The Scent of Jade by Dee DeTarsio

Julie Fraser is unadventurous, happy and content in her mundane day to day activities in San Diego. But when all signs point to surprising her husband on his business trip in Costa Rica, Julie decides she must follow them. The trip turns out disastrous, leaving Julie fighting to stay alive Survivor-style in the Costa Rican jungle after accidently stealing an ancient artifact. Julie must figure out if she is leaving her husband, how to get rescued and return to the stone, and if she’s losing her mind because her only friend in the jungle is a monkey. But once a handsome blonde Juan comes to rescue, Julie’s outlook is suddenly looking brighter- until she finds out Juan has been using her to get to the stone. Alone again and in desperate need for help, Julie sets out a path that will lead her to many truths about her husband, her marriage, and herself.

The Scent of Jade by Dee DeTarsio is a unique story about one woman trying to find her way in the world. The story was very creative and quite clever, and I found myself laughing many times.  But it wasn’t all humorous, there was a underlying of serious notes also throughout the story, and danger lurking for many of the characters. I thought DeTarsio put together an excellent blend of romance, international mystery, and loveable quirky characters that chick lit fans will love. All that being said, I truly did like this book, but when I finished the last chapter and gathered my thoughts on it, I wasn’t really moved. It was a good story, relatable characters, and an exotic location, but there were times when I failed to see the point, the message the story was bringing to me. But I did enjoy reading it and I think DeTarsio has a fresh take on writing for women, and I will definitely read more of her novels.