by Barbara O’Neal
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Recently and abruptly divorced, Veronica Barrington is anxious for a new direction when she answers a listing for a travel companion. It’s from Mariah Ellsworth, a young woman adjusting to an injury that ended her Olympic career. She’s also grieving her mother, Rachel, a lauded food writer, and Mariah aims to trace the steps of her mother’s final, unfinished project so she can heal and also honor the woman she misses.
Veronica seizes on the opportunity to experience with Mariah the culture, traditions, and intoxicating aromas of Parsi cafés throughout London, Paris, Morocco, and India. Accompanied by a former war photographer who has a wounded history of his own, and with just Rachel’s letters to guide them, the quest is a chance to not only close a chapter in life but also begin a new one.
Following the letters one by one―each a clue to an illuminating mystery―Veronica and Mariah must face the painful and beautiful challenges of freeing themselves from the dark shadows of the past. Together, far from home, they can find the light.
- Publisher : Lake Union Publishing
- Publication date : July 29, 2025
- Print length : 377 pages
My Thoughts
The story follows Veronica and Mariah at pivotal moments in their lives. Recently divorced, Veronica faces spending the holidays alone while her children are with their father. Initially disappointed, she soon rethinks things and chooses to refocus on a new adventure. One as a companion to Mariah, a young lady who recently lost her mother. To make matters even worse, Mariah, a young woman whose Olympic dreams were shattered by injury. She is now seeking to honor her late mother by completing her mother’s unfinished project as a food writer. Her journey takes her across London, Paris, Morocco, and India. Veronica plans to serve as Mariah’s companion on this trip.
Veronica and Mariah
The dynamic between Veronica and Mariah is central to the narrative. Their relationship is one of mutual support and growth. Veronica needs a break from her routine, while Mariah requires assistance on her travels. Together, they embark on a journey focused on personal healing and cultural exploration.
Despite the compelling premise, the book falls short in fully developing their relationship. While moments capture the essence of their bond, they aren’t explored deeply enough to resonate strongly with me.
Veronica and Her Children
One of the weaker aspects is the underdeveloped relationship between Veronica and her children. The narrative misses an opportunity to explore the complexities of a post-divorce family dynamic, which could have added depth and emotional resonance to Veronica’s character and storyline.
Travel and Exploration
The travel aspect is initially engaging, offering vivid descriptions of diverse cultures and cuisines. However, as the story progresses, it becomes predictable, losing the sense of adventure and surprise expected from such a journey.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the book is an intriguing read with a promising premise, but it fails to fully deliver on its potential. While Veronica and Mariah’s journey is heartfelt, the story suffers from underdeveloped relationships and a predictable plot. The ending, in particular, feels unrealistic and detracts from the overall impact of the story. Nonetheless, it offers moments of enjoyment and insight, making it a decent read, but not a standout in its genre.
Last thought: the good in this story outweighed the things that concerned me. So, don’t overlook this book by Barbara O’Neal. And if you check the reviews, far more liked it than found concerns. However, I preferred her other books.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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