Negative - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$4.99 with 69 percent savings
Print List Price: $16.24

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.

Audiobook Price: $26.16

Save: $18.67 (71%)

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Barbara Hinske
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Unexpected Path: The Second Novel in the Guiding Emily Series Kindle Edition

by Barbara Hinske (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 out of 5 stars 1,180 ratings
After Emily Main loses her sight, she and Garth work to forge their future in Emily’s new normal. Convincing her well-intentioned but misinformed coworkers that she’s as capable as ever is her biggest challenge…until Connor shows up on her door. Can they heal old wounds and give their fledgling marriage a fresh start?

Meanwhile, tragedy strikes young Zoe, and Emily has a life-changing choice to make.

Follow along as Garth and Emily step out, together, to meet every challenge.


Interview with the Author

Q: Have you always wanted to be a writer?
A: I'm an attorney and have done a lot of technical writing, but knew I wanted to write novels. I thought I'd find time when I retired. Fate stepped in, as it often does, and put me on this path sooner. I broke my neck in an auto accident and suffered from double vision for months. I couldn't read or watch TV, so I conceived the plot for my Rosemont series.

Q: Why did you decide to write a series?
A: I prefer television series to movies. The longer format of television allows for deeper character development. The same holds true for series fiction. I like to fall in love with a character or hate a character (but root for them to change their ways). I feel like Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi from Alexander McCall Smith's Ladies' Detective Agency series are old friends. I wanted to recreate that sort of connection in the Rosemont series.

Q: What other authors do you read or admire?
A: I'm a fan of women's fiction, women's sagas, romantic suspense, domestic suspense, crime fiction, and romance. I love Rosamunde Pilcher's later trilogy -The Shell Seekers, Coming Home, and September. Jan Karon's Mitford series creates an enchanting world, as does Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove. My Rosemont series is set in the current day, but I've tried to capture a feeling of camaraderie and connection (among the good guys) that takes us back to a slightly simpler time and place.

Q: What are your favorite books?
A: In addition to the works I've already mentioned, I adored A Man Called One, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and A Long Way from Chicago.

Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your author life?
A: My dad--without question. He told me or read me a bedtime story every night of my childhood, often adding his own twists and turns to the plots or dialogue. He had an incredible, gentle sense of humor. He also wrote novels--who-done-its--when he retired.

Q: What are the high points of your author journey?
A: There are 3 things I hold very dear: 1) hearing from readers--especially newly blind adults--that my Guiding Emilyseries has given then hope and provided comfort, 2) having my novella The Christmas Club made into a Hallmark Channel movie of the same name (2019), and 3) seeing my name on the USA Today Bestseller List.

Q: What of your own interests have you written about in the Rosemont series?
A: I love my home and all things related to homemaking: cooking, gardening, decorating, and entertaining. I love
celebrating all of the seasons and I change my decor for Easter, 4th of July, fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring.

Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 2 of 5
    Guiding Emily Series
  2. Print length
    314 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    November 16, 2021
  5. File size
    2.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 5 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  4. The Christmas Club
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  11. Hyde and Seek (Angel Paws)
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
  14. The Red Collar ( A Dog Story)
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
  17. The Night Train
    Kindle Edition
    $1.99
  18. The Puppy
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  19. Hello Love
    Kindle Edition
    $5.49
  25. Milagro the Miracle Dog
    Kindle Edition
    $1.99
  27. Rosemont Series -- Books 1 - 3
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  29. Star Crossed (Angel Paws)
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
Next page
Loading...

From the Publisher

Image of book covers against a background of green grass and blue sky

photo of author smiling

The joys of the tale come from the warm relationships and the story of a woman getting a second chance at life and love." -- Publishers Weekly (Booklife)

  • Coming to Rosemont
  • Weaving the Strands
  • Uncovering Secrets
  • Drawing Close
  • Bringing Them Home
  • Shelving Doubts
  • Restoring What Was Lost
  • No Matter How Far
  • When Dreams There Be

USA Today Bestselling Author BARBARA HINSKE is an attorney and novelist. She's authored the beloved nine-novel Rosemont series (women's fiction); the Guiding Emily series; the mystery thriller collection “Who’s There?”; and her sweet Christmas stories The Christmas Club, Paws & Pastries, Sweets & Treats, and No Matter How Far. She's also contributed two novellas to The Wishing Tree series.

Guiding Emily series includes

  • Guiding Emily
  • The Unexpected Path
  • Over Every Hurdle
  • Down the Aisle
  • From the Heart

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A vintage Hollywood-style plotline meets the technology of the 21st century in this novel about an intrepid woman and her delightful guide dog.

In this sequel, Emily Main, who suffered the loss of her eyesight on her honeymoon in Fiji, is back at work and living with her canine, Garth, in her own studio apartment in San Francisco. But she has not yet tackled the job of unpacking the many cartons of new supplies that will enable her to function more independently. Unbeknown to Emily, halfway around the world, her estranged husband, Connor Harrington, who has been living in Tokyo, is returning to California, hoping for a reconciliation. As the story begins, Emily learns that her mother's next-door neighbor Irene has broken her hip and needs surgery. Irene is the grandmother and guardian of 9-year-old Zoe, whom Emily befriended in the series opener. It is decided that Emily's mother will bring Zoe to San Francisco for the weekend to keep her distracted. While there, mom will help Emily label and organize all of her new purchases. Add to the mix Dhruv, the socially awkward but sweet and generous programming whiz who works with Emily and lives in her building. The stage is now set for a drama that revolves around rekindled friendships, loss, new beginnings—and a wonderful canine. As in the first novel, Emily's devoted, highly trained black Lab frequently adds his tender and amusing first-person commentary to the third-person narrative. The chapters devoted to Garth's observations and musings are the most enjoyable in the book. Although the story follows a predictable trajectory, the narrative contains valuable and intriguing information about the technical innovations advancing accessibility for the visually impaired. These include computer and smartphone apps that convert written text into audible sentences and the versatile PENfriend, a unique audio labeling system that codes special stickers that trigger the pen's auditory readouts, facilitating identification of all sorts of items. Hinske also inserts a useful reminder about the proper protocol for greeting service dogs: Don't do it. If they are wearing guide harnesses, they are working and should not be distracted.

A loving shoutout to service canines wrapped in an engaging beach read." -- Kirkus Reviews

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09H9HW32L
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Casa del Northern Publishing (November 16, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 16, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 314 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1734924934
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 1,180 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Barbara Hinske

Barbara Hinske

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

USA Today Bestselling Author

Barbara Hinske is an attorney who left the practice of law to pursue her career as a full-time novelist. She inherited the fiction gene from her father, who wrote mysteries when he retired and told her a story every night of her childhood. Barbara is the author of the beloved Rosemont Series, the Guiding Emily Series, the Paws & Pastries Series, her sweet Christmas stories, the mystery, thriller, and suspense novels in her "Who's There?" collection, and three novellas in The Wishing Tree Series.

She and her husband share their own Rosemont with two adorable and spoiled dogs. She is besotted with decorating, entertaining, cooking, and gardening. Her novels The Christmas Club (2019) and Guiding Emily (2023) have been made into Hallmark Channel movies.

Praise for Coming to Rosemont:

"In a category that doesn't often feature felonious crimes as a main plot point, it's somewhat surprising to see this title -- with corruption, fraud, and arson coursing through the story -- in a list of top performers. But with enough twists and turns to hook any reader's attention, an adorable dog on the cover, and some classic women's fiction tropes, Coming To Rosemont delivered more than enough firepower to win over our readers!" BookBub's Best: Women's Fiction (#4)

"In this series opener, Hinske immerses readers in a delightful small town....The joys of the tale come from the warm relationships and the story of a woman getting a second chance at life and love." Publishers Weekly (BookLife)

Connect via my website, FB, Instagram, and YouTube, and check out images of Rosemont and places from the book on Pinterest.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
1,180 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the story lovely and enjoyable. They find the book enlightening and uplifting, with compelling pacing and well-developed characters. Readers describe the book as good value for money, saying it's worth the wait. The writing quality is described as well-written, easy to read, and satisfying. The story incorporates love, caring, and inspiration, providing useful information on the challenges of being blind.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

Story qualityLearning experiencePacingWriting qualityValue for moneyHeartwarmingInformation qualityCharacter development
62 customers mention "Story quality"62 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story. They find it heartfelt and touching, with a message of hope. Readers appreciate the multiple storylines in one book. Many consider it one of the best sequels they've read.

"...Thank you, Barbara, for another great novel and for allowing me to read your book before it officially came out." Read more

"Excellent story. Learning the rolls played by Garth in Emily’s life gives me new and understanding in the changes in my life with Sadie at my side...." Read more

"Once again Barbara Hinske masterfully constructs a positive story filled with (mostly) good and happy people...." Read more

"...This sequel to "Guiding Emily" is another heartfelt and touching story of Emily Main as she continues her journey...." Read more

33 customers mention "Learning experience"33 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's learning experience. They find the chapters with the guide dog's perspective interesting and engaging. The book captivates their interest from the start, keeping their interest high and uplifting throughout.

"...is always a plus in my mind but most of all, it was fabulous to learn about the life of a woman with sight problems from both her point of view as..." Read more

"...It is wonderful to further learn what a normal and fulfilling life they can live...." Read more

"...In this book it shows her bravery and determination and it is so inspiring. I also love the fact that there are several storylines in 1 book!..." Read more

"...Do yourself a favor and enjoy this uplifting read!" Read more

21 customers mention "Pacing"21 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it compelling and heartwarming, with another interesting adventure for Emily and Garth. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters and new realizations for Emily. They also enjoy the restored relationship between Emily and Gina.

"...I also enjoyed the relationship between Emily and her husband Connor and how difficult it can be when there are problems in a marriage that one..." Read more

"...Emily is so strong, caring and independent. Zoe is so smart and has been through so much, and she handles it all with grace. Dhruv is so special...." Read more

"...Emily is a strong and intelligent young woman that we would all like to know. Pick up this book and enjoy it. You won't be sorry." Read more

"Barbara Hinske has brought us another interesting and heartwarming adventure for Emily and Garth...." Read more

18 customers mention "Writing quality"15 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find it well-written, easy to read, and satisfying. The facial expressions are nicely described and the characters are believable and realistic. The story is described as a page-turner.

"...In my mind's eye I can see his facial expressions which are nicely described." Read more

"...Incorporating Garth's point of view is masterful. Well written!" Read more

"...Barbara Hinske has again crafted an easy reading masterpiece...." Read more

"So far I'm loving this series! Very well written book. Love Emily and Zoe's relationship! I love reading the dogs point of view." Read more

17 customers mention "Value for money"15 positive2 negative

Customers find the book worth reading. They appreciate the author's work and find it a pleasure to read. The book has many conflicts, trust, and triumphs.

"...Hinske masterfully constructs a positive story filled with (mostly) good and happy people...." Read more

"...Zoe is so smart and has been through so much, and she handles it all with grace. Dhruv is so special...." Read more

"Like my previous reviews for the Guiding Emily series, they are very good. If she has another follow up, I would read it also." Read more

"...A great read following up on recently blind Emily & guide dog Garth...." Read more

16 customers mention "Heartwarming"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's heartwarming story. They find it uplifting and inspiring, with an insightful look into blindness and the joy of friendship and caring. Readers appreciate the author's portrayal of the feelings of someone who loses their vision. The book features positive characters and themes like forgiveness, hard work, and positive attitudes. It also includes a mix of intrigue, suspense, romance, and plot twists.

"...The author also writes about forgiveness between friends and the love between children and their caregivers who aren’t their parents...." Read more

"...constructs a positive story filled with (mostly) good and happy people...." Read more

"...I really can’t decide on my favorite character. Emily is so strong, caring and independent...." Read more

"...Things that I did not know existed! Very impressed with the author’s insight into feelings of someone who suddenly loses sight...." Read more

12 customers mention "Information quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides interesting information about blindness and useful technology. They appreciate the helpful gadgets and service dogs that help the visually impaired navigate the world without sight. The story also highlights the challenges and capabilities of a strong, determined blind woman.

"...world of the blind - to the problems, challenges, and capabilities of the blind individual. So many that one would not otherwise be aware of...." Read more

"...by the array of gadgets that are available to help a person navigate the world without sight...." Read more

"A wonderful story with interesting information on the challenges of being blind. A great guide dog who has his own voice. Fun to read." Read more

"...to learn more about service dogs and their tremendous value to the vision impaired community." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters and find the story engaging. They mention their favorite character is the dog, Garth.

"Because this novel built on the first one, the characters were further developed. It was a very fast read...." Read more

"...You may just learn something while enjoying a great story and wonderful characters. Does it get any better than that?..." Read more

"I loved the characters and the story so full of trump and hope. The perspective of Garth is wonderful! Read them all!" Read more

"...I enjoyed the story and the characters." Read more

Great
5 out of 5 stars
Great
A +++ recommend this seller! First item arrived damaged and seller sent replacement quickly.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Patricia Yager Delagrange
    5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal Read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I had the privilege of reading THE UNEXPECTED PATH as an ARC reader for Barbara Hinske. I loved this book for many reasons. The fact that dogs are featured is always a plus in my mind but most of all, it was fabulous to learn about the life of a woman with sight problems from both her point of view as well as her guide dog’s POV. I never knew anything about guide dogs or people with seeing problems and the author showed not only how independent a person can be, but also how helpful a guide dog is in performing the duties of a companion. I also enjoyed the relationship between Emily and her husband Connor and how difficult it can be when there are problems in a marriage that one would never expect that can break people apart and aren’t the typical ones usually written about in books these days. The author also writes about forgiveness between friends and the love between children and their caregivers who aren’t their parents. Thank you, Barbara, for another great novel and for allowing me to read your book before it officially came out.
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • just learning
    5.0 out of 5 stars leading a life of opportunity
    Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent story. Learning the rolls played by Garth in Emily’s life gives me new and understanding in the changes in my life with Sadie at my side. A service dog is life changing in so many ways.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Caliope
    4.0 out of 5 stars Better than Guiding Emily
    Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Because this novel built on the first one, the characters were further developed. It was a very fast read. Because I love animals, Garth is my favorite character. In my mind's eye I can see his facial expressions which are nicely described.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • George E.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Charming Story, Plus a Couple of Twists
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Once again Barbara Hinske masterfully constructs a positive story filled with (mostly) good and happy people. Even the jerk in the previous book in this series turns out to be not so bad after all. According to the story, anyway. (I still think he’s a jerk.)

    I should be upset by what happened to Dhruv, getting passed off to Emily’s wingman (wingwoman?). But I must admit, the same thing happened to my wife, and that worked out pretty well for us (3 + 54 years and counting!). And Dhruv is not the only one, it seems. Trust Ms. Hinske to make all things work out for the good.

    There’s an element to the story that is intriguing in a different way, for me, anyway. Hinske’s stories are often in small towns where everyone knows each other, most everyone is community-centered, and most everyone is churched and basically nice people.

    The Unexpected Path is not like that. The story is set in a large metropolitan city. The people the story’s characters know are co-workers, mom and two neighbors in another town, and a recent school mate. These characters don’t just settle down and live happily ever after. There is no community centering them. In this world of endless opportunities of all sorts, the people of The Unexpected Path are pulled in different and conflicting directions by events, careers, and competing loyalties. And these characters are both capable of achieving and capable of being independent. Do the centrifugal forces of opportunities prove stronger than the centripetal force of community? This is a different type of tale for Hinske, yet she still pulls it off masterfully as always.
    6 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Nancy Palmateer(Sun City Center, FL)
    5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely a Winner!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    It is no surprise that Barbara Hinske has another hit novel in "The Unexpected Path". This sequel to "Guiding Emily" is another heartfelt and touching story of Emily Main as she continues her journey. Previously blinded by a tragic accident on her honeymoon, Emily continues to develop her skills on her return to a full life while surmounting obstacles along the way. In "Guiding Emily" she and her husband became estranged. He returns from an overseas position to try to win her back. Will they get back together? What other challenges will Emily encounter and how will she fare?

    Ms. Hinske continues to educate the reader by allowing us a view into the world of the blind - to the problems, challenges, and capabilities of the blind individual. So many that one would not otherwise be aware of. It is wonderful to further learn what a normal and fulfilling life they can live. We see much of Emily's world through the eyes of Garth, her guide dog, and this perspective allows one to see how well-trained these dogs are and how much effort has gone into this training.

    Treat yourself to another great read by Ms. Hinske.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Judy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Life
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I love Garth so much. I love hearing what he is thinking. He has made me laugh out loud. I have known seeing eye dogs, and I’m sure this is spot on. This series is so awesome. You may just learn something while enjoying a great story and wonderful characters. Does it get any better than that? I really can’t decide on my favorite character. Emily is so strong, caring and independent. Zoe is so smart and has been through so much, and she handles it all with grace. Dhruv is so special. Emily has been so lucky to have him in her life. I can’t wait to see what is in store next for Emily and Garth.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Lori
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful series!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I am thoroughly enjoying this series for many reasons! I love how it teaches us more about how those that are blind navigate their world in ways I never knew. In this book it shows her bravery and determination and it is so inspiring.
    I also love the fact that there are several storylines in 1 book! I can’t wait to start the next book!
    This is a great book but a wonderful author!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Gema
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Unexpected Path by Barbara Hinske
    Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I am enjoying Ms. Hinske's books and look gratefully to Book 3 of this series. Won't you join me? You won't be disappointed! Gema
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Lynn Elder
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent sequel!
    Reviewed in Canada on November 21, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this sequel to the first book. Looking forward to the continuation of Emily’s story in the future.
    Report
  • Kathy
    4.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable read.
    Reviewed in Canada on October 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I'm really enjoying the Guiding Emily Series. They're interesting, informative (in how blind people navigate the world). The chapters from Garth's (Emily's dog) perspective are an interesting touch. I plan on continuing through the series. **Note-if you've seen the movie be prepared for MANY differences. The movie production took a lot of liberties in their re-creation!
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report