Along the Broken Road (The Roads to River Rock Book 1)

Emotional and a HEA. Great storyline which is easy to follow. Believable characters and interesting dialogue. The letters for Charlee from her father are beautiful.

Given the small town everybody knows your business atmosphere one would expect Charlee to hear about the bar fight. Maybe the fact it was three against one (Ian) had folks keeping quiet.

I wish the author had included links from her research for help with alcoholism and PTSD.

I may re-read this story and loom forward to other works by this author.

Absolutely loved this book. Held my interest completely. A mixture of happiness and sadness. Characters were wonderful. Cannot wait to start reading the next one! Thank you for giving me such a wonderful book to read. Everyone should read this book!!!

This book grabs onto your heart strings and keeps on tugging. I was immediately drawn to the characters Ian and Charlee. Both of them have loved and lost and been hurt before. And both are looking for a path to a better future, Ian by fulfilling the dying wish of a man he respected and loved, and Charlee by fulfilling a dream that she shared with her mom, who died when Charlee was 12. Your heart aches for these two as they battle their way through their insecurities, past disappointments, and flaws, and soars for them as they open their hearts to each other and to the limitless possibilities the future could hold if only they reach for it. This is a story I will carry in my own heart for a long time.

This book addressed domestic violence in a way that was almost too real to read. It makes me wonder if the author was a victim. At times this book is disturbing but I think everyone should read it. Those who have never been a victim or known one will get a true picture and those who have will know they are not alone.

Unexpected view of military family members & how service affects each family. Burch's write style captures reader's attention instantly & you can't stop reading! Excellent characters & depth of development of each one. Great star to a series!

Same old tired story. Damsel in distress, trying to be independent meets heroic savior that must rescue damsel in distress. Baggage, baggage, baggage. Guess romance novels just aren't for me. Different circumstances, same story.

3 "No More Running" Stars

Along the Broken Road is a story of starting over, of moving past loss, and of finding oneself. It is the first book in a new series by Heather Burch about a young man recently discharged from the Army and a young woman running an artist's retreat. These two have more in common than either of them know.

Ian, fresh out the military, has one goal. Find his commander's daughter Charlee and give her the journal her father wrote. A journal that she has no idea about. Charles and her father have not been close for a long time. Seemingly they have nothing in common and not much left of a connection since Charlee's mother died when Charlee was 12. With two older brothers and one younger brother, Charlee took over the maternal role and her mother's dream of starting an artist's retreat. One year after her father died in Afghanistan, Ian shows up and is hired as a handyman on the property. Ian fell in love with Charlee from afar after spending so much time with her father. Charlee's father's final wish is that Ian helps Charlee move on and stop running.

As the two get closer, Ian struggles with how to reveal how he really knows Charlee. Charlee, having been burned before, doesn't want to get close to Ian but finds it difficult. With a cast of quirky side characters, the slow burning relationship between Ian and Charlee opens up. When secrets are revealed and relationships of all kinds tested, do they really know each other and can either stop running?

This book was a slow build. It took me a while to find myself able to connect with Ian or Charlee. Once they started opening up, especially with the help of the artists, Ian and Charlee became more complex and interesting and I was better able to understand and sympathize with them. This is more of a relationship building story than an overt love story as there is really no steam involved. The twist with Charlee towards the end was really good though. I didn't see it coming and the story really picked up after that. With an interesting storyline, sweet excerpts from the journal, and both characters' emotional growth, this was a good story.

Arc provided by publisher via Netgalley for honest review.

Charlee McKinley has dedicated her life to fulfilling her mother’s dream. Ian Carlisle made a promise to a dying soldier, one he’s determined to keep. Through Ian, Charlee learns the father she lost isn’t the man she knew at all. But when Ian starts chipping at her heart, Charlee’s determined to keep him out.

Along the Broken Road introduces the McKinleys, a family who knows the meaning of sacrifice, and the bittersweet lessons of honor, loss, and duty. Heather Burch’s gift for digging deep and touching emotions shines through in this love story set in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri with a cast of quirky characters that are sure to touch your heart.

Can you believe that there's purpose to everything? Heather captures this amazingly in the wonderful novel. When I saw this book I became antsy like a kid on Christmas morning. Another novel which I knew would bring me laughter, tears and every emotion one can experience. Heather has become an author I keep an eye out for since reading her magnificent One Lavender Ribbon.

Life happens and captures Charlee in a way she cannot see coming, Ian. Why out of everyone Major Mack encounters does he choose Ian? Everything happens for a reason, only Ian can help Charlee heal. This is a must read!! You won't regret stepping into the world of Charlee and Ian.

“Along the Broken Road” (The Roads to River Rock Book 1) by Heather Burch

A novel that captures your heart, your emotions, and your spirit from page one. A moving and captivating novel of a young soldier returning to civilian life with one more mission to accomplish and the woman the last mission involves.

With a cast of characters that will make you laugh and make you think and add such joy to a novel that is beautifully written and will warm your heart. And have you rooting for the young soldier, the woman, and the man who has written an amazingly heartwarming journal that will bring you to tears, teach you about life, love, and opening ones heart.

A story so real it is one the reader easily gets caught up in and becomes a part of. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will fall in love with River Rock, Missouri, the artists retreat, and all of its residents.

Heather Burch has an amazing gift of writing novels that will touch your heart, your soul, and stay with you long after the last page has been read.

Rating: 4.8
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a heart wrenching beautiful story.

It was very slow at first, but once it picked up it never took its foot off the gas. I was listening to the audible version in the car to work and when I walked, but I hit a spot where it all hit the fan and I had to finish.

I loved Ian. I really did. He had his mission and he put his whole heart and soul into it. I also love a man who can show his emotions yet stay a man. His story was heart wrenching and my heart went out to him. Too many people are looking to find themselves and it is a hard path, but Ian was a steadfast soldier.

Charlee was hard to warm to at first. As the story went I my heart went out to her. I am glad she got to experience what she was missing even though it was a long in coming. She found herself and took charge instead of running away. Everyone needs support, love, and help.

The other characters were fantastic and made the story even richer and more enjoyable. They also produced lots more tears.

A wonderful heart touching story about finding yourself and second chances.

I've become, possibly, jaded in reading romance novels. The formula is always the same...the settings vary....the out come always the same. For reasons that I can't quite grasp yet, even though this, too, may be a formulaic love story...I got caught up and rather skimming through the book (which has happened far to often lately), I actually read and re-read portions of the book before finally coming to the end. Maybe it was because it a love story from a father to a daughter. Maybe the fact it was about soldiers and my love for the true heroes in our world of no real heroes any more. Maybe it was about flawed and believable characters. Whatever the reasons, I really enjoyed this novel. This is only my second Heather Burch book and I liked this one even better than the first (I believe the name of that one was In The Light of The Garden...something like that)!!

Ian was leaving Afghanistan after two years there to go back to the states and he was saying goodbye to being a soldier in the army. Charlie’s father had died a year ago but had saved Ian’s life but gave his. Charlie hadn’t been close to her dad she had loved him but didn’t believe he loved her. Charlie had no idea what to do with his ashes. Charlie ran an artist retreat she had named after her mom Marilee Artists Retreat as that had been her mom’s dream.Her mom had died when Charlie was twelve but Charlie hadn’t forgotten. Wynoma and Wilma were sisters and had come to the retreat almost two years ago. Ian was looking for his deceased commander’s daughter Charlie as he had a journal her dad had written and he wanted Ian to read Charlie a page a day then she would know how he had felt. Ian was hired on as a handyman for the retreat. Charlie needed to stop running as she was afraid of more hurt. Even though Charlie is starting to have feelings for Ian she fights to keep him out of her heart,
This was a good story. A story of learning to forgive and heal. Charlie’s dad had really loved her deeply and i loved her wrote a journal so she could see how much with his own words. This story had a good plot and I thought the writing was good also. I love the quirky characters at the retreat and how they had planned on staying a short time then never left. Now they were like family to Charlie. I loved the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.

Everyone has hardships. We all handle things differently. Some try to handle life's challenges on their own, alone. The thing is, if people don't get support from other people sometimes they turn to drugs or alcohol for it. We all need support from time to time. It's much healthier to let people be there for you instead of the temporary pain erasers. Keeping faith God has your six is necessary to learn what life's about. This story brings that reality home as Charlee learns to run to the right thing when pain threatens her. The soldier who learned from her father came to teach her how to be strong while leaning on others for support during trying times. Instead of running.

Along the broken road is a very cleverly written book opening up the problems of deep lying insecurity and the story dwells on the conquering of this problem. It's a solid story with plenty going on amongst all the characters in the book and doesn't just dwell on the two main characters. As a love story it has its happy ever after ending as usual but as with all insecurities,there's plenty of twists and turns before this is achieved. I thoroughly enjoyable read and recommended if this is your genre.

This book surprised me with its depth. It touches the fear and the strength and most of all the trust and love needed to live life. It cuts to the core of our essential fears. This is a very special story that may take several readings to appreciate more fully the truths and lessons there to absorb. Initially the reader may think it is just another boy meets girl story. It is so much more. It is about the universal truths of living life.

It's definitely about quality and not quantity. Heather has such a distinctive writing style, so beautiful and poetic. The story is about love, loss and renewal. I loved the unforgettable characters, Charlee, Ian, Major McKinley, Wynona, Mr. Gruber and last but not least King Edward. I would certainly love to retire at this artist's retreat. I felt the full gamut of emotions, laughter, sadness and joy to name a few. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I can't wait to read the entire series. Thank you Heather. I am an avid fan forever!

Heather Burch exploded on the writing scene with her critically acclaimed "Halflings" trilogy, earning her positive attention from YA readers everywhere. As a reader, I enjoyed that series. As a woman, I'm in love with her new contemporary novels.

Heather is a phenomenal writer, and her gift of storytelling reflects a finely honed craft. "Along the Broken Road" introduces us to Charlee McKinley, a broken woman just struggling to find safety and belonging. If she doesn't, she runs.

We also meet Ian Carlisle, a man who, unbeknownst to Charlee, served under the command of her father, Major Mac McKinley. Ian is on his final mission for his commanding officer, and a huge part of that mission is to teach Charlee how to stop running.

In honor of her mother's memory, Charlee opens and runs an artists' retreat for an eclectic group of four: a crotchety old painter, a man who prefers kilts over trousers, and two adorable elderly sisters with quirks of their own.

The characters are delightful, and story is gripping, and the romance...well, it gets a bit heated, so be warned. But it doesn't cross over into the immoral, just kind of kisses the boundaries quite a bit. But the relationships between these imaginary people will speak to your heart, and quite possibly bring healing to your broken areas.

I'm excited for this series, and can hardly wait for big brother Jeremiah McKinley's story, which will release next year. Plus, Charlee has four brothers, so oh, the stories Heather can tell! My thanks to my friends at NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Along the Broken Road" is highly recommended, with a warning about intense kissing. But I still highly recommend this book!

I think I have found a new favorite author... her books weave the tale - between the lives of her characters, their families, and where and how they live. She pulls you into the story and keeps you wanting to find out what is next. I found them extraordinary!

Bordering on the line between romance novel and a nice work of fiction. Great characters, a different setting for the action which I enjoyed. Perhaps the main character s personal demons were a little sappy, and perhaps it was a little Nicholas Sparks-ish ( I don't read him on principle) but none of that detracted from my enjoyment of the book.

Along the Broken Road begins with action. Promises to be a great read. And then.... the reader is asked to live inside the protagonist’s head. Repetition of thoughts, repetition of the same words to describe thoughts and feelings makes for a boring read.

I liked the premise of this book. A soldier returns stateside after a tour of duty that leaves scars. Ian, our soldier, is sure of only one thing about his future. He must find the daughter of the man he served under and deliver an important message in an unusual manner. He has promised to read his mentor's journal to her one page at a time. The problem is, the young woman believed that her father did not care for her and while she loved him, she has shut him and his memory out of her mind and heart. Charlee runs a kind of retreat for a quirky artist. They come for short stays and stay forever. Stories about their lives are woven into this love story in a non-distracting way that contributes to the texture of the story. And what would this story be without a love story. Ian and Charlee have things in common that are gradually revealed as they come to know each other. They fall into a fragile relationship that is handicapped by a secret. Both have troubled relationships with their father's and both need the healing power of truths. Its a great story.

A remarkable and unforgettable lesson for us all. With a touching and meaningful love story this book reinforces what we all know, but often forget until too late, the importance of family ties and letting loved ones know they are loved instead of allowing hurts and miscommunication s and expectations to get in our way. I didn't want it to end but I take away the resolve to right some wrongs and rekindle some missing relationship s.

I probabily read too much but have never read stories that moved me like yours did. At 75 years old, I found myself wondering if I would be able to live with the regrets that plagued me day and night. After reading The Lavender Ribbon and Along the Broken Road, I felt like I had gone through years of productive therapy. I cried tears that released the years of pent up worry that something was seriously wrong with me. Your words of wisdom saved my life and sanity. I thought my feelings were uniquely my own and I took on total responsibility for the traumatic events in my life. Thank you for writing the insightful books that changed my life.

What a page turner. The characters and story line sucked me in after only reading the prologue. Heather Burch is an amazing author, creating inspiration and life lessons we all can learn from. Her characters are so interesting and likable.. hated to finish it. I will be following her books hungrily.

Along the Broken Road was such a delight to read. The story was so engaging that it stuck with me for several days once I finally closed the cover. The characters were multi-dimensional and the supporting cast of characters kept the story interesting. I laughed, I cried, I sighed. This story was comfort food for the soul! Well done!

A good read about caring people. The off-beat Artist Colony is colorfully entertaining as well as an example of people caring for each other no matter how different. Charlie is a strong yet vulnerable character, the only girl in a family that I'm looking forward to getting to know better!

Had to struggle to get through this one although Author Burch wrote one of my favorite books of the last couple of years (One Lavender Ribbon). Side characters were interesting, but did not really care about the main characters. Problems felt contrived and book did not flow like I hoped. Just a background for a series apparently.

I loved every single character in this book. The author did a great job of making each character so lifelike. There were good plot twists here & there too. I really liked this series & I'm looking forward to the next one.

Having recently lost my parents, this story affected me profoundly. While not just a story of parental love, it is also a story of how we all are able to help one another thru life's problems. Many good lessons and quotes to be taken away.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the development of the main characters and the interplay of all the quirky characters. It's a heartwarming novel about pain, loss, trust and love. I'm looking forward to the sequel in December.

Beautifully written it was difficult to put down. Several different plots within, each one keeping you totally involved. I liked the idea of using a letter written by a deceased parent as a main theme . Many lessons could be gleaned through out the best of which that Love Is a gift.

Real characters, in every sense of the word, enliven this book about love and loss. Set in the now of returning vets and their receiving families and communities, this novel makes you want more of the River Rock series.

This is a great read. Two people going through difficult times trying to find out where they fit in this world. Both conflicted with childhood demons and current family crisis, they cling together for hope. A hope for answers and a happy ever after.