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Along the Dusty Road
An unexpected love. A surprising second chance.
Everything Luke Bridges always wanted is in the small coastal North Carolina town where he has spent most of his twenty-six years—a fulfilling mental health therapy career, a loving family, baseball games with his dad, an adventurous beach life, and a close-knit group of friends. The only piece missing is someone to share it with, a genuine and lasting love that satisfies the soul.
He once thought Emily Beckett, the girl he dated ten years ago who has happened back into his life as his sidekick on the coed beach volleyball team, could be that someone. Emily has a seven-year-old son and an ex-husband with dangerous addictions. Although Luke enjoys spending time with Ayden, he has no interest in the challenges of being a stepfather.
Luke only dates women he can see himself marrying. With the “just friends” title firmly placed on his relationship with Emily, he agrees to a blind date with Mindy, his mentor’s cousin. As he explores a connection with Mindy, the “just friends” veil with Emily is suddenly ripped away. Now he is torn between two very different women—one who might be perfectly right for him and one who doesn’t seem to fit the mold but just might make his dreams of forever come true.
Fears, tragedy, love, and second chances all collide Along the Dusty Road.
Everything Luke Bridges always wanted is in the small coastal North Carolina town where he has spent most of his twenty-six years—a fulfilling mental health therapy career, a loving family, baseball games with his dad, an adventurous beach life, and a close-knit group of friends. The only piece missing is someone to share it with, a genuine and lasting love that satisfies the soul.
He once thought Emily Beckett, the girl he dated ten years ago who has happened back into his life as his sidekick on the coed beach volleyball team, could be that someone. Emily has a seven-year-old son and an ex-husband with dangerous addictions. Although Luke enjoys spending time with Ayden, he has no interest in the challenges of being a stepfather.
Luke only dates women he can see himself marrying. With the “just friends” title firmly placed on his relationship with Emily, he agrees to a blind date with Mindy, his mentor’s cousin. As he explores a connection with Mindy, the “just friends” veil with Emily is suddenly ripped away. Now he is torn between two very different women—one who might be perfectly right for him and one who doesn’t seem to fit the mold but just might make his dreams of forever come true.
Fears, tragedy, love, and second chances all collide Along the Dusty Road.
250 pages, Paperback
Published October 4, 2023
7 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Joey Jones
9 books213 followersJoey Jones’s writing style is described as a mixture of Nicholas Sparks, Richard Paul Evans, and James Patterson. New York Times Bestselling Author Kristy Woodson Harvey labels Jones’s writing as “lyrical” and proclaims, “He effortlessly pulls readers into the souls of his characters.” USA Today Bestselling Author Jeff Gunhus compares Joey Jones’s work to Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Evans, and Sparks.
The ratings and reviews of Jones’s novels A BRIDGE APART (2015), LOSING LONDON (2016), A FIELD OF FIREFLIES (2018), THE DATE NIGHT JAR (2019), WHEN THE RIVERS RISE (2020), WHERE THE RAINBOW FALLS (2022), and ALONG THE DUSTY ROAD (2023) reflect the comparison to the aforementioned New York Times bestselling authors. Readers can expect the same from THE ROOTS BENEATH US (2024).
Joey Jones fell in love with creative writing at a young age and, in his early twenties, decided to write a book. His debut novel A BRIDGE APART is a suspenseful love story that was years in the making as he tinkered with the manuscript off and on while working full-time in the marketing field. In February 2016, Jones became a full-time novelist and published his second novel LOSING LONDON later that year. The average rating of Jones’s novels is 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.
In his spare time, Joey enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, working out, reading, and embarking on new adventures. His favorite meal is a New York Style Pizza with sweet tea. He won the 8th-grade spelling bee at his school, but if you ask how many students participated, he might say, “Such minor details are not important!” He currently lives in North Carolina with his family.
Joey Jones earned a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College where he graduated with honors (2006). He was the owner of a full-service advertising agency and taught business and marketing courses as an adjunct college instructor.
Jones invites you to connect with him online to find out more about his upcoming novels, book signings, giveaways, exciting news, charities, and more: www.Joey-Jones.com / Facebook.com/JoeyJonesWriter / Instagram.com/JoeyJonesWriter
The ratings and reviews of Jones’s novels A BRIDGE APART (2015), LOSING LONDON (2016), A FIELD OF FIREFLIES (2018), THE DATE NIGHT JAR (2019), WHEN THE RIVERS RISE (2020), WHERE THE RAINBOW FALLS (2022), and ALONG THE DUSTY ROAD (2023) reflect the comparison to the aforementioned New York Times bestselling authors. Readers can expect the same from THE ROOTS BENEATH US (2024).
Joey Jones fell in love with creative writing at a young age and, in his early twenties, decided to write a book. His debut novel A BRIDGE APART is a suspenseful love story that was years in the making as he tinkered with the manuscript off and on while working full-time in the marketing field. In February 2016, Jones became a full-time novelist and published his second novel LOSING LONDON later that year. The average rating of Jones’s novels is 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.
In his spare time, Joey enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, working out, reading, and embarking on new adventures. His favorite meal is a New York Style Pizza with sweet tea. He won the 8th-grade spelling bee at his school, but if you ask how many students participated, he might say, “Such minor details are not important!” He currently lives in North Carolina with his family.
Joey Jones earned a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College where he graduated with honors (2006). He was the owner of a full-service advertising agency and taught business and marketing courses as an adjunct college instructor.
Jones invites you to connect with him online to find out more about his upcoming novels, book signings, giveaways, exciting news, charities, and more: www.Joey-Jones.com / Facebook.com/JoeyJonesWriter / Instagram.com/JoeyJonesWriter
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 2, 2023
Another winner!
From page 1 I didn’t want to put this book down. The emotional part of this book hit home for so many! A great read!
From page 1 I didn’t want to put this book down. The emotional part of this book hit home for so many! A great read!
June 20, 2024
Another great book by Joey Jones. This story had me laughing and crying throughout the book. The last few chapters broke my heart.
December 31, 2023
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
In "Along the Dusty Road" by Joey Jones, Luke Bridges has everything he ever wanted in the coastal North Carolina town he calls home—except lasting love. When Emily Beckett, a girl from his past, reenters his life as his coed beach volleyball sidekick, Luke wonders if she could be the one. However, Emily comes with complexities—a son and an ex-husband with dangerous addictions.
As Luke explores a connection with Mindy, his mentor's cousin, the dynamics with Emily shift from "just friends" to something more. Torn between two very different women—one seemingly perfect and one defying expectations—Luke faces fears, tragedy, and the prospect of second chances along the dusty road of love.
Joey Jones crafts a poignant narrative that explores the complexities of relationships, love, and the unexpected turns life can take. "Along the Dusty Road" earns a solid four-star rating for its heartfelt storytelling and the exploration of genuine connections, making it a compelling read for those seeking a blend of romance and second chances.
In "Along the Dusty Road" by Joey Jones, Luke Bridges has everything he ever wanted in the coastal North Carolina town he calls home—except lasting love. When Emily Beckett, a girl from his past, reenters his life as his coed beach volleyball sidekick, Luke wonders if she could be the one. However, Emily comes with complexities—a son and an ex-husband with dangerous addictions.
As Luke explores a connection with Mindy, his mentor's cousin, the dynamics with Emily shift from "just friends" to something more. Torn between two very different women—one seemingly perfect and one defying expectations—Luke faces fears, tragedy, and the prospect of second chances along the dusty road of love.
Joey Jones crafts a poignant narrative that explores the complexities of relationships, love, and the unexpected turns life can take. "Along the Dusty Road" earns a solid four-star rating for its heartfelt storytelling and the exploration of genuine connections, making it a compelling read for those seeking a blend of romance and second chances.
December 30, 2023
The beginning was great, and it was easy to get into but then it began to drag, with too many unnecessary scenes of baseball games with his family and his patients, it also began to feel a little holier than though.
I got to 40% but just couldn’t read any more as other than introducing the characters who would be the love interest it just didn’t feel like the story was going anywhere.
Having said that I do like Joey Jones writing and would keep an eye on other written by them as I wonder if it is perhaps just this one, and in part is because I can’t relate to being a male volleyball player.
I got to 40% but just couldn’t read any more as other than introducing the characters who would be the love interest it just didn’t feel like the story was going anywhere.
Having said that I do like Joey Jones writing and would keep an eye on other written by them as I wonder if it is perhaps just this one, and in part is because I can’t relate to being a male volleyball player.
October 12, 2023
Another Awesome Joey Jones Book!!
Faith and love are intertwined in the twists and turns that had me guessing the ending of this book. And, as with all of Joey Jones books, I was wrong! Heartbreak and sadness, find hope and healing through faith. This journey of love includes local family owned businesses that are beloved in coastal NC. Joey brings it all together in this book that will make you wish you could read faster! I love Joey’s books! Along the Dusty Road is awesome!!!
Faith and love are intertwined in the twists and turns that had me guessing the ending of this book. And, as with all of Joey Jones books, I was wrong! Heartbreak and sadness, find hope and healing through faith. This journey of love includes local family owned businesses that are beloved in coastal NC. Joey brings it all together in this book that will make you wish you could read faster! I love Joey’s books! Along the Dusty Road is awesome!!!
January 25, 2024
I really wanted to enjoy this book but I was only looking forward to finishing it. The storyline(or lack thereof) was just unbearable. I have to say this is the first Joey Jones book I read that I did not care for. His last several books I saw so much improvement in stories and writing and had high hopes for this one. Rating it 3 stars because there are some good parts to the story and good descriptions.
March 25, 2024
This was my first Joey Jones book. I enjoyed reading about the familiar hometown as I live in Morehead City. But this book was a little flat for me. There were a lot of extra details that didn’t need to be there… just felt like rambling.
The book was an easy read and I will probably read another book by this author and hope it’s better than this one.
The book was an easy read and I will probably read another book by this author and hope it’s better than this one.
November 18, 2023
A touching story of o,d friends Luke and Emily.
Both Luke and Emily have their own issues. And very busy lives.
However Luke seems to be kept being hit by sad moments in this book.
A very emotional story, it extrememly well written.
Both Luke and Emily have their own issues. And very busy lives.
However Luke seems to be kept being hit by sad moments in this book.
A very emotional story, it extrememly well written.
November 27, 2023
A quick read, a sweet love story, normal people navigating life with the twists and turns that could happen to anyone. Always good to read a story with no cussing, no gratuitous sex, and a believable ending.
June 19, 2024
A very touching story. I laughed and cried through this as aspects really touched home with me. Joey always weaves a story that you are just never sure where he is going to go, but in the end, you feel like you have been on and incredible journey with new friends.
September 21, 2024
Such a different take on a love story! Love that this was set in an area I am familiar with. Made me laugh and cry!
January 30, 2025
Honestly….
My least favorite JJ book. 😫
I was absolutely appalled by the last 20 pages and the ending felt so rushed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
#bookstagram
My least favorite JJ book. 😫
I was absolutely appalled by the last 20 pages and the ending felt so rushed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
#bookstagram
January 3, 2026
This book is definitely the meaning of LIFE. From the ups and downs to absolute heart break in the end. I was not expecting the ending.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews