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.
To find all my books and reviews, check out the links below – and while you’re there, if you mark the odd good review as ‘Helpful’, it will really help me with the algorithms!
If you want to keep up with our travels, why not follow to my blog and get updates straight into your inbox? Now that I no longer have a book launch looming, I am hoping to get back to blogging regularly about our travels.
Below is a photo of The Beast & moonrise in the Sahara Desert.
World Wide Walkies 
Omg Jackie. I can only imagine your frustration. People talking and sharing your book and you’re trapped in silence. No worries, the book is birthed and I have my copy that will come up my reader two books fom now. Now celebrate! 😁🧡
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Debby! We’ve got our tyre fixed, and are back on EU internet. Which is probably worse than Morocco 🙂
I hope you enjoy it when you get to it. I wish I had more time to read…
LikeLiked by 1 person
No doubts I’ll enjoy. And ya, I think you’re a tad busy. Lol 🥰
LikeLike
I have to be honest, while we urgently need a new home on wheels, I’m kind of enjoying not living on the road for a while and not being on edge about the next thing that will go wrong. It’s an interesting feeling and I am enjoying my daily hot and pressurized showers, well-working Wifi, and visits to the same store where I know where to find everything! 🙂
Congrats with the successful launch and welcome back to Europe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha! I feel you! It’s been an interesting return – with the pups’ passports becoming invalid with 5 days’ notice, Moroccan dog food giving the pups bad tums, Rosie having an ear infection, a flat tyre, Mark mashing up his hand while trying to change said flat, leaving us driving without a spare and no one prepared to change the tyre to return us to having a spare!
Thankfully, we got it all sorted this morning. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you got your tire sorted. First things first and one thing at a time! I was just reminiscing (for the umpteenth time) how literally EVERYTHING we do in this lifestyle turns into a story. Nothing simple, easy, or boring about any minute of the day. Embrace it! 🙂
LikeLike
I am sorry you got stuck in that internet black spot in Morocco with a flat tire. It sounds scary to me because I have an acquintance whose daughter was abducted by Al Queda, with her friend, in the countryside in Morocco, and they got beheaded and a video was made of it. Sorry about that horrible story, but it shows how dangerous it can be. I am glad you are safe and congratulations on your book launch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my word, Thomas, what an absolutely terrible tragedy. I am heartbroken for your friends.
I know Al Queda is in Africa, but wasn’t aware they were active in Morocco. We saw nothing but kindness in Morocco, but I know some of the neighbouring countries demand caution.
We’re back in Spain now, where people are considerably less helpful than in Morocco! We visited 5 tyre shops who were absolutely not interested in helping us, but number 6 did. So, we can now afford to have another puncture.
Although in Europe, it cost 200 euros, as opposed to 5 in Morocco….
LikeLike
🥳 Congratulations Jacquie 🥳 I can see why it’s #1. I’m ❤️ing it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thank you so much, Donna 🙂 I am so pleased you’re enjoying it xx
LikeLike
Congratulations on your remarkable achievement (and your survival!). Your hard work paid off! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
With this lifestyle, you do learn to roll with the punches and expect the unexpected!
We’re all sorted now. New inner tube fitted at tyre shop number 6 – and back on our European SIM card. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person