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California Bound #1
Donna's Detour
When Donna Turner and two girlfriends leave Alabama in 1956 and head to California on Route 66, Donna runs out of money. Her girlfriends continue the journey to Los Angeles, leaving Donna in Needles, California where a dream-come-true adventure is about to happen.
She worshipped the ground he walked on when she was fifteen, and now he shows up at the diner where she works. Will he remember her or does he still think of her as her brother's skinny kid sister? Will Donna be confident enough in herself to accept her dream?
She worshipped the ground he walked on when she was fifteen, and now he shows up at the diner where she works. Will he remember her or does he still think of her as her brother's skinny kid sister? Will Donna be confident enough in herself to accept her dream?
124 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
35 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Jo Huddleston
109 books139 followersJo Huddleston writes sweet Southern romances set in the 1950s, where you can escape into wholesome, faith-based love stories of deep commitment, hope, and happily-ever-after endings. Readers describe Jo as a wonderful storyteller whose books are sure to inspire and entertain you. Reviewers say Jo's books should be Hallmark movies.
She likes to laugh with people, but not at people. The beach is her favorite vacation spot. She’s a spectator fan of several sports, with tennis being her favorite. She doesn’t enjoy being in the dark and is fearful of snakes!
Jo holds a BA degree with honors from Lincoln Memorial University (TN), where she is a member of their Literary Hall of Fame. She earned the MEd degree from Mississippi State University.
Please visit Jo's website at www.johuddleston.com and get a free book when you sign up for her newsletter.
She likes to laugh with people, but not at people. The beach is her favorite vacation spot. She’s a spectator fan of several sports, with tennis being her favorite. She doesn’t enjoy being in the dark and is fearful of snakes!
Jo holds a BA degree with honors from Lincoln Memorial University (TN), where she is a member of their Literary Hall of Fame. She earned the MEd degree from Mississippi State University.
Please visit Jo's website at www.johuddleston.com and get a free book when you sign up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 17, 2016
Donna's Detour by Jo Huddleston
Have read other works by the author and enjoyed them.
This one starts out with Donna and she's a waitress in a diner along Route 66 in Needles, CA. One of the men who came in was an old friend from back home.
Route 66 fascinates me because of the things along the way from MD to CA. Have watched many shows on the route and businesses along the way.
She tells him who she is and that her brother was his best friend. He agrees to drive her home later that day before Tommy continues his trip.
Like the history of the place and sounds like a great one to visit. He realizes right away that she's the one for him. Like the way he respects her and shows her a bit of romance along the way.
He offers her a job as his secretary at his uncle's business.
Obstacles get in the way on their trip and then they each don't want to rush things, not knowing how the other really feels.
Didn't realize where the end of 66 was as we've visited there and others told us not to waste our time, glad we went!
Like how easily they fit with one another and how he accepts her wanting to find a church nearby. She prays to God for guidance...
Links to other Route 66 romances are listed at the end along with other social media sites where the author's work is available.
Like this book for teaching me new things about locations I've visited and that this was a short read but captured my attention throughout and not connected to other books in a series.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review
Have read other works by the author and enjoyed them.
This one starts out with Donna and she's a waitress in a diner along Route 66 in Needles, CA. One of the men who came in was an old friend from back home.
Route 66 fascinates me because of the things along the way from MD to CA. Have watched many shows on the route and businesses along the way.
She tells him who she is and that her brother was his best friend. He agrees to drive her home later that day before Tommy continues his trip.
Like the history of the place and sounds like a great one to visit. He realizes right away that she's the one for him. Like the way he respects her and shows her a bit of romance along the way.
He offers her a job as his secretary at his uncle's business.
Obstacles get in the way on their trip and then they each don't want to rush things, not knowing how the other really feels.
Didn't realize where the end of 66 was as we've visited there and others told us not to waste our time, glad we went!
Like how easily they fit with one another and how he accepts her wanting to find a church nearby. She prays to God for guidance...
Links to other Route 66 romances are listed at the end along with other social media sites where the author's work is available.
Like this book for teaching me new things about locations I've visited and that this was a short read but captured my attention throughout and not connected to other books in a series.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review
January 6, 2017
I so enjoyed the author's description of the cute diner that Donna worked at. She described the vinyl seats, the small jukebox on the tables and the counter where people could eat and talk to the waitresses. The diner made me think of the one on "Happy Days." Everyone who was anyone would hang out there.
Donna is working at the diner and saving her money so she can fulfill her dream of going to L. A. to become a secretary. One day as the door opens, Tommy appears. He was best friends with her brother when they were growing up. She has been in love with him forever. Their chemistry is so nice and refreshing. I loved the book so much with the setting from the 1950's to the sweet and innocent way that Donna still honored her upbringing with good moral values. The book is very relaxing to read and I love the author's smooth writing style. She has a way to take readers back in time with her exquisite words that flow throughout the story. When Donna and Tommy are talking about church I loved what she said to him. "Going to church pleases God, but it won't make you a Christian. That's a thing of the heart. Nobody but Jesus can judge your heart's commitment but Him. "
It is time to relax, grab an ice cold bottle of Coke and enjoy a great book that will bring a smile to your face. Join Donna and Tommy as they take a journey on Route 66.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bookfun.org. The review is my own opinion.
Donna is working at the diner and saving her money so she can fulfill her dream of going to L. A. to become a secretary. One day as the door opens, Tommy appears. He was best friends with her brother when they were growing up. She has been in love with him forever. Their chemistry is so nice and refreshing. I loved the book so much with the setting from the 1950's to the sweet and innocent way that Donna still honored her upbringing with good moral values. The book is very relaxing to read and I love the author's smooth writing style. She has a way to take readers back in time with her exquisite words that flow throughout the story. When Donna and Tommy are talking about church I loved what she said to him. "Going to church pleases God, but it won't make you a Christian. That's a thing of the heart. Nobody but Jesus can judge your heart's commitment but Him. "
It is time to relax, grab an ice cold bottle of Coke and enjoy a great book that will bring a smile to your face. Join Donna and Tommy as they take a journey on Route 66.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bookfun.org. The review is my own opinion.
February 18, 2021
This book was so reminiscent of my younger days. Storyline was set back in a much simpler time, a time when things were just not complicated as they are today. Sweet, lighthearted, and refreshing!
February 16, 2021
Cute!
I really love the characters and their sweet personalities. This is an easy to read short book. It is perfect for pre-teens and up. It is a very clean, God honoring love story.
I really love the characters and their sweet personalities. This is an easy to read short book. It is perfect for pre-teens and up. It is a very clean, God honoring love story.
December 16, 2016
STORY-LINE DONNA'S DETOUR:
In Donna's Detour, Jo Huddleston crafted a sweet and clean romance fiction novel. Donna Turner and two friends head to California; leaving Alabama behind for the big city lights. However, when Donna runs out of money, fate steps in. Donna's left in Needles, California to find a job, earn money, and continue her trip. Finding a God sent protector in the boss of the local café, Donna hires on as a waitress. Meanwhile, she saves her money to proceed to California.
When Tommy walks into the café on a hot dusty day, Donna's heart uplifts. Donna measures all men by Tommy. He is Godly, handsome, sweet, and all manner of wonderful traits. Will Tommy remember his best friends sister? What were the chances Tommy would walk into the dinner in Needles? What will be Tommy's reaction if Donna reveals her feelings? Will they forge a deeper emotional relationship? What does God have in store for Donna and Tommy?
Grab your favorite beverage and have a seat; my romance novel review of Donna's Detour follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
First let me state, what a relaxing fun read I found in Donna's Detour. Written with young adults and adults in mind, this book is clean and sweet. I found Donna and Tommy's faith touching and enriching. This Christian romance will warm your heart.
Author Jo Huddleston crafted a smooth well-written book. The story-line moved gracefully from chapter to chapter as we came to know Tommy and Donna. Furthermore, the character development proceeded throughout the story-line as we find Tommy and Donna have great faith in God and his guidance for their lives. The story-line has just the right amount of religious elements for believability without pushing the reader. As a result, you need not be religious to enjoy this novel.
Finally, in concluding my romance novel review of Donna's Detour, I found a clean relaxing novel with well-developed characters and smooth pacing. Donna's Detour is a great book for an afternoon of relaxing reading. Huddleston had no need to sell this story with sex, as you can feel the love and respect Donna and Tommy have for each other.
DONNA'S DETOUR RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
In addition, I did not hesitate to give Donna's Detour four well-deserved stars. Huddleston talent for prose and story-telling is evident in this book. I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or a friend.
FINALLY PLEASE NOTE:
Additionally, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest romance novel review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, the ARC did not affect my voluntary romance novel review.
In Donna's Detour, Jo Huddleston crafted a sweet and clean romance fiction novel. Donna Turner and two friends head to California; leaving Alabama behind for the big city lights. However, when Donna runs out of money, fate steps in. Donna's left in Needles, California to find a job, earn money, and continue her trip. Finding a God sent protector in the boss of the local café, Donna hires on as a waitress. Meanwhile, she saves her money to proceed to California.
When Tommy walks into the café on a hot dusty day, Donna's heart uplifts. Donna measures all men by Tommy. He is Godly, handsome, sweet, and all manner of wonderful traits. Will Tommy remember his best friends sister? What were the chances Tommy would walk into the dinner in Needles? What will be Tommy's reaction if Donna reveals her feelings? Will they forge a deeper emotional relationship? What does God have in store for Donna and Tommy?
Grab your favorite beverage and have a seat; my romance novel review of Donna's Detour follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
First let me state, what a relaxing fun read I found in Donna's Detour. Written with young adults and adults in mind, this book is clean and sweet. I found Donna and Tommy's faith touching and enriching. This Christian romance will warm your heart.
Author Jo Huddleston crafted a smooth well-written book. The story-line moved gracefully from chapter to chapter as we came to know Tommy and Donna. Furthermore, the character development proceeded throughout the story-line as we find Tommy and Donna have great faith in God and his guidance for their lives. The story-line has just the right amount of religious elements for believability without pushing the reader. As a result, you need not be religious to enjoy this novel.
Finally, in concluding my romance novel review of Donna's Detour, I found a clean relaxing novel with well-developed characters and smooth pacing. Donna's Detour is a great book for an afternoon of relaxing reading. Huddleston had no need to sell this story with sex, as you can feel the love and respect Donna and Tommy have for each other.
DONNA'S DETOUR RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
In addition, I did not hesitate to give Donna's Detour four well-deserved stars. Huddleston talent for prose and story-telling is evident in this book. I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or a friend.
FINALLY PLEASE NOTE:
Additionally, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest romance novel review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, the ARC did not affect my voluntary romance novel review.
December 12, 2017
Donna's Detour is a sweet love story between two young people that have a strong faith in God. I feel the story can be enjoyed by young adult and adults as well.
Donna takes a leap of faith and stays behind in Needles, Ca while her girlfriends go on to L.A. Donna's funds had run out, but she was lucky enough to secure a job as a waitress and a monthly motel unit. She develops a friendship with the owner and he looks out for her like a granddaughter.
The storyline is well done and Donna comes face to face with her past. Her brother's best friend, Thomas, had been the one she secretly had a crush on since school days. Thomas walks into the cafe while she is working.
The tension built up within the pages drives the story along nicely. I liked the sweet innocence of Donna and the gentlemanly qualities of Thomas.
I was provided a copy by the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
Donna takes a leap of faith and stays behind in Needles, Ca while her girlfriends go on to L.A. Donna's funds had run out, but she was lucky enough to secure a job as a waitress and a monthly motel unit. She develops a friendship with the owner and he looks out for her like a granddaughter.
The storyline is well done and Donna comes face to face with her past. Her brother's best friend, Thomas, had been the one she secretly had a crush on since school days. Thomas walks into the cafe while she is working.
The tension built up within the pages drives the story along nicely. I liked the sweet innocence of Donna and the gentlemanly qualities of Thomas.
I was provided a copy by the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 4, 2016
What a fun book! The author takes you back in time to the '50s and Route 66 in this wonderful novella.
Not one to give up on her dreams, Donna Turner finds a job in Needles, California when she runs out of money on her way to Los Angeles. She's plugging away in the cafe one afternoon when a dreamboat from the past walks in and turns her world upside down. Her brother's best friend from high school offers her a ride out of town, and her heart goes pitter patter. Her life is never the same after that!
Good job, Ms. Huddleston! I give this book four stars.
All books reviewed are either provided by the author in exchange for her honest opinion or purchased by Renee. Her reviews are not for sale or in exchange for any services or fees.
Not one to give up on her dreams, Donna Turner finds a job in Needles, California when she runs out of money on her way to Los Angeles. She's plugging away in the cafe one afternoon when a dreamboat from the past walks in and turns her world upside down. Her brother's best friend from high school offers her a ride out of town, and her heart goes pitter patter. Her life is never the same after that!
Good job, Ms. Huddleston! I give this book four stars.
All books reviewed are either provided by the author in exchange for her honest opinion or purchased by Renee. Her reviews are not for sale or in exchange for any services or fees.
January 17, 2017
This was my first book by Jo Huddleston. Her sweet romance and well rounded characters made for a delightful afternoon read. Donna and Tommy had great chemistry. I love how the characters interacted with one another throughout the book. The plot was well developed. This was a slow but interesting read. The reader could really sit and enjoy this story. The flow of the book and the quiet relaxing voice in the telling made me want to sit back and really just take it all in. One could really see the places that were described. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. I am anxious to read more by this author. I received a copy of this book through bookfun.org. This review was written completely by myself because I so enjoyed this novel.
August 12, 2016
Another great novella by Jo Huddleston. Short story but it is great. Loved the characters. Small town but big heart. Donna and two girlfriends are out for a adventure and Donna stays in Needles California working a job to make her way to meet up with her friends later. Never dreaming she would run into someone from her pass. can she get him to see her as a adult and not just her brothers kid sister? What is in store for her will her drams come true? Great book!! If you haven't read any books by Jo HUddleston get this one and give her a try. You will love it. And her many other books, I have loved them. 5 Star
February 5, 2017
Donna's Detour by Jo Huddleston is a heartwarming novella that just might remind readers that dreams can really come true! Donna came West with a couple friends and due to lack of funds never made it to her destination. Waitressing in a diner near the desert was her hope for funds to finish her trip. In walks a man she never really expected to see again. And with that, a sweet love story begins. Set in the 1950s, the story brings out values that remain true today, honesty, family, and faith. The author writes a fun, lighthearted story with a few little twists that keep you wondering if this relationship will really happen!
January 2, 2018
Donna's Detour is a delightful romance book I enjoyed reading. Author Jo Huddleston wrote a storyline that's well-written, unique and also enjoyable to read. She made you feel the character's emotions and is developing a great series. Donna's Detour by Author Jo Huddleston is Book One in the California Bound series. It was a pleasure for me to read this book and I highly recommend others to read this book too.
I received a complimentary copy from the author, but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy from the author, but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
March 26, 2018
Donna Turner is waitressing in a diner in Needles, CA. Her goal is to complete the journey she began with friends to go to California’s coast. Having traveled until she ran out of funding, she got a job in the small diner in this small town.
Never did she dream a close friend of her brother’s would walk into her diner and change her life.
Well written but I would have liked to see more challenges for both her and her new boyfriend as their relationship developed.
It is an easy and pleasant read. I received this book for my honest review.
Never did she dream a close friend of her brother’s would walk into her diner and change her life.
Well written but I would have liked to see more challenges for both her and her new boyfriend as their relationship developed.
It is an easy and pleasant read. I received this book for my honest review.
March 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Donna and how she stopped in a small town to earn money until she can get back on her feet. Then Tommy walks into the restaurant where she is working. He was the boy she had a huge crush on when she was much younger. Just seeing him makes her remember how she felt. I loved the romance. This really kept all of my attention. I received an ebook copy of this book from bookfun.org for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
August 2, 2016
This is a short but delightful read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is a sweet love story and the author's description left me feeling like I was in the diner with Donna. It is also a wonderful story of how God can use the circumstances in our lives to bring us His blessings. I really enjoy this author's books, and this is another one from her that I certainly do recommend.
October 16, 2016
Sweet but sassy--that describes not only the main character but the story as well! If you're looking for sweet romantic stories that reflect Christian values, then this is the book for you. Even though the story is set in 1956, Donna exhibits timeless values that we still cherish today--honesty; integrity; and independent thinking to name a few.
All in all, a fun story to read!
All in all, a fun story to read!
January 7, 2018
If you're in the mood for a sweet romance, you'll enjoy Donna's Detour by Jo Huddleston.
This tale of a simpler time drew me in and made me care about Donna and Tommy's road to romance.
Donna's faith guides her decisions and helps her make important life choices. This the first book
I have read by the author, but I will definitely read more!
This tale of a simpler time drew me in and made me care about Donna and Tommy's road to romance.
Donna's faith guides her decisions and helps her make important life choices. This the first book
I have read by the author, but I will definitely read more!
September 9, 2016
This is a quick, enjoyable story. If anything, it seemed to end too soon. I'm usually not a fan of this era of stories, but this one was done quite well.
I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2017
Smooth writing and simple. Exactly how to enjoy a story. The characters were fun and interesting. Donna's values demonstrated pure faith.
The setting, a simpler time, left me with a "good" feeling. I can see myself reading this book again and again. It's that good.
The setting, a simpler time, left me with a "good" feeling. I can see myself reading this book again and again. It's that good.
July 13, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is the first book I have read by this author. I am looking forward to reading more from her.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.
Read
August 1, 2016I'll post my review here once it has published on my blog -- sarahruut.com.
April 24, 2018
Great Read!
This short story was a light and lovely about love given a chance. Tommy and Donna's reunion will be the best yet to come.
This short story was a light and lovely about love given a chance. Tommy and Donna's reunion will be the best yet to come.
March 14, 2020
Enjoyed this romance with no cheating & a HEA.
August 29, 2021
Cute Little Romance
This is a good and cute little love story with loveable and charming characters that will have you enjoying their adorable love story.
This is a good and cute little love story with loveable and charming characters that will have you enjoying their adorable love story.
April 10, 2017
I just loved this book. It is the story of Tommy and Donna. Growing up, Donna had a crush on Tommy - her brother's best friend. Donna continues to have feelings for Tommy, but thinks he always just sees her as her brother's little sister.
This is the continuation of their life story - a simple love story with a sweet ending.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the continuation of their life story - a simple love story with a sweet ending.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews