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The Road Back Home from Here: A Novel
To survive, they must choose to trust each other.
Seventeen-year-old Jamison Jones is concerned about one thing: survival. Not just his survival, but the survival of his drug-addicted mother. He has to take care of her, to make sure that she makes it back to their dingy motel room, or remind her to eat. Until one day when a knock at the door changes everything.
For seventeen-year-old Ellie Presley, she has no choice but to run. She’s running from her past. She’s running from those who seek to hurt her. Unfortunately, her past isn’t so easy to escape.
Both find themselves on a Greyhound bus. When danger threatens them, they are forced together to beat the odds. But they must learn to trust each other if they’re going to make it out alive.
Seventeen-year-old Jamison Jones is concerned about one thing: survival. Not just his survival, but the survival of his drug-addicted mother. He has to take care of her, to make sure that she makes it back to their dingy motel room, or remind her to eat. Until one day when a knock at the door changes everything.
For seventeen-year-old Ellie Presley, she has no choice but to run. She’s running from her past. She’s running from those who seek to hurt her. Unfortunately, her past isn’t so easy to escape.
Both find themselves on a Greyhound bus. When danger threatens them, they are forced together to beat the odds. But they must learn to trust each other if they’re going to make it out alive.
239 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2021
15 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 7, 2022
This book was super good; a very suspenseful read that, once again, had me staying up long past midnight to read.
I would've given this book five stars, except for one minor detail. There's a plotpoint mentioned in this book that is very similar to the entire plotline of Marco's Next Move . It feels a tad redundant on the author's part. But other than that, Ms. Broyles knocked her book out of the park!
I would've given this book five stars, except for one minor detail. There's a plotpoint mentioned in this book that is very similar to the entire plotline of Marco's Next Move . It feels a tad redundant on the author's part. But other than that, Ms. Broyles knocked her book out of the park!
tbr-2
January 18, 2023Free on Amazon 17.1.23!
April 11, 2021
3.5 Stars
Jamison Jones has been running from the truancy officer and watching out for his drug-addicted mother for years. When a local drug lord comes knocking on their motel room, Jamison finds himself on the run once again.
Ellie Presley needs to leave her life behind and plans her escape with all the knowledge she has gained watching police shows on television. She is seventeen and plans to disappear by catching a bus to Wyoming.
This story alternates chapters between Jamison and Ellie and their teenage take on events swirling around them makes for an entertaining YA read. Jamison is not only struggling to protect his drug addicted mom but is hoping to avoid the inevitable gang involvement in Detroit. His mother has given him a chance to escape and save himself but the need to save a stranger from predators derails his plans. Ellie needs to get away from the soon-to-be-released-from prison boyfriend of her mother. She is targeted by men intent on using her in their human trafficking racket and is only saved by the kindness of Jamison, stepping in to protect her. This action adventure story placing both teens in danger holds the reader's attention and will be a great thriller for its intended audience. Gang loyalty, friendship and trust issues are themes which are explored. Danger surrounds these two teens but their quest to find answers keeps them pushing forward.
A fun read.
ARC received from publisher via BookSirens for review.
Jamison Jones has been running from the truancy officer and watching out for his drug-addicted mother for years. When a local drug lord comes knocking on their motel room, Jamison finds himself on the run once again.
Ellie Presley needs to leave her life behind and plans her escape with all the knowledge she has gained watching police shows on television. She is seventeen and plans to disappear by catching a bus to Wyoming.
This story alternates chapters between Jamison and Ellie and their teenage take on events swirling around them makes for an entertaining YA read. Jamison is not only struggling to protect his drug addicted mom but is hoping to avoid the inevitable gang involvement in Detroit. His mother has given him a chance to escape and save himself but the need to save a stranger from predators derails his plans. Ellie needs to get away from the soon-to-be-released-from prison boyfriend of her mother. She is targeted by men intent on using her in their human trafficking racket and is only saved by the kindness of Jamison, stepping in to protect her. This action adventure story placing both teens in danger holds the reader's attention and will be a great thriller for its intended audience. Gang loyalty, friendship and trust issues are themes which are explored. Danger surrounds these two teens but their quest to find answers keeps them pushing forward.
A fun read.
ARC received from publisher via BookSirens for review.
March 17, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Road Back Home from Here by Janice Broyles is a gritty novel that follows two teens from different backgrounds that wind up saving each other. The story is told from the perspective of our two main characters, Jamison and Ellie. Each chapter switches between their viewpoints and gives us a different insight to each of their struggles.
Jamison Jones is used to keeping his mother out of trouble, but it’s her turn to help Jamison when Chit Baltagio wants to harm both of them. Jamison is sent to Minnesota to find his father and get help.
Elvis Presley, AKA Ellie is running away from her home to escape an abusive step-father who is getting out of jail and hopes to make something of herself in Wyoming.
The two cross paths when Danny, an employee of Baltagio’s tries to kidnap Ellie and she runs into Jamison who helps her. But nothing is easy for the two, and everywhere they turn Baltagio has a hand in their troubles.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There were times when it seemed like it should have been edited a bit better, where a character is surprised at information they had already been told, and the formatting was off with two people talking in the same sentence, which made it hard to follow along at times. But the storyline itself was something that I personally haven’t seen done much.
There are definitely heavy topics in this books, from drug use and gang affiliations to sexual abuse, which gives a deeper connection and understanding to the characters. I found the people believable and the story is something that we hear about happening daily, which makes this book something that will resonate with today’s readers.
The Road Back Home from Here by Janice Broyles is a gritty novel that follows two teens from different backgrounds that wind up saving each other. The story is told from the perspective of our two main characters, Jamison and Ellie. Each chapter switches between their viewpoints and gives us a different insight to each of their struggles.
Jamison Jones is used to keeping his mother out of trouble, but it’s her turn to help Jamison when Chit Baltagio wants to harm both of them. Jamison is sent to Minnesota to find his father and get help.
Elvis Presley, AKA Ellie is running away from her home to escape an abusive step-father who is getting out of jail and hopes to make something of herself in Wyoming.
The two cross paths when Danny, an employee of Baltagio’s tries to kidnap Ellie and she runs into Jamison who helps her. But nothing is easy for the two, and everywhere they turn Baltagio has a hand in their troubles.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There were times when it seemed like it should have been edited a bit better, where a character is surprised at information they had already been told, and the formatting was off with two people talking in the same sentence, which made it hard to follow along at times. But the storyline itself was something that I personally haven’t seen done much.
There are definitely heavy topics in this books, from drug use and gang affiliations to sexual abuse, which gives a deeper connection and understanding to the characters. I found the people believable and the story is something that we hear about happening daily, which makes this book something that will resonate with today’s readers.
October 27, 2021
This kind of run-for-your-life, chance-meeting action book is the kind that keeps you turning pages. Two very different people collide into each other's lives while on the run to save their own.
Nothing seems to work out for Jamison, and not gonna lie, Ellie is quite the hindrance to him half the time, almost annoyingly so. But his heart for others and perseverance wins out in the end. This isn't a happy book - it sheds light on a lot of evil that happens to teens every day.
Sometimes, while reading, I struggled with the side characters. There were a lot of them coming and going, and it was hard to know who was who and on whose side. I decided to focus on Jamison and Ellie and their progress even when I didn't know what was happening around them. I'm not an expert in drug operations and foster care systems, so maybe I'm wrong in thinking that some of their actions in the plot seemed highly unlikely. But I will say they made for an interesting story.
Also, the author clearly excels in writing dialog, there was an obvious lack in how the characters felt. I wish I could feel along with Jamison's major lows and his fight to help his friends. But I mostly had to watch his actions and try to picture his emotions behind them. The emotions finally start to make their appearances closer to the end of the book, giving us a satisfying ending to an often seemingly insurmountable struggle they had to overcome. There is hope, even in the most dire circumstances.
All that to say, if you turn off your critical mind and just want to read a fast-paced story with a lot of twists and setbacks, then pick up this book and enjoy the crazy ride.
Nothing seems to work out for Jamison, and not gonna lie, Ellie is quite the hindrance to him half the time, almost annoyingly so. But his heart for others and perseverance wins out in the end. This isn't a happy book - it sheds light on a lot of evil that happens to teens every day.
Sometimes, while reading, I struggled with the side characters. There were a lot of them coming and going, and it was hard to know who was who and on whose side. I decided to focus on Jamison and Ellie and their progress even when I didn't know what was happening around them. I'm not an expert in drug operations and foster care systems, so maybe I'm wrong in thinking that some of their actions in the plot seemed highly unlikely. But I will say they made for an interesting story.
Also, the author clearly excels in writing dialog, there was an obvious lack in how the characters felt. I wish I could feel along with Jamison's major lows and his fight to help his friends. But I mostly had to watch his actions and try to picture his emotions behind them. The emotions finally start to make their appearances closer to the end of the book, giving us a satisfying ending to an often seemingly insurmountable struggle they had to overcome. There is hope, even in the most dire circumstances.
All that to say, if you turn off your critical mind and just want to read a fast-paced story with a lot of twists and setbacks, then pick up this book and enjoy the crazy ride.
March 22, 2021
'The Road Back Home From Here' by Janice Broyles is the story about two teens who end up working together to avoid being ensnared by a crime syndicate.
I really enjoyed this book, the writing style was enjoyable and Broyles drew the reader into Jamieson and Ellie's world from the first chapters. The two main characters are relatable and a reader can easily imagine how the two teens might have found themselves in trouble with the 'bad guys'.
While there were one or two points during the story that there was a large jump in logic and I wondered if I had accidently missed a page, on the whole I loved the book. It was interesting seeing how Ellie and Jamieson's relationship developed throughout the novel and Broyles decision to write each chapter from either Ellie or Jamieson's perspective was a good choice as well.
I would recommend the book to people who enjoy fictional crime and YA books and I will be looking for future offerings from Janice Broyles.
I really enjoyed this book, the writing style was enjoyable and Broyles drew the reader into Jamieson and Ellie's world from the first chapters. The two main characters are relatable and a reader can easily imagine how the two teens might have found themselves in trouble with the 'bad guys'.
While there were one or two points during the story that there was a large jump in logic and I wondered if I had accidently missed a page, on the whole I loved the book. It was interesting seeing how Ellie and Jamieson's relationship developed throughout the novel and Broyles decision to write each chapter from either Ellie or Jamieson's perspective was a good choice as well.
I would recommend the book to people who enjoy fictional crime and YA books and I will be looking for future offerings from Janice Broyles.
April 16, 2021
Action packed, suspenseful, and filled with God's love and good humor!
This book was surprisingly action packed and suspenseful! I was super excited to get to the part where Jamison and Ellie's paths crossed and I loved the way they met.
My Favorite character was Mr. Langston and his argument with D'Juan over his bank account cracked me up!
There were also some sweet scenes that showed God's saving grace!
With that being said, there were a couple things in the book that could've benefitted from more details.
I was a little confused over one of the main topics of their adventure. Perhaps I read this part while having college-brain but I had to read the scene over a couple times to figure out what actually happened. Also, while the ending was good I would've loved for there to be more.
This book was surprisingly action packed and suspenseful! I was super excited to get to the part where Jamison and Ellie's paths crossed and I loved the way they met.
My Favorite character was Mr. Langston and his argument with D'Juan over his bank account cracked me up!
There were also some sweet scenes that showed God's saving grace!
With that being said, there were a couple things in the book that could've benefitted from more details.
I was a little confused over one of the main topics of their adventure. Perhaps I read this part while having college-brain but I had to read the scene over a couple times to figure out what actually happened. Also, while the ending was good I would've loved for there to be more.
February 18, 2021
Author Janice Broyles takes readers on an emotional and riveting journey as we see the world through the eyes of two young people, trying to escape their demons and make a better life for themselves. It's hard not to root for Ellie and Jamison who are thrown together by uncontrollable circumstances, as they both learn the difficult lessons of friendship, loyalty and forgiveness. The Road Back Home from Here is a gratifying read that will lead you on a heart-pounding adventure and keep you guessing until the very end.
March 4, 2021
Road Back Home from Here is totally exciting and I couldn’t put it down. Janice Broyles has written an exciting thriller. Jamison is trying to protect his drug addicted mother from men who are after her. Ellie is running from her stepfather who just got out of prison. They meet at a Grayhound bus station and are thrown together. Janice Broyles writing is tight and I was left breathless as I delved into the book. Road Back Home from Here is action packed and I was emotionally invested in Jamison and Ellie. I received an arc for free for my honest voluntary review.
October 29, 2023
I wouldn’t call this book terrible, but I wouldn’t call it good either. I would say it was fine. I liked the idea and the plot had some great exciting moments. I like that the story touches on some really important issues like SA and addiction. I have to say I thought the dialogue and the style of writing was a little cringy at times. I enjoyed it enough, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2023
Page turner!
This story have me a look at life that is completely foreign to me. I live a mundane life in the country but the author made me very much care for the characters of her story. Well written!
This story have me a look at life that is completely foreign to me. I live a mundane life in the country but the author made me very much care for the characters of her story. Well written!
March 24, 2024
It’s a decent book at that. The story line is done very well, but I feel like the romance was forced. To be honest I think the story would have went better and felt more meaningful if they stayed friends.
June 17, 2023
The Road back Home from Here
A very enlightening read dealing with many social issues in today's society at the same time dealing with emotional and traumatic events.
A very enlightening read dealing with many social issues in today's society at the same time dealing with emotional and traumatic events.
July 30, 2023
Unexpected
Lots of unexpected twists and turns in this store of danger, conflict, coming of age angst, and so much more!
Lots of unexpected twists and turns in this store of danger, conflict, coming of age angst, and so much more!
September 5, 2021
I'd give this book 4/5 stars. The story immediately pulls you in and keeps you there. I constantly wanted to know what would happen next. The writing made it easy to keep reading and it wasn't longwinded.
The characters are greatly written, though sometimes I missed a little bit of depth into their emotions, but thats a personal opinion. They were all very lovable and I got attached to them after just a few chapters.
I loved this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters are greatly written, though sometimes I missed a little bit of depth into their emotions, but thats a personal opinion. They were all very lovable and I got attached to them after just a few chapters.
I loved this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this suspenseful story about 2 strangers lives that become instantly entwined. From the first chapter I was sucked in to Jamison’s story and it was so descriptive that I was able to feel as if I was right there in the hotel room with him and his mom, trying to escape the men chasing them. There were several times when I was completely surprised at how the story was unraveling. The plot continued to thicken and the book became really hard to put down. I read it quickly and passed it on to my teenage son who will give it a try! Highly recommend!!!
September 27, 2023
Such a great suspenseful book with ties to my hometown which made me like it right away!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews