Chasing Dust: An escapist romance for readers who love a great plot

by Dani Keen

Cali Clarke is a successful product designer in San Francisco, who lives for work and happy hours with her best friend, or at least she did until her mother’s unexpected passing. Since then, nothing feels quite right. But when her efforts to settle her mother’s estate reveal a secret house in New Mexico, Cali finds herself with pressing questions. Knowing her only hope for answers is in that house, she drops everything to go.

The high desert is a complete change of pace, forcing Cali to down-shift from incessant emails to watching literal paint dry. It’s almost bearable, until she unearths her mother’s journal from thirty years prior. With answers about the past so close, Cali has to decide if the glimpses into her mother’s life are worth the pain they stir up in her own.

Cali's only reprieve comes from befriending a vivacious local coffee shop owner and the handsome and hopefully single bartender down the road. But when hidden family secrets surface, Cali discovers her own life isn’t as black and white as she thought.

With her friendships and career on the line, can Cali make peace with her past before she destroys her future?

For lovers of Emily Henry, Katherine Center and Jenny Colgan, Chasing Dust is a funny and heartfelt story of finding home where you least expect it. These pages will transport you through food, culture, and history into the beauty of the American Southwest.

422 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2023

About the author

Dani Keen is an contemporary fiction author who writes witty stories full of romance, wanderlust and creating your own happily ever after.

Dani loves hearing from other readers, writers, and creatives. Connect with her through her substack, Keen Musings (danikeen.substack.com), where she chats about the wild and wonderful process of creating.

Reviews

[Madeline Voight · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the honor to read this as an ARC book. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy! We begin with Cali, an ambitious millennial who has spent the last several years putting her career first. She is now forced to take a different look at her life as she is grieving the unexpected loss of her mother. Due to the sudden loss, she feels like she’s left with unanswered questions about her mom’s life. While sorting out the estate, she finds a key to a home in New Mexico that belonged to Lyla (her mom). She decides to travel to Taos in the hope of discovering more about Lyla’s life before Cali came along. I appreciated the mother-daughter storyline being told through 2 timelines. The author does a wonderful job at describing Taos. I felt like I was there alongside Cali and Lyla. Things I wish the author did a bit differently: speed up the dialogue. There were times I felt myself skimming to get to the next plot point. Focus on the main theme of the book a bit more. While the main theme was Cali and Lyla’s relationship, we also found ourselves in a romance, friendship quarrels, a tug of war with work-life-balance. While that is true to how life works, there were times where I felt the other themes distracted me from the main storyline.
All in all, it was an interesting and descriptive debut novel! I look forward to read the upcoming books in the companion series following the connected lives of 6 women!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved this beautiful heartfelt story of finding your inner self.
Cali is a character that you'll immediately fall in love with and her story will not let you go until you are finished. I simply couldn't put this story down! I devoured it all in one day.
I especially loved my visit to Taos a place I've never been. The descriptions were so wonderful that I felt like I was there.
I loved it all! Family dynamics, Secrets and romance? Goodness what a wonderful combination!
Here's a quote that hit me like a brick wall so hard it knocked me down because it speaks volumes.

"Life rarely is happy endings. But at least it is real

It shows that even though you thought you knew someone when in truth you don't. I definitely can relate to this.
People will only show you what they want you to see of themselves when they want to.
I really like this new to me author and I hope they'll be more books by her if there's not already
5 stars for a job well done and for keeping my interest. I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Mia Reads Romance]

I really wanted to like this one. It has great reviews and I haven’t read much romance set in the southwest particularly in small towns. However, I just couldn’t get into it. I ended up giving up around 30%. It was well written but I think I wanted more small town fix up a house and this was more focused on family discovery. I was looking for Fix It Up and this was One Italian Summer instead. That's by no means a negative as many readers adored One Italian Summer but it didn't work for me. One Italian summer had similar vibes of a daughter learning about her mother after death, so I think it would be perfect for fans of that one. I did adore the descriptions of Taos and it's individual characteristics. Another thing that made this not idea for me is I tend to prefer a book that jumps into the action quickly especially the romance. At 30% I believe we had only met the love interest once. However, for readers who want an element of romance without it being the main focus this one would be great.

Thanks to Netgalley and Paper moth publishing for the opportunity to read this one. All opinions are my own.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite read of the year! This story follows Cali as she explores a charming desert town hunting for clues about her late mother’s secret life. Dani tells such a charming story- I found myself completely lost in the charm of the town, the spirit of the characters and the intrigue of the story. I could hardly put the book down and read it in one sitting. It’s a comforting, cozy read that you won’t want to set down. The only thing I can say is prepare to get the travel bug when you’re reading because you WILL want to catch a flight immediately 💭🌵

[Lavina H · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are not wrong; Dani Keen definitely writes novels that feel like a vacation. This book was so beautifully written that everything felt so real. The author did a great job at making me feel what Cali felt, in a deeper way than I can describe. She was so relatable as a woman thriving in her own life in a big city, in the corporate world, and having achieved the corporate success. To have all of that questioned when she finds her mother's mystery that she feels the need to solve, this book delicately and eloquently combines the themes of mystery, family, and romance in a way that felt like a vacation. This novel had me tear up in many parts of the book. This book is a definite must read and I cannot wait for the next books in this series.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW.

Cali and Lyla's story sucked me right in and took me to a town I'd never heard of, but now desperately want to visit! Dani Keen's story really did feel like a vacation...one with turbulent emotions, discovery, ups and downs, new friends and new loves. What I found myself clinging to was the frayed relationship between a daughter and her late mother and as we got to dive into each of their stories, I couldn't tear myself away. Cali herself is a dynamic character, but throw in a mother who you feel like you barely know and a mystery to unravel, rooting, cheering for and crying with Cali becomes so natural.

What I loved even more that the character arcs in this novel was how Dani brought the setting of Taos, New Mexico to life. The colors of the mountains, the smell of the coffee and conchas inside a cafe, the tastes of authentic Mexican cuisine, the places Cali and Lyla each visit...I was enveloped by the beauty of a small desert town that I never knew existed.

Cannot wait to read Chasing Dust again, and all of Dani Keen's future work!

[Madison Ickes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting of this book was fabulous. The imagery created did remind me of what Jenny Colgan does for Scotland, but in the desert.
For me there was a lot of talking about native Mexican people, and I think some of it fit the story and some was too much. And this is coming from someone whose family is Mexican, and most of them are still living in New Mexico. I liked the shoutout but it felt too forced maybe?
Regardless, a lovely book.

[LetyM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Being from the Southwest, I could relate to a lot of this book. I live further south of Taos so the Mexican influence is very prominent. Most of us are descendants from our Mexican ancestors and therefore many of us are bilingual. I could totally relate to Alex's family and fiestas that they had, especially for birthdays. The food is pretty amazing. New Mexican food is a little different from the typical Mexican cuisine, in a better sense. NM food is much tastier because of the chilis that are native to the region, in my humble opinion. There no Tex-Mex yuk there for sure. Unfortunately, for many of us many of our relatives have passed on but the general sense of our get togethers have the same vibe.

That being said I totally agree with the book's premise. The area draws you in and you cannot help but fall in love with it. You would think, it's the desert, but believe it or not there is abundant beauty in the desert and of course the mountains. Cali's story is so sad in that, of course she lost both her parents and is seemingly lost in the world after finding out her mother's secret home in NM. She can't help but follow her instincts to unlock the mastery that was her mother. From her mother's journal she literally finds out her mother was not the same person that she knew. She also finds the dates of the journal suspiciously questions who her real father is. Her mother was an artist, a lively, happy and independent person who loved and enjoyed life to its fullest. She fell in love with Jamie and was ready to show case her art when she was ripped from the life she had by her alcoholic mother. Finding out she had also lost her brother, a doctor helping villagers in Mexico, was a devastation Lyla was not ready for. Lyla's mother found out where she was from the belongings that were returned from her brother. The journal abruptly ends on the day before she was to showcase her art for that reason. And the mystery of her parentage continues. Now she must track down Jamie to unravel the rest of the mystery that was her mother. I don't want to spoil the book so you must read it to find out who was in fact Cali's father. Called finds Alex and his sister Lena support her through this journey. It is filled with heartache but in the end it is a great HEA. Trust me it will be worth it.

I really don't understand why her mother, Lyla, did not try to communicate with Cali. It would have been so easy to take her into the fold of her love even though Cali was closer to her father. Lyla was somewhat unhappy because she didn't marry the person that she loved and wanted to share the rest of her life with so she lived a lonely life. At least that is my take.
I highly recommend the book. If you like to travel and live vicariously through your reads. this is the book for you. You can literally feel the vibrancy of Taos and it's people and heritage. The colors of the sunset on the mountains, the amazing tacos of different kinds (my mouth was watering), the vibrancy of the Native, Mexican and Spanish clothing, pottery, blankets and just way of life brings joy to the heart. The Big Fiesta is coming up in July of this year and we are planning a trip to see all the wonderful places Lyla and Cali experienced while there. Can't wait!!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Dust is a story that was just a bit outside of my typical realm of romance, but I was very intrigued about the storyline and wanted to give it a try!

Cali is a product designer living in San Francisco. She lost her father when she was a teenager and then just recently lost her mother in a car crash, leaving her without any biological family. As she's going through the process of clearing out her mom's house and settling the estate, she founds out about a house in New Mexico that her mom had owned for 30 years and never told anyone about. Despite her strained relationship with her mom, Cali has been flailing in the month since losing her and feels like she HAS to go see this house. She heads out with her dog Otis to NM, putting her job in San Francision at risk, and dives into learning more about her mom. She finds a journal of her mom's from the time when she bought the house and begins working her way through it. She also starts fixing up the house so she can sell it. Along the way she meets Lena, a coffee shop owner, and Alex, a bartender. Her relationships with both of them continue to develop as she learns more about her mother and the people she knew when she first moved to New Mexico.

I enjoyed the setting of the book and got wrapped up in the family mystery. At one point I found myself trying to google the names in the book like they were real people to see if I could solve the mystery myself! I also really enjoyed reading about Alex and Cali's art adventures! It was really interesting to learn more about the culture of the Southwest since I've never been there myself.

There was an open door romance throughout the story but ultimately the story was focused on Cali learning about her past to learn more about her present and set a path for her future. I'm looking forward to reading more books from this universe in the future!

[Beth Standring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Honestly that's the first word that came to my mind whilst reading this book.

Dani Keen has written the perfect romance book that doesn't just focus on the relationship, but puts a focus on Cali's journey into finding answers & growing in the time she spends in Taos. Not only is this book an absolute page turner, but it also importantly take a look into the culture & history of New Mexico itself.

I now myself want to visit the business' and people that don't exist, go window shopping for numerous jars of chilli jam & woven blankets. I love the details into the many festivals, markets and farmers markets that puts a magnifying glass on the homemade ethos.

The writing in this book is beautiful and also takes a look at daily anxieties and the inner feelings of someone who is struggling. Although the book keeps it light, it was important to look at Cali's struggles considering how much she's lost and what she has been through before.

Not only that but the writing about Otis truly had me smiling.

This book is full of second chances, getting answers and learning to let yourself free.

Thank you to Dani Keen, Paper Moth Publishing & Net Galley for the ARC.

I'll be keeping my eyes out for the next book in the 6 degrees series.

[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Dust by Dani Keen (@onekeencreative) is a beautiful journey of self-discovery, found family, and secrets. This small-town romance dives into the characters’ individual struggles and decisions that take their lives in unexpected directions.

The main character Cali, while grieving the death of her mother, discovers the keys to a house she knows nothing about. Her life is crumbling around her, which leads to an unexpected trip to this small town. In seeking to know her mother better, she learns more about herself and what she wants in her life.

I also love how Cali is introduced and explores cultures that are not familiar to her. I am a Northwest Native American and I appreciated how the Southwest Native American experience was mentioned and respected. A bigger piece of culture that Cali explores is the Mexican influences on New Mexican life. There is a beautiful mixture of art and music from traditional backgrounds that all come together in New Mexico.

This book was so enjoyable to read, and I feel deeply connected to the characters. Very few romances and contemporary pieces speak to me, but this was one of my top contemporary reads of the year! Five out of five stars, I highly recommend you pick this book up!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Dust is a debut novel by Dani Keen. Kudos on such a well written novel!

Cali's father had cancer and passed away and then her mother died unexpectedly a while later. In cleaning out her mothers home, Cali finds a key to a home in Taos, NM that she never new existed. So ... well ... who wouldn't want to investigate the windfall of a home?

Cali can be flawed at times, but I was really drawn into the story and I loved how her mother's journal complimented Cali's journey.

Additional kudos to Dani Keen who also created the beautiful cover for her novel!

Thank you to NetGalley (for yet once again) introducing me to a new-to-me author! Thank you to NetGalley and Paper Moth Publishing for providing the Advance Read Copy in exchange for an honest review

At about 30-50%, I was thinking I would probably rate it around 4 stars, but after 50-75% I had decided that I would round up to 5 stars. There was a little glitch with NetGalley and I thought that my ARC disappeared before I could finish the last 40 pages. Man was I distraught! But I ended up figuring out. :)

Evidently Chasing Dust is the first in a companion series. I'm not a huge fan of series, but I'd definitely read another book by Dani Keen.

[Cara Neitzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked on Cali and Lyla's story pretty much immediately after starting this book. I love a good mother/daughter arc and the author did this in a way that felt SO real, with ups and downs and finally closing it out in a way that felt both satisfying and true. The author describes the location- Taos, New Mexico- in such a vibrant way that I felt as if it were a character all it's own! The history of the town and it's people was weaved masterfully into the story. The use of Lyla's journal kept me turning the pages well into the night, when I probably should have been sleeping ;) And this is a bit of a SPOILER ALERT...but I have to mention that Cali and Alex's sex scene was possibly my favorite of any I've ever read- zero cringe words, it just read so naturally and beautifully! Loved it...I might go read it again now!

[Carolina Nuñez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Dust is a great read - it captivates you at such a human personal level. I saw myself in Cali as a person who is looking for answers that will help her define who she is, what she wants and the person she didn’t know she could become. We have all questioned our motives and purpose in life, and sometime the only answer is turning your world upside down, which is exactly what the author Dani Keen showed through Cali. The different levels and contrasts of relationships relied on how well the characters were developed. The way that Taos was described became so vivid, it felt like I was there - and now I just want to live there! It is a sweet portrayal of how everything happens for a reason and works out for the best, even if it hurts along the way. It’s a book that hugged my heart.

[L. Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

What a beautiful story!

I loved mixing the present day with the journal and then the mystery that surrounded the journal. It was so well done!!

Cali is an instantly likeable character. While the book is based around the tragedy of losing her mother suddenly, it really is a story of resilience, strength, and finding yourself.

Cali goes to Taos and truly finds herself. I’m between whether this book is gen fic or romance. Light spoiler: there is an HEA. However, the whole point of the story is not Alex and Cali’s developing relationship, but how Cali deals with all she learns in Taos and how that dictates her life. Regardless of what genre it is, it’s simply an amazing well thought out story!

I highly recommend this book!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani Keen’s first novel is a heartfelt story about family and home. Characters Cali and Lyla are both searching for a place to belong and be seen as wholly themselves and they find it in the desert. The supporting characters who help Lyla and Cali bloom are just as well developed. The places, history, food, and people come alive on the page. I was often surprised when I looked up to discover I was not really in New Mexico. The story is compelling, the dialogue smart, and the theme of coming home left me in tears — the good kind. Pour a Paloma and settle in for an amazing story about love in all its forms.

[Maria Jeleniewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

After months of feeling like I was in a “book desert”, Chasing Dust was such a refreshing read. Dani wastes no time getting into this incredible story about a girl who embarks on a journey to find answers about her family. I was immediately engaged after the first few pages. It was the perfect amount of adventure, romance, culture, and self discovery. I enjoyed how light and easy it was to get into while still being emotionally drawn to the characters and setting. I definitely shed a few tears by the end! I think a trip to Taos is on the horizon for 2024. I can’t wait to read more books by this author!

[Aleisha McKeeby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Dust is a story with depth that draws you in. It connects you to the characters in a way that leaves you wanting to turn more pages to get to know them. I loved this story and the mystery of Cali’s mother’s past. I can’t wait for you to meet Alex, Lyla, Cali, Lena, and my favorite character, Otis!!!

I would highly recommend picking up a copy of Chasing Dust and being swept away on a journey that truly feels like you’ve traveled somewhere and have jumped into the culture, food, architecture, landscape, and history. An amazing story and wonderful read.

[Meagan Sorensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Chasing Dust. The author, Dani Keen's descriptions allow your mind to visualize each location as if you are there yourself on vacation. I loved that the main character is a young woman that is discovering herself and realizing the true importance of life, after the unfortunate death of her mother. Not only does this novel include touches of romance, but most importantly reminds you of the true meaning of family, friendship, and being true to one's self. Wonderful first read of this series!

[Dana Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so captivated reading Chasing Dust. I didn't want to put it down. But that thing called life got in the way. I couldn't wait to get back to it. I am so happy it is a series of books. This is her calling. Dani is very talented and an inspiration to many. I have always said I live my life vicariously through her. She is doing all the things I wanted to do in life. I am so proud of her for chasing her dream. I am also proud to call her family. I Love you Dani!

Dana Keen

[Anna Grace Paulovkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was sad to read that she didn’t have a great relationship with her mom while she was alive but throughout the book it was beautiful how her love and respect for her Mom grew. Her story with Alex was also great and I loved that he was the artist! The end of the book was wonderful.

[Michelle Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book took a little bit to get into the goodness of the mystery of who Cali’s mom was as a young woman, the history, food descriptions, landscape descriptions and details painted a beautiful picture of Taos. It helped you actually picture the location and feel more connected to it. Not only that, but I enjoy history, so having characters that brought joy and excitement of their history, town and culture makes you feel as though you’re more connected to them.

I loved the dynamic of the characters and how they all played into each other. Cali, a hardworking and non adventurous young woman, loses her mother to a car wreck and her father to cancer. She finds a key to home in Taos that was her mom’s and she does the unthinkable; she decides to drive there to find out what it’s all about. She meets Lena, a vibrant and feisty barista and Alex, the quiet and reserved sexy bartender. They show her around the town and teach her about their culture as she continues to unpack the pieces of her mom’s past.

In the end, this book was about following your heart and writing your own story. It was a feel good story filled with sadness, guilt, humor, mental challenges and love!

Overall, this book is wonderful and I can’t wait to read the next one in this series!

Thank you Net Galley, Paper Moth Publishing and author Dani Keen for gifting this ARC for an honest review in return.

[Fc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. Hard to get into initially but then it really got going. Not the typical thing I would read but I’m glad I did. I loved following the story of cali as she found out more about her mother with whom she didn’t have the best relationship. I love how it was focused more on her family and mom’s past rather than her new relationship with Alex. I also loved the incorporation of Latin culture and Spanish

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Dust is an adventurous journey of self discovery. I enjoyed the witty banter and natural dialogue. At times there is heavy subjects matter but never felt dark. I loved exploring Taos along with Cali and her beefy tour guide. I’ve definitely added Taos to my travel list.

[Victoria Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that took me into a culture and region I knew very little about! A journey about finding out who you are while exploring where you came from and finding some love along the way. I loved it!

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the death of her mother Cali finds out that she lived a life before Cali was born that she knows nothing about. What she finds out will change her life. Wonderful book.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani Keen is an Excellent New Author!!! I love her heartfelt character development, and her historical/cultural imputes. It’s a book that’s hard to put down, it keeps calling you back!

[Noemi Lenart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything. I cried so much. All the loss, the grief, the loneliness, dealing with difficult family situations - I could feel all of it. Cali was hit hard by life and she needed to get back up on her feet. She needed to find her people which she did in Taos along with finding love. It was great reading about Cali’s journey even it was sometimes heartbreaking. Also, respect for Dani Keen for shedding light on those parts of history that were victims of white-washing; they are important, too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of the book.

[Dana Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read! You really captured Alex!

[Odeliz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute story! Loved that it was about self and family discovery. Appreciated the cultural inclusions and “lessons” in southwest history. Really cute!