Lost and Found: The Misadventures of a Reluctant Trekker by Donna Abel

A Chick-Lit Travel Fiction Novel published (07/16/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

“Planning, practice, and preparation make for high performance.”

Fiercely independent businesswoman Samantha O’Sullivan finds her perfectly polished world unraveling after burnout, grief, and a drunken bidding war land her on a ten-day trek through Vietnam. Swapping stilettos for hiking boots, she stumbles through laugh-out-loud training fails, inner battles with her self-critical alter ego “Karen,” and a tangled web of work drama, exes, and unexpected friendships. As she navigates blisters, betrayal, and emotional baggage, Samantha discovers healing, forgiveness, and a second chance at love in this witty, heartfelt tale of getting lost to find yourself.

Keywords:

Grief, self-discovery, resilience, friendship, forgiveness, second chances, trek, training, hike, Vietnam, charity hike

My Review:

This story is perfectly plotted, with every beat landing exactly where it should. The pacing is tight, and the blend of internal and external conflict keeps things engaging throughout. Samantha, the main character, feels refreshingly real, especially in how she wrestles with self-doubt. I loved that she gives a name to her inner critic—Karen—which adds both humor and emotional weight to her internal dialogue, making her struggles relatable and keeping the tone upbeat.

The writing style is conversational yet polished, with a touch of humor that shines through Samantha’s narration. Her mindset is front and center, emotionally self-aware, and her truths land plainly and honestly, with just enough levity to keep the tone engaging and accessible.

Although the plot revolves around the series of events that lead to a spur-of-the-moment charity trek bid and the preparation for that journey (as well as the actual few days in Vietnam), it’s a story about Sam’s symbolic journey through grief, healing, and rediscovery. In a way, we’re all preparing for our own version of a monumental task, and it was gratifying to walk with Sam on hers, experiencing her growth and resilience.

I also appreciate that there were subplots that gave this book another layer of complexity. Even though this book is on the shorter end, it felt complete and thoughtfully constructed. That said, the diary entries at the end didn’t work for me. They felt like a recap I didn’t need. The story was already complete, and retelling it in another format did not add to the storytelling.

On the other hand, one of my favorite little surprises was Samantha’s Official Trek Training Progress Chart—a fun, quirky detail that paired perfectly with the tone of the book and ended things on a lighter, playful note.

If you enjoy introspective, tightly written contemporary fiction with quippy characters, this one is definitely worth reading.

This novel was published on 07/16/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.00

Links for more information:

Goodreads