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Uphill Both Ways
UPHILL BOTH WAYS
He left her a bike and a map—but why?
Maggie Cooper and her husband had been looking forward to retirement together—but everything changed when “Coop” Cooper died suddenly of a heart attack while restoring his vintage motorcycle and sidecar. After decades of marriage and following God’s call to get out of their comfort zone and immerse themselves in multi-cultural friendships and ministry . . . now what?
Then Maggie discovers that Coop had had plans for a cross-country trip on that motorcycle to revisit the various stops on their life journey, though she wasn’t sure why. Nostalgia? A trip down memory lane? That didn’t sound like Coop. Maybe the only way to find out was to honor her husband’s wishes and take that trip—against everybody’s advice. After all, she was sixty-five! Her kids thought she ought to just sell the bike, sell the house, and settle into a retirement village.
But she knew at least two people who would say, “Go Maggie!” Her now-departed husband and her estranged youngest son. And God. Yes, Maggie had a sense God was up to something.
Accompanied by her dog and an unexpected runaway, Maggie sets out on an unforgettable journey, and invites YOU to come along for the ride.
“It’s okay to look behind you.
Sometimes it’s the best way
to get yourself home.”
—An African saying
He left her a bike and a map—but why?
Maggie Cooper and her husband had been looking forward to retirement together—but everything changed when “Coop” Cooper died suddenly of a heart attack while restoring his vintage motorcycle and sidecar. After decades of marriage and following God’s call to get out of their comfort zone and immerse themselves in multi-cultural friendships and ministry . . . now what?
Then Maggie discovers that Coop had had plans for a cross-country trip on that motorcycle to revisit the various stops on their life journey, though she wasn’t sure why. Nostalgia? A trip down memory lane? That didn’t sound like Coop. Maybe the only way to find out was to honor her husband’s wishes and take that trip—against everybody’s advice. After all, she was sixty-five! Her kids thought she ought to just sell the bike, sell the house, and settle into a retirement village.
But she knew at least two people who would say, “Go Maggie!” Her now-departed husband and her estranged youngest son. And God. Yes, Maggie had a sense God was up to something.
Accompanied by her dog and an unexpected runaway, Maggie sets out on an unforgettable journey, and invites YOU to come along for the ride.
“It’s okay to look behind you.
Sometimes it’s the best way
to get yourself home.”
—An African saying
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2018
37 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 15, 2019
Loved this book. I have read everything by this author and her husband. This book touched my soul. It hurt but brought me joy to see this s woman deal with her pain.
Please let’s have a sequel
Please let’s have a sequel
April 18, 2020
My first kindle read!
Another great book from Neta Jackson! I loved the Yada Yada books but didn't know she had written anything new so I was happy to start off my new kindle with this wonderful story.
Another great book from Neta Jackson! I loved the Yada Yada books but didn't know she had written anything new so I was happy to start off my new kindle with this wonderful story.
October 9, 2025
A beautiful, faith-filled journey I didn’t know I needed
I just finished Uphill Both Ways and honestly, I’m still sitting here thinking about Maggie Cooper. This book took me by surprise. I picked it up expecting a gentle story about a widow trying to move on, but it turned out to be so much more a tender, funny, and deeply spiritual journey about what it means to keep living with purpose even after heartbreaking loss.
Maggie felt so real. I could feel her hesitation, her grief, her determination. Watching her set out on that cross-country trip just her, her dog, and her memories was both inspiring and emotional. I loved how the author showed that faith doesn’t make life easier, but it gives you courage to take the next step.
The people Maggie meets along the way each add something special, and even the runaway character brought unexpected warmth and growth. The writing is simple but full of wisdom; I found myself underlining passages about faith, resilience, and second chances.
If you’ve ever lost someone or felt unsure about what comes next in life, this book will speak straight to your heart. It’s a gentle reminder that God isn’t done with us, no matter our age or circumstance.
Beautifully told, full of hope, and very human.
I just finished Uphill Both Ways and honestly, I’m still sitting here thinking about Maggie Cooper. This book took me by surprise. I picked it up expecting a gentle story about a widow trying to move on, but it turned out to be so much more a tender, funny, and deeply spiritual journey about what it means to keep living with purpose even after heartbreaking loss.
Maggie felt so real. I could feel her hesitation, her grief, her determination. Watching her set out on that cross-country trip just her, her dog, and her memories was both inspiring and emotional. I loved how the author showed that faith doesn’t make life easier, but it gives you courage to take the next step.
The people Maggie meets along the way each add something special, and even the runaway character brought unexpected warmth and growth. The writing is simple but full of wisdom; I found myself underlining passages about faith, resilience, and second chances.
If you’ve ever lost someone or felt unsure about what comes next in life, this book will speak straight to your heart. It’s a gentle reminder that God isn’t done with us, no matter our age or circumstance.
Beautifully told, full of hope, and very human.
October 20, 2025
A heartfelt and faith-filled journey about second chances and grace
Uphill Both Ways is one of those rare novels that feels both deeply human and spiritually uplifting. Neta Jackson weaves a story that’s honest about pain, regret, and healing without ever losing sight of hope.
The main character, Maggie, drew me in from the first chapter. Her determination to make sense of her husband’s mysterious final wish, and the emotional road trip that follows, become much more than a physical journey it’s a journey of rediscovery and grace.
What I loved most was how relatable it felt. The story doesn’t preach; it simply shows how faith can carry us through grief and uncertainty. The writing is gentle but powerful, filled with moments that make you stop and reflect on your own life and relationships.
For readers who enjoy Christian fiction that’s grounded, emotionally rich, and full of heart, Uphill Both Ways is a quiet treasure.
Uphill Both Ways is one of those rare novels that feels both deeply human and spiritually uplifting. Neta Jackson weaves a story that’s honest about pain, regret, and healing without ever losing sight of hope.
The main character, Maggie, drew me in from the first chapter. Her determination to make sense of her husband’s mysterious final wish, and the emotional road trip that follows, become much more than a physical journey it’s a journey of rediscovery and grace.
What I loved most was how relatable it felt. The story doesn’t preach; it simply shows how faith can carry us through grief and uncertainty. The writing is gentle but powerful, filled with moments that make you stop and reflect on your own life and relationships.
For readers who enjoy Christian fiction that’s grounded, emotionally rich, and full of heart, Uphill Both Ways is a quiet treasure.
October 9, 2025
Uphill Both Ways moved me in ways I didn’t expect. Maggie’s story felt so real, her grief, her doubts, and her quiet courage to keep going when life took everything familiar away. I found myself cheering for her on every mile of that road trip, not just because of where she was going, but because of what she was rediscovering along the way.
Neta Jackson has a gift for writing characters who feel like people you know, and Maggie could easily be someone’s mom, sister, or even yourself. The faith woven through this story isn’t forced; it’s gentle, honest, and full of hope. I especially loved how God’s presence shows up in the small, unexpected moments.
This book reminded me that healing doesn’t always come quickly, but it does come, often in the most surprising ways. A truly beautiful, life-affirming read
Neta Jackson has a gift for writing characters who feel like people you know, and Maggie could easily be someone’s mom, sister, or even yourself. The faith woven through this story isn’t forced; it’s gentle, honest, and full of hope. I especially loved how God’s presence shows up in the small, unexpected moments.
This book reminded me that healing doesn’t always come quickly, but it does come, often in the most surprising ways. A truly beautiful, life-affirming read
July 19, 2020
Who's up for a ride?
I've read several books by this author,and I enjoyed reading this one. Recently widowed Maggie receives s gift her late husband had ordered for her, and this,along with s few other incidents, leads her to make a bike trip from Illinois to California. She stops along the way at places that had been significant in their life. Although I don't ride a motorcycle,it seemed very realistic. It was an interesting way to display segments of young Christians in the latter part of the 20th century.
While the book definitely addressed some issues of being newly widowed, that wasn't the focus of the book .
I found myself wanting to see where Maggie would go next. An enjoyable read!
I've read several books by this author,and I enjoyed reading this one. Recently widowed Maggie receives s gift her late husband had ordered for her, and this,along with s few other incidents, leads her to make a bike trip from Illinois to California. She stops along the way at places that had been significant in their life. Although I don't ride a motorcycle,it seemed very realistic. It was an interesting way to display segments of young Christians in the latter part of the 20th century.
While the book definitely addressed some issues of being newly widowed, that wasn't the focus of the book .
I found myself wanting to see where Maggie would go next. An enjoyable read!
December 12, 2018
Wow what a great book...I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. It's an easy read and the joy of traveling on a motorcycle intrigued me. It's full of adventure and yes, I'll admit I cried a few times. I am a fan of Meta and Dave have read all theYada Had a books and loved each of them. This one, Neta was a full of real family problems, love and discord. But what family doesn't have these. Thank GOD for faith and HIS ever lasting love that keeps us tough
And sees us through the difficulties. Thanks for all you efforts.....I can't wait for the next book....I hope it's in the process.....
And sees us through the difficulties. Thanks for all you efforts.....I can't wait for the next book....I hope it's in the process.....
June 23, 2022
Another wonderful book
Neta Jackson is one of my favorite authors. This book was so important to me because of the part about the parent/son interaction and their reaction to his coming out. It spoke volumes to my heart when he shared about his love for Jesus never changing and how he was still the same person. My heart aches as shared how he was hurt throughout growing up because of the comments and reactions of others but how he didn’t choose to be gay. A fictional story can teach us a lot if we are open.
Neta Jackson is one of my favorite authors. This book was so important to me because of the part about the parent/son interaction and their reaction to his coming out. It spoke volumes to my heart when he shared about his love for Jesus never changing and how he was still the same person. My heart aches as shared how he was hurt throughout growing up because of the comments and reactions of others but how he didn’t choose to be gay. A fictional story can teach us a lot if we are open.
August 3, 2019
I would not have expected a reknown author to write this. It felt childish. The Characters all acted childish. How the author wrote out the lingo for other characters- Childish. I liked that she tried to be a christian writer, but it more of an after thought to add the "chats with God". The story/plot had the potential to be good, but I couldn't get past the daughter Stacy, Maggie thought processing, the Lingo of Reagan, and the scary situations that Reagan got into.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2021
Great story premise - too light (for me) on the details and a little too unrealistic glossing over the difficulties being faced by our main character - physically, emotionally, and practically.
Filled in with more depth and realism and this could have easily been a five star read for me. I liked the characters. I liked the plot-line. I liked the feeling of hope and faith and dealing with grief and nostalgia.
I just wanted much, much more.
Filled in with more depth and realism and this could have easily been a five star read for me. I liked the characters. I liked the plot-line. I liked the feeling of hope and faith and dealing with grief and nostalgia.
I just wanted much, much more.
October 13, 2025
A Great Adventure...
Neta Jackson does not disappoint with 'Uphill Both Ways'. Her characters are realistic and relatable. The free spirit in us will applaud the cross country motorcycle trip taken by a senior citizen driver. The experiences are sometimes surprising but always interesting. Spiritual input makes an it an ideal read for those who appreciate realistic faith fiction.
Neta Jackson does not disappoint with 'Uphill Both Ways'. Her characters are realistic and relatable. The free spirit in us will applaud the cross country motorcycle trip taken by a senior citizen driver. The experiences are sometimes surprising but always interesting. Spiritual input makes an it an ideal read for those who appreciate realistic faith fiction.
March 19, 2019
Another Winner
She gets me connected from the the very beginning. I love her style of writing and it brings be back to the spirit and knowing Jesus IS with us all the way. Being 64 and married for almost 44 years to my high school sweetheart this book grounds me to realize how precious he is and to stop and appreciate every day.
She gets me connected from the the very beginning. I love her style of writing and it brings be back to the spirit and knowing Jesus IS with us all the way. Being 64 and married for almost 44 years to my high school sweetheart this book grounds me to realize how precious he is and to stop and appreciate every day.
September 13, 2020
Great adventure
I love all of Neta's books. This one touch my heart in so many ways. I've been a widow for many years. I can relate to all that she went through. I love the relationship with her granddaughter. I was so tickled that she took her motorcycle adventure. The book was just amazing. Everyone should read all of her books.
I love all of Neta's books. This one touch my heart in so many ways. I've been a widow for many years. I can relate to all that she went through. I love the relationship with her granddaughter. I was so tickled that she took her motorcycle adventure. The book was just amazing. Everyone should read all of her books.
March 3, 2021
The story was well written. The characters are well developed. I enjoyed the progression and diversity of the activities and could relate so much to the characters as I have a great relationship with a grandaughter and could see both of us in the same situations. Truly an enjoyable and inspiring book.
January 14, 2020
It was about a recently widowed lady who learns to ride her late husband’s motorcycle and goes cross country retracing their earlier years of marriage ending in California meeting their estranged son.
April 20, 2021
This was a fun read for me. I enjoyed reading of Maggie’s Adventure and glad she could share with her granddaughter. I felt her daughter was a little much and very dramatic. But all in all loved the book. I’ve enjoyed all her books and hope there is another book about the Coopers!
July 12, 2022
Very nice story of a bereaved grandma and wild teenaged granddaughter on a road trip to tie up loose ends and reconcile with an estranged son. Very well done. Good Christian perspective without being preachy.
January 5, 2019
Excellent!
Very good from beginning to end. It was hard to put it down. Thanks Neta for another great book. Excellent.
Very good from beginning to end. It was hard to put it down. Thanks Neta for another great book. Excellent.
March 16, 2019
i love Netta and all her books. Loved this one too.
June 22, 2019
Uphill Both Ways is another page turner by Neta Jackson. I loved the cross country journey that was certainly uphill both ways many times.
April 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I have enjoyed Neta's writing since reading all the Yada Yada books . I envisioned being with Maggie an Reagan on this adventure! It was totally exhilarating experience!
September 30, 2022
Uphill both ways
Every single book they write is absolutely reading experience thanks Beta & Dave I'm a life time reader thank you
Every single book they write is absolutely reading experience thanks Beta & Dave I'm a life time reader thank you
March 7, 2019
A very good book. It flowed well from beginning to the end.
June 3, 2021
Enjoyable book and characters
December 18, 2018
Living the Jesus way
Another slam dunk for Neta Jackson. The characters come alive in so many ways it is easy to identify with them on the journey. I like that the characters use scripture & prayer as their guide.
Another slam dunk for Neta Jackson. The characters come alive in so many ways it is easy to identify with them on the journey. I like that the characters use scripture & prayer as their guide.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews