About the Book
Book: An Uncertain Road
Author: Abbey Downey
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: February 27, 2024
A female auto racer, and mechanic determined to walk away from the sport, and the race of a lifetime…
When young widow Flora Montfort returns to America, she’s determined to use her training in auto racing to support herself and her French mother-in-law—even if female drivers are rare in 1905. So when the owner of a successful sporting goods store hires her to drive in the Glidden Tour, a ten-day race through New England, she jumps at the opportunity.
Jensen Gable must be convinced that joining the team as the ride-along mechanic is worth the risk. After losing his best friend in a tragic racing accident, Jensen has vowed never to participate in the sport again. But his promise to protect that friend’s younger brother, also on the tour, is the only thing that outweighs his fear of the dangers.
As they race through New England, Flora and Jensen find common ground that ignites their interest in each other, but doubts and old enemies come between them. Hazardous road conditions, meddling locals, and competitors who’ll stop at nothing to win—they all conspire to prevent Flora and Jensen from reaching the finish line. As the race of a lifetime heats up, one question rises above all others…can their love find the road that leads to forever?
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My Review:
I haven’t ever read a historical romance about race cars or female race car drivers, but I was intrigued by the story. I enjoyed learning about the Glidden Tour and stopped several times while I was reading to learn more about the cars that were featured. I can honestly say that I am glad automobiles have improved throughout the years as Flora and Jansen embarked upon a ten day tour with a road that was really not much more than a path in several places.
The theme of letting go of the past and allowing God to help was well done and was shown not only in Jansen’s life, but Flora’s as well. This is a lesson that many of us can relate to personally. I can recommend reading this book for readers from young adults through mature readers. This is the first book in the Adventurous Hearts series, and I am looking forward to seeing what other experiences await us.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. A positive review was not required.
About the Author
Abbey Downey started writing inspirational romance stories during naptime when her kids were babies and found she couldn’t stop. She previously published two books with Love Inspired Historical under the pen name Mollie Campbell. She also works with Spark Flash Fiction producing a quarterly digital magazine that contains love stories under 1000 words.
A life-long Midwestern girl, Abbey lives in central Indiana with her husband, two kids, and one rather enthusiastic beagle. She loves watching her kids play sports and fixing up a 1900 farmhouse with her husband.
More from Abbey
It started as a deep dive into the history of women in sports.
While we don’t immediately think of women when we consider the origins of sports and exploration, time and again my research revealed stand-out women participating in the early days of every sport and making history in adventurous endeavors. Females were later barred from these activities by a culture that saw them as fragile, but for those first years, the women who were tenacious enough to try succeeded right alongside the men.
So I set out to bring to life heroines that shined in some of my favorite historical sports and activities. In An Uncertain Road, the heroine, Flora Montfort, was inspired by real-life female race car driver Joan Newton Cuneo. In the early 1900s, Joan was a strong advocate for road safety and women learning to drive. She fought hard for her right to race, just like Flora does.
Jensen Gable is the reluctant ride-along mechanic for Flora’s racing team. He wants to protect those he cares about, even if that leads him to make some wrong choices in the name of their safety. He’s a little grumpy and a lot wounded, but Flora’s presence in his life helps him learn to heal—and smile again.
One of many things I love about writing historical novels is weaving in delightful tidbits that come up in my research. In An Uncertain Road, a fascinating historical detail is before the Glidden Tour begins, when the group visits Coney Island for a day. There’s some fun flirting—over a piece of green cheese in a moon-themed amusement ride.
I also enjoyed getting to research and use real historic locations in this story. My favorite place the team visits is the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, where the 1905 Glidden Tour stopped for a mid-tour break. It’s still in use today and is stunning, surrounded by mountains and beautifully restored.
But I’d have to say my favorite moment in the book is a nod to my favorite TV show. Yes, I worked a reference to The Office into a historical novel. Let me know if you find it!
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy Flora and Jensen’s story!
Blog Stops
Book Looks by Lisa, March 27
Pause for Tales, March 27
Life on Chickadee Lane, March 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 29
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 30 (Author Interview)
Devote To Hope, March 30
Texas Book-aholic, March 31
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 1
She Lives to Read, April 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 3
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4
Simple Harvest Reads, April 5 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Inspired by Fiction, April 5
For Him and My Family, April 6
Cover Lover Book Review, April 7
Holly’s Book Corner, April 8
Just Your Average reviews, April 9
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Abbey is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/2aa72/an-uncertain-road-celebration-tour-giveawayMy Review:
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