Mary Kay Andrews

When two estranged sisters—complete opposites in every way—reunite after their mother’s death, they have one shared goal: sell the house and use the money to climb out of debt. But their plans unravel quickly. Instead of a tidy inheritance, they discover a $325,000 mortgage their mother secretly took out to send money to a televangelist in Texas. Worse still, her remaining savings sit in a tin can held by their Uncle Keith, the executor of the estate.

But that money isn’t meant to pay show more off bills.

Their mother’s dying wish was for the sisters to use it to travel to Ireland—to reconnect with each other and uncover their family’s roots. What follows is a journey filled with mystery and intrigue, a touch of romance, and even a bit of murder. Determined to piece together their family history, the sisters head to Ireland for what becomes the adventure of a lifetime. Long-buried secrets begin to slip through the veil of time—and not everyone is pleased about it.

Part of those family secrets is the painting that hangs over their Mother’s fireplace. A painting supposedly brought over from Ireland by their great grandmother when she immigrated from Ireland. A painting of Lady Geraldine Fitzhugh. A painting worth millions... maybe. Could this be their real inheritance?

From the first pages of Road Trip, I was hooked. The writing drew me in immediately, and the unfolding family mystery kept me turning the pages. I became so invested that I actually sketched out a family tree as I read. As someone who has done my own genealogy research, I felt especially connected to the story. The Irish setting was vivid and inviting, filled with quirky characters—and yes, a hunky Irishman.

The sisters’ gradual reconnection felt natural and satisfying. I also loved the flashbacks to their great-grandmother’s immigration to the United States. The letters she wrote to her brother added depth and emotion, and for a while the story took on a dual-timeline feel as past and present intertwined beautifully.

Believe it or not, this was my first Mary Kay Andrews novel and it definitely will not be my last! I really enjoyed this book and want to thank St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy of Road Trip to read and review! I truly loved it! show less

I was happpily surprised that this book was so enjoyable. I feared it might be a typical (sappy) Christmas-themed book, but it was definitely a feel-good 5-star read. As another reader said, this is what a Christmas story should be. Starting in the mountains near the small town of Tarburton, North Carolina and mostly taking place in New York City, this is the story of Kerry and her grumpy brother Murphy. For one month in December they sell trees from their Christmas tree farm on a street show more corner in Greenwich Village.

Kerry Tolliver is a graphic designer who just lost her job and grudgingly helps her older brother with the tree sales as their father recovers from a heart attack. Working outside selling trees and wreaths that she crafts, she meets many people, both young and old. As the story develops, so do the relationships. At the conclusion of the novel, she explains to one of the other characters how things have changed: “We’re not strangers. We’re friends. You, me, Austin, Patrick, Murphy, and Claudia. What’s that saying? Friends are the family you choose. I guess we’ve chosen you. Whether you like it or not.”

This is a story of family, both conventional and chosen. Themes of art, romance, grief, and loyalty. A dog named Queenie and Christmas music, hot chocolate and twinkling lights. What makes this a great story is the writing – Mary Kay Andrews writes believable characters, heartwarming stories, realistic settings, with just the right amount of plot to keep you turning the pages. show less

Dempsey Joy Killebrew, Georgetown Law Grad, lobbyist for big firm in DC gets fired after she is implicated by her boss in a scandal involving procuring prostitutes for a Congressman (among other things.) Now at this point in the story, I was ready to say that Dempsey wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but for pete's sake--she graduated from Georgetown Law!! Anyway, she has no money, no job prospects, and therefore allows herself to be stashed away in Guthrie Ga to rehab an old house show more her father has just inherited from his great uncle. The house comes complete with the requisite dog (no southern story can do without a dog!) and a 79 year old curmudgeonly cousin Ella Kate who is squatting in the ruins and refuses to move.

Now we won't say too much about Dempsey's absolutely miraculous makeover of the house --even Ty Bennington's crew couldn't have done that much work and fixed things up that beautifully on her pitiful budget in such a short time. But wait...there's more. Dempsey has to convince the FBI she's innocent and hire's the lawfirm of Berryhill and Berryhill to help her out of the mess. There's a romance. There's political and legal intrigue. There are courtly southern gentleman. There's a California moonbeam, spaced-out mother, and enough friendly, gossipy, nosey, and randy southern citizens of this small town to keep the reader turning pages and laughing out loud. And there's the star of the show: Ella Kate.

In the end, Dempsey shows us what she's really made of, develops some self-confidence, pulls her brains out of storage, and becomes a heroine we can cheer for.

It won't win a Nobel Prize, but it's a surprisingly good solid little romance for days when you want some chocolate with the marshmallow fluff. I loved it show less

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?"
—Mary Oliver

Therese and Maeve, daughters of Mary Helen Sullivan Dunagin, are stunned by the news that their Uncle Keith delivers the morning after their mother's funeral. Each sister envisions a future that doesn't involve the other, convinced that their renewed connection is only temporary. But with a promise involving a coffee can and a mysterious newspaper article Therese clipped on her way back to Savannah, their show more immediate future becomes tangled and unpredictable, setting them on a journey neither expected.

I was eager to discover how the estranged sisters would navigate the process of settling their mother's estate. After so much time apart, could their perspectives toward each other shift? How would the loss of their mother affect them? Might they reconcile, heal old wounds, and move forward with newfound respect? Could their differences become a source of strength, allowing them to reconnect as sisters?

I loved this story—it offers a memorable road trip, an intriguing mystery, long-held secrets, rich family history, and a touch of romance. The way the author contrasts Savannah with the lush landscapes and distinct atmospheres the sisters encounter on their journey adds vivid texture to their emotional journey. This novel is a heartfelt exploration of sisterhood and forgiveness, told with warmth and wit. Both main and secondary characters are given insightful attention, each with a distinct identity and purpose that moves the story forward. The author's vivid storytelling and compelling cast made it impossible to put down. A 5-star read—highly recommended!

Thank you to Mary Kay Andrews, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel. show less