The Toll Road North

by Peggy L. DeBlois

Dee is living a charmed life in Connecticut until she and her son are taken hostage while on a college visit in her hometown of Lewiston, Maine. When Dee recognizes the gunman, she is forced to face her secret-filled past. The French- Canadian Catholic community of her youth is filled with betrayals, abandonment, and secret pregnancies. How will she reveal her shameful past to her husband, son, and friends?

Genres: Book Club, Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2022

About the author

Peggy Lafreniere DeBlois grew up in Lewiston, Maine and is a proud graduate of Bowdoin College. She enjoyed careers in marketing, journalism, and teaching prior to devoting her time to writing. The Toll Road North is her first novel, and she continues to be inspired by the gritty beauty in her hometown.



PeggyLDeBlois.com

Facebook/Instagram: @PeggyLDeBloisWriter

Twitter:@PeggyLDeBlois

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up with a similar socioeconomic background, a similar family history, and in the same town as the main character, I felt like I was reading a piece of my own family’s history. The parts of the book that were flashback were the same years as my own parents were growing up in the same town, and I recognized a lot of their stories in what the main character was describing. One of my greatest wishes is for a Time Machine so I can see my parents as kids, and my grandparents in their prime. This book felt as close as I am going to get to that Time Machine!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My aunt is from Lewiston, Maine, so of course when she saw The Toll Road North was written by a Lewiston native, she had to grab it! When I saw her recently she gave me her copy, and I loved it!


Dee is living a successful life in Connecticut, and has put her childhood out of her mind. But when her son is touring colleges, she returns to her home town. Dee is forced to remember the secrets and stories after she and her son are held hostage in a local sandwich shop. She must deal with her future while reliving the past.

The dual timeline really worked for this story! The book skips between the 1960/1970s and 2016. We see how the past has created the future. I think that it does an excellent job of portraying generational trauma , and how it compounds until someone says stop.

There were so many secrets in this book! I felt like it was a tight ball of yarn slowly unwinding, slowly feeding me the truth. It was excellently paced.

I thought that Ari's anger at his mother at the end of the book felt a little forced. I understand it's because Dee needed a reason to share her past with her present, but it still felt a little forced.

I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it!

[Martic · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. I loved that this story takes place in the sister city from where I grew up and still live. Recognizing places brings the story alive plus it was set during my own childhood years. I also liked how this story slowly reveals details even up to the very end. Well written with many varied characters throughout. What I didn't like was the language and sexual matter in the first portion of the book and for that reason, I took away half a star. It's not what I choose to read. However, I decided to give it a little more time and found it didn't continue through the rest of the book. With some caution, I'd recommend this book.

[Judith A. Gervais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done Peggy! This book hit very close to home for me as a Franco girl growing up in Lewiston. My 88 year old mother read it as well and found it to be a great read, maybe a little too realistic for her experiences in this community. The characters were definitely relatable, the plot is interesting and well drawn.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel could be anyone’s family from back in the 60’s- totally enjoyed it! Must admit, I cried, but that is what a good story is all about! My husband’s cousin suggested it, as she grew up in Lewiston and knows how much I enjoy a good book! Glad I read it!

[Ashley DeBlois · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book you can’t put down! There are twists and turns that even when you finish the book in a day (because it’s so good) it leaves you haunted with the characters for days to come. A beautifully told story that I recommend to everyone I know.

[Michelle Bianchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful, quietly powerful read that surprisingly will draw you in. We selected this book for our book club this month. The writing is very vivid the story unfolds in a way that keeps you curious without feeling rushed.

What stood out to me was how deeply the characters are developed. You can feel their struggles the relationships, and how they grow in a very real sense of the way. The book touches on themes like family identity, resilience giving you a lot to think about even after you’ve finished it.

It is the kind of book that sparks great discussion with layers that can be peeled back the more you reflect and understand others view on it. It’s a perfect selection for a Book Club, we all enjoyed the book very much, highly recommend.

[Julianne B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading The Toll Road North. I think it’s rare these days to find a book that doesn’t remind you of anything else, and that is what Ms. DeBlois accomplishes with her writing. The story is unique and captivating, and I found myself getting attached to the characters created. I was absolutely hooked and highly recommend The Toll Road North to all.

[Rene Dumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a ride on The Toll Road North. You'll discover vividly imagined characters, a strong sense of place, and a plot filled with secrets that will keep you guessing. It's a great read - a brutally honest depiction of the complexities of love and friendship and the hardships we all endure to ensure they survive.

[Bonnie DeCosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply moving story with complex characters who feel like people you’ve met and already know. This author has woven generations together and teaches us that not everything is as it seems on the surface. Looking forward to her next novel!
-Bonnie DeCosta

[Michelle E. Shores · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of how family relationships can get very twisted when everyone is just trying to survive. Very well written and easy to read. It’s a story you want to keep reading to see how it all turns out!

[Philip C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

With The Toll Road North, Peggy Deblois has sensitively shed light on the Franco-American community of Maine and all of New England. The plot holds up through the end, the characters are engaging sympathetically, revealing depth and dimension. Her debut novel is poignant and worth the read.

[Pamella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous read by this debut author. Characters I didn't want to say goodbye to when I finished the book. This is a captivating story and a page turner. Looking forward to the next book, for sure.

[Kaitie King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful start to finish. I read it in one sitting as the generational back and forth kept the story moving at a fast pace.

[Debbie Stirling]

Fantastic

[Madeleine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author captures essence of Lewiston during the years noted; at times story line seems somewhat contrived but nonetheless credible.

[Debbie Lachance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, fun read based in my hometown with reference to many locations and traditions from my childhood. I couldn’t put it down, suspenseful with unexpected twists. Loved it!

[Deb Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked the twist of family connections! And reference to LA Maine.

[Temashana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this very much. It threads a few different themes throughout, and makes you think. There are some twists as well which I always welcome. Too many books are easily sussed out from the first few pages.