Ed and Stacey's departure from San Clemente at daybreak would prove to be much more than the start of a simple road trip.
The motorhome's tires kissed the asphalt of Orange County goodbye as they navigated towards the sprawling, glittery embrace of Las Vegas, and their friend Pepper.
That night, amidst the clinking of chips and shuffling of cards, Ed played at the $10 Blackjack table for hours, his thoughts swirling like the gin and tonic in his glass. His mind dances between the past and reconnecting with Pepper, a symphony of melancholy notes for the years gone by.
Their visit with Pepper the next day was supposed to be short. But his dementia had gotten much worse since being admitted, and Ed didn't have the heart to leave him behind.
So, Ed, Stacey, and Pepper embark on the next leg of their road trip together, to visit more old friends at Clear Lake near Santa Rosa.
At the reunion Pepper meets Sandy Martin, and sparks fly almost instantly, putting into motion a very different life than the hospital could offer him. Because facing the unknown together is better than being alone.
But when a local psychopath hears Pepper on a radio talk show and decides he wants Pepper to be his friend, things take a very dark turn.
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Four years is a long time to be locked in.- Ed
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(Self-Published, 25 September 2023, e-galley, 248 pages, copy from @Bookgal, #BlogTour 18 January)
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I tend to be drawn to books that feature characters with dementia as my Gran had this so I feel I can relate more. I really wanted to read Keeping Pepper when I read the blurb. Pepper is 'rescued' from a dementia facility by old friends and taken on a road trip. I had a great time reading this. It's a fun read for the most part, as Pepper and his friends wax lyrical about their past's and the meaning of life. The book is sad at times though as Pepper's illness rears it's head and it's not all fun and games. Still, this is a touching, heart-warming and charming book.
4/5
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