Ride of Her Life

In Ride of Her Life, Sam Shepherd delivers an uplifting tale of resilience, adventure, and unexpected love. Meet Claire, a dedicated HR professional in her thirties whose life unravels in a single chaotic week: her boyfriend walks out, accusing her of loving her bike more than him; her rented home is sold out from under her; and her stable job vanishes in a corporate upheaval. Left reeling in the vibrant yet unpredictable streets of Dublin, Claire faces a crossroads. At an age when society expects her to settle down, she dares to rewrite her story.

Drawing inspiration from her passion for cycling—her ultimate escape and source of freedom—Claire embarks on a transformative journey. Saying "yes" to opportunities she never imagined, she cycles across Europe, immerses herself in new cultures, and forms fleeting yet profound connections. From the sun-soaked hills of Spain to the artistic vibes of Paris and the rugged beauty of Canada, Claire discovers hidden strengths, confronts past traumas from her family's hardships, and learns to embrace life's detours. Along the way, she navigates heartbreak, fleeting romances, and the thrill of independence, all while pedaling toward self-discovery.

But adventure comes with challenges: a debilitating injury, the isolation of a global pandemic, and the pull of uncharted desires. As Claire rebuilds her life—launching online fitness routines for the "hurt foot" crowd and pursuing a career as a personal trainer—she uncovers a love that feels like home, one that blossoms in the most surprising place. Shepherd's debut novel weaves humor, heart, and a touch of artistic license into Claire's odyssey, celebrating the courage to chase dreams on two wheels.

Perfect for fans of Eat, Pray, Love and Wild, this relatable story reminds us that when everything falls apart, the open road—and an open heart—can lead to extraordinary new beginnings. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast, a seeker of second chances, or simply craving an empowering read, Ride of Her Life will inspire you to pedal through life's ups and downs with renewed vigor.