5 *****

Having read and enjoyed a few of Beth’s books already I felt pretty certain I was going to like this one even before I read the blurb - who doesn’t love a consistent author?! - still a tad risky I know, but luckily I was right and The Road Trip didn’t disappoint.

After a fender bender with a surprise in the first few pages we launch into the story of Addie and Dylan - using the familiar ‘Now’ and ‘Then’ writing style Beth successfully tells us the complex story of how they meet, fall in love, and then part ways…

In the ‘Then’ we meet them both on their summer spent in France, we’re introduced to their interesting and complicated friends and family along the way, and journey with them as they discover themselves and figure out their closest relationships…

Meanwhile in the ‘Now’ the two of them are on a road trip they would rather not be on, with Addie’s sassy sister Deb and Dylan’s best friend Marcus who DO NOT get along, plus Rodney who is just there for the ride - all 5 of them squeezed into a tiny red mini for at least a days drive.

I won’t say much more as I don’t want to give too much away, other than to say this is a good option for your summer reads list that offers more than your standard light ‘romcom chicklit’ book. It has humour and depth, the writing flows well and the speed is just right - if you’ve not read this author before, this is a good place to start! now I’m off to check out her most recent release ‘The No Show’!