jenna_cross's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderful story! I could relate to Helen very much. I'm so glad she finally let down her defenses. I'm also glad she was a worrier and took notes on all the "what ifs" of being in the wilderness because they sure came in handy.
eggletv's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fun book. I’d be interested in reading other books by this author.
ondbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
readingthroughnaptime's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
courtthebookgirl's review against another edition
4.0
I'll admit, I'm a sucker for a good rom-com type of novel and for anything about hiking and the wilderness. This book is essentially Cheryl Stayed's "Wild" meets my favorite mindless movie, "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days." I absolutely loved it. I read it over the course of a cross-country flight and found myself totally immersed. I don't know why I waited so long to read this one, but Katherine Center is rapidly emerging as a favorite author! If you love hiking and rom-coms like I do, this is a must-read.
juliescalzo's review against another edition
5.0
This book was good for my soul ❤️❤️. I think I need to read everything Katherine Center writes now.
deedalee's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
fieberali's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. This was the epitome of a feel-good story! For readers looking for an uplifting, solid story, this one is for you.
Synopsis: A year after her divorce, Helen decides to sign up for a wilderness adventure trip in Wyoming. To her surprise, her brother's best friend, Jake, is also signed up for the trip. Unbeknownst to her, Jake has had a crush on Helen, ever since they met at her wedding. The rest of the story is about self-discovery, the power of the wilderness, and an age-gap/enemies (ish) to lovers romance.
Thoughts: This was a really sweet and heart-warming book. Yes, there is romance involved, but really I would consider this to be a book about personal-discovery and finding strength in oneself. It made for an easy listen, and many readers would enjoy. Put it on your TBR list ASAP!
Synopsis: A year after her divorce, Helen decides to sign up for a wilderness adventure trip in Wyoming. To her surprise, her brother's best friend, Jake, is also signed up for the trip. Unbeknownst to her, Jake has had a crush on Helen, ever since they met at her wedding. The rest of the story is about self-discovery, the power of the wilderness, and an age-gap/enemies (ish) to lovers romance.
Thoughts: This was a really sweet and heart-warming book. Yes, there is romance involved, but really I would consider this to be a book about personal-discovery and finding strength in oneself. It made for an easy listen, and many readers would enjoy. Put it on your TBR list ASAP!
reading_rainy's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it, but overall it felt a little juvenile. I thought this was going to be a monstrous hike that would be life-changing for Helen. With lots of inner growth work, and possibly some emotional break-downs. Ya know, like you do when you’ve endured something incredibly painful and come out the other side?
We know that she lost but there was literally nothing about her personal growth in dealing deeply with those things. She does come to terms with something from her childhood, but it was glossed over quickly. There is an age gap, the H is 22 and the h is 32. He’s been
It read very much like a light beach-y, no-real-depth-chic-lit-novel. Nothing wrong with those, but I was in the mood for something richer in terms of character growth.
There were some funny bits and I really liked the Harold and Maude reference. Speaking of grandmas. Helen’s GiGi was my favorite character.
We know that she lost
Spoiler
her unborn child and divorced her husband a year agoSpoiler
in love with her for over 6 years. First saw her on her wedding day when he was 16.It read very much like a light beach-y, no-real-depth-chic-lit-novel. Nothing wrong with those, but I was in the mood for something richer in terms of character growth.
“Getting what you want doesn't make you happy... Having doesn't make you happy: appreciating does; Happiness is more about appreciation than acquisition.”Zero steam. I think the H made out with every girl on the hike, another reason this story felt juvenile.
There were some funny bits and I really liked the Harold and Maude reference. Speaking of grandmas. Helen’s GiGi was my favorite character.
“I’m making decaf. Come join me and I’ll tell you all about my x-rated book club.”
“You’re in an x-rated book club?” Jake asked.
Gigi paused by the door and gave us a naughty wink. “I’m the youngest member - at eighty-six. We’ve got to find some reason to stay alive.”
kle105's review against another edition
5.0
This book had me in tears multiple times, and for me that is the sign of a great read. I felt for Helen who was starting over after her divorce, feeling adrift she is doing a wilderness survival trip, spending three weeks to try and find her purpose. She wasn't expecting her ten year younger brother's best friend Jake was also going to be on the trip. When he confesses that he had a crush on her it throws her.
Helen at first feels alienated from the younger group of frat and sorority girls. She is slower than most of the group but she knows she is determined to finish. With the leader of the trip constantly making an example out of her she is feeling defeated. She is fighting her feelings for Jake who seems to be fitting right in, and thriving. She does find her strengths and becomes a bit of a leader.
I loved that they finally figured it out, and found their happily ever after.
Helen at first feels alienated from the younger group of frat and sorority girls. She is slower than most of the group but she knows she is determined to finish. With the leader of the trip constantly making an example out of her she is feeling defeated. She is fighting her feelings for Jake who seems to be fitting right in, and thriving. She does find her strengths and becomes a bit of a leader.
I loved that they finally figured it out, and found their happily ever after.