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The Road Trip
Two caravans, four adults and a journey through Australia's heart - the trip of a lifetime, right? Wrong. A wise take on the joys of travel with those you might dislike the most but love the best.
Sharyn Tregonning wanted a holiday somewhere glamorous for her 60th birthday. So when her husband Barry surprises her with a caravan trip from Adelaide to Broome, she is furious - and bitterly disappointed. Even worse, Barry's annoying friend Ray, and Ray's reclusive frumpy sister Kathleen are coming along.
It's true that Kathleen Allenby has become a recluse. As the end-of-life carer for three family members (and at war with her mean neighbours) she has become anxious. She doesn't expect this trip to offer her much. Sharyn has always looked down on her, and Kathleen has never liked her (or her bitchy friends).
But as a series of mishaps and accidents, overflowing toilets and destination disagreements test boundaries and fray tempers, the two women share a bottle of gin and begin to bond over the highs and lows of caravan life and their irritation with their menfolk as they travel through the magnificent Kimberly towards magical Broome. When a dead body surfaces at a luxe resort, it brings their grudges and hurts out into the open, and the women realise that it's not just the men's future - or behaviour - that needs to change.
Sharyn Tregonning wanted a holiday somewhere glamorous for her 60th birthday. So when her husband Barry surprises her with a caravan trip from Adelaide to Broome, she is furious - and bitterly disappointed. Even worse, Barry's annoying friend Ray, and Ray's reclusive frumpy sister Kathleen are coming along.
It's true that Kathleen Allenby has become a recluse. As the end-of-life carer for three family members (and at war with her mean neighbours) she has become anxious. She doesn't expect this trip to offer her much. Sharyn has always looked down on her, and Kathleen has never liked her (or her bitchy friends).
But as a series of mishaps and accidents, overflowing toilets and destination disagreements test boundaries and fray tempers, the two women share a bottle of gin and begin to bond over the highs and lows of caravan life and their irritation with their menfolk as they travel through the magnificent Kimberly towards magical Broome. When a dead body surfaces at a luxe resort, it brings their grudges and hurts out into the open, and the women realise that it's not just the men's future - or behaviour - that needs to change.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
155 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Stringer
27 books425 followersTricia Stringer is a bestselling and award-winning author. Among others, her books include commercial fiction titles Table For Eight, The Model Wife and The Family Inheritance, the rural romances A Chance of Stormy Weather and Come Rain or Shine and historical sagas Heart of the Country, Dust on the Horizon and Jewel in the North, set in the 19th Century Flinders Ranges. Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 29, 2025
Sharyn Tregonning and her husband Barry have almost been married for thirty five years and she’s about to turn sixty and she would love to go on overseas holiday. You would think after being together for so long Barry would know what she likes, the man’s clueless, he buys a caravan and plans a trip from Adelaide to Broome without asking her, and Sharyn is ropable.
After taking care of her aging parents and ill sister-in-law Kathleen Allenby, she's become a hermit and her older brother Ray decides she needs a holiday and his caravan is big enough for both of them.
Sharyn and Kathleen are unhappy when they discover their traveling to Darwin in a convoy, Kathleen has always felt Sharyn thinks she’s better than her and the thought of spending weeks with the couple makes her feel sick and anxious. Barry and Sharyn are clueless about hitting the road in a van, and of course things go wrong and this causes tension between the couple and in a small space there’s nowhere to get away from each other and there’s no privacy in caravan parks.
As they travel thousands of kilometres from Adelaide to Cooper Pedy, Alice Springs to Broome, they see boab trees and wildlife, cliffs and gorges, stunning scenery and they meet some interesting people along the way. The ladies decide the two men are as bad as each other, as the trip progresses they form an unlikely truce and see the other in a different light and Sharyn isn’t as stuck up as Kathleen thought.
I received a copy of The Road Trip by Tricia Stringer from Harlequin Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Ms Stringer highlights the highs and lows of traveling in a caravan in her latest novel, it made me laugh out loud and the characters certainly faced challenges and obstacles, due to the vivid descriptions in the narrative, I felt like I was going along with them.
The Aussie outback is spooky and sinister things do happen in remote places and both women start to question what’s really going on, then a dead body is found and this throws a spanner in the works.
I’m with Sharyn, no holiday should include washing, cooking and food shopping and cleaning. The ending wasn’t predictable, I highly recommend this thoroughly entertaining read, and while sitting around a campfire chatting did sound nice, I will leave caravanning to the experts.
After taking care of her aging parents and ill sister-in-law Kathleen Allenby, she's become a hermit and her older brother Ray decides she needs a holiday and his caravan is big enough for both of them.
Sharyn and Kathleen are unhappy when they discover their traveling to Darwin in a convoy, Kathleen has always felt Sharyn thinks she’s better than her and the thought of spending weeks with the couple makes her feel sick and anxious. Barry and Sharyn are clueless about hitting the road in a van, and of course things go wrong and this causes tension between the couple and in a small space there’s nowhere to get away from each other and there’s no privacy in caravan parks.
As they travel thousands of kilometres from Adelaide to Cooper Pedy, Alice Springs to Broome, they see boab trees and wildlife, cliffs and gorges, stunning scenery and they meet some interesting people along the way. The ladies decide the two men are as bad as each other, as the trip progresses they form an unlikely truce and see the other in a different light and Sharyn isn’t as stuck up as Kathleen thought.
I received a copy of The Road Trip by Tricia Stringer from Harlequin Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Ms Stringer highlights the highs and lows of traveling in a caravan in her latest novel, it made me laugh out loud and the characters certainly faced challenges and obstacles, due to the vivid descriptions in the narrative, I felt like I was going along with them.
The Aussie outback is spooky and sinister things do happen in remote places and both women start to question what’s really going on, then a dead body is found and this throws a spanner in the works.
I’m with Sharyn, no holiday should include washing, cooking and food shopping and cleaning. The ending wasn’t predictable, I highly recommend this thoroughly entertaining read, and while sitting around a campfire chatting did sound nice, I will leave caravanning to the experts.
September 27, 2025
Four adults who have never travelled by caravan before set out to drive from Adelaide to Broome, Sharyn and husband Barry in one vehicle and Ray and sister Kathryn in the other. This is a seriously long way and every time Sharyn complained about feeling sore from sitting go long I felt her pain.
This was only one of their problems as they negotiated their way through emptying toilets, washing clothes in public washrooms and fitting their unwieldy vehicles into tight parking spaces. Relationships were tested but in the end everything turned out for the best.
An interesting story though it certainly put me off ever travelling this way. At least as a reader I got to enjoy some beautiful outback Aussie scenery without any pain. Four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This was only one of their problems as they negotiated their way through emptying toilets, washing clothes in public washrooms and fitting their unwieldy vehicles into tight parking spaces. Relationships were tested but in the end everything turned out for the best.
An interesting story though it certainly put me off ever travelling this way. At least as a reader I got to enjoy some beautiful outback Aussie scenery without any pain. Four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 20, 2025
Sharyn Tregonning and her three best friends were discussing the chances of Sharyn's husband Barry, coming up with a special surprise for her 60th birthday and their 35th wedding anniversary. The other three women were laughing at Barry's past attempts at surprising Sharyn, but she did agree with them. She was hoping for a luxurious overseas holiday, but when Barry surprised her with a caravan he'd picked up for a bargain price, and his decision to travel from Adelaide to Broome for their holiday, she was furious. She hated camping/caravanning - anything that wasn't indoors. And Barry knew it. But they prepared and set off early one morning; Barry excited, Sharyn pretty much sulking...
When they arrived at their first destination, to Sharyn's horror, Barry's friend Ray and his sister Kathleen were already there, with their caravan. It turned out this had been organised - without her knowledge - as well. Kathleen had had a hard few years, caring for three family members, one after the other, before they died. She was basically a recluse, anxious and afraid to leave her home. When Ray persuaded her to join him in the holiday, although it took awhile, she ended up agreeing. Gradually, as Sharyn and Kathleen came to know each other better, they became friends, having each other's backs. But more, much more, was to happen on their journey across Australia's vast outback...
The Road Trip is another extraordinary and exceptional story by Aussie author Tricia Stringer and I absolutely loved it! With perfectly written characters, well painted verbal pictures of the journey, Barry's ongoing battle to reverse and park the van, constant wars of words between him and Sharyn while doing so - it was hilarious, emotional, heartwarming and poignant. I always enjoy Ms Stringer's writing, and this one was no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & HQ Fiction for my digital ARC to read and review.
When they arrived at their first destination, to Sharyn's horror, Barry's friend Ray and his sister Kathleen were already there, with their caravan. It turned out this had been organised - without her knowledge - as well. Kathleen had had a hard few years, caring for three family members, one after the other, before they died. She was basically a recluse, anxious and afraid to leave her home. When Ray persuaded her to join him in the holiday, although it took awhile, she ended up agreeing. Gradually, as Sharyn and Kathleen came to know each other better, they became friends, having each other's backs. But more, much more, was to happen on their journey across Australia's vast outback...
The Road Trip is another extraordinary and exceptional story by Aussie author Tricia Stringer and I absolutely loved it! With perfectly written characters, well painted verbal pictures of the journey, Barry's ongoing battle to reverse and park the van, constant wars of words between him and Sharyn while doing so - it was hilarious, emotional, heartwarming and poignant. I always enjoy Ms Stringer's writing, and this one was no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & HQ Fiction for my digital ARC to read and review.
September 26, 2025
This one had me turning the pages from start to finish, I have never travelled in a caravan but I enjoyed this trip ups and downs included, two caravans a married couple and a brother and sister start out on a trip of a lifetime but maybe not according to the females on board, how will it all turn out as they leave Adelaide for Broome stopping at many places along the way.
Sharyn Tregonning is just about to turn sixty and celebrate her thirty five wedding anniversary to Barry, she is dreaming of an overseas trip to somewhere fabulous, but with constant reminders about how bad Barry is organizing surprises she is worried and then totally shocked and disappointed when he surprises her with a caravan, bought at a good price for their six week trip and then to make things worse at their first stop they meet up with travelling companions Barry’s mate Ray and his mousy sister Kathleen.
Kathleen Allenby seems to have become a recluse these days after caring for three end of life family members she hasn’t got a job and is having problems with her neighbours, her brother Ray arrives to save the day and take her back to his house and then convinces her to come on a trip in his caravan with him and then knowing that they are meeting up with Barry and Sharyn makes things worse because Sharyn with her not very nice friends has never liked her, but off she goes on this trip wondering how it will all turn out.
What a trip it turns out to be, mystery, trust issues, mishaps and problems with toilets sets everyone on edge at different times and tempers are flaring but soon Kathleen and Sharyn are sharing a bottle of gin and making cocktails and they are talking and opening up about their lives and making friends, girl power, learning so much about the beautiful places they are visiting along the way and then one surprise will make them all smile until a body is found in the water and Kathleen lets go with her brother and soon Sharyn and Kathleen see that they might need to see the guys way a bit more than they are and enjoy.
This really is a fabulous book, I smiled and cheered them on as I travelled with them to some beautiful places, it is heart-warming, witty, and funny and tells a story of what friendship is all about and how families come together and work problems out when they are in close confines. I would highly recommend this one MS Stringer knows how to tell a story and leave the reader happy a fabulous story.
My thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Sharyn Tregonning is just about to turn sixty and celebrate her thirty five wedding anniversary to Barry, she is dreaming of an overseas trip to somewhere fabulous, but with constant reminders about how bad Barry is organizing surprises she is worried and then totally shocked and disappointed when he surprises her with a caravan, bought at a good price for their six week trip and then to make things worse at their first stop they meet up with travelling companions Barry’s mate Ray and his mousy sister Kathleen.
Kathleen Allenby seems to have become a recluse these days after caring for three end of life family members she hasn’t got a job and is having problems with her neighbours, her brother Ray arrives to save the day and take her back to his house and then convinces her to come on a trip in his caravan with him and then knowing that they are meeting up with Barry and Sharyn makes things worse because Sharyn with her not very nice friends has never liked her, but off she goes on this trip wondering how it will all turn out.
What a trip it turns out to be, mystery, trust issues, mishaps and problems with toilets sets everyone on edge at different times and tempers are flaring but soon Kathleen and Sharyn are sharing a bottle of gin and making cocktails and they are talking and opening up about their lives and making friends, girl power, learning so much about the beautiful places they are visiting along the way and then one surprise will make them all smile until a body is found in the water and Kathleen lets go with her brother and soon Sharyn and Kathleen see that they might need to see the guys way a bit more than they are and enjoy.
This really is a fabulous book, I smiled and cheered them on as I travelled with them to some beautiful places, it is heart-warming, witty, and funny and tells a story of what friendship is all about and how families come together and work problems out when they are in close confines. I would highly recommend this one MS Stringer knows how to tell a story and leave the reader happy a fabulous story.
My thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
October 5, 2025
EXCERPT: A splash to his left caught his eye and, in the distance, he saw a large dorsal fin cut the water. Something had interested the tawny nurse sharks that inhabited the bay. They were usually docile during the day and handfeeding them was one of the main activities each afternoon but now quite a group of them were gathered around something about fifteen metres from the vessel.
He cut the throttle right back and turned the nose of his jet ski towards the prowling sharks. Gliding closer, he frowned and lifted his sunglasses. He blinked but nothing changed. There was definitely a body in the water . . .
ABOUT 'THE ROAD TRIP': Two caravans, four adults and a journey through Australia's heart - the trip of a lifetime, right? Wrong. A wise take on the joys of travel with those you might dislike the most but love the best.
Sharyn Tregonning wanted a holiday somewhere glamorous for her 60th birthday. So when her husband Barry surprises her with a caravan trip from Adelaide to Broome, she is furious - and bitterly disappointed. Even worse, Barry's annoying friend Ray, and Ray's reclusive frumpy sister Kathleen are coming along.
It's true that Kathleen Allenby has become a recluse. As the end-of-life carer for three family members (and at war with her mean neighbours) she has become anxious. She doesn't expect this trip to offer her much. Sharyn has always looked down on her, and Kathleen has never liked her (or her bitchy friends).
But as a series of mishaps and accidents, overflowing toilets and destination disagreements test boundaries and fray tempers, the two women share a bottle of gin and begin to bond over the highs and lows of caravan life and their irritation with their menfolk as they travel through the magnificent Kimberly towards magical Broome. When a body surfaces at a luxe resort, it brings their grudges and hurts out into the open, and the women realise that it's not just the men's future - or behaviour - that needs to change.
MY THOUGHTS: Thank you Tricia Stringer, I really enjoyed my trip from Adelaide through the centre of Australia up to Darwin and then on to Broome. It's been on my bucket list for a few years and now I have a whole new list of attractions I want to see. Also a list of pitfalls to avoid!
I think Barry and Sharyn must have fallen into every pitfall there was. A good reminder to do some small trips first as a learning curve.
Living with someone in a very confined space, no matter how much you love them, certainly has its challenges. With their marriage already strained will the caravan space turn into a battlefield for this couple, or bring them closer together? 🤐
The second caravan is piloted by Barry's mate Ray and his sister Kathleen. It was to be a trip for Ray and his wife Julie, but she unfortunately died before they could take it. Kathleen is unsure why Ray has taken her along as they have never been close but, needing to get away from a sticky situation at her own home, she agrees despite not liking Sharyn.
The Road Trip is an amusing lesson in the need for clear communication between people and shows just how easy it is to get hold of the wrong end of the stick. It is the story of an unlikely friendship formed on the basis of suspicion, and of the 'coming of age' of a woman used to caring for everyone but herself.
Tricia Stringer never fails to write a book I can relate to and The Road Trip is no exception. It is honest, and amusing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.1
#TheRoadTrip #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: TRICIA STRINGER grew up on a farm in country South Australia and has spent most of her life in rural communities. She is the mother of three talented children and their partners and is lucky enough to be a nanna.
Tricia has spent many years in education as a teacher, a librarian and an IT coordinator, owned a post office and bookshop and worked part-time in another bookshop – stories have been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.
It was a yearning to write stories to bring local history alive for children that started Tricia on the journey to develop her writing skills and begin to write for younger readers, a path that led to writing adult stories. Delving into life experiences, our relationships with family and friends, and what makes us the people we are, is a topic she finds delicious.
Tricia and her husband, Daryl, live on the traditional lands of the Narungga people in the beautiful Copper Coast region. She loves to walk on the beach and travel to and across Australia’s vast array of communities and landscapes as well as to overseas destinations. A sense of place in her stories is very important. There’s always another tale to be written…she’s working on her next manuscript as you read this.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ ad MIRA via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Road Trip by Tricia Stringer for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
He cut the throttle right back and turned the nose of his jet ski towards the prowling sharks. Gliding closer, he frowned and lifted his sunglasses. He blinked but nothing changed. There was definitely a body in the water . . .
ABOUT 'THE ROAD TRIP': Two caravans, four adults and a journey through Australia's heart - the trip of a lifetime, right? Wrong. A wise take on the joys of travel with those you might dislike the most but love the best.
Sharyn Tregonning wanted a holiday somewhere glamorous for her 60th birthday. So when her husband Barry surprises her with a caravan trip from Adelaide to Broome, she is furious - and bitterly disappointed. Even worse, Barry's annoying friend Ray, and Ray's reclusive frumpy sister Kathleen are coming along.
It's true that Kathleen Allenby has become a recluse. As the end-of-life carer for three family members (and at war with her mean neighbours) she has become anxious. She doesn't expect this trip to offer her much. Sharyn has always looked down on her, and Kathleen has never liked her (or her bitchy friends).
But as a series of mishaps and accidents, overflowing toilets and destination disagreements test boundaries and fray tempers, the two women share a bottle of gin and begin to bond over the highs and lows of caravan life and their irritation with their menfolk as they travel through the magnificent Kimberly towards magical Broome. When a body surfaces at a luxe resort, it brings their grudges and hurts out into the open, and the women realise that it's not just the men's future - or behaviour - that needs to change.
MY THOUGHTS: Thank you Tricia Stringer, I really enjoyed my trip from Adelaide through the centre of Australia up to Darwin and then on to Broome. It's been on my bucket list for a few years and now I have a whole new list of attractions I want to see. Also a list of pitfalls to avoid!
I think Barry and Sharyn must have fallen into every pitfall there was. A good reminder to do some small trips first as a learning curve.
Living with someone in a very confined space, no matter how much you love them, certainly has its challenges. With their marriage already strained will the caravan space turn into a battlefield for this couple, or bring them closer together? 🤐
The second caravan is piloted by Barry's mate Ray and his sister Kathleen. It was to be a trip for Ray and his wife Julie, but she unfortunately died before they could take it. Kathleen is unsure why Ray has taken her along as they have never been close but, needing to get away from a sticky situation at her own home, she agrees despite not liking Sharyn.
The Road Trip is an amusing lesson in the need for clear communication between people and shows just how easy it is to get hold of the wrong end of the stick. It is the story of an unlikely friendship formed on the basis of suspicion, and of the 'coming of age' of a woman used to caring for everyone but herself.
Tricia Stringer never fails to write a book I can relate to and The Road Trip is no exception. It is honest, and amusing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.1
#TheRoadTrip #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: TRICIA STRINGER grew up on a farm in country South Australia and has spent most of her life in rural communities. She is the mother of three talented children and their partners and is lucky enough to be a nanna.
Tricia has spent many years in education as a teacher, a librarian and an IT coordinator, owned a post office and bookshop and worked part-time in another bookshop – stories have been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.
It was a yearning to write stories to bring local history alive for children that started Tricia on the journey to develop her writing skills and begin to write for younger readers, a path that led to writing adult stories. Delving into life experiences, our relationships with family and friends, and what makes us the people we are, is a topic she finds delicious.
Tricia and her husband, Daryl, live on the traditional lands of the Narungga people in the beautiful Copper Coast region. She loves to walk on the beach and travel to and across Australia’s vast array of communities and landscapes as well as to overseas destinations. A sense of place in her stories is very important. There’s always another tale to be written…she’s working on her next manuscript as you read this.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ ad MIRA via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Road Trip by Tricia Stringer for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
January 17, 2026
Loved this story. It drew me in and I couldn’t put it down.
The Road Trip is another fun read from Australian author Tricia Stringer. It's a laugh-out-loud tragicomedy.
I love how Tricia Stringer can bring all the fun, tragedy, surprises and setbacks of a holiday trip to life on the page.
The Road Trip is armchair travel at its best. I could laugh, groan and follow along with Sharyn and Kathleen's dramas and mishaps without having to leave my seat.
I love how Sharyn and Kathleen's friendship slowly developed and how both opened up and could see how changes in their life could be a good thing.
There are a couple of little mysteries running through the plot which are an added bonus to a thoroughly entertaining story.
With wonderful descriptions of the Aussie outback and the eclectic characters they meet along the way The Road Trip is an utterly entertaining read. The perfect way for me to experience a road trip.
The Road Trip is another fun read from Australian author Tricia Stringer. It's a laugh-out-loud tragicomedy.
I love how Tricia Stringer can bring all the fun, tragedy, surprises and setbacks of a holiday trip to life on the page.
The Road Trip is armchair travel at its best. I could laugh, groan and follow along with Sharyn and Kathleen's dramas and mishaps without having to leave my seat.
I love how Sharyn and Kathleen's friendship slowly developed and how both opened up and could see how changes in their life could be a good thing.
There are a couple of little mysteries running through the plot which are an added bonus to a thoroughly entertaining story.
With wonderful descriptions of the Aussie outback and the eclectic characters they meet along the way The Road Trip is an utterly entertaining read. The perfect way for me to experience a road trip.
September 29, 2025
What a fabulous story of 2 lots of caravanners heading across the country and what is meant to the trip of a lifetime, especially as it’s Sharon's 60 th birthday. But emotions are shown early when Sharon is not in fact happy about this trip, and more so when she finds out who is on this trip.
The behaviours that are written into the storyline of the characters and the places they visit opens the eyes of the reader. The emotions that overflow from the story, gave me giggles, tears and the wanting to,do what Sharon and co are doing.
The behaviours that are written into the storyline of the characters and the places they visit opens the eyes of the reader. The emotions that overflow from the story, gave me giggles, tears and the wanting to,do what Sharon and co are doing.
September 23, 2025
Big thanks to Harlequin and Better Reading for sending us a copy to read and review.
Legendary author and contemporary fiction extraordinaire, Tricia Stringer is about to release her next first rate novel.
The Road Trip is a heavenly read and tells the journey of four people as they travel from Adelaide to Broome in two caravans.
Sharyn is hoping for a luxurious holiday celebration for her milestone 60th birthday.
But then her husband Barry surprises her with a caravan trip and Sharyn is disgruntled.
What’s even more annoying is he asked his aggravating best friend Ray and his quiet sister Kathleen.
What’s starts off as the vacation from hell soon becomes an adventure and bonds are formed over a cocktail or two.
With misfortunes, adversity and calamity and even a murder, the foursome learn more than they bargained for.
As one of this country’s finest storytellers, Tricia is once again delivering a captivating read bursting with entertainment.
An awesome plot, mature characters as leads, some humour, a jolt or two along the way and a Aussie landscape as the backdrop.
Grab a copy on release date, relax and enjoy.
Legendary author and contemporary fiction extraordinaire, Tricia Stringer is about to release her next first rate novel.
The Road Trip is a heavenly read and tells the journey of four people as they travel from Adelaide to Broome in two caravans.
Sharyn is hoping for a luxurious holiday celebration for her milestone 60th birthday.
But then her husband Barry surprises her with a caravan trip and Sharyn is disgruntled.
What’s even more annoying is he asked his aggravating best friend Ray and his quiet sister Kathleen.
What’s starts off as the vacation from hell soon becomes an adventure and bonds are formed over a cocktail or two.
With misfortunes, adversity and calamity and even a murder, the foursome learn more than they bargained for.
As one of this country’s finest storytellers, Tricia is once again delivering a captivating read bursting with entertainment.
An awesome plot, mature characters as leads, some humour, a jolt or two along the way and a Aussie landscape as the backdrop.
Grab a copy on release date, relax and enjoy.
August 25, 2025
I found The Road Trip a little slow to start, but once it picked up, I was hooked and didn’t want to put it down. The story follows four people in two caravans as they journey from Adelaide to Broome.
Barry and Sharyn are celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary and Sharyn’s 60th birthday. A caravan trip across Australia wasn’t exactly Sharyn’s idea of a celebration—and she makes sure Barry knows it.
Alongside them travel Barry’s best mate Ray and his younger sister Kathleen. After time spent caring for family, Kathleen has been shut away from life, and Ray, recently widowed, convinces her to come along.
Sharyn wasn't aware they were travelling with others, and doesn't get on with Kathleen to start with - but as the trip goes on, they start to get a female bond/friendship.
What unfolds is a journey of discovery, the forging of new friendships, and the unravelling of secrets - the men are hiding something and it seems like they are up to no good! The trip takes us through the Kimberley and into Broome, with vivid descriptions that made me feel as though I was right there. The colourful characters they meet along the way add richness and texture, reminding us that a road trip is about so much more than just the travelling.
Great story.
Barry and Sharyn are celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary and Sharyn’s 60th birthday. A caravan trip across Australia wasn’t exactly Sharyn’s idea of a celebration—and she makes sure Barry knows it.
Alongside them travel Barry’s best mate Ray and his younger sister Kathleen. After time spent caring for family, Kathleen has been shut away from life, and Ray, recently widowed, convinces her to come along.
Sharyn wasn't aware they were travelling with others, and doesn't get on with Kathleen to start with - but as the trip goes on, they start to get a female bond/friendship.
What unfolds is a journey of discovery, the forging of new friendships, and the unravelling of secrets - the men are hiding something and it seems like they are up to no good! The trip takes us through the Kimberley and into Broome, with vivid descriptions that made me feel as though I was right there. The colourful characters they meet along the way add richness and texture, reminding us that a road trip is about so much more than just the travelling.
Great story.
October 27, 2025
Thank you Tricia.. this book can be so relatable to any person who travels in a Caravan. The main characters Sharyn, Barry, Kathleen and Ray are having the experience of a lifetime as well as experiences a lot of caravaners have. Toilets over flowing, reversing caravans, nosey neighbours as well as those people you meet on your travels who you will never forget. The most important thing about traveling together is that you need to be up front and honest with each other. This novel brings home the importance of this fact, it also explains coping with anxiety, grief and acceptance of other people and their issues.
I strongly recommend this book as it not only covers the caravanning experience but also covers the areas travelled and the descriptions Tricia wrote about make you feel like you are travelling as well..
I could not put the book down and was very sad to finish it as I wanted to travel more with them.
It is a must read and a lovely book for your library.... I really love the cover....
I strongly recommend this book as it not only covers the caravanning experience but also covers the areas travelled and the descriptions Tricia wrote about make you feel like you are travelling as well..
I could not put the book down and was very sad to finish it as I wanted to travel more with them.
It is a must read and a lovely book for your library.... I really love the cover....
September 13, 2025
I liked the premise of this book. Having just got back into camping again with my kids growing older I was ready to read about an outback Australian caravanning adventure.
Barry 'surprised' Sharyn with a caravan, 4WD and a planned trip up the middle of Australia for her combined 60th birthday/35 year wedding anniversary. Sharyn and her 'Girlz Chat' friends are mortified at the thought as she was hoping for a relaxing island getaway. On the first day, she realises Barry's recently widowed mate Ray is joining them in his own van and has roped his introverted hermit of a sister, Kathleen into coming as well. Sharyn and Kathleen are as opposite as they come and everyone's brought their own issues on the trip. Both men are keeping secrets with the women becoming more and more suspicious, so here's to an adventure nobody reeeeally wanted!
I thought there would be more travelling, adventures and scenic references. Unfortunately for me the amount of drama that went on between the couples was overbearing. There were only so many times I wanted to dwell on them emptying poo cassettes from their van, dealing with the caravan park laundries and deciding what to cook and settling in for drinks every afternoon. I get it. It's van life, but I was really hoping for more. The opening prologue of the body found in the lake sounded juicy and promising but that was a hit and a miss when it finally circled back to it. There were some good side characters and moments throughout the book but I just didn't feel that pull towards the main characters and I struggled to pick it up.
I think this would appeal to many readers and definitely don't think it was a bad book, it just wasn't for me. It was too long and cumbersome and I was hoping for some more flare. I'm definitely an outlier from reviews so far, so it might be worth picking up.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for providing me with this ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
2.5 ⭐️
Barry 'surprised' Sharyn with a caravan, 4WD and a planned trip up the middle of Australia for her combined 60th birthday/35 year wedding anniversary. Sharyn and her 'Girlz Chat' friends are mortified at the thought as she was hoping for a relaxing island getaway. On the first day, she realises Barry's recently widowed mate Ray is joining them in his own van and has roped his introverted hermit of a sister, Kathleen into coming as well. Sharyn and Kathleen are as opposite as they come and everyone's brought their own issues on the trip. Both men are keeping secrets with the women becoming more and more suspicious, so here's to an adventure nobody reeeeally wanted!
I thought there would be more travelling, adventures and scenic references. Unfortunately for me the amount of drama that went on between the couples was overbearing. There were only so many times I wanted to dwell on them emptying poo cassettes from their van, dealing with the caravan park laundries and deciding what to cook and settling in for drinks every afternoon. I get it. It's van life, but I was really hoping for more. The opening prologue of the body found in the lake sounded juicy and promising but that was a hit and a miss when it finally circled back to it. There were some good side characters and moments throughout the book but I just didn't feel that pull towards the main characters and I struggled to pick it up.
I think this would appeal to many readers and definitely don't think it was a bad book, it just wasn't for me. It was too long and cumbersome and I was hoping for some more flare. I'm definitely an outlier from reviews so far, so it might be worth picking up.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for providing me with this ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
2.5 ⭐️
November 6, 2025
I very much look forward to a new Tricia Stringer book. I had reserved this at the local library and waited my turn. I wasn’t disappointed. Any book that I feel the need to read in one sitting is my kind of book!! Tricia’s characters and relationships are so easy to relate to as an older woman. The dynamics of friendships old and new are explored; themes of grief and loss; family relationships and marriages. The setting for this book would be familiar to most Australians- she describes some of our most beautiful destinations. Certainly makes you want to head off and explore - not necessarily in a caravan!!! The spirit and camaraderie of the “grey nomads” as they explore this huge country with the rules both written and unwritten were amusing.
I finished the book at 2 am- I needed to get to the but was also sad to put it down. Thank you Tricia for another great read.
I finished the book at 2 am- I needed to get to the but was also sad to put it down. Thank you Tricia for another great read.
September 5, 2025
I adored this book! If you love stories that mix humour, heart, and a bit of chaos, this book is an absolute gem! As someone who adores both fiction and camping, I found myself immersed in this tale of campsites, clashing personalities, and the stunning Australian outback. The descriptions of the Kimberley and the journey to Broome were fantastic and I found myself googling and adding them to my list of places to visit - including the horizontal falls.
The story centres on Sharyn, who’s furious when her husband Barry swaps her dream of a glamorous 60th birthday for a caravan trip. Add in Barry’s irritating mate Ray and his socially awkward sister Kathleen, and you’ve got the worst birthday present Sharyn could imagine. What unfolds is a hilarious, sometimes touching exploration of relationships, grudges, and unexpected friendships. It was fun to watch Sharyn and Kathleen’s journey from being tolerant of each other to a whole other level.
The camping mishaps along the way resonated and kept the story moving at a fun pace. But it’s not all laughs; the book also dives into deeper themes of ageing, self-worth, and the complexities of long-term relationships. The way the women confront their frustrations with their partners and themselves was moving.
This book is perfect for anyone who’s ever been on a road trip that didn’t go to plan, or who’s had to navigate tricky family dynamics. It’s a wise, witty, and wonderfully Australian story that’ll make you laugh, tear up, and maybe even rethink your next holiday plans. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The story centres on Sharyn, who’s furious when her husband Barry swaps her dream of a glamorous 60th birthday for a caravan trip. Add in Barry’s irritating mate Ray and his socially awkward sister Kathleen, and you’ve got the worst birthday present Sharyn could imagine. What unfolds is a hilarious, sometimes touching exploration of relationships, grudges, and unexpected friendships. It was fun to watch Sharyn and Kathleen’s journey from being tolerant of each other to a whole other level.
The camping mishaps along the way resonated and kept the story moving at a fun pace. But it’s not all laughs; the book also dives into deeper themes of ageing, self-worth, and the complexities of long-term relationships. The way the women confront their frustrations with their partners and themselves was moving.
This book is perfect for anyone who’s ever been on a road trip that didn’t go to plan, or who’s had to navigate tricky family dynamics. It’s a wise, witty, and wonderfully Australian story that’ll make you laugh, tear up, and maybe even rethink your next holiday plans. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 10, 2025
I absolutely loved The Road Trip! From the very first chapter it had me hooked, and because my family caravans too, I laughed out loud at so many relatable moments. Sharyn’s struggles adjusting to caravan life were hilarious and true-to-life.
What stood out most was how believable the whole journey felt. The mishaps, frustrations, and joys of life on the road were captured beautifully. The characters grew and changed in ways that left me cheering them on — by the end, I felt invested in every one of them.
This book is funny, heartfelt, and inspiring. It reminded me how special exploring Australia can be. A wonderful story and a definite ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me.
What stood out most was how believable the whole journey felt. The mishaps, frustrations, and joys of life on the road were captured beautifully. The characters grew and changed in ways that left me cheering them on — by the end, I felt invested in every one of them.
This book is funny, heartfelt, and inspiring. It reminded me how special exploring Australia can be. A wonderful story and a definite ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me.
September 28, 2025
“… here we are at last, the four of us together ready for our big adventure. To the road trip.”
A caravan trip across Australia - what could go wrong? Tricia Stringer’s latest, The Road Trip, is a novel that mixes humour, tension and genuine emotion on a backdrop of the Australian Outback. The premise is simple: Sharyn expects a glamorous birthday escape, but gets a caravan journey from Adelaide to Broome instead - with her husband Barry, his friend Ray, and Ray’s reclusive sister Kathleen in tow. What follows is a story about family, friendship, and finding connection in unexpected places.There’s humour, heart and the stunning Australian Outback plus some deeper moments about caregiving and letting go of old grudges.
That said, this one leans more into the gentle and predictable side of storytelling. If you enjoy laid-back pace, small dramas, and character-focused reads, you might enjoy the ride.
“I really didn’t enjoy caravaning to begin with but it’s grown on me and the places we’ve seen and the things we’ve done have been amazing.”
A caravan trip across Australia - what could go wrong? Tricia Stringer’s latest, The Road Trip, is a novel that mixes humour, tension and genuine emotion on a backdrop of the Australian Outback. The premise is simple: Sharyn expects a glamorous birthday escape, but gets a caravan journey from Adelaide to Broome instead - with her husband Barry, his friend Ray, and Ray’s reclusive sister Kathleen in tow. What follows is a story about family, friendship, and finding connection in unexpected places.There’s humour, heart and the stunning Australian Outback plus some deeper moments about caregiving and letting go of old grudges.
That said, this one leans more into the gentle and predictable side of storytelling. If you enjoy laid-back pace, small dramas, and character-focused reads, you might enjoy the ride.
“I really didn’t enjoy caravaning to begin with but it’s grown on me and the places we’ve seen and the things we’ve done have been amazing.”
October 2, 2025
Tricia Stringer’s latest novel is an enjoyable, easy-to-read story about four people on a road trip from Adelaide to Perth. They are 60-ish husband and wife, Barry and Sharyn, and Barry’s friend Raymond and his sister Kathleen, each with their own stories and troubles, and secrets to be uncovered in the melting-pot atmosphere of first-time caravanners.
The characters are relatable, and while some act questionably and are at times unlikeable, particularly Raymond, I was invested in their stories and felt great sympathy for the misunderstood Kathleen who had experienced a lot of recent trauma as the family carer. The unlikely friendship between the two very different women and the camaraderie they develop is a real highlight.
Though caravanning is new to me, I thought the author brought to life the realities and troubles of life on the road in a down-to-earth and humorous way.
The Road Trip is an engaging read of the dynamics of families and friendships, with romance and humour thrown in, against the unique Australian outback landscape.
Thanks to Better Reading and Harper Collins for my ARC.
The characters are relatable, and while some act questionably and are at times unlikeable, particularly Raymond, I was invested in their stories and felt great sympathy for the misunderstood Kathleen who had experienced a lot of recent trauma as the family carer. The unlikely friendship between the two very different women and the camaraderie they develop is a real highlight.
Though caravanning is new to me, I thought the author brought to life the realities and troubles of life on the road in a down-to-earth and humorous way.
The Road Trip is an engaging read of the dynamics of families and friendships, with romance and humour thrown in, against the unique Australian outback landscape.
Thanks to Better Reading and Harper Collins for my ARC.
October 26, 2025
Sharon and her husband, Barry, his good friend, Raymond, and Raymond’s sister, Kathleen, embark on an epic caravan trip from Adelaide to Broome through the outback of Central Australia. The reader learns about Kathleen’s traumas and the state of Sharon and Barry’s relationship at the beginning of the story. The pitfalls and highlights of caravan travel are highlighted as well as the different types of people met along the way and misunderstandings between the couples. Beautiful scenery, incredible landscapes and enthralling side trips are highlighted as well. Filled with emotional, heartwarming, poignant and life affirming events and the start of new beginnings as well as romance thrown into the mix this is, indeed, a charming, warm and delightful read.
January 15, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by much-loved author Tricia Stringer. Spanning more than 4,000 kilometres, the story weaves together unlikely friendships, moments of questioning loyalty, and the courage to step beyond comfort zones, making for an engaging and heartfelt read.
Thank you to my lovely Friend Clarissa for gifting me this for my TS collection 🤍
Thank you to my lovely Friend Clarissa for gifting me this for my TS collection 🤍
December 29, 2025
Ah, this is hard! I love Tricia Stringer; I didn't even bother to read the blurb before I bought this book, it was a given, but sorry, I don't think this is her best work.
I liked that the story revolves around a road trip from Adelaide to Broome (although there could have a lot more in terms of scenery/ landscape etc).
Other than that there wasn't much I really rated, especially the character development lagged tremendously, which is normally such a strength in Stringer's books! Somehow I found all 4 main characters annoying and their decision making processes implausible. It also really bothered me how the men do all the planning (buying caravans and 4x4s without asking, renovating in secret, planning the route etc, etc , etc) and the women just tag along, completely passive and out of the loop.They never even bother to pick up a map, to see how far they have to drive to the next stop!
Most of all I found the writing super simplistic; I'd like to count how many times you read:
"Barry/ Kathleen/ Ray/ Sharyn said."
Very little variation in the non stop dialogue, it made me feel like I was reading a play script.
And then the overall storyline... not much happens, other than driving, setting up camp, settling in for drinks, accusing each other of rather absurd things, but in the end it's all rainbows and unicorns all of a sudden. Sigh....
I will read Stringer's next book, of course, but I truly hope a bit more thought goes into the writing itself - this has been grating on me :(
I liked that the story revolves around a road trip from Adelaide to Broome (although there could have a lot more in terms of scenery/ landscape etc).
Other than that there wasn't much I really rated, especially the character development lagged tremendously, which is normally such a strength in Stringer's books! Somehow I found all 4 main characters annoying and their decision making processes implausible. It also really bothered me how the men do all the planning (buying caravans and 4x4s without asking, renovating in secret, planning the route etc, etc , etc) and the women just tag along, completely passive and out of the loop.They never even bother to pick up a map, to see how far they have to drive to the next stop!
Most of all I found the writing super simplistic; I'd like to count how many times you read:
"Barry/ Kathleen/ Ray/ Sharyn said."
Very little variation in the non stop dialogue, it made me feel like I was reading a play script.
And then the overall storyline... not much happens, other than driving, setting up camp, settling in for drinks, accusing each other of rather absurd things, but in the end it's all rainbows and unicorns all of a sudden. Sigh....
I will read Stringer's next book, of course, but I truly hope a bit more thought goes into the writing itself - this has been grating on me :(
November 15, 2025
I just couldn’t get into this book. It was a long winded read. And the characters just didn’t connect with me. In fact I absolutely disliked Sharyn. She made it really hard to read. I liked Kathleen and Ray. I usually love anything Tricia Stringer writes, but this is my least favourite book of hers.
November 1, 2025
Tricia Stringer does it again….
Take a husband that wants to surprise his wife, a wife that wants an overseas glamorous holiday, a best friend that doesn’t really know how to stand on his own two feet, and a sister that has become an anxious recluse, then add in a couple of caravans and several thousand kilometres of the Australian outback. Now this could be a recipe for a colossal disaster or a fabulous getaway.
Throughout this story you get an up close and personal look into the lives and thoughts of both Sharyn and Kathleen. Sharyn who is absolutely furious of husband Barry’s surprise trip for her sixtieth birthday, starts to question her friendships, her marriage and the person that she has become. Kathleen is totally outside her comfort zone and is struggling to cope with her anxiety, making her feel self-conscious and that she is out of control.
Caravanning is not for the fainthearted, and our fab four soon find out that mishaps and accidents are all just part and parcel of the experience, however these soon start to take their toll on their relationships, causing a lot of tension.
It’s during some of this stress that Sharyn and Kathleen really start to bond, and its also around this time that they realise that the men are hiding things from them. Secrets that could possibly blow up and jeopardise the entire trip.
There are many funny moments, and I’m sure that those of you that have spent any significant time caravanning will fully appreciate, but don’t worry if you haven’t, you’ll still see the funny side of things, and if you do decide to take a caravanning trip, at least you’ll head off a little wiser.
This fabulously written book, will have you travelling along, experiencing the moments and checking out the vast isolation and beauty all for yourself. So, grab a copy and head into the outback with Sharyn, Barry, Ray and Kathleen, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get a little surprise at the end.
#theroadtrip
#triciastringer
#caravanningcapers
#harlequinaustralia
#harpercollinsaustralia
Take a husband that wants to surprise his wife, a wife that wants an overseas glamorous holiday, a best friend that doesn’t really know how to stand on his own two feet, and a sister that has become an anxious recluse, then add in a couple of caravans and several thousand kilometres of the Australian outback. Now this could be a recipe for a colossal disaster or a fabulous getaway.
Throughout this story you get an up close and personal look into the lives and thoughts of both Sharyn and Kathleen. Sharyn who is absolutely furious of husband Barry’s surprise trip for her sixtieth birthday, starts to question her friendships, her marriage and the person that she has become. Kathleen is totally outside her comfort zone and is struggling to cope with her anxiety, making her feel self-conscious and that she is out of control.
Caravanning is not for the fainthearted, and our fab four soon find out that mishaps and accidents are all just part and parcel of the experience, however these soon start to take their toll on their relationships, causing a lot of tension.
It’s during some of this stress that Sharyn and Kathleen really start to bond, and its also around this time that they realise that the men are hiding things from them. Secrets that could possibly blow up and jeopardise the entire trip.
There are many funny moments, and I’m sure that those of you that have spent any significant time caravanning will fully appreciate, but don’t worry if you haven’t, you’ll still see the funny side of things, and if you do decide to take a caravanning trip, at least you’ll head off a little wiser.
This fabulously written book, will have you travelling along, experiencing the moments and checking out the vast isolation and beauty all for yourself. So, grab a copy and head into the outback with Sharyn, Barry, Ray and Kathleen, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get a little surprise at the end.
#theroadtrip
#triciastringer
#caravanningcapers
#harlequinaustralia
#harpercollinsaustralia
September 26, 2025
Another great five-star read from Tricia Stringer. In fact ‘The Road Trip’ has gone straight onto my best books of 25 list.
The Road Trip follows four people travelling in two caravans who take a journey up through the middle of Australia from Adelaide to Broome. Husband and wife, Barry and Sharyn, are taking a caravan trip that Barry thought was a perfect 60th surprise birthday celebration for Sharyn. She was expecting a glamorous overseas holiday, so is angry, disappointed and also ashamed as she told her girlfriends that she was sure an overseas trip was going to happen.
To add insult to injury, Barry’s detestable best friend Ray is joining them along with his (in Sharyn’s opinion) boring sister Kathleen. Kathleen has been through a lot in the last few years, she put her life on hold while first caring for her dying mother, then her dying sister-in-law and has just buried her father after being his carer while he battled dementia. She has become a virtual hermit but suffers a breakdown after doing battle with her obnoxious new neighbours. Ray thinks a road trip will do her the world of good. Kathleen is not impressed that the snobby Sharyn is on the trip and is tired of being treated like an unpaid servant. For her the tide is about to turn she is going to take back her life.
All four of them have to deal with their issues confined in a small space and within close proximity of a wide variety of fellow travellers. The two women gradually bond over gin and tonics and realise they actually like each other. They eventually share their fear that the two men are each hiding something bad from the women.
All is eventually revealed but not before suspicion and misunderstandings nearly tear them apart.
I have done this same road trip many times, camped at many of the same places and caravan parks that the four travellers did. Tricia Stringer absolutely brought the scenery alive from the bare beauty of South Australia up through the Northern Territory and over to the renowned tropical sunset at Broome at the top of Western Australia. From my travelling memories I could “see” the scenery and this added to my enjoyment of the story for me. Added to this was the interactions of the characters - both the main characters and the variety of characters they met on their travels. The whole book was just page turning and I was fully invested in the story.
Do yourself a favour and get your hands on a copy of this book and read it for yourself
Thank you to HQ Fiction for providing an advanced copy of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
The Road Trip follows four people travelling in two caravans who take a journey up through the middle of Australia from Adelaide to Broome. Husband and wife, Barry and Sharyn, are taking a caravan trip that Barry thought was a perfect 60th surprise birthday celebration for Sharyn. She was expecting a glamorous overseas holiday, so is angry, disappointed and also ashamed as she told her girlfriends that she was sure an overseas trip was going to happen.
To add insult to injury, Barry’s detestable best friend Ray is joining them along with his (in Sharyn’s opinion) boring sister Kathleen. Kathleen has been through a lot in the last few years, she put her life on hold while first caring for her dying mother, then her dying sister-in-law and has just buried her father after being his carer while he battled dementia. She has become a virtual hermit but suffers a breakdown after doing battle with her obnoxious new neighbours. Ray thinks a road trip will do her the world of good. Kathleen is not impressed that the snobby Sharyn is on the trip and is tired of being treated like an unpaid servant. For her the tide is about to turn she is going to take back her life.
All four of them have to deal with their issues confined in a small space and within close proximity of a wide variety of fellow travellers. The two women gradually bond over gin and tonics and realise they actually like each other. They eventually share their fear that the two men are each hiding something bad from the women.
All is eventually revealed but not before suspicion and misunderstandings nearly tear them apart.
I have done this same road trip many times, camped at many of the same places and caravan parks that the four travellers did. Tricia Stringer absolutely brought the scenery alive from the bare beauty of South Australia up through the Northern Territory and over to the renowned tropical sunset at Broome at the top of Western Australia. From my travelling memories I could “see” the scenery and this added to my enjoyment of the story for me. Added to this was the interactions of the characters - both the main characters and the variety of characters they met on their travels. The whole book was just page turning and I was fully invested in the story.
Do yourself a favour and get your hands on a copy of this book and read it for yourself
Thank you to HQ Fiction for providing an advanced copy of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
October 3, 2025
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for a copy of this book to honestly review. This is the story of Kathleen and her brother Raymond, and his friend Barry and wife Sharyn. Raymond and Barry decide to go on a caravan trip from Adelaide to Broome, it also coincides with Sharyn’s 60th birthday and her and Barry’s 35th wedding anniversary. I loved this book, I loved the writing style, I felt like I was on the caravan trip and experiencing the places and really getting to know the four main characters. I felt like Kathleen and Sharyn were becoming my friends and I felt for them and their relationships with Ray and Barry. Such a wonderful book to read.
October 22, 2025
It took me a little bit to get into the plot but once I had, I didn’t want to stop reading it. I’m already missing it now that the reading journey has finished. So true to life with the challenges of being together in a small space all day and night and particularly with friends; throw in a few husband/wife testy moments like reversing a van. Meeting friends along the way is also very true, some will become lifelong friends and others you may be happy to say goodbye to. The idea of the road trip is wonderful, freedom to camp on or off road so to speak and visiting wonderful places at journey’s end.
It’s probably a four and a half star story.
It’s probably a four and a half star story.
December 3, 2025
A good story to read whilst on holidays, especially if you’re doing the caravanning around Australia. Interesting characters, great settings but a little predictable.
January 26, 2026
Enjoyed this book the highs and lows of caravan life. Made me really want to buy a caravan and travel aussie even more after reading it.
February 4, 2026
Really funny book a little slow towards the end
December 14, 2025
I always enjoy Stringer’s books, they’re easy to read, with characters and settings I can usually relate to. The Road Trip was another enjoyable, effortless read. I’m still unsure whether I was quite as hooked as I usually am, or if the longer gaps between reading sessions affected my connection to the story. Nonetheless, it’s still a solid choice for a holiday read.
December 4, 2025
As you can see by my photos, I read The Road Trip whilst on a caravanning road trip myself, which made this book even more relatable and funny! (Not that you need to be a grey nomad like me to enjoy it! It is a hilariously, entertaining read!).
I loved the trials and tribulations of their trip, not only with the many things that can and did go wrong with a caravan but also with each other.
Barry’s surprise purchase of a caravan and a road trip for his wife Sharyn’s 60th was not well met - not quite the glamorous Birthday jaunt that she had imagined! Pair this together with her next surprise, that his loud and aggravating best mate Ray and his quiet, mousy sister Kathleen are joining them….definitely "not happy Jan"…or Sharyn!! It’s funny though when people are thrown together, that they see different aspects of each other's personalities they hadn’t seen before. Sometimes in a positive way!
As all of this unfolded, with a bit of mystery and intrigue tossed in, I found the story totally engaging!
I also really enjoyed the descriptions of the outback places they stayed and the characters they met along the way.
4.6 ⭐️'s
August 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Messy, Heartfelt Road Trip Across Australia
One of my favorite parts of The Road Trip was the way it brought Australia to life. Each stop on Sharon and Barry’s caravan journey felt vivid, from the small-town quirks to the wide open stretches of land. Even when the characters were driving me crazy (and they did), the backdrop kept me hooked.
Barry ended up being one of the highlights for me. He’s awkward, sometimes inappropriate, but often unintentionally funny—and I found myself rooting for him, even when Sharon didn’t. Their marriage struggles were messy and real, and though Sharon isn’t always likable, there’s honesty in the way her frustrations are written.
Kathleen’s romance was another bright spot. Yes, it happened fast, but watching her—someone so closed off—step out of her comfort zone to ride on the back of a motorbike or share a kiss felt satisfying. It gave her character a softer edge that balanced out the drama with her brother.
And I’ll admit, I cheered a little when Sharon’s judgmental friends began to fade from the picture. Sometimes letting go of toxic voices is as freeing as falling in love.
Four stars for the humor, the travel, and the small, hopeful moments tucked between the chaos.
Thank you, Netgalley and Harlequin Australia, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheRoadTrip #NetGalley
https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781...
One of my favorite parts of The Road Trip was the way it brought Australia to life. Each stop on Sharon and Barry’s caravan journey felt vivid, from the small-town quirks to the wide open stretches of land. Even when the characters were driving me crazy (and they did), the backdrop kept me hooked.
Barry ended up being one of the highlights for me. He’s awkward, sometimes inappropriate, but often unintentionally funny—and I found myself rooting for him, even when Sharon didn’t. Their marriage struggles were messy and real, and though Sharon isn’t always likable, there’s honesty in the way her frustrations are written.
Kathleen’s romance was another bright spot. Yes, it happened fast, but watching her—someone so closed off—step out of her comfort zone to ride on the back of a motorbike or share a kiss felt satisfying. It gave her character a softer edge that balanced out the drama with her brother.
And I’ll admit, I cheered a little when Sharon’s judgmental friends began to fade from the picture. Sometimes letting go of toxic voices is as freeing as falling in love.
Four stars for the humor, the travel, and the small, hopeful moments tucked between the chaos.
Thank you, Netgalley and Harlequin Australia, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheRoadTrip #NetGalley
https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781...
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