Road to Forgiveness

by Pat Nichols

One broken heart. One shocking decision, and a faith tested beyond measure.

The existence of her late husband’s love child continues to pierce Amanda’s soul. When her daughter’s heart softens toward the woman Amanda has rejected, she’s left teetering between grace and despair. Gary longs to help her heal, but will his patience endure when her heart refuses to trust?

After tragedy strikes, Wendy and Chris are forced into another painful family crisis. With her Nashville family continuing to turn to her for strength, Wendy must find courage she’s not sure she has.

Erica and Abby’s bond is challenged by a shocking request from Abby’s biological father, while Sierra stands firm in her decision to keep her baby’s father out of her son’s life. Meanwhile, Millie’s romantic relationship with Gordon continues to evolve while their mystery club tackles new challenges. Together, they balance laughter with detective work, discovering that love late in life brings as many surprises as the mysteries they chase.

In this moving continuation of the Blue Ridge series, friendship becomes the bridge between heartbreak and hope.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2026

About the author

Welcome to my author page. I'm delighted you stopped by.
Pat Nichols is an award-winning author who is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Having retired from a corporate career, she draws on her experiences working with women from all walks of life to write emotion-filled, faith-driven contemporary women’s fiction. Book one in her new multiple-book series, Blizzard at Blue Ridge Inn, introduces three women who meet for the first time at a historic inn where secrets unravel, destinies collide, and nothing is as it seems. Pat and her high-school sweetheart husband of fifty-plus years live in the Atlanta area. They have two children and four grandchildren. One precious granddaughter lives with the angels. Pat enjoys riding in her hubby’s corvette, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite indulgence? Dark chocolate.

I'd love to give you a free copy of my award-winning short story. Simply come on over to www.patnicholsauthor.blog and sign up for my newsletter. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? Having read each book in this series as they were released, when I received word that I would be receiving an advance copy of Road to Forgiveness, I must admit I got excited. Every time Pat Nichols adds another volume to this story, it is so much fun to catch up with the intriguing story of three amazing women – like catching up with old friends I haven’t seen in a bit.
If you have never read this series before, don’t worry. The opening chapters will give you plenty of time to get to know each of the heroines and their growing families.
You might think by the time a ninth volume appears in a series, what could possibly be added to the story line. But, Pat never disappoints and never skips a beat in creating new challenges for the three to face.
And, the challenges thrown at them in this book, once again are written to not only help you love the characters more and more, but also to offer some insights that amazingly you may find of help in your own challenges.
I can guarantee, by the time you get to the later parts of Road to Forgiveness, two things will happen. You will find yourself shedding a few tears as each sub-plot comes to a climax. And you will find yourself smiling a bit as you catch some maybe not so subtle hints at what you have to look forward to in the next volume!

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest book in the Blue Ridge series is all about facing challenging relationship dilemmas. What will happen between Amanda and Gary? Will Amanda accept this latest addition to her family? After part of Wendy’s family is involved in an accident, will she ever make peace with her estranged father? Will Erica’s daughter reconnect with her father? What’s happening with Chef Millie? All of these questions and many more are answered in this continuing saga.

Pat Nichols has a way of intertwining the dilemmas of all these people into a must read book. And while there is resolution for some of the questions, other dilemmas are just beginning. Nichols writes books you can relate to and makes you eager for the next one.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life continues in Blue Ridge’s Hilltop Inn as each family increases in complexity and Millie adds the sass she is so famous for.
The members of the AWESAM team experience challenges and triumphs: Amanda finally faces her past, hoping to find some inner peace, Wendy has several complications to cope with within her multifaceted family and Erica maintains her hope that Abby will recover her mobility. The Inn’s guests and Millie’s mystery club add extra humour and a level of intrigue to increase interest and to complete the story.
A large part of the book gives the impression that the author is finalising the various threads of this series…until a new twist occurs which promises a new book! I received a review copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not love this series more than I do. I have laughed and I’ve cried happy tears. I would love to be a part of this crazy non-traditional family. The love they have for each other is so sweet and real. You can always count on Millie for both comic relief and pure love when she thinks you might not be paying attention. I know I would also enjoy some of her food, her being a chef extraordinaire! These women are truly AWESAM!! If you haven’t already, please make a trip to Blue Ridge, GA. It really is a great place. I think you’ll be glad you did. I received an ARC of this book, but my opinion is my own. I am always ready for the next book in this series.

[Alice Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest book in Pat Nichols’ Blue Ridge series tackles a tough topic—forgiveness. Any reader can relate because who hasn’t been done wrong by someone else in their life. The question is whether that experience will be allowed to define, or perhaps even destroy, your future. Although the story provides feel good moments of reconciliation, overcoming, and growth, there’s still room for tears due to loss, infidelity, and uncertainty. Nichols pens a story with humor, sensory experiences (Millie’s cinnamon rolls, anyone?), and food for thought. An enjoyable and satisfying read.

[Jill K Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy! What a great read!

And now I’m craving quiche and champagne. Nichols, a master of clean romance fiction, has threaded storylines of young, middle-aged, and late-in-life characters into one heartfelt novel reminiscent of Jan Karon’s Mitford series. At the same time, she’s woven in intrigue with a few surprises. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Sue Librandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe that this is the 9th book! I have loved it from the start. There is always something going on with each character. The banter between Millie and Amanda is something you don't read very often in other series. This series will make you laugh, make you cry, and feel like you are part of this unconventional family. I cannot see these stories ending unless there is a nuclear bomb!

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and heartwarming, this book provides forgiveness for the past and hope for the future as the Blue Ridge women negotiate the worries and feelings that encompass them, but can eventually heal their hearts.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Wow. Oh wow. This book had all the emotions. I definitely needed my box of tissues.

[Janet Bunbuc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. I absolutely love this series! The characters and setting are amazing. Each book continues the story of four wonderful women and their families. They have become like family and I can't wait for the next book! Heartwarming!