Bumps Along the Way

by T.D. Colbert

When Luci left Dalesville to pursue a career on the west coast, Della always secretly hoped that one day, her best friend would make her way back.

Luci is back, alright. But it’s because Della’s husband is killed, just as she’s starting her second trimester.

Now, Luci finds herself sitting at prenatal appointments with Della, buying diapers, and trying to help Della put her life back together.

And all the while, Luci is trying to avoid her own heartbreak in the form of Dayton Briggs, her high school-turned-college sweetheart who broke her heart all those years ago.

As Della is navigating her new life and preparing for motherhood, Luci has to decide if she wants to escape back to the west coast, or stay in Dalesville and risk having her heart broken all over again.

270 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2018

About the author

T.D. Colbert is a romance & women's fiction author. When she's not chasing her family, she's probably under her favorite blanket, reading a book, or writing one. Taylor lives in Maryland, where she was born and raised. For more information, visit www.tdcolbert.com.

Reviews

[Candyce Kirk]

Taylor already impressed me with her not so typical friends to lovers story in It Goes Without Saying, but she took her storytelling to a whole new level with Bumps Along the Way! This story definitely has a special place in my heart.

Bumps Along the Way starts out with us metting Della. She's pregnant and while morning sickness is a big thing with her, she's excited for the birth of their first child. That is until tragedy strikes. Della's husband gets killed and this book had me crying along with Della. We only learn a little bit about him, but he seemed like the sweetest husband anyone could want!

Then comes Luci, Della's best friend since childhood, who lives on the west coast building an amazing career! She's basically all work. After some heartache from the past, relationships aren't her thing!

After tragedy strikes, Luci rushes back home to be with Della, who of course is experiencing her worth nightmare while being pregnant. Luci and Della's friendship is amazing and is one of my favorite things about this whole book! Luci is willing to give up everything just to make sure Della is okay. Della's child is so important to Luci.

If you're looking for a romance, Bumps Along the Way isn't the book you're looking for. Yes, we do get some romance. Luci runs into Dayton, the one who broke her heart. Things turn out to be something she didn't expect, but is she willing to open up her heart all over again?

Bumps Along the Way does give you a lot of girl power! Luci and Della's friendship is so special and is basically what this book is all about! Along with that is shows just how strong women can really be. Della lost so much and is facing her biggest challenge yet, raising a baby alone! Yes, she has her support system, but in the end it's up to her!

During this book, Della slowly gets stronger and realizes how much she is capable of. She realizes she's going to be okay and is open to see where life takes her. What I loved the most about this book is that the author didn't introduce a new love to Della. In a lot of romances we see a prince charming coming to save the day, but Della realizes she doesn't need a man to be whole.

This definitely isn't a romance, but a book filled with girlpower! Even though something horrible happens, they learn to go on and remember the good times. Della and Luci will always have a special place in my heart!

[Hannah May Book Reviews]

Synopsis:

Della and Luci have been best friends for years despite the distance between them. When Della loses her husband, Luci returns home to care for, support her and try piece her life back together. Whilst Luci is busy fixing her best friend's life, she has her own history coming back to haunt her and her world is soon turned upside down in the form of the man who was once the love of her life and she finds herself questioning as to where she really does belong.

Review:

Bumps Along The Way is the second book I have read by Taylor Danae Colbert and it was just as lovely as the first, It Goes Without Saying. I was looking forward to getting stuck into this book due to enjoying the last read very much. After reading the synopsis of the book, I didn't necessarily feel excitement but regardless I knew I would enjoy this book and it definatley gave me the sense of girl power before I had even begun.

The tone of the book was lovely and light, even throughout those emotional moments. I found myself smiling at times without and I appreciated the cleverly placed humour to lighten those tough scenes of the book. I also loved the little links to the It Goes Without Saying book, it gave the book that little extra special touch.

I found myself falling for the book hook , line and sinker. I felt the characters emotions, especially Della and I genuinely felt sad for her in places. I also found myself welling up at one point towards the end of the book which is a rarity for me!

I engaged with the characters as well as the story and found them all to believable and likeable. I couldn't wait to find out their secrets and understand their past. I felt that Della was such a strong character and I admire how she kept her brilliant sense of humour throughout her story. The friendship between Della and Luci was also beautiful and it got me thinking about my own friendships at times.

I felt that the story line between Luci and Dayton did move a little too quickly and there could have been a bit more of a build up to develop the chemistry between them further, however I could feel their spark and really enjoyed their scenes.

Bumps Along the Way had some lovely messages running throughout such as that things can get better even when you are at rock bottom and that what is meant to be will find its way. The happy ending didn't disappoint and I was left feeling very content once I had finished the book. Praise to the author for creating another fantastic little book.

[Thuy Taylor]

Della and Luci are best friends through anything that life throws at them. Della's life dramatic and tragically changes one night. Very sadly, she is left a widow and pregnant. Luci comes back home to be with her best friend and help her navigate through life as best as she can. Luci being back home in Dalesville means also facing her exboyfriend who was her world, Dayton again. He cowardly ended their relationship 3 years prior without any explanation. She left and started a career in Seattle.

The story is told in 2 POVs. Very sweet read about friendships, second chances, grief, and a baby. I liked the POVs from two best friends. Della navigates through life, and figures out she will be ok with all the support around her without her husband next to her. You get two stories, two of them taking the next step of their lives.

Dayton and Luci's chemistry and love for each other is there. I loved that they had their second chance. His explanation, I completely understood why he felt he had to do what he did. But their love for each other was deep. Sweet story, strong friendships till the end!!!

[Renee C]

I love that this author ventured into women's fiction because she wrote about motherhood particularly well. I feel like it came across as a genuine experience for Della and commend the author for being brave enough to do this. It is Luci and Della's relationship that is at the heart of this book and I loved seeing their bond develop through grief and motherhood. I would have liked to have seen their relationship tested more (as in not circumstance but the dynamics between them) but that aside, I cannot say anything negative about this story. There were certainly a few moments that get the tears going! I think the author has hit her stride with women's fiction (with a touch of romance).

[Cassidy.Maree30]

This book is beyond amazing! It had me laughing, crying and feeling everything in between! Witnessing the friendship and love that Della and Luci share was beautiful and had me calling my best friend just to tell her how much I love her! Everyone should read this novel! I can’t wait to see what author TDC brings us next!!

[Rachel]

A Sweet Ride

The title of this book is very appropriate, many sad and happy tears were shed as I read this. I love that I connected with the characters so well and that a few were mentioned from the previous book which I loved. I also really enjoy knowing some of the local spots in the book which make the reading experience so close to home. I definitely recommend this book!

[Cara Henning]

Couldn’t put it down

This is the second book I have read from the author and couldn’t put it down. The romance is definitely something you can relate to. Can’t wait for the next one!!!

[Cassidy Colbert]

Even better than her first book!

Taylor Danae Colbert wowed me again with this awesome book! It had me laughing at parts and crying at others! The friendship portrayed in these characters is something beautiful and rare! Bring on book #3!!!