Freedom & Peace

The Roads We Follow by Nicole Deese is a perfectly charming contemporary Christian novel that I adored. It is part of A Fog Harbor Romance series and can be read as a stand-alone.

The story is seen through two alternating points of view as a famous singer mother re-enacts a road trip of thirty years ago but now, she is with her daughters. It is a trip of enlightenment where hearts heal, relationships are restored and lives turn to God. Each day of the journey is dedicated to God. “We’re not to start any day of this special journey without a prayer asking God for protection, guidance, and some good, honest fun.”

We all need God in our lives. We need Him in every area. Songs open our hearts to Him when our eyes are fixed on Him. “Stage fright means I’m focusing too much on myself and not enough on who we’re singing to – God.”

Prayer is important. “It felt like an answer to a prayer I didn’t even know how to pray.” God hears the cries of our hearts even when we have no words.

We need God in our relationships. “Plead with God to give me the right words.” When we stand with God, we are stronger together.

Life is not always easy but we need to “lean in to the awkward.”. Sometimes there are difficult conversations but we will be stronger afterwards. We want God to always “guide our next steps.”

We learn that God’s plans are best. And that He can use each and every one of us. “God has plans to use us despite our faults and broken childhoods.” We need to come to God just as we are.

A character searches for his roots. He learns that he is loved, no matter what his conception was. He was blessed with a good father, and God is his Good Father.

Relationships are restored and lives redeemed. The Roads We Follow is a beautiful book as we witness lives transformed by a God who loves us.

I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON