I love this book. 

 

Why do I love this book? Well, the top reason is the dialogue. It goes beyond the usual flirty banter. It is great among all the characters and brings them to life. It is this endearing, funny, heartfelt back and forth between all characters. It made what they were experiencing and who they were so vivid in my head. 

 

The book is a bit of a cozy read. You follow this cast of characters on an actual journey, and they encounter problems along the way. 

 

Halla is a fantastic FMC. For one, she is in her late 30s, which I greatly appreciate. She is quirky and witty and uses her observations to get the upper hand. And her relationship with Sarkis - swoon! It is a slow burn at its finest. And since you have both their point of views, it is so great to follow along. 

 

Now, I have to mention my favorite trope: found family. And, of course, it is in this little gem. Halla is without family because her relatives are horrible, but through this journey, she forms one! It is a family with its protector and grump in Sarkis, a soulmate of a friend in Zale, and a voice of reason in the gnome who protects no one but his slow-moving ox. 

 

The only downside is that it has a slow start. There is a bit of setting the stage and understanding why this journey must begin. But the story picks up when they hit the road and never lets up. I was with it until the last page. 

 

It’s such a great book for the first read of the year!