Home Sweet Anywhere

Author: Lynne Martin

Review by Christine Krzyszton

Have you ever wanted to sell everything you own and just go see the world? I think it’s a fantasy that passes through many of our heads. We go off on vacation and momentarily think about what it would be like to live in each holiday destination but then of course we ultimately return to sober reality.  Fortunately, you don’t have to sell everything and travel the world to find out what it would be like to live in those favorite places; the Martins have already done that and generously share their experiences and advice.

The brilliantly written “Home Sweet Anywhere” is a memoir of two individuals who were meant to be together but the timing was not right. Several years past and they are reunited but only after the death of the author’s husband. The book doesn’t dwell on the uncomfortable; it forges ahead towards what is possible, even later in life. It turns out Tim and Lynne, now married, are on the same page; they both have repressed wanderlust and when they finally confess their mutual deep desire to sell everything and be home free, the adventure begins. Remember this is non-fiction, this is actually their life.

They take us along as they struggle with letting go of possessions and separating from family and friends but only to move quickly forward as they persevere towards their vision of living abroad, of not being tied down, of being free to decide where and for how long they’ll stay in their temporary abodes. They rent properties in dream destinations such as Mexico, Buenos Aires, Turkey, Paris, Italy, Britain, Ireland, Morocco, and Portugal. It is not always roses and Champagne however but they work through each new cultural challenge, the strain of being together 24/7, the realization that they’re not in their twenties anymore and an occasional logistical roadblock.  And through all, they describe each new venue, the interesting characters along the way, and their thoughts on the whole crazy idea.  Their personalities radiate and you feel like you are one of their new worldly friends they just picked up on a park bench in Paris.

When I finished the book I felt like the Martins felt when leaving their favorite temporary homes; I just want more of this. I want to spend more time in that city and with the fascinating people they met, I want to have another gourmet meal with them, I certainly want to drink more wine and share travel stories with them. I even want to go to the grocery store with them.  I either have to read the book again or sell everything I own and go see the world.

Lynne’s popular blog www.homefreeadventures.com continues to chronicle their life abroad.

 Lynne and Tim used www.homeaway.com  to find their vacation rentals.

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Overall: 5

Review by Broad “C” – Christine

 All opinions are our own

Home Sweet Anywhere: How We Sold Our House, Created a New Life, and Saw the World is available on Amazon.com and booksellers nationwide