My husband, my children, and I have always loved the United States. In 2015, we obtained our green cards through the DV Lottery and moved to Florida in March 2016.

That first year in the United States was the year of settling in, discovering a new country, and experiencing many firsts. Even though we had carefully prepared our move from France, which is essential if you want to arrive in a new country as calmly as possible, we still learned far more once we were actually on the ground.

In this book, based on both our personal experience and my research, I share advice for anyone planning a move to the United States, with a few Florida-specific details. I gathered together, in guide form, all the information I wish I had had myself when we were settling in: from creating a temporary mailbox to opening a bank account and dealing with the Social Security Number.

This book gives readers the basics and the practical keys they need for a move to the USA.

That first year also taught us a lot about our adopted country and about ourselves. Expat life pushes you beyond your comfort zone and beyond limits you did not even realize you had. Behind the postcard-perfect images, there are also difficulties at times, but the overall balance has been more positive than ever.

I also share how we felt as the months went by during this very instructive first year abroad.

On March 15, 2017, we celebrated our first full year living in the United States and, as you will discover in the book, it was not exactly an easy year in terms of organization, learning, and emotions.

I take you with us through our first steps in the United States and through the adventure behind Our American Dream.