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Detour
The winter months can be lean on jobs for a contractor like Zoey, so winning a bid with the county to plow some country roads is a financial blessing for her family. And it’s not such a bad gig, especially when she has a thermos full of hot coffee and some great bluegrass music to drown out the sound of the plow.
Megan hasn’t seen her best friend in over a year, so she decides to take a road trip with her recently newborn son to visit her in Cleveland. But when a road closure detours her to the middle of nowhere in rural Pennsylvania and a snowstorm strands them on the side of the road, it seems like she’ll never make it to see her best friend.
When Zoey rescues Megan and her son, it’s a bit tense and awkward at first. But as the ice thaws and they get to know each other, they start to grow fond of their chance encounter and love begins to blossom in their hearts. Perhaps, they’ll have a complete family for Christmas after all.
Megan hasn’t seen her best friend in over a year, so she decides to take a road trip with her recently newborn son to visit her in Cleveland. But when a road closure detours her to the middle of nowhere in rural Pennsylvania and a snowstorm strands them on the side of the road, it seems like she’ll never make it to see her best friend.
When Zoey rescues Megan and her son, it’s a bit tense and awkward at first. But as the ice thaws and they get to know each other, they start to grow fond of their chance encounter and love begins to blossom in their hearts. Perhaps, they’ll have a complete family for Christmas after all.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2020
About the author
Amy DeMeritt
36 books89 followersAmy DeMeritt is an author of Sapphic romance and an occasional poet. She is a lover of the arts, coffee and tea, a day of sitting on the beach watching the waves crashing against the shore, and good books and music to get lost in. (A good thunderstorm is one of her favorite forms of music.)
Amy takes inspiration from every experience in life and gives her imagination full reign to take a small detail and expand it into an intricate tale. Weaving experience, interests, and even pushing the boundaries of personal comfort, Amy’s stories take a reader on a journey of varying emotions and the joys and trials of love, romance, and growing as an individual, all of which are embodied in an entertaining plot with complex characters.
Amy takes inspiration from every experience in life and gives her imagination full reign to take a small detail and expand it into an intricate tale. Weaving experience, interests, and even pushing the boundaries of personal comfort, Amy’s stories take a reader on a journey of varying emotions and the joys and trials of love, romance, and growing as an individual, all of which are embodied in an entertaining plot with complex characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 21, 2025
A heartwarming read!
Sweet, heartwarming read with likable characters and a beautiful scenery.The kids are so cute and they made me smile. Zoey is a sweetheart. Detour is laced with friendship, family, hope and love. Don't expect drama and then you won’t be disappointed. Detour is a perfect holiday read.
Sweet, heartwarming read with likable characters and a beautiful scenery.The kids are so cute and they made me smile. Zoey is a sweetheart. Detour is laced with friendship, family, hope and love. Don't expect drama and then you won’t be disappointed. Detour is a perfect holiday read.
December 3, 2022
I only read one other book by Amy DeMerrit: A love to stay for, so when I ran out of suggestions to read right now, I started re-reading it, but then I decided to re-read it as a proper book, as I liked it so much. So I ordered the paperback edition and went for this one instead.
At first it felt like a debut from an author trying to find her style. I have always found present tense narratives hard to read, even with a third person narrator. Having read her before, though I struggled through the first couple of chapters and found here, too, what I liked before, two adult characters who behave appropriately to their age and experience. The storyline here, too, is interesting and pretty straight forward, a sweet sapphic romance without any teen-age doubts and fears and two women who talk to each other and do their best to make their almost instant attraction last and develop into something stable and lasting.
The writing is not as smooth and elaborate as what I read before and the editing not as perfect, another fact that somehow hinted at it being an earlier work. It nevertheless was a nice read in the end, hence the slightly weak four stars.
At first it felt like a debut from an author trying to find her style. I have always found present tense narratives hard to read, even with a third person narrator. Having read her before, though I struggled through the first couple of chapters and found here, too, what I liked before, two adult characters who behave appropriately to their age and experience. The storyline here, too, is interesting and pretty straight forward, a sweet sapphic romance without any teen-age doubts and fears and two women who talk to each other and do their best to make their almost instant attraction last and develop into something stable and lasting.
The writing is not as smooth and elaborate as what I read before and the editing not as perfect, another fact that somehow hinted at it being an earlier work. It nevertheless was a nice read in the end, hence the slightly weak four stars.
May 18, 2023
I don’t doubt this could happen in real life, but it would be very difficult.
Megan hasn’t seen her best friend in a long time, so she decides to make a road trip with her month’s old son during winter, I guess she didn’t check the weather and noticed that snowstorms were coming.
Zoey is a hands-women, she works whatever she can and wants, she has a contract with the county to snowplow several roads and she finds Megan and her son stranded.
No drama, no angst but also not probable that this would happen to me, lol!
I liked Megan’s parents, the reaction to her daughters’ choices was as expected and that made the story relatable.
Megan hasn’t seen her best friend in a long time, so she decides to make a road trip with her month’s old son during winter, I guess she didn’t check the weather and noticed that snowstorms were coming.
Zoey is a hands-women, she works whatever she can and wants, she has a contract with the county to snowplow several roads and she finds Megan and her son stranded.
No drama, no angst but also not probable that this would happen to me, lol!
I liked Megan’s parents, the reaction to her daughters’ choices was as expected and that made the story relatable.
December 29, 2025
3.5 stars
Sweet romance that sometimes was a little bit too longwinded and sweet for me. Still a nice read, so 3.5 stars, which comes out at 4 stars in the Goodreads rating system.
Sweet romance that sometimes was a little bit too longwinded and sweet for me. Still a nice read, so 3.5 stars, which comes out at 4 stars in the Goodreads rating system.
November 22, 2020
3.5 ⭐
December 22, 2020
If you're looking for a fluffy low angst somewhat fairytale like story then this is the book you're looking for. The romance happened so fast that it's kind of unrealistic but I didn't really care much. Both characters are endearing and it's so heart pinchingly beautiful to read about how much they love each other. This is an easy, fun, and warm book to read when you're feeling down. I loved reading every minute of it.
November 28, 2020
I'm a fan of Amy DeMerritt. This book is told in present tense. It has that holiday feeling of romance and happiness with a touch of drama.
Spoiler
It has a beautiful passage regarding marriage that I had to share with my wife.
Spoiler
It has a beautiful passage regarding marriage that I had to share with my wife.
December 13, 2020
A feel good read about family and holiday time. Beside how they met, there is nothing really excited after that. No angst. And everything happened so fast. The 2 mains also agreed. Their relationship is moving at the speed of light.
April 17, 2021
I started enjoying this as an easy fun read but I lost interest about 60% in, right after the lesbian couple fell in love after one night of rebound sex.
December 3, 2020
Great story
I have enjoyed this loving story of a woman with her baby rescued by Zoey a snow plow driver then fall in love.
I have enjoyed this loving story of a woman with her baby rescued by Zoey a snow plow driver then fall in love.
November 30, 2020
So romantic
A beautiful story for new chances, new opportunities and a new life. Very romantic story not very realistic but so beautifully written and with so many emotions and feelings. Easy to read and so enjoyable
A beautiful story for new chances, new opportunities and a new life. Very romantic story not very realistic but so beautifully written and with so many emotions and feelings. Easy to read and so enjoyable
November 26, 2020
Outstanding!
Amy DeMeritt has become one of my Top 10 favorite authors of all time, a difficult feat with authors like CS Lewis, Christine Feehan, and Stephen King already there. Her books have a little something that others seem to lack; they speak to me on an emotional level unlike the majority of authors. The characters make you fall in love with them and cheer for the HEA all women deserve! In this book, fate seems to step in to deliver just that! Put this book on your list!
Amy DeMeritt has become one of my Top 10 favorite authors of all time, a difficult feat with authors like CS Lewis, Christine Feehan, and Stephen King already there. Her books have a little something that others seem to lack; they speak to me on an emotional level unlike the majority of authors. The characters make you fall in love with them and cheer for the HEA all women deserve! In this book, fate seems to step in to deliver just that! Put this book on your list!
November 24, 2020
A perfect Christmas romance that starts a few months early
Its a sweet a little trite but fun romance, novstray plot twists no i hate you or exes wanting to restart something. Everything just falls into place.The only unbelievable parts is the children approving of their parents partner. It doesn't always work that smoothly ( that from a personal reality experience). Its also more difficult if you get attached to the child and the relationship doesn't work , that lipreading to more heartbreak..But this something good and light to read when all the news of the pandemic is frightening.
Its a sweet a little trite but fun romance, novstray plot twists no i hate you or exes wanting to restart something. Everything just falls into place.The only unbelievable parts is the children approving of their parents partner. It doesn't always work that smoothly ( that from a personal reality experience). Its also more difficult if you get attached to the child and the relationship doesn't work , that lipreading to more heartbreak..But this something good and light to read when all the news of the pandemic is frightening.
November 25, 2020
Perfect first Christmas read 2020
Title says it all really, lots of love wonderfully written cast of characters just a perfect read to get you in the mood for Christmas and forget the troubles of the world for a few hours.
Title says it all really, lots of love wonderfully written cast of characters just a perfect read to get you in the mood for Christmas and forget the troubles of the world for a few hours.
March 7, 2021
It was all in all it was quite a good book. The relationship progressed quite quickly but generally that's a thing in lesbian relationships and I liked the characters - the stuff with the kids was exceptionally cute.
However what u was not to fond of was the awkward 4th wall break at the end, saying that the story would continue to Christmas and the author extending the book to that point so she could include the engagement it just felt forced and there was no conflict in those last 50 or so pages, stretching out the resolution too long.
Honestly that was a minor issue and overall the book was really good.
However what u was not to fond of was the awkward 4th wall break at the end, saying that the story would continue to Christmas and the author extending the book to that point so she could include the engagement it just felt forced and there was no conflict in those last 50 or so pages, stretching out the resolution too long.
Honestly that was a minor issue and overall the book was really good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2021
Christmas romance
Heartfelt Christmas romance. Amy DeMeritt bring Christmas spirit throughout this book. The romance, chemistry and family bonds created spread love and joy for a holiday season. This is a yearly reread to boost the Christmas spirit. There is very little angst and not between the MCs. Definitely worth a read.
Heartfelt Christmas romance. Amy DeMeritt bring Christmas spirit throughout this book. The romance, chemistry and family bonds created spread love and joy for a holiday season. This is a yearly reread to boost the Christmas spirit. There is very little angst and not between the MCs. Definitely worth a read.
December 25, 2020
SO much love!!!
Beautifully written novel of love, commitment, and risking vulnerability to connect with another. Zoey’s formidable strength of character and resolve to take on parenting three children was awe-inspiring. Megan’s longing to be a mom was multiplied with her connection with Zoey. The three kids were a huge gift to us. Little beings with so much unconditional love to give made my heart burst. That the parents of Zoey and Megan supported them and became instant grandparents was a lovely plus. A very good read. I heartily and enthusiastically recommend this book and any others by this author. Thank you Peace
Beautifully written novel of love, commitment, and risking vulnerability to connect with another. Zoey’s formidable strength of character and resolve to take on parenting three children was awe-inspiring. Megan’s longing to be a mom was multiplied with her connection with Zoey. The three kids were a huge gift to us. Little beings with so much unconditional love to give made my heart burst. That the parents of Zoey and Megan supported them and became instant grandparents was a lovely plus. A very good read. I heartily and enthusiastically recommend this book and any others by this author. Thank you Peace
January 11, 2021
now thats lesfic, absolutly nothing to complain about the whole book was just perfec (derik trotter)
the pre proposal proposal, was just right, and the cristmas day exchange of rings had me shed a few tears, amy demeritt has become my new no' one lesfic auther yes even obove tb markinson who i class as the best auther out there, but now after one read of amy demeritt i'm so in love with her style of writing i hope this is not just a one of i want to devour her books, no self doubt no angst and zoe just blew me away if she was real i'd sweep her up and keep her for myself, and megan whot a sweetheart
the pre proposal proposal, was just right, and the cristmas day exchange of rings had me shed a few tears, amy demeritt has become my new no' one lesfic auther yes even obove tb markinson who i class as the best auther out there, but now after one read of amy demeritt i'm so in love with her style of writing i hope this is not just a one of i want to devour her books, no self doubt no angst and zoe just blew me away if she was real i'd sweep her up and keep her for myself, and megan whot a sweetheart
April 9, 2021
Zoey is a well written character. The author describes the hard working single mother of three through scenes of her snow plowing and interactions with her children and her parents and extended family. I enjoyed how the two sisters negativity (and maybe guilt) about Zoey's role in the children's lives is quashed by the parents and not given much page space. Finding Megan in a snow bank off the road is funny and Zoey just takes it in stride. The love story between Zoey & Megan revolves and evolves through very cold weather ("boots crunching in the snow"). I wanted to brew my own coffee and cocoa mix! A beautiful love story.
April 11, 2021
What A Sweet Story!
This has to be one of the sweetest, heartwarming and happy love stories I have read in a long time. There was no crazy ex, no secrets or lies. Just a detour for Megan and a snow removal rescue for Zoey. Both characters along with their families had such strength and love in them. This relationship was easy and funny from the beginning leaving a smile on my face. Well worth the read. Amy does it again!
This has to be one of the sweetest, heartwarming and happy love stories I have read in a long time. There was no crazy ex, no secrets or lies. Just a detour for Megan and a snow removal rescue for Zoey. Both characters along with their families had such strength and love in them. This relationship was easy and funny from the beginning leaving a smile on my face. Well worth the read. Amy does it again!
January 21, 2021
The chance meeting of Megan and Zoey in a snow storm seems like a great setup for a good tale. Unfortunately much of the story reads like a recitation of daily activities, many of which are only tangentially related to the relationship developing between the couple. It is hard to focus on the love story when it is buried in the minutiae. Overall this is a ponderous read.
December 23, 2020
Sweet Story
Sometimes life has a curvy, winding path it sends you down.Neither Zoey or Megan have much in common but they both quickly realize that sometimes life knows exactly what path they need to follow. The one that leads them right back to each other.
Sometimes life has a curvy, winding path it sends you down.Neither Zoey or Megan have much in common but they both quickly realize that sometimes life knows exactly what path they need to follow. The one that leads them right back to each other.
February 10, 2021
A pleasant idea for a romance. But there was a stylistic tic that really bugged me: everything was written in the present tense. It shouldn't bother me so much and there are probably those who find it adds immediacy to the writing. But it got on my nerves.
February 15, 2021
Felt long
I don’t know why I found this so hard to keep reading. I would start and just suddenly find myself doing other things and next thing I know, it’s been two weeks and I’ve not finished the book. I’m not saying it’s bad, but that was my predicament.
I don’t know why I found this so hard to keep reading. I would start and just suddenly find myself doing other things and next thing I know, it’s been two weeks and I’ve not finished the book. I’m not saying it’s bad, but that was my predicament.
June 1, 2021
A great happiness read
While I love good suspenseful tale of falling in love, there was little suspense here, just a beautiful love enveloping the families of both the lovers. Very, very inspirational!
While I love good suspenseful tale of falling in love, there was little suspense here, just a beautiful love enveloping the families of both the lovers. Very, very inspirational!
January 1, 2022
“I know it might seem rushed, but this, you and me, and the kids, it all just feels right.”
26 year old Megan McGrady packed her bags, her infant son, and set their course West to visit her best friend. Along the way the storm causes trouble for them and they find themselves stranded on side of a rural road. When all hope is lost, 37 year old Zoey Hailstone comes to the rescue. They are immediately taken into the Hailstone fold. Megan feels things she probably shouldn’t act on, but she wonders if their heroine may feel the same way. Fate seemingly intervenes.
This was insta-connection at its finest. While I would have liked an epilogue, I like how it all unfolded.
Cliffhanger – no (stand alone)
POV - Zoey & Megan
26 year old Megan McGrady packed her bags, her infant son, and set their course West to visit her best friend. Along the way the storm causes trouble for them and they find themselves stranded on side of a rural road. When all hope is lost, 37 year old Zoey Hailstone comes to the rescue. They are immediately taken into the Hailstone fold. Megan feels things she probably shouldn’t act on, but she wonders if their heroine may feel the same way. Fate seemingly intervenes.
This was insta-connection at its finest. While I would have liked an epilogue, I like how it all unfolded.
Cliffhanger – no (stand alone)
POV - Zoey & Megan
November 9, 2020
I recommend this book
I really enjoyed this book. Sweet romance very likable characters. A real good read is just what I needed. Thanks for another winner
I really enjoyed this book. Sweet romance very likable characters. A real good read is just what I needed. Thanks for another winner
December 13, 2020
When life is mostly perfect and all things line up fairy tale. But was cute read.
January 3, 2021
Great.
I really enjoyed Detour. Yes, a story with a happy ending. Just what I needed to chase way the winter blues. Great character.
I really enjoyed Detour. Yes, a story with a happy ending. Just what I needed to chase way the winter blues. Great character.
January 6, 2021
Very good Book
I chose 5 ratings because I Couldn't put the book down I Love this Writers Books I couldn't wait to finish I recommend this book
I chose 5 ratings because I Couldn't put the book down I Love this Writers Books I couldn't wait to finish I recommend this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews