2*
Sous chef and perfectionist Rosie’s world is rocked when her cheating husband announces (on her birthday) that their marriage is over. He accuses her of lacking spontaneity, so her drunken reaction is to blow her life savings on a vintage pink van (RV/food truck). Eager to leave the pressure and gossip behind, she joins the Van Lifers forum, meets Oliver who suggests she follow the festival circuit, and hits the road. As she travels the UK, dispensing her tea blends and comfort food, she finds friendship with Aria (a fellow wounded soul), a potential love interest in Max, and a colorful cast of characters who sell everything from dreamcatchers to porcelain teapots. The journey is more than miles, though – it’s also about self-discovery and self-esteem building, forgiving herself, and letting go of her OCD tendencies so she can experience the joy she’s been missing. The question is whether she’ll be able to maintain this nomadic lifestyle or if she’ll go back to her well-laid plan for marriage, home, and kids.
This story starts strong with all of the familiar chick lit elements of broken marriages and cheating, life overhaul, and new romance but devolves into amateurish writing. Unfortunately, Rosie’s naivete concerning her online relationship with Oliver, combined with her willingness to believe the nasty and unsubstantiated rumors about Max, lead to a pseudo-love triangle that fails to engage the reader. Rosie treats Max shabbily, even within the bounds of platonic friendship, so the ending seems rushed and rather improbable. The entire premise of being able to set up shop and sell food at major festivals without proper permits and expensive reservations is implausible as well. Fans of Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley might enjoy the book, but it suffers in comparison. 2.5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HQ Digital through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This story starts strong with all of the familiar chick lit elements of broken marriages and cheating, life overhaul, and new romance but devolves into amateurish writing. Unfortunately, Rosie’s naivete concerning her online relationship with Oliver, combined with her willingness to believe the nasty and unsubstantiated rumors about Max, lead to a pseudo-love triangle that fails to engage the reader. Rosie treats Max shabbily, even within the bounds of platonic friendship, so the ending seems rushed and rather improbable. The entire premise of being able to set up shop and sell food at major festivals without proper permits and expensive reservations is implausible as well. Fans of Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley might enjoy the book, but it suffers in comparison. 2.5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HQ Digital through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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