The Roads We Follow (A Fog Harbor Romance #2)

Nicole Deese once again captures her audience with her latest release, The Roads We Follow, an addictive, well-written novel that embodies the essence of heartfelt storytelling. Through authentic and simplistic writing, the story delves into the importance of family, finding peace with your past, and trusting God to pave the road ahead. Readers will be captivated by this second installment of the Fog Harbor Romance series as they meet the Farrow family and embark on a road trip across America that could either make or break their relationships. 

“It’s easy to fool ourselves into thinking secrets are the best way to protect the ones we love, when it’s really ourselves we want to protect.” ~ Nicole Deese

Synopsis: 

As the youngest daughter of a country music legend, Raegan Farrow longs to establish an identity away from the spotlight and publish her small-town romances under a pen name. But after her dream is dashed when she won’t exploit her mother’s fame to further her own career, she hears a rumor from a reliable source regarding a tell-all being written about the Farrow family. Making matters worse, the unknown author has gone to great lengths to remain anonymous until publication.

Raegan chooses to keep the tell-all a secret from her scandal-leery sisters as they embark on a two-week, cross-country road trip at their mother’s request and makes it her mission to expose the identity of the author behind the unsanctioned biography. But all is complicated when she discovers their hired bus driver, Micah Davenport, has a hidden agenda of his own–one involving both of their mothers and an old box of journals. As they rely on each other to find the answers they seek, the surprising revelations they unearth will steer them toward their undeniable connection and may even lead them down the most unexpected of paths.

Finishing a fabulous, moving story has to be one of the most satisfying feelings a reader can experience. The Roads We Follow came at the perfect time in my life as I prepared to venture on my own “road trip” back to my roots. I resonated with Reagan and Micah’s struggles as they asked God to reveal their identities and guide them down the path He has paved. I can only pray my journey will bring the same clarity and perspective each character experiences in this book. 

“It’s strange how long a person can anticipate a special milestone in their life and still feel the bittersweet tug of change clinging to their coattails.” ~ Nicole Deese

Nicole Deese remains one of my favorite contemporary writers because her novels are always relatable and lovable without becoming so far-fetched that readers will be unable to connect. Her writing sweeps me away, and I could feel her heart in The Roads We Follow as she put another piece of herself into the storyline. 

Reagan and Micah are my new favorite book couple! As the saying goes, “When you know, you know,” and their romance was nothing short of divine. Though they had to work apart to come together, I loved how their love was based on their qualities rather than lust or outward beauty. They cheered each other on but weren’t afraid to speak hard truths when needed. I could feel their adoration radiating off the pages and absolutely loved reading their perspectives. Micah’s thoughts while he observed Reagan with her family made me swoon, while my heart completely melted when Reagan saw how Micah quickly became the missing piece in her family. 

“To paraphrase my mother, ‘Life’s too short to be questioning what to do with the time we’ve been given.’ And, I think it’s safe to add, who we spend that time with.” ~ Nicole Deese

I particularly loved the themes of communication, restoration, and sisterhood. While The Roads We Follow is categorized as a romance, it becomes so much more as readers discover the unbreakable bond between Luella and Lynn and how their journey to stardom brings their families together. There is also a powerful God element that is more front and center than Nicole’s other books. I really appreciated this aspect as she portrayed spiritually mature characters struggling with realistic problems finding peace in God rather than people. After all, our Savior is the glue that holds us together, and you could feel His hand over the character’s lives, orchestrating their stories. 

“God doesn’t give us talents He doesn’t intend for us to use with Him and for Him.” ~ Nicole Deese

The Roads We Follow will stick in my mind for a while. Hope radiates from the pages as each character seeks God’s plans for their lives. I believe God brought this book into my life to remind me that He knows my heart and is answering my prayers in His timing. 

Whether you’re looking to fall in love or read a heartwarming story of family and faith, The Roads We Follow is an incredible book that will hold your attention until the final page.  

*Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with a pre-release copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own*

My Rating: 
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Age: 15+

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