Book Review – Recalculating Route, Beth Carpenter (5 Coffee Beans)
Recalculating Route, by Beth Carpenter, is a well-written, nice story, harkening back to the days when “nice” was a positive adjective. Two single people with adult children are introduced by a mutual friend (and ex-wife), finding an instant sympathy with one another. They decide to test the waters by going on a road trip together from Arizona to California.
Ben, the ex-husband is not just an ex one-time; he has six ex-wives and has lived a wildcatter’s life. Marsha was widowed two years earlier. She and her husband were childhood sweethearts who had a truly blessed marriage. So on the surface, these two have nothing in common, and both families are concerned.
But off they go on their first road trip. They enjoy every minute of the trip, especially each other’s company. They plan a second road trip, and drop by Ben’s feisty mother, and all of their children.
There are plenty of familial issues, and the relationship becomes strained. But I very much enjoyed traveling with these two on their road trips, especially the trip to Seattle, one of my very favorite places. I was also anxious to find out whether or not there was a happy ending.
This book contains no foul language, no gratuitous sex, and no evil deeds. This cleanliness may not appeal to everyone, but I give this book 5 coffee beans, and a personal recommendation.
