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A review by swooningandstepbacks
Wherever the Wind Takes Us by Kelly Harms
4.0
4.5 stars This book read as a cross between Trish Doller’s Float Plan and Robinne Lee’s The Idea of You and I loved every minute of it. As a newly divorced 42 year old, Rebecca Ann, has never lived on her own or really lived outside of the wealthy bubble her life provided. But set free with literally nothing to her name except for a fancy sailboat she receives as a settlement, she plans to set sail with her college-aged daughter and sell the boat to a wealthy investor. Only problem? Becca doesn’t sail and the boat has to get to Miami from Maine within 3 weeks.
This book primarily was about the growth of Becca as she tries to navigate life “after” divorce. Marrying Alistair Larkin (known for his family’s defense of famous sleezeballs), having a child young and being provided for her entire life has left her insecure and unsure about her self-worth, her wants, and desires. I loved that the protagonist was close to my age and could feel both old and young at the same time, clearly needing a life change after staying in a dead marriage 10 years beyond what she should have. And Becca instantly being attracted to a younger marina/dock worker seems completely fitting since the idea of sex has not even been on the table in years. As Becca and Liv (her daughter) set off for their mother-daughter adventure, it becomes clear that maybe the trip isn’t all they had hoped for and that perhaps it will take the help of someone with more experience to get this duo down to Miami. Becca begins to see her relationship with Liv change and she is able to process and separate her roles of mother, friend, and wife, sometimes not without heartache. I loved the sailing references and even though many times had no clue what was being described on the boat, felt that I was along for the ride with Becca, literally learning the ropes along with her. And let’s talk about Grant. 26, unbelievably hot, and a hard worker to boot. He is exactly what Becca never imagined for herself, but quite possibly exactly what she needs. Grant allows her to be her best self and he encourages Becca, teaches her, and is gentle with her feelings, but is also honest and completely open with her. I think it’s under this time with Grant that Becca begins to imagine for herself what she actually wants out of life regardless of any prior notions of what a 42 year old should be doing with her self. Although I had some ideas about the ending, it is so perfect and really explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. Every woman married, single, or divorced who feels past her prime or like life has passed her by should read this book. It is invigorating and a perfect fantasy for the questions about “what else is out there” beyond your current life. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book primarily was about the growth of Becca as she tries to navigate life “after” divorce. Marrying Alistair Larkin (known for his family’s defense of famous sleezeballs), having a child young and being provided for her entire life has left her insecure and unsure about her self-worth, her wants, and desires. I loved that the protagonist was close to my age and could feel both old and young at the same time, clearly needing a life change after staying in a dead marriage 10 years beyond what she should have. And Becca instantly being attracted to a younger marina/dock worker seems completely fitting since the idea of sex has not even been on the table in years. As Becca and Liv (her daughter) set off for their mother-daughter adventure, it becomes clear that maybe the trip isn’t all they had hoped for and that perhaps it will take the help of someone with more experience to get this duo down to Miami. Becca begins to see her relationship with Liv change and she is able to process and separate her roles of mother, friend, and wife, sometimes not without heartache. I loved the sailing references and even though many times had no clue what was being described on the boat, felt that I was along for the ride with Becca, literally learning the ropes along with her. And let’s talk about Grant. 26, unbelievably hot, and a hard worker to boot. He is exactly what Becca never imagined for herself, but quite possibly exactly what she needs. Grant allows her to be her best self and he encourages Becca, teaches her, and is gentle with her feelings, but is also honest and completely open with her. I think it’s under this time with Grant that Becca begins to imagine for herself what she actually wants out of life regardless of any prior notions of what a 42 year old should be doing with her self. Although I had some ideas about the ending, it is so perfect and really explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. Every woman married, single, or divorced who feels past her prime or like life has passed her by should read this book. It is invigorating and a perfect fantasy for the questions about “what else is out there” beyond your current life. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.