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Bennett #3
This Dread Road
Time may pass, but human hearts remain the same...
In 1968, Annemarie Vanderhorst is happy to finally be free of her controlling mother's societal expectations. She's a college freshman, and she's going to use her time at school wisely. It's all about education—she wants to discover her destiny, not chase after boys and an M.R.S. But the very first day of class, a dark and handsome stranger named Henry Eden takes over every waking thought. After a whirlwind romance is met with disapproval, Annemarie is forced to choose between her husband and her family. But did she make the right choice?
In 2016, Claire James returns to Bennett, South Carolina after leaving her fiancé, determined to be independent for once in her life. After convincing her father to find a job for her in the family company, she realizes independence isn't all it's cracked up to be. Coworkers regard her with jealousy and suspicion, her best friend is too busy with her own family to look after Claire, and a terrifying secret she can't admit even to herself holds her captive. How much can she take?
The lives of these two women, decades apart but eerily similar, intersect one fateful night. With broken hearts and hope for the future, they wonder together—is it ever too late for love?
Embark on a journey to Bennett, South Carolina, where there's never a shortage of drama, heartbreak, friendship, love, and redemption. Who says small towns can't have big secrets?
In 1968, Annemarie Vanderhorst is happy to finally be free of her controlling mother's societal expectations. She's a college freshman, and she's going to use her time at school wisely. It's all about education—she wants to discover her destiny, not chase after boys and an M.R.S. But the very first day of class, a dark and handsome stranger named Henry Eden takes over every waking thought. After a whirlwind romance is met with disapproval, Annemarie is forced to choose between her husband and her family. But did she make the right choice?
In 2016, Claire James returns to Bennett, South Carolina after leaving her fiancé, determined to be independent for once in her life. After convincing her father to find a job for her in the family company, she realizes independence isn't all it's cracked up to be. Coworkers regard her with jealousy and suspicion, her best friend is too busy with her own family to look after Claire, and a terrifying secret she can't admit even to herself holds her captive. How much can she take?
The lives of these two women, decades apart but eerily similar, intersect one fateful night. With broken hearts and hope for the future, they wonder together—is it ever too late for love?
Embark on a journey to Bennett, South Carolina, where there's never a shortage of drama, heartbreak, friendship, love, and redemption. Who says small towns can't have big secrets?
Paperback
Published December 1, 2016
384 people want to read
About the author
Olivia F. Ard
7 books72 followersOlivia F. Ard is a writer, wife, and working mother of 2 living in Birmingham, Alabama. She is the author of The Bennett Series and Readers' Favorite 5-Star Seal Recipient, 'Tis the Season. Learn more by following her on social media or visiting her website!
www.oliviafolmarard.com
Facebook: @olivia.f.ard
Instagram: @oliviafard
Twitter: @oliviafard
www.oliviafolmarard.com
Facebook: @olivia.f.ard
Instagram: @oliviafard
Twitter: @oliviafard
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 6, 2017
This book was great in that it provided hope, but getting to that point was a rollercoaster of emotion.
Claire's just broken up with her long-time on-again-off-again boyfriend, realizing they just weren't working out. She seeks a new job - wanting to learn the family business and work her way up in the world, really become her own woman. But adulting is hard, and she has a secret that she's not sure how to deal with.
Annemarie is a woman who has lived through it all - love and heartbreak that speaks to Claire's own misgivings. Late one night they share tea, coffee, and stories, and the whole thing comes tumbling out.
I loved the way these stories intersected. Annemarie's story takes over the book in a way that is beautiful and emotional and in the end provides hope. If you've ever wondered if there's hope for a better life, for second chances, I think you'll love this book.
I received an advanced reader's copy with no obligation to review. This is my honest opinion of the book.
Claire's just broken up with her long-time on-again-off-again boyfriend, realizing they just weren't working out. She seeks a new job - wanting to learn the family business and work her way up in the world, really become her own woman. But adulting is hard, and she has a secret that she's not sure how to deal with.
Annemarie is a woman who has lived through it all - love and heartbreak that speaks to Claire's own misgivings. Late one night they share tea, coffee, and stories, and the whole thing comes tumbling out.
I loved the way these stories intersected. Annemarie's story takes over the book in a way that is beautiful and emotional and in the end provides hope. If you've ever wondered if there's hope for a better life, for second chances, I think you'll love this book.
I received an advanced reader's copy with no obligation to review. This is my honest opinion of the book.
February 2, 2017
Disclaimer: I received a free Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Olivia Folmar Ard paints vivid characters and settings, bringing a fullness to the story that is often lacking in women's/NA fiction. I found myself reading faster to see what will happen in the tumultuous relationship between Annemarie and Henry, and how the bookend story of another young woman in a similar fix will tie together. Some unsuspected twists to traditional tropes kept me guessing, and I was rooting for the success of this strong-willed couple, which I hoped would lead to a happy ending. Without giving away any spoilers, I'll say suspense figured into it more than I expected! This was my foray into the Bennett series, but I'm looking forward to seeing how a minor character in this novel was fleshed out in a previous installment.
Olivia Folmar Ard paints vivid characters and settings, bringing a fullness to the story that is often lacking in women's/NA fiction. I found myself reading faster to see what will happen in the tumultuous relationship between Annemarie and Henry, and how the bookend story of another young woman in a similar fix will tie together. Some unsuspected twists to traditional tropes kept me guessing, and I was rooting for the success of this strong-willed couple, which I hoped would lead to a happy ending. Without giving away any spoilers, I'll say suspense figured into it more than I expected! This was my foray into the Bennett series, but I'm looking forward to seeing how a minor character in this novel was fleshed out in a previous installment.
February 6, 2017
A fan of the author's other works, I was excited to read her latest book. I wasn't disappointed. I kept rooting for Henry and Annemarie, but understood that relationships are complicated. The author writes her characters so realistically that you cry with them and laugh with him. I was so happy with the ending that I gave a little cheer and felt tears prickling in my eyes.
April 28, 2017
Probably the biggest compliment I can pay to This Dread Road is that the characters became real to me. The characters are complex, multidimensional people who cannot be chalked up as simply "good" or "bad." They make or have made poor decisions, but to the author's credit, I never lost sympathy for them. On the contrary, their flaws and their inability to pave themselves a clear path to happiness resonated with me.
The dilemmas of Annmarie (in the twentieth century) and Claire (in the twenty-first century) are connected tangibly and thematically and make for a riveting addition to The Bennett Series that while it examines the brokenness in our lives, never loses heart, or, more importantly, hope.
I'm anxious to see what Olivia Folmar Ard comes up with next!
(I received an advance copy from the author. Opinions are my own.)
The dilemmas of Annmarie (in the twentieth century) and Claire (in the twenty-first century) are connected tangibly and thematically and make for a riveting addition to The Bennett Series that while it examines the brokenness in our lives, never loses heart, or, more importantly, hope.
I'm anxious to see what Olivia Folmar Ard comes up with next!
(I received an advance copy from the author. Opinions are my own.)
January 8, 2017
An intriguing tale of two young women, a generation apart, who must learn to live with the consequences of romantic choices they make--and one man who figures prominently in both their lives.
Annemarie, a college freshman far from home and the reach of her overbearing mother's attempts to set her up with every eligible bachelor in the region, falls hard for a man her parents certainly wouldn't approve of. Her immaturity leads her to handle all of this the wrong way, with results that prove disastrous for her family relationship, her mental health and her love life.
50 years later, that same man mentors Claire, an heiress trying to escape her own mother and her own past.
(Review based on ebook ARC provided by author)
Annemarie, a college freshman far from home and the reach of her overbearing mother's attempts to set her up with every eligible bachelor in the region, falls hard for a man her parents certainly wouldn't approve of. Her immaturity leads her to handle all of this the wrong way, with results that prove disastrous for her family relationship, her mental health and her love life.
50 years later, that same man mentors Claire, an heiress trying to escape her own mother and her own past.
(Review based on ebook ARC provided by author)
September 29, 2017
There is something special about this book. Not only was it written by a wonderful author, but it also has a story line full of emotions. The story follows a young girl named Annemarie as she traverses through this difficult thing called life. Her story is tragic, heroic, sad, and happy. The book follows Annemarie as she grows both older and wiser.
Overall, the book is well-written. It has all the emotional feels without sounding completely ridiculous. Annemarie’s story is also down to earth, which makes the book relatable to so many people. If you are in the mood for a great, romantic read, then This Dread Road is a great choice.
Overall, the book is well-written. It has all the emotional feels without sounding completely ridiculous. Annemarie’s story is also down to earth, which makes the book relatable to so many people. If you are in the mood for a great, romantic read, then This Dread Road is a great choice.
November 30, 2020
This Dread Road by Olivia Ard is the final book in the Bennett Series and despite the heavily romantic storyline, i found myself entranced by her writing, rooting for the characters, and feeling satisfied with the end of the series about Bennett South Carolina.
It features topics of divorce, miscarriage, adultery, and alcoholism.
Overall, i found it to be a great read.
It features topics of divorce, miscarriage, adultery, and alcoholism.
Overall, i found it to be a great read.
June 24, 2017
I received this book for free as part of a first reads promotion
May 14, 2019
I think this one is my favorite The Bennett Series! Olivia is a wonderful author. I cannot wait to read more from her!
January 8, 2017
An intriguing tale of two young women, a generation apart, who must learn to live with the consequences of romantic choices they make--and one man who figures prominently in both their lives.
Annemarie, a college freshman far from home and the reach of her overbearing mother's attempts to set her up with every eligible bachelor in the region, falls hard for a man her parents certainly wouldn't approve of. Her immaturity leads her to handle all of this the wrong way, with results that prove disastrous for her family relationship, her mental health and her love life.
50 years later, that same man mentors Claire, an heiress trying to escape her own mother and her own past.
(Review based on ebook ARC provided by author)
Annemarie, a college freshman far from home and the reach of her overbearing mother's attempts to set her up with every eligible bachelor in the region, falls hard for a man her parents certainly wouldn't approve of. Her immaturity leads her to handle all of this the wrong way, with results that prove disastrous for her family relationship, her mental health and her love life.
50 years later, that same man mentors Claire, an heiress trying to escape her own mother and her own past.
(Review based on ebook ARC provided by author)
April 28, 2017
Probably the biggest compliment I can pay to This Dread Road is that the characters became real to me. The characters are complex, multidimensional people who cannot be chalked up as simply "good" or "bad." They make or have made poor decisions, but to the author's credit, I never lost sympathy for them. On the contrary, their flaws and their inability to pave themselves a clear path to happiness resonated with me.
The dilemmas of Annmarie (in the twentieth century) and Claire (in the twenty-first century) are connected tangibly and thematically and make for a riveting addition to The Bennett Series that while it examines the brokenness in our lives, never loses heart, or, more importantly, hope.
I'm anxious to see what Olivia Folmar Ard comes up with next!
The dilemmas of Annmarie (in the twentieth century) and Claire (in the twenty-first century) are connected tangibly and thematically and make for a riveting addition to The Bennett Series that while it examines the brokenness in our lives, never loses heart, or, more importantly, hope.
I'm anxious to see what Olivia Folmar Ard comes up with next!
April 27, 2017
Reviewed for readers favorite
This Dread Road by Olivia Folmar Ard starts off in the modern era then quickly takes us back to September 1968, just as Annemarie Vanderhorst is entering freshman year at Howard Knox. Finally free of her mother's control and societal expectations Annemarie is determined to pursuit her own dreams and interests. And they don't include majoring in Home Economics.
While in college she is quickly swept off her feet by Henry Eden, a handsome and mysterious classmate. He's everything her snobbish mother would hate as he's working on the family farm while attending classes.
Still, he fills Annemarie's thoughts and dreams for the future.
In the modern era, Claire James has a similar experience as she struggles to prove her independence as she works in the family business. All the while carrying a heavy secret that could possibly destroy her.
Though the times may have changed some emotions stay the same.
I enjoyed This Dread Road by Olivia Folmar Ard. At first I was thrown off by the first few chapters as there was an abrupt shift in time periods, but as the book progressed I really began to enjoy Annemarie's point of view and root for her and Henry to stay together despite the odds.
As I was reading from her point of view I did wonder how it tied with the first chapter but Ard deftly tied both storylines together to create a novel filled with love, heartache, but most of all redemption.
This Dread Road by Olivia Folmar Ard should be a good read for fans of romance or anyone convinced by the power of love.
This Dread Road by Olivia Folmar Ard starts off in the modern era then quickly takes us back to September 1968, just as Annemarie Vanderhorst is entering freshman year at Howard Knox. Finally free of her mother's control and societal expectations Annemarie is determined to pursuit her own dreams and interests. And they don't include majoring in Home Economics.
While in college she is quickly swept off her feet by Henry Eden, a handsome and mysterious classmate. He's everything her snobbish mother would hate as he's working on the family farm while attending classes.
Still, he fills Annemarie's thoughts and dreams for the future.
In the modern era, Claire James has a similar experience as she struggles to prove her independence as she works in the family business. All the while carrying a heavy secret that could possibly destroy her.
Though the times may have changed some emotions stay the same.
I enjoyed This Dread Road by Olivia Folmar Ard. At first I was thrown off by the first few chapters as there was an abrupt shift in time periods, but as the book progressed I really began to enjoy Annemarie's point of view and root for her and Henry to stay together despite the odds.
As I was reading from her point of view I did wonder how it tied with the first chapter but Ard deftly tied both storylines together to create a novel filled with love, heartache, but most of all redemption.
This Dread Road by Olivia Folmar Ard should be a good read for fans of romance or anyone convinced by the power of love.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews