The Backpacking Housewife

The Backpacking Housewife #1

by Janice Horton

One mum is leaving it all behind for the adventure of a lifetime…

Lorraine Anderson was meant to be making a Sunday roast, not swanning off to Thailand, backpack in hand! But when she finds her husband and her best friend in bed together there’s only one thing to do – grab her passport and never look back!

Now, with each mile travelled Lori sheds the woman she once was and finds the woman she was always meant to be. A woman of passion and spirit who deserves to explore the great unknown…and to indulge in the temptation she encounters along the way!

Readers are loving The Backpacking Housewife:

Genres: Fiction, Travel, Adventure, Chick Lit

279 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2018

About the author

Janice Horton, also known as the backpacking housewife, writes contemporary romantic fiction with a dash of humour and a sense of adventure. Once her three children had grown up, Janice and her backpacking husband sold their empty nest in Scotland UK along with almost everything they owned and set off to travel the world. Since then they have been travelling full-time and have explored over 50 countries, living out of an apartment, a hut, or wherever they happen to find themselves.

Janice works as a writer wherever she is in the world. When not writing bestselling romantic adventure novels, she writes lifestyle and travel features for her website and her work has also featured in national and international magazines like ‘Prima’ in the UK and ‘Friday’ in Dubai. She has also been involved in BBC Scotland’s Write Here Write Now project and has been interviewed on many podcasts and radio shows including Loose Women’s Kaye Adams’ prime time BBC Radio Scotland Show.

Look out for her latest romantic adventure novel and escape to a tropical paradise in this epic story of hidden pasts and family secrets: 'Island in the Sun' (published January 2019)

Janice writes for HarperCollins Publishers. Janice signed a three-book deal with HarperImpulse - the romance imprint of HarperCollinsUK for 'The Backpacking Housewife' (published July 2018) and two more backpacking romantic adventure novels including a sequel 'The Next Adventure' (July 2019) and a third title to be published later in 2019.

Her backlist of bestselling romantic adventure novels include: 'Bagpipes and Bullshot' and 'Reaching for the Stars' and 'Castaway in the Caribbean' - a #1 Kindle Bestseller shortlisted for the prestigious Love Story Awards.

Janice also writes under the author name of Janey Travis. Look out for her fun romantic comedy 'I Need a Doctor'. “Just the right sprinkling of romance and humour” says Brook Cottage Books.

Janice keeps in touch with her readers on social media and from her website at: https://thebackpackinghousewife.com/

Reviews

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2018/0...

The Backpacking Housewife is about not looking back but moving forward. Refreshingly, the story focuses on Lori and what happens to her after she follows her immediate instincts to flee the situation at home. And with travelling a theme throughout her relationship with Charles, it makes perfect sense to do what she does. Yes, she may have been a ‘planner’ once marriage and children became her life but having sacrificed her own needs throughout those years and now an ’empty nester’, catching Charles and Sally is the perfect motivation to visit those places on the retirement bucket list. Although not her original intent, her travels lead to finding out who she is underneath those titles of wife, mother and business owner. She’s open to the opportunities that come her way from the people she meets. I loved watching her blossom. She’s such an inspiring character!

It’s obvious Janice Horton has experience of these places (apart from the two fictional locations!). Four years of travelling and I’m sure a myriad of different experiences make this story authentic and vibrant. I’ve felt like I’ve been accompanying Lori as she travels around Asia. My favourite time and place? The turtle conservation project although in all honesty I’ve loved them all.

Lori meets some down-to-earth people; Jack made me chuckle and I wanted to be Summer! The romance is exquisite 💙 such a beautiful place to discover more about each other. The man will touch your heart too.

I only realised the twist just before the reveal. Very clever!

The Backpacking Housewife is perfect for any time of year. It’s entertaining and escapism at its best. You’ll vicariously experience a different way of living that might make you yearn and who knows, dust off that passport!

[Aura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book "The Backpacking Housewife" is so enticing, that is, woman leaves everything behind, job, family and responsibilities to explore the world. In this lovely novel, Lori does just that after she finds her husband in bed with her best friend. Janice Horton brings to life this fantasy many of us have of travels through the islands of South East Asia. This novel reads more like a travel memoir rather than a novel and indeed, at the end of the novel, Janice Horton tells us that she and her husband travel around the world exploring exotic places letting the wind take them where it may. I loved the descriptions the traveling, jumping on this or that boat, meeting people, hanging out on the beach, etc. This novel excels in painting a picture of exotic places and their possibilities for exciting adventures but it falls short on plot. Other than discovering new and exciting places, there werent many unexpected twists and turns. You kind of know where the story is going. In essence the travel and the places is the plot of the story. I read this very quickly even after taking lots of time looking up in Youtube.com many of the places mentioned. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and if you like adventure and travel I know you will also love it too.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second I saw the initial announcements for this book I knew I had to read it. I love anything that has a travel angle to it, and this is an author that has been on my radar for a while but that i haven't actually read before.

And my excitement was truly justified, what an exotic story I have just read, of a woman who on discovering her husband is cheating on her with her best friend, goes straight to Gatwick airport and books a flight to the further away place she can find - Thailand.

With nothing more than a backpack and a few items of clothing and products bought at the airport, she sets off on an exciting adventure.

I felt as though I was alongside Lorri on every step of her journey, and the descriptions of the locations in Thailand really transported you placed.

There are many other travellers we are introduced to along the way, and I really did enjoy the direction her trip took her.

Definitely a top summer holiday read, in fact i read it poolside in about 2 hours, not wanting to move even when it started to get chillier, as I had to see what happened. Loved every moment of this book and I am looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and entertaining description of a woman finding herself and creating a new life. A bit two-dimensional and predictable but a great read in the middle of winter when you are stuck in bed with a chest infection!

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I did after finishing this was rate it 5 stars on Goodreads. I have a Geography degree and LOVE to travel. I have never been to Thailand but have some friends who have been and who say it's AMAZING. What would you do if your husband cheated on you with your best friend? Wallow in self pity or get away from it all? The main character in this book, Lori, feels her life is mundane and like she needs a change, a challenge. She finds herself at Gatwick and books a ticket to the most far-flung place she can......Thailand!

There, the adventures begin. She meets so many people and sees so many places in Asia. I particularly liked Summer, a laid-back yoga teacher from the USA. I felt I was actually there. The book reminded me of a combination of Eat Pray Love, The Beach and Bridget Jones, The Edge of Reason. Lori is very open and honest and there's a touch of humour. The story is so realistic and I was hooked! The detail Jane Horton uses is second-to-none and makes thjs book a real winner for me. it's a perfect summer book.

Thanks to Janice Horton and Harper Impulse for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. I'm so excited for my stop on the blog tour for the title on July 9th 2018. This is the first book by Janice Horton I have listened to and I will DEFINITELY be looking for more books by her. The writing is flawless and the pacing is just so relaxing. My favourite book of the summer so far!

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lori catches her husband in bed with her best friend she grabs her passport clears out half of their bank account and jumps on a plane to Thailand! Having not even taken any clothes she goes shopping for a new wardrobe and sets out for her adventures. As she goes to places she has only dreamed of from working in the travel industry she soon starts making friends from Railey Beach to Koh Lanta and Koh Ngai, learning to scuba dive on the way and then through some new found friends to a turtle conservation island...... and the gorgeous Ethan........ but it's much to soon to be thinking of romance isn't it!

I loved this book but especially as I have been to most of these places and can just picture them, especially the emerald cove before it became so commercialized, and it is so easy to make friends along the way and change plans. Perfect for the beach..... our anyone who is thinking of giving Thailand a try.

[Laura Hanna-White · Rating 1 out of 5]

It takes a lot for me to give a book one star but this barely deserved even that.

Usually, I force myself to see a book through to the end but the writing here was so painfully bad that I just couldn't suffer past the 30% mark.

The premise is interesting and I liked the travel aspect so I was looking forward to a light, fun read. Had it been in the hands of a more talented writer it could have been incredibly enjoyable. Sadly, however, this reads as though the author wrote it all in one sitting, never got any critique or feedback and published it without giving it a solid going over.

The story drags and even at 30% we still know very little about Lorraine, or Lori as she very abruptly decides to rename herself. We learn little about her life and her personality and she seems to have no meaningful encounters or relationships with anyone else. The dialogue reads poorly, I can't imagine actual human beings conversing in such a stilted way in real life.
At a third of the way through, I'd have expected to see some kind of discernable plot, and some character development but it all reads like one very long first chapter.

I will be avoiding anything by this author in future.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover attracted me to this book I hadn't heard of the author but now want to read more by her as simply brilliant so well written and the cover really gets you and wants you to read the book and I wasn't let down I didn't want to put the book down as so excellent. It's an easy read full of adventure, romance, making new friends and finding happiness after an upset and starting over again. Highly recommend with great characters and the story plot is brilliant to.
Lori has been cooking and cleaning and looking after her family especially her husband but suddenly her life changed when she finds her husband in bed with her best friend. She's so upset and quickly packs a backpack and books a flight to Thailand where she has always wanted to go and decides to travel around. She hasn't planned anything and along the way she makes new friends and meets amazing people and sees amazing a sights she never dreamt of. Her sons are worried and fly out to see her and bring her home but once they see her they realise she is happy and leave her to continue her travels. Can she find full happiness again and can she find romance or not.
Simply brilliant read and would love to give it far more than the five stars as deserves it.

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travel-inspired novel set in THAILAND and MALAYSIA

We chat to Janice about location on this link: https://www.tripfiction.com/novel-set...



The Backpacking Housewife reads like a memoir and indeed many of the scenarios experienced by the author in her own life are reflected in the novel; it is fiction conjured up in the mind of the author. Lorraine Anderson – Lori – discovers her husband of many years has been having an affair, and the sad part is that travelling the world beckoned as retirement age approached for both of them. It is clearly not to be… Lori, however, is made of determined stuff and she sets off with nothing, other than hand luggage, for Bangkok. And from there finds the courage and grit to travel on her own and explore Thailand and Malaysia.

Now, Bangkok is one of those airports, as she well describes in the novel – and talks about below – that is an overwhelming place after many hours confined in an aircraft. The noise, bedlam and heat are an onslaught on the senses and it can be very difficult to find the courage to move into the eddying and teaming city.

Lori faces her fear and checks into a swish hotel, just for one night whilst she gets her head together and once she finds her feet, she starts to embrace the colourful and so very different environment into which she has jettisoned herself.

Her journey is like a rich travelogue with personal experiences at the heart of the narrative. From Bangkok she heads to Chiang Mai and then over to Railay Beach in the company of younger woman Summer. Each day brings new challenges and Lori is not one to shirk adventure. She soon has a diving certificate under her belt, and the reader can enjoy watching her blossom, often in the company of younger people, soaking up the atmosphere and wonderful things this part of the world has to offer. Yes, there is a bit of romance and yes there are more beautiful settings from Koh Lanta on to Koh Ngai, fictional Koh Phi Tao (where she becomes involved in turtle management) and so many more wonderful islands…. Islands to dream about, Could you see yourself setting off on a whim and just seeing which way the wind blows? No? Then the next best thing is to vicariously enjoy a new lease of life through fiction! Enjoy.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read. It felt like you were escaping on an adventure along with Lori. When she finds her husband with her best friend she goes to the airport with only a backpack and books a ticket somewhere far away and exotic. You experiences the sights and sounds of Thailand alongside her and feel as though you are going on a 'grown up' gap year. She sees some amazing places and projects and you can feel the draw of her adventure. The people she meets are fascinating. A couple of my nieces have done some similar travel adventures this year and I could just imagine the excitement of the whole experience.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 5 out of 5]

image:


link: Visit the locations in the novel!!

Chatting to the author I found out that this story was inspired by her own love of travels and her extensive journeys all over the world. This novel is fiction but that backstory really makes this story stand out from the crowd.

In the story, Lori’s husband has cheated and so this journey is a break away from it all and a way of finding herself. Now before you all sigh, this is so much more than that – it’s an adventure in itself and a lovely homage to the sights and sounds of this remarkable region. Flying into Bangkok, she soon finds out the lovely places to go to next and so heads off for the adventure of a life time in Thailand and Malaysia.

Even the airport of Bangkok seems alien and overwhelming at first – and it’s these pauses and small details that make such a difference as anyone who has travelled alone will know and recognise. This is a woman whose life has fallen apart so she is more vulnerable than most – but perhaps because of this, more courageous to go as far as she can.

She stays in a posh hotel at first but that’s the last sign of her Western ways as she fully immerses herself into the sights, sounds, smells and oh so mouthwatering tastes of the region

This is when the book ramps up the travel factor even more as it acts like an inspired travelogue with Lori’s heartbreak but heartwarming story at the centre of it all.

From Bangkok she heads to Chiang Mai and then over to Railay Beach for a bit of diving and more. She’s not one to shirk any new chance of reinventing or enjoying herself.

Then there’s the islands – Koh Lanta on to Koh Ngai, Koh Lipe and the fictional Koh Phi Tao . There’s turtles, orangutans and more and it’s a delight to be on that journey with her.

A fun and heartfelt read from someone writing from a very unique travel perspective and it’s a great literary holiday if going there yourself is out of the question. It will make you want to go though!

[Jessica (readalongwithjess) · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIrstly, thank you to Harper Impulse and HarperCollins for early access to the e-book! It was an absolute delight to read, and is perfect for summer!
...
The Backpacking Housewife by Janice Horton follows Lorraine Anderson, who has packed her bags and caught the first plane to Thailand after finding out her husband was having an affair with her best friend. I was really about to connect emotionally with Lori, and feel the emotions going through her mind as she reflects on her marriage and tries to find healing.
...
The element of this book that kept me totally engaged was the imagery and scenery we get as we follow Lori from island to island. We get glimpses of lush tropical rainforest and pristine white beaches, luxurious hotel rooms and streets filled with the heat of humidity and crowds. South East Asia is not currently on the top of my travel bucket list, but it definitely has moved up a couple notches after reading this book! I also enjoyed the different people that Lori meets along her journey, each well-developed and distinct and contributed well to the story overall. The romance in the book did seem slightly Insta-lovey as it develops quite quickly, but in the context of this book, I think it worked.
...
I would highly recommend this book if you need a summery chicklet book or love books about travel! But be warned -- it just may give you wanderlust...

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

You go girl! And Lori did. After finding her husband has been cheating on her - with her best friend no less- she does what some of us might have fantasized about. She takes off on her own for Thailand. I enjoyed this most for the local color as Lori makes her way around the region and finally lands in Malaysia. There's a romance aspect that factors in late which I didn't really need but it's well done. Horton has written a believable character in Lori, who is a mature woman taking charge of changing her life. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. A bit different from Eat Pray Love but those who enjoyed that (or who like books with traveling) will savor this as well.

[Leonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book for 99p and the title grabbed me. I enjoyed it, but I must admit I am more than a little disappointed by it too. Lori isn't the best character and it's very cheesy and predictable. It's an easy beach read romance about a woman who falls in love with a secret billionaire. I've given it three stars because the travel aspect was true to life and really took me back to my time backpacking in Thailand and Malaysia myself.

[Shireen Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be careful! This book will make you want to travel. The descriptions of places and Lori’s feelings as she discovers & explores them is so well done. It truly makes you want to be an adventurous housewife with her! It’s such a perfect summer fun read!

[Deah]

A fun read that took me back to my year of backpacking around Malaysia, Borneo, and Thailand. Too bad I didn't meet anyone like Lori's Ethan "Indiana" Jones. Although my husband would probably have been very sad if I had.
Now I want to read Janice Horton's other books and see if they match up to my memories of other trips. If you like to travel, or if you just like to read about travel, this is the book for you.
*I received a free ARC of this book for review purposes.

[Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book makes you want to give up your day job and travel just like Lori. A really nice read that swept me away

[Ana Hantt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't avoid grabbing this book the moment I saw its title and it totally met my expectations. The story is light and funny and we can see clearly that the author Janice Horton is a real backpacker. Through her words, I discovered the hidden jewels of Thailand and Malaysia while following the main character in her journey. I doubt someone reading this book and not feeling an immediate longing to hit the road. I'll sure take a look at this book again when going to Asia.

[Jenni Van Huyssteen]

A great holiday read!

I picked up this book by chance on Amazon kindle, and just finished reading it at the start of my Christmas holidays! As I have been to Thailand and Malaysia, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about an adventure taking place in that part of the world! I would call this a "travelogue", as the location is as much a character as the heroine! Loved it and would definitely read more from this author.

[The Endless Unread · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable and inspiring read. We all dream of just packing up and moving on at some point and this housewife has done just that. I admired all the descriptiveness of the places she went and the storyline was fantastic.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part homage to Eat, Pray, Love, and part travel guide of Asia, The Backpacking Housewife follows Lori as she leaves her cheating husband behind in England and goes off to explore Thailand and Malaysia on her own. This book is much more about location than the drama between her husband or her personal growth after her marriage implodes. While the scenery descriptions were interesting, they did get a bit repetitive after a while. And, parts of the main character's reactions to situations were a bit unrealistic. However, if you are interested in visiting this part of the world, this book is sure to inspire your wanderlust.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

[J A Richardson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was not my kind of book. It was a strange mix of a travel guide, with a very cliched and predictable Mills and Boon sort of story mixed in. The characters were unrealistic and events described were laughable as they were so over the top. I disliked the focus on people's appearance, clothes and money. The notes say that the author and husband actually sold everything and spent years travelling the world after their children left home, and I feel like that might have made a much more interesting and authentic story.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this free book from #netgalley for my review. This was a cute story, but it seemed to drag on. I loved the travel aspect. The story line was cute though and kept me entertained. Overall it was a great summer read.

[Lori Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me. I found the story somewhat dull, but there was something about the main character that kept me reading. Until the phrase “naked savages” was used, at which point I returned the book without finishing.

[Tee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely hated this book. A chick lit book with a travel guide thrown in. Was a reading group book, glad I didn’t buy a hard copy, will definitely not be reading any others.

[Wildernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Janice Horton’s book 2 of her Backpacking Housewife series (thank you @NetGalley) so I started with book 1 and read both of them. Book two was just published, so now both books are available on Amazon. They are a delight.

Her first installment, TheBackpackingHousewife - It’s Time To Escape From it All - is all about Lori (a British housewife) doing just that. After walking in on her husband (of twenty years) and her very best friend (cringe), she grabs her passport and heads for the airport. She arrives in Thailand, where the adventure begins.

Although Lori is heartbroken and clearly devastated, she is also adventurous and very brave. Her spur of the moment escape turns into weeks, months, and more... She realizes that she must, somewhat reluctantly, deal with the life she left behind - in particular her two adult sons and her mom, all of whom she loves and misses very much. The husband is not missed at all.

She is gregarious and meets many amusing characters throughout her journey, many of whom are conversationalists - saving the sea turtles from bandit poachers (in book one). The theme of environmental and wildlife conservation is paramount (and fascinating!) in both the first and second book. Turtles, coral reefs, and rare butterflies are well researched and a joy to read and learn more about.

I absolutely loved both book one and the second: The Next Adventure. As well as adventure and conservation, there are traditional themes of love, relationships, romance, and above all, the importance of family.

I especially loved that even the most dreaded and difficult challenges are approached with light hearted humor. Adventurous from the start, Lori really becomes her own person; and, after finding new sparks of love, grapples with the concept of entwining her new found independence with a chance for everlasting love. The possibility of truly having it all...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Five stars for each book (so that makes ten stars!) for fun, entertaining, easy reading which explores topics of solo adventure travel, independence,romance, love and family.

Thank you Net Galley, Harper Collins, and Janice Horton for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review...which is: have some fun, read the Backpacking Housewife books!

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Backpacking Housewife,  Janice Horton

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: general Fiction (Adult)

A mixed read for me, there were parts I really loved, but others that didn't sit quite right for me.
Its a read that starts off with a bang, poor Lori making a horrible discovery when returning home earlier than expected. She grabs her passport and bag and ….she's off, to the destination furthest that's available Right Now.

I would have liked to know a bit more about her home life, kids, mum etc, so I could see how much Lori had changed. I loved the traveling, loved the scenery, the people she met, the places she went and especially her time with the turtles. It made me feel part of her trip, as if I was there with her it was so well written.
It was quite hard though to separate it out into an actual fiction novel rather than a kind of travelogue....and it was fiction I wanted. I wanted Charles to get his comeuppance, to see what he'd thrown away in his arrogance, wanted the best friend to see what she'd lost in Lori, and I did find it a bit hard to believe that someone like Lori, devoted to her family could just up and leave them, with so little contact, so little worry. She seems to tell herself, boys grown up – they'll be fine, mum's got her friends...and doesn't really worry about them or let them know where she is. It just didn't feel quite real there, if it was just her and Charles yes, but she has her two (grown) boys who she loves, has her mum who she's on good terms with and I didn't feel she would have been happy to have just left them like that.
I loved Ethan, a true gentleman, loved how he was with Lori, loved his enthusiasm for life and everything in it. I was supposed though how abrupt the ending was, it seemed to be a little rushed, a bit brief when I expected more. Maybe that's just me though and my romance/HEA addiction. There's certainly promise of a HFN here.

Stars: Four, a wonderful read and escape, made me wish I was there with her, but which felt a little unreal in parts.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

[Ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tired of your 9 to 5 life? Not sure where your life is about to head? In need of a break from your current relationship? Looking to find your other half? Trying to escape an abusive relationship? Or freshly separated from the man you spent decades with?

For those and many more questions, the answer sounds very simple nowadays: get your passport, book that flight and run! Hopefully you have enough funds into your account or a job which allows you to work remotely. Doesn't matter your age, relationship status and mortgage situation. Take a break from the everyday chores and look for a beautiful island to soak under the sun sipping your coconut from your hammock. It is amazing how many books and memoirs are on the market lately encouraging wanderlust and taking risks far away from home and I (at least partially) support such mindset.

The hour after Lorraine discovered she is betrayed both but her husband and her best friend, she is leaving behind her quiet family life to embark on an adventure on a lifetime. It starts in Thailand and continues with a happily ever after. It doesn't matter that she was '(...) homeless, redundant and my marriage vows are void'. She flipped a new page of her life and I can only support such people, either in real or literary life. What matters is to be happy and purposeful, especially after living a lie for such a long time.

The author of The Backpacking Housewife, Janice Horton is a traveller and travel writer herself, therefore many of the descriptions of places in the book sound authentic and based on her own inspiration. Targeting mid-aged women, in a difficult personal situation, travel looks like the proper answer to overcoming a complicated time. Especially if you are looking for a purpose and your account is fat enough to help you finally make your dreams come true.

Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Lyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Lori, is a wife, a mother of two grown sons who also has a job and family responsibilities.

One day, she discovers her husband is having an affair with her best friend when she catches them “shagging” in her house. She grabs her hand luggage, her passport, stops at the bank to take out half their money and heads to the airport where she takes a flight. Choosing the furthest destination she sets out for chaotic Bangkok where she stays in a posh hotel. She mourns the betrayal of her husband, the disloyalty of her best friend and nurses her broken heart. With anger, she finds the courage to overcome her apprehension and travel on her own. She explores Thailand and Malaysia, meeting travellers along the way.

I almost gave up on the book as I found it slow at the beginning. However, around Chapter 3, after Lori’s Thai massage, which was hilarious, I found the pace picked up. Along her travels, you see Lori growing, becoming independent, shedding her old self, befriending other travellers who provide her with travelling tips. You identify with Lori as you accompany her on her travels.

The author Janice Horton is a traveller and travel writer. Her experiences lend credibility to her descriptions of the places and add to your own desire to see them.

I enjoyed this book but will go back to my preferred genre, WWII historical stories.

[Linda Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is 4.5 stars of amazing descriptions and fabulous adventures.
This book had me gripped to my kindle and I honestly couldn't put it down once I started reading it.
Janice Horton has a fantastic way of describing everything to you that actually makes you feel like you are living the story through Lori's adventures.
I'm new to this author but I will certainly be looking into her other books after reading The Backpacking Housewife.
Lori's story was amazing and I real inspiration to everyone.
Going through a shock like hers you can do one of two things you either hide away and feel sorry for yourself or you choose to dust yourself off and start a new adventure.
Lori's story had me gripped throughout and I couldn't get enough of her travel tales.
The descriptions were so good I felt like I was there with Lori.
Whilst this started off slightly doom and gloom I'm so happy with the direction the book went in and I'm so happy Lori found her happiness again.
I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend you one click it as soon as you can and get taken on a fantastic journey of new beginnings.
I'm voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book given to me by Netgalley UK.