I always love how bookstagram has a way of introducing you to books and authors you never thought to pick up. All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata is one of those books.
I had stumbled upon it a few times, but never thought to read it until I saw how much @bruhasbookshelf and @_reedfish really loved it and more so when I saw @allysbookshoparoundthecorner included it in a post casting Pedro Pascal in books (if that was not enticing enough 😏). Now having read it, I know it will be a book I’ll look back on and recommend. It's partly a romance, but at the heart of it all is a well developed story about finding yourself and home again.
Aurora De La Torre has decided to return to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. It was a place she once called home many years ago before her mom disappeared while hiking, and where she hopes to start anew following her divorce from a famous musician. Never did she expect however, that in this small community she would have a new found family, let alone find love by way of a game warden named Tobias Rhodes.
At first, I worried that this was going to be too lengthy at 500+ pages, but as the story got going I didn’t mind it. I noticed how much Mariana Zapata takes the time to really develop and flesh out her characters realistically without it feeling like it dragged on. I got to know who Aurora was and saw her growth throughout. Her hiking trips were not only a way for her to feel close to her mom, but were also a reflection of her own self-journey to who she once was and towards who she is now. I also loved how she reconnected with her old friend, Clara, while forming new friendships with Amos, Jackie, and Rhodes.
I think what I loved most though, was how Mariana Zapata gradually builds Rhodes and Aurora’s relationship. There is a trust that forms naturally before they fall for each other, that takes its time to breathe without forcing it or speeding it up too quickly. It's a slow burn to say the least, but the development is worth it because in that time you feel a genuine connection between them.
After enjoying this so much, I’m already looking forward to reading the rest of Mariana Zapata’s books, but All Rhodes Lead Here will probably still be my favorite.
Post a Comment