Where the Road Bends

Author: Rachel Fordham
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: June 7, 2022

The strongest love is formed in the crucible of hardship

As Norah King surveys her family land in Iowa in 1880, she is acutely aware that it is all she has left, and she will do everything in her power to save it--even if that means marrying a man she hardly knows. Days before her wedding, Norah discovers an injured man on her property. Her sense of duty compels her to take him in and nurse him back to health. Little does she realize just how much this act of kindness will complicate her life and threaten the future she's planned.

Norah's care does more than aid Quincy Barnes's recovery--it awakens his heart to possibilities. Penniless and homeless, he knows the most honorable thing he can do is head on down the road and leave Norah to marry her intended. But walking away from the first person to believe in him proves much harder than he imagined.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

I have come to trust Rachel Fordham as a writer whose books will never disappoint me. She is one of my favourite authors and she proves why in Where the Road Bends. A book you will love from beginning to end.

The chemistry between Norah and Quincy is apparent from the get-go. They are instantly attracted to each other and of course circumstances being what they are (she is engaged, he's homeless) have them both doing the right thing and parting ways. Fortunately, the author doesn't leave us hanging and two years after their first meeting we find out what has happened to Quincy and Norah. And it is here where the novel picks up its pace and keeps you riveted to the last page.

I found myself yelling at Quincy at various points in the book. He wanted to do the "right" thing by Norah and everything seemed to be going well. But his attempts to do something noble were so stupid I just wanted to slap him upside the head. I love novels that get me invested like that! And you will too.

If you love historical romance you cannot go wrong with Where the Road Bends.

I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Susan Feaster

Where The Road Bends is a beautifully poignant book that carries us back to life in the Midwest in the 1880s. This story drew me in right away and lingered with me long after I finished reading.

I liked Norah King immediately. When we first meet Norah, she is planning to be married, not for love, but in hopes of saving the family farm. I loved this strong young woman who took off her shoes and stockings to go barefoot in the creek (unheard of in the 1880s), yet also loved to read Jane Austen.

While Norah is enjoying the walk in the creek, she discovers a badly injured man face down in the water. Norah manages to rescue this very large man from the creek and nurses him back to health before he goes on his way. When we meet Quincy Barnes again, his life is much improved. But he has not forgotten Norah.

This multilayered story is exquisitely written. The characters are very real, and the setting is so clearly described that I felt as though I had landed in a field in Iowa in days long past. Rachel Fordham has given us a captivating historical romance, but she has given us so much more. This is a love story, but it is also a story of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. It was a joy to read!

I received a review courtesy of Revell through Interview & Reviews. I was not required to give a positive review.

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Reviewer: Carolyn Bryant

Where the Road Bends is a heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking story of changed lives triumphing over difficult circumstances. 

Set in 1880s Iowa, this character-driven saga centers around homesteader Norah King and ex-fighter Quincy Barnes and their journey towards love and restoration. Ms. Fordham, with her impressive storytelling skill, has a knack for putting you at the scene to experience the story with her characters. 

A well-paced plot, superb characterization, sweet romance, and an encouraging faith thread make this an emotionally rich, enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book, especially for fans of historical romance. 

I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

Each person in this book has disappointments, times of self-discovery, and depth of character that shows through their circumstances. Both Quincy and Norah lean on God for comfort and direction as they navigate life decisions separately and together.

I love how their relationship develops from when she saves his life to when he returns the favor. While trying to make amends for something he feels he should have done differently. And the real struggles they face as they make choices that could affect their life together. I particularly like how Quincy grows and must choose between truth and taking an easier path. 

In the end, this is a most satisfying love story that touches the heart and shows how God’s hand is present in circumstances we might never imagine. I recommend this book.

I received a copy through NetGalley courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This is my honest opinion.

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