I loved the writing style of 'The Rosie Project', a warm and witty tale which moved at a keen pace and treated the reader with respect by not spelling out every little thing yet managing to convey the characters beautifully. So I approached this jointly written novel with both apprehension and enthusiasm. There was no need for the former. You would never know that this is written by two authors, admittedly partners but still, an amazing accomplishment of seamless prose, either that or they have the most amazing editor(s)! The story is full of unexpected events and revelations, just like life itself, and I found the hairs standing up on my arms and neck on several occasions by the time it started to resolve all the loose ends and my love for the protagonists had been firmly established. It is also quite a pleasant travelogue and does awaken a curiosity of the pilgrim's route in both France and Spain. Perhaps even more the French section, being less crowded (although the time of year had a lot to do with that) and less known. I was glad to read in the Authors' Notes at the conclusion of the story that they had walked the chemin/camino themselves, twice in fact, and that those first-hand experiences had been percolating for several years before the final novel was published. A really enjoyable read which I would happily recommend to anyone and especially to those who have ever harboured secret ambitions to go for a very long walk.

Many people from all walks of life take time out and take the Pilgrims walk from France to Santiago de Compostela in north western Spain on the Camino (The Way). Many do this walk for personal reasons or to try and find themselves. It is a highly personal experience and The Way changes you for many reasons. The International bestselling author of The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect Graeme Simsion and his wife and fellow author Anne Buist to tell a story of two people who embark on their own personal journey on the Camino de Compostela in Two Steps Forward (Two Roads). Two Steps Forward follows two very different people who set out on their long walk from Cluny in France to Santiago de Compostela. Both are struggling because of the recent pasts for Zoe it is because of the sudden death of her husband and Martin is getting over a rather messy divorce. A funny and romantic story told with both Zoe’s and Martin’s stories told in alternating chapters. Two people who find themselves on The Way of St. James in the hope of finding a way forward in their lives a spiritual quest. The beauty of this story is that that both Simsion and Buist bring their own unique writing to this heart-warming story of two lost souls. Both Zoe and Martin set out alone from Cluny in France and ahead lies two thousand kilometres of tough walking. Both wondering what lies ahead in the journey and people that they will meet that will have great influence on them and their lives. Along the way both Zoe and Martin keep meeting and there is a sense of both slowly getting to know each other a little more every time they bump into each other. Sharing their experiences and tips and also an insight into their personal lives. They may be different in terms of backgrounds but both are on this journey for a reason and there is a sense that both are beginning their own journey’s to start again in life and also to love again. What we the reader share is not only their personal story and journey on the Camino but also the stunning landscapes and towns and villages and also the interactions of many of the people they meet. A beautiful story that was written so wonderfully constructed, a book that is a slow burner but this is not meant to be a fast paced story or a race to the finish in Santiago. A novel exploring emotions and complex individuals. I felt I was walking with The Way myself but this is a personal journey I will be taking in the years to come. In the meantime, if you love a good book with a warm and at times funny storyline but also a very moving story about two people a human story that touches so many levels. Two Steps Forward by Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist I highly recommend. If you do read Two Steps Forward and feel inspired to take your own pilgrimage the official website offers more information to those thinking of walking The Way. Camino de Santiago 368 Pages.

I fell in love with Graeme Simsion's writing when I first came across his novel 'The Rosie Project', so I was very keen to read more of his work. The story focuses on "The Way", a pilgrim's walk throughout France and Spain. Two central characters Zoe (American) and Martin (English) and their very different reasons for finding themselves at the same starting point in the route (Cluny in France). I loved the tentative start for both these characters. Zoe is completely unprepared for the walk and is inspired to take on the challenge after stumbling across a scallop charm in the local Cluny antique shop. Martin is teaching in the local area and has invented a cart with his students for pilgrims walking the route. He wants to sell the cart to investors but they want a test drive before he brings it to a Parisian trade fair. I loved the sliding door moments of the story, with the underlying tone that no matter the path or how long you take, you always end up exactly where and when you are supposed to. Yes it's billed as a mature love story, but I think it's so much more than that. Its about facing a challenge, emotional or physical and reflection of knowing that nothing can stop you, apart from yourself. A very inspiring story, with crafted, deep characters, interspersed with moments of comic timed brevity and wonderful setting. Highly recommended this especially to those who enjoyed books like "Wild"

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I should start off by stating that this is really not my usual genre for reading but I found it quite enjoyable. This novel is based around the Camino de Santiago and two main characters walking it separately and not having planned on doing so. Zoe is a recently-widowed American with two daughters visiting a friend near Cluny and Martin is an recently-divorced English engineer and designer. Along the way, they meet an assortment of characters from all over the world, all with their own problems, hoping that the Camino will help them. This is perhaps suitable for the chick-lit generation as it includes romance and a lot of self-reflection. It is easily told in alternative chapters, narrated by the two main protagonists and is reasonably engaging. Quite good but not really my cup of tea.

An entertaining book about friendship , finding yourself and walking. Told by Zoe and Martin who for their own reasons have decided to walk the Camino way. We follow their journey through highs and lows and meet a cornucopia of interesting people. It certainly made me want to get up off my bottom and walk. Full of insightful information for anyone brave enough to tackle this walk and although it is fiction it would surely be a good book to read en route.