Are you looking for a light-hearted read for the end of the summer? Then Lynne Branard’s Traveling Light may be the book for you. A coming of age story for someone who has already come of age. Alissa Wells, or Al as she likes to be known, plans a trip out west to take a break from it all, hoping for something that she’s not quite sure she’s looking to find. 

With her three-legged dog Casserole, Al packs up her old VW Bug, Feramond, and sets course for New Mexico: where she plans to return the ashes of a Mr. Roger Hart to his final resting place. 

On her way out west, Al befriends a young teenager named Blossom. Who teaches her a lot about what it is to let go and live in the moment. As the two become traveling companions, they learn a lot about relationships, work, and family. 

Taking each day as they come, Al and Blossom explore famous landmarks and locations across the states while documenting their journey on Facebook. Snapping pictures with Mr. Hart for one last rendezvous before returning home. 

Traveling Light is a fun, playful story with a nice summertime feel. I enjoyed Branard’s story and found this cross-country road trip quite different from others I’ve read before. With shorter chapters, I found this novel to be a quick and easy read. 

Something to note, although enjoyable, I found this book to lack the element of surprise. I found that most, if not all that I anticipated happening as I read, did happen. I find it more entertaining when a book can surprise me and keep me on my toes, no matter the genre. Some readers like to foresee what will happen in the coming pages. So, if you are one of those readers, definitely give this book a shot. 

I am going to award Traveling Light three stars. Even though I saw most of the events coming, I enjoyed the plot of this novel and the sweet and tender moments Branard produced in its pages. 

As always, thanks for reading! 💜

★★★☆☆