An Accidental Odyssey
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
An unexpected phone call derails a young woman's wedding plans and sparks an epic adventure around the modern-day Mediterranean in this “mouth-watering voyage” (Kirkus Reviews) of a novel by kc dyer.
Gianna Kostas is on the cusp of a fairy-tale life. Sure, she's just lost her job, but she's about to marry one of New York's most eligible bachelors. On her way to taste wedding cakes, though, things go sideways. Shocking news sends Gia off on a wild journey halfway around the world in pursuit of her ailing—and nearly estranged—father.
In Athens, she learns Dr. Kostas, a classics professor, is determined to retrace Odysseus's famous voyage. This is a journey her father is in no condition to take alone, so Gia faces a tough decision. When an unexpected job offer helps seal the deal and quash the guilt Gia feels from her disapproving groom-to-be, the journey is on. But as Gia adventures—and eats—her way around the Mediterranean, she discovers that confronting epic storms and ripped surfer dudes might be the easy part.
Along the way, as she uncovers family secrets, finds heartbreak, and learns more about a certain archaeologist with a mysterious past of his own, Gia discovers that fairy-tale endings might be messy and complicated, but they can happen anywhere.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A young woman sets out on an unexpected adventure in this unfocused romance from Dyer (Eighty Days to Elsewhere). Aspiring journalist Gia Kostas is living "every girl's dream" in her engagement to Anthony Hearst, one of New York City's most eligible bachelors. Though their relationship is far from perfect, she's convinced Anthony is what she's supposed to want. But when her absent father, retired history professor Aristotle Kostas, who recently suffered a minor stroke, abruptly leaves for Greece without his medicine, Gia abandons wedding planning to follow him—sparking a massive fight and maybe breakup with Anthony. Upon arriving in Athens, she unwinds at a bar and ends up in bed with a handsome stranger. The next day, her flighty father explains his wistful quest to retrace Odysseus's steps and introduces her to his colleague and travel partner, Rajnish Malik—who Gia recognizes as her one-night stand. Despite the complication Rajnish's presence poses, Gia agrees to join them, embracing the opportunity to discover who her father really is—and find herself in the process. Dyer nails the comedic tone—especially in scenes depicting Aristotle's antics—but the messy, overcrowded plot often meanders. This is best suited for Dyer's die-hard fans.
