We are all products of our past. Things that happened, events that had the power to move the trajectory of our lives. Some distinct and clearly remembered. Others hid in the recesses of our minds. Problem is that memories have a strange habit of popping up at some inopportune times.

Beth is rediscovering and re-inventing herself. Finding her new normal so to speak. She is a ray of sunshine albeit even when her bright smile is truly forced. Most people don't notice that and that was fine with Beth. But she was not prepared to meet Finn Kelly when she relocated to Brightwater Valley with her two friends Indigo and Izzy. Naturally, their immediate reaction to each other wasn't the stuff romances are written about. But time was wearing Finn down. He found his life better with the random ray of sunshine called Beth. Intuitively, Finn recognized that very often that smile was not real. Now, as their loosely termed relationship grew to a point where they were able to spend time with each other without Finn's ever-present scowl, things were going to get very interesting.

The big issues were how to label the deal between Finn and Beth. They weren't strangers anymore. Certainly not lovers. Couldn't even say they were friends. It was this gray area that had them both on edge. For Beth who had huge trust issues, this was going to be a jolt to all the hard work getting to the point where she was finally feeling strong and confident.

What people thought of her was immensely important. The big question is just what would become of Beth in her new hometown once Finn walks away, which in Beth's mind was practically a foregone conclusion. There was no good way for this Beth – Finn thing to end.

Finn on the other hand was stubbornly determined to arrange this relationship with Beth to meet his need to protect her. There are times it is hard to determine which of these two folks can claim to be the most damaged good. Both have a past, but Finn's is preventing him from moving forward. Everyone sees this, except for Finn. There's an expression – there's no way but up to go. Hopefully, Finn realizes that before this odd relationship with Beth ends in heartbreak for at least one of them.

Jackie Ashenden takes us on a journey of sorts in ALL ROADS LEAD TO YOU. There is realism that touches your very soul and Jackie Ashenden masterfully crafted these characters is a point where they matter. Her characters bare their very souls through the dialog. The sense that these folk are genuine good, caring people jumps off each page. The ending of ALL ROADS LEAD TO YOU matters. And I guess that was Jackie Ashenden's goal and she did it with aplomb.