A Curve in the Road

I will repeat what others have said, because it is true. This book was just…Wow. Life can change in an instant, and Abbie’s does. She had what she thought was the perfect life, but everything changes in an instant, leaving her reeling and trying to figure out her way forward. This was an amazing read. The characters were so well done, I felt the emotions right along with them. The story line moves so easily and quickly, I found myself reading and turning pages just as quickly. I didn’t want to put this down. This was my first experience with Julianne MacLean’s contemporary work, but it won’t be my last. This is a book for my keeper shelf!
#ACurveintheRoad #LakeUnion

The best way to summarize this book is through the phrase "when it rains, it pours!"
Abbie starts out her day as normal as she can hope, and somewhere between going back home to her husband, Alan, and son, Zack, another driver rams into her car and she goes from trying to stay alive to keeping her cool in the midst of chaos. It doesn't help that the one accident seems to unravel many more unexpected bad news. I saw this on NetGalley and couldn't help requesting to read this book and share my views. It's got characters I related to because I don't know what I'd do if indeed stuff hit the fan like it did for Abbie in this book. PS: Can I just say that Winston wins in this book.

A Curve in the Road is a must read for fans of the author’s The Color of Heaven series, and easily could have been an inclusion. The story of growing through grief and heartbreak when life throws you a curve ball should resonate with all readers...widowed or not. Julianne MacLean has a way of telling stories that absorb the reader into the action in such a way that readers will feel they are living, not just reading the story. It is unnecessary to say this book is well written with clearly defined characters as anyone who has read anything else by Ms. MacLean clearly knows that. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend!

So you think your son will just accept his Dad had an affair and got her pregnant and will want to meet the baby. Really??? Yet that is exactly what happens. Along with the accident, the fortune of meeting a single caring man, finding out hubby's secrets, dealing with a family member and a funeral plus being a doctor, but stupid enough not to get a brain scan after a horrible accident. The whole thing was a soap opera.

So, it appears I have a new favorite Julianne MacLean book. A Curve in the Road sucked me in from the first line and didn't let me go until the end. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. Abbie's journey through this book was gutwrenching. I felt all the feels throughout this book. I mean that sincerely. I don't think I have ever experienced such a wide range of emotions reading a book. From fury to shock, to sadness, to joy, it was an amazing ride. Structurally it was darn near perfect, there were one or two small inconsistencies that irked my nitpicky nerve, but otherwise, it was just amazing. I can't wait to see what MacLean does next.

It is told from from Abbie's perspective. And it was boring! I stuck it out because it has so many good reviews.
It is basically reading a females/mother/wife life problems! With occasional problems life throws your way.
There is no character development.
I think this story focused to much around the son.
Abbie's point of view was boring AF.
She loses her husband who cheated on her and the other woman ended up having a baby.
Abbie's problems, complaining, crying, what she will do next, how she will go about handling it.
While reading this I pictured Abbie as an old woman sitting in a rocking chair telling her life story.
The last chapter she meets another guy, but it ends. No development. No progress. No HEA.
All this whiny crap for nothing!
This isn't a romance novel I could escape in. It was just boring.
Even the ending she was so worried about what he grown son thought of her meeting another man.
He cheated on you, got another woman pregnant. It sounds like she was making excuses even though she claimed she wasn't and your worrying about how your son will feel about you moving on after you took him to see his half brother?
If the plot was different it may have been enjoyable. I didn't like the plot. I didn't enjoy this.
It was sad her husband past away. I just didn't connect to these characters. He dies early in the story but her thoughts was just to lame to feel any sympathy for her.

A Curve in the Road was an interesting story about a woman's struggle to cope after finding out her husband had been keeping a lot of secrets.

I could see myself in her shoes definitely and so related to the character, but I expected more suspense and so was somewhat let down. Also I don't typically care for first person stories so I struggled a bit with that.

All that said, I'd happily try a Julianne MacLean book again because the writing was solid and the story did pull me in.

If you enjoy this genre, please give the book a chance. Not every book is for every reader and this might be a great read for you.

You will find heartbreak, anger, resilience, acceptance and suspense as you turn the pages of this beautifully written book.
Abbie has the "perfect" family, life and job until she and her dog Winston are in a horrendous car accident one night while driving back from a visit to her home town.
The destruction that occurred that tragic evening changes the family, and Abbie is learning to rebuild, trust and move forward.
Her beloved dog Winston, is her rock on an unsteady mountain she climbs each day.
This book had me reading well into the night to find out how the plot played out.
I was not disappointed!

Enjoyed the story, it is well written, has several likeable characters and enough intriguing events to keep it moving at a good pace. Really like Abbie, the main character. She is compassionate, very thoughtful and smart. She makes the best out of several devastating events. Warning...possible spoiler: Wish the story had ended differently. Two of the characters I didn't like were Alan and Paula. They are selfish, egocentric individuals. At one point in the story, I thought we were done with Paula's part in it. Unfortunately, she rears her ugly head again at the end. Abbie deals with this event in her usual compassionate and thoughtful way.

I really enjoyed this book! It grabbed my attention from the very beginning and kept my attention with various plot twists throughout (the hospital scene following the accident had me going WHAT!?). I found the main character, Abbie, very likeable. After the accident, she focuses mostly on being there for her son and making sure that his world isn't shattered the way hers was. The author does a great job with the progression of Abbie's grief - from sorrow and disbelief, to anger, to acceptance and moving on. This was the first book I've read by this author - after my experience with this book I would definitely read more books by her.

Another hit by Julianne MacLean! I loved this. Dramatic, emotional, great characters plus a wonderful dog and an outstanding story. This author gives you a page turner with heart wrenching secrets revealed while dealing with other life altering changes. We all know that life can change at the drop of a hat and what we do with those changes, we can only hope they make us stronger. This book is about surviving those times with grace, strength and love.

I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher through Net Galley which I chose to read voluntarily and leave a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Curve in the Road by Julianne MacLean. I will be the first to say I cried with this story. Abbie MacIntyre was a successful surgeon, married to a cardiologist with a teenage son getting ready to soon go off to college. She had a great marriage and one night on the way home from her mother's place, a drunk driver hit her car sending her down an enbackment. To watch her come back from all the trama, betrayal and secrets showed her strength. I don't know if I could have handled everything that she went through over the course of that following year. Certainly a story of learning to trust and to heal.

Julianne MacLean has done it again- this book is a wonderful, thoughtful and suspenseful read full of shocking twists and turns. I couldn't help but experience all of the emotions that Abbie faced throughout the book- I found myself crying and cheering as I was pulled into this emotional story. I'm a huge fan of Julianne MacLean's "Color" series and found "A Curve In The Road" to be one of her best yet! Abbie turned out to be a stronger character than she thought was possible as she faced her difficult challenges head on and dealt with all that life offered her, showing how second chances and new beginnings are possible. Great story! Hats off to Julianne MacLean for this remarkable read!

Life can change in an instant. This is what happens to Abbie. Happy marriage, loving husband...gone. Career and health...redirected. But, a new day always comes, whether we like it or not. The book starts out fast, with a few twists and turns. Ending is predictable but you are so invested in the characters, you will be routing for it. Characters are likeable, situations fairly realistic. Well written, love the way the situations unfold.

Fast read, great for a summer day or winter night! Can be devoured in one sitting!

I received an ARC of this book. Opinion is mine alone.

I loved this book! I started the first chapter thinking I would read a chapter or so to get started. I couldn't put the book down. I was drawn into this book so quickly, I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen next. Julianne MacLean is a talented writer. I love that she got to the point of the story without adding a lot of fluff or too much description. The story was interesting and the characters were likeable and well developed. I'm sad to see the story end, but I will look for more from this author! I received this book through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! It literally pulled me in from the very beginning and it was hard for me to put down. The characters were very realistic and I often found myself smiling and crying with Abbie MacIntyre. If you are looking for a good read, please read this one! You will not be disappointed. I have read a few of Ms. MacLean's books prior to reading this one and I can't begin to express how easily I can follow her writing style in every book. She's truly gifted.

What is up these days with using first person? Anyone can write in first person. I,I. Me,me. No character development. No other points of view. Boring. It’s like an essay. If books like this are now “Best Sellers” then we are truly in trouble.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.

Even though this story deals with grief, lies, and betrayal....the end result is an amazing story. There is healing and forgiveness that happens and turns it around. Abbie finds out that her husband is not the man she thinks he is after a horrendous accident - that she herself is involved in. Her character development is well written and the people in her life are very likable.

This is the first book that I have read by this author. Looking forward to checking out her other stories.

This book is so good that I could not put it down! What a page - turner it was. There is love, mystery,heartbreaking news, sadness, hopefulness, and so much more in Abbie getting her HEA!

I loved this book. What a shocker for sure. I felt like I was right there with Abbie as she was going through all her feelings with her life following a heart-wrenching incident that changed her life forever.

Her sweet dog, Winston, helped her through it all her trials that led to Nathan. You have to read this book. You will not regret it!

A powerful and thought provoking read about life and all its twists and turns. What I love about Julianne MacLean"s books are how emotional and moving they are, they always seem to linger in my mind long after finishing the last page. Abbie, the main character, faces challenges that she would never have expected and the mystery and questions that follow, made this a read straight through kind of book for me. I finished it in one day and it reminded me to be grateful for all the blessings in life, as well as take time to enjoy every precious moment.

I'm going to say that I really liked 75% of this book. The beginning made it impossible for me to put it down. The ending was mostly satisfying. The part that seemed to go off in another direction was when she starts having hallucinations about people being in the house and conversations that don't really happen. It almost seemed to me like someone is trying to make her feel crazy or set her up. It seemed to want to be a thriller, but then it wraps up almost too neatly. I would definitely read more by this author because most of it really kept my interest.

A Curve in the Road is a great book. There is sadness, desolation, strength, hope and love, with just a little suspense mixed in. Abbie visited her Mother in a different town and on the way home, was hit by a drunk driver, who turned out to be her husband. This story revolves around Abbie, her son Zack, who's getting ready to go to college and their dog, Winston. This is a great story. I couldn't put it down because I wanted to see what was going to happen next. I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. I hope you like it too.

The beautiful cover may have initially drawn me in, but this book turned out to be so much more. It was an emotional story with relatable characters and unexpected twists as well as a lovable dog. I could scarcely set it down once I started it. It would be a great book club selection because there are so many issues to discuss. Now I am even more anxious to read the numerous books by Julianne MacLean that I have purchased based on their beautiful covers. Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Julianne MacLean can always be counted on for a good read – but this one was spectacular.
A Curve in the Road is one of those books that you pick up and then didn’t want to set down. I resented the interruptions of the real world until I had finished it.
Abbie is a successful surgeon, happily married, with a teenage son just months from going to university. Then, driving home alone from Sunday dinner with her mother, she is in a motor vehicle accident. I was happy to read she was largely unharmed, but quickly realized that this is going to be a very significant life changing event for Abbie.
I don’t like to give spoilers, so all I’ll say is that this is a thoroughly gripping story. Read it when you have a good block of uninterrupted time; you won’t want to put the book down as you follow Abbie while she comes to terms with the accident and what it has meant to her life and family.
Julianne MacLean gives us characters we can relate to and stories that you want to read again, and this was no exception.

A drunk driver hits Abbie on the way home one day and her life is never the same.
I'll do my best to not give anything away...Abbie is married for 20 years to Alan and they have a 17 yo son Zach.
Winston the golden retriever is in the car when the crash occurs and I stressed so much over Winston.
Abbie is a working mother, a surgeon and thought her life was satisfactory.
When no one can get ahold of Alan....the secrets and loss come out.
Recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

I was captivated by A Curve in the Road by Julianne MacLean. I had not read any of her other novels but will be sure to seek them out now that I have found her. This one had me on a rollercoaster of emotions and it was hard to put down. Abbie seems to have the perfect life until an accident changes everything & opens up a Pandora's box of secrets. Abbie struggles to get her post accident life back to some sense of normalcy & to protect her son while doing it. I enjoyed the characters, even the awful ones, and the resilience Abbie had. I really enjoyed the undertones of positivity despite the tragic situation Abbie was in. This should be on your reading list if you enjoy suspense or adult fiction. There is a little romance too.

I have been a fan for awhile of Julianne Macleans books. The story is about Abbie MacIntyre is living the dream in the picturesque Nova Scotia town she calls home. She is a successful surgeon and is married to a cardiologist, and has a son who is getting ready to go to college.But everything changes when a drunk driver hits her car, Abbie is rushed to the hospital. She survives, but the accident forces unimaginable secrets out into the open and plagues Abbie with nightmares. This book was amazing with the plot.

I am a little torn on this review. The book had a hea. I read the first couple chapters and was drawn into borrowing it (through Kindle Unlimited). This woman was thrown into multiple dramas that changed her life. It was an easy read... but I felt certain sections were dragging. I didn’t always agree with the main character’s reactions. And I would have liked it better if I had the perspective of different people’s view of the events. For the most part, I liked the book but it wasn’t as good as I had hoped.

A Curve in the Road by Julianne MacLean is a so-so romantic drama.

Abbie MacIntyre thought she had the perfect family. She is a successful surgeon who is married to a handsome cardiologist. Zach is a model teenage son and the family has a beloved golden retriever named Winston. Then she is in a car accident that changes her whole world. One unthinkable challenge after another is thrown at her and she has to try and find a way to cope and work through her challenges, anger, and grief while still being the parent Zach needs.

The writing is certainly good. MacLean follows the five stages of grief. She handles Abbie's inner turmoil and questions with compassion and realism. It is an uplifting, maudlin, sentimental novel, and, if you require a happy ending, it is here. Abbie is a well-developed character.

Any novel where the description involves a perfect family is bound to be the precursor to proving it just isn't so. Admittedly, I'm still a bit surprised at all the high ratings for A Curve in the Road. While it is not an awful novel, it is very predictable and formulaic. I knew what was going to happen almost right from the start and the unimaginable secrets were painfully obvious, which, in turn, made me feel impatient to get to a surprise or startling secret or... anything I hadn't already guessed was going to happen at almost the beginning of the novel.

I did find several actions less-than-believable. One such question was when she learned some medical information about her husband that she could have confirmed rather than simply believing. It is most definitely women's fiction, but it heads a bit too much toward a romance novel for me, which I did not expect or I would not have chosen to review this novel.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Lake Union Publishing.

What a great book. 5 Stars!! I didn't want to put it down from the moment I started it. The story pulls at your heart from the beginning and the main character Abbie is thrown into discovering life wasn't as perfect as she thought. The author does a great job at character development and building relationships through out the book. I'm especially happy Winston has become an important part in her recovery.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read more by Julianne MacLean

Life can change on a dime. It's the tests that teach us how strong we can be. A Curve in the Road is a tale of heartache that breeds courage. Abbie is a woman that has it all, until one tragic moment changes everything. Will she weather the storm and reach that hard earned rainbow? MacLean takes a moment in time and turns it into an uplifting journey of hope. The pain has a realism that is heartbreaking as well as relatable, but it's the message beyond the pain that serves to inspire.

Wow! This book starts off with a bang and doesn't let up! An unimaginable tragedy strikes main character, Abbie. Author, Julianne MacLean, does a superb job portraying nightmarish circumstances and I felt like I was in Abbie's head, experiencing her anguish and confusion. Circumstances unravel a mystery surrounding Abbie's husband, sending her into further turmoil. Although things seem dire, an unexpected friendship does lead to a happily ever after. I highly recommend this book!

This was an emotionally gripping, well-written book. Abbie is a successful surgeon, is married to a handsome cardiologist she loves, and they have a model teenage son who is months way from heading off to college. Then a drunk driver hits her car and she is rushed to the hospital. Secrets are discovered and her recovery and search for answers will test her and change her life forever. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading other books by this author.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.

A Curve In The Road by Julianne MacLean is an excellent heart wrenching story, and I .could not put it down! Tissues required for this one!! The plot is so well written and I love the writing and I cried with the characters which were well developed and so likeable. First I've read by this author but now interested in exploring more! A firm 5 stars!

A Curve in the Road by Julianne MacLean is a so-so romantic drama.

Abbie MacIntyre thought she had the perfect family. She is a successful surgeon who is married to a handsome cardiologist. Zach is a model teenage son and the family has a beloved golden retriever named Winston. Then she is in a car accident that changes her whole world. One unthinkable challenge after another is thrown at her and she has to try and find a way to cope and work through her challenges, anger, and grief while still being the parent Zach needs.

The writing is certainly good. MacLean follows the five stages of grief. She handles Abbie's inner turmoil and questions with compassion and realism. It is an uplifting, maudlin, sentimental novel, and, if you require a happy ending, it is here. Abbie is a well-developed character.

Any novel where the description involves a perfect family is bound to be the precursor to proving it just isn't so. Admittedly, I'm still a bit surprised at all the high ratings for A Curve in the Road. While it is not an awful novel, it is very predictable and formulaic. I knew what was going to happen almost right from the start and the unimaginable secrets were painfully obvious, which, in turn, made me feel impatient to get to a surprise or startling secret or... anything I hadn't already guessed was going to happen at almost the beginning of the novel.

I did find several actions less-than-believable. One such question was when she learned some medical information about her husband that she could have confirmed rather than simply believing. It is most definitely women's fiction, but it heads a bit too much toward a romance novel for me, which I did not expect or I would not have chosen to review this novel.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Lake Union Publishing.

I was absolutely riveted and devoured this book on my flight to Dallas

Abbie seems to have it all. A great marriage, son and career. Until a drunk driver crosses into her lane and her life is changed in an instant. She will need her mother, son and her dog to help her through the times ahead.

I can't go into much as it would all be spoilers. I will just say, the details that surround her accident and what comes after astonished me. The journey she goes through to make sense, and the best, of what her life is now was nothing short of inspiring.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to review. This has no influence on my rating or review.

Protagonist Abbie endures a brutal car crash. Then like her out of control automobile, her life spins out of control. But Abbie herself does not, even when much of what she knew about her husband proves untrue. I appreciate that the author presented Abbie as a woman who faces loss with courage, anger with self control, and disappointment with maturity. Strong female who finds herself for a time in a vulnerable state.
I also appreciated the absence of profanity and sexually intimate scenes. In recent years, I’ve observed that authors who rely on obscenities lack writing skills. Explicit sex scenes sound ridiculous when actually read. I’m pleased to have been spared both in this excellent book.

I think I held my breath for the first four chapters in this wonderful story.
It is a story of love, marriage children and the secrets we keep. It’s hard to review without spoilers, there is so much emotion.....sadness, anger and regret. Besides awesome characters, another star in this book is Winston, the family golden retriever. He is a delight. First time author for me, now searching for more of her books. I highly recommend this novel.

Wow. There are a lot of emotions you’ll get from this story. You will get happiness and sadness. You will have hope and wonder. You will feel nervous and excited for the characters. Although the story is a bit predictable, it reminded me a little of a Nicholas Sparks book, but with a better ending!

The reason I rated this book so high 5 (!) is because I'm a writer also. My short articles are from my heart and when a reader can relate emotionally, it brings me joy.
Julianne is an author whom I would love to share a cup of coffee with one day!
I don't usually take the time to write a review but the exception is this story is compelling as if the characters already live in my heart.
Each character, each location, each family member, and friend became a part of my life.
My goal is to some how speak with or communicate with this author hoping she may read a short article. I've been writing on local publications since 1998.

This is an emotional story about the resilience of the human spirit. Secrets brought into the open at the most dramatic time of your life send you spiraling. How you come out on the other side is what matters. Who do you become now? It will definitely change you.

As A twice widowed woman I can’t imagine the pain of finding out after a husband‘s death that he was unfaithful. What a beautiful picture of the journey have a first year of this widows life in the beautiful way she helped her son through this difficult time

It’s hard to believe that someone think we know so well can turn out to be someone we wonder if we ever truly knew.
Heartbreak, disbelief then with an open heart beauty from sorrow and new beginnings. Life does go on...

I love this author. This book is equally enjoyable and a great read. Her story line is always thoughtful and inspiring. All of us will face lose in our lifetime, spouse, parent, friend. This makes you stop and think about the joys of the past, as well as hope for the future. I can't wait for her next book.

This is an amazing journey through life's tragedies and coming out on top. Intriguing story of heartbreak, pain, and disillusionment and how crippling heartbreak can heal in time. A wonderful novel, I enjoyed it tremendously.

This book grabbed me from the first page. I felt every emotion Abbie felt. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fictional novel.

I received a copy of this book and this is my true and honest opinion.

I loved this book. It had a few surprises I did not expect. The author obviously did a lot of research which gave the book a must not stop reading and just can't put it down feeling. Very well written in my opinion.

This book was just okay. Predictable from start to finish. It was the little details that bothered me. After the accident she never takes a shower before she leaves the hospital, and she's jaunting about like nothing and she should have been much more sore. Also her son is 17 but needs a neighbor to drive him?? He should've had a license and car of his own to drive. Like I said small stuff but It drove me crazy. It gets you from a to z with nothing unexpected thrown in and it's enough to keep your interest.

A stunning emotional story about Abbie who loses her husband in a car crash—-there is so much more to even this much. It is a story that makes you think and wrestle with life choices and when to act or not. There are many twists and turns. I loved that this story is about wonderful people who struggle but learn to accept and forgive. I bought this book from the store after reading the first chapter. I would recommend this book.

Such a great treatment of a serious accident which changes a woman’s life forever. Complicated and interesting. Real life imperfect people working through the problems that other’s imperfections cause yet a celebration of life and what is really important

This is a excellant written Book, very open, very Family and personal Self. Love is a long Road and in the end we do not always know the Why! Sometime we must learn the Never, The Whatever! It was easy to give this 5?, I personally recommend it, it is very detailed very easy to hold your attention.

Was a great read! I cried and was angry all the emotions that the characters went through. This story grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the end. There were surprises I didn’t see coming, the author keeps you hanging by a thread. Such a great read, you will be glad you read it!

A Cure in the Road is more like a tornado in the road. The plot will turn you every which way but loose in this thought-provoking journey where nothing about life is normal anymore. Fasten your seatbelt and get ready for the ride because you will not want to put the book down until the last page.

THE choice of the title shines a spotlight on the plot of the story. Telling the story from a first person point of view pulls the reader in as a favored friend who is willing to listen without judgement. A strong moral story with no true right or wrong or easy answers. Liked it very much.

I've never heard of this author before but after reading some of the reviews on this book I thought why not? After the first few pages I'm hooked and had a hard time putting it down. I'm definitely going to look for more books she's written and I hope the next one is as good as this one was.

This book is so real, so full of human emotion, it just pulls you right into it and doesn't turn you lose! Wow! What a story! If you miss reading this, you will never forgive yourself. It's well written, of course but that's not the point. It's the story itself that you don't won't to miss.

I truly loved A Curve in the Road. A twisty plot, I couldn't put it down and read way too late into the night/morning to finish! While the story is so very sad in some ways, there is hope and understanding. I enjoyed the descriptions of South Shore Nova Scotia, too. Highly recommended!

Chick lit at its finest: a husband dies and his wife finds out he had hidden things from her. The author took a premise that is used in many chick lit books and made it into an enjoyable reading experience. The characters were easy to invest in and the plot moved along at a nice pace.

Great character development, up to and including Winston the family dog. I was pulled in from page one and felt the anxiety, sadness and shock that this family experiences. Abbie, the main character in this book, finds her inner strength to go on and deal with the reality of family life while trying to get along with others who are hateful. She realizes early on that the support of family and firends is so important in life.
I received an ARC of this book and want to say THANK YOU for sharing

I don't usually read books in this genre as I normally prefer thrillers. While I'm sure how I came upon A Curve in the Road, I found it to be a well-written story, if not perhaps, I but predictable. An easy read and a great escape. I'll probably check out more books by this author.

Dealing with life and circumstances that greatly affect life. Trauma caused by incidents are complicated by secrets and unexpected turns but in the end of each struggle there comes strength and hope in their hearts and compassion even if it is impossible to forgive completely.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Annie's world is about to change in a big way. One moment, and one accident will make her rethink everything she thought she knew about her life. Heartfelt, emotional and beautifully written. Unputdownable!

I was excited to read this based on the blurb, but I wish I hadn’t wasted my time. The plot was utterly predictable, but there was something odd about the writing as well. I can’t totally put my finger on it but I think it was too much telling and not enough showing, along with a superficiality that bothered me. But at least it was well edited, not typos.

The worst incidents happen to Abbie and her son and while it is good that she always tried to remain positive, she lacked character. While I agree with how she handled her husband's affair and not sharing with their son, she had to eventually tell her son the truth.

This is an emotional story about the resilience of the human spirit. Secrets brought into the open at the most dramatic time of your life send you spiraling. How you come out on the other side is what matters. Who do you become now? It will definitely change you.

What an amazing book. Twists and turns everywhere. The characters are delightful, strong and encouraging. I have told numerous friends and co workers about this book and author. Thank you and you are at the top of my favorite authors list. Keep writing.

As A twice widowed woman I can’t imagine the pain of finding out after a husband‘s death that he was unfaithful. What a beautiful picture of the journey have a first year of this widows life in the beautiful way she helped her son through this difficult time

I found myself unable to put this book down. I absolutely Loved this story!
It grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Every character was very memorable. I found myself actually tearing up at the end of it. Very unforgettable story.

Very nice. The only inconsistency I found was that Alan was a cardiologist but you had him doing surgery. Did you mean cardiac catheterization?

Liked Abbie very much. Believable yet vulnerable, able to work through her emotions.

Would have liked more description of the area where they lived and their practices.

It’s hard to believe that someone think we know so well can turn out to be someone we wonder if we ever truly knew.
Heartbreak, disbelief then with an open heart beauty from sorrow and new beginnings. Life does go on...

I love this author. This book is equally enjoyable and a great read. Her story line is always thoughtful and inspiring. All of us will face lose in our lifetime, spouse, parent, friend. This makes you stop and think about the joys of the past, as well as hope for the future. I can't wait for her next book.

This is an amazing journey through life's tragedies and coming out on top. Intriguing story of heartbreak, pain, and disillusionment and how crippling heartbreak can heal in time. A wonderful novel, I enjoyed it tremendously.

This book grabbed me from the first page. I felt every emotion Abbie felt. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fictional novel.

I received a copy of this book and this is my true and honest opinion.

deftly and intelligently handled. Love the connectedness of the characters and the growth of all. Most importantly, this is a great book, heart rending, but ultimately heart warming. Adding her to my favorites list!

I loved this book. It had a few surprises I did not expect. The author obviously did a lot of research which gave the book a must not stop reading and just can't put it down feeling. Very well written in my opinion.

This book was just okay. Predictable from start to finish. It was the little details that bothered me. After the accident she never takes a shower before she leaves the hospital, and she's jaunting about like nothing and she should have been much more sore. Also her son is 17 but needs a neighbor to drive him?? He should've had a license and car of his own to drive. Like I said small stuff but It drove me crazy. It gets you from a to z with nothing unexpected thrown in and it's enough to keep your interest.

A stunning emotional story about Abbie who loses her husband in a car crash—-there is so much more to even this much. It is a story that makes you think and wrestle with life choices and when to act or not. There are many twists and turns. I loved that this story is about wonderful people who struggle but learn to accept and forgive. I bought this book from the store after reading the first chapter. I would recommend this book.

Such a great treatment of a serious accident which changes a woman’s life forever. Complicated and interesting. Real life imperfect people working through the problems that other’s imperfections cause yet a celebration of life and what is really important

I felt like I was reading a scene by scene without an opportunity to connect with the main character. Sure she lost her husband and realized some major news upon his death, but there was no real feeling of drama. Abbie (the main character) was just too matter of fact who didnt take any risks. I wouldn't recommend this book.

She delivered again. Julianne is an amazing and powerful writer. Please read this book. I have read everyone of her books and yet again this one left me turning the pages and not wanting to put it down. I promise this you will not be disappointed!

I tend to avoid novels because they can be so predictable in my opinion, but this was a great read. Grabbed me right from the start as it will you, I'm sure. I enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the story.

I enjoyed reading this book.I would recommend this book to friends, I was able to pick it up and read at all times. It has a good ending. Left you feeling better about the bad stuff in life knowing good happens too.

I am so delighted I ordered this story, many months ago. It appeared on my Kindle just as I was wondering what to read next. Julianne is a very talented story teller and I highly recommend this book.

Abbie was visiting her mother and as she was leaving, her mother came out and gave her leftovers to take home to her husband and son. That slight delay put her in the path of a car that caused the accident. The police told her that the operator of the other car had been drinking. At the hospital, they couldn't get in contact with her husband. The police brought her things from the accident and as she was calling her husband, she could hear his ringtone. His phone was in the bag with the things the police brought her. She got out of bed and went to where the other patient was and it was her husband. Her husband didn't drink and he was supposed to be at work so how could this be.
She is a successful surgeon and she tried to save him but he didn't make it. The secrets that come out and the things Abby and her son have to go through after will keep you on the edge of your seat, just turning the page. When I first got the book I thought the accident happened at a curve in the road. But as I was reading the book it was also you just never knew what you would find in the curve of the road of turning a page.
As the lazy days of summer come to an end, this is the perfect book to read to kick start yourself into fall. It was exciting, full of suspense, so vivid that you could almost feel like you were there. This is definitely a must read book and Julianne has impressed me once again with her writing.

A Curve in the Road by author Julianne MacLean is a wonderful story of Love, family, loss, betrayal and new beginnings. Once I started reading there was no stopping! The story grabbed me from the very beginning and kept me hooked until the ending.
Abbie MacIntyre is on her way home from a visit with her mother and is hit by an oncoming vehicle. Her dog Winston was with her but has been thrown from the car. Abbie is rushed to the hospital as volunteers search for Winston in the icy dark. The calls to her husband go to voicemail. Once at the hospital and after her injuries are cared for Abbie is given a box of items which were picked up from her wrecked car and the accident scene. Abbie calls her husband again and hears the ringing of a phone in the box. She reaches for the phone and discovers it is her husband's phone...can this mean the other driver in the trauma room is her husband?
I won't post spoilers, but the story is full of family emotions and the discovering of shocking secrets which could be devastating for Abbie, but through it all, she finds strength and a new hope for going forward! Excellent story!

A Curve in the Road by Julianne MacLean WOW!!! This book is just PHENOMENAL! Before you sit down to read this make sure there’s no interruptions and you have a box of Kleenex available, and brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster ride! Abbie MacIntyre and life as she knew it came to a crashing halt after a horrific accident. Secrets that were hidden are now exposed, driving her to question her sanity, her marriage and herself. How do you pick up the pieces of your life, and face another day? This is one woman’s journey down a path strewn with deceit, unfaithfulness, secrets and lies. Life sometimes throws us curveballs they may break us and shatter our lives but then we become stronger. The scars remain, our badge and testament that we were strong and survived. Juliane MacLean is spectacular! There’s so much emotion in her writing that just grabs the reader from the first sentence. Fast paced and well written this doesn’t disappoint. I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

Ms MacLean knows how to write about relationships, emotions, love, hate, and everything in between. This was a story of how in just a few seconds everything normal in your life is taken from you. What once was a nearly perfect family life changes in a blink. What you do with this development is what A Curve in the Road is all about. This story touches on my absolute number #1 dislike/abhorrence/hard limit, whatever you want to call it, which becomes clear early on. Every confusion and struggle that one would experience in Abbie's shoes is explored. The shape of your life in a situation like this, with all its possibilities, is explored with glaring clarity. The climactic surprise at the end further illustrates Ms MacLean's ability to take a look at every possible emotion one person can experience, but with dignity, clarity, and grace. I will continue to be a huge fan of this author.

Fascinating!
Narcolepsy - this could prove to be a very upsetting and debilitating illness and Julianne MacLean has described and embraced it and its effects on one's life to perfection.
I found the subject fascinating, the characters very lifelike and likeable and the emotions the story brought out in me were very heartfelt.
The main character has so much to confront in her life besides this illness and she does so with head-on determination.
This is one author who with the use of a few words can totally bind you to her story and keep you there throughout.
I read an Advance Readers copy in the ebook format and this has been my voluntary and unbiased review of it.

A Curve in the Road is a must read for fans of the author’s The Color of Heaven series, and easily could have been an inclusion. The story of growing through grief and heartbreak when life throws you a curve ball should resonate with all readers...widowed or not. Julianne MacLean has a way of telling stories that absorb the reader into the action in such a way that readers will feel they are living, not just reading the story. It is unnecessary to say this book is well written with clearly defined characters as anyone who has read anything else by Ms. MacLean clearly knows that. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend!

You will find heartbreak, anger, resilience, acceptance and suspense as you turn the pages of this beautifully written book.
Abbie has the "perfect" family, life and job until she and her dog Winston are in a horrendous car accident one night while driving back from a visit to her home town.
The destruction that occurred that tragic evening changes the family, and Abbie is learning to rebuild, trust and move forward.
Her beloved dog Winston, is her rock on an unsteady mountain she climbs each day.
This book had me reading well into the night to find out how the plot played out.
I was not disappointed!

A Curve in the Road by Julianne MacLean. I will be the first to say I cried with this story. Abbie MacIntyre was a successful surgeon, married to a cardiologist with a teenage son getting ready to soon go off to college. She had a great marriage and one night on the way home from her mother's place, a drunk driver hit her car sending her down an enbackment. To watch her come back from all the trama, betrayal and secrets showed her strength. I don't know if I could have handled everything that she went through over the course of that following year. Certainly a story of learning to trust and to heal.

I was absolutely riveted and devoured this book on my flight to Dallas

Abbie seems to have it all. A great marriage, son and career. Until a drunk driver crosses into her lane and her life is changed in an instant. She will need her mother, son and her dog to help her through the times ahead.

I can't go into much as it would all be spoilers. I will just say, the details that surround her accident and what comes after astonished me. The journey she goes through to make sense, and the best, of what her life is now was nothing short of inspiring.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to review. This has no influence on my rating or review.

Protagonist Abbie endures a brutal car crash. Then like her out of control automobile, her life spins out of control. But Abbie herself does not, even when much of what she knew about her husband proves untrue. I appreciate that the author presented Abbie as a woman who faces loss with courage, anger with self control, and disappointment with maturity. Strong female who finds herself for a time in a vulnerable state.
I also appreciated the absence of profanity and sexually intimate scenes. In recent years, I’ve observed that authors who rely on obscenities lack writing skills. Explicit sex scenes sound ridiculous when actually read. I’m pleased to have been spared both in this excellent book.

Chick lit at its finest: a husband dies and his wife finds out he had hidden things from her. The author took a premise that is used in many chick lit books and made it into an enjoyable reading experience. The characters were easy to invest in and the plot moved along at a nice pace.

Great character development, up to and including Winston the family dog. I was pulled in from page one and felt the anxiety, sadness and shock that this family experiences. Abbie, the main character in this book, finds her inner strength to go on and deal with the reality of family life while trying to get along with others who are hateful. She realizes early on that the support of family and firends is so important in life.
I received an ARC of this book and want to say THANK YOU for sharing

Very nice. The only inconsistency I found was that Alan was a cardiologist but you had him doing surgery. Did you mean cardiac catheterization?

Liked Abbie very much. Believable yet vulnerable, able to work through her emotions.

Would have liked more description of the area where they lived and their practices.

I read this on the recommendation of a good friend, she loved it, and I can see why. It has lots of twists and turns and unexpected story changes but I have to say that I was confused as to the genre this book is trying to fit. Is it romance?sort of. Thriller? a bit... but on the whole if you want a easy read that will keep you guessing and thinking - "what next!" then this book should keep you very happy.

The worst incidents happen to Abbie and her son and while it is good that she always tried to remain positive, she lacked character. While I agree with how she handled her husband's affair and not sharing with their son, she had to eventually tell her son the truth.

My review contains spoilers in the later parts.

This story has an interesting premise and starts out well, but my first clue something was rotten in Denmark should have been the use of first-person present tense when the main character is a surgeon. (Nothing wrong per se with first-person present, but it’s something I associate with YA/NA and thrillers/suspenses, not more literary fiction or a main character who is supposed to be a middle-aged surgeon. And I didn't really see a need for it and think the novel would have read better in past tense.)

The second clue was when the father-in-law is introduced. He is depicted as so over the top and so outrageously awful, he comes across as being a cartoonish villain like Snidely Whiplash. I’ve met some people in my passage through life who were real pieces of work, but I just couldn’t believe the father-in-law was real or even plausible.

From that point, the novel begins to unravel with predictable, yet increasingly more ridiculous, melodramatic twist after melodramatic twist. Think a bad soap opera or Lifetime movie, and you get the idea.

Spoiler below.

Many of the plot “twists” and revelations either were predictable or stretched plausibility, but the one which got me most was the husband having cancer. Now I’ll admit I know a little more about cancer than most people because I had cancer. But the main character is a surgeon, so she should know way more than I do. I’ve never heard of anyone who is so riddled with cancer to the point they have just three months left to live presenting with absolutely no symptoms save a mysterious mark on their shoulder. I kept expecting the narrator to say, “You’re making this up” when she learns this news because it didn’t gel with anything I’ve ever heard or read anywhere (and it sounded so ridiculous I figured the character revealing this information was lying), but no, apparently, he did have kidney cancer which spread all over his body but the only sign or symptom was this “mark” on his shoulder. I mean, at least if it had been a malignant melanoma that would have made some sense… But kidney cancer?

On the plus side, I did like the dog.

Anyway, if you’ve read this far, you can try it for yourself, or just save yourself a couple of hours and go read something else. The only redeeming feature is I got this through KU so it didn’t cost me anything except my time. Grrr.

I don't usually read books in this genre as I normally prefer thrillers. While I'm sure how I came upon A Curve in the Road, I found it to be a well-written story, if not perhaps, I but predictable. An easy read and a great escape. I'll probably check out more books by this author.

deftly and intelligently handled. Love the connectedness of the characters and the growth of all. Most importantly, this is a great book, heart rending, but ultimately heart warming. Adding her to my favorites list!

When I first started this book and realized it was in the first person,I almost stopped. I'm so glad I continued reading. The circumstances are a little predictable, but the characters are so relatable. I just couldn't stop reading. It was so good and so emotional.

As i read this book, I was certain the author was a physician . I am a doctor and her medical scenes were all very accurate. Not sure how she was able to do this. i recommend this book for the authenticity of lhe medical content alone . Good story

The reason I rated this book so high 5 (!) is because I'm a writer also. My short articles are from my heart and when a reader can relate emotionally, it brings me joy.
Julianne is an author whom I would love to share a cup of coffee with one day!
I don't usually take the time to write a review but the exception is this story is compelling as if the characters already live in my heart.
Each character, each location, each family member, and friend became a part of my life.
My goal is to some how speak with or communicate with this author hoping she may read a short article. I've been writing on local publications since 1998.

What an amazing book. Twists and turns everywhere. The characters are delightful, strong and encouraging. I have told numerous friends and co workers about this book and author. Thank you and you are at the top of my favorite authors list. Keep writing.

Dealing with life and circumstances that greatly affect life. Trauma caused by incidents are complicated by secrets and unexpected turns but in the end of each struggle there comes strength and hope in their hearts and compassion even if it is impossible to forgive completely.

I felt like I was reading a scene by scene without an opportunity to connect with the main character. Sure she lost her husband and realized some major news upon his death, but there was no real feeling of drama. Abbie (the main character) was just too matter of fact who didnt take any risks. I wouldn't recommend this book.

Following the death of her husband she to car accident Abby finds that Allen had been having an affair for three years. She decides not to share this information with her son. Due to results of the accident, Abby develops some neurological changes which necessitate a change in her career direction. Through time Abby learns how to deal with her feelings of betrayal and loss of identity.

While there were a couple of very predictable moments, how the story and events unfold is well worth the read. Situations can be handled in many ways and I found myself learning grace and patience that I hope I could emulate.

This book was just over the top. Every book that I have read from this author just has me mesmerized and it is just so good you can't put it down. I also had my box of kleenex there all the way thru the book as some parts just took my heart with it. Julianne hit the ball out of the park for a home run and I would expect no less from her in any of the books she writes.

Enjoyed the story, it is well written, has several likeable characters and enough intriguing events to keep it moving at a good pace. Really like Abbie, the main character. She is compassionate, very thoughtful and smart. She makes the best out of several devastating events. Warning...possible spoiler: Wish the story had ended differently. Two of the characters I didn't like were Alan and Paula. They are selfish, egocentric individuals. At one point in the story, I thought we were done with Paula's part in it. Unfortunately, she rears her ugly head again at the end. Abbie deals with this event in her usual compassionate and thoughtful way.

A Curve in the Road was an interesting story about a woman's struggle to cope after finding out her husband had been keeping a lot of secrets.

I could see myself in her shoes definitely and so related to the character, but I expected more suspense and so was somewhat let down. Also I don't typically care for first person stories so I struggled a bit with that.

All that said, I'd happily try a Julianne MacLean book again because the writing was solid and the story did pull me in.

If you enjoy this genre, please give the book a chance. Not every book is for every reader and this might be a great read for you.

Was a great read! I cried and was angry all the emotions that the characters went through. This story grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the end. There were surprises I didn’t see coming, the author keeps you hanging by a thread. Such a great read, you will be glad you read it!

I found myself unable to put this book down. I absolutely Loved this story!
It grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Every character was very memorable. I found myself actually tearing up at the end of it. Very unforgettable story.

I am a little torn on this review. The book had a hea. I read the first couple chapters and was drawn into borrowing it (through Kindle Unlimited). This woman was thrown into multiple dramas that changed her life. It was an easy read... but I felt certain sections were dragging. I didn’t always agree with the main character’s reactions. And I would have liked it better if I had the perspective of different people’s view of the events. For the most part, I liked the book but it wasn’t as good as I had hoped.

This is a excellant written Book, very open, very Family and personal Self. Love is a long Road and in the end we do not always know the Why! Sometime we must learn the Never, The Whatever! It was easy to give this 5?, I personally recommend it, it is very detailed very easy to hold your attention.