Review: The Shortcut by Honey Stone

 

Back of the Book:

Rosemary doesn't belong anywhere. Could God be about to change that? 

Only God knows Rosemary Forrester's secret, unspoken longing – to find a place to belong. Fleeing harassment by her old boss, the nomadic medical writer leaves Sydney to find her next adventure, but ends up stranded in the small country town of Cedar River.

As Rosemary connects with a retired maths teacher with a love for soap operas, a teen missing her mum, and a software engineer whose cranky exterior hides an awkward charm, for the first time she dares to imagine a future filled with friendship, love, and belonging.

But a jealous local, her mother's expectations, and threats from her past throw that future into jeopardy. Will she trust in the Lord to work all things together for her good, or let fear drive her away from the town that feels like home?

If you like cozy, feel-good Christian fiction with strong faith, sweet romance, and quirky friends who become family, "The Shortcut" will capture your heart.

 

I wrote this review for Clean Fiction Magazine Spring 2026 Buy Magazine

First impression: As an American, I liked this adventure down under in Australia, where English is spoken, but they may spell them differently or use new words. This is a cozy romance with deep faith in the God of the Bible.  

Action: An adventure in a broken-down car that expires in the wilderness outside of a quaint town that will bring a new meaning to roots and stability to a young woman, Rosemary Forester.

Adventure: Once Rosemary and the reader land in Cedar Cove, adventure turns inward. An awaking of a need for family and friends is ignited and revved up to bud upon the pages. What started as a lone woman on a lonely adventure, a corner is turned and a new discovery of a yearning to have family and community begins. The espionage and mystery are sprinkled in the background so the reader does not forget, but the life and heart journey of Rosemary is the main theme. Her ability to help others is a blessing to many as she cultivates relationships and helps solve problems. God intended her to bless the community in Cedar Cove as much as they did for her. A little meddling is sometimes all it takes.

Romance: The spark of attraction gradually builds into a romance with deep trust. No hot sweaty moments, just clean relationship building and sweet romance development that is slow and steady but fulfilling with a genuine feel.

Religion: There are various passages and verses printed on the page as multiple characters quote the Bible. Every situation needs a verse to remind and encourage Rosemary through her trials. She is quick to remember verses or look them up. The other characters remind her of them too.

Art: Culinary art is evident in every chapter. All ethnic foods are described and enjoyed by Rosemary. She can cook but cannot bake, so lessons in that area are sprinkled throughout the story.

Final Thoughts: I enjoyed this delightful well-written piece of contemporary Christian fiction. The mystery aside, this is a romance novel. A family-focused sweet romance crafted by the writer to make the reader smile. I recommend this book to all ages.

 Buy book:  The Shortcut