Title: Eva Reddy's Trip of a Lifetime
Author: Fiona McKenzie Kekic
Publisher: 29th July 2025 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA
Pages: 352 pages
Genre: Travel | Women's Fiction
Synopsis:
When Eva Moore wakes up on her fiftieth birthday, her drab middle-class life immediately starts to unravel. First, she receives an anonymous Facebook message claiming her husband is having an affair. Next, she is restructured out of her job by her obnoxiously young boss. Then, just when she thinks her life can't get any worse, her elderly parents wilfully go missing from their group tour of India. All they've left behind is an increasingly bizarre series of TikTok videos.
Eager to put some distance between herself and her failing marriage, Eva undertakes a rescue mission, determined to save her parents from certain disaster. She wants to find them. But what Eva really needs is to find herself. If she can do that, she might get a second chance at life and love - and, along the way, become an inspiration to anyone who fears their best days are behind them ...
My Thoughts
Eva Reddy's Trip of a Lifetime is exactly what the title promises - and so much more. Fiona McKenzie Kekic has crafted a beautifully written, emotional story that’s equal parts adventure, soul-searching, and self-discovery.
‘Hello again, women of indeterminate age! My name is Eva Reddy. And welcome to my blog ‘Wizened & Wild’, where I ponder the challenges and everyday injustices that accompany female middle age.’
From the very first page, I was drawn into Eva’s world - a woman at a crossroads, bravely stepping outside of her comfort zone and into the unknown. The journey that follows is filled with humour, heartbreak, warmth, and hope. Kekic’s writing shines with vivid settings, compelling characters, and authentic emotion, making Eva's personal transformation feel both real and deeply relatable. From the author:
‘To all those women who feel trapped and invisible. Ignore what social media and our ageist culture would have you believe. You can be anything you want to be. We’re way past caring what other people think. So, find your power. Middle age is just the beginning.’
Eva is the kind of protagonist you cheer for from beginning to end. Her voice is sharp, witty, and deeply human. Whether she's navigating unfamiliar Indian cities or confronting the truths she's spent years avoiding, every step of her journey feels earned and impactful. I highly recommend reading this as it left me feeling inspired, a little teary-eyed, and completely satisfied (especially with all the 1980s references).
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
