Whistlestop Wednesday Book Review - "Hearts on the Road"

Diana Lesire Brandmeyer delivers a warm, compelling story in her inspirational romance, Hearts on the Road, which offers an insider look into the world of truckers.

In the aftermath of a broken heart, Randi Bell takes to the open road as a truck driver. Randi rules out the possibility of marriage, although Pastor Matthew Carter catches her eye and threatens the walls she's built around her heart. Tragic events throw Randi into Matthew's company and shake her fragile peace of mind. Randi nicknames Matthew "Preacher Boy" and tries to shut out his message of love, but she can't ignore her growing attraction to him or her need for his God.

I enjoyed reading Hearts on the Road for its well-crafted story, unpredictable plot and interesting characters. I had a little trouble investing in Randi's inner angst, which could have been deepened, and several changes of heart came a tad quickly. Beyond that, my only peeve is the use of gender-neutral names for the two main lady truckers, Randi and Jess. Randi does weigh in as a tiny person, and she's described as all-woman, however, which counters the butch image of lady truckers. I had to sort out my confusion on page one, though, because I at first pictured Jess as a man. Despite these quibbles, for quality, this book stands above the crowd.