"There are some things you can't go back from. You just lay the broken pieces down and then there's grace and it's glue, and in a strange way, you're more whole than before, because this time ... This time it's not by your own doing". ('To Get to You')
'To Get to You' is a story of love on 3 different levels: a teen boy's first love, a parent's love for his child, God's love and grace for mankind. A tender story told from the point of view of a troubled 18-year-old boy, a product of a broken home, who has shut the world out and pain in.
It's Christmas eve - Riley Kane is closing shop at Harmony Farms feed store and Christmas tree lot, in the small mountain town of Idyllwild, southern California. A teenage girl appears, pulling a sled - attempts to load a large left-over Christmas tree Riley has discarded alongside the highway, her feet slipping in the snowy slush from the weight of the tree. Feeling compelled to help, yet his jeep in the shop for radiator repair and the girl on foot - Riley walks 2 miles to her Airstream trailer home, pulling the sled. Along the way, he realizes her to be a church friend, from childhood - Rebecca "Becca" Fletcher.
When Becca's father, a semi-truck driver, is seriously injured driving off the road to avoid hitting a children-filled van, the driver having swerved to avoid a deer - his family drives to a hospital in New Mexico to be with him, taking the trailer with them. Riley is shocked to find an empty lot when he arrives at Becca's - his name written on a grocery bag hanging from a branch of the discarded Christmas tree, a note inside explaining the family's plight. His phone not charged - Becca had tried, unsuccessfully, to call him.
Riley is determined to get to Becca, to help the family by bringing their stored generator and water barrels. When his jeep transmission goes out, stranding him - his mother, who is out-of-town, insists Riley solicit his father's help. Jake Kane, a world-famous professional surfer - hasn't seen his son since Riley was in the 3rd grade, nor spoken to him since he was 11 years old. A man Riley hates, one he feels ruined his life.
What follows is a road trip in a rare '65 VW Samba van for Riley, Jake, and Jake's surfer buddy Saul Ramirez. A trip full of adventure, and emotion-filled discoveries about, and for, both father and son. So vivid are the descriptions and life-like the characters, I felt I was along for the ride, and privy to their thoughts. 'To Get to You' is filled with the emotion and beauty I've come to expect from Joanne's writing - a tender, heart-warming story that alternately made me smile and shed tears. My heart ached for Riley, sympathized with Becca, and loved her vulnerable, innocent heart.
Both books are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Books-a-Million.
GIVEAWAY: OWG is grateful for Joanne's gracious provision of a paperback copy of 'To Get to You' - a giveaway to one blessed commenter! Please leave your email address using (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
Wow, your review is amazing, BONNIE! So beautifully worded and heartwarming! I loved Joanne's first series so much and I know what an accomplished and talented writer she is!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diana - your compliments warm MY heart, as I think YOUR reviews are always beautiful!! 'To Get To You' is unlike Joanne's other books - a contemporary, and told from the POV of a young male, yet it's beauty kept me mesmerized, as did her historical books.
DeleteDidn't she do a beautiful job, Diana?! Aw, and thank you so much for your sweet words about the Cadence of Grace! So blessed by that.
DeleteBONNIE, thank you for the wonderful review. I am looking forward to reading To Get To You!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Caryl!! 'To Get To You' is a touching, heart-warming book - I think the characters will steal your heart!!
DeleteGreetings, Caryl! So nice to bump into you here. :) If you get the chance to read it, I really hope you enjoy this one!
DeleteSounds like it'd be a really interesting story! Joanne is an amazing writer and really knows how to draw out emotions in the reader. Definitely going to read this one!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the surfing, skateboarding, van, and other descriptions in 'To Get To You', Noela - the characters emotions and thoughts were so relatable. Yes, Joanne is a master at drawing out the reader's emotions. I think 'To Get To You' will bless you!!
DeleteThat so kind of you Noela, Thank you!!!
DeleteBonnie - I smile to know you enjoyed those surfing and skateboarding bits! :) That was one of my biggest hopes!
The title intrigues me, for starters, and your review, Bonnie, is sterling! Thanks for the invite.
ReplyDeleteHi, Gail!! It is a wonderful title, isn't it?? I love the cover also. I so appreciate your sweet comments - thank you!! Thanks for stopping by - good luck in the drawing, I feel sure you would love 'To Get To You'. It's a tender, sweet, read - full of inspiration!!
DeleteI'm so glad to hear that, Gail! And doesn't Bonnie do a beautiful review? Honored by this lovely lady!
DeleteWould love to win
ReplyDeleteThereadmaster@me.com
Thanks for commenting, Virginia - please stop by again!! Cross your fingers for a win of this beautiful book!!
DeleteGreetings Virginia!
DeleteSounds like an amazing book!
ReplyDeleteIt truly is an amazing book, Holly. A story that wrenches a gamut of emotions from the reader, and pulls at his/her heartstrings. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!!
DeleteThank you, Holly!
DeleteThough I've seen the cover of this book and read a synopsis, Bonnie's review gave me more details, which I appreciate. I am a big fan of Joanne's books, so To Get to You has been on my "wish list" since I first heard of it. Thanks for this review and the chance to win the book.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
So happy you enjoyed my review, Pam - thank you for your kind comments!! Some readers don't like a lot of detail in book reviews, however, I like to give the reader a good understanding of the story line - without giving too many details of the plot away. I feel it helps those people who've never read any of the author's work - more easily make a decision on whether they want to purchase/read the book. As with you, I love Joanne's writing - each new book/novella goes on my "wish list" the minute I hear about it.
DeletePam, I'm so thankful to shared that. It's what makes reviewers so special. Those little inside tidbits form someone else really does make a difference. Blessed by Bonnie and so glad to see you here for her review of To Get to You!
DeleteI can see my daughter enjoying this as well.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Teenagers identify with, and love 'To Get To You' - as do adults, Mary. Joanne has received raving reviews from both. I hope you and your daughter both have the opportunity to read it. I feel it will touch, and inspire, both of you!! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteMary - It makes a great mother/daughter read!
DeleteRegardless of being an adult, I love reading young adult fiction. In fact, I would surmise that 50% of what I read is YA. There is so much good YA these days compared to when I was a teen. That being said, I have been so excited to read Joanne's book.
ReplyDeletetlhcoupon (at) hotmail (dot) com
Terrill, that's a real treat to hear! Sounds like we have very similar reading tastes. :) So thrilled that this one caught your eye. If you get a chance to read it on your YA list, I really, really hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI think a lot of adults read young adult fiction now, Terrill - as you commented, there are so many wonderful books in that genre now. Books that both adults and young adults relate to - 'To Get To You' is certainly one of them. You won't be disappointed with it, it was so worth the wait. Thanks for your wonderful comments, please stop by again soon!!
ReplyDeleteSounds great! I love JB's books!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
They're wonderful aren't they, Melanie?? Joanne is one of my fave authors. 'To Get To You' will inspire you!! Good luck, and thanks for stopping by.
DeleteGreetings, Melanie! Thank you!
DeleteSharon, it's always such a joy to hear that. I'm glad this one is one you've been looking forward to!
ReplyDeleteWe're in agreement when it comes to Joanne's writing, Sharon - 'To Get To You' was on my TBR list the moment I heard about it. Enjoy - I know it will touch your heart!! Thanks for your kind comments, please stop by again soon.
ReplyDeleteNice review. Interesting book. kamundsen44(at)yahoo(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim!! Numerous elements to love, and be inspired by, in 'To Get To You' - characters, emotion, settings, reconciliation - to name a few. Adult and teen readers, alike - will love it!!
DeleteMany thanks, Kim!
DeleteBONNIE, once again you have created a wonderful review! This book sounds absolutely magnificent, which, of course, all of Joanne's books are magnificent! :-)
ReplyDeleteTeresa, doesn't she do a beautiful job? Her reviews are so heartfelt. And thank you so much!!
DeleteYou warm my heart, Teresa - as does dear Joanne - my thanks to both of you for your sweet comments!! I certainly agree, Teresa - ALL of Joanne's books are magnificent, she is one of my fave authors, and you will love 'To Get To You'. It will warm YOUR heart, as you have mine!!
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