Better

Aubrey is embarking on a bucket-list trip around the world, the last wish of her Aunt Ally. It was supposed to be the trip Ally would have taken when she got better. Now, it's just a chance for Aubrey to say good-bye.

Adam escapes in his solo trips overseas, working just enough to fund the next one. When the opportunity to circle the globe falls in his lap, he can't refuse. The only catch is that he won't be traveling alone this time.

Unable to hide from each other, Adam's overprotective nature thwarts Aubrey's desire to find her own way. Can they move past initial assumptions to find something better?

©2013 Carey Heywood (P)2015 Carey Heywood

4.5 stars. Coming of age for Aubrey

I really liked this story. It was so sweet and enlightening. Audrey just lost her aunt and she’s trying to fulfill her aunt’s bucket list. But this trip was a subtle way for her aunt to remind Audrey that there is a huge world out there to explore and there is still life left to be lived.

I loved her tour guide Adam and how he subtly challenged her to see things, try foods and enjoy herself. We didn’t get to know that much about Adam but I guess this story was about Aubrey’s growth and epiphany about life.

It was written in a very sweet and simple way without being overly angsty. It was like following a young woman as she became self aware and confident. She pushed in despite her trepidation about certain events. I was proud of her and her parents for giving her room to find her path. It was enlightening for me as a reader.