When Sarah breaks her leg, her only thought is how on earth she’ll get to the south of France for her beloved son’s wedding. She’s been told not to fly, and the train route involves many changes – not ideal when you can barely walk.
There’s only one person she can turn to. Her son’s father, Hal. The pair were teenage sweethearts when Sarah fell pregnant, and he’s always been in his son’s life. Only his parenting style is more ‘fun uncle’ than serious dad; all the ‘proper parenting’ has been left to Sarah. He’s oblivious. She’s furious.
But she’s out of options. And Hal is happy to drive her, with one proviso: they’re taking the scenic route, in his battered VW camper van.
Now, two people – whose lives have only been intertwined through their child for more than twenty years – are about to find out there is far more of a journey ahead for them than either could possibly anticipate…
About The Author
My Review
This book is about Hal and Sarah, estranged co-parents who reluctantly embark on a road trip to the Riviera for a family wedding, where old feelings, humour, and emotional healing gradually resurface. Gillian Harvey delivers a warm, conversational contemporary fiction that blends travel, family dynamics, and slow-burn romance without relying on instant sparks. The journey unfolds at an easy, well-paced rhythm, allowing readers to sit with the characters’ history and the practical realities of raising their son, Louis, across two lives. Hal’s attachment to his battered VW and the evolving presence of Vivian add texture and charm, grounding the story in everyday life rather than idealised romance. What stands out is the organic development of reconnection, as love is rediscovered through shared responsibility, memories, and small acts of understanding rather than dramatic declarations. The narrative also highlights parenting reflections, especially the reassurance that imperfect efforts still create a loved and secure child. This is an engaging, heartfelt read that feels honest, mature, and quietly uplifting conclusion that lingers warmly after finishing, with the journey staying long after reading ends beautifully.
My Rating
Link To Purchase
