfect characters who develop and grow so much throughout the book, especially their faith. The ending of this book and the focus on God was my favorite part of this entire book... It was so good!✨

I listened to the audiobook and I highly recommend it! The audiobook had 2 narrators (Julianne Rose & Nick Mills) for the dual POV which I absolutely loved. This book is a great one to listen to this summer while traveling or better yet… if you find yourself on a road trip😎🎧💕

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Roads We Follow by Nicole Deese
(Book 2 Fog Harbor Romance but can be read as a standalone)
4.5 / 5 Stars

Nicole Deese tells a powerful story of love, loss, dreams and family in this road trip novel filled with faith, forgiveness and in depth characters you will LOVE!

I LOVED the ending most of all in this book. I was teary eyed at the beauty depicted in the family reconciliation.

In this book, we follow Raegan Farrow and Micah Davenport - we see how their worlds collide in the "roads they follow" and the answers they find together.

Raegan is the youngest daughter of a country music legend, Luella. Raegan's biggest dream is to publish her small town romance under a pen name, where she doesn't just get her book out there because of who she is. After that dream is shut down, she hears a rumor about a tell-all being written about her family and she isn't sure what to do about it or if she should tell her mother and sisters what she's learned.

Cut to Micah Davenport, who is the son of Lynn, Luella's old country music partner and friend. Lynn passed away and Micah has just come to the realization that his father isn't the man who raised him. He comes in contact with Raegan's mother and realizes she needs a driver for the 2 week road trip across the country with her family.

Micah takes this opportunity to find the answers he seeks from a box of old journals from his mother that could possibly have what he's looking for. Together, they embark on the road trip across the country and he finds more than he expects in a relationship with Raegan along the way.

I really liked how we had the 2 perspectives here of Micah and Raegan. I don't think I would have loved it it as much as I did had I not had his point of view. We really got to see the depth in both characters and what they were going through.

I loved the romance most of all in this book - he was so funny with his quick sayings and references. I also loved how supportive he was of Raegan in her author career as her sister was very uptight about it and saying it was just a hobby, yet Micah really encouraged her to following where God was leading her.

Some of the journal entries I did skim around in, but only because I really just wanted to get back into the relationship with Micah and Raegan :) I loved them together. I did enjoy learning about Lynn and Luella's friendship and past though.

I loved how Raegan seemed to finally come into her own by the end of the story - standing for what she loved to do and really pushing her and her 2 sisters to all come together and reconcile and not let things be left unsettled as they were with Lynn and their mom so many years ago.

I loved the faith content as well in this book, we saw prayers and really relying on God's plan in every aspect of their journey. We saw forgiveness and finding peace among the chaos.

If you love these things, pick this up!
- A cute romance and fun road trip story
- Country music star back stories
- Journal entries about the past
- Reconciliation among family
- Great faith content and character development

Thank you to Bethany House for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own. Highly recommend ya'll.

I will have a full reading vlog for this book on my YouTube channel, BookLoverAmanda, on Monday, April 29th at 7:00 a.m. here: https://youtu.be/2mrwcrncClM (this is the link once it is live!)

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Nicole Deese’s Fog Harbor Romance Series and features another peek into the publishing world.

Raegan Farrow is the youngest of three daughters who’ve grown up in the shadow of their mother’s music career. Reeling from some poor choices and seemingly satisfied to sell herself short, Raegan sees herself as a Cinderella, hesitant to dream big. Suddenly, a secret is revealed that results in the future of the Farrow legacy resting on Raegan’s writing ability and the astute foresight of Fog Harbor’s Acquisition Editor, Chip Stanton.

Micah Davenport’s mom and Raegan’s mom were best friends and performing partners up until her death, so it’s easy to understand why Micah offers to chauffeur the Farrow family on an epic road trip. What they don’t know is that he’s got ulterior motives; he is on a quest to know more about his history and believes Luella Farrow can help him.

I enjoyed Deese’s message about:

💜speaking the truth
💜peacekeeping vs peacemaking
💜the definition of ‘fine’
💜not selling ourselves short because we’re afraid to lean in to something new
💜a prayer garden
💜the gift of hindsight
💜what hate reveals about us
💜the gift of compassion
💜freedom and peace working in tandem
💜leaving a legacy
💜unresolved resentments

Deese has the perfect combination of sibling/family drama, mystery, and faith. Her writing pulled me in and I felt that I had a seat in Old Goldie and was privy to the heartache and surprises along the road less traveled. I was completely absorbed in Deese’s fantastic story about a journey paved decades previously that led her main characters to the paths they were meant to take.

I can’t wait for the third and final installment in this series!

I was gifted this copy by Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Lauren (thebookscript) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Roads We Follow takes place on a cross-country road trip and follows the Farrow women as they begrudgingly do as country star mother demands: take this trip to spend the time to connect, heal and maybe even find love.

Reagan is the peacekeeper of her family. As the youngest she spends a lot of time juggling her families busy schedule, avoiding conflict with her older sisters, and is constantly trying to step out of her families lime light. As a writer she finally has a path out of the spotlight her families legacy casts, but will she take the leap or continue to play it safe?

This book is a dual point of view story. I loved getting Micah's point of view as he tries to figure out a mystery of his own that ultimately leaves him as the "designated driver" for the entirety of the trip. His calming presence and sound mind was exactly what the Farrow sisters needed and I loved the honest way in which he always conducted himself.

This is a story about complex family relationships and hidden secrets...and how we can often act the worst in front of those we love the most. I also enjoyed Reagan's character growth as she learns to speak her mind and stand up for herself. This is a long haul journey but when it finally happens it is all the more sweet.

The romance element was very sweet and was my favorite part of the story. Nicole created some really great moments of interaction that made their love even better. The christianity element was much stronger in this story than her last but I still think it came off as organic and flowed well within the story.

If you love stories that revolved around road trips, celebrity spotlight/back history, family relationships, Christianity, self growth and love...then you'll really enjoy, The Roads We Follow.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart, the beauty, depth, and vulnerability of Deese's stories never cease to amaze me. I didn't want this story to end, and in truth, it will live on in my heart as I reflect on the poignant and challenging truths that resonate soul-deep. Reading The Roads We Follow has entertained, blessed, and inspired me. I highly recommend this story.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Roads We Follow is the first book I’ve read by Nicole Deese and definitely won’t be my last! I was immediately pulled in to this sweeping family saga following Country music star Luella Farrow and her three daughters on an iconic road trip from Tennessee to California. It’s a story filled with drama, secrets, forgiveness, romance, and reconciliation that made me laugh, cry, and sigh with happiness.

Youngest sister Reagan dreams of being a writer, but wants to make it on her own without using her famous last name. While things don’t quite go her way, she discovers that someone may be writing a tell all book about her mother. During the unplanned road trip with her mother & sisters, she tries to investigate who might be writing the book and enlists the help of the handsome bus driver who joins them on their journey. But, there’s more than one person keeping secrets and as they’re all unraveled they have the potential to bring them closer together or drive them apart.

School therapist Micah Davenport is still recovering from his mother’s death and the surprising news he learned about his father. Long ago, his mother Lynn was part of a famous country duo until something happened on their last road trip causing a rift between them. When he learns Luella’s in possession of his mother’s journals, he volunteers to drive the Farrow family across country in “Old Goldie,” the newly refurbished tour bus his mother and Luella traveled in back in 1994 to try to unearth the secrets of the past. Along the way though, he can’t help but be charmed by the youngest Farrow daughter. But suspicions and secrets are all around and it’s going to take his best therapist skills to help this family reconnect with each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were so many twists and just when I thought I’d figured things out, I was surprised. I loved Luella and couldn’t help but picture Dolly Parton in my mind every time she was on the page. She had that sweet, Southern charm that completely won me over. Each of the sisters presented their own unique challenges and issues and I enjoyed how my perception of them changed as each of their secrets were revealed.

Loved the romance between Micah & Reagan! It was a slow burn, instant attraction romance that sizzled with underlying romantic tension. Reagan’s a positive, nurturer and peacemaker who tends to try to fix everything for her family. She’s under constant pressure to maintain the family’s reputation by her older sister and hesitates to share her writing dream. I loved the way Micah encourages her dreams. I adored Micah. He carries a devastating secret, and had some resentment towards Luella at first. I enjoyed how we get a glimpse of his mom through her journals and the way it changes Micah’s perception of his parents and Luella.

Highly recommend this thoughtful, romantic, inspiring book! I loved the messages of forgiveness, reconciliation, and growth, not to mention the fantastic places they visited that I found myself needing to google. Though part of a series, I was easily able to read it as a standalone having not read the first book, but now I can’t wait to read it. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

[Brandi Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK!!! I’ve never read a book with tears in my eyes before, but this book—whew! 😮‍💨 It was so so good!

Luella Farrow is a Nashville-dwelling country superstar with over 4 decades in the game. Her career has seen a recent resurgence due to an old song being remixed and she’s set to perform at a huge music festival in Washington. But when Luella suggests that she and her three daughters travel to the festival in her newly renovated former tour bus, they all thinks she’s gone mad.

Each of the sisters has their own woes and each carries unexpressed frustrations that cause tension and strain between them. Two weeks on a tour bus together will be smooth sailing, right?! 🙃

Then there’s Micah. He’s the son of Luella’s former singing partner, Lynn. He’s on a quest for his own answers because of a recently discovered secret and with the recent death of his mother, he believes Luella is the only one with the key. So he volunteers to accompany the Farrow women across the country as their tour bus driver.

Listen, this book has some of everything! Family issues, romance, adventure, trauma, redemption—all the things that make a great story. It’s told from Raegan (the youngest Farrow daughter) and Micah’s POV. It was deep and messy and endearing and full of characters you want to root for.

Those last handful of chapters!?! If you’re a crier, have your tissue box ready. This is my top fiction read so far this year! All the stars—LOVED IT!!

So grateful to Bethany House for providing me with an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

[Heather Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite quote: "There’s a divine intimacy in nature that can’t be duplicated."

Nicole Deese is a fantastic author. In some ways, this road-trip book reminded me of Rachel Hauck's The Best Summer of Our Lives because of the themes of sister-friends, broken relationships, looking back, camp, retro vibes. Each of the characters are distinct and their dynamic is carefully crafted, with growth journeys that intertwine and affect each other's. They each need and are searching for something different.
I loved bus-driver Micah being a therapist by trade, how that played into the communication between the famous mother and three adult daughters that he was driving for, and even the moment he lost his cool. He was so human and still likeable.
I almost gave this book four stars because I had trouble liking and rooting for Raegan - also so human. Ultimately I gave it five because the author did a good job even though I didn't love the character. And maybe I'm too much like her, unwilling to say the hard things and work toward reconciliation. The book had me looking at circumstances in my own life and praying for them in a new way.
Prayer is a bedrock in this book even though most of the characters don't openly talk about God in it- you know they have a faith foundation and some of them seek God more than others. More, I would say, than in The Words We Lost.

I'm grateful for Deese's talent and the way she writes for the glory of God and to the publisher for allowing me to read an ebook provided by Netgalley so I could write an honest review.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging contemporary romance novel!

Take a road trip with the Farrow women and their driver Micah on a meaningful and fun journey. All three of the young adult daughters have difficulties to work through. For much of the journey the three sisters independently battle rather than banding together. Micah has his own initiative to learn more about his deceased mother. Micah's mother Lynn and the Farrow matriarch Luella used to be best friends and share their musical talents on stage together.

The Roads We Follow includes not only emotional growth and a budding romance, but a dash of humor too. Highly recommended!

My gratitude to the author and publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of loss, family and secrets on a roadtrip with a singing superstar.

I really liked the story, seeing the characters in the family and how each reacted to the fame of their mother and family name. How some didn't want the limelight at all and others were forced into that life but accepted it. I really appreciated the real feelings of family and the struggle that each character went through to see their true worth.

Unfortunately I didn't connect with the characters as well as I thought I would, but I did love the message and the story.

3.5⭐
*Thank you to Baker Publishing and Bethany House for sending me a copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Deese has such a way of storytelling that she shatters her reader’s hearts and then puts them back together again. I loved every minute of it too! She has a way of pulling her readers right in and making them fall in love with all of her characters. I found myself cheering for Raegan and Micah throughout most of the story. THE ROADS WE FOLLOW had me wanting to reach into the story and give them both a hug. The bantering between these two is hysterical and I was giggling out loud more than once.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fresh Fiction. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

You can read my full review here at:

https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...

[Amanda (The Little Book Spot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Deese is without a doubt one of my favorite authors. I know with all certainty when I read one of her books I’m going to be totally immersed and in recovery mode for a while due to the incredible way she puts a transformational story together.

The Roads We Follow is book #2 in the Fog Harbor Romance book series with The Words We Lost being book #1. I would say it’s not really necessary to read book #1 first but it’s always fun to have a little background knowledge as an old character pops in. However, it works fine as a stand alone.

I loved this story so much. Multigenerational family history and drama create a layered story riddled with secrets, loss, and love. It has emotion, laughs, and memories. You know this is the kind of story I live for! Throw in a road trip on a tour bus and I. AM. IN.

Nicole Deese knows how to create well rounded, easy to love yet complex characters. I enjoyed getting to know the Farrow family: Louella, the country music star and her daughters: all so different yet yearning for the same things in life and tied together by a deep love for their family. I loved Micah’s character as well, he shed so much light on the dark situations the Farrow family was experiencing despite his own personal quest he was on. He provided stability during a road trip that wasn’t always smooth traveling. I also adored the epilogue so, so much! 🥹 (thank you for writing that sweet scene in!!)

Read if you enjoy:

Stories about family legacy
Emphasis on sisterly relationships
Quests for the truth
Road trips
Family secrets
Country music and a look into the industry
Journeys of self discovery
Messages of faith, forgiveness and healing
Therapist MMC
Aspiring author MFC
Fishing
Rich storytelling
Dual POV
Journal entries
Full cast of dynamic characters
Slow burn love story

Content: no language, closed door.

Thank you to the author & @netgalley for an advanced readers copy of the story.

You can read The Roads We Follow when it releases on April 30!

[Caitlin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

The Roads We Follow, the second book in the Fog Harbor Romance Series, transports readers to a summer roadtrip where three sisters, their mother, and a handsome driver embark on a journey of healing relational wounds, learning the importance of honesty and the consequences of secrets, and finding love.

Deese has a way of captivating you from the first page to the last, and while the first book in the series, The Words We Lost, will forever have my heart, this book was such an enjoyable and moving read.

“Hard days only stay hard if you allow them to.”

“Don’t sell yourself short just because you’re afraid to lean in to something new.”

[Victoria Bylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the writing world, editors have been known to hold up a bestselling book, look the author in the eye, and say, “Do this again, but make it different.”

That’s easier said than done. It’s also exactly what Nicole Deese does with The Roads We Follow. This story has all the grit and charm of her earlier books along with an ocean of originality.

My favorite elements:

I loved Micah, the Unemployed Therapist turned Bus Driver. He’s imperfectly perfect. Or maybe he’s perfectly imperfect? Either way, he’s the perfect bus driver for the Farrow sisters.

The Wizard of Oz house in Kansas. I’m still smiling over that one.

The relationships between the three sisters and their mother. Insightful. Tender. Humorous. Honest.

And last, the plot twists. I saw one of the twists coming and was on the edge of my seat thinking, “Oh, no!” A different twist took me completely by surprise. There’s just the right amount of mystery to go with a heartfelt romance.

Highly recommended! I have a hunch this will be one of my favorites for 2024.

PS. I listened to the book on Audible. The narration was top-notch.

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Deese does not disappoint. Her stories are heartwarming. Her romance is endearing. Her heroines are relatable & likable, while her male leads are practically perfect!
The second Fog Harbor Romance book may be within a series but it can certainly be enjoyed as a standalone. It’s for any lover of country music, American landmarks or family road-trips!

I enjoyed reading the dynamics of the family relationships, especially between the three unique sisters. Beyond just a wholesome story to enjoy, the characters model a way of working toward healthy relationships that was thought-provoking.
Parts in the middle felt a little drawn out, and I would’ve loved to get even more of Lynn & Luella’s story - but the end had me teary-eyed at the beauty of love that’s stronger than blood.

With no language and only sweet kisses , this is perfect for the reader who’s looking for a clean romance story that holds a bit of depth.m

A big thank you to Bethany House fiction for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Laura Robinson (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have yet to read a book by Nicole that gets less than 10 stars from me, and this one isn’t any different.

The character development was just amazing. Every character was written with grace and depth.

I absolutely loved the country music vibe. (I didn’t even read the synopsis, so it was a fun surprise. I’ll always say yes to a book with country music themes!) This book had strong family themes, and each sister's love for their mother really showed through this story! I enjoyed reading that they all wanted to honor their mother’s legacy in some way, but they all needed to walk through some forgiveness first.

This story touches on some really deep topics: drug abuse, forgiveness, marital issues, and adoption. Each story was handled with such grace and was written so well.

Nicole Deese is such a fantastic writer. I’ll read every single book she comes out with.

[Carrie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all of Nicole Deese's books, and I enjoyed this one as well. I loved the travel and the family drama, along with the mystery of Micah's birth father. For some reason it took me a while to get into the story this time, and I did guess the end (that doesn't mean everyone will, this is a real problem for me as I do this often lol), but it was still a lovely journey of growth with these characters and I was rooting for Reagan and her sisters (and Reagan and Micah from the very beginning... adorable meet cute for these two!). If you like family restoration stories with some sweet romance mixed in and a road trip to boot, this might be the perfect story for you!

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhh!! Nicole Deese does it again! I’m never not in awe of her books!The sweet tears, the mystery, the reality of complicated relationship, all in tangled in God’s mercy and redemption 😭😭

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Deese is one of my all-time favorite contemporary writers and this book highlights all of the reasons why. Though this is book 2 in the Fog Harbor series, the books are only slightly connected and can be read stand-alone, so you don't need to have read "The Words We Lost" before reading this one. Some of the characters in that one are alluded to in this one, but by and large, this has a new cast of characters, a new setting and a new story-line. This book follows Raegan Farrow, who is the daughter of famous country star Luella Farrow, and Micah Davenport who needs answers that the Farrow family can possibly provide for him. When Luella decides that for the giant festival on the other side of the country, she's not going to fly out the day before, but rather leave a couple weeks before and re-live the epic road trip from her youth with her daughters in tow, all sorts of things can, and do, go wrong. But will it be the final thread that tears the sisters apart? Or the tie that binds them?

As a person whose degree is in Psychology, I appreciated Micah's "therapist" POV. I also loved the refreshingly honest way he communicated and that he was a relatively emotionally healthy individual. He is one of my favorite contemporary "heroes" for these reasons alone. While this book was mostly character-driven, the road trip itself created quite a few plot points and the book had several twists and turns - some I saw coming and others I didn't. I enjoyed the relational dynamics of the story as well, as the characters were real, raw, and relatable without being too much. This book had a solid faith thread and some good life lessons about balance, family, and making major life decisions as well. There was strong character development and a good look into the past via the journals left behind by Micah's mom. I laughed out loud in several places and the tears flowed freely in others (sometimes those were back to back even), making this all in all a fabulous book that has ALL the things. This is one I can heartily recommend to fans of contemporary romance, women's fiction or general inspirational fiction.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Deese has a way with her storytelling that stirs your emotions in a real and beautiful way. 

The Roads We Follow is one you will not want to pass up. Full of faith, redemption, regret, forgiveness, and love, you will be drawn to these characters from the start. 

You follow Raegan and Micah, but through them, you get a perfect glimpse into the lives of the other characters.  You will grow to care about this family and long for the healing that is needed. The journey taken brings unexpected feelings for our two main characters, and I couldn't help but love Micah and Raegan and hope for their happy ending. Along the way, secrets are revealed that test our characters' faith and their relationships with each other. 

For a beautiful story that will remind you of family and the legacy you leave, this is the book I would recommend.

Thank you, Netgalley, for an early copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is listed as book two in the series, very little of this book ties to the first one and can absolutely be read as a stand-alone novel. This is a story about friendship, family, truth, trust, forgiveness, and the consequences of not taking good care of all those things.

This is Christian fiction so expect discussions about God.

I loved this book, and you will too.

Family friendly.

Do yourself a favor and go read everything Nicole Deese has written.

[Alison (readinginazaleawoods) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe—simply in awe of Nicole Deese and the depth of which she writes her characters. Characters who grab a hold of your heart from the very beginning and remain with you long after the last page. And in this story, characters whose memories, quests for truth, hope for reconciliation, and tears all feel as if they are your own. Characters who not only speak words of grace and wisdom to each other, but to your own heart as well.

The Roads We Follow is not only a beautifully woven story of faith, fame, family, and friendship, but a story that unveils the intricate layers of loving others while healing and seeking restoration. It is a story that whispers sweet reminders of God’s steadfast love and the peace we receive when we surrender our hearts to Jesus.

It is a story that I loved, that made me laugh and cry, and one that I hope you will read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bethany House, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Life's too short to be questioning what you're doing with your time every day."

Nicole Deese has again penned a masterpiece. Set against the backdrop of a broiling family drama and layers of secrets buried beneath hurt and years past, Raegan and Micah's fresh and honest first person voices are perfect complements and guides for this journey of healing and reconciliation. Their voices are sometimes funny and flirty, oftentimes thought-provoking and contemplative, and always tender, lyrical and poignant. Raegan and her writer's brain was fun to follow around while Micah and his counselor's heart was quite lovely to behold. Raegan's famous mother and her two older sisters were a great combo of personalities. Forgiveness was at the heart of this story and it was rewarding to see all the characters finally see their own worth and potential.

Raegan and Micah are unforgettable characters. It was also nice to see Chip and Allie from the first book have cameo appearances here (maybe the next book will be about them?). If you enjoy contemporary romance with depth and soul, this book is for you.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews & Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s fine. I’m just out here crying tears of joy!! Nicole Deese delivered a masterpiece

[Manja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this even more than the first one! Southern charm, road tripping country music and quirky characters - if you like any of this I can only recommend it! The book has great faith content as well.

[Tawni Suchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Roads We Follow” is a beautiful story of sisterhood, the art of falling in love, and the faith that holds it all together. Raegan and Micah’s love story was so sweet and page turning. Even though we only saw two weeks of their whirlwind romance the encounters they faced and problems they worked through together made their quick fall romance 110% believable. The strained relationship between Raegan and her sisters was understandable and I struggled right along with them. There was tons of drama in this book that interconnected and deepened the plot beautifully. Did I cry? Yes. Yes I did, multiple times, but they were good tears—even the sad ones.
If you’re looking for a book with depth, touches of humor, a beautiful romance, as well as heart warming faith, The Roads We Follow is right on your highway. (See what I did there? ;)

RATINGS
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✝️✝️✝️.5
💋💋

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m so thankful the answer was you.”

Y’all. I was so proud of myself for not bawling all the way through The Roads We Follow like I did through The Words We Lost. In fact, while I was just as profoundly moved by this story as I was by its predecessor, I thought I was actually going to make it to the end without crying this time. And then… those seven words had all the tears I’d apparently been storing up since page one spilling down my face. The scene it’s part of, the journey these characters have been on, the masterful plot layers culminating in that moment… all of it just touched my heart so deeply. Because just like The Words We Lost (and maybe even more so), Deese’s new Fog Harbor Romance – The Roads We Follow – exquisitely captures the intersection between complicated human relationships and the complete healing that can only be found in Jesus.

Each of the main characters in The Roads We Follow has pain they’re trying to handle on their own, pain that spans the gamut from broken relationships to life-changing secrets and other high-pressure struggles that come with being part of a famous family. And while the ‘forced proximity’ trope works so deliciously in romance because the constantly-shared space makes it nearly impossible to continue suppressing passionate feelings, it also quite nicely does the same thing with family drama. In this book, that comes in the form of an impromptu road trip across the USA that country music legend Luella Farrow springs on her three daughters (including the story’s heroine Raegan) and includes an impromptu bus driver (whose mother helped launch Luella’s career) on a quest of his own. I felt the palpable tension as the Farrow women’s avoided conversations pile up along with the miles, and I loved the character development that Deese weaves throughout this story. Nobody is the same after this road trip, including the reader.

I also loved the relationship that blooms between Micah and Raegan – not only because the chemistry they share is positively swoony but also because of the sweet way they affirm each other. Micah is truly a good sport whose personality I fell in love with immediately – he’s an absolute gentleman in the way he treats Raegan, yes, but also in the way he treats her mother and sisters … and even in the way he honors the memory of his own mother. And let me tell you, I was completely engrossed in her journals that he and Raegan get to read during the trip, journals that tell a beautiful and at times heartbreaking story of a different kind of sisterhood. I thought this was a brilliant plot device on the author’s part because it served as a poignant parallel to the dichotomy between closeness and distance in the current sisterhood and because it also made Micah’s mom an important supporting character, even in her physical absence.

Bottom Line: The Roads We Follow by Nicole Deese takes readers on a gorgeously-rendered journey through a heap of complex family dynamics to grace-propelled authenticity and healing. At the same time, it also treats us to a sweet-and-swoony romance between two dynamic characters with lots to lose but even more to gain. The characters sent me into a range of emotional reactions – laughter, tears, grins, frustration, contemplation, fanning – and Deese once again proves how talented she is at crafting such vivid characters with such layered stories. And only she could take country music, a road trip, a stack of journals, a tell-all manuscript, yurts, Goo-Goo cluster pjs, and The Wizard of Oz … and turn them into an unputdownable and beautiful reflection of Jesus. Move this one to the top of your TBR list right now – it can be read just fine as a standalone so there’s no reason to delay!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

You ever have a book you know you're going to love just because of all of the other ones you've read by an author and STILL end up being blown away? Yea, that happened to me once again with this story! There are so many layers and dynamics throughout it that it'll be difficult for me to wrap it all up with a neat bow.

The story is told from two perspectives: Raegan and Micah. Their families have a history together; one that is bittersweet. Raegan's famous country singing mama surprises her 3 daughters by pretty much forcing them on a road trip. Micah becomes their bus driver after connecting with Luella, the matriarch of the family.

Raegan wants to have an identity apart from the family business, but her older sister, Adele, runs a tight ship and there's no straying. Middle sister, Hattie, who Raegan is charged with keeping an eye on, is in a downward spiral. Micah has recently learned a bit of family history which is his impetus for ending up behind the wheel of their bus. Little do they know that this road trip and Micah are going to have a profound, lifelong impact on all of them.

Man, this was such a roller coaster ride of emotions. From Raegan learning about a tell-all that puts her mother, father, and family business in a terrible light, to Micah's secret, Hattie's shattered world, Adele's need for control, and Luella trying to keep her family together, we're along for the ride!

Secrets have a way of destroying families and ruining friendships, even when done with good intentions. Lack of communication can do the same thing. Both are evidenced in this story. What I loved about Raegan and Micah is that even though they just meet, there's an innate sense of trust. While their budding friendship hits a few bumps in the road, I enjoyed watching them grow as people and becoming better versions of themselves while they're together. They work as a team and it's a joy to read.

The author has this beautiful gift of drawing the reader into the heart of the story - for each character. You can see the perspectives of each person and have empathy towards them. Well, except for one person - who we'd all like to give the "what for"!

And it's so clear that the Lord is the centerpiece of this story. His healing, forgiveness, and making all things new are evident throughout. I'm incredibly grateful for stories like this. It's not forced or thrown in here and there. It's woven in so naturally throughout.

While I can't wait for book three, I'm just happy to rest in the satisfaction of getting to know the characters in this story and wonder how they're all doing now!

~I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.

[Tope Omotosho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful ❤️. I don't know how she does it but she keeps churning out books that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you want more of the characters and their lives. I loved it.