Call of the Camino: a deeply emotional and moving story about the transformative journey along the Camino de Santiago

Call of the Camino by Suzanne Redfearn is a deeply emotional and moving novel about the transformative journey along the legendary route of the Camino de Santiago. In 2024, twenty-five year old Reina Watkins lost her father when she was eight, even seventeen years later, the grief is still heavy on her heart. When an opportunity comes up that would boost her budding journalism career, Reina finds herself on the ancient five-hundred-mile path, the same route that her father took many years ago.  Armed with his journal, Reina takes the journey with her father at her side, little does she know that she will learn much more about her father, their family and the past. In 1997, seventeen year old Isabelle Vidal is a teenager on the run, after she flees from her boarding school. Hearing that the Camino will provide, she heads for the Way of Saint James, and comes in the form of new friends and a handsome young American who brings the promise of a new life. 

I have loved Suzanne Redfearn’s books for years and I was excited to read Call of the Camino. It is a powerful story of faith, self-discovery that involves learning the past to help shape your future. It is a story of two women who find courage, strength and love on the hallowed trail. Ms. Redfearn’s description of the trail and the experiences of those who walk it reminds me of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT), 2,650 miles from the US-Mexico border through California, Oregon and Washington to the Canadian border. Although not as long as the Camino, I have heard the same types of life-changing, transformative journeys. From the opening chapter to the closing page, I was hooked on Reina’s and Isabelle’s story. I felt as if I was on the path with them and I could not put the book down. I read on the edge of my seat as Reina’s and Isabelle’s story intertwine. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I highly, highly recommend Call of the Camino. 

Call of the Camino is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Putter and the Red Car: a family's adventure cross coutnry

Putter and the Red Car by Kate K. Lund and illustrated by Ana Maria Velieu is the story of a family’s journey from Boston to Seattle. The story is told from the point of view of their dog, Putter, an Airedale terrier.

Dad has gotten a new job and the family must move from their home on the east coast to the west coast. Along the way, Putter describes the family’s activities at their various stops. First, Sturbridge. Massachusetts, then on to Pennsylvania, and Chicago to visit friends. Next to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore. But unfortunately it’s raining, maybe next time. Next stop, Buffalo, Wyoming to explore a real teepee. One more stop until home, Missoula, Montana. Finally, Seatlle! Their new home. 6 days and 3,000 miles!!!

Putter and the Red Car is a fun story about a family’s move across country. To hear the story from the dog’s perspective is fun and unique. Kate Lund is a licensed clinical psychologist and wrote this book as the first in a series. Her goal is to teach and help children adapt to change as well as build resilience and recognize the power of different possibilities. I think she’s off to a good start. The journey is positive and builds excitement for the family’s new home with each stop. I highly recommend Putter and the Red Car for any family or classroom library.

Putter and the Red Car

is available on Amazon

in paperback for $12.95 and

on the Kindle for $2.99