The People We Meet Along The Way

by Beth Rinyu

Would you be able to grant the same forgiveness that you’re so desperately seeking yourself?

Jillian O’Rourke’s marriage died long before her husband’s tragic accident. Years of battling with infertility and demanding careers melted their once solid relationship. Bearing the burden of guilt over his death, Jillian gets lost in despair and a series of "what-ifs". But one chance encounter with a stranger, changes everything. Now being faced with newfound knowledge and a painful decision, Jillian must push past her anger, learn to forgive and open her heart in ways she never could’ve imagined. As she comes to grips with the devastation of her past, she learns to embrace the possibility of a future she never thought possible. A bittersweet story of love, forgiveness, and the unexpected destiny that is sometimes handed to us in life from the people we meet along the way.

Publication Date: September 17, 2020

Genres: Contemporary

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2020

About the author

Ever since I can remember, I've always had a passion for Creative Writing. There's something special about being able to travel to a different place or become a different person with just the stroke of a pen--or in today's world a touch of the keyboard. Maybe it all started with the soap opera-level drama I used to script for my Barbie dolls. Plot twists, emotional arcs, surprise twins—it was basically a writer’s room before I even knew what one was. Whatever the spark, storytelling quickly became my favorite way to explore, create, and shake up reality just a little. I love stories that keep me on my toes. The kind that push me outside my comfort zone and introduce me to characters I either want to be friends with... or dramatically argue with in a fictional diner.

I love traveling to scout out new and exciting settings for my books—but nothing beats a peaceful walk in the woods or a seat by the ocean close to home. Turns out, plot twists and inspiration show up just fine with a sea breeze and squirrels.

Reviews

[swedishruler B · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have yet to read about a couple miscarriage that didn’t end up with the husband cheating. This one took it further a baby was born. She ends up raising it since the mother dies with the woman brother. At least the heroine did cheat too. 🥴

[TMR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The realest novel I ever read after Heartstrings by Melanie Moreland. You should check that one out too just in case.

This book discusses a lot of problems eg. infertility, marriage, staying true to yourself, friendship, cheating, journeys, self discovery, terminal illnesses.

Honestly these messages were covered so well in this novel, I could relate all the way. With flawed characters, the book was even made to feel more real. The writing did justice as well, I felt it in my heart.

I hope I get to read more of this author's work soon.

Until the next read,

-TMR

[Three Chicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Review by Jen Skewes

The People We Meet Along the Way was such a beautifully written story that is not just about love, but also about friendships, and strength and courage. The title perfectly depicts the meaning of this book.

When the books starts we meet Jillian, who has just lost her husband. They did not have the perfect marriage in the end, in fact they were separated for a few months before his death. Jillian has been blaming herself for his accident and is having a hard time with it all. She decides to take a trip to Europe, the one that she was supposed to go on with her husband. Along the way she meets three people who will change her life in a way that she never expected. There is DeAndre who is the man she bonds with on a friend level, Kate the girl who becomes the friend that she needs in her life, and Kate’s brother Theo who shows her how to love again. Each person meant something to her and replaced what was missing in her life. Meeting them helped her move forward with her lifer after her husband’s death. They spent their European tour together, opening up to each other and making her trip completely worth it. When it was all over DeAndre and Jillian went back to NY, while Kate and Theo went back home to London. They all kept in touch and remained close. But not everything about their friendship was perfect. At some point the rug is pulled out from underneath Jillian, in a way that not even I saw coming. A twist that was so brilliant, but yet so shocking. Well done Ms. Rinyu!!

I will not spoil it for anyone but will say that Jillian is a stronger woman than I would be. But I think that is what I loved about this story. I loved that even the worst of secrets can still bring two people closer, that forgiveness can be very powerful.

This story made me feel it all. The love between Jillian and her husband as well as the pain that they went through. I felt the bond and friendship that she had with Kate and DeAndre. And the love an attraction that she had with Theo. Sometimes you meet someone and there is an instant connection, a bond that feels like it has been there for all of your life. And sometimes we meet people along the way that will change your life forever, that came into your life for a reason. I always believed that things happen for a reason, and in this beautiful story we see that these people all came into Jillian’s life for a reason. They were meant to be there, even if it meant going through heartache to get there. Beth Rinyu has outdone herself with this book. The way she described every part of her European journey made me feel like I was there with them. The intricate details were so well done. And the story was perfectly written. A must read!!!

[Maria Angie Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read by this author and certainly not my last!!
This author took me on a heart wrenching and emotional journey I was totally enthralled with.
Emotional, poignant story of second chances and forgiveness.
This is Jillian’s story and her journey as she struggles to overcome the grief and guilt from a terrible loss. When her friends encourage her to take that planned vacation to Europe she embarks on a journey that turns into more than sightseeing and shopping.
During her trip she makes some important discoveries about herself, she takes some chance learns some secrets. A few unexpected twists gave this story some umph to make it more unique.
Well worth reading!
4.5 stars!

[Sunny Shelly Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can not think of a better title for this wonderful book. The people we meet along the way in this journey we call life each have an impact on us, whether we realize it or not. As Jillian tries to piece her life back together following the death of her husband, the people she meets along the way help her heal and move forward — and affect her life in a way she never could have imagined.

Jillian is struggling with some major grief after her husband dies, even though they'd been estranged and were separated before he died. She blames herself for the accident that killed him, and is having a hard time making peace with it all. As she travels through Europe on the trip that she and her husband never got to take together, Jillian slowly begins to heal, with the help of three people she meets on her journey: DeAndre, who becomes a dear friend; Kate, who becomes a galpal, and Kate's brother, Theo, who shows Jillian how to love again. Each one of them fill a void in her life that Jillian didn't fully realize was missing. The bonds and friendships are so well-written and relatable, and when a major secret is revealed, the brilliant plot twist upends Jillian's life once again. But can she recover this time?

The People We Meet Along The Way is a wonderful story of friendship, strength, healing and forgiveness, full of heart. This magnificent story is a must-read!

[Beth Rinyu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The People We Meet Along the Way is live! Download your copy today!

“What if those cracks aren’t really mistakes we made in life but instead something else?”...
“What do you see them as?” he asked.
“People. The smaller ones are people who have come and gone in our life, the bigger ones are people we’ve known for a long time, and the ones that are just beginning to form are the people we’ve just met. All of them intersect in some way or another, shaping us into who we are, giving the flowers amongst them the foundation to change and grow.”

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beautiful and emotional story of recent widow Jillian and her experiences when she takes a long-planned trip overseas alone, that she had planned with her husband prior to his death. Still struggling with grief and guilt over things that happened between them prior to his death, Jillian hesitantly heads to the airport and immediately befriends a man named DeAndre who is heading to Munich for the same group tour that she is taking. Once there, they also meet Theo and Kate and the four quickly become fast friends. Her relationships with her three new friends continue long after their trip is over and blossom into beautiful long-lasting relationships. While still struggling with her own guilt, however, Jillian learns some enormous truths where she finds herself having to forgive others, along with herself.

What I loved about the book was how well-developed each of the characters were. They truly came to life and practically jumped off the pages. I also loved the strong theme of friendship and the relationships that were built despite Jillian and DeAndre living in New York and Theo and Kate living in England. DeAndre is a larger than life character. Theo is handsome, charming, and witty. Theo’s sister Kate is quiet, reserved, but kind. My opinion of Jillian changed off and on throughout the novel, but overall she was loving, generous, easy-going, and eventually stronger than I had imagined.

I find the blurb to be a little misleading because the “big twist” that Jillian has to deal with and decide if she can forgive or not, doesn’t come until near the end of the book, maybe at around 80-85%. Up until that point, she’s still dealing with moving on from her marriage and her husband’s death while also helping friends in need. I will say, however, that this is one book where I certainly did not see the twist coming and I was completely floored! I’m not sure if I could have done what Jillian eventually did and find that sort of forgiveness in my heart but I admired her for it.

If this review seems a bit vague, it is meant to be. So much happens in this novel from the time Jillian walks into the airport until the very end and I don’t want to spoil any of it. There is grief, loss, hope, new love, and most importantly, life-changing friendships. Jillian learns so much about herself and is faced with numerous challenges along the way. This story is at once sad and regretful while being hopeful and romantic. As Jillian grows and changes, I felt that newfound peace right along with her, as well as, the betrayal she feels when everything is revealed. If you want a novel that carries you through every emotion under the sun, then this should be your next read. Beth Rinyu is an outstanding author and one of my favorites. If you have not yet discovered her talent, I highly suggest you grab this one today!

5 beautiful stars!

*Thanks to NetGalley for providing this review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

[PFL · Rating 5 out of 5]

The People We Meet Along The Way by Beth Rinyu is a stand-alone and is the story of Jillian. As the book begins we learn that Jillian has lost her husband, Evan, whom she had been separated from a few months ago. She blames herself for his death, as they had an argument the last night she saw him. Throughout the story we learn of their struggles and also love for one another.

Jillian decides to take a trip to Europe and on the tour meets and spends time with some of the other tour members. As she learns about their lives and visits different landmarks, she reminisces about her life with Evan and examines her own faults. Through this trip, with her new friends she also discovers that everyone has their own pain. “There’s still beauty in life, despite all the bad things that may happen to us or the blunders we make.”

Ms. Rinyu’s writing of European landmarks is beautiful and the vivid descriptions make you feel as you are on the journey with her.

Midway through the book, we are thrown for a loop, as the story veers in a direction I wasn’t expecting. Some of the scenes are genuine, sad, as well as beautiful. At times emotional, and having a box of tissues handy is recommended.

Ms. Rinyu outdid herself with this book. Secrets are told, which may destroy a person, however it takes a strong individual to overcome these challenges, with the help of friends along the way. “So many people will cross our paths in our lifetime. Sometimes only briefly, like mere words on a page. Sometimes longer, creating whole chapters to our story, some sad, some happy. Only we can control how we allow that story to end.”

This is a book that should not be missed. A wonderful story that will provide a book hangover for days. Remember that, “Life shouldn’t be planned out using only one map, but instead by many. And in that journey, there may be detours and bumps in the road, but as long as we’re guided by the love in our hearts and the people we meet along the way, we’re bound to end up right where we belong.” Such a beautiful thought that should guide everyone in his or her daily life!

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character, Jillian, decided to go on a trip to the Christmas markets in Europe after the death of her husband. They had originally planned to take the trip together but he had died tragically in September. Jillian decided she would still go on the trip to “get away” for a bit. She meets some new people and ends up making friends with three other people who she keeps in contact with even after the trip ends, DeAndre, a fellow New Yorker and a brother and sister, Theo and Kate, who were from England. The story unfolds rather slowly. I was excited to read this novel after having read the synopsis. However, a few chapters in, I began to wonder if the synopsis that I read was for a different book. It wasn’t until I was at about 80% that I was like “oh…there it is” but it wasn’t as shocking or emotional as I thought it would be. I was left feeling kind of “meh” at that point, like I wasn’t even invested in that part of the story anymore. I was more invested in the other relationships and what was going to happen with those. I did like the book overall but I don’t feel like the focal point of the whole book matched what the description of the book is. I think the book was more about forgiveness and moving on in general, it was worth the read.

~Heidi💜

[ines M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jillian O'Rourke 's husband passed away recently. She's sinking in grief. She misses her soulmate so much and when she notices she has to make the payment for a trip they'd planned together before the tragedy, she finds the strength to take a first step from very deep inside of her.
Once at the airport she meets the first of her new adventure partners, DeAndre. Such a beautiful character!
And then the journey begins.
I liked this book very much. It's a beautiful rendition of what follows after the most brutal grief and the relevance of the choices we make along the journey. Anywhere we go and everything we do, we'll be carrying it with us. But it's the decision to forgive and be forgiven what moves the characters in this story forward to the next stage of their lives. A decision that is based mostly, in strength, a brave heart and love.
The pace of the story is good and the characters are spectacularly developed through the pages. I definitely fell in love with Kate. So beautifully written!
It's the first book I read from this author and it will not be the last.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read this book from Netgalley and absolutely loved it. The author’s writing style has such a nice flow to it that I really enjoyed reading this book about love and forgiveness. The beginning of the book starts with Jillian’s husband Evan tragically dying following a disagreement. Feeling lost and guilty Jillian decides to take the vacation they had planned on going on and meets people that become her life lines and who show her how to not only forgive others but how to forgive herself.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read this book.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story start off with Jillian who has just lost her husband, and even through their marriage was on the rocks and they had been separated for a few months, she feels guilty for his accident as they had a fight the last time she saw him. When Jillian is encouraged to take a trip to Europe, she meets several characters along the way that are the missing puzzle pieces in her life. DeAndre is a great new friend, Kate is the friend she so needed in her life, and Theo who is Kate’s brother, and he shows her that it is ok to love again, and overcome her grief and move on with her life. This is a beautifully written tale which is an emotional roller coaster throughout, and is filled with anger, forgiveness, guilt, and love with an unexpected twist. I was intrigued and hooked throughout this addictive page turner, and I highly recommend for all readers.

[Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to thank Beth Rinyu, Xpresso Tours and NetGalley for providing me this book so I may bring you this review.

People We Meet Along The Way is the perfect title for Beth Rinyu’s latest book. When we first meet Jillian we had no idea where her journey in life was headed. A few special people came into her life and changed her outlook on life.

I absolutely adore the front cover! This cover gave off a homey time vibe that I loved.

You don’t meet people by accident. There’s always a reason. A lesson or a blessing. ~Unknown

From the very first paragraph Beth had me hooked. My heart ached and was torn for the loss and the memories that haunted Jillian. Not only for her baby but her husband as well. However, as the story unfolds you learn more about their marriage and how it wasn’t so perfect.

One of the parts I enjoyed so much that Beth took us on a mini vacation via Jillian to see the Christmas Market and Germany. She showed us places and gave us the history behind the sites she saw. It was very interesting. She even took us to see where The Sound of Music was filmed.

While Beth was healing from her loss she met some great people. Each character so different yet made the story so interesting.

[Lost Within The Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jillian lost her husband and now she's having time to look back and reflected on her life with him, what she said, what she did, how they met, what she wished she could redo or undo. I feel like this book is relatable in that sense we all have done something or said something that we wish we could undo or redo, and I really felt for her character. I think the title of the book was a perfect fit for this story in my opinion I feel like this book was about finding yourself after losing such a major part of yourself, but its also about finding hope and ending up right where you were always meant to be.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The People We Meet Along the Way is an interested novel by Beth Rinyu.
The book is emotional for sure, as Jillian deals with second chances and forgiveness.
Grief and guilt lead Jillian on the trip of a lifetime, and a journey of meeting some extraordinary friends. I love the instant friendship with strong ties aspect.
The author adds some twists to keep the reader on their toes.
Overall, it's an interesting take on the people we meet during our lifetime. Some are there for a brief time, some for longer.

[Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

What a book!

This is my second read by Beth Rinyu and what a change from Miss Demeanor.

This book is emotional and moving in so many ways.

I hurt for Jillian but felt that in the end, I grew with her. Her journey to healing after so many tragedies and mistakes is a wonderful read.

I recommend having tissues with you as you read this book!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and complicated story about loss, friendship (in the most unexpected way), forgiveness (how do you forgive someone who has died? And how do you forgive yourself?!), and love. About moving through grief (different characters, different losses, but each dealing with grief) , coming full circle, and moving forward. This amazing and beautiful story had me smiling, had me in tears, and had me smiling through my tears at the end. I loved it!

[Lindsey Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic! I laughed a lot. I cried a lot. I may have even swooned! This book was filled with lovable characters that I wish I could meet again! I was absolutely hooked from the very first page. This book is a must read!

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Rinyu's The People We Meet Along The Way is an emotional journey of pain, healing, revelation, forgiveness, friendship and love. The story is wonderfully written and definitely pulls at your heart. I needed the box of tissues and let myself feel along with these characters. Beautiful!

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Epic Book

This book was absolutely amazing! I was hooked from the very first page! This book is a must read! I can’t wait for other readers to dive in!

[Andrea Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The People We Meet Along the Way is a heartfelt story of overcoming heartbreak, finding friends who become so much more and finding a second love that was meant to be.

Beth Rinyu takes us on an emotional rollercoaster. She gives us all the feels, all the emotions and all the best things we love in fiction.

You are sucked in and you get so wrapped up in the story that it’s hard to put down.

I would highly recommend to any fiction reader. A story that will stick with you long after you’ve read the first page.

*I was provided with an advanced copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.*

[Tanya Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always been a true believer that people come into your life for a reason. Sometimes it’s for a lifetime and sometimes it’s for a season. The People We Meet Along The Way just solidified that belief for me. There are so many ways our lives can be entangled and impacted by just one chance meeting, one relationship or even one brief encounter.

When Jillian takes a trip that she and her estranged late husband were supposed to take together, she learns all of this and then some. She not only gains friendships and a love she never expected, she learns hard truths.

I’m always blown away by this author’s writing and story telling ability. For me she will always be the one who can suck me into a book like no other and the one that deserves so much more recognition than she’s given. Such a beautiful journey in The People We Meet Along The Way, one you won’t want to miss.

[Jacqualine Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a moving story about mistakes, forgiveness, friendship, and moving on after tragedies. Jillian met some wonderful people along her journey, not knowing that they would change her life forever. I had a hunch about how some parts of this book would play out but was completely blindsided by others. I'll be adding this book to my "re-read" list.

[Kendra Choy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my review and honest opinions.

The People We Meet Along the Way is the story of Jillian, a woman struggling with life. She blames herself for the death of her husband and to try and escape for awhile, she decides to travel to Europe. On her trip, she meets people who's stories and lives touch her. She discovers the beauty of travel and learns that although life is hard, it is still beautiful.
This was a beautiful story full of every emotion you could imagine. Heartbreak, anger, joy, laughter. Secrets are discovered, lies are told and journeys are taken. Life is beautiful and the people you meet along the way are really what make life the journey that it is.

[C bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

[Brianna Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I’ve read a Beth Rinyu book, so I was thrilled when I was offered an Advanced Copy. I forgot just how much I love her writing. This book had it all. The love between a husband and wife, and the how that love sometimes fades over time. The growing love between friends “we meet along the way”, and a a new love we never saw coming. Beth Rinyu hits every single emotion with her writing and the words she crafts together on a page. You will grow with Jillian throughout this book and you will fall in love with the characters you meet along the way. As with all Beth Rinyu’s books the story will stay with you long after you’ve read the last page. I finished it two days ago, and I’m still thinking about these characters. Now, I’m off to catch up on all the other releases I’ve missed of hers!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has a gift, if you read her books you'll truly understand. Twists and turns you never see coming filled with so much life.

Every story takes you on an adventure and this book doesn't disappoint. The People We Meet Along the Way is real life obstacles, joyous adventures, and utilimatley a true sense of belonging. This book touches on difficult topics covered with ease and comfort.

[Sothearak Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!!! i so much enjoy reading this book it took me a while to the end of this book because i got caught up by work but to be honest with you i will recommend this book to the people i know that life went on and you can’t live with the past but to try to move on and let the people we met along the way guide us to where we are…great book.

[Sharon Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!

I just couldn't put this book down! It was amazing! For persons who are just tired of all those young adults book and want to read a book with mature hero and heroine....this book is for you.

[Pamela Schnagl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book, The People We Meet Along the Way, is about a personal journey dealing with tragic losses. It shows the impact of the unexpected that can derail us and put us on another road.

Jillian has experienced the death of her husband as well as a miscarriage within a short period of time. And at the time of her husband’s death, their relationship was complicated. As she struggles to deal with life changes, her despair is understandable. Her attempt to reground starts with a solo trip to Europe. On this trip, she meets people that start to form the foundation of her new life. Her story is about taking the next step based on what draws or attracts us, and the necessary risks involved in recognizing opportunities put on our paths. Our faith in ourselves and in others is important to making life decisions.

Beth Rinyu carefully defines Jillian’s character. We gain an understanding of her emotional life in dealing with her losses. Jillian is a woman who is not good at small talk, a listener not an expresser, so overwhelmed that she doesn’t know what she is feeling. She tends to blame herself for the tragedies in her life and becomes aware of what types of issues can eat away at a person for the rest of life.

As her new friends, Theo, Kate and DeAndre, enter her life at a particularly critical time, they each share with her their own stories of triumph and defeat. Each character challenges her preconceived notions. At one point, she acknowledges that her definition of family may need revision, and “happily ever after” may come in different forms.

The story shows the growth of her character, and as she learns so does the reader. Life is unpredictable and we must learn to flex with it. By end of the book, Jillian has refashioned her life. In recognizing the losses, she is able to bring into her life more acceptance and peace. She learns to cherish the moments.