Most book launches involve a posh venue, the fresh scent of newly-printed paperbacks, and a glass of something sparkling and celebratory.
I’ve never had one of those.
And my latest involved a Moroccan quarry, zero internet, and a flat tyre on my truck.
After three delightful months on the road in this beautiful country, with omnipresent 4G and a plethora of places to stay, I found myself in only corner of Morocco to boast an internet black spot and nowhere to park a truck. Just as my new book, From B to A: Britain to Albania: The True Story of an Overland Van Life Adventure Through Europe towards The Balkans – With Dogs, was about to go live!
So launch day had it’s own particular brand of glamour – and found me holed up in a geological feature, desperately trying to co-ordinate publicity with my internet signal leaping up and down like a kangaroo on a trampoline.
Then, en route to our return ferry crossing from Tanger Med, The Beast got a flat tyre!
It was the pawfect opportunity to put my birthday presents to use. A couple of years ago, Mark bought me a 20-tonne bottle jack and a pair of axle stands.
However, I suppose this is exactly what the book is about. Life on the road seldom goes to plan. It involves breakdowns, messy bits, unplanned detours, and moments when things go spectacularly wrong – usually at the most inconvenient moment.
Yet somehow, those become the best stories later.
We made it to the port. I’m not quite laughing yet, but I’m sure I shall!
Nevertheless, the early feedback and reviews have made my day and in spite of everything, From B to A launched as a bestseller.
For a limited time, the ebook is still available at the special launch price of 99p/99c. After the launch, it will go revert to its normal list price of £2.99/$3.99.
Now, all we need to do is navigate 3,555 km home with a car satnav, because our truck satnav has given up the ghost – which has led to some ‘interesting’ drives through the Atlas Mountains
Blurb:
The Comic Memoir of a Questionable Road Trip
“Don’t go there,” they said.
So Jackie and Mark did. In their sixteen-tonne truck, The Beast. With four dogs.
Looking beyond the headlines – and drawn by curiosity – they set course for a misunderstood country on the fringes of Europe.
Their slow, dog-filled adventure winds through France and Italy, where they seek out quiet roads, wild camps, and experiences you won’t find in guidebooks.
But the journey didn’t quite go to plan.
When they finally cross into Albania, a frightening incident forces them to confront the realities that come with choosing an unconventional life – particularly when others depend on you.
Rich in history and populated with unforgettable characters, this is not a glossy van-life fantasy. It’s a wry, honest, and witty memoir about choosing curiosity over fear – even when it comes at a price.
If you’ve ever wondered what lies beyond the well-trodden routes – and whether it’s worth the risk – this journey is for you.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: van life • overland expeditions • The Balkans • dog-friendly travel • slow adventure • funny, heartfelt travel memoirs.
Book 1 of Never Mind the Balkans – the hit new series from bestselling author Jacqueline Lambert.
About Jacqueline Lambert’s Books
From B to A: Britain to Albania: The True Story of an Overland Van Life Adventure Through Europe to the Balkans – With Dogs follows on from my award-winning Adventure Caravanning With Dogs series and multi-award-winning Wayward Truck series. Each volume is a stand-alone road trip adventure, although the books are consecutive in time, following our adventures since we gave up work almost a decade ago to hit the road and live our dreams.
All my books have received multiple 5* reviews. My third book, Dogs ‘n’ Dracula: A Road Trip Through Romania won the Chill With a Book PREMIER Readers’ Award and was a finalist in the Romania Insider Awards for ‘Best Promotion of Romania Abroad.’
Building The Beast won BRONZE in the Adult Non Fiction Category of The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, was awarded a Readers’ Favorite 5* seal, and was a finalist in The Page Turner Book Awards.
More Manchester Than Mongolia was awarded a Readers’ Favorite 5* seal, and is a finalist in the Adult Non Fiction Category of The Wishing Shelf Book Awards.
All of my books are available to purchase as either e books or paperback on Amazon, or you can read them for FREE on Kindle Unlimited.
April is Drop Everything and Read Month!
My books make pawfect presents for the dog/travel/RV-lovers in your life. They have fewer calories than chocolate – and are the gift you can open again and again!
About Jacqueline Lambert
Jacqueline (Jackie) Lambert is an award-winning travel writer and blogger. A dedicated adventurer, B.C. (Before Canines) she rafted, rock climbed, and backpacked around six of the seven continents. A passionate windsurfer and skier, she can fly a plane, has been bitten by a lion, and appeared as a fire eater on Japanese TV.
A.D. (After Dog), she quit work in 2016 to hit the road permanently with her husband and four pooches.
To date, they have toured nearly 30 countries.
For travel advice and to keep up with their travels, see Jackie’s travel blog, http://www.WorldWideWalkies.com
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Jacqueline Lambert 