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The Other Road
In a diner where fate serves the specials, two souls find the menu of life has more to offer than meets the eye. William, carrying the shadow of loss closely to his heart, finds respite in the quiet hum of a Hudson diner, until Marina's smile becomes the light that guides him through his greyscale world. A waitress with the heart of a dreamer, she serves hope with every cup of coffee she pours.
Their chance meeting stirs a quiet awakening, something neither expected but both desperately needed. As a December chill blankets Ohio, they choose to chase the horizon, embarking on a two-week odyssey that promises to unfurl the map of their hearts. With every mile marker passed, they weave the tapestry of a shared history; childhood joys and sorrows, whispering secrets that only starlit skies can keep.
From the blues and bourbon fueled pulse of Memphis to the whispered lullabies of the desert wind, William and Marina discover that the road less traveled is lined with the beauty of shared moments. With every sunset, every laugh, and every confession, the distance between them shortens, until hand in hand, they face the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Yet as the tides beckon a new chapter, one haunting question Will the end of the road lead to a new beginning, or just another bittersweet memory caught in the rearview mirror?
When you've driven through heartache, sometimes the only thing left is to find your way to the other road. Feel the wind in your hair and the promise of a new horizon as this journey unfolds... on the other road.
Their chance meeting stirs a quiet awakening, something neither expected but both desperately needed. As a December chill blankets Ohio, they choose to chase the horizon, embarking on a two-week odyssey that promises to unfurl the map of their hearts. With every mile marker passed, they weave the tapestry of a shared history; childhood joys and sorrows, whispering secrets that only starlit skies can keep.
From the blues and bourbon fueled pulse of Memphis to the whispered lullabies of the desert wind, William and Marina discover that the road less traveled is lined with the beauty of shared moments. With every sunset, every laugh, and every confession, the distance between them shortens, until hand in hand, they face the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Yet as the tides beckon a new chapter, one haunting question Will the end of the road lead to a new beginning, or just another bittersweet memory caught in the rearview mirror?
When you've driven through heartache, sometimes the only thing left is to find your way to the other road. Feel the wind in your hair and the promise of a new horizon as this journey unfolds... on the other road.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2024
About the author
S.L. Arrington
1 book14 followersBorn and raised in the piney woods of East Texas, I was the youngest of three children. Both of my parents worked hard to provide for our family, and the age gap between myself and my brother was enough to result in many hours of entertaining myself. We lived in the country, and I spent many days exploring the woods with my bicycle and Daisy BB gun in hand. My imagination was allowed to grow as I would pretend to be everything from Sir Lancelot trying to save Lady Guinevere to Davy Crockett protecting the Alamo. All these moments, although unaware to me, were detailed stories that I would create within my mind.
I was introduced to music at an early age, as both my mother and father could sing as well as any famous musician I have ever heard. My dad taught himself how to play the guitar, and by chance passed along that same spirit to me. As I made my way through my teenage years, I realized that I could sing. It wasn’t something that I even worked at, it was just a gift that had been genetically passed along from both my parents to myself and my sister and brother. I quickly noticed the joy that musicians and singers could bring to others, and I liked that outcome.
I began writing songs but being that my skills with musical instruments were elementary at best, I focused on the lyrics, the storytelling, the ability of those lyrics to take people to a place where they could be happy, sad, proud and comforted.
In 2000, I became a husband and father of three daughters and continued to write and perform songs at our church. I never truly tried to commercialize or monetize those songs, I just enjoyed sharing them with people and watching as they touched their hearts and their minds.
My son came along in 2007, and I began a nightly ritual for the first five or so years of his life that acted as a defibrillator to my creativeness. I would make up stories on the fly every evening while putting him to bed. From that point on, I couldn’t keep the stories and ideas from filling my head, one after another.
In 2018, a story came to me, almost as vivid as any movie on the big screen. It haunted me, until one day in 2019, I decided to start writing it down. Piece by piece I filled in the story, having the full outline in my head, and by 2024, The Other Road was completed. I can honestly say that at any time, I may have up to ten stories in my head battling for attention. Hopefully, I will be able to share all those stories with you soon.
Like I mentioned before, I was born and raised in East Texas. Graduated college from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. I currently live near Nashville, Tennessee, and I am married to the woman of my dreams, and we have three beautiful daughters, one amazing son, and twelve grandchildren. I continue to work within Corporate America, and I find time to write when I can on the side. I hope my storytelling brings you joy, cheer and gives you an escape from the troubles in the world around you.
I was introduced to music at an early age, as both my mother and father could sing as well as any famous musician I have ever heard. My dad taught himself how to play the guitar, and by chance passed along that same spirit to me. As I made my way through my teenage years, I realized that I could sing. It wasn’t something that I even worked at, it was just a gift that had been genetically passed along from both my parents to myself and my sister and brother. I quickly noticed the joy that musicians and singers could bring to others, and I liked that outcome.
I began writing songs but being that my skills with musical instruments were elementary at best, I focused on the lyrics, the storytelling, the ability of those lyrics to take people to a place where they could be happy, sad, proud and comforted.
In 2000, I became a husband and father of three daughters and continued to write and perform songs at our church. I never truly tried to commercialize or monetize those songs, I just enjoyed sharing them with people and watching as they touched their hearts and their minds.
My son came along in 2007, and I began a nightly ritual for the first five or so years of his life that acted as a defibrillator to my creativeness. I would make up stories on the fly every evening while putting him to bed. From that point on, I couldn’t keep the stories and ideas from filling my head, one after another.
In 2018, a story came to me, almost as vivid as any movie on the big screen. It haunted me, until one day in 2019, I decided to start writing it down. Piece by piece I filled in the story, having the full outline in my head, and by 2024, The Other Road was completed. I can honestly say that at any time, I may have up to ten stories in my head battling for attention. Hopefully, I will be able to share all those stories with you soon.
Like I mentioned before, I was born and raised in East Texas. Graduated college from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. I currently live near Nashville, Tennessee, and I am married to the woman of my dreams, and we have three beautiful daughters, one amazing son, and twelve grandchildren. I continue to work within Corporate America, and I find time to write when I can on the side. I hope my storytelling brings you joy, cheer and gives you an escape from the troubles in the world around you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 23, 2025
Amazing story
What a beautiful story of a love to last a lifetime. Left tears streaming down my face at the end.
What a beautiful story of a love to last a lifetime. Left tears streaming down my face at the end.
January 26, 2026
Don't miss this book
This story could have been my own. As a young couple married in Illinois we left the day after and drove across the country to Monterey, California. My husband was due to report for active duty there in 1969. I had never been West of the Mississippi River. Those memories and adventures cemented our relationship just like this story, we're still together today.
This story could have been my own. As a young couple married in Illinois we left the day after and drove across the country to Monterey, California. My husband was due to report for active duty there in 1969. I had never been West of the Mississippi River. Those memories and adventures cemented our relationship just like this story, we're still together today.
September 17, 2025
I met Steve at a book signing in TN recently. His table was behind my daughters. He was so nice to us Alabama girls so I decided to download and read his book this past weekend. It was truly a wonderful story. I felt like I was on the road trip with Will and Mar. The story was so descriptive and warmed my heart. My husband and I have been married for 48 years, and all the little things they noticed and admired in each other only comes with true love. I would truly recommend this book. Steve, I wish you great success.
January 29, 2026
Loved it!!! a romantic travelogue!
Oh my!!! This is my first romance novel, I try my best to avoid the romance genre but this absolutely captivated me. I loved every moment of Will and Mar’s journey.
It helped that I have also visited most of the places described here.
Loved the characters and the detailed description of their travels and hotel stays and food. I don’t know why I thought the author would be a lady and was pleasantly surprised to find it was Mr. Arrington.
I will definitely seek out some of his other books.
Oh my!!! This is my first romance novel, I try my best to avoid the romance genre but this absolutely captivated me. I loved every moment of Will and Mar’s journey.
It helped that I have also visited most of the places described here.
Loved the characters and the detailed description of their travels and hotel stays and food. I don’t know why I thought the author would be a lady and was pleasantly surprised to find it was Mr. Arrington.
I will definitely seek out some of his other books.
September 27, 2024
Jason B
A story of two people who discover they need each other after meeting in a diner.
While you read, you learn about the history of both characters as they tell stories from their pasts to one another. There are highs and there are lows. If you are a crier, read with tissues nearby..
I dropped a star because of some editing errors that will hopefully be fixed in future editions.
A story of two people who discover they need each other after meeting in a diner.
While you read, you learn about the history of both characters as they tell stories from their pasts to one another. There are highs and there are lows. If you are a crier, read with tissues nearby..
I dropped a star because of some editing errors that will hopefully be fixed in future editions.
October 1, 2025
The Other Road caught my attention because I heard a gentle love story within the description that reminded me of my parents. Once I began reading it, I couldn't resist falling in love right along with the characters. Their journey left me wanting to get in my car and begin a trek across this United States. Not only does this book bring the two main characters together, it weaves a thread of humanity across the nation. I look forward to SL Arrington's second novel!
January 23, 2026
Beautiful Journey
My sister suggested I read this book yesterday. As soon as I finished my current read, I started this book. I seriously could not put it down.
What a wonderful poignant journey through love, loss, life, new love and the road that was chosen to travel through life. I laughed, I cried, I got frustrated, I rejoiced, I mourned and I fell in love with a beautiful couple and shared the story of their amazing road trip as they took The Other Road. Beautiful
My sister suggested I read this book yesterday. As soon as I finished my current read, I started this book. I seriously could not put it down.
What a wonderful poignant journey through love, loss, life, new love and the road that was chosen to travel through life. I laughed, I cried, I got frustrated, I rejoiced, I mourned and I fell in love with a beautiful couple and shared the story of their amazing road trip as they took The Other Road. Beautiful
February 8, 2026
More than just a touching love story
Beautifully written you go on the journey with Will and Mar. Their story is told with skill but it is the missing parts that really help the reader feel the seeming reality of their tale.The skill is that we don't get all the answers to the questions we might ask. There are "other roads" we don't complete but this makes it even more real. A really beautiful read.
Beautifully written you go on the journey with Will and Mar. Their story is told with skill but it is the missing parts that really help the reader feel the seeming reality of their tale.The skill is that we don't get all the answers to the questions we might ask. There are "other roads" we don't complete but this makes it even more real. A really beautiful read.
February 2, 2026
Beautifully written
What a lovely story. It's simple, it's real, and it's got heart. This is a unique story about two people traveling together. Each has hidden pain. I even enjoyed where they stopped as tourists. I recommend this book if you want to go on a cross country adventure.
What a lovely story. It's simple, it's real, and it's got heart. This is a unique story about two people traveling together. Each has hidden pain. I even enjoyed where they stopped as tourists. I recommend this book if you want to go on a cross country adventure.
March 13, 2026
A must read!
An absolutely wonderful book. It was a heart touching story that was also fun to read from start to finish. I must say the author knows how to keep the reader turning pages. I enjoyed reading their journey from Ohio to California. It was very descriptive and interesting. I look forward to other books from the author.
An absolutely wonderful book. It was a heart touching story that was also fun to read from start to finish. I must say the author knows how to keep the reader turning pages. I enjoyed reading their journey from Ohio to California. It was very descriptive and interesting. I look forward to other books from the author.
May 28, 2026
I try to avoid leaving poor reviews. I’m always appreciative of authors sharing their stories and their talents with us. That being said, I want to maybe ask rather than tell: how do books get published when they are filled with usage, spelling, and punctuation errors? I was really into this story, but grew more and more agitated by the number of errors. Is this an editing issue?
October 14, 2024
This is a sweet story about two people’s journey from Ohio to California that mostly takes place in 1970.
It dragged a time or two for me, but overall it was a charming look into how Will and Marina discovered each other.
I sincerely appreciated winning this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
It dragged a time or two for me, but overall it was a charming look into how Will and Marina discovered each other.
I sincerely appreciated winning this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
January 14, 2026
Dumped at 55%
I rarely leave a book unfinished, but I simply could not continue to slog my way through this travelogue. The characters were not interesting enough for me to care about them. At. All.
I rarely leave a book unfinished, but I simply could not continue to slog my way through this travelogue. The characters were not interesting enough for me to care about them. At. All.
January 15, 2026
wonderful story
I loved the storyline and the characters in this book so much. I sort of figured out the ending and kept delaying but knowing (mostly) for once didn’t matter because this is just so beautiful
I loved the storyline and the characters in this book so much. I sort of figured out the ending and kept delaying but knowing (mostly) for once didn’t matter because this is just so beautiful
January 17, 2026
An interesting read.
A relaxing read, easy to get into, and something I could settle into bed with. Would have liked to have heard a little more about the places they visited. Also, it seemed to end abruptly. But I would read more from this author.
A relaxing read, easy to get into, and something I could settle into bed with. Would have liked to have heard a little more about the places they visited. Also, it seemed to end abruptly. But I would read more from this author.
February 1, 2026
Love! This book takes you on a journey of emotions and a road trip of love and friendship. Love that it was written as a family member reading the story. This soft love story has twists and turns and will make you believe that love is possible no matter what!
February 5, 2026
Great book
This was a very heartfelt book which I enjoyed immensely. As I was nearing the end of the book I slowed my reading down so it wouldn’t end.
I hope to read more books by S.L. Arrington.
This was a very heartfelt book which I enjoyed immensely. As I was nearing the end of the book I slowed my reading down so it wouldn’t end.
I hope to read more books by S.L. Arrington.
March 3, 2026
The Other Road
A truly amazing story. I laughed out loud and cried softly at the same time. Marina and Will are real characters with genuine real-life problems, emotions, and passions that are seldom revealed and shared in our world today.
A truly amazing story. I laughed out loud and cried softly at the same time. Marina and Will are real characters with genuine real-life problems, emotions, and passions that are seldom revealed and shared in our world today.
January 13, 2026
IT's a cliffhanger! I turned the last page expecting another but left hanging wanting more.
January 15, 2026
Lovely story
This was an awesome story I loved it, it took a lot to just throw caution to the wind. Sometimes things just end up working. Loved it.
This was an awesome story I loved it, it took a lot to just throw caution to the wind. Sometimes things just end up working. Loved it.
January 16, 2026
Kept my interest - great read
I will recommend to my friends-really enjoyed. Would read more of his books- love the way the this the story
I will recommend to my friends-really enjoyed. Would read more of his books- love the way the this the story
January 17, 2026
My first fav read from my end. A beautiful book. Not sure why not many people know about it or why is it not that popular.
It is amazing.
Must read.
It is amazing.
Must read.
January 19, 2026
Wonderful!
Great author! I can't wait to read his next story. It left me feeling so peaceful. Thank you S.L. for sharing your talent!
Great author! I can't wait to read his next story. It left me feeling so peaceful. Thank you S.L. for sharing your talent!
January 28, 2026
they went on a road trip and took me along for a mesmerizing ride
Arrington wove a tail that created a loving story.
Three characters…
One woman
One man
And one car
Love wins
Arrington wove a tail that created a loving story.
Three characters…
One woman
One man
And one car
Love wins
January 29, 2026
A good, old fashioned love story.
February 2, 2026
Charming
Told from the perspective of the grandparent's love affair, this is a charming tale of a pair of strangers getting to know each other during a road trip.
Told from the perspective of the grandparent's love affair, this is a charming tale of a pair of strangers getting to know each other during a road trip.
February 12, 2026
A good story, but...
So hear me out. This was a really good story. It was heartwarming, the characters were well-developed, the story was sound.
However, I couldn't ignore the typos. Usually, if one or two get through, it's okay and I move on. But when a book is so poorly edited, and the errors--spelling, punctuation, homophones/homonyms used incorrectly--it only pulls me out of the story. I end up focusing on the things I shouldn't be focusing on, which really is a disservice to the book and the work itself.
Which is a shame, because on its own, the story was good.
So hear me out. This was a really good story. It was heartwarming, the characters were well-developed, the story was sound.
However, I couldn't ignore the typos. Usually, if one or two get through, it's okay and I move on. But when a book is so poorly edited, and the errors--spelling, punctuation, homophones/homonyms used incorrectly--it only pulls me out of the story. I end up focusing on the things I shouldn't be focusing on, which really is a disservice to the book and the work itself.
Which is a shame, because on its own, the story was good.
February 13, 2026
Good read
I love the way this story was told. To find true love this was is amazing. To be given a treasure that was your grandparents life together will be forever in your heart
I love the way this story was told. To find true love this was is amazing. To be given a treasure that was your grandparents life together will be forever in your heart
March 29, 2026
This was an awesome story with an ending one would never expect. WillMassey and Marina traveled from Ohio to San Diego and fell in love. What a story.
May 1, 2026
WOW!
This book was a terrific read! I love the love story between the characters and how they grew together in the road trip
This book was a terrific read! I love the love story between the characters and how they grew together in the road trip
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews