Refreshing

by Rei Marie, Eva Maria Dietrich Carreño (Editor)

An adventurous getaway with friends morphs into an emotional awakening. Through romantic connections in a tropical paradise, Reyna makes personal discoveries and renews her appreciation for life. You'll be sure to enjoy this colorful and bi-lingual journey filled with adventure, love, friendship, and courage.

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2025

Reviews

[Amara Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a refreshing read. What starts as a fun getaway with friends slowly turns into something much more meaningful, and I really enjoyed watching Reyna’s journey unfold. Her experiences in Costa Rica felt genuine, emotional, and relatable, especially as she works through self-doubt, love, and personal growth.

I especially loved the use of Spanish throughout the story. It added so much depth and authenticity and really brought Costa Rica’s culture to life without ever pulling me out of the story. The bilingual aspect felt intentional and beautifully done, making the reading experience feel rich and immersive.

Rei Marie does a great job capturing Reyna’s inner struggles and emotional awakening in a way that feels honest and human. The mix of adventure, friendship, romance, and self-discovery kept me engaged from beginning to end.

Overall, this was a feel-good but thoughtful read that stayed with me after I finished. If you enjoy stories about travel, personal growth, and meaningful connections, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Thomasina Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Rei Marie has created a compelling character you can't help but root for. Reyna is a lovable human who doesn't always make the best choices. The primary reason is because she doesn't feel worthy of love. Refreshing is a novel that teaches us that everyone is worthy of love, and it just takes longer (sometimes) to discover it. Reyna develops some beautiful friendships and takes a trip to South America, which is described wonderfully with lush prose and excellent descriptions. This book is a quick read that will have you turning the pages to learn what will happen next in Reyna's life. This book is highly recommended for anyone who feels stuck in the rut of life and eager to emerge into a new chapter. A great book to add to your TBR in the New Year!

[Amara P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing was such a genuinely enjoyable read. What begins as a fun getaway with friends in Costa Rica slowly unfolds into a meaningful journey of self-discovery, love, and personal growth. Reyna’s struggles with self-doubt felt honest and relatable, and I loved watching her emotional awakening take shape.

The bilingual use of Spanish added so much authenticity and really brought the setting and culture to life without ever feeling distracting. With its blend of adventure, friendship, romance, and reflection, this story was both uplifting and thoughtful — a refreshing escape that stays with you after the final page.

[Jules Dalla-Libera · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Reyna began to realize that in order to accomplish a different outcome, she needed to turn her pieces around to the colorful side, where a picture could be revealed.” In this story of friendship and self-discovery, Reyna journeys to Costa Rica - and takes her readers along for the ride. Having visited Costa Rica on my honeymoon, this book provided a beautiful reminder of the sights, culture and wildlife of this stunning part of the world, while also encouraging me to rediscover my Spanish! You can clearly feel the author’s love of the country in her words. Pura vida!

[Delia Riva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are looking for inspiration, a new perspective, or simply a great escape, this book delivers. The pacing is perfect—never too rushed, yet engaging enough to keep you turning the pages. The author has a knack for cutting through the noise and delivering insights that feel both timeless and incredibly relevant to right now. It doesn't just entertain; it recharges you.

[R Greyta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. The writing is engaging, and it’s clear the author put a lot of heart into the story.

[Lisa Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating Costa Rica

This book was a captivating read, enriched by its unique use of Spanish dialect that beautifully highlights Costa Rica's cultural nuances. The author, Rei Marie brings Reyna's internal struggles vividly to life, capturing her journey through self-doubt, self-discovery, love and tribulations. A truly engaging and rewarding Bilingual experience.

Merged review:

Captivating Costa Rica

This book was a captivating read, enriched by its unique use of Spanish dialect that beautifully highlights Costa Rica’s cultural nuances. The author, Rei Marie, brings Reyna’s internal struggles vividly to life, capturing her journey through self-doubt, self-discovery, love and tribulations. A truly engaging and rewarding Bilingual experience 🫶