Driving Timmy's Car

by Barbara Tucker Ketchum

Cathy is lonely, studious, and athletic. Dodie is easygoing, attractive, and popular. Their unlikely friendship begins during junior high and grows into an inseparable bond. During high school, Dodie's cousin, Timmy, moves to their small town. Soon Cathy and Timmy discover they have a lot in common. They each have big dreams. His is to play professional baseball. Hers is to become a doctor.

The tumultuous '60s take away Cathy's dreams, Timmy, and her faith and leave her and Dodie sharing a dark secret. It will take thirty years, a tragic accident to Dodie, a loving husband, and the right person driving Timmy's car before Cathy can forgive herself and accept the unconditional love of Christ.

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2024

Reviews

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review contains no spoilers.

I enjoy reading a book that is easy to relate to and “Driving Timmy’s Car” accomplishes this in multiple ways throughout its entirety. I could easily imagine one of the settings for the book as I lived in TN my entire childhood. The book shared the special connections between best friends, the love of Sports, life’s challenges and how we can overcome them through God’s love.

The characters are relatable. Your imagination will run free and you will place yourself in many of the character’s dilemmas. Take time to pause and reflect on what choices you would have made of you found yourself in similar situations.

Reading an alternating timeline that is set in my lifetime stirred up memories and emotions for me. The ending ties up the book in a nice happy bow. A feel good ended is alway a plus! Happy Reading.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even find the words for this book!! It's certainly tied for 1st in my favorite book list, it is incredibly beautiful. And the way my heart hurt so much but also felt the amount of love portrayed on the pages .. absolutely amazing. There were many times I had to remind myself I wasn't the main character because the writing made me feel like I actually was. I can't think of a single book that has made tears stream down my face, but this one did multiple times and I'd cry them all again to be able to read this book again for the first time!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book in one day! I couldn’t put it down. Finally, a Vietnam War era story that wasn’t so full of tragedy that it tore my heart out. This story, while sad at times, was redemptive, had a faith-arc, and a satisfying ending. The epilogue was a tear jerker.

Overall this was a sweet story that contained beautiful relationships all around. Everyone needs a Dodie. And if you like books about second chances, this one’s for you.

The author’s note at the end of the book was special. I love hearing from authors and seeing where they got the idea for their book and to hear a little of their life story. Made it that much more special, I felt like I was reading a book a friend wrote.

I was thankful to receive a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Karrie Massotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually write reviews, but this book was so good I had to stop and share my thoughts. You know a story is special when you find yourself sneaking in a few pages during breaks, commercials, or any spare moment. It was truly heartwarming—one of those rare books that stays with you long after you’ve finished. I only wish I had the words to do it justice. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story covers two phases of the characters lives. It deals with love, loss, tough choices, mistakes and redemption. The car plays a fun part of the story and the ending made me smile.

[CarolynB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book!

[Lynn Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! It grabbed my interest from the very beginning. The characters drew me in, and I didn’t want to put the book down. It was wonderful to have a Christian based story, and to read about characters with a faith in God and how it affects their decisions. It also reflects how faith can be tested throughout life. The plot was very engaging, and the book was well paced. I was privileged to receive the e-book version of this book free from the author for my honest review. It is excellent, and I highly recommend it! So much so that I want to purchase copies to give as gifts to my friends. I have several who I know will enjoy it as much as I did!

[Danny Ketchum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book although I seldom read and being a male, I have many other interests taking up my time. The characters and events within this book are interesting as is the story. There is plenty that kept my interest and I found myself wanting to find out more. I love sports and I am a Christian. There were so many real life experiences, struggles, and happy moments for all to enjoy and relate. Your Faith will be enriched as will the importance in renewing and holding on to family and close friends! Well Done!

[Starr Pignatiello · Rating 5 out of 5]

In exchange for an honest review, I received a free copy of this book from the author, but I would have gladly paid for it. It grabbed my attention from the very beginning. I loved the use of dual timelines, both set in the past. The setting and situations encountered were historically true. I loved the characters and their relationships with each other and with God. Everything was nicely brought together at the end. I finished it within two days because I just couldn’t put it down. I will definitely read more from this author.

[Janie Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I found it very easy to read with an interesting story line and great characters. The friendships made me think of my childhood friends who still mean a lot to me. The book made me smile, cry and everything in between. The main thing I loved about this book was the reminder of God's amazing grace and how He always forgives even when we can't or won't forgive ourselves.

[Frances Raley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to have the opportunity to read the advance copy of “Driving Timmy’s Car”. I was immediately drawn into the story of Cathy and Dodie. The characters were relatable and the story line had enough twists and turns that I didn’t want to put it down. The story hit on very real and sometimes hard life events but their faith ultimately carried them through. It was a great read and I gladly recommend it to anyone looking for a good, clean, faith based read.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like to relax with a quality story that evokes happy tears, Driving Timmy’s Car is a refreshing summer read. Barbara Ketchum does an excellent job weaving a thread of grace and compassion throughout her debut novel. I enjoyed traveling with the main character Cathy through this split timeline book set in the American South during the late 1960s and 1990s with historical backdrop of Vietnam war, civil rights, college football, and major league baseball.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heart warming book full of relatable characters and experiences that kept me reading to the very end because I felt invested in Cathy’s story. The story covers the good and the hard parts of growing up, falling in love, friendship, family, and faith. I love that the story tracks events from early childhood through late adulthood. I’m glad I read this. It was the perfect book to begin my summer reading sprint!

[Braylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is by far one of the best reads I have had in a while. The time period, the characters, the plot….I could hardly put it down!!! While not giving away any spoilers, I felt like the book was easily relatable and an absolute joy to read. One I will visit again and again.

The book is now available and I am stocking up as gifts for friends and family to enjoy as well! Better grab yours too!

[Sara McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed with the merging storyline and its relevance to both older and younger generations particularly in the South. The references to war, politics, small town USA, sports, medicine and family dynamics made for a fun ride down memory lane. The book moved along quickly and easily to its poignant close. I enjoyed the characters and the connections that were well developed through the plot. I would recommend this book!

[Jamie Loik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of friendship, love, and forgiveness transported me through time. I enjoyed the time jumping from the 60s with the young Dodie & Cathy to the 90s where it was obvious these two women were life long friends. It made me reflect back on my friendships and how important they are to me. The message of God’s grace and forgiveness warmed my heart. I found myself looking forward to sitting down with this novel to read more of the story.

[Colleen Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I loved this story! The characters were so relatable & I loved that it was told in alternating timelines (my favorite!). This book made me cry several times & also made me want to text my best friends who have gone through life’s ups & downs with me. A great story about friendship, love, & God’s faithfulness. Definitely recommend!

[Carol Wadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is a heartwarming story of friendship, forgiveness, God’s grace, and healing. The story comes full circle and the author has done an exceptional job with character development, flash backs and flash forwards, as well as incorporating a little SEC rivalry. I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Becca Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driving Timmy’s Car is a sweet story of friendship and God’s faithfulness. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. The way they handled the problems they faced is relevant in every day life. I don’t always enjoy books that switch between timeframes, but this book was easy to follow. I would recommend reading it for sure!

[Tina Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a wonderful storyline that made it impossible to put down. A little bit of mystery with a little bit of drama kept me engaged and interested. The Christian references were refreshing and flowed nicely with the story.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had great character development, to the point that I felt Iike I truly knew Cathy and Dodie. The pain, anguish, and joy experienced in their lives is played out in the pages of this book. If you’re looking for a story with lots of facets to it, including God, this is your book!

[Andra Dickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great feel good read. Takes you back to your youth and stirs up all those memories and relates to life in every phase. Hope the author writes a series of this. It makes you want to follow the characters as their lives continue! Good summer or beach read.

[Deanna Mosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, wonderful book!

This excellent dual time story is a story of the lives of Cathy and her best friend, Dodie. It’s a coming of age story /romance in the 60s and what follows with their lives in the 90s. What an amazing, emotional story! I loved it!

[Debra Dawson Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Christian fiction at its best. A sweet and beautiful story with ups and downs. Love, compassion, sports and history. Showing the pain of the past can become the greatest moment in the future.

[Renee Huddleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down! Beautifully written, great story and recommend to everyone!!!!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the relationships and characters in this book. Their faith and friendship is inspiring.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

Great story and such a delightful read. So nice to read a book with no foul language. A story of loss and forgiveness and a happy ending!

[Donna Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, great read. I could not put this book down and read it one day!! Such a sweet heartwarming story, but be prepared with the tissue. Look forward to another book from this author!!

[Gayle McGuire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review contains no spoilers.

The characters were developed well along the dual timeline. It was easy to relate to the different characters in different way and imagine yourself in their shoes. It was wonderful to see the relationships grow and change, facing challenges throughout their lives over several decades, and learning to depend more on God, and discover His love and forgiveness.

Set during my lifetime, I shared some similar experiences to the characters.

In particular the ending of the story was exceptionally well done and I had tears in my eyes as I read it.

[Sarah Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story beautifully captures friendship, lost dreams, and the lasting impact of choices made in youth. Cathy and Dodie’s bond feels genuine and heartfelt, and the arrival of Timmy adds hope, love, and possibility to their lives. Set against the backdrop of the turbulent 1960s, the novel explores grief, faith, and long carried guilt with sensitivity and depth. The journey toward forgiveness and healing unfolds slowly and meaningfully, making this a touching and thoughtful read about love, loss, and redemption.