As we say goodbye to summer and welcome fall's cozy embrace, hang onto those warm vibes with Alison Cochrun's newest novel, *Every Step She Takes*. If you're familiar with her hit *The Charm Offensive*, you'll know you're in for a treat. This time, Cochrun charms us with a romantic comedy set against sunny Portugal.
Adventure through Portugal
The story follows Sadie, a 35-year-old from Seattle who runs an antique furniture shop, mostly on her own. She steps up when her influencer sister can't finish walking the Camino de Santiago because of an injury, figuring it'll be a peaceful journey. But what she gets instead is a whirlwind adventure—awkward dates, chaotic flights, and an intriguing connection with someone she meets on her plane ride.
A journey in every sense
This intriguing woman, Mal, just so happens to be a wealthy vineyard heiress who joins Sadie on a sapphic walking tour. Their trip sparks Sadie's journey inward, as she starts digging deep into her queer identity. It starts with some "practice kissing" but soon blossoms into something more meaningful. The story hilariously and touchingly delves into what it's like coming out later in life.
Real-life inspiration
Cochrun weaves bits of her own life throughout this relatable yet fictional tale. Like Sadie, she began embracing her queer identity in her 30s and has been on the Camino de Santiago herself. “I was in a mental rut and needed an escape,” she shares, giving us an authentic peek behind the narrative.
Finding inspiration on the Camino
Sadie's path mirrors Cochrun's own experiences. “A lot of details, especially the food and locations, are from my own trip,” Cochrun reveals. While the setting's based on real-life travels, Sadie's personal growth remains uniquely hers.
Playing with rom-com classics
Cochrun loves mixing classic romantic comedy elements. There's “practice dating” and “forced proximity” galore. She admits, “I adore opposites-attract and second-chance romances. They add layers to love stories.”
Exploring new storylines
Though Cochrun has tackled many themes, she looks forward to exploring fresh narratives, like a genuine "enemies-to-lovers" plot. “One day, I want to write an evil lesbian character,” she imagines.
Personal touches in her characters
A lot of Cochrun's characters reflect her own life and experiences. Sadie's later-in-life journey parallels Cochrun's own coming-out story. “Like Sadie, I didn't start questioning my sexuality until my 30s,” she admits.
Looking ahead to new projects
Cochrun hints at her next work, tentatively titled "My Best Friend's Wedding Meets Delila Green Doesn't Care," which promises a hilarious wedding-setting narrative full of chaos and charm.
Her evolving writing style
Cochrun's storytelling continues to evolve. Initially, *Every Step She Takes* had an entirely different premise and setting, showcasing her dynamic creative process.
Blending humor with heart
While her rom-coms are lighthearted, they don't shy away from deeper themes like mental health and personal growth. Cochrun believes that authentic struggles make the stories more meaningful, adding weight to those love stories.
Discovering later-life identity
Sadie's quest to discover herself resonates with so many, including Cochrun. “I wanted to capture the story of someone, like me, who embraced their queerness later in life,” she confides.
Shifting towards sapphic tales
Cochrun's move to sapphic romance reflects her personal journey. While *The Charm Offensive* came before she fully embraced her sexuality, her subsequent stories mirror her own growth and relationships.
Alison Cochrun's *Every Step She Takes* invites readers to dive into a heartfelt tale of love, identity, and self-acceptance, and it's available now.
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