Where the Road Bends

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. Rachel Fordham invites you to experience the strength and beauty of love forged in the crucible of hardship in this heartwarming story.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member CoverLoverBookReview

First, I want to point out how eye-catching this cover is! Gorgeous. Love it. And the story behind is just as gorgeous. I'm a firm believer in things happening they way they are supposed to, and this book shows that. God knows best and leads our way - even though sometimes it isn't what we would've

initially chosen.

Norah and Quincy are flawed characters who find their way. They are easy to connect with and root for, and I loved watching their faith and strength build. Rachel Forham is a gifted storyteller and I've been pleased with anything I've read by her.

Great story, title, cover, and author. Win, win, win, win.

Thank you to Librarything for my early review copy!

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LibraryThing member starbritejan

Where the Road Bends" by Rachel Fordham.. I really like Rachel's books. this one is a tale of a woman desperate to save her families land.. a tale of action and adventure, overcoming the adversary and finding love and happiness. A 5-star for me1

LibraryThing member kaykwilts

At the start of the book Where the Road Bends Norah King's father had died. Her father had gambled away his money so in order for her to keep the farm she had to enter into a marriage of convenience with an older man, Jake Granger. Before she is married she finds an injured man and nurses him back

to health at her home. They make a connection but she is engage so Quincy Barnes moves on and becomes successful. Meanwhile Norah King's life falls apart. They reconnect a couple years later. Loved both of the characters. Both are compassionate characters. Don't want to give too much of the story away and spoil it.
Thanks to Revell books the ARC programs at LibraryThing for providing me a copy of this book to read and review.

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LibraryThing member HuberK

4 stars, Sanctuary

WHERE THE ROAD BENDS
by Rachel Fordham

Norah King is destined to lose her family's farm if she doesn't agree to an arranged marriage. But days before the wedding, she finds Quincy, a hurt man on her property, and takes him home, to nurse him back to health.

Quincy comes to care for

independent Norah, but knowing he doesn't have any money, there is no hope for a relationship with her.

I received a complimentary copy of #wheretheroadbends from #revell I was under no obligation to post a review.

#strongfemaleprotagonist #destitute #secondchances #orphans #sanctuary #christianfiction #inspirational #inspyfiction #coverlove #fleminghrevell

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LibraryThing member chrirob

Norah King's dream had always been to marry, have a family, and continue to work her family's farm in Blackwell. Love, she has learned, may not always be part of that life-bargain. When her father dies, Norah tried her best to work the farm, but she has no more funds to pay for the land - until

Jake Granger begins to court her. Jake may not be Prince Charming, but he appears kind...and will save her land. While not romantic, it is practical and amiable. But, when Norah rescues a young man in her fields and tends to his numerous wounds, she begins to learn that stability may not be worth forgoing love. Little did she know that meeting Quincey Barnes would set in motion a spiral of events that would change both of their lives: One for the better and one for the worse.

This was a very good book! I liked the reality of the story and how it did not soften those realities of life. It would be very interesting to continue this storyline with some of the other characters in the story: Sam & Alice, Nels and Mrs. Dover. Thank you LibraryThing Early Reviewers for the advanced copy! Will be looking for more by Ms. Fordham!

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LibraryThing member susan0316

Norah King loves the land that her family owns. Her parents have died and despite her hard work, the land may not be hers much longer. She's desperate and becomes engaged to marry a man that she doesn't love who is a farmer and will help her keep the land. She has hope that she will learn to love

him. One day she finds a critically ill man laying in her field. Being the caring person that she is, she gets him into her home to nurse him. Quincy is not used to someone caring about him and he and Rachel enjoy their time talking to each other until he is able to leave. He knows that despite his feelings about her, she will be a married woman within two weeks. He is content knowing that she'll be taken care of. It's 1880 and when her soon to be husband finds out that she has been alone in the cabin with a man, a huge scandal ensues and Rachel is shunned by the town. She loses her land and is unable to find work in her town so she leaves for another town hoping that she can keep her secrets. She gets into a bad situation and is rescued by Quincy. Despite the feelings that they begin to have for each other, both are reluctant to have a relationship due to their pasts.

This was an enjoyable historical fiction. The characters were well written and the plot was believable for this time period. Both Norah and Quincy had been dealt a rough beginning to their lives and we get to know both of them well enough that we are hoping for their lives to change and allow them to be happy again.

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LibraryThing member alekee

I loved this book, the author just kept giving, and I kept page turning!

The book opens with a body, and buzzards circling, Norah happens to see the birds and discover the man, and then we see her struggle to help, including throwing rocks at the birds!

This book pulled me in and didn't let go, there

is so much going on, and second chances, guilt, forgiveness, and living ones faith! I loved how these characters kept giving back to help their fellow man, and didn't step down in times of adversity! There are some unsavory people here, and we wish for them not to succeed, but there are also some that bring a smile, especially Nels. Come and get lost in the 1880's in Iowa!

We are gifted with an Epilogue!

I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

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LibraryThing member Mizroady

Norah King has lost both her parents, has no living family, and is about to lose her land. It isn’t just land per se; it is part of her childhood and a deep connection to her parents. So strong is her bond to it that she is prepared to marry a man she barely knows. He will save her, save her

land, and they will grow to care about each other, right?
While walking around her precious farm she finds an injured man about to be lunch to the vultures. Moved with compassion, she manages to get him back to her house, call a doctor and care for him until he recovers. Quincy Barnes has had a less than respectable life, finding himself pretty much and the end of his rope before Nora found him.
Something magical happens between the two. Love blooms and she instills hope in him to start over. Their relationship would jeopardize her plans to save her heritage, and Quincy has nothing to offer in the way of help. With a heavy heart he leaves. Two years later their paths cross again and he I able to help her.
This is a beautiful romance but it is more than just that. Two very different people face crushing setbacks, heart breaking circumstances and seemingly insurmountable odds. Yet they do not falter in seeking God’s guidance and encouragement.
I loved the way they were both total opposites but their deep love moved them to put one another first. They faced such severe circumstances but overcame each one, alone and together with grace and faith. A heartwarming and touching story you will want to read!
I received this book from Revell Publishing through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. The opinions stated are my own.

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LibraryThing member Maret-G

I just adored this book with sweet and full of heart Norah who despite many unfortunate events in her life injected dose of happiness and belongings for others.

Iowa in 1880's

Norah King inherited the family farm and at twenty two years old she's engaged to be married to Jake Granger in order to save

the farm. She should be good with Jake. She didn't love him, he was older, but marrying him was the only choice to rescue her farm. Until one day, two weeks before her wedding, Norah found a badly injured man on her property. He was barely alive and birds were gathering above his body. She nursed his wounds until he was strong enough to leave the farm before rumors spread. Quincy Barnes had no family, no home. He had to leave Norah and her cozy home before people find out about him as Norah's reputation would be in question. His life has to change, he has to be a better man. That's what he promised Norah.

You need to read this book to find out about their paths. Of course there is a happy ending. But you want to join Norah and Quincy in they journey to the happiness. It was not an easy road.

I loved the characters in this book. Norah was so sweet and funny. She didn’t lose her faith and good heart. Quincy’s determination to change his life was very admirable. There was Mrs. Dover who opened her mother's heart to those in need. Alice, a young woman who lost her hope and faith for a better life. And there was a shy Sam with a huge heart open to be loved but always rejected. And an eight year old Neils, alone in this big world running away from those who want to harm him. How these lovely souls come together is the most delightful and engaging story.

Gorgeously written and very enjoyable book.

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LibraryThing member khoyt

Thank you to Revell Books and LibraryThing for allowing me to do an early review of this book. This is my honest opinion.
I enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover. Norah and Quincy believed they had their futures set in stone. They each were following paths they believed they were meant to

live. Until a "chance encounter" showed them they could find the joy and happiness they were lacking. There were several wonderful characters in this small town. They were broken as were the lead characters. But with love, hope, and faith the main characters were able to start a new and more abundant life than they had thought was their only path. The title (and cover!) were perfect. If it were not for the unexpected and difficult bends in the road, they would not have led such fulfilling and overflowing lives.
The only criticism (suggestion?) I have is for more direct references to God and/or Jesus. We all know the phrase, "things happen for a reason", even secular people. They need to know what that phrase means: God causes or allows things to happen for our good and His glory.
All in all, this is a marvelous book. The romance was "sigh-worthy", the people were relatable, and the story was satisfying. I am ready to read another book by this delightful and entertaining author.

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LibraryThing member eccl

Where the Road Bends, by Rachel Fordham is a Christian historical romance that takes place in Iowa in 1880. This is a good story that deals with putting a past behind and moving forward. The theme of caring for others is also strong in this story. First with Norah caring for Quincy and then Quincy

providing food and shelter for those in need. This story also shows what lengths people will go to survive. Quincy use to fight in alleys and Norah signed on at a house of prostitution. But God stepped in to save both of them.

This is a well written, easy to read story that deals with prostitution and greed. This may be hard for some to read. While I did enjoy this story, there are a few points that made me question the characters. Norah was forced to enter a loveless marriage to save her family’s land, yet she never went through her father’s belonging to see if there was a way to save the land without someone’s help. Also, she took a man into her home when she was alone, this was not done at that time. Quincey knew of her situation when he found the money in the bag she gave him. Yet he did not return it to her until after he used it to make a profit. And his language just was not appropriate for the time.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story through the Revell Reads Bloggers Program. This is my honest review.

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LibraryThing member ecataldi

Norah King is desperate to keep the family farm. Her parents have died and the bank is wanting to seize the land. Out of desperation she agrees to marry Jake, he's older and very unlovable, but he is willing to save the farm and work it. It's not a love match, but Norah will do whatever she can to

protect her family's legacy. When an injured man shows up on her property, she nurses him back to health. Quincey is on the brink of death and hopeless, his life has taken a turn for the worse and he is hopeless. Until that is, he meets Norah. Their lives will never be the same. Two years later the two meet again, only under drastically different circumstances. This historical romance is perfect for those that love inspirational fiction. The over arching theme is that everyone deserves a second chance, no matter how horrible their past is.

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LibraryThing member Cherylk

I really enjoyed this book. Right from the beginning I instantly had a vivid image of what Nora and Quincy looked like as well as their surroundings. It was nice to see that there were no romantic feelings in the very beginning as it would not have been believable. It was nice to see Nora and

Quincy's relationship progress organically.

Nora really blossomed into a strong, independent woman by the end of the story. It was nice to see this progression from her. Quincy was so supportive of Nora. He also made something of himself. They both proved that good things do come to those who work for it. The overall storyline was lovely in itself. As a historical fiction reader, I really enjoyed this book. Which I know many other readers will as well.

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LibraryThing member Becky_L

“The farmland went on forever, and it smelled like happiness.”

One thing I can count on when I read a Rachel Fordham book. I know I’m going to love it, and Where the Road Bends is no exception.

Fordham writes with a sweet, historical romance, prairie-style. I love Norah King and her innocent,

one-chance-left-self. She is stronger than she knows, and has a truly compassionate heart for others. How I wish she had had someone she trusted besides Jake Granger and Quincy Barnes to advise her!

Quincy is quite the dashing hero. I loved his willingness to share his faith and his compassionate heart as it prompts him to act, as well. He shares much of himself with Norah, trying to encourage her.

“But I don’t have an author weaving words together, ensuring a happy ending.”~Norah
…“You do have an author,” he whispered. “He’s there, working for your good.” ~ Quincy

I think I identified most with the housekeeper, Mrs. Dover. She has seen enough of life to give some very sage advice to both Quincy and Norah.

I found the story wonderfully unpredictable. So many heart-wrenching moments, where I wanted to grab up a character and hug them, or yell at them to make a different choice. (It didn’t work.)

I received a copy of the book from Revell through LibraryThing Early Reviewers, plus I purchased my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Highly recommended, especially for readers of Kim Vogel Sawyer.

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LibraryThing member grammy57

When I first started reading this book I was sure I had read it before. I'm not sure why I felt this way, but either this is a re-write or really similar to another book.
I enjoyed the story and it was well written. It is a Christian book that is not preachy but does show the importance of

honesty.
The characters were well developed and the editing was fine.
I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley and this review is totally my own opinion.

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LibraryThing member lamb521

Title: Where the Road Bends
Author: Rachel Fordham
Pages: 336
Year: 2022
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Rachel Fordham is an excellent storyteller who weaves a compelling romance with mystery and wonder. Rachel writes one book a year currently, and they are so worth the time taken to read

and enjoy. Where the Road Bends is a story that pulls readers in as they follow two main characters, Norah King and Quincy Barnes.
Norah has lost her whole family and now looks to enter a loveless marriage to save her farm. Norah doesn’t count on coming upon an injured Quincy one day as she walks her fields. No matter the personal cost to her, she brings him home and nurses him back to health. Quincy has been on the streets, fighting for a living all is life. Norah is one of the first people he has met that shows him what compassion really looks like.
Quincy leaves the farm, believing Norah has entered the marriage and goes about rebuilding his life. After some time though Quincy finds out the status of Norah’s marriage and farm. In his own way, he tries to make amends to a wrong he has done Norah but that turns out to be harder than he thought. Now, they are together again and facing a past littered with anger, hurt and pain that might make a future together unattainable.
Here is a tale of love lost, forgiveness desired and a future that may never be. The characters are believable because they are a reflection of real people, living each day longing for forgiveness and a future filled with hope. The one character I adored was Nels who won the heart of the town. Quincy and Norah were enjoyable too even though at first he was a little rascal.
Read the book and share it with family and friends who enjoy a solid story filled with hope and faith.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

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LibraryThing member melaniehope

This was an enjoyable story of two people who connect instantly but due to life circumstances are unable to be together. Norah is a young, naive woman who is marrying not for love, but rather for convenience's sake of saving her farm. She believes that in time their union will be a good, strong

one. Quincy is a rough, injured man that winds up convalescing on Norah's farm shortly before her wedding. The author instantly creates a connection between the two, but Quincey eventually recovers and leaves to start a new life.
However, things don't work out for Norah, and she is abandoned by her fiancé and loses her farm. Eventually, Norah and Quincy are reunited but Norah has gone through horrific events and doesn't know if she is able to trust and be loved. What follows is a beautiful, heartwarming story. This is Christian romance, but there are only a few references to God and Norah puts her faith in her belief and her friends to sustain her. I definitely would recommend this story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through a giveaway on Library Thing. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

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LibraryThing member Virginia51

This is a wonderful historical fiction story. I loved Norah and Quincy. I loved that both characters had to work through their problems before they could be together. I loved the narrator of this audiobook. I love books set in the 1800s. I loved the romance in this story. I received a copy of this

audiobook from Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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LibraryThing member Harley0326

Great story about loss and second chances. I loved how the author shows an emotional struggle as the characters try to overcome trials. I like the setting in the late 1880s and how vivid the description of this tine period was. Nora is a good character and you can sense her desire to make a better

life for herself. With the addition of Quincy this makes for a powerful look at faith, forgiveness and second chances. This is one story you don’t want to miss.
I received a copy of this book from Early Reader program from Librarything.

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LibraryThing member Sonja.Hoeke.Nish7358

This book caught my attention the minute I started to read it. This historical fiction was so good. The characters were well developed and I loved reading about them. Norah King is set to marry a man she barely knows that can help her keep her family land. Through unexpected events, she finds

Quincy Barnes, near to death and nurses him back to health.
The story continues and just keeps getting better. The connection between Norah and Quincy has to end due to Norah's upcoming marriage. They cross paths later and the friendship they had nurtured is built on friendship and good communication. Yet there is much to overcome and work through. And there are parts that will surprise you. I enjoyed the interaction with the townspeople and the little historical town in which the story takes place.

I loved the way it was written, the detail, the characters and the events that tied it all together.

You will not want to miss this excellent book. I will be watching for more books by this author, that's a sure fact!

I received a complimentary copy from Revell Publishers. All views are my honest opinion.

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