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The Backpacking Housewife #3
The Backpacking Bride
When her walk up the aisle leads to disaster Maya Thomas must forge a new path…
Saying ‘I Do’ was meant to be the start of her greatest adventure, but when Maya’s fiancé drops dead just moments before he’s set to kiss the bride, her life is spent spinning out of control.
Now, as Maya travels a path she never expected to take, setting off on the mystery honeymoon her fiancé had planned for them, she finds that there is life after loss, that fate has its own way of helping you heal and that those with the courage to grasp love will never go lonely…
Saying ‘I Do’ was meant to be the start of her greatest adventure, but when Maya’s fiancé drops dead just moments before he’s set to kiss the bride, her life is spent spinning out of control.
Now, as Maya travels a path she never expected to take, setting off on the mystery honeymoon her fiancé had planned for them, she finds that there is life after loss, that fate has its own way of helping you heal and that those with the courage to grasp love will never go lonely…
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2020
About the author
Janice Horton
15 books121 followersJanice 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/
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/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 19, 2020
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. When I saw this cover, I thought it would be a happy and cute romance story. However, it wasn't really that. In this book, we follow a middle aged woman who lost her fiancée on her wedding day. He died in her arms and instead of grieving with their families, she decides to go on their honeymoon he wanted to surprise her with. She goes to India first and ends up in Hong Kong where she meets another man.
Overall, I didn't connect at all with the writing and the story. I didn't really like how this book ended as she was already prepared to have a life with someone else and perhaps marry him. It also felt like the FMC could only be happy now that she was with another man and I hated that message. I don't know... I just didn't like this book and I didn't enjoy the traveling like I thought I would.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
Overall, I didn't connect at all with the writing and the story. I didn't really like how this book ended as she was already prepared to have a life with someone else and perhaps marry him. It also felt like the FMC could only be happy now that she was with another man and I hated that message. I don't know... I just didn't like this book and I didn't enjoy the traveling like I thought I would.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
August 16, 2020
Investment adviser Maya Thomas has been career orientated all her life, never finding that special someone until she is fifty years old. That’s when Jon walks into her office. The two fall in love, talking of their hopes, dreams and determined to marry. Their whirlwind romance culminates in a dream wedding in Italy . . . . a wedding that turns into a devastating nightmare when Jon collapses and dies at the altar……shattering her heart. It is only when she is given the folder with details of their back packing honeymoon that she sees all the post it notes with everything he’d secretly planned for them do together that Maya has a new purpose in life. backpack burton GIF by amandahertelendiShe decides to go on this adventure alone despite never having travelled abroad alone before! The journey starts in India with a stay in a retreat he’d visited more than 20 years ago . . . so starts an epic journey, both physical and spiritual in which she discovers maybe fate intervened on her behalf and provided her with a way to heal and find love again.
This is such a moving and dramatic story, one in which karma, yoga, positivity and so much more contribute to provide opportunities, experiences and love in unexpected ways. She encounters an eclectic mix of people on her journey and learns that
“… personal encounters are never by chance or mere coincidence because we are fated either to learn from or to teach something important to everyone we meet”
She also gets to revisit her birth place that she’s not returned to since she was just five years old. This is a brilliant journey, one that starts in grief and anger but ends in love and hope. It is one filled with wonderful places, fascinating people, fabulous new friends, excitement, opportunity and hope. It is a wonderful story to inspire and encourage you to keep on striving to follow your dreams, despite the set backs along the way as they may just be the stepping stones you need to tread to get to your goal, even if you don’t yet know that is your goal!! It is a story to put the biggest grin on your face despite the storms along the way.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying doing so. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author in future, including the earlier two books in this series which you definitely don’t need to have read to appreciate and enjoy this one.
This is such a moving and dramatic story, one in which karma, yoga, positivity and so much more contribute to provide opportunities, experiences and love in unexpected ways. She encounters an eclectic mix of people on her journey and learns that
“… personal encounters are never by chance or mere coincidence because we are fated either to learn from or to teach something important to everyone we meet”
She also gets to revisit her birth place that she’s not returned to since she was just five years old. This is a brilliant journey, one that starts in grief and anger but ends in love and hope. It is one filled with wonderful places, fascinating people, fabulous new friends, excitement, opportunity and hope. It is a wonderful story to inspire and encourage you to keep on striving to follow your dreams, despite the set backs along the way as they may just be the stepping stones you need to tread to get to your goal, even if you don’t yet know that is your goal!! It is a story to put the biggest grin on your face despite the storms along the way.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying doing so. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author in future, including the earlier two books in this series which you definitely don’t need to have read to appreciate and enjoy this one.
July 6, 2020
Thank you One More Chapter, Janice Horton, and Netgalley for my copy of Backpacking Bride to read, review and offer honest feedback.
This book sounded interesting to me when I first requested it, then I immediately forgot the synopsis and was surprised when it wasn't some lighthearted romance read (completely my fault, the synopsis clearly says her fiancé died on their wedding day).
Maya Thomas, a 50 year old banker in the UK, meets and immediately falls in love with Jon, a new client of the bank. They easily connect over Jon's world travels - Maya just can't get enough of his stories. Six months later and they're getting married, except as soon as Maya reaches the alter, Jon gets a pained look in his eye and the day ends with his passing.
After the funeral, Maya is given Jon's planner which includes the paper trail of their honeymoon, which Jon was calling their magical mystery tour. Maya, who now doesn't have a job or a home, decides to go on this honeymoon in hopes of finding herself and ways to cope with her loss.
Horton does an incredible job of world-building. She takes you to an ashram in India and you experience the sounds and smells; you visit Hong Kong and experience the heat and humidity, along with the high-rise skyline. Not only do you experience the first impressions of the destination, but you also get to see it after Maya's experience (this was very apparent in the India description).
Horton also does a fantastic job of character-building. Maya is very obviously deeply upset over her fiancé's death, who wouldn't be? I think Maya is relatable to almost anyone in western society when you visit an ashram and you're expected to meditate for an hour at a time. But you also get to watch Maya learn and interact with other characters who shape her into who she becomes at the end of the book. You get to watch Maya open herself to things she wouldn't have normally been open to.
I think the only thing I didn't love about the book was how heavily it relied on travel. Yes, obviously it's a book about traveling, but I also felt like there was a piece of Maya and Jon's relationship missing. To me, it felt like Maya was completely in love with a man just because he was well-traveled. I would've liked to see a little bit more into their relationship.
Overall, Horton did a great job at giving you a travel experience without you leaving your couch or hammock. There was great world-building and character-building. The beginning of the book was heavier than the last half and it was fun watching Maya open herself to different and new experiences.
3.5/5 stars (rounded up to 4) - I enjoyed the book and will recommend it to others.
CW: this was a very clean book - very little explicit sexual detail and the sad, depressing scenes didn't delve into details - mostly just sobbing.
This book sounded interesting to me when I first requested it, then I immediately forgot the synopsis and was surprised when it wasn't some lighthearted romance read (completely my fault, the synopsis clearly says her fiancé died on their wedding day).
Maya Thomas, a 50 year old banker in the UK, meets and immediately falls in love with Jon, a new client of the bank. They easily connect over Jon's world travels - Maya just can't get enough of his stories. Six months later and they're getting married, except as soon as Maya reaches the alter, Jon gets a pained look in his eye and the day ends with his passing.
After the funeral, Maya is given Jon's planner which includes the paper trail of their honeymoon, which Jon was calling their magical mystery tour. Maya, who now doesn't have a job or a home, decides to go on this honeymoon in hopes of finding herself and ways to cope with her loss.
Horton does an incredible job of world-building. She takes you to an ashram in India and you experience the sounds and smells; you visit Hong Kong and experience the heat and humidity, along with the high-rise skyline. Not only do you experience the first impressions of the destination, but you also get to see it after Maya's experience (this was very apparent in the India description).
Horton also does a fantastic job of character-building. Maya is very obviously deeply upset over her fiancé's death, who wouldn't be? I think Maya is relatable to almost anyone in western society when you visit an ashram and you're expected to meditate for an hour at a time. But you also get to watch Maya learn and interact with other characters who shape her into who she becomes at the end of the book. You get to watch Maya open herself to things she wouldn't have normally been open to.
I think the only thing I didn't love about the book was how heavily it relied on travel. Yes, obviously it's a book about traveling, but I also felt like there was a piece of Maya and Jon's relationship missing. To me, it felt like Maya was completely in love with a man just because he was well-traveled. I would've liked to see a little bit more into their relationship.
Overall, Horton did a great job at giving you a travel experience without you leaving your couch or hammock. There was great world-building and character-building. The beginning of the book was heavier than the last half and it was fun watching Maya open herself to different and new experiences.
3.5/5 stars (rounded up to 4) - I enjoyed the book and will recommend it to others.
CW: this was a very clean book - very little explicit sexual detail and the sad, depressing scenes didn't delve into details - mostly just sobbing.
September 7, 2020
I totally immersed myself in this book- feeling the sights, senses, smells and scenery so vividly captured. You really feel a part of the story.
Maya very sadly loses her fiance on their wedding day and to honour him she decides to go on the wonderful honeymoon tour that he had planned for them both. He'd left meticulous notes with personal experiences that he wanted to share.
She's not a seasoned traveller but really wants to throw herself into the experiences he wanted her to have.
She starts at an ashram in India that she believes the Beatles stayed in. The rules seem very restrictive initially, no talking allowed in the morning and definately no coffee. She finds a rule breaker and spends some time sharing illicit coffee in the local village.
She meets some fascinating people along the way who try to encourage her to deviate from her itinerary and see some of the other major spots. She loves following his plans and tying up messages on post it notes.
You really can imagine all the sights and revel in the experience. A great escape read during lockdown.
Maya very sadly loses her fiance on their wedding day and to honour him she decides to go on the wonderful honeymoon tour that he had planned for them both. He'd left meticulous notes with personal experiences that he wanted to share.
She's not a seasoned traveller but really wants to throw herself into the experiences he wanted her to have.
She starts at an ashram in India that she believes the Beatles stayed in. The rules seem very restrictive initially, no talking allowed in the morning and definately no coffee. She finds a rule breaker and spends some time sharing illicit coffee in the local village.
She meets some fascinating people along the way who try to encourage her to deviate from her itinerary and see some of the other major spots. She loves following his plans and tying up messages on post it notes.
You really can imagine all the sights and revel in the experience. A great escape read during lockdown.
May 31, 2020
I believe Janice Horton is fast becoming one of my favourite armchair travel authors, and this is a wonderful addition to her Backpacking Housewife series.
Although this time we have a Backpacking Bride, who is determined to go on the magical mystery tour of a honeymoon her fiancee Jon had planned for her, despite the fact he died suddenly before he could say I do on his wedding day.
Maya though has always wanted to travel but has barely ever gone further than Scotland, so although distraught, decides to take the trip to honour Jon and make her feel closer to him.
This is an adventure that crosses multiple Asian countries, and the level of detail if phenomenal. I felt as though I was in the Ashram with Maya (although I have no intention of ever visiting one myself), and her initial thoughts of Hong Kong matched so closely with the memories I have of an even shorter time in the country.
We are treated to the sights, smells, scenery, sounds and sensations of each place she visits along with some new friends she meets and connects with, including some other backpacking brides!
It is fabulous to see how her initial thoughts of a place alter, and just how baffling her first destination must have seemed when she has never been anywhere remotely like it in her life.
This is just a wonderful story of well fate, of following your heart and of coming to terms with a horrific situation. It's a journey of growth and discovery for Maya with a perhaps surprising outcome.
What may not come as a surprise to you is when I say I want more, I want more from Maya, and I really hope a direct sequel is written as I would love to know what happens after the exhilarating ending to this book.
I always love reading Janice Horton's books on holiday, and although I clearly wasn't going anywhere this year, it still was a very enjoyable sunny day in the garden, during lockdown sort of a book, where you are able to escape and join a virtual journey. What more could you ask for?
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Although this time we have a Backpacking Bride, who is determined to go on the magical mystery tour of a honeymoon her fiancee Jon had planned for her, despite the fact he died suddenly before he could say I do on his wedding day.
Maya though has always wanted to travel but has barely ever gone further than Scotland, so although distraught, decides to take the trip to honour Jon and make her feel closer to him.
This is an adventure that crosses multiple Asian countries, and the level of detail if phenomenal. I felt as though I was in the Ashram with Maya (although I have no intention of ever visiting one myself), and her initial thoughts of Hong Kong matched so closely with the memories I have of an even shorter time in the country.
We are treated to the sights, smells, scenery, sounds and sensations of each place she visits along with some new friends she meets and connects with, including some other backpacking brides!
It is fabulous to see how her initial thoughts of a place alter, and just how baffling her first destination must have seemed when she has never been anywhere remotely like it in her life.
This is just a wonderful story of well fate, of following your heart and of coming to terms with a horrific situation. It's a journey of growth and discovery for Maya with a perhaps surprising outcome.
What may not come as a surprise to you is when I say I want more, I want more from Maya, and I really hope a direct sequel is written as I would love to know what happens after the exhilarating ending to this book.
I always love reading Janice Horton's books on holiday, and although I clearly wasn't going anywhere this year, it still was a very enjoyable sunny day in the garden, during lockdown sort of a book, where you are able to escape and join a virtual journey. What more could you ask for?
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
August 9, 2020
2.5*
‘I’ve decided I’m going to take one day and one adventure at a time and seize every moment.’
The Backpacking Bride by Janice Horton provided some enjoyable armchair travel with descriptive passages on locations and traditions from India to Hong Kong to Singapore. This is the story of Maya (see Synopsis) and the journey - both literally and figuratively - she goes through after the death of her fiance. Not the happy, light book I had originally imagined.
‘I’ve quickly come to the realisation that everyone who comes here must be searching for something. Nobody in their right mind comes here just for a holiday.’
This book is very much in the ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ theme but apart from the descriptions of locations and a few reflective gems, this was a book that skimmed along the surface, never really diving deeply into anything. The parts in India were drawn out, often providing nothing more than what sequentially occurred in her day. Yes, Maya’s lesson was to struggle in a lifestyle so foreign but it never really reached the mark. It falls flat with character interactions and relationships, too many convenient coincidences and a rushed ending. The timeline was confusing from grief to love in such a seemingly short time period with me holding grave reservations of her need for a partner to be happy.
If you are after a light, simple journey of growth and the chance to travel to some interesting destinations then this could be the quick read you are after.
‘What lessons had I learned here and what was it that I was taking away with me?’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘I’ve decided I’m going to take one day and one adventure at a time and seize every moment.’
The Backpacking Bride by Janice Horton provided some enjoyable armchair travel with descriptive passages on locations and traditions from India to Hong Kong to Singapore. This is the story of Maya (see Synopsis) and the journey - both literally and figuratively - she goes through after the death of her fiance. Not the happy, light book I had originally imagined.
‘I’ve quickly come to the realisation that everyone who comes here must be searching for something. Nobody in their right mind comes here just for a holiday.’
This book is very much in the ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ theme but apart from the descriptions of locations and a few reflective gems, this was a book that skimmed along the surface, never really diving deeply into anything. The parts in India were drawn out, often providing nothing more than what sequentially occurred in her day. Yes, Maya’s lesson was to struggle in a lifestyle so foreign but it never really reached the mark. It falls flat with character interactions and relationships, too many convenient coincidences and a rushed ending. The timeline was confusing from grief to love in such a seemingly short time period with me holding grave reservations of her need for a partner to be happy.
If you are after a light, simple journey of growth and the chance to travel to some interesting destinations then this could be the quick read you are after.
‘What lessons had I learned here and what was it that I was taking away with me?’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
August 17, 2020
The Backpacking Bride is taking her honeymoon alone. A middle-aged woman who played it safe with her career and never traveled, she finally met her soul mate--and then her husband-to-be died during the wedding ceremony. She goes on the journey he planned for them, being taken out of her comfort zone repeatedly along the way. I picked this up at a sentimental moment, so I really felt for the heroine. In a more cynical mood, I might roll my eyes at some of the Eat, Pray, Love-style enlightenments Maya finds. But for the current moment, when international travel seems quite out of the question, it is nice to take a Magical Mystery Tour in one's mind, at least.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.
July 11, 2020
2.5 stars
What an...odd book. I don't really know how else to explain this experience I've just had. It was a roller coaster, which I say a lot when explaining an emotional journey, but this time I mean it more in the sense of I was rolling my eyes and then on the edge of my seat. It was so odd!
The first half of this is very Eat, Pray, Love. It alternates between present-day India and a week earlier in the aftermath of Maya's fiance's death. She harps on about being middle-aged pretty incessantly and can't get to grips with a yoga retreat place having rules to keep the place serene. I found her pretty insufferable. She's grumpy and then like a light switch she's having a miraculous time in India and I found the ping ponging of emotions a little unbelievable.
But then we go to Hong Kong and honestly, if the whole story had taken place here or if the book had just started here and been a novella, I would have liked it a lot more. I really liked the way this story turned around when she got to Hong Kong. I think it has a lot to do with this destination having meaning to her as well instead of only being about Jon reliving his journey but with a sidekick which is how the trip was originally supposed to work. Parts of this time in the journey really had me at the edge of my seat. She seemed almost youthful again. It was hard to believe she was a 50-year old woman at points. You could feel her healing as if you were healing with her.
I just want to end by saying this cover is absurdly misleading, though. And not at all because she's wearing a wedding dress; that play on the title works for me. But she doesn't go to the Taj Mahal? Why is this on the cover? And she's 50 so why does this cover look like a really happy go lucky contemporary romance of a 20-something year old? I feel many people will be sucked in by the cover and the description and get an entirely different story that has its good parts but it doesn't start with them. I feel many readers will feel deceived and this might be a DNF for many who find the cover and blurb not matching up to how they are feeling throughout the first half of this story.
What an...odd book. I don't really know how else to explain this experience I've just had. It was a roller coaster, which I say a lot when explaining an emotional journey, but this time I mean it more in the sense of I was rolling my eyes and then on the edge of my seat. It was so odd!
The first half of this is very Eat, Pray, Love. It alternates between present-day India and a week earlier in the aftermath of Maya's fiance's death. She harps on about being middle-aged pretty incessantly and can't get to grips with a yoga retreat place having rules to keep the place serene. I found her pretty insufferable. She's grumpy and then like a light switch she's having a miraculous time in India and I found the ping ponging of emotions a little unbelievable.
But then we go to Hong Kong and honestly, if the whole story had taken place here or if the book had just started here and been a novella, I would have liked it a lot more. I really liked the way this story turned around when she got to Hong Kong. I think it has a lot to do with this destination having meaning to her as well instead of only being about Jon reliving his journey but with a sidekick which is how the trip was originally supposed to work. Parts of this time in the journey really had me at the edge of my seat. She seemed almost youthful again. It was hard to believe she was a 50-year old woman at points. You could feel her healing as if you were healing with her.
I just want to end by saying this cover is absurdly misleading, though. And not at all because she's wearing a wedding dress; that play on the title works for me. But she doesn't go to the Taj Mahal? Why is this on the cover? And she's 50 so why does this cover look like a really happy go lucky contemporary romance of a 20-something year old? I feel many people will be sucked in by the cover and the description and get an entirely different story that has its good parts but it doesn't start with them. I feel many readers will feel deceived and this might be a DNF for many who find the cover and blurb not matching up to how they are feeling throughout the first half of this story.
July 13, 2020
This book just wasn't for me. The main character got on my nerves spoke so badly about herself and 'her boring life' till she met a man then everything changed. The book seemed to drag on and then suddenly something interesting will happen but it will only last two paragraphs then drag out again over detailing environment, food and even ingredients in drinks. I just didn't mess with the characters.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2020
Maya had done everything right in terms of her career, but never quite managed to chuck it all aside to travel and live life. Until she met Jon, a new client, with stories to tell and experiences to share. Soon the two are finding their instant attraction is so much more, and are off to Italy to marry. Until Jon’s sudden death before the vows are complete, and Maya’s life is tossed into uncertainty.
But Jon left her a list – their honeymoon itinerary, fully paid for, and her own need to ‘connect to him’. From an ashram in India to food in Singapore and the fireworks in Hong Kong, she’s got a list and tentatively, but not without a bit of grumbling, she sets off. Throughout the story, with a sense of her pushing her limits and stretching her dreams to encompass possibilities, Maya’s previously reserved and rather reticent nature starts to reform as she finds peace with Jon’s death and the aftermath, and learns to both love herself and let herself be vulnerable to take more chances.
Full of lovely and scenic moments, plenty of spiritual food for the ‘seekers’ and lots of emotion that one can easily see can become a prison of its own making, readers will care about Maya, want to see her happy once again, and perhaps gain a bit of their own emotional settling as she finds joy in life again. A clever and fun story that takes rather heavy emotional moments and allows us to come out the other side feeling lighter and more hopeful.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
But Jon left her a list – their honeymoon itinerary, fully paid for, and her own need to ‘connect to him’. From an ashram in India to food in Singapore and the fireworks in Hong Kong, she’s got a list and tentatively, but not without a bit of grumbling, she sets off. Throughout the story, with a sense of her pushing her limits and stretching her dreams to encompass possibilities, Maya’s previously reserved and rather reticent nature starts to reform as she finds peace with Jon’s death and the aftermath, and learns to both love herself and let herself be vulnerable to take more chances.
Full of lovely and scenic moments, plenty of spiritual food for the ‘seekers’ and lots of emotion that one can easily see can become a prison of its own making, readers will care about Maya, want to see her happy once again, and perhaps gain a bit of their own emotional settling as she finds joy in life again. A clever and fun story that takes rather heavy emotional moments and allows us to come out the other side feeling lighter and more hopeful.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
July 14, 2020
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this ARC from NetGalley.
Maya suffers an horrific experience on her wedding day but decides to continue on the honeymoon; visiting India, Singapore and Hong Kong. Her experiences at the Ashram were very entertaining and in India she meets Belle and Maddy who help her to focus on her future with their own experiences.
In Hong Kong, she meets Henri. I found it difficult to understand their personal situation in light of the first part of the book, but that could be personal prejudice.
My favourite quote:
"I imagine cosmic ordering works the same way as when you order something from Amazon. You simply decide that you want it. You order it. Magically, it arrives!"
I didn’t realise this is the 3rd in the Backpacking series (although the characters are different) so I now need to read the first two!
Maya suffers an horrific experience on her wedding day but decides to continue on the honeymoon; visiting India, Singapore and Hong Kong. Her experiences at the Ashram were very entertaining and in India she meets Belle and Maddy who help her to focus on her future with their own experiences.
In Hong Kong, she meets Henri. I found it difficult to understand their personal situation in light of the first part of the book, but that could be personal prejudice.
My favourite quote:
"I imagine cosmic ordering works the same way as when you order something from Amazon. You simply decide that you want it. You order it. Magically, it arrives!"
I didn’t realise this is the 3rd in the Backpacking series (although the characters are different) so I now need to read the first two!
September 17, 2020
I have loved this series and this book didn't disappoint me at all I loved it from the first page the characters are good and lovely to hear the places they visit. It's full of upset and heartbreak but then how you can move forward and find happiness and romance again.
Maya is all set for a new life of happiness and as she's about to say I do he drops down dead and her life is falling apart around her and she's worried what to do. But when she's given the plans he sorted for their honeymoon she decides to go on it alone and visit these places and in doing so she learns to live again and to be happy and adventure around the world will she find romance in a place she leasts expects it.
Maya is all set for a new life of happiness and as she's about to say I do he drops down dead and her life is falling apart around her and she's worried what to do. But when she's given the plans he sorted for their honeymoon she decides to go on it alone and visit these places and in doing so she learns to live again and to be happy and adventure around the world will she find romance in a place she leasts expects it.
June 4, 2020
This story about Maya’s journey through her honeymoon without her fiancé was cute and a nice easy read, but I had some definite issues with the pacing. It seemed like her time in India was dragged out and then boom, suddenly enlightened on her final day. Some of the interactions that came after that seemed a little cringey and unnecessary to me. Honestly, you could have cut out most of the part where Maya was in the Ashram, kept the last day or two, and taken the story straight to Hong Kong and I think the book would have read mostly the same.
It was not until about the halfway point that this story started picking up for me and I started really enjoying it. By the end of the book, I was pleased with the way it turned out and felt like the major plot was resolved nicely.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK for providing me an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It was not until about the halfway point that this story started picking up for me and I started really enjoying it. By the end of the book, I was pleased with the way it turned out and felt like the major plot was resolved nicely.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK for providing me an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2020
The cover and the premise of The Backpacking Bride by Janice Horton caught my eye. Overall, there were enjoyable elements in this book, and the locations, traditions, and detailed descriptions felt like I was transported to the destinations mentioned.
The story is about Maya, whose soon-to-be husband passes away on the day of their wedding. She decides to go on their honeymoon that Jon had planned for them so she can feel closer to him as she also mourns his death. She travels to India, Singapore, and Hong Kong. While she is traveling to these places, she is forced to face things that she would rather avoid, so I liked this part of the story as it shows how vulnerable we can all be in difficult times and how we have to find within ourselves the strength and courage to keep moving forward.
However, I did have difficulty getting through this book as it felt like the story was plodding along and felt a bit flat with the character’s interactions and conversations. I found myself skimming over several pages. The last third of the book does pick up and get very exciting with the storm and the ships being in danger. The part was my favorite part of the book.
If I could change any part of the book, it would be to develop Maya more surrounding her emotional reactions to the places she travels. Being in a new place and having to deal with immigration, transportation, a different culture can be overwhelming, and I felt Maya was a bit flat in how she experienced this part of her journey.
Overall, an okay read for someone wanting to read women’s fiction that is a bit predictable.
The story is about Maya, whose soon-to-be husband passes away on the day of their wedding. She decides to go on their honeymoon that Jon had planned for them so she can feel closer to him as she also mourns his death. She travels to India, Singapore, and Hong Kong. While she is traveling to these places, she is forced to face things that she would rather avoid, so I liked this part of the story as it shows how vulnerable we can all be in difficult times and how we have to find within ourselves the strength and courage to keep moving forward.
However, I did have difficulty getting through this book as it felt like the story was plodding along and felt a bit flat with the character’s interactions and conversations. I found myself skimming over several pages. The last third of the book does pick up and get very exciting with the storm and the ships being in danger. The part was my favorite part of the book.
If I could change any part of the book, it would be to develop Maya more surrounding her emotional reactions to the places she travels. Being in a new place and having to deal with immigration, transportation, a different culture can be overwhelming, and I felt Maya was a bit flat in how she experienced this part of her journey.
Overall, an okay read for someone wanting to read women’s fiction that is a bit predictable.
July 21, 2020
For some reason, I've never had much desire to visit Asia. I'm not sure why, because I love traveling. But that has now changed, since I've read Janice Horton's "The Backpacking Bride."
The story is about Maya, a 50-something financial planner who figured she had passed the age where she could still meet the man of her dreams and live happily ever after. Then one day a handsome, worldly and sophisticated 60-year-old man named Jon walks into her office. He had recently retired and moved back to England from Asia, where he had lived for many years. He wanted advice on how to best manage his investment portfolio. The two of them hit it off immediately, even joking about the actual shock (of the static electricity kind) they gave each other when they shook hands for the first time. After a six month whirlwind courtship Jon proposes and they plan the perfect wedding in a romantic little chapel in Tuscany, Italy, after which Jon has planned a "magical mystery tour" of a honeymoon to all the places he would like to show Maya. They are just ready to say their vows, when suddenly Jon collapses of a brain aneurysm.
Maya is devastated and shocked. Then those feelings progress to anger, and she asks the universe what she did wrong to deserve such a fate--that her only true love was taken from her before they could enjoy life as a husband and wife.
Maya knows she needs to get away for a while, so she can come to grips with the sorrow of losing Jon, and try to think about how she will live the rest of her life without him. When Jon's brother gives her a portfolio filled with the tickets and itinerary for they honeymoon, Maya decides to take the honeymoon herself, hoping it will help her feel closer to Jon as she explores all the places he planned to show her, and checks off the little Post-it note activities in Jon's travel portfolio.
The first leg of the adventure takes her to a ashram in India, where she learns more about herself and the universe through yoga, meditation, and wisdom of an Hindu guru. What happens there sets up divine providence (or karma, or fate), which follows her as she continues the next leg of her trip to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, she coincidentally meets one of Jon's oldest friends, an attractive 50-something man named Henri.
I will stop telling the story because some surprising things happen once she meets Henri, and I don't want to spoil the whole story. But -- hint -- it definitely has a happy ending!
I really enjoyed the story and going along on Maya's journey of self discovery. I definitely shed a couple of tears over Maya's terrible luck in losing her fiance in such a tragic way. I felt her sadness through the pages of the book.
My favorite part of the book was the way the author described Maya's adventures in India, Hong Kong and Singapore. I now want to visit these places and experience an ashram, the outdoor Symphony of Lights in the Hong Kong harbor and enjoy a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel, where that drink originated.
If you like books where you follow along with the heroine's growth and discovery of herself, check out this book!
Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story is about Maya, a 50-something financial planner who figured she had passed the age where she could still meet the man of her dreams and live happily ever after. Then one day a handsome, worldly and sophisticated 60-year-old man named Jon walks into her office. He had recently retired and moved back to England from Asia, where he had lived for many years. He wanted advice on how to best manage his investment portfolio. The two of them hit it off immediately, even joking about the actual shock (of the static electricity kind) they gave each other when they shook hands for the first time. After a six month whirlwind courtship Jon proposes and they plan the perfect wedding in a romantic little chapel in Tuscany, Italy, after which Jon has planned a "magical mystery tour" of a honeymoon to all the places he would like to show Maya. They are just ready to say their vows, when suddenly Jon collapses of a brain aneurysm.
Maya is devastated and shocked. Then those feelings progress to anger, and she asks the universe what she did wrong to deserve such a fate--that her only true love was taken from her before they could enjoy life as a husband and wife.
Maya knows she needs to get away for a while, so she can come to grips with the sorrow of losing Jon, and try to think about how she will live the rest of her life without him. When Jon's brother gives her a portfolio filled with the tickets and itinerary for they honeymoon, Maya decides to take the honeymoon herself, hoping it will help her feel closer to Jon as she explores all the places he planned to show her, and checks off the little Post-it note activities in Jon's travel portfolio.
The first leg of the adventure takes her to a ashram in India, where she learns more about herself and the universe through yoga, meditation, and wisdom of an Hindu guru. What happens there sets up divine providence (or karma, or fate), which follows her as she continues the next leg of her trip to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, she coincidentally meets one of Jon's oldest friends, an attractive 50-something man named Henri.
I will stop telling the story because some surprising things happen once she meets Henri, and I don't want to spoil the whole story. But -- hint -- it definitely has a happy ending!
I really enjoyed the story and going along on Maya's journey of self discovery. I definitely shed a couple of tears over Maya's terrible luck in losing her fiance in such a tragic way. I felt her sadness through the pages of the book.
My favorite part of the book was the way the author described Maya's adventures in India, Hong Kong and Singapore. I now want to visit these places and experience an ashram, the outdoor Symphony of Lights in the Hong Kong harbor and enjoy a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel, where that drink originated.
If you like books where you follow along with the heroine's growth and discovery of herself, check out this book!
Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I requested this book because I was seeking a light hearted romance that involved some travel. Something cute, fluffy, and a cheesy level of romance. This sounded like that from the description. Maya's fiance dies suddenly at their wedding just as they're about to say "I do," she feels lost and betrayed. Though it was completely accidental, she feels as if her love, though they'd been together less than a year, had left her and this world on purpose. While he didn't, she has trouble coming to terms with it, especially after his family cuts her out of most of the decisions regarding him. She decides it's fate when his brother drops off their honeymoon book and says he knows his brother would have wanted her to have the trip. So she goes on her backpacking honeymoon, revisiting all the places her and Jon have talked about and the places he loved from his past.
She starts off in India and that's where the book lost me. I feel like the author could have had her go anywhere else, but the narrow-mindedness of the narrator was lost in India. From the moment she landed, wide eyed and acting as if she knew nothing about what she'd experienced, I was turned off. The way her surroundings were described and even some of her interactions in the small meditation village were layered in white privilege and slight racism. I get that she was following the path her fiance had planned for them to take, but it was lost on a character such as Maya. Yet, somehow, she reaches total enlightenment during the last two days of her week long stay in India.
From there, she goes to Hong Kong. The place she was born and the place she longed seek to travel to. While there, the most unbelievable thing happens. Literally unbelievable. Following a note from her fiance to do tai chi in the park, she does it. She enjoys it yes. Oh, but hearing that the tai chi instructor's name is Chen she is reminded of a note from Jon about a Harry Chen and so she asks, WHILE IN HONG KONG, if this man is the one, the only HARRY CHEN. And guess what? IT IS. Magically. I'm all for coincidence, but the fact that she asked this man if he was Harry Chen as if he was the only Chen in all of Hong Kong just blew my mind. Just no.
Anyways, the romance that follows after that, again while unbelievable and not realistic, was the only redeeming factor. Because like I said earlier, I went into this expecting romance. But a lot more of it. Instead, we were served 60% of "enlightenment" or lack there of, and some minor backstory meant to make you feel bad, but instead making you go "eh, whatever." So in having high hopes, I was instead subjected to a slightly racist tale that ended in a subpar romance that ended up being the best part of this novel.
I requested this book because I was seeking a light hearted romance that involved some travel. Something cute, fluffy, and a cheesy level of romance. This sounded like that from the description. Maya's fiance dies suddenly at their wedding just as they're about to say "I do," she feels lost and betrayed. Though it was completely accidental, she feels as if her love, though they'd been together less than a year, had left her and this world on purpose. While he didn't, she has trouble coming to terms with it, especially after his family cuts her out of most of the decisions regarding him. She decides it's fate when his brother drops off their honeymoon book and says he knows his brother would have wanted her to have the trip. So she goes on her backpacking honeymoon, revisiting all the places her and Jon have talked about and the places he loved from his past.
She starts off in India and that's where the book lost me. I feel like the author could have had her go anywhere else, but the narrow-mindedness of the narrator was lost in India. From the moment she landed, wide eyed and acting as if she knew nothing about what she'd experienced, I was turned off. The way her surroundings were described and even some of her interactions in the small meditation village were layered in white privilege and slight racism. I get that she was following the path her fiance had planned for them to take, but it was lost on a character such as Maya. Yet, somehow, she reaches total enlightenment during the last two days of her week long stay in India.
From there, she goes to Hong Kong. The place she was born and the place she longed seek to travel to. While there, the most unbelievable thing happens. Literally unbelievable. Following a note from her fiance to do tai chi in the park, she does it. She enjoys it yes. Oh, but hearing that the tai chi instructor's name is Chen she is reminded of a note from Jon about a Harry Chen and so she asks, WHILE IN HONG KONG, if this man is the one, the only HARRY CHEN. And guess what? IT IS. Magically. I'm all for coincidence, but the fact that she asked this man if he was Harry Chen as if he was the only Chen in all of Hong Kong just blew my mind. Just no.
Anyways, the romance that follows after that, again while unbelievable and not realistic, was the only redeeming factor. Because like I said earlier, I went into this expecting romance. But a lot more of it. Instead, we were served 60% of "enlightenment" or lack there of, and some minor backstory meant to make you feel bad, but instead making you go "eh, whatever." So in having high hopes, I was instead subjected to a slightly racist tale that ended in a subpar romance that ended up being the best part of this novel.
January 21, 2021
Novel set across ASIA, from RISHIKESH to HONG KONG and more...
Our YOU TUBE review: https://youtu.be/Y7ynhwqQ8to
In these times when it is pretty impossible to travel, it is delightful to come across a novel that is all about adventures in travel, with a generally uplifting storyline. Travelling by book is of course one great way to experience a more exotic and different setting when it is hard to leave one’s own shores.
In Jon, Maya has found the love her life but at the altar he drops dead. He had crafted a honeymoon itinerary that built in aspects of each of their history, so for him he incorporates a trip to an ashram in Rishikesh and for her a connection to childhood memories in Hong Kong. His body is taken back to England but his insensitive brother puts Jon’s house on the market, the home in which she and Jon intended to live together. She is de facto homeless.
So, as there is nothing really left for her back in the North West, she decides to take up her backpack and set off on the planned trip. Solo. She is also a woman of mature years and has never really travelled in adulthood before, so this is a BIG adventure for her.
First stop is Delhi and she negotiates her transport to Rishikesh, at the foothills of the Himalayas. This is the go-to centre for the ashram experience and of course, it is where The Beatles went for the spiritual enlightenment all those years ago.
Maya settles in, at times she has difficulty adjusting to the rigorous life and schedule, struggling with the burden of her loss. She does however learn some life lessons which hold her in good stead. She is then soon off to Hong Kong on the next leg of her itinerary and there her experience is the polar opposite to her hand-to-mouth existence at the ashram. It is 5* living from the off, being picked up a green Rolls Royce which is at her disposal for her entire stay. She experiences the delights of the city and then has an unscheduled visit to Macau where she has yet more new experiences, and, perhaps what one might call a lightbulb moment. Her travels then take her away from Hong Kong…
I enjoyed reading this over the course of a single day, when outside it was all grey and cold. It certainly transported me to new vistas and horizons and just for a short time I felt as though I had been on some kind of holiday (what’s that?) in these Covid times.
Our YOU TUBE review: https://youtu.be/Y7ynhwqQ8to
In these times when it is pretty impossible to travel, it is delightful to come across a novel that is all about adventures in travel, with a generally uplifting storyline. Travelling by book is of course one great way to experience a more exotic and different setting when it is hard to leave one’s own shores.
In Jon, Maya has found the love her life but at the altar he drops dead. He had crafted a honeymoon itinerary that built in aspects of each of their history, so for him he incorporates a trip to an ashram in Rishikesh and for her a connection to childhood memories in Hong Kong. His body is taken back to England but his insensitive brother puts Jon’s house on the market, the home in which she and Jon intended to live together. She is de facto homeless.
So, as there is nothing really left for her back in the North West, she decides to take up her backpack and set off on the planned trip. Solo. She is also a woman of mature years and has never really travelled in adulthood before, so this is a BIG adventure for her.
First stop is Delhi and she negotiates her transport to Rishikesh, at the foothills of the Himalayas. This is the go-to centre for the ashram experience and of course, it is where The Beatles went for the spiritual enlightenment all those years ago.
Maya settles in, at times she has difficulty adjusting to the rigorous life and schedule, struggling with the burden of her loss. She does however learn some life lessons which hold her in good stead. She is then soon off to Hong Kong on the next leg of her itinerary and there her experience is the polar opposite to her hand-to-mouth existence at the ashram. It is 5* living from the off, being picked up a green Rolls Royce which is at her disposal for her entire stay. She experiences the delights of the city and then has an unscheduled visit to Macau where she has yet more new experiences, and, perhaps what one might call a lightbulb moment. Her travels then take her away from Hong Kong…
I enjoyed reading this over the course of a single day, when outside it was all grey and cold. It certainly transported me to new vistas and horizons and just for a short time I felt as though I had been on some kind of holiday (what’s that?) in these Covid times.
June 17, 2020
The Backpacking Bride by Janice Horton
3.5-4.5 stars
This book is filled with heart, hope, and healing. It sucks the reader in from the start and is unrelenting in holding on. Maya finds her soul-mate late in life. On their wedding day, but before they can say their wedding vows, her fiancé Jon drops dead of an unexpected aneurysm. This puts Maya in a tailspin of sadness, anger, and frustration.
It’s heartbreaking to see how Maya is treated by Jon’s family, since the wedding didn’t actually occur. The only nice thing that his brother does is to drop off the tickets and itinerary for the ‘magical mystery tour’ honeymoon that Jon had planned for them to take together. So Maya decides to take the trip and follow his instructions and cryptic notes about the trip. This puts her in uncomfortable situations where she has to force herself to face things she’d rather avoid. She finds compassionate friends along the way, and teachers who guide her toward growth and healing. And finally, she finds the courage to risk her heart again.
This is an ARC, and it may be still in work, so it’s not clear if it’s appropriate to take stars away if it is still being worked on. Please note: There are a few frustrating things about this book. It may be a quirk of the process of moving the manuscript from computer to e-reader, or it may be the lack of a proper proofreader, but there were dozens of words that ran together without spaces between them. There were some grammatical errors as well. This reader almost chose to leave it unfinished, but was so compelled by the story that it was no longer an option. The story itself deserves 4.5 stars, but the lack of proofreading and the multiple grammatical errors brings it down to 3.5 stars. Here are some examples cut and pasted directly from the book: untilwe’d, antic ipation (two words), Thathe’s, karmaI’ve...; it’s clear that it takes some deciphering to read some of these words. This can be an amazing book if a decent proofreader can correct the multiple errors within it.
3.5-4.5 stars
This book is filled with heart, hope, and healing. It sucks the reader in from the start and is unrelenting in holding on. Maya finds her soul-mate late in life. On their wedding day, but before they can say their wedding vows, her fiancé Jon drops dead of an unexpected aneurysm. This puts Maya in a tailspin of sadness, anger, and frustration.
It’s heartbreaking to see how Maya is treated by Jon’s family, since the wedding didn’t actually occur. The only nice thing that his brother does is to drop off the tickets and itinerary for the ‘magical mystery tour’ honeymoon that Jon had planned for them to take together. So Maya decides to take the trip and follow his instructions and cryptic notes about the trip. This puts her in uncomfortable situations where she has to force herself to face things she’d rather avoid. She finds compassionate friends along the way, and teachers who guide her toward growth and healing. And finally, she finds the courage to risk her heart again.
This is an ARC, and it may be still in work, so it’s not clear if it’s appropriate to take stars away if it is still being worked on. Please note: There are a few frustrating things about this book. It may be a quirk of the process of moving the manuscript from computer to e-reader, or it may be the lack of a proper proofreader, but there were dozens of words that ran together without spaces between them. There were some grammatical errors as well. This reader almost chose to leave it unfinished, but was so compelled by the story that it was no longer an option. The story itself deserves 4.5 stars, but the lack of proofreading and the multiple grammatical errors brings it down to 3.5 stars. Here are some examples cut and pasted directly from the book: untilwe’d, antic ipation (two words), Thathe’s, karmaI’ve...; it’s clear that it takes some deciphering to read some of these words. This can be an amazing book if a decent proofreader can correct the multiple errors within it.
July 7, 2020
🎒Maya kept on her journey but kept losing me!😕
2.5🌟 stars
I chose Janice Horton's The Backpacking Bride because the cover was light and attractive, conveying a fun, contemporary women's literature read with some travel mixed in. The story provided the promised travel and a mature woman going through a difficult time as she copes with the sudden loss of her fiance and the future they had planned together.
This book has a few good points, mostly at the very beginning where I really felt a connection to the heroine, but the backpacking journey was pretty much a bust for me. Too many coincidences (not least of which was the other almost-brides she just happens to meet), too much of the spiritual awakening details, and alot of prosaic travelogue stuff that could not hold my interest. The retired heroine also frequently comes across on her journey as immature, something I did not see in her before she took off on her backpacking adventure. Other times she roams intrepidly on her own, braves crowds of strangers and samples local delicacies like a seasoned world traveler (though she is not). Her characterization just seemed inconsistent. And a number of particular scenes and passages, most notably the ashram activities, would have been better with a shorter take.
And let's talk about the book cover! It shows a backpacking woman sitting in front of the Taj Mahal, a sight heroine Maya NEVER visits!
I made it to the hopeful end but I really can't say I considered MY journey with Maya all that enjoyable. This was my first time reading a book by Janice Horton and I doubt I will be searching out and reading anymore by this author.
Thanks to publisher Harper Collins/One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
2.5🌟 stars
I chose Janice Horton's The Backpacking Bride because the cover was light and attractive, conveying a fun, contemporary women's literature read with some travel mixed in. The story provided the promised travel and a mature woman going through a difficult time as she copes with the sudden loss of her fiance and the future they had planned together.
This book has a few good points, mostly at the very beginning where I really felt a connection to the heroine, but the backpacking journey was pretty much a bust for me. Too many coincidences (not least of which was the other almost-brides she just happens to meet), too much of the spiritual awakening details, and alot of prosaic travelogue stuff that could not hold my interest. The retired heroine also frequently comes across on her journey as immature, something I did not see in her before she took off on her backpacking adventure. Other times she roams intrepidly on her own, braves crowds of strangers and samples local delicacies like a seasoned world traveler (though she is not). Her characterization just seemed inconsistent. And a number of particular scenes and passages, most notably the ashram activities, would have been better with a shorter take.
And let's talk about the book cover! It shows a backpacking woman sitting in front of the Taj Mahal, a sight heroine Maya NEVER visits!
I made it to the hopeful end but I really can't say I considered MY journey with Maya all that enjoyable. This was my first time reading a book by Janice Horton and I doubt I will be searching out and reading anymore by this author.
Thanks to publisher Harper Collins/One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 23, 2020
Book Title: The BackPacking Bride
Author: Janice Horton
Genre: Fiction
Publishing Date: 10 July 2020
Line Summary:
From Goodreads: When Maya’s fiancé drops dead just moments before he’s set to kiss the bride, her life is spent spinning out of control. Now, Maya setting off on the mystery honeymoon her fiancé had planned for them, she finds that there is life after loss, that fate has its own way of helping you heal and that those with the courage to grasp love will never go lonely
My Review:
My expectations for this book were high from the beginning and I felt this one didn’t fulfill it! It may be my mood but the story is not engaging! The storyline is very good, and traveling scenes were brilliant, but somehow it lacks emotional depth! I couldn’t feel Maya's lost, her sorrow anything at all! Everything is in words but not touching the heart! The travel scenes were neither serious nor humorous and so failed to impact me. The "India" scenes hurt me, I could understand the cultural shock, and in orderly behaviors of people, dirty Ganges, etc but still, it hurts ( maybe I am a too much pride Indian) after the story reached Hong Kong everything is so dramatic! Though the storyline picked up, the twists were unbelievable! Very melodramatic for me! But I loved the final twists in the race and the climax! If you are looking for a good laid back enjoyable uplifting story you would enjoy it!
Thanks to #netgalley and the publishers #harpercollinsuk #onemorechapter for this ARC. This review is straight from my heart not biased in any way!
For more detailed review click @shivreads
Author: Janice Horton
Genre: Fiction
Publishing Date: 10 July 2020
Line Summary:
From Goodreads: When Maya’s fiancé drops dead just moments before he’s set to kiss the bride, her life is spent spinning out of control. Now, Maya setting off on the mystery honeymoon her fiancé had planned for them, she finds that there is life after loss, that fate has its own way of helping you heal and that those with the courage to grasp love will never go lonely
My Review:
My expectations for this book were high from the beginning and I felt this one didn’t fulfill it! It may be my mood but the story is not engaging! The storyline is very good, and traveling scenes were brilliant, but somehow it lacks emotional depth! I couldn’t feel Maya's lost, her sorrow anything at all! Everything is in words but not touching the heart! The travel scenes were neither serious nor humorous and so failed to impact me. The "India" scenes hurt me, I could understand the cultural shock, and in orderly behaviors of people, dirty Ganges, etc but still, it hurts ( maybe I am a too much pride Indian) after the story reached Hong Kong everything is so dramatic! Though the storyline picked up, the twists were unbelievable! Very melodramatic for me! But I loved the final twists in the race and the climax! If you are looking for a good laid back enjoyable uplifting story you would enjoy it!
Thanks to #netgalley and the publishers #harpercollinsuk #onemorechapter for this ARC. This review is straight from my heart not biased in any way!
For more detailed review click @shivreads
July 2, 2020
Thank You NetGalley, One More Chapter and Janice Horton for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
If you have ever wanted to follow in the footsteps of the women in the books such as Eat, Pray, Love and P.S. I Love You, then this book is also a book you will want to follow Maya and her adventures on her honeymoon throughout Asia. This book took me on the adventures of a woman, Maya, who after suffering a great loss, decides to go on her honeymoon alone. Her honeymoon takes her through the countries of India, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Throughout Maya travels, she begins to face her feelings of grief, angry, sadness, friendships, self discovery, and the possibilities of new love. I found Maya to be a well developed and realistic character. I believed her emotional growth throughout this book were reasonable and heartfelt. I enjoyed her willingness to step out of her comfort in order to really find peace and a new outlook on her life, which included the next chapter of her life. It seems the author had a special connection to India because it seemed most of the beginning of the book took place in India, while the rest of her travels and time spent in the other stops on her honeymoon journey moved more quickly. I was well satisfied with the ending of the book. It had me almost tearing up! I was able to finish this book in less than one day because I really enjoyed the writing, I can't recommend this book enough to those who love travel stories. I look forward to reading more books by this author!
If you have ever wanted to follow in the footsteps of the women in the books such as Eat, Pray, Love and P.S. I Love You, then this book is also a book you will want to follow Maya and her adventures on her honeymoon throughout Asia. This book took me on the adventures of a woman, Maya, who after suffering a great loss, decides to go on her honeymoon alone. Her honeymoon takes her through the countries of India, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Throughout Maya travels, she begins to face her feelings of grief, angry, sadness, friendships, self discovery, and the possibilities of new love. I found Maya to be a well developed and realistic character. I believed her emotional growth throughout this book were reasonable and heartfelt. I enjoyed her willingness to step out of her comfort in order to really find peace and a new outlook on her life, which included the next chapter of her life. It seems the author had a special connection to India because it seemed most of the beginning of the book took place in India, while the rest of her travels and time spent in the other stops on her honeymoon journey moved more quickly. I was well satisfied with the ending of the book. It had me almost tearing up! I was able to finish this book in less than one day because I really enjoyed the writing, I can't recommend this book enough to those who love travel stories. I look forward to reading more books by this author!
June 6, 2020
This was a really cute and easy read. I gravitate towards thrillers so for me, this was a great palette cleanser. In this story we meet Maya, a woman crazy in love and set to be married to Jon. However, a tragedy occurs on the day of their wedding, literally moments before they say 'I do' and Jon passes away. Maya, feeling lost and alone, decided to embark on their honeymoon - a mystery trip that her fiance had spent lots of time planning down to the finest detail. She travels to India, Hong Kong and Singapore alone in an attempt to feel close to her fiance's spirit.
What I really liked about the story was the attention to detail. The places visited were described in such detail that you could easily immerse yourself in the story. It really made me want to travel! I liked Maya and the way she was constantly learning and growing through out the story. She started out very timid and by the end of the story was quite brave and strong.
If I had one complaint it would be that the end of the story seemed very rushed to me. Another couple of chapters would have concluded it nicely. She also had a romantic interest with an old friend of Jon's that she met on her journey. While it was a cute meeting, and I understand the need for some romance in the book, in my opinion it happened a little too quickly after her fiance's death. Otherwise it was an enjoyable and fun read perfect for summer!
What I really liked about the story was the attention to detail. The places visited were described in such detail that you could easily immerse yourself in the story. It really made me want to travel! I liked Maya and the way she was constantly learning and growing through out the story. She started out very timid and by the end of the story was quite brave and strong.
If I had one complaint it would be that the end of the story seemed very rushed to me. Another couple of chapters would have concluded it nicely. She also had a romantic interest with an old friend of Jon's that she met on her journey. While it was a cute meeting, and I understand the need for some romance in the book, in my opinion it happened a little too quickly after her fiance's death. Otherwise it was an enjoyable and fun read perfect for summer!
July 1, 2020
Today I’m pleased to share my review for The Backpacking Bride. Thank you to One More Chapter and Harper Collins UK for the digital proof copy via NetGalley – my thoughts are my own and not influenced by the gift.
This book starts with Maya arriving in India on the honeymoon planned by the love of her life, Jon, who collapsed and died at the start of the wedding ceremony just one week earlier. She is middle aged, grief stricken and suddenly in a bustling foreign country trying to find peace, to practice yoga and mindfulness and to come to terms with how quickly her life has changed.
We spend a week with Maya in India, before continuing the journey to Hong Kong and beyond. Maya meets a variety of people on her way, including other travellers and local people. However meeting Henri in Hong Kong, organised by the post it notes in Jon’s folder, makes Maya reassess her life yet again.
I enjoyed the travel aspects of this story – India and Hong Kong sound amazing. I didn’t understand why the financially astute Jon wouldn’t have organised travel insurance but then we wouldn’t have had the story.
The story moved slowly during the week in India, then suddenly the pace picked up in Hong Kong. Looking back I’m confused by the timelines – was the end of the book really only about three weeks after the tragedy at the wedding? I enjoyed lots of elements of the story but found the timings very far fetched. A 3.5 star read for me.
This book starts with Maya arriving in India on the honeymoon planned by the love of her life, Jon, who collapsed and died at the start of the wedding ceremony just one week earlier. She is middle aged, grief stricken and suddenly in a bustling foreign country trying to find peace, to practice yoga and mindfulness and to come to terms with how quickly her life has changed.
We spend a week with Maya in India, before continuing the journey to Hong Kong and beyond. Maya meets a variety of people on her way, including other travellers and local people. However meeting Henri in Hong Kong, organised by the post it notes in Jon’s folder, makes Maya reassess her life yet again.
I enjoyed the travel aspects of this story – India and Hong Kong sound amazing. I didn’t understand why the financially astute Jon wouldn’t have organised travel insurance but then we wouldn’t have had the story.
The story moved slowly during the week in India, then suddenly the pace picked up in Hong Kong. Looking back I’m confused by the timelines – was the end of the book really only about three weeks after the tragedy at the wedding? I enjoyed lots of elements of the story but found the timings very far fetched. A 3.5 star read for me.
September 13, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley, Janice Horton, and One More Chapter for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!!!
What a great story!! I was drawn in by the pretty cover and glad I was! This story ended up being very different from what I anticipated it would be and a great reminder that life is short and we should go for the things we want! It felt sort of like a fictional version of Eat, Pray, Love and I really enjoyed following along on Maya’s journey.
Maya is going on her honeymoon alone after her fiancé died on their wedding day. A surprise itinerary, she decides to use this time as a way to come to terms with her loss and find herself.
The setting and places Maya traveled to in this book were great choices and I loved going there with her! The author wrote them well and I felt I was experiencing them myself. The flow of the book was great and the pace of it fit really well for the story. It really is a story that reminds that life is short and we never truly know what the plan is!
I also appreciated an older main character. It was refreshing to see our main trying to figure things out and NOT be a twenty-something and at a completely different stage of her life. She is mature, open, and willing to see where the honeymoon takes her. She gets some surprises along the way, and is able to revisit her past a bit at the same time.
An enjoyable read and I would read more in this series!!
What a great story!! I was drawn in by the pretty cover and glad I was! This story ended up being very different from what I anticipated it would be and a great reminder that life is short and we should go for the things we want! It felt sort of like a fictional version of Eat, Pray, Love and I really enjoyed following along on Maya’s journey.
Maya is going on her honeymoon alone after her fiancé died on their wedding day. A surprise itinerary, she decides to use this time as a way to come to terms with her loss and find herself.
The setting and places Maya traveled to in this book were great choices and I loved going there with her! The author wrote them well and I felt I was experiencing them myself. The flow of the book was great and the pace of it fit really well for the story. It really is a story that reminds that life is short and we never truly know what the plan is!
I also appreciated an older main character. It was refreshing to see our main trying to figure things out and NOT be a twenty-something and at a completely different stage of her life. She is mature, open, and willing to see where the honeymoon takes her. She gets some surprises along the way, and is able to revisit her past a bit at the same time.
An enjoyable read and I would read more in this series!!
May 25, 2020
At 50, Maya has always led a pretty mundane life, although she's dreamt of traveling, she never actually has, she has led a pretty unadventurous life. When she met Jon, it was like her life was finally beginning, they were meant for each other, he encouraged her to live life to the fullest and that began with getting married. Unfortunately, Jon passes away just as they are about to say "I do".
Devastated, Maya decides to go on the surprise honeymoon that Jon had planned for them, with only an itinerary and post it's with random notes to guide her. Her journey takes her from an ashram in India to luxury in Hong Kong and beyond.
I'm not sure how I felt about this book. It started off as what I assumed was a spiritual journey,I figured it would be like Eat, Pray, Love or something; but it ended as chick-lit. I personally loved the chick-lit part and admit to Googling a lot of her journey and wishing I was there too!
I had a hard time accepting how quickly the story played out, but I still appreciated the happy, but abrupt ending. I think personally wanted to travel some more, lol! Even though I felt the beginning was a bit slow and very different from the rest of the book, I still enjoyed it and it was a quick read.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC of this book.
Devastated, Maya decides to go on the surprise honeymoon that Jon had planned for them, with only an itinerary and post it's with random notes to guide her. Her journey takes her from an ashram in India to luxury in Hong Kong and beyond.
I'm not sure how I felt about this book. It started off as what I assumed was a spiritual journey,I figured it would be like Eat, Pray, Love or something; but it ended as chick-lit. I personally loved the chick-lit part and admit to Googling a lot of her journey and wishing I was there too!
I had a hard time accepting how quickly the story played out, but I still appreciated the happy, but abrupt ending. I think personally wanted to travel some more, lol! Even though I felt the beginning was a bit slow and very different from the rest of the book, I still enjoyed it and it was a quick read.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC of this book.
June 17, 2020
Maya's dream wedding to the love of her life ends when her fiancé drops dead just before they take their vows. Grief-stricken, angry and homeless as a result she doesn't know how to pick up the pieces and start again. Instead she decides to go on the magical mystery honeymoon her fiancé planned for them, using his own post-it notes as guidance. This trip takes her from an ashram in India to the luxury of Hong Kong and Singapore. Will this be enough not only to find peace again but also find a new path?
I liked Maya and could relate to her utter devastation and anger at the way things turned out. I could also relate to her desperation to find answers in the ashram and her need to get a 'magic' wand but not really embrace the life of meditation and clean living she finds there. There were times when her behaviour angered me a little (e.g. her behaviour towards Henri) but this contributed to the idea of someone who isn't thinking clearly after her world has disintegrated.
I loved the detailed descriptions of India, Hong Kong and Singapore and they fed my desire to travel to these places. Yes there are massive coincidences and a little bit of unrealism to some of the events but these just contributed to the idea of the magical and mystical journey that she was on. I would have liked an epilogue though just to see how things would have worked out.
I liked Maya and could relate to her utter devastation and anger at the way things turned out. I could also relate to her desperation to find answers in the ashram and her need to get a 'magic' wand but not really embrace the life of meditation and clean living she finds there. There were times when her behaviour angered me a little (e.g. her behaviour towards Henri) but this contributed to the idea of someone who isn't thinking clearly after her world has disintegrated.
I loved the detailed descriptions of India, Hong Kong and Singapore and they fed my desire to travel to these places. Yes there are massive coincidences and a little bit of unrealism to some of the events but these just contributed to the idea of the magical and mystical journey that she was on. I would have liked an epilogue though just to see how things would have worked out.
July 5, 2020
It took me a little while to get into this book. The beginning was a bit confusing, throwing you straight into Maya's honeymoon alone and then slowly giving you backstory about her and her fiancé Jon. I also was surprised to discover that Maya was in her 50s, as the cover had led me to believe that she was a young woman (and the blurb hadn't indicated otherwise). I'm not opposed to reading a book about a woman of that age, I just had to readjust my expectations for this book.
By about halfway though, I was invested in Maya's journey. I liked how she decided to take the "Magical Mystery Tour" honeymoon that Jon had planned alone, and it was good to see an honest portrayal of her grieving process. She had planned to spend the rest of her life with Jon, and now had to come to terms with her new reality. The post it notes from Jon were a sweet way for her to feel connected to him on her journey. It was nice to see her find healing, and discover how she could still find happiness.
"This could be a fresh start. I could still hold Jon in my heart but live a whole new life. This could be my chance to move forward and my reason to start to live again."
*Thank you Netgalley for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
By about halfway though, I was invested in Maya's journey. I liked how she decided to take the "Magical Mystery Tour" honeymoon that Jon had planned alone, and it was good to see an honest portrayal of her grieving process. She had planned to spend the rest of her life with Jon, and now had to come to terms with her new reality. The post it notes from Jon were a sweet way for her to feel connected to him on her journey. It was nice to see her find healing, and discover how she could still find happiness.
"This could be a fresh start. I could still hold Jon in my heart but live a whole new life. This could be my chance to move forward and my reason to start to live again."
*Thank you Netgalley for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC version of this book.
Since this was an ARC version I don't want to be very judgmental but this cover is totally misleading and somehow makes no sense. I hope that publishers are going to take note of this since it's a story of a 50 year old woman that didn't even go to visit Taj Mahal.
To be completely honest Maya got on my nerves very often in the story, especially in the beginning since she couldn't find a sense in life without a man. In today's age and time this seems a little far-fetched even though I completely understand there are people that just can't function in this world without a partner. That's what got me thinking that this book maybe just isn't for me.
Her travel to India? Why did it had to get dragged so much? I wanted to leave the book a couple of times right there when she was India, because nothing at all was happening before the last 2 days.
The writing of the part of the book that takes place in Hong Kong is a little bit better and somehow Maya seems a totally changed woman there but that was also a problem for me. :/
It seemed that the portray of Maya changes a lot and it really kept bugging me and I couldn't get on board with it.
Since this was an ARC version I don't want to be very judgmental but this cover is totally misleading and somehow makes no sense. I hope that publishers are going to take note of this since it's a story of a 50 year old woman that didn't even go to visit Taj Mahal.
To be completely honest Maya got on my nerves very often in the story, especially in the beginning since she couldn't find a sense in life without a man. In today's age and time this seems a little far-fetched even though I completely understand there are people that just can't function in this world without a partner. That's what got me thinking that this book maybe just isn't for me.
Her travel to India? Why did it had to get dragged so much? I wanted to leave the book a couple of times right there when she was India, because nothing at all was happening before the last 2 days.
The writing of the part of the book that takes place in Hong Kong is a little bit better and somehow Maya seems a totally changed woman there but that was also a problem for me. :/
It seemed that the portray of Maya changes a lot and it really kept bugging me and I couldn't get on board with it.
October 28, 2020
I felt my heart fill with love and I knew I was truly happy again.
This is a lovely quote which I feel summarises Maya's metaphorical and literal journey to heal after an unexpected event occurs in her life. There were some lovely descriptive elements in Singapore and Hong Kong and I enjoyed these more than the chapters in India which felt a little clichéd. I was quite surprised two thirds of the way in to discover her age was not what I thought it to be (it felt more like she was in her 20s), and for me this really changed my reading of her character and the narrative as a whole.
At times it felt a bit rushed or to take sudden turns in a way that made the story feel a bit jumpy and am curious to discover it is one of a series by the same author, so perhaps this is only a snippet of Maya's journey...?
Overall it's a nice light read with a feel good element, and will make you want to travel.
This is a lovely quote which I feel summarises Maya's metaphorical and literal journey to heal after an unexpected event occurs in her life. There were some lovely descriptive elements in Singapore and Hong Kong and I enjoyed these more than the chapters in India which felt a little clichéd. I was quite surprised two thirds of the way in to discover her age was not what I thought it to be (it felt more like she was in her 20s), and for me this really changed my reading of her character and the narrative as a whole.
At times it felt a bit rushed or to take sudden turns in a way that made the story feel a bit jumpy and am curious to discover it is one of a series by the same author, so perhaps this is only a snippet of Maya's journey...?
Overall it's a nice light read with a feel good element, and will make you want to travel.
July 12, 2020
Maya is due to marry Jon when he literally drops dead when they are the altar. She is left homeless so when she is given all the details and tickets for the surprise honeymoon that he had arranged she decides to go on her own.
With a mixture of a spiritual discovery in India to a luxurious stay in Hong Kong and Singapore the author really managed to bring these destinations to life for me. I can relate to how difficult it is to travel on your own when you're not used to this,especially in crowded train stations etc. I found her journey, both spiritual and physical, engaging. Not the type of book to keep you on the edge of your seat or chuckling to yourself but heartwarming following Maya's voyage of discovery both geographical and emotional.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
With a mixture of a spiritual discovery in India to a luxurious stay in Hong Kong and Singapore the author really managed to bring these destinations to life for me. I can relate to how difficult it is to travel on your own when you're not used to this,especially in crowded train stations etc. I found her journey, both spiritual and physical, engaging. Not the type of book to keep you on the edge of your seat or chuckling to yourself but heartwarming following Maya's voyage of discovery both geographical and emotional.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
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