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It Started with Malaga: A memoir of Spanish travels
When Karen’s son, Johnny, invited her to tag along on his work trip to Malaga, she jumped at the chance. Little did she know that this cheery break from a long Washington winter would result in an adventure that would awaken her soul in ways she could not anticipate.
Follow Karen in her favorite blue jacket as she explores the city, makes new friends and falls deeper in love with Spain.
Fans of The Lonely Planet series, Bill Bryson and engaging travel memoirs will thoroughly enjoy this book.
"Karen O’Connor’s first travel book is a delight. It invites the reader to share her excitement, apprehension and complete fascination with the vibrant city of Malaga." Joan Fallon, author of Spanish Lavender.
More in Blue Jacket
BJT Book 2: Two Grandmas in Spain
BJT Book 3: Wildflower Days in Andalusia
More from Blue Jacket
Carrier to My Unexpected Path from Petty Officer to Professor
by James O'Connor
Follow Karen in her favorite blue jacket as she explores the city, makes new friends and falls deeper in love with Spain.
Fans of The Lonely Planet series, Bill Bryson and engaging travel memoirs will thoroughly enjoy this book.
"Karen O’Connor’s first travel book is a delight. It invites the reader to share her excitement, apprehension and complete fascination with the vibrant city of Malaga." Joan Fallon, author of Spanish Lavender.
More in Blue Jacket
BJT Book 2: Two Grandmas in Spain
BJT Book 3: Wildflower Days in Andalusia
More from Blue Jacket
Carrier to My Unexpected Path from Petty Officer to Professor
by James O'Connor
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 14, 2025
Being of a similar age and so with similar health issues, this author inspired me. She shares her fears and mishaps regarding traveling to another country with complete honesty and made me feel like I was right there with her. Her detailed explanations when things were starting to derail had me both commiserating and giggling. Although we’ve never met I feel that she gets me. I’ve heard through the grapevine there is more coming up and I can’t wait. Malaga sounds like my kind of city and since she’s teased a few stories from earlier in her life, I hope she has a number of books left in her!
January 8, 2026
This book is a great travel memoir. Karen O'Connor takes us to Malaga, Spain and shows us this nice city. We read about her experience there including several tours which she participated in and also a cooking class. Then she and her son, who was in Spain also on business, went to a day trip to Granada-Alhambra. And they return to US via Dublin, Ireland.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is very well written and I felt like being there with Karen. I immediately like Karen in her writing, she is a very nice person.
Spain is my favourite country and I was once in Malaga too. Now, after reading this book, I want to go there again. Can't wait to read the 2nd book in this great serie.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is very well written and I felt like being there with Karen. I immediately like Karen in her writing, she is a very nice person.
Spain is my favourite country and I was once in Malaga too. Now, after reading this book, I want to go there again. Can't wait to read the 2nd book in this great serie.
January 22, 2025
When Karen decided to join her son on a trip from America's north west, to Spain's Mediterranean coast, she didn't realize what she was beginning. She'd never even heard of Malaga, yet she was planning a week alone there while her son attended a conference down the coast in Marbella. Having only passed through Malaga (the airport and a jumping off point to Granada ), I now wish I'd visited it properly. Karen describes her plans for tours, trying to learn the language,and booking accommodation before she goes. Very sensible, I'd do the same if I was visiting a new country where I didn't speak the language. She beautifully describes her travels, down to the little details that make you feel you're there with her. Almost, but not a guidebook, it's too personal for that. I enjoyed traveling with her, and sympathized with the amount of steps she walked each day. I'm sure there will be a sequel, as she's already planning her next visit. I can't wait.
March 23, 2025
(free copy received from author) Multiple times while reading this book I had to stop and remind myself that the author was poised to celebrate her 69th birthday and then set an intention for being as active and adventure seeking when I placed that many candles on my own cake! Karen’s travel memoir is delightful. I love how she admits her nervous nelly belly churn when she worries about logistics and hypotheticals, then gives this feeling and other emotions comical nicknames throughout the story. As an introvert, I marveled at her ability to strike up conversations with random travelers, and those rich interactions caused me to consider stepping more out of my shell the next time I’m out and about. I’m not sure if I’ll ever travel to Spain, but I appreciated reading the author’s account of dating and subsequently falling in love with this country, and I can see the universal theme of taking a risk and becoming enamored with one’s new surroundings.
October 30, 2025
This is the first book in the Blue Jacket Travels series. When Karen’s son Johnny invited her to travel with him on a work trip to Malaga she decided to take the opportunity. Karen’s life changed significantly at this point and a whole new world opened up to her. It’s not just the discovery of Malaga with all it’s wonderful sights, but the writing notes every day that Karen turned into this first book and a life as an author. The detailed account of her first time in Malaga is an interesting and entertaining read. Highly recommend.
February 1, 2025
Fully enjoyed this book and her travels on her own and with her son.
Great insight to the area she travelled as well as hints on what to do if you should travel there in the future.
So wonderful to meet people on your travels . Also, don’t be afraid to do things on your own :)
Thanks for the recipes as well .
Great insight to the area she travelled as well as hints on what to do if you should travel there in the future.
So wonderful to meet people on your travels . Also, don’t be afraid to do things on your own :)
Thanks for the recipes as well .
January 8, 2025
What a great book about Karen’s trip to Malaga. She certainly made the place come alive in my imagination! I’m in awe of how many things she crammed into her week - must do better on my next trip away!
August 14, 2026
Who could get to the end of this book and not be lost in admiration? Hats off to Karen for her honesty, bravery, spirit of adventure, great sense of humour and unquenchable thirst for learning.
Although the three books in the series can be read as standalones, I recommend starting with this one which provides background information on the pre-Malaga Karen, her husband James, their families, and their work-in-progress house in a pine forest - information which puts into perspective the significance of the author’s journey.
We meet her in ‘post-pandemic post-retirement funk’, bingeing on Kindle Unlimited, schlepping round the house in pyjamas ‘that double as a tracksuit should the need arise to answer the door’ and worrying she’s become ‘unglued’.
Was this the woman who had lived in 30 places before the age of 21, brought up three children as a single Mum, enjoyed a fulfilling career which allowed her to travel widely and interact with others? As we can all attest, Covid did irreparable harm psychologically as well as physically. But add to that other factors in Karen’s particular story – a premature transition from work to retirement, a nasty brush with the Big C, tragic familial loss, and being forced to uproot from a much loved family home to a new place 1500 miles away - and you don’t have to be a therapist to ‘get’ those pyjamas, not to mention the evenings spent with husband James in the workshop, drinking tequila and sharing reminiscences.
Karen is one stubborn person. She doesn’t want to wallow in self-pity, just find the reset button, the way back to the old Karen…
And lo! It is February 29th 2024…Suddenly it’s like being in one of those movies (adapted perhaps from Karen’s book?) where an ordinary heroine is heading right for a Life Changing Event, this particular one being an invitation from son Johnny to spend a weekend in Malaga. Where? ‘All I knew about Malaga equalled the sum total of zero,’ she confesses. But never mind, a fuse has been lit, transforming Pyjama Karen into Demon Planner, wielding i-Phone and i-Pad and a list of Apps and devices worthy of the Secretary of the Royal Household organising a State Visit. There’s the compression boxes, Air Tag, Noise Cancelling Airpods, there’s WhatsApp (got that one), the Find Me App, and most importantly the TripApp, which not only keeps track of every event on her schedule but all the stuff that goes with it – booking references, emails, receipts -and the antidote to the agony of endless museum queues – Skip the Line Tours! Forthcoming travellers I hope you’re noting all this. I did.) Oh and there’s the Learning Castilian Spanish App (no spoilers, but that one didn’t work out too well…)
Fast forward to Karen’s adventures in Malaga, a great mix of history, culture, gastronomy and enriching encounters. Most moving for this reader are the moments of stillness where she reflects on our shared past as human beings and feels the full emotional weight of collective history and individual fortune. Remembering when she and her son stood by the graves of Isabella and Ferdinand on her visit to the Alhambra, she writes ‘It is something that will stay with me forever.’
Karen’s journey in this book will charm readers and leave them wanting more. It is the beginning of other journeys, during which she learns or relearns many things - the joy of friendships old and new, the importance of savouring the moment and not worrying about past or future, the refreshing powers of a glass of vino tinto when the best laid plans go awry (Plafida).
Her final sentence reads: ‘I still have much to learn.’
With Book 4 simmering, I just have one wish – this time, Joe, take a chance and step out towards new horizons with your amazing partner in life – whatever happens, it will be unforgettable!
A five-star read, highly recommended.
Although the three books in the series can be read as standalones, I recommend starting with this one which provides background information on the pre-Malaga Karen, her husband James, their families, and their work-in-progress house in a pine forest - information which puts into perspective the significance of the author’s journey.
We meet her in ‘post-pandemic post-retirement funk’, bingeing on Kindle Unlimited, schlepping round the house in pyjamas ‘that double as a tracksuit should the need arise to answer the door’ and worrying she’s become ‘unglued’.
Was this the woman who had lived in 30 places before the age of 21, brought up three children as a single Mum, enjoyed a fulfilling career which allowed her to travel widely and interact with others? As we can all attest, Covid did irreparable harm psychologically as well as physically. But add to that other factors in Karen’s particular story – a premature transition from work to retirement, a nasty brush with the Big C, tragic familial loss, and being forced to uproot from a much loved family home to a new place 1500 miles away - and you don’t have to be a therapist to ‘get’ those pyjamas, not to mention the evenings spent with husband James in the workshop, drinking tequila and sharing reminiscences.
Karen is one stubborn person. She doesn’t want to wallow in self-pity, just find the reset button, the way back to the old Karen…
And lo! It is February 29th 2024…Suddenly it’s like being in one of those movies (adapted perhaps from Karen’s book?) where an ordinary heroine is heading right for a Life Changing Event, this particular one being an invitation from son Johnny to spend a weekend in Malaga. Where? ‘All I knew about Malaga equalled the sum total of zero,’ she confesses. But never mind, a fuse has been lit, transforming Pyjama Karen into Demon Planner, wielding i-Phone and i-Pad and a list of Apps and devices worthy of the Secretary of the Royal Household organising a State Visit. There’s the compression boxes, Air Tag, Noise Cancelling Airpods, there’s WhatsApp (got that one), the Find Me App, and most importantly the TripApp, which not only keeps track of every event on her schedule but all the stuff that goes with it – booking references, emails, receipts -and the antidote to the agony of endless museum queues – Skip the Line Tours! Forthcoming travellers I hope you’re noting all this. I did.) Oh and there’s the Learning Castilian Spanish App (no spoilers, but that one didn’t work out too well…)
Fast forward to Karen’s adventures in Malaga, a great mix of history, culture, gastronomy and enriching encounters. Most moving for this reader are the moments of stillness where she reflects on our shared past as human beings and feels the full emotional weight of collective history and individual fortune. Remembering when she and her son stood by the graves of Isabella and Ferdinand on her visit to the Alhambra, she writes ‘It is something that will stay with me forever.’
Karen’s journey in this book will charm readers and leave them wanting more. It is the beginning of other journeys, during which she learns or relearns many things - the joy of friendships old and new, the importance of savouring the moment and not worrying about past or future, the refreshing powers of a glass of vino tinto when the best laid plans go awry (Plafida).
Her final sentence reads: ‘I still have much to learn.’
With Book 4 simmering, I just have one wish – this time, Joe, take a chance and step out towards new horizons with your amazing partner in life – whatever happens, it will be unforgettable!
A five-star read, highly recommended.
November 5, 2025
Memoir set in MALAGA
Málaga is one of those cities – billed as Spain’s most hospitable city – that is only rarely on travellers’ radars. People pass through it, given it has a very efficient airport, to places along the Costa del Sol and only rarely stop to take a look. But it is worth more than just a look. In this memoir the author spends a whole week in the city and hardly gets under the skin of it in that short time.
The author decides to accompany her son on his work trip and books herself an apartment on Calle Victoria in the heart of the old town. It was a fairly last minute decision, a matter of weeks to prepare, and in the early part of the book the exuberance of having decided to go is palpable. The preparations get into full swing and the excitement mounts. She books outings and trips in advance and immerses herself in the language in preparation, and delightfully, chooses to read novels set in the city by Joan Fallon; but, in those early days I felt for the author because she received a significant level of disinterest for her project from her husband. Which was sad. But finally mother and son arrive in Málaga.
Their first day is a whirlwind of sights and tapas and the author wonderfully brings the city to life, tempered with her anxieties, determined to maximise the trip.
Bodega El Pimpi – the cavernous restaurant part owned by Antonio Banderas – inevitably gets a look in. There is paella making (and musings on whether València owns paella or not) and a quick history of the Spanish Civil War, followed by a day trip by train out to the Alhambra in Granada. The week in April 2024 is certainly an intensive tour of the city that leaves the reader breathless. She is also clear that that week away took her out of the lingering funk of the Covid years, and acknowledges that in so many ways it was good to set herself the challenge and go. It proved so rewarding on many levels.
She decides on a signature blue jacket, which means she can easily be found in crowds by an appointed tour guide, and on the cover her nod to this important piece of clothing is clear: “Blue Jacket Travels”
This first trip is assuredly not the author’s last trip. She has a lightness of touch describing her adventures, she includes quite a few tips along the way that have worked for her, and divulges much about her inner thoughts and the inevitable worries that face a lone female traveller (although on the journeys there and back and for a day or so, she did have the company of her son).
This is a sweetly written memoir that offers insights, a large amount of detail (occasionally a little extraneous) and offering suggestions for anyone heading out to this beautiful city.
Málaga is one of those cities – billed as Spain’s most hospitable city – that is only rarely on travellers’ radars. People pass through it, given it has a very efficient airport, to places along the Costa del Sol and only rarely stop to take a look. But it is worth more than just a look. In this memoir the author spends a whole week in the city and hardly gets under the skin of it in that short time.
The author decides to accompany her son on his work trip and books herself an apartment on Calle Victoria in the heart of the old town. It was a fairly last minute decision, a matter of weeks to prepare, and in the early part of the book the exuberance of having decided to go is palpable. The preparations get into full swing and the excitement mounts. She books outings and trips in advance and immerses herself in the language in preparation, and delightfully, chooses to read novels set in the city by Joan Fallon; but, in those early days I felt for the author because she received a significant level of disinterest for her project from her husband. Which was sad. But finally mother and son arrive in Málaga.
Their first day is a whirlwind of sights and tapas and the author wonderfully brings the city to life, tempered with her anxieties, determined to maximise the trip.
Bodega El Pimpi – the cavernous restaurant part owned by Antonio Banderas – inevitably gets a look in. There is paella making (and musings on whether València owns paella or not) and a quick history of the Spanish Civil War, followed by a day trip by train out to the Alhambra in Granada. The week in April 2024 is certainly an intensive tour of the city that leaves the reader breathless. She is also clear that that week away took her out of the lingering funk of the Covid years, and acknowledges that in so many ways it was good to set herself the challenge and go. It proved so rewarding on many levels.
She decides on a signature blue jacket, which means she can easily be found in crowds by an appointed tour guide, and on the cover her nod to this important piece of clothing is clear: “Blue Jacket Travels”
This first trip is assuredly not the author’s last trip. She has a lightness of touch describing her adventures, she includes quite a few tips along the way that have worked for her, and divulges much about her inner thoughts and the inevitable worries that face a lone female traveller (although on the journeys there and back and for a day or so, she did have the company of her son).
This is a sweetly written memoir that offers insights, a large amount of detail (occasionally a little extraneous) and offering suggestions for anyone heading out to this beautiful city.
March 17, 2025
A true travelogue.
The book opens with the author’s reflections on her stateside life. As a newly retired person, will it be mundane? Her youngest son banishes such thoughts with an invitation to join him on a business trip to Spain. Karen’s base will be Malaga, where the tale is centred.
Filled with anxiety about the invitation, the author finally accepts, and the countdown begins. Karen is a planner. Determined to make the best use of her ‘solo’ time in Malaga, she researches meticulously, booking several tours, which pays off.
I was inspired by the author’s unbridled enthusiasm, her courage in taking Malaga by storm and soaking up as much culture and cuisine as she could. Her descriptive writing is detailed and vivid, giving the reader brilliant mental images of the sites visited, and I could almost taste the different flavours of her delicious meals.
Reunited with her son, indefatigable Karen arranges a trip to Granada, where she falls ever deeper in love with Spain. Even their long flight home, with a stop off in Dublin, Ireland, involves sightseeing. This lady does not waste a moment.
The book is fun, fascinating, and a terrific reference for any travellers to Malaga. I loved the author’s honest approach to sharing her emotions, which added great colour to her writing. It’s a terrific debut memoir by Karen O’Connor, and I look forward to reading about her future travels.
The book opens with the author’s reflections on her stateside life. As a newly retired person, will it be mundane? Her youngest son banishes such thoughts with an invitation to join him on a business trip to Spain. Karen’s base will be Malaga, where the tale is centred.
Filled with anxiety about the invitation, the author finally accepts, and the countdown begins. Karen is a planner. Determined to make the best use of her ‘solo’ time in Malaga, she researches meticulously, booking several tours, which pays off.
I was inspired by the author’s unbridled enthusiasm, her courage in taking Malaga by storm and soaking up as much culture and cuisine as she could. Her descriptive writing is detailed and vivid, giving the reader brilliant mental images of the sites visited, and I could almost taste the different flavours of her delicious meals.
Reunited with her son, indefatigable Karen arranges a trip to Granada, where she falls ever deeper in love with Spain. Even their long flight home, with a stop off in Dublin, Ireland, involves sightseeing. This lady does not waste a moment.
The book is fun, fascinating, and a terrific reference for any travellers to Malaga. I loved the author’s honest approach to sharing her emotions, which added great colour to her writing. It’s a terrific debut memoir by Karen O’Connor, and I look forward to reading about her future travels.
April 19, 2025
A good read, very pleasant.
I enjoyed this travel memoir about Karen O'Connor's trip. She lives in Eastern Washington, USA, and, up until recently, hadn't even heard of Malaga.
Her enthusiasm and joy for the trip is infectious; this soon seemed like it was going to be a lovely read-and it was.
Not just about her trip itself, but the countdown to it; The anticipation and planning, the excitement. She pre-books some trips, really getting the most out of her time in Malaga. She certainly had a packed programme of events planned!
Well-presented with little pink flower bouquets at the start of each chapter, and between scenes. The book was just lovely, and it often made me smile as I read.
Friendly, chatty; doesn't just concern Malaga. It isn't just an "I went there, then I went there"; there are her thoughts, feelings, and memories. She also lets us in to know a bit about her family, her life, and reveals what possible future books could be about.
Just a nice, happy, gentle read. I'm glad to see she's writing more.
I enjoyed this travel memoir about Karen O'Connor's trip. She lives in Eastern Washington, USA, and, up until recently, hadn't even heard of Malaga.
Her enthusiasm and joy for the trip is infectious; this soon seemed like it was going to be a lovely read-and it was.
Not just about her trip itself, but the countdown to it; The anticipation and planning, the excitement. She pre-books some trips, really getting the most out of her time in Malaga. She certainly had a packed programme of events planned!
Well-presented with little pink flower bouquets at the start of each chapter, and between scenes. The book was just lovely, and it often made me smile as I read.
Friendly, chatty; doesn't just concern Malaga. It isn't just an "I went there, then I went there"; there are her thoughts, feelings, and memories. She also lets us in to know a bit about her family, her life, and reveals what possible future books could be about.
Just a nice, happy, gentle read. I'm glad to see she's writing more.
January 31, 2026
Lorna and I met Karen O’Connor on our second trip to Málaga; it was, I believe, her third. We were on a guided visit to local olive groves and processing co-operatives, and from the start there was an easy connection. Karen struck us as someone with her eyes wide open — curious, engaged, and genuinely interested in people, culture, and place.
Karen had just finished her second book and later gave Lorna a copy of her first, which Lorna loved. I picked it up soon after and was immediately drawn in by Karen’s writing style and the depth of feeling she brings to every page.
Lorna didn’t hesitate to order Karen’s second book, and just yesterday her third arrived from Amazon.ca. While reading, Lorna suddenly announced that we were in the book — captured so vividly that a reader could almost feel they were sitting at the table with us, tasting olive oils and sharing conversation.
Karen has a real gift for bringing readers along on her travels, making them feel present rather than observing from a distance. It’s a gift best discovered firsthand — by reading one of her books.
Karen had just finished her second book and later gave Lorna a copy of her first, which Lorna loved. I picked it up soon after and was immediately drawn in by Karen’s writing style and the depth of feeling she brings to every page.
Lorna didn’t hesitate to order Karen’s second book, and just yesterday her third arrived from Amazon.ca. While reading, Lorna suddenly announced that we were in the book — captured so vividly that a reader could almost feel they were sitting at the table with us, tasting olive oils and sharing conversation.
Karen has a real gift for bringing readers along on her travels, making them feel present rather than observing from a distance. It’s a gift best discovered firsthand — by reading one of her books.
October 2, 2025
A Heartfelt, Uplifting Memoir of Discovery and Second Chances
"It Started with Malaga" is a beautifully written travel memoir that proves it’s never too late to rediscover yourself. Karen O’Connor invites readers along on her spontaneous leap from quiet retirement to an unforgettable Spanish adventure sparked by a simple text from her son and fueled by a long-dormant wanderlust.
From the sunlit streets of Málaga and the rhythms of flamenco nights to the warmth of unexpected friendships and the joy of shared sangria, O’Connor captures the essence of travel as both an outer and inner journey. Honest, witty, and deeply relatable, this memoir is about saying yes to new opportunities, embracing change, and finding joy in life’s next chapter.
I loved it and the recipes at the end were a bonus!
Perfect for fans of heartfelt travel writing and inspiring personal journeys.
"It Started with Malaga" is a beautifully written travel memoir that proves it’s never too late to rediscover yourself. Karen O’Connor invites readers along on her spontaneous leap from quiet retirement to an unforgettable Spanish adventure sparked by a simple text from her son and fueled by a long-dormant wanderlust.
From the sunlit streets of Málaga and the rhythms of flamenco nights to the warmth of unexpected friendships and the joy of shared sangria, O’Connor captures the essence of travel as both an outer and inner journey. Honest, witty, and deeply relatable, this memoir is about saying yes to new opportunities, embracing change, and finding joy in life’s next chapter.
I loved it and the recipes at the end were a bonus!
Perfect for fans of heartfelt travel writing and inspiring personal journeys.
January 13, 2025
What a treat this book was, especially at this time of year when I yearn to be somewhere sunny and warm. Karen O’Connor’s memoir about her trip to Malaga with her son had me walking beside her, almost in her shoes, and feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. I loved it all, from the preparation to the journey, and on to the week she spent in one of Spain’s loveliest cities. Accompanying her as she walked through the city, enjoying the tours she’d booked and learning about the history were joys that had me looking up places on maps, reading about historical figures and learning more about Spain’s civil war history. I’ve visited many Spanish cities, but Malaga is now next on my list! Thank you, Karen O’Connor. I loved every step of the 70 plus miles you walked!
January 21, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this travel memoir. I appreciate the way Karen writes, telling her story in her own chatty personal way, expressing not only what she sees and experiences but also how she is feeling every step of the way. As always I did my "armchair travelling" along with Google maps and images. There is not only a lot of valuable travel tips and info to be had, but also some interesting historical facts. I love that Karen is not afraid to admit some of her own weaknesses and fears (reassuring, because don't we all have these ?). Even though this adventure is told almost moment by moment, I found it captivating through to the end.
March 20, 2025
What a fabulous debut memoir, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Packed with comprehensive information enough to rival any travel guide. This was a fun entertaining read, detailing places visited with much historical and useful information. Karen packed in as much as she could during her week long stay in Malaga, Spain. A nice touch was having authentic Spanish recipes at the back, I shall certainly be trying them out. I winced at the amount of steps Karen did, out of breath just reading it!! Her love of Spanish history shone through, very interesting. I am now looking forward to reading her next memoir.
November 27, 2025
Traveling with Karen to Malaga was delightful and seeing it through her eyes and appreciation of the culture and history made it very special.
Karen presents herself to be a well-organized lady and I wish I had her to plan all my trips. She is very resourceful and brave when she explores Malaga all by herself and packs in a myriad of tours during her week-long stay.
There was never a dull moment or much downtime for her or the reader of this first travel memoir of hers. Thank you for bring Malaga into my home!
I'm looking forward to reading the next in this series.
Karen presents herself to be a well-organized lady and I wish I had her to plan all my trips. She is very resourceful and brave when she explores Malaga all by herself and packs in a myriad of tours during her week-long stay.
There was never a dull moment or much downtime for her or the reader of this first travel memoir of hers. Thank you for bring Malaga into my home!
I'm looking forward to reading the next in this series.
December 18, 2025
Traveling with her son—I love it. I would give anything for my son to have asked me to take a trip with him when he was alive. So I lived vicariously through Karen as she took a trip with her son, Johnny, to Spain. I’m happy she went because I loved reading about her adventures touring Malaga’s museums, a winery, and a castle, and about the delicious local food like tapas and wine. She even took a cooking class—that’s something I’ve never thought of doing while traveling. This book was a delightful read, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
June 15, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed following Karen in her blue jacket on her trip to Malaga. Even her preparations had me captivated. I loved that she made the choice to research and create her own agenda, exploring this vibrant Mediterranean city, while her son Johnny was busy with work. It was inspiring to read about an older woman taking charge of an international adventure. This book is a delightful way to discover some of the sights, history and cuisine of Malaga. Readers might just come away ready to embark on their own fun-filled excursion. I know I did!
December 10, 2024
It Started with Malaga by Karen O'Connor is a captivating memoir that invites readers into the vibrant culture and charm of Malaga, Spain. The book chronicles O'Connor's experiences as she explores the city's traditions, cuisine, and history, offering a blend of personal anecdotes and vivid descriptions of the Spanish lifestyle.
I'm reminded of Bill Bryson and enjoyed the memoir's engaging tone and relatable reflections as well as its blend of humor, insight, and cultural immersion.
I'm reminded of Bill Bryson and enjoyed the memoir's engaging tone and relatable reflections as well as its blend of humor, insight, and cultural immersion.
February 17, 2026
I was fascinated from the very beginning. Karen O'Connor has written a book with the emotions of knowing she was able to go on this trip to Malaga , to planning ahead of time the tours, the detail of finding accommodation and much more. The descriptions of the tours make you feel like you are right there with her as she discovers the sights around and in Malaga, Spain. She describes her feelings as she meets with fellow travelers and tour guides. A must read. You will feel like you have been on that trip with her. I give it a five star.
October 3, 2026
We Europeans can so easily forget that the Americas are a long way away and that it isn't always easy to travel to places we assume everyone will know about. This is a lovely memoir of an older lady taking the chance to visit a city in Spain previously unheard of. This memoir is a pleasure to read as the author takes such pleasure in all her discoveries about the Spanish way of life and knows that she needs to know more.
April 24, 2026
One Amazing Trip for a Mother and Son.
Málaga is described so beautifully that I could almost be along. The City and the history and all the places for tours as well as the area around the Hotel and her wanderlust to pass the time. Beautiful colors described and more pertinent history. I love this book. I really felt like I was taken along to Malaga with Karen.
Málaga is described so beautifully that I could almost be along. The City and the history and all the places for tours as well as the area around the Hotel and her wanderlust to pass the time. Beautiful colors described and more pertinent history. I love this book. I really felt like I was taken along to Malaga with Karen.
January 22, 2025
Having spent less than 24 hours in Malaga this book was perfect. I reminisced over the places I had visited and look forward to visiting the others as Karen did in this book.
November 28, 2024
Having known Malaga first in 1959, Karen O’Connor’s book attracted my curiosity – Has Malaga changed?
My curiosity was satisfied in the most delightful way. Malaga has changed and this account of her getting to know this beautiful region of Spain will definitely encourage me to go back after 60+ years.
Thanks for the delightful visit, Karen!
My curiosity was satisfied in the most delightful way. Malaga has changed and this account of her getting to know this beautiful region of Spain will definitely encourage me to go back after 60+ years.
Thanks for the delightful visit, Karen!
January 8, 2025
I enjoyed ‘spending time’ with the author in Malaga, Spain. A chance trip to Malaga with her son and hey-presto, Blue Jacket travels is born 🙂
I’m looking forward to the authors next book in this series.
I’m looking forward to the authors next book in this series.
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