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The Road to California
Proud single parent Joanna is accustomed to school phoning to tell her that her fourteen year old son Ryan is in trouble. But when Ryan hits a girl and is excluded from school, Joanna knows she must take drastic action to help him.
Ryan's dad Lex left home when Ryan was two years old. Ryan doesn’t remember him - but more than anything he wants a dad in his life. Isolated, a loner, and angry, Ryan finds solace in books and wildlife.
Joanna, against all her instincts, invites Lex to return and help their son. But Lex is a drifter who runs from commitment, and both Joanna and Ryan find their mutual trust and love is put to the test when Lex returns, and vows to be part of the family again.
Ryan's dad Lex left home when Ryan was two years old. Ryan doesn’t remember him - but more than anything he wants a dad in his life. Isolated, a loner, and angry, Ryan finds solace in books and wildlife.
Joanna, against all her instincts, invites Lex to return and help their son. But Lex is a drifter who runs from commitment, and both Joanna and Ryan find their mutual trust and love is put to the test when Lex returns, and vows to be part of the family again.
- GenresFiction
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2018
62 people want to read
About the author
Louise Walters
8 books158 followersI'm a freelance editor and the author of five novels:
Mrs Sinclair's Suitcase
A Life Between Us
The Road to California
The Hermit
We Are Family
Mrs Sinclair's Suitcase
A Life Between Us
The Road to California
The Hermit
We Are Family
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 10, 2018
Everything about this book appealed to me, including its clean, crisp cover, the image of the nest, and the blurb that accompanied the story. The Road to California tells the story of single parent Joanna and her isolated, slightly troubled loner son, Ryan. The two have lived a simple life since Ryan's father left them when Ryan was two, with Joanna providing for her tiny family by hand-crafting exquisitely detailed quilts. When Ryan is fourteen and excluded from school for hitting a girl in the face, Joanna realises she needs to take drastic action to help her son.
Lex, Ryan's father, arrives on the scene to be confronted by a son he knows nothing of; a son who finds solace in nature and books, but not in relationships. Over time, with Lex vowing to be apart of their family, Joanna and Ryan are asked to accept Lex in spite of his tendency to run from commitment and conformity. Over the course of this beautiful novel, love and trust are put to the test as the characters open their hearts to new realities.
There is such great warmth in this story; Louise Walters has really captured something wonderful here. It touches on love, loss and family, and within these pages you will find moments of great joy and of sadness. But what is mesmerising about this book and this writing, is that these moments can be found in the simplest and most everyday situations, which is so true to real life. You will be uplifted and you will be pulled apart, but every moment of this reading experience feels like being wrapped up in one of Joanna's great quilts. There is so much comfort to this book; I found it a pleasure to read.
Throughout this book there are subtle hints that Ryan is affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder but it is never the main focus of the story. He is simply accepted as who he is, as if this is just one other trait that makes him Ryan. I found that to be so special and commend Walters for her handling of it. The characterisation in her story is truly stunning and the people we meet in this story are remarkable, especially our two leads, Joanna and Ryan.
An emotional and heartwarming novel from a writer of huge talent. I wholeheartedly recommend it. 4+ stars.
Lex, Ryan's father, arrives on the scene to be confronted by a son he knows nothing of; a son who finds solace in nature and books, but not in relationships. Over time, with Lex vowing to be apart of their family, Joanna and Ryan are asked to accept Lex in spite of his tendency to run from commitment and conformity. Over the course of this beautiful novel, love and trust are put to the test as the characters open their hearts to new realities.
There is such great warmth in this story; Louise Walters has really captured something wonderful here. It touches on love, loss and family, and within these pages you will find moments of great joy and of sadness. But what is mesmerising about this book and this writing, is that these moments can be found in the simplest and most everyday situations, which is so true to real life. You will be uplifted and you will be pulled apart, but every moment of this reading experience feels like being wrapped up in one of Joanna's great quilts. There is so much comfort to this book; I found it a pleasure to read.
Throughout this book there are subtle hints that Ryan is affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder but it is never the main focus of the story. He is simply accepted as who he is, as if this is just one other trait that makes him Ryan. I found that to be so special and commend Walters for her handling of it. The characterisation in her story is truly stunning and the people we meet in this story are remarkable, especially our two leads, Joanna and Ryan.
An emotional and heartwarming novel from a writer of huge talent. I wholeheartedly recommend it. 4+ stars.
February 5, 2018
I was kindly sent an advance copy of this book from Louise Walters.
The first thing I loved about the book was the way it felt: simple cover design, crisp white pages, a welcoming font. The structure also added to the 'readability' of the novel, each section covers a month in the life of the characters.
Ryan is 13 and lives with Joanna, a single mum whose quilting business 'The Road to California' keeps her occupied. Ryan has a hard time at school and after (accidentally) hitting a female classmate he is excluded from school. The Summer holiday stretches ahead and in a moment of desperation, Joanna contacts Lex, Ryan's American father who walked out when Ryan was two. The novel goes on to explore many issues including: Home schooling, rekindled relationships, postnatal depression, autism, anger management and friendship.
It was an enjoyable read, although I found sometimes the actions of the characters and motives a little hard to believe. The narrator often switched between 'Joanna' and 'Mum' which felt a bit stilted, although the closing chapter of the book may give some rationale for this choice.
I have enjoyed all three of Louise Walters' novels and look forward to what she will write next.
The first thing I loved about the book was the way it felt: simple cover design, crisp white pages, a welcoming font. The structure also added to the 'readability' of the novel, each section covers a month in the life of the characters.
Ryan is 13 and lives with Joanna, a single mum whose quilting business 'The Road to California' keeps her occupied. Ryan has a hard time at school and after (accidentally) hitting a female classmate he is excluded from school. The Summer holiday stretches ahead and in a moment of desperation, Joanna contacts Lex, Ryan's American father who walked out when Ryan was two. The novel goes on to explore many issues including: Home schooling, rekindled relationships, postnatal depression, autism, anger management and friendship.
It was an enjoyable read, although I found sometimes the actions of the characters and motives a little hard to believe. The narrator often switched between 'Joanna' and 'Mum' which felt a bit stilted, although the closing chapter of the book may give some rationale for this choice.
I have enjoyed all three of Louise Walters' novels and look forward to what she will write next.
July 29, 2018
It's been some time since I finished this book, but the story and the characters have continued percolating around my mind. The Road to California is a story about a family, broken, incomplete, perfect, healed and flawed, both unique and just like every other family. What I loved the most about the book was the characterisation of the main characters, Joanna and Ryan in particular. Those moments when Ryan blurted out something that embarrassed Joanna were so fitting, so real that I had to laugh. And while it was clear from the very first pages that Ryan was somewhere within the autism spectrum, it was never the focus of the story, but simply a part of who he had to be to be Ryan. I found that wonderful.
The Road to California is a wonderful book and I look forward to reading it again.
The Road to California is a wonderful book and I look forward to reading it again.
April 9, 2018
This is the story of Joanna, who is raising her mildly autistic young teenage son, Ryan, by herself. Ryan is curious about his dad, but his mother told him a relationship with his dad is "impossible". Ryan gets himself into a bit of trouble at school, and Joanna realizes it's time to reach out to Ryan's father to see if he will come through, as she is at her wit's end about what to do with Ryan. And Lex (the dad), does come through. He shows up, he man's up, and things are looking up. Ohhh, but it's never that easy - life has other plans for them. I won't say any more, other than I really enjoyed this family's journey...it was never easy. It was sad and hopeful and messy - all the things that life truly is!!
May 1, 2018
I enjoyed Louise Walters’ previous two novels and her third certainly doesn’t disappoint. The writing flows, the plot draws you in, and the story of a single mother whose bond with her teenage son is tested to breaking point when the boy’s errant father reappears in their lives is moving and powerful. I look forward to seeing what Ms Walters comes up with next!
February 4, 2018
This is Louise Walters’ third book. I loved her first, liked her second and have been blown away by the third.
It is the story of Joanna and her autistic son, Ryan and how they both cope with the challenges Ryan faces when dealing with ‘everyday’ life and how this impacts on their relationship as mother and son.
Ryan is a teenager who has never known his Dad, but when events at school reach a critical point, Joanna reaches out to Lex to become involved in his son’s life.
The story follows the family’s journey, the trials thrown at them and how they each will have to ultimately face and deal with them.
Full of heart-wrenching moments, this is a powerful story which sympathetically gives an insight into how the world is viewed by a person with autism and the impact this has on their relationships.
The story really makes you think about how important our many relationships are in life and how to relish every moment with those we love.
It is a moving book that drew me in from the very first page and kept me in Joanna and Ryan’s world until the last word.
Wholeheartedly recommend.
Thank you to Louise Walter’s for providing me with a copy of the book. My review and my opinions are my own.
It is the story of Joanna and her autistic son, Ryan and how they both cope with the challenges Ryan faces when dealing with ‘everyday’ life and how this impacts on their relationship as mother and son.
Ryan is a teenager who has never known his Dad, but when events at school reach a critical point, Joanna reaches out to Lex to become involved in his son’s life.
The story follows the family’s journey, the trials thrown at them and how they each will have to ultimately face and deal with them.
Full of heart-wrenching moments, this is a powerful story which sympathetically gives an insight into how the world is viewed by a person with autism and the impact this has on their relationships.
The story really makes you think about how important our many relationships are in life and how to relish every moment with those we love.
It is a moving book that drew me in from the very first page and kept me in Joanna and Ryan’s world until the last word.
Wholeheartedly recommend.
Thank you to Louise Walter’s for providing me with a copy of the book. My review and my opinions are my own.
February 23, 2018
The Road to California was a quick read for me. Joanna is a single parent to Ryan, a tween boy, who gets in trouble at school for punching a girl. She contacts Ryan's father after years of estrangement to ask him for help. Lux returns and tries to make amends for abandoning her while she was pregnant. This is a story of family, forgiveness, learning to trust again, and how life has the ability to knock you to your knees. This book had great promise but unfortunately, it didn't work for me. As someone who works with autistic children, I did not like how Ryan was portrayed. The writing also just did not work for me. However, I found myself intrigued and caught up with the emotions of everyone. I was rooting for this family to come back together. Thanks to the publisher and @netgalley for the advanced reader in exchange for my honest review
August 18, 2024
I think Louise Walters has just broken my heart. The Road to California is a beautiful story of love, loss, friendship and family.
We meet Joanna, single mum coping on her own with her sometimes tricky teenage son, Ryan, and running a small sewing business. Joanna is sometimes tricky herself, being a bit proud and sometimes a bit too principled but ultimately she's doing her best and I admired her for it.
But even she accepts that she needs help with Ryan and contacts Lex, Ryan's dad. I loved Lex for the difference he made when he came back into Ryan and Joanna's lives. As he had left them once before I was on a knife edge. I cared about what happened to Ryan and Joanna and I didn't want Lex to hurt them again. I wanted a happy ending for these flawed yet likable people.
Louise Walters is such a lovely writer. Here she's writing about subjects she understands and puts them across in such a way that I empathised completely with all of the characters. And when something happened that I thought could have one of two outcomes, neither of which was exactly favourable, I knew that either way it would be earth shattering for the main characters and I was saying "no, no, no" to myself as I realised the turn the story was about to take.
The Road to California is a perceptive novel, looking at inner feelings and how they can affect everything you do. It's such a moving story and I do freely admit that near the end my eyes leaked. The final section was a little surprise and I thought it was a fine way to end such a entrancing book. Altogether a fabulous read.
We meet Joanna, single mum coping on her own with her sometimes tricky teenage son, Ryan, and running a small sewing business. Joanna is sometimes tricky herself, being a bit proud and sometimes a bit too principled but ultimately she's doing her best and I admired her for it.
But even she accepts that she needs help with Ryan and contacts Lex, Ryan's dad. I loved Lex for the difference he made when he came back into Ryan and Joanna's lives. As he had left them once before I was on a knife edge. I cared about what happened to Ryan and Joanna and I didn't want Lex to hurt them again. I wanted a happy ending for these flawed yet likable people.
Louise Walters is such a lovely writer. Here she's writing about subjects she understands and puts them across in such a way that I empathised completely with all of the characters. And when something happened that I thought could have one of two outcomes, neither of which was exactly favourable, I knew that either way it would be earth shattering for the main characters and I was saying "no, no, no" to myself as I realised the turn the story was about to take.
The Road to California is a perceptive novel, looking at inner feelings and how they can affect everything you do. It's such a moving story and I do freely admit that near the end my eyes leaked. The final section was a little surprise and I thought it was a fine way to end such a entrancing book. Altogether a fabulous read.
December 11, 2017
A big thank you to Net Galley and Louise Walters for the Arc.
The Road to California is a lovely story about adolescent Ryan and his mother.
As a single parent, Joanna is hell-bent on doing everything possible for her son, even taking him out of school to tutor at home after he is bullied.
When Lex, Ryan’s irresponsible American father turns up, it throws Ryan into an emotional quandary. But Lex is an irresistible charmer and it doesn’t take long before father and son become inseparable. They move into Lex’s house and when Joanna becomes pregnant, they marry. For Ryan it’s the proverbial cherry on the cake.
Then tragedy strikes, and the family is thrown into a state of disbelief. While decisions are being made, devastated Ryan stays with family friends. However, with the threat of being sent to a foster home hanging over him, he exists in a state of profound uncertainty.
While trying to cope with the trauma, the young man has a calling and takes off on a sentimental journey to a remote part of Scotland.
Most of the novel is written from Ryan’s point of view and the insight into the mind of a teenager is well depicted. The story has believable characters, especially mother and son, although I wasn’t quite convinced of Lex. And though I found the first half of the story lacked suspense, it certainly livens up in the second half.
I have read Louise Walter’s previous books, Mrs Sinclair’s Suitcase and A Life Between Us, and as usual the writing is impeccable.
The Road to California is a lovely story about adolescent Ryan and his mother.
As a single parent, Joanna is hell-bent on doing everything possible for her son, even taking him out of school to tutor at home after he is bullied.
When Lex, Ryan’s irresponsible American father turns up, it throws Ryan into an emotional quandary. But Lex is an irresistible charmer and it doesn’t take long before father and son become inseparable. They move into Lex’s house and when Joanna becomes pregnant, they marry. For Ryan it’s the proverbial cherry on the cake.
Then tragedy strikes, and the family is thrown into a state of disbelief. While decisions are being made, devastated Ryan stays with family friends. However, with the threat of being sent to a foster home hanging over him, he exists in a state of profound uncertainty.
While trying to cope with the trauma, the young man has a calling and takes off on a sentimental journey to a remote part of Scotland.
Most of the novel is written from Ryan’s point of view and the insight into the mind of a teenager is well depicted. The story has believable characters, especially mother and son, although I wasn’t quite convinced of Lex. And though I found the first half of the story lacked suspense, it certainly livens up in the second half.
I have read Louise Walter’s previous books, Mrs Sinclair’s Suitcase and A Life Between Us, and as usual the writing is impeccable.
January 1, 2018
You might have already guessed how I felt about this book – it’s there, on that wonderful front cover. And what a perfect cover it is (well done, Jennie Rawlings at Serifim) – the simplicity, the light checks of the quilt in the background, the birds nest with the single broken egg. And the book inside that lovely cover? Well, that’s quite perfect too – yes, achingly perfect.
A perfect book for me needs to do more than engage me, it needs to capture my heart. Ryan laid claim to mine from the opening pages – but then so did his mother Joanna, and then the wonderful Lex. The writing is just ineffably beautiful, with some scenes that will fill you with joy, some that will move you deeply, and others that will completely break you. Had anyone asked me while reading whether this book was written in the first or third person, I would have said the former (although it isn’t!) because the author so completely conveys everything Ryan thinks and feels in his own style and voice.
There’s immense sadness, but also a real emotional warmth to the whole book as it wrestles with issues of love, loss and family: the relationships between its characters are joyful and uplifting, and the touches of gentle humour are quite perfectly judged. And the ending? A little different, and it might surprise some, but I thought it was absolutely right.
Add this one to your New Year reading list now – you won’t regret it for an instant.
A perfect book for me needs to do more than engage me, it needs to capture my heart. Ryan laid claim to mine from the opening pages – but then so did his mother Joanna, and then the wonderful Lex. The writing is just ineffably beautiful, with some scenes that will fill you with joy, some that will move you deeply, and others that will completely break you. Had anyone asked me while reading whether this book was written in the first or third person, I would have said the former (although it isn’t!) because the author so completely conveys everything Ryan thinks and feels in his own style and voice.
There’s immense sadness, but also a real emotional warmth to the whole book as it wrestles with issues of love, loss and family: the relationships between its characters are joyful and uplifting, and the touches of gentle humour are quite perfectly judged. And the ending? A little different, and it might surprise some, but I thought it was absolutely right.
Add this one to your New Year reading list now – you won’t regret it for an instant.
January 2, 2018
Walters has written a book which tackles universal themes such as parenting, single parenting, growing up, abandonment, friendship and love. But she has also tackled themes of exclusion, home schooling, community and what happens when you can't face up to your responsibilities and commitments. We are immersed in the small world of just three characters but their experiences will resonate with readers.
The author's writing is distinctive. Walters takes her time establishing atmosphere and is able to convey the character's inner most thoughts through just one or two phrases. It is understated yet poignant and resonant.
By the end, I felt like I had been on a journey with the characters. There are some vivid scenes etched on my mind and there is also a lasting imprint of some of the characters. Perhaps the characters made decisions and chose paths that I couldn't relate to but Walters made their story relevant and important. It's hard to sum up this book and to really capture it's essence in one or two lines but perhaps it is a novel about vows, the oaths and commitments we swear to each other and learning to come to terms with expectation versus disappointment, fantasy and reality. It is a book where you are thoroughly rewarded for every page you do turn.
The author's writing is distinctive. Walters takes her time establishing atmosphere and is able to convey the character's inner most thoughts through just one or two phrases. It is understated yet poignant and resonant.
By the end, I felt like I had been on a journey with the characters. There are some vivid scenes etched on my mind and there is also a lasting imprint of some of the characters. Perhaps the characters made decisions and chose paths that I couldn't relate to but Walters made their story relevant and important. It's hard to sum up this book and to really capture it's essence in one or two lines but perhaps it is a novel about vows, the oaths and commitments we swear to each other and learning to come to terms with expectation versus disappointment, fantasy and reality. It is a book where you are thoroughly rewarded for every page you do turn.
August 25, 2018
The Road to California... and to redemption.
The Road to California’s title already promises a trip, and we do travel, emotionally and physically. This story examines relationships with a keen eye: starting with mother/son, building onto estranged lovers (the mother and her son’s father) and childhood friendships before fanning out to the protagonists’ relationships with society (school and social services).
I won’t go into the plot, as others have done that, and whilst other readers mention that the protagonist is autistic, I didn’t pick up on that until I was told on the last page. I’m not sure that particular plot development was needed, as Ryan’s voice as a troubled teen with strong mother / absent father / school bullying issues was more than enough for me to understand - and emphasize with - his troubled state. Ryan, his family and their friends, are people we come to know well and enjoy spending time with.
The strength of this book lies in the notion of redemption and the path taken to get there. The dénoument is so gripping that I couldn’t put the book down, I had to keep reading (and started work late, thank you very much).
The Road to California packs quite an emotional punch. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
The Road to California’s title already promises a trip, and we do travel, emotionally and physically. This story examines relationships with a keen eye: starting with mother/son, building onto estranged lovers (the mother and her son’s father) and childhood friendships before fanning out to the protagonists’ relationships with society (school and social services).
I won’t go into the plot, as others have done that, and whilst other readers mention that the protagonist is autistic, I didn’t pick up on that until I was told on the last page. I’m not sure that particular plot development was needed, as Ryan’s voice as a troubled teen with strong mother / absent father / school bullying issues was more than enough for me to understand - and emphasize with - his troubled state. Ryan, his family and their friends, are people we come to know well and enjoy spending time with.
The strength of this book lies in the notion of redemption and the path taken to get there. The dénoument is so gripping that I couldn’t put the book down, I had to keep reading (and started work late, thank you very much).
The Road to California packs quite an emotional punch. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
January 21, 2018
Joanna and her son Ryan have lost their way and their relationship is seriously fractured. His mother’s stubborn pride has led her to make choices in her life that have had a devastating impact on a boy who is autistic, bullied and struggling to find his place in the world. This book is the story of their journey to find each other again and it is often heartbreakingly sad but rather beautiful. I was fascinated by Lex, who sweeps in like an angel and helps pave the way to a better life for these two. Having finished the book my overriding feeling was that Lex was someone ‘other’. It is difficult to explain this further without giving too much away. Suffice it to say that Louise Walters has produced yet another wonderful novel on the themes of life, love, parenting, friendship and hope.
August 31, 2018
I really enjoyed the way the book was set out in the different months because it made me get to know each character within the book. This structure enabled me to know the characters thoughts and feelings.
This book explores different problems many families face for example a death a loved one, restarting relationships, postnatal depression and autism. Louise Walters portrayed all of these really well which made me more gripped to the book.
I really enjoyed reading and seeing how Ryan's relationship with his dad blossoms and how things change for him with his dad being in his life. For example getting in touch with Joanna's parents enabling Ryan to have a relation ship with his grandparent's even with them not being in his life from the start.
This book explores different problems many families face for example a death a loved one, restarting relationships, postnatal depression and autism. Louise Walters portrayed all of these really well which made me more gripped to the book.
I really enjoyed reading and seeing how Ryan's relationship with his dad blossoms and how things change for him with his dad being in his life. For example getting in touch with Joanna's parents enabling Ryan to have a relation ship with his grandparent's even with them not being in his life from the start.
February 12, 2018
I've enjoyed both of Louise Walters' previous books and The Road to California is equally enjoyable. The story follows single parent Joanna and her relationship with her autistic teenage son Ryan. When Ryan is excluded from school Joanna home tutors him while selling her handmade quilts to make ends meet. But loner Ryan is out of control and in desperation Joanna contacts his American father, Lex, to help her.
This is a moving story with great characterisation and fans of Louise's work will not be disappointed. Thanks to NetGalley and Louise Walters for the opportunity to read and review The Road to California.
This is a moving story with great characterisation and fans of Louise's work will not be disappointed. Thanks to NetGalley and Louise Walters for the opportunity to read and review The Road to California.
June 25, 2022
Young Ryan took me on a journey here. And what an adventure it turned out to be. This is a gorgeous, sometimes heartbreaking account of a single mum, her son, his father, life, unexpected events, tragedy, resilience, redemption, and most of all - family. Louise Walters draws us into the story of Joanna and Ryan with an empathy, an understanding, an exposure of hidden things. There are unexpected quiet heroes - namely Mrs. Marchant. The character of Ryan is exquisitely drawn and beautifully fleshed out as he negotiates his teenage years around his mum. Then there's Lex - the enigma that is Lex. An absolute joy to read. Brava, Louise Walters!
August 22, 2023
I started sceptically with this book, despite the characters' difficulties it all seemed a bit too cosy. I also couldn't entirely get on with the constant changes of viewpoint. I do prefer stories with just the POV of one person.
However tragedy struck. Then the story became more interesting and the characters more real. I also felt the writing got better in the second half of the novel.
No spoilers, it's worth a read.
However tragedy struck. Then the story became more interesting and the characters more real. I also felt the writing got better in the second half of the novel.
No spoilers, it's worth a read.
December 29, 2025
A family saga about teenager Ryan, his mother Joanna, and his estranged father, Lex, who is brought back into the family following an incident involving Ryan at school. After a family tragedy, Ryan must come to terms with change and navigating the future.
At times the story comes across as too cheesy Hallmark movie to me (angsty teenager, hunky father, struggling single-mother, gay confidante friends etc) - I enjoyed the book but wasn't particularly captivated by it.
At times the story comes across as too cheesy Hallmark movie to me (angsty teenager, hunky father, struggling single-mother, gay confidante friends etc) - I enjoyed the book but wasn't particularly captivated by it.
March 19, 2018
The Road to California by Louise Walters has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
"A lovely story. I really enjoyed the characters."
"Well written."
"The book covers a gambit of issues and emotions and is nicely written to engage the reader with the highs and the deeply upsetting lows."
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
www.chillwithabook.com
"A lovely story. I really enjoyed the characters."
"Well written."
"The book covers a gambit of issues and emotions and is nicely written to engage the reader with the highs and the deeply upsetting lows."
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
May 17, 2019
A family drama.
I struggled to get into this book, but it did tug the heart strings.
Overall rating 2.5.
Reading time around three hours.
I struggled to get into this book, but it did tug the heart strings.
Overall rating 2.5.
Reading time around three hours.
November 30, 2020
A heartwarming tale about love and loss, and the every day struggles of life. I was reading out of my preferred genres with this one but really enjoyed it
May 28, 2018
As someone who is #actuallyautistic (and has an autistic teenage son), I found Ryan 100% authentic and convincing, and loved how autism was depicted from inside the experience rather than with the veneer of people with second-hand knowledge (e.g. those who work with autistic people, or know someone who's autistic, or whatever). The characterisation is also compassionate (we're usually either The Pain in the Arse character, the Creepy Weirdo, or the Comedic Fall Guy), so it's refreshing to find such a sympathetic portrayal.
The other themes covered by this story were also powerfully written: loss, grief, single-parenthood, even the boat-ride to Loch Coruisk (which I've been on), all completely relatable.
Easy 5*
The other themes covered by this story were also powerfully written: loss, grief, single-parenthood, even the boat-ride to Loch Coruisk (which I've been on), all completely relatable.
Easy 5*
February 27, 2018
Books are all about expectations. Unfortunately, my expectations turned out to be wrong in this case, which meant that I did not enjoy the book as much as I would have, had I not assumed wrong: I read this book as a romance novel. It isn't one. Even if it was, I could not really connect to all the characters that much and would not have liked their romantic relationship.
Had read it as General Fiction, I would have enjoyed it so much more - especially the second part of the book. The journey in the second part was both painful and beautiful, full of despair and yet, also full of hope and friendship.
Had read it as General Fiction, I would have enjoyed it so much more - especially the second part of the book. The journey in the second part was both painful and beautiful, full of despair and yet, also full of hope and friendship.
January 25, 2018
Once again a magnificent offering from Ms Walters. Such believable characters, especially the troubled Ryan. A well written storyline with lots of credible emotion.
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February 21, 2018I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for a Kindle galley copy of "The Road to California." I hadn't heard of author Louise Walters or read anything by her, so I didn't know what to expect. The title lead me to believe that the story would be about a "literal" way a person got to California, through a journey, an excursion, etc., and in a way, that ended up being true. The name The Road to California is the main character's business name. Joanne is a single mother to young teen, Ryan, who has problems at school, which result in his eventual expulsion. The story is set in England, but Ryan is the son of an American father (from California) and Joanne. Joanne struggles to keep herself and Ryan above water. When she reaches the breaking point with Ryan's behavior, she tracks down Ryan's long absent father, who appears to help her resolve some of his behavioral issues. Lex establishes a relationship with his son and Lex and Joanne also decide to get back together, which was the only part of the book I had difficulty in believing, since Lex abandoned his family when Ryan was a toddler. I won't post any spoilers here, but the book was a lot more interesting and compelling than I expected. The characters show depth and real heart. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading about family issues.
March 15, 2018
I enjoyed this book though it seemed to slow down about 3/4 through and became somewhat predictable. The characters were interesting, though, and the story was a nice, easy read.
April 29, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for an electronic copy of this title. For me, this novel was "middle of the road." It certainly wasn't unpleasant, but it seemed to be lacking something as well. I am not sure if it was that I found Joanna just a bit too stubborn for my liking, or that some of the character's actions seemed a bit odd. Not a bad read, just not a great one.
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