Rules of the Road takes place in Gladstone's Shoe Stores in cities between Chicago and Dallas as Jenna, Mrs. Gladstone, and finally, Alice Lovett travel together. Jenna is behind the wheel of Mrs. Gladstone's big Cadillac where much of her thinking takes place. She compares the rules of the road with the rules of life as she gains insight into who she is. The story begins in Chicago at Gladstone's Shoe Store and ends in Chicago at the Rookery of the Lincoln Park Zoo where she meets her father.

Rules of the Road is a contemporary story about a young girl facing adversity. Through determination and encouragement from her employer, she gains the upper hand on that adversity, deeming herself a true survivor.