Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.
~~Robert H. Schuller
*****
I have the coolest, most talented and kind friends — in cyberspace and fur reals! Today, I’m featuring a friend whose beautiful face you’ve seen in these hallways before. She’s written another book, and I’m excited to tell you about it today.

Sometimes things get so messed up you have to pick up and get the heck out of Dodge. That’s what Liz Ruthersford does. Memories can be weapons, and hers have become incoming missiles. Fleeing home and her parents’ pity, she seeks refuge on a remote ranch in Montana where no one knows her tragic past. When she meets Bentley and Rawson Law, brothers with wounds of their own, life veers off course. Embers of hope flicker to life, but will bias, bitterness, and misunderstanding smother them before they burn bright enough to warm her heart? Or will she hit the highway and run once again? For readers who crave a clean, yet heart-pounding romance and redemption story, this one’s for you.
I’m on chapter 46 and keep finding that with each chapter I read, it becomes my new favorite. As you walk beside Lizzie, Bentley and Rawson, you’ll smell the sweet scent of horses and mountain air, and become engulfed by the Montana sky.
The story is suspenseful, sweet, and kind. The romance is clean enough for any age, but not so prude that you snooze from lack of chemistry. The larger story is one of hope, redemption, and self-compassion all told within the context of family.
I also love the “little things” in this book – things that only friends and family would pick up, but that any reader would enjoy. Charissa has always teased that her husband has the tendency to insert zombies into the story when he helps edit. Hint: Char beat him at his own game within the first few chapters. She also called out a Kansas tornado and gave several nods to her penchant for sweets.
This story is fast-paced, the characters are enthralling, and I keep wishing for enough time in the day so that I can finish it.
But don’t just take my word…here are some early reviews:
Stastny has weaved an endearing tale….a beautiful story about love, loss, redemption, and forgiveness of not only others, but most importantly, ourselves. This is more than a love story, it is a story of family and coming together. –Jennifer Peel, author
…An epic tale of romance, unconditional love, redemption, and the power of the human spirit to survive and transform amidst adversity. The metamorphosis of the hero makes this a highly gratifying read. He grows with each flip of the page, leaving behind a trail of optimism. This book will make you smile as you witness a true change of heart. –Taylor Dean
I often tell Charissa that I feel so blessed that our paths have crossed. She’s an amazing woman, wife, mama, and writer. Please give her some love in the comments and stop by any of the sites listed below.
Happiness in the present is only shattered by comparison with the past.
~~Douglas Horton
*****
Charissa Stastny is married to her high school sweetheart and has four children who are the light of her life. She’s an avid reader, happy writer, BYU graduate, and lover of irises, clouds, chocolate, sushi, and nature. Though born and raised in Las Vegas, she has never pulled a handle of a slot machine and can’t shuffle cards to save her life. She shuffles kids, laundry, and church responsibilities rather well though. She currently lives in Utah with her family, where shuffling cards isn’t required.
You can buy your copy here: Between Hope and the Highway and look for Charissa at any of her social media sites.
Thanks for the kind post, Michele. You are WonderWoman with all you fit into your schedule. I hope to be like you when I grow up.
LikeLike
And I want to be like YOU when I grow up. This November, I will be trying fiction for the first time for NaNoWriMo…you inspired me!!
LikeLike
Cool! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. It’s pretty fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the trailer and the boots! I’m intrigued by the possibility of zombies too. I’m going to have to get this book right now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You won’t be disappointed Sheila – I am loving each chapter even more than the previous. Thank you popping in!
LikeLike
A lovely review of the lovely Charissa’s lovely book! (You can never have too many lovelies right?).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww…thank you, Vanessa! I can’t wait to finish – it’s the perfect blend of love, light, and suspense!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have added this to my “to be read” stack! I have been so lost in books and writing lately but save all the emails I get so I can catch up on your place!
Love and hugs!
LikeLike