What I’m Reading–God Bless the Broken Road by Jennifer Dornbush is a story I highly recommend. It’s a story of hope and second chances. But first the scripture verse and photo. Again, a photo from my friend, Deb Smith. She has a great eye for composition. And I thought this verse worked well.
Now for What I’m Reading–God Bless the Broken Road:
War widow and single mom Amber Hill feels like all hope is lost—but when an impulsive and irresistible race car driver comes into her life, he shows her the way back to her daughter, her faith, and a new love in this sweetly romantic novel.
Amber Hill never imagined she would find herself a war widow and single mom. She feels robbed and is angry at God. Where, Amber wonders, are the Sunday dinners, the picnics, the bike rides, the time they should be enjoying as a family? Instead, Amber is left with a folded flag and an empty heart. But above all, while dealing with her own grief, Amber struggles to help her nine-year-old daughter, Bree.
Cody Jackson has a death wish. Or at least that’s what his manager thinks, as Cody pushes his race car and his luck in every race. Is he hiding something as he tempts death and destruction on the track? When Cody encourages Bree to join in a derby car race for local youth, she finds a way to channel her grief into something good. And she likes that her mom and Cody are starting to become friends—or maybe something more.
As Amber struggles to hold it all together, her growing feelings for Cody complicate things. But when the unthinkable happens, she has nowhere left to turn and she finally cries out to God for help. With her faith, her life, her family, and her heart hanging in the balance, Amber is forced to decide between the broken road she knows so well and trusting that God will provide a new path in this heartwarming and charming novel.
My Take: God Bless the Broken Road
I really enjoyed this book by Jennifer Dornbush. It grabbed my heart from the beginning and didn’t let go. I wanted to yell at Amber when she was making bad choices, but in her place, I probably would have done the same thing. The story flowed like a movie…which it became. I could see the scenes in my mind so clearly. Bree was definitely a star in the story, and she will tug at your heart.
The characters are well fleshed out and the problems Amber faces are realistic. The reader hurts for her as she wanders away from God and cheers as she makes her way back. I haven’t watched the movie yet, but I plan to.
A little about the author: Jennifer Dornbush grew up the daughter of a medical examiner and even helped her father on some of his cases since the medical examiner’s office was in their home. I love her two coroner’s daughter mysteries, as well. You can learn more about Jennifer and her other books at her website.
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Comments 42
I don’t think I’ve done it out loud – 8 siblings, etc…! – but for sure in my head. “Aargh, why are you doing this? Can’t you see the obvious mistake here?” says me, who has insider information from earlier in the book! ;P Yep, definitely do that!! Do you tell your characters off for doing stupid things or leaving the script whilst writing? (Oh, and I wondered why this sounded familiar – I’ve watched the movie, but didn’t realize there was a book! Going on my TBR right now!!)
Author
You will totally enjoy the book, Monique! And yes, sometimes I do tell my characters they’ll regret what they’re doing, but they never listen. lol
Definitely have told characters off in my mind! I don’t think I have done it out loud…well, maybe a time or two!
Author
Linda, since I’m by myself, I often do it out loud. lol. Thanks for stopping by.
Pat, that photo is amazing. Makes me wish I’d seen that scene in person. Good Scripture choice to go with it. I often associate the verse with the night sky, but God’s sky is always showing His glory, isn’t it.
Yes, there are times when reading a novel, I’m ready to yank the character out of the book and give him/her a lecture. For the most part, they seem to figure it out without my help. I’ve also heard of authors saying their characters occasionally go in a different direction from the author’s original intent. I would think to write realistic characters, an author would almost have to think of them as being alive.
Author
That is the evening sky, Tim. And my characters often go in a direction I wasn’t expecting. And if I don’t follow, they will quit talking to me until I do. lol
I have definitely said that a character is making a huge mistake in my mind but not aloud. I have to trust that the author has a plan to remedy that problem. Your friend Deb Smith has an awesome eye for photography!
Author
Perianne, she has a great eye! I would love to see her go out to New Mexico and get photos of the moon there. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Somehow the moon and stars seem closer out there. Thanks for stopping by!
Pat, your comment reminds me of one of Ansel Adams’ most famous photos, “Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico”. Way back when I was living in the Washington, D.C. area, I attended a lecture by Mr. Adams in which he recapped some of his experiences. He told the story of how he took that photo. It was essentially a slap shot, if any of his photos could be called that. I found the story retold by Adams here: https://www.anseladams.com/anecdotes/
I’m fortunate to live in Tucson where the U. of Arizona maintains an archive of Adams’ work.
Author
You are fortunate, Tim. I’ve often wondered why everything is so clear and magnified out there. Something about the atmosphere, I think? Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m off to read about Ansel Adams, now!
Oh I’ve so done it right out loud. Glad I’m not the only one . This sounds amazingly good. And thanks for heads up on the movie. The verse is perfect for that gorgeous photo. Reminds me too that He is in control always. Blessings.
Author
Yes, he is in control, Toni! I think you’d love to see the movie and read the book. It’s a feel-good story…at the end. 😉
Oh I have frequently said things out loud, words that those characters need to hear…lol! This one sounds good – will have to be on the lookout for it. Love the picture and the verse. Thanks for sharing :).
Author
I think you’d enjoy the book, movie, too, Betti.
I sometimes think in my head that I would have made a different choice in that same situation, but the characters wouldn’t change their decisions even if I voiced my displeasure with their choices.
Author
It’s kind of like yelling at the TV, isn’t it, Suzanne? Or Siri. I get so aggravated at myself for doing that. It’s one reason I never use Siri and won’t until they get a Siri that can understand Southern dialect. lol Thanks so much for stopping by!
I have definitely gotten frustrated when characters put themselves in danger or said something that they shouldn’t have said. 🙂
Author
Yes, Gloria! Like a serial killer is on the loose and the heroine hears a noise in the basement and decides to check it out. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
Yes, many times.
Author
I know, Lisa…I know. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment!
Wow! What a gorgeous picture! Love that verse with it.
There have been many times when I have “told” characters to back away from situations. I can see the outcome of their decisions and know they are headed for trouble. It accomplishes about as much as trying to tell a teenage or adult child that they are walking into an undesirable situation. Unless they ask for advice, they don’t hear me. Obviously, there’s no way for a character in a book to hear me.
Author
They don’t even listen to me, Edward. 🙂 I love Deb’s photo, too! So glad you stopped by.
It sounds like such a sweet book, and oh yes, I’ve definitely told a character he or she was making a mistake! Second guessing the characters is part of the fun of reading.:-) The sunset photo your friend Deb took is spectacular!
Author
Priscilla, it is a sweet, but poignant book. And I’m hoping Deb will send me more photos soon. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
sounds like a great read! Thanks for sharing!
Author
It is, MS Barb. I think you would enjoy it. Glad you stopped by!
This book sounds like a very good read,and I love the book cover! Yes,I have told a character that they were making a mistake, especially when they keep making the same mistake. Thank you so much for sharing about this book. Have a Great weekend and stay safe. God Bless you.
Author
I’m glad to share it, Alicia! I think you’ll like it. And I love the cover, too. Thanks for stopping by.
Definitely have told them silently. Sounds like a great book. Love the scripture as always. Blessings
Author
Hi Lucy! I like that scripture as well. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Sounds like a good book. I quite often get angry at characters when they make awful decisions, but it usually works out into the end for them.
Author
Megan, I agree that it usually works out for them in the end and they end up wiser. 🙂
Have for sure told them they were wrong/in trouble. Sounds like a good book!
Author
Hi Shelia! It is a good book…and so glad you stopped by and joined the conversation.
Love the photo and the verse is so fitting a reminder for these days we are in. I have had Dornbush on my TBR list for a while. This is a good reminder. Thanks again for all you do.
Author
I think you’ll really enjoy Jennifer’s books, Joni! She is a fantastic writer. Thanks for stopping by.
Beautiful photo. It sounds like a really interesting book. No, I’ve never told a character they were making a mistake when I’m reading a story, but I have done it to the TV.
Author
With the same results, Diana! lol. Thanks so much for stopping by and adding to the discussion.
Yes, I have yelled at characters, both in books & on TV…lol! And there have been times when I’m reading a book and I want to smack heads together. I just think that’s the nature of a reader.
I’m sorry, I forgot to add that the book sounds really good! I love a read that pulls out all the emotions. 🙂
Author
It is a good book, Trixi! I think you’d enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by and making me smile.
Author
Trixi, I know what you mean. Sometimes I want to smack heads together and I’m writing the story!