the setup…
At seventy-one years old, Evie Walters finds herself widowed and alone. No one believes she can manage her affairs on her own, including her three children. When she receives an egret orchid on the day of her husband’s funeral, she’s certain it’s connected to the man who had once given that to her back when she was a teen living with her family in Montana. Evie decides this is the time for her to take control of her life and, defying her oldest daughter, she buys a camper van and sets her sights west from her home in Charlotte. She serendipitously meets two young women (Buns & Braids) along the way and rescues a dog called Mrs. Brown who are instrumental in helping her not only find her first love but recapture her own identity.
the heart of the story…
I admired Evie for her bravery in taking on something so ambitious in the moment. It was risky but she trusted her instincts, which served her well. Her well-meaning but controlling daughter actually helped her develop a spine and stand up for herself. I was completely immersed in her journey, sometimes fearful for her and at others loving the experiences and relationships she formed. Her reflections of the past added much needed context.
the narration…
Janet Metzger sounded like I would have imagined Evie! Her soft spoken manner gradually developed more grit as the character evolved. Highly enjoyed her performance.
the bottom line…
It’s the story I was hoping it would be with Evie’s journey to find herself, a new way forward and possibly that first love. Her experiences ran the gamut, contributing to her road to enlightenment. The ending was both surprising and a little predictable, which I found perfect.
Book Info
- Release Date: October 6, 2026
- Narrator: Janet Metzger
- Audio Length: 8 hours, 10 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
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Fab review, Jo, I like sound of this!
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