Down the Dirt Road

Raspberry Ridge #3

by Jessie Gussman

Amara Jardine didn’t expect to leave her big city marketing job and return home. But the death of her parents in a plane crash brings her back to Raspberry Ridge along with the two sisters she barely knows.

One mystery they all share: why did their mother have such a hatred for the Gilcrest family and why weren’t they ever allowed to talk to their one son, Hobert?

Regardless, Amara just wants to clean the mansion out and sell it and get back to her life on the East Coast.

Hobert Gilcrest always admired the mansions on the hill in Raspberry Ridge, even if he knew that wasn’t ever going to be his life.

He’s happy with his small fishing boat. He makes enough money to pay the taxes and buy essentials and that’s really all he needs. Until he meets a mysterious stranger on the dock and starts an evening ritual of walking down the dirt road toward home with her.

When their identities are revealed, secrets are exposed and it becomes obvious that they have some hard choices to make. Will their blossoming romance survive the turmoil?

Genres: Romance

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2024

Reviews

[Jeannette Harbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

He lives in a shack, she lives in a mansion. He’s a fisherman, she’s an advertising executive but they both love Jesus and He taught “No limits on loving, no limits on giving.”
Book #3 of Raspberry Ridge is a winner!

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse Gussman has a unique talent. She can take any theme, create a wonderfully interesting romance and weave within the story at least three or four great biblical principles without ever making the story sound “preachy” or over-religious but just good wholesome godly advice and wisdom delivered in a down-to-earth friendly neighborly way. In this book, twenty-eight year old Amara Jardine has returned to Raspberry Ridge to prepare her deceased parent’s mansion for sale. Her two older sisters were supposed to meet her but are no shows so being reluctant to head into her childhood home alone she decides to take a walk and ends up at the docks. There she spots the boat of an old fisherman, Barry Klein, she fondly remembers but it isn’t him on the boat but instead the man on the boat is the person her mother had always told her to stay away from, Hobert Gilcrest. Why, she didn’t know. Hobert Gilcrest had grown up with no mother, an alcoholic father, dirt poor but taken under the caring love and fishing apprenticeship of Barry even at the young age of four or five and has now bought his boat and is in turn taking care of Barry. As the story evolves Amara and Hobert form a quick friendship but can they let it become anything else? Are there just too many differences and obstacles in the way?
The reader can expect wholesome godly advice and wisdom about the importance of depending on God in all matters, at all times, in times of sickness, wellness, wealth, or poverty; of being content with what God blesses you with; finding forgiveness, and God’s design for marriages are just some found in this book. It’s often the simple little things that touch a reader in a book and Jesse Gussman has a way of throwing lots of those simple little things in her books. In this one, my romantic swoon button was pushed just by the simple little act of two older adults touching hands accidentally, then intertwining their fingers to hold hands while walking down the dirt road. Simple things, simple act, simple love. Simply delightful!
I received a free Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book but was given no monetary compensation. I read for the enjoyment and voluntarily review so that others may know what to expect and authors may be helped by critique and encouragement.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still amazed how God always uses these books and He has them placed right when I need them. Even on days when I finally get around to reading a book and I feel bad because I planned to read it earlier on, God has obviously orchestrated the delay because my heart needed it this day rather than two days ago or two weeks ago. He prepares my heart to receive what Gussman writes, the truth she espouses.

Lately I’ve been thinking about childhood trauma and it’s effect into adulthood. I’ve been specifically thinking over the effects of an alcoholic parent on their children and how the different choices a child can then make can lead to vastly different adult lifestyle.

I really enjoyed settling into this book. It makes me want to get rid of some of our stuff because do we really need all of it? Spending more time outside in God’s world is vastly better than all the junk we’ve accumulated. Why do I dress differently depending on where I’m going? Am I doing it for me or my husband or God? Is it pride?

Are we judging others based on their chosen wealth or lack of it? How many shoes they cycle through? If they are content with a simple life?

Forgiveness is a key attribute discussed and it hit well. Forgiving even when another isn’t sorry. Always forgiving. Always loving. Always giving.

Always giving. It had me ruminating in charity. Back when I went to school for Missions and Evangelism we studied a book called “When Helping Hurts” and it goes through the idea of people needing to have some sweat equity in their healing and how simply throwing things and money at people or countries can cause more damage than good. But my husband and I have also agreed that we can’t argue Biblically with those who just continue to give freely no matter what, because it is Biblical.

Just a lot to think on. And, whooee, the romance was swoooony. All the feels and tingles. I’m excited to see more of the sisters!

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Gussman makes the characters in the small town of Raspberry Ridge come alive. Each story in the series comes up with some unexpected ways to bring a couple together. Each book is fine as a stand alone story although the characters and situations do carry over from book to book.

In this story Amara Jardine has a good job in marketing in Chicago. She has returned to her childhood home to meet her two sisters. Their parents died in a plane crash and they are all coming back to pack up and sell the home. Coming back brings back some bittersweet memories about her childhood. Her parents were caught up in their business and didn't have much time for them. She really doesn't have a close relationship with her two sisters and when they are delayed in arriving in Raspberry Ridge, she decides to take a walk down to the beach. She meets a man getting off a fishing boat that used to be owned by a man named Barry. Barry had been an older man who told her wonderful stories when she was growing up. The man who now owned Barry's boat was a stranger to her. He invited her to go fishing with him the next morning and they decided to not reveal their names to one another. After a wonderful fishing experience they revealed their identity. Amara was surprised to discover the gentle courteous man was Hobert Gilcrest, the boy that their mother forbad them to associate with growing up. Now Amara had to make a decision whether to continue to obey her deceased mother or to make a decision of her own to continue her relationship with Hobert.

Hobert Gilcrest is a wonderful character and his story is so very moving. He grew up in a small shack with an alcoholic father. He never knew his mother because she left right after he was born. After the death of his father, Barry had become a second father to him and taught him everything he knew about fishing. Now he owned Barry's boat and he had taken care of the aged Barry. His life was not complicated, he had simple needs and fishing provided those. When he met the grown Amara she brought so much into his life but he knew she was just staying to fix up her parent's house. Could he have a future with her?

Would Amara and Hobert discover the reason her mother wanted her to stay away from him. Would Hobert discover the secrets of his birth?

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down the Dirt Road is book 3 in the Raspberry Ridge Series, it could defiantly be read as a stand alone title, but as most of Jessie's books, it shares small updates from previous characters. So as always, I recommend starting with book 1, if you plan on reading the whole series.

Amara has a great job in Chicago, that has grown to dislike, yet it pays well and she has worked really hard for her position. She has a great place to live in the city and is just here (Raspberry Ridge) to help her sisters clean out their childhood home, after there parents died in a car crash.

Homer is a simple fisherman that has lived in Raspberry Ridge his whole life. He owns an old fishing boat, and he lives in a shack by the lake. Material possessions are not something that he views as important.

Amara and Hobert get to know each other, when she decides to take a walk down the dirt road, and he invites her fishing with him. They decide to keep their identities a secret and just has a good time getting to know one another. As their feelings grow and they disclose their identities, Amara is shocked to learn that Hobert is the boy that her mother had forbid her to speak to as a child. They later find out why Amara's mother had such a problem with Hobert's family. (You'll have to read to find out) Amara and Hobert have a decision to make, does she give up all she has worked for and stay in Raspberry Ridge, or does Hobert give up his way of life and move to the city to be with her.

Down the Dirt Road shows that you can overcome any obstacle, if you trust God and follow His will for your life. Amara and Hobert learn that family and love truly can overcome all, when you follow the Lord.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amara and Hobert’s story is one that resonates with me. Seemingly opposites in every way, they find themselves pulled toward each other only to discover that they have much in common when it comes to what is important in life, what they value and their faith. Amara discovers that the busy, stressful life she has in Chicago is not the one she yearns to return to. She loved life in Raspberry Ridge as a child, the simpler lifestyle, the friendlier and more approachable citizens and the much less stressful pace. Being near the water is also a draw. (The city couldn’t heal your soul the way God’s nature could). Hobert was someone she and sisters were told to stay away from as children, but she sees no reason to avoid him now . His kindness, friendly manner and down to earth attitudes lead to a friendship between them. Hobert’s tastes are simple, his needs few and he has a job he loves that provides him with enough to get by and care for the man who has been like a father to him. He doesn’t rush to get more done but does what needs to be done well and has lived his life according to principles and standards set out in his bible. Hobert and Amara both let go of their preconceived notions of each other and accept each other as they are. They are ready to make the changes and choices that are necessary to build a future together.

This book has once again given readers thoughts to ponder and take to heart. Amara and Hobert’s story illustrates that appearances, the size of one’s bank account or the material things one possesses are not the measure of a person. This book is both beautifully written and inspiring. I would happily recommend this wonderful book.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amara's job in Chicago is all she ever aimed for, but when the need to clear out her family home after her parents' deaths brings her back to Raspberry Ridge, she starts to question whether it's what she really wants. Going down to the dock to delay the difficult entry to their home, she meets an unknown man on a fishing boat and gets invited to spend the next day fishing with him. Hobert is satisfied with his life fishing and taking care of his mentor Barry - until Amara enters his life. But spending time with Amara makes him realise all that he's been missing. But there's a lot between them - they live in different places and their jobs are poles apart. Can they overcome their differences - and the secret in their past - to make something beautiful together?

Another charming and inspiring read, with an interesting cast of characters, an unusual setting on a fishing boat (well, for part of the time), and some thought-provoking comments about priorities and our choices in life - including what the Bible says about it. I love the way that the author presents God's ideas and a comparison with the world's ideas, but without ever sounding preachy. I also enjoyed the snapshots of the lives of various other characters from previous books (including other series), though the book itself is a complete standalone story. All in all, a good read - recommended, and I'm looking forward to the next book.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story begins with Amara Jardine at her family mansion in Raspberry Ridge. She is waiting for her sisters to arrive so they can clean it out and get it ready to sell. After calling her sisters she realizes they won't be there for a couple days. Since she's hesitant to go in the mansion alone, she decides to walk down the dirt road to the dock where she had visited often when she was younger.

When Amara gets there she recognizes the fishing boat but not the fisherman. She asks about Barry, the prior owner of the boat. The fisherman tells her he lives with Barry and invites her for dinner so she can say hello to Barry.

To say Amara was shocked at the living conditions of the fisherman and Barry is an understatement, but she realized that they were children of God, like her, and she shouldn't judge.

The rest of the story is about the opposites attract relationship that develops between the fisherman and Amara. Who is the fisherman? When Amara finds out who he is will she end the relationship?

I really enjoyed this clean, Christian story. Amara stepped - no.... leaped out of her comfort zone. She didn't judge the way her new friend lived, and enjoyed being with him. The relationship that develops is tender and a new experience for both of them, but it's hard reconciling their different living conditions.

The surprise ending left me with a lot of questions... maybe there will be answers in a future book.

I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of Jessie Gussman, the author. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author, Jessie Gussman, is noted for her inspirational and often challenging stories that encourage Christian readers to live out their faith in a radical way. This book was no different. The main characters, Amara, a recently-bereaved daughter of wealthy parents who has returned to clean out and sell the family’s summer home and Hobert, the son of an alcoholic who was taken in as a boy and raised by a poor fisherman to become a wise and compassionate adult meet after many years of growing up in the same community but being forbidden by Amara’s parents to be friends. Amara who has been raised with an intact family and many advantages is fascinated by Hobert’s genuine contentment in life as he has devoted his life to caring for the old fisherman in his last years and has deliberately chosen to be content with “enough” instead of stretching his time and finances to gain more. It has been very thought-provoking to consider forsaking the American way of constantly pursuing “more stuff” and instead to be content with “enough”. The Bible teaches that “godliness with contentment is great gain” and the author teases out that concept in a non-preachy way. I’m still thinking about what that should look like in my life. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am discovering how much I enjoy this series that takes place in Raspberry Ridge. Hobert Gilcrest is a simple man who enjoys his boat and the life of a fisherman. The home he shares with Barry is actually a shack but is clean and comfortable. He came from a home where his mother left when he was born and his father was an alcoholic.
Amara Jardine grew up in a mansion on a hill with her parents and two sisters. Although she had a comfortable life, her relationship with her parents seemed to be lacking. One thing she clearly remembers was her mother’s warning not to talk to Hobert Gilcrest.
When Amara leaves Chicago where she has a prestigious, demanding job in order to come home to clean out her childhood home after her parents are killed in a car accident, she meets Hobert. Without sharing their identities, they connect on a level where they can accept each other for who they are.
I enjoyed this book very much, mainly because the two characters are able to connect on a basic level that reflects their faith in God. As they spend more time together, they experience a deep connection that leads to a strong relationship. Each of them grows through what they discover about themselves. I couldn’t help falling in love with them as they fell for each other.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Jessie Gussman’s newest book Down the Dirt Road. It is a story about rich, city girl Amara Jardine meeting poor fisherman Hobart Gilcrest.

She is fixing up her late parent’s mansion to sell when she takes a walk on the beach and meets an attractive man working on his boat. It turns out he knows Barry Klein an old fisherman that Amara had fond childhood memories of and soon she is introduced into the simple and rugged world of fishing,

Jessie always enjoys putting together two people from wildly different worlds and this book does not disappoint. In this city vs. country story, we see the beauty and simplicity of a world that behaves differently from the more hectic, screen and money-obsessed reality that most of us live with. This story is a welcome relief from all that and Amara finds herself pulled back to a way of life that feels God breathed. She discovers that she should not judge a book by its cover but instead look deeper into the truth. It was a lovely read for a lazy summer afternoon. Jessie’s books always make me yearn for a simpler and God-centered life.

I received a free advance reader copy of this book and my review is my honest opinion.

[M Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a member of Jessie's review team, l am privileged to read her books prior to the set release dates and l always enjoy them. Amara and Hobert's story initially took me by surprise given the two main character’s diversely different backgrounds. Amara came from a privileged background, growing up in a mansion and worked as a successful executive in Chicago. She returned to the unused family mansion at Raspberry Ridge that overlooked Lake Michigan to pack it up for sale after the death of her parents in a fatal car accident. On a walk down to the lake to put off entering her childhood home that was filled with memories, she meets Hobert. Hobert in contrast was a humble fisherman who grew up with literally nothing. He had Barry to thank for helping him grow into a true gentleman who had a heart of gold and held firm to his Christian beliefs. When the two meet, an unlikely friendship develops and continues as they paint the house together. Yet another engaging sweet romance from Jessie that had me in tears at one point so l can safely recommend it to fellow Jessie Gussman fans or those who haven't had the pleasure of reading any of Jessie's Christian romances before. Enjoy ☺

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Gussman always writes beautiful faith filled inspiring books and this one is no different. I love how Vera invites her to a Bible study in another person's house/kitchen just because she is around that person's age. I always seem to learn a lesson from the book I read that Ms. Gussman writes. I can't wait to pick up the next book when I get it.
This is Holbert and Amara's story. Amara has come home to clean out and sell her childhood home after the death of her parents in a car accident. she happens to stop down a t the boat dock wanting to see Barry the old fisherman. He no longer fishes but Hobert said he would take her to him and she could eat supper with them.
Hobert took over the fishing boat from Barry and lives with Barry. Barry has taken care of Hobert for a long time because his mother left him, and his father died.
Amara and Hobert spend lots of time together and talking and Amara remembers her mother forbidden her to talk to him when she was growing up and they both wonder why They finally find out why just before Barry dies. I won't spoil the story and tell you why. Grab the book and see what all happens on this adventure.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amara has come back to Raspberry Ridge after her parent's death to clean out their mansion with her two sisters. The problem is that her sisters haven't come yet. When she meets up with Hobert, a familiar face from her childhood, she begins to see that her sister's absences might not be a bad thing.

Amara's mother always told she and her sisters to stay away from Hobert but never explained why. Now, years later, and after her mother's passing, Amara sees Hobert as a wonderful, kind, honest man who is full of integrity. As she spends time with him on his fishing excursions and as he offers his help to pain the rooms in her family home, she begins to think that she might not want to return to her high powered job in Chicago. Raspberry Ridge might be the place she wants to make her home.

This is a sweet story about love, kindness and the simple things in life. This series, along with Strawberry Sands and Blueberry Beach offer a look at a slower pace of life; one where friendships and romance can flourish.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down the Dirt Road shows the lives of two children growing up in Raspberry Ridge years ago. The girl was part of a family that lived in a mansion on the ridge above the lake. The boy was raised by a alcoholic father in a shack by the lake and when the father died, their friend Barry took over raising him and teaching him to be a fisherman for a livelihood as he did. Fast forward to now when they meet at Barry's boat that now belonged to the boy. They begin talking and decide not to tell each other who they are for fear of not seeing each other again.

The mother of the girl told her and her two sisters never to talk to that boy. No explanation given. Now all those years later, why would her mother have said that after finding out what a wonderful man he had grew into? And the Barry she remembers is now old and sickly. The boy never left caring for Barry after he was grown as he felt it was only right to take care of the one that felt like a father figure to him. Now can the girl that finished growing up and working in Chicago possibly fall in love with a boy still living in a one room shack, fishing in an old boat to get by possibly happen?

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amara and Hobert…talk about complete opposites! Amara was raised with money and all the things it could buy. Upon the death of her parents, she returns to her childhood home, a mansion at Raspberry Ridge, to clean it out. Hobert was the son of an alcoholic father, his mother left when he was born, he lives in a shack without electricity, and fishes for a living.
All the two of them have in common is the village, and their childhood mentor, Barry.
When the two of them meet for the first time, they don’t exchange names, and they have a great time, so they decide to continue spending time together. By the time they do exchange names, Amara realizes that he is the one person her mother told her to never have anything to do with. What was the reason for the caution? Is it something that Amara should still abide by?
Grab this book to find how faith in God can help people, even opposites, find common ground. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I know you will too! I received an advance e-copy of this book from the author. That in no way influenced my review.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amara lives and works in Chicago and is from a wealthy family. When she comes to the small town of Raspberry Beach to ready her deceased parent’s home for sale, she meets – or rather re-meets – Hobert. They went to school together many years earlier when Amara lived in the small town. Hobert is now a fisherman and lives in a shanty with his elderly friend and mentor. Hobert displays a depth of character and insight rare in a young man. When they become close friends, neither can see a future for them because of their backgrounds and lifestyles. It also seems their families have a “history.” Can the Lord work out this impossible situation for their good?

This book has wonderful characters. The story is well-written and hard to put down. It makes you want to visit – and possibly move – to Raspberry Beach. Biblical principles of marriage, fidelity, true riches, and adhering to God’s Word are discussed or portrayed.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profoundly beautiful!

Following her parent's death, Amara Jardin is in Raspberry Ridge to empty her family home and get the mansion ready to sell. She takes the dirt road to see if the fisherman she and her sisters used to visit is still there. Barry is retired but the rugged man who now owns the boat invites her to supper. The two never traded names and Amara decides to remain anonymous. Besides, she will return to her life in Chicago when her six-week vacation is over, so her name isn’t important.

Hobart Gilcrest is enjoying his time with the pretty lady. He is ok with not knowing each other’s name because she won't be staying in Raspberry Ridge and he knew that she probably wouldn't want to be around him once she saw how he lived. As they spend time together they realize that their childhoods weren’t that different even if they were worlds apart financially.

This is a touching story. Parts are beautiful and parts made me cry. What a wonderful series. I received an advance copy of this book but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down the Dirt Road ~ Raspberry Ridge Sweet Beach Romance #3 by Jessie Gussman

Another wonderful story set in Raspberry Ridge from Jessie. This story follows Amara Jardine who has come to Raspberry Ridge to sort out her parent's mansion after their tractic car accident that took their lives.

Hobert Gilcrest has lived in Raspberry Ridge all his life and was the only child no one wanted to know. Amara and her sisters never knew why their mom didn't want them to become friends. What is the secret there? What had the Gilcrest family done?

I found Down the Dirt Road to be written brilliantly, with wonderful characters that you fall in love with from the start, they also feel real. I enjoyed reading Down the Dirt Road I thought it was a sensational read. This book completely captured my attention from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book to all.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters

[ELMorehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Amara Follow her 💗 and Choose Contentment? Only God Knows!

Anointed Storytelller, Jessie Gussman, always brings Bible Scriptures to today's Life, in her 📚, in a Compelling & Entertaining way. Her Awesome 3rd, Raspberry Ridge Sweet Beach Romance, "Down the Dirt Road", is no exception!

1 Timothy 6:6-9 NIV "6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction."

I loved this 📘 so much, I couldn't put it down. I loved the realistic Characters, with their real life struggles. I loved that some Characters from the 1st 2 📚 in the Series, show up in this 📘. I loved Amara & Hobert's 💗 Story. And I especially appreciated the Biblical Reminder to "Choose Contentment over Things", from Pastor-Author Jessie Gussman!

I Highly Recommend this Poignant, Engrossing, & Inspirational Novel! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Lorraine Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!You will love this one , it is an amazing story. It is the story of Hobart and Amara who have each spent their lives on opposite sides of the track one in a mansion and one in a shack, these two are brought together in the small town where they were raised. As youngsters Amara and her sisters were forbidden to speak to Hobert for reasons they never knew. And in order to find out why they weren’t allowed to speak , how they met up again , and all the rest of the amazing things you must read this book. This is an absolute page turner . I do not want to give to much info and ruin it for you by putting any spoilers in this review, it’s a must read story. This book is just a small sample of the beautifully written books by Author Jessie Gussman and there are over 100 more wonderful books to choose from each one containing the love of the Lord, friendship, love , sadness, happiness and all other emotional you can think of. I highly recommend this book .

[Leis Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raspberry Ridge is a nice quiet community and one thing that I really enjoyed about this book was that it was very low key and relaxing to read. There wasn't a lot of action or tension, which sounds like a boring story, but it's not at all boring. It’s a relationship story that focuses on the characters growing feelings for one another, despite their differences. There are also mysteries which unfolds peice by peice as things are revealed and new questions are raised. I really loved this book and I highly recommend reading it.
Like all Jessie's books, this one deals with questions about making choices, choices between what the world says is worthwhile and important and what the Bible says really matters. It also deals with our perceptions about others, and how much we base our ideas on external appearances.
This book the third in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a lesson to not judge (a book by it's cover). Amara, raised in a wealthy family, climbing the corporate ladder, is home to clean out her childhood mansion with her sisters who are too busy in their lives to show up and help. She's hesitant to go into said mansion, so finding herself on the beach, she runs into who she assumes is Hobert, a local fisherman, someone her mother told her to never talk to, let alone associate with. He's so kind, she decides to listen to her heart, and they develop a friendship that turns into more.

I loved how this book was written. That Amara doesn't judge. I love how Hobert grew up. I love it that when they actually find out who each other is, that they maintain the friendship they've developed. I love the secrets that come out and how each of them deal with it. I love Hobert's integrity and that he takes care of his caretaker and forgives his father. Another great book by Jessie Gussman!

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amara Jardin is one of three sisters and they recently lost their parents to automobile accident! They have already cleaned their parents condo out in Chicago and now Amara is headed to Raspberry Ridge and her other two sisters will join her there to clean out and spruce up the mansion that they grew up in to sell it. While there she ran into a young man that she thought she might know him but not sure. Will it was Hobert Gilcrest which her mother had forbid those sisters to even talk to him. Hobert lived in a shack with an older man named Barry and they fished for a living. They both had decided early on not to give each other their names. I loved how Hobert took Amara out on his fishing boat and then he would clean the fish up and fry. Amara realized how the simple life and not killing yourself working wasn’t so bad.
Honestly I did not want this book to end.

I received this ARC from the author, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and clean Christian romance. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Amara heads back to Raspberry Ridge to clean out her parent’s house after they have passed. Her two sisters are supposed to meet her there, but are delayed. She runs into Hobert, who she hasn’t seen since a child. Her parents had always told her to stay away from him. She is not sure why. Hobert helps her clean and paint the house. He lives with Barry in a shack. Did her parents not want her to associate with him because he was poor? Forgiveness is the theme here.

Great book with good characters and a good read. As usual, I really enjoy these books. Jessie is a great writer. Great Christian values show in the stories.

I received and ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Down the Dirt Road' was heartfelt. The captivating plot focused on a young lady's trip to her childhood home after her parents passed away. Along the way, she encountered a young man who befriended her and showed her his meager ways of being a fisherman in Raspberry Ridge. Amara, the young lady of means and a protagonist, reminisced about her mother's admonition about a certain young man named Hobert now a fisherman, and the other protagonist. Also, although the saccharine ending was perfectly executed, I expected a bit more angst; nonetheless, I enjoyed reading the moving narrative. Overall, I liked the author's writing style: well-written and engaging characters, a nostalgic-type setting, vividness, tidbits of levity and spirituality, and a mesmerizing storyline that made me teary-eyed at times.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hobert and Amara grew up in the same town, even though they did not know each other. Amara moved away and was content in Chicago. When she returns home to Raspberry Ridge to clean out and fix up the mansion her parents left her and her sisters she goes for a walk and comes across Hobert on the dock.

Hobert is a very interesting character. Despite being left by his mother and raised by an alcoholic father he grows up loving The Lord. I think that may have something to do with influence of Barry. Barry is always there to teach and support Hobert.

This is an inspiring story about a humble man who has tremendous faith and a girl from the city finding love. There are many spiritual messages throughout the story.
Jessie Gussman always surprises me with how she creates characters and circumstances that can help a reader grow spiritually.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As children Amara and her sisters were told to stay away from Hobert, but they didn't know why. Maybe because their family had money, and he was poor?

When Amara's parents were killed in a plane crash, she and her sisters were supposed to meet at their mansion in Raspberry Ridge to get it ready to sell. She was the first to arrive, but both sisters had something come up so they couldn't get there for several days.

Amara went walking on the beach and met a very nice stranger. She wasn't sure who he was, but she had an idea. He thought he might know who she was but wasn't sure.

When they find out each other's name, will their opinions change? Or will they see the other person they have become?

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely story from Jessie Gussman. An up and comping business woman comes to Raspberry Ridge to meet her sisters and clean out their deceased parent’s mansion. The sisters don’t show and she meets and honest, hardworking man full of integrity and faith but living in poverty. How will things work out?

There are plenty of lessons as the two main characters get to know one another. Chief among them is that power and money isn’t worth the rat race. That those things end up being a distraction from the truly important things in life.

This is another uplifting and inspiring story from Jessie. Reading this story makes me contemplate how I respond to various situations in my life and makes me want to do better.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amara is back in Raspberry Ridge to clean out her parent's house. Amara has 2 sisters. They are all meeting there to clean out the mansion that they grew up in. Amara lives in Chicago now. Her sisters each have their own lives and are running late to meet at the mansion. Amara really doesn't want to go into the house alone. Too many memories. So she takes a walk to the marina. When she gets to the lake, she meets Hobert on his fishing boat. They become friends. Hobert lives simply as a commercial fisherman. Amara realizes that she works hard for the next promotion and doesn't really like herself. She does a lot of soul searching to determine what is really important in life. Such a sweet book.