Beautifully written, a tale of strangers whose paths are entwined as they travel the Way for very different reasons. Taking turns to tell their story, the characters are well rounded and sympathetic as we follow their emotional journeys.

This was a light, easy read from the author of The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect, Graeme Simsion and his wife Anne Buist. The idea for this book was drafted in 2011 a year after they walked the Camino Way themselves and was completed after they walked the route for a second time in 2016. Two Steps Forward is the story of two very different people walking from Cluny in France to Santiago de Compostela in North West Spain, for very different reasons. They are walking alone and do not know each other at the start of the book, but their paths cross many times along the way. Both have reasons for doing the walk. Zoe is struggling following the sudden death of her husband and Martin is trying to recover from his recent unpleasant divorce. Both set out separately to walk the 2,000 km Camino Way, looking to rediscover themselves, looking for a new begining. Could there be a second chance in life of happiness ? This was a light, quick, entertaining read with romance, fun, disasters and blisters. I read this book in an afternoon. Although Zoe and Martin's story was fictional, the Camino Way is worth reading up about and is quite fascinating. I thought the cover of this book was beautifully decorated with the large scallop shell, which is one of the symbols used today to guide the pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. The scallop shell is painted on fences, trees buildings etc along the different routes. The lines of the shell are said to depict the different routes, leading to one point - the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. This book gives food for thought and may encourage you to get out your walking boots but remember the plasters.

The novel is told from two alternate perspectives and each voice is completely unique imagesand compelling. Californian Zoe is a broke artist whose husband has passed away, while Yorkshireman Martin is an engineer who’s feeling bitter after divorce and he’s looking for a way to make money. Both are walking the Camino, the pilgrim’s passage from Cluny in France to the Compostela de Santiago in Spain, where the remains of St. James are said to buried. Along 'The Way' they both begin to untangle a lot of emotional baggage. Martin is clever, stubborn, determined to do everything on his own terms and has a sarcastic wit which can come across as arrogant and brusque at times, an attitude which can occasionally places stumbling blocks along the road for him. Zoe is warm, friendly and engaging but has lost her sense of identity in some ways, which can lead her to make assumptions at times that can set her back. The title ‘Two Steps Forward’ is perfect for this novel as it epitomises the phrase ‘two steps forward and one step back’ as Zoe and Martin are brought together and pulled apart along this journey. At times they don’t feel that they’re moving forward at all on their individual journeys but they are every step of the way despite the occasional set back. As readers follow Martin and Zoe along the Camino they will learn many useful tips and how to avoid the mistakes that these two characters make. The trials and tribulations along with the joy and camaraderie of falling into step with complete strangers at different points along the Way are vividly brought to life, as are the key points of interest and spectacular scenery. You may find yourself drawn towards walking the Camino by the end of this wonderful life-enhancing reading experience. Which is exactly what authors Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist, who have have walked the Camino, hope you will do: "This book was inspired by the people who walked with us, who welcomed us, and who mark and care for The Way. We hope it will inspire others to undertake their own journeys."

I've not yet had the pleasure of reading The Rosie Project but after reading this I definitely will. A wonderful novel which makes you want to step out your door and go on a long walk. Leisurely in pace and overflowing with atmosphere and detail, it brings to life a cast of wonderful characters all walking for a different reason. Told through the voices of two narrators (not a writing devise I usually enjoy but it was fabulously well done) we walk along side the characters and watch how the pilgrimage shapes and changes them and brings them to their destination, an ending but also a beginning. A book which would be enjoyed by both fiction and travel writing fans.

Zoe and Martin each with reasons of their own decide to step up to the challenge of walking two thousand kilometres from Cluny to Santiago, the pilgrims route of Camino. One thing they didn't anticipate on the walk is to find romance. The book has got a great storyline, funny, romantic and overall it makes you feel like booking a walking holiday to try the Camino Way yourself. A total feel good romance that I would recommend to anyone.