The Road to Tender Hearts

Bookseller recommendation

“This is the ultimate road-trip book, full of loveable yet unreliable characters, and just enough whimsy and humor. I listened to the audiobook on Libro.fm, and was such a fan of the narrator! Don't be put off by the 63-year-old male protagonist, PJ and his family are so fun, and you'll be glad you joined them on their trip to Tender Hearts retirement community. ”

— Kelsey • Red Balloon Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Light, funny and touching with unforgettable characters and even a cat named Pancake. The cat attaches himself to a family in transition and they all head out on a crazy road trip with varied agendas during which Pancake is found to have unusual powers. Though nothing in their story turns out as planned, the twists, turns and hilarity wind up giving them all an even better story than they'd hoped for. ”

— Patience • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Nothing says “summer reading” quite like a classic road trip novel! This one is so fun- there’s a great cast of characters (including a very intuitive cat) and the narrator does a great job embodying each one. Funny, sweet, messy- you won’t regret taking the road to Tender Hearts retirement community with PJ and his cobbled-together family. ”

— Kelsie • Red Balloon Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“A wacky and wonderful road trip book with unforgettable characters and delightfully narrated by Mark Bramhall. Themes of family relationships, grief and healing are handled with beauty and humor. ”

— Carolyn • Mrs. Dalloway's

Bookseller recommendation

“This book was so strange and so wonderfully touching. You won't be able to tell what twists and turns this story, much like the cross country road trip that takes up much of the book, is going. Do yourself a favor and just go along for the ride with PJ, Ollie, Luna, and Sophie, and Pancakes the cat. ”

— Sara • Reads & Company

Bookseller recommendation

“If you're in the mood for a quirky, dark comedy that allows its characters to honestly confront loss, grief, disappointment and heartache, while also dealing with past decisions and failures, yet leaving room for second chances and found family? This is absolutely the book for you. Join PJ, his daughter, Sophie, and two newly orphaned children, Luna and Ollie, as they embark on a cross country roadtrip to confront the past and the future. Joining them is Pancakes, agent of death and orange tabby cat. I loved everything about their journey. Content warnings can be found on Storygraph if that's a concern. There are a few. But this was my introduction to Annie Hartnett, but now her previous novels have been added to my TBR.”

— Sara • Plenty

Bookseller recommendation

“How many bad decisions can one family make and still survive? What starts as the road trip from hell does, indeed, create tender hearts. Come along for a feel good read that takes no prisoners.”

— Anita Gett • Main Street Books Davidson