Wanderlost
By Jen Malone
Published: May 31, 2016
Not all those who wander are lost, but Aubree Sadler most definitely is on this novel’s whirlwind trip through Europe.
Aubree can’t think of a better place to be than in perfectly boring Ohio, and she’s ready for a relaxing summer. But when her older sister, Elizabeth, gets into real trouble, Aubree is talked into taking over Elizabeth’s summer job, leading a group of senior citizens on a bus tour through Europe.
Aubree doesn’t even make it to the first stop in Amsterdam before their perfect plan unravels, leaving her with no phone, no carefully prepared binder full of helpful facts, and an unexpected guest: the tour company owner’s son, Sam. Considering she’s pretending to be Elizabeth, she absolutely shouldn’t fall for him, but she can’t help it, especially with the most romantic European cities as the backdrop for their love story.
But her relationship with Sam is threatening to ruin her relationship with her sister, and she feels like she’s letting both of them down. Aubree knows this trip may show her who she really is—she just hopes she likes where she ends up.
My review:
Recent high school graduate Aubree is not an adventurous person and as the baby in her family she has been coddled and overprotected by her mom. Her older sister Elizabeth is the driven and responsible one who always seems to have it together. So when Elizabeth gets into some legal trouble (it's sort of Aubree's fault) Aubree agrees reluctantly to go to Europe in Elizabeth's place as a tour guide. The stakes are high for Elizabeth as she is counting on a good recommendation to get an internship with a congressman. Aubree doesn't think she has what it takes and when she loses her cellphone and Elizabeth's binder of tour info on the plane it looks like she is in for a rough time.
Reading Wanderlost is a great way to armchair travel through Europe along with Aubree on her madcap adventures. I enjoyed reading about the different countries visited during the tour but I could have used more detail! Although Aubree is initially pretty helpless and whiny she started to grow on me. Her determination to prove herself to her sister and to succeed as a tour guide was admirable and although she wasn't always successful I liked how hard she tried. Aubree matures during the trip with the help of the seniors on her bus and once Sam joins the tour she starts to lighten up and have more fun, inspired by his way with people. One of my favorite parts was the Sound of Music tour and learning about the various filming locations.
I think this novel is funny and the romance was sweet in spite of the lies. It always makes me cringe to read about characters behaving dishonestly even in this case when Aubree was motivated to lie on behalf of her sister. It was nice to see the sisters grow closer and come to a greater understanding of each other and to see Aubree's mom realize that her daughter is growing up.
Wanderlost would be perfect as a light summer read especially if you have a yen to travel so put it on your list! I'd suggest it for readers who liked Sophomore Year is Greek to Me by Meredith Zeitlin, Maureen Johnson's Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes and for fans of Morgan Matson and Emery Lord.
Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss
Aubree can’t think of a better place to be than in perfectly boring Ohio, and she’s ready for a relaxing summer. But when her older sister, Elizabeth, gets into real trouble, Aubree is talked into taking over Elizabeth’s summer job, leading a group of senior citizens on a bus tour through Europe.
Aubree doesn’t even make it to the first stop in Amsterdam before their perfect plan unravels, leaving her with no phone, no carefully prepared binder full of helpful facts, and an unexpected guest: the tour company owner’s son, Sam. Considering she’s pretending to be Elizabeth, she absolutely shouldn’t fall for him, but she can’t help it, especially with the most romantic European cities as the backdrop for their love story.
But her relationship with Sam is threatening to ruin her relationship with her sister, and she feels like she’s letting both of them down. Aubree knows this trip may show her who she really is—she just hopes she likes where she ends up.
My review:
Recent high school graduate Aubree is not an adventurous person and as the baby in her family she has been coddled and overprotected by her mom. Her older sister Elizabeth is the driven and responsible one who always seems to have it together. So when Elizabeth gets into some legal trouble (it's sort of Aubree's fault) Aubree agrees reluctantly to go to Europe in Elizabeth's place as a tour guide. The stakes are high for Elizabeth as she is counting on a good recommendation to get an internship with a congressman. Aubree doesn't think she has what it takes and when she loses her cellphone and Elizabeth's binder of tour info on the plane it looks like she is in for a rough time.
Reading Wanderlost is a great way to armchair travel through Europe along with Aubree on her madcap adventures. I enjoyed reading about the different countries visited during the tour but I could have used more detail! Although Aubree is initially pretty helpless and whiny she started to grow on me. Her determination to prove herself to her sister and to succeed as a tour guide was admirable and although she wasn't always successful I liked how hard she tried. Aubree matures during the trip with the help of the seniors on her bus and once Sam joins the tour she starts to lighten up and have more fun, inspired by his way with people. One of my favorite parts was the Sound of Music tour and learning about the various filming locations.
I think this novel is funny and the romance was sweet in spite of the lies. It always makes me cringe to read about characters behaving dishonestly even in this case when Aubree was motivated to lie on behalf of her sister. It was nice to see the sisters grow closer and come to a greater understanding of each other and to see Aubree's mom realize that her daughter is growing up.
Wanderlost would be perfect as a light summer read especially if you have a yen to travel so put it on your list! I'd suggest it for readers who liked Sophomore Year is Greek to Me by Meredith Zeitlin, Maureen Johnson's Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes and for fans of Morgan Matson and Emery Lord.
Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss
Definitely going to download this one!
ReplyDeleteI just read this one a few weeks ago--really enjoyed it and it's definitely for readers who love to armchair travel. I agree that it's light and perfect for the summertime! Great review, Christina!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book!! I'm glad to see you enjoyed it, too. Great review!
ReplyDelete