The Queen of the Summer Read is back with her first novel in two years!
Maeve and Therese Dunigan are sisters—but the two have been estranged for years. They could not be more Maeve, a rule-follower and Therese, a rebel. But when their mother's death brings the family back together, the two find that they have inherited a painting—one that could be worth millions and could save each of them from their respective wolves at the door. The only issue is, the painting might be a fake and the only way the can solve the problem is to find the original. This means a road trip—to Ireland, to their family roots, and to a mysterious crime that occurred years ago. With tensions simmering, the two hit the road and find themselves on twisty lanes, in colorful villages, at local pubs, and with handsome men whose gift of the gab is surpassed only by their charm. Can Maeve and Therese find the real painting, remove a family curse, solve a cold case, and actually survive without killing each other? Join Mary Kay Andrews on a road trip that will entertain you for miles.
MARY KAY ANDREWS is the New York Times bestselling author of 30 novels (including The Homewreckers, The Santa Suit, The Newcomer; Hello, Summer; Sunset Beach; The High Tide Club; The Weekenders; Beach Town; Save the Date; Ladies’ Night; Christmas Bliss; Spring Fever; Summer Rental; The Fixer Upper; Deep Dish; Blue Christmas; Savannah Breeze; Hissy Fit; Little Bitty Lies; and Savannah Blues), and one cookbook, The Beach House Cookbook.
A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, she earned a B.A. in journalism from The University of Georgia. After a 14-year career working as a reporter at newspapers including The Savannah Morning News, The Marietta Journal, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where she spent the final ten years of her career, she left journalism in 1991 to write fiction.
Her first novel, Every Crooked Nanny, was published in 1992 by HarperCollins. She went on to write ten critically acclaimed mysteries under her real name, Kathy Hogan Trocheck. In 2002, she assumed the pen name Mary Kay Andrews with the publication of Savannah Blues. In 2006, Hissy Fit became her first New York Times bestseller, followed by twelve more New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestsellers. To date, her novels have been published in German, Italian, Polish, Slovenian, Hungarian, Dutch, Czech and Japanese.
She and her family divide their time between Atlanta and Tybee Island, GA, where they cook up new recipes in two restored beach homes, The Breeze Inn and Ebbtide—both named after fictional places in Mary Kay’s novels, and both available to rent through Tybee Vacation Rentals. In between cooking, spoiling her grandkids, and plotting her next novel, Mary Kay is an intrepid treasure hunter whose favorite pastime is junking and fixing up old houses.
You’ll love the quirky cast of characters and agree that MKA has blended mystery, romance and family in perfect proportions. She makes the Irish setting come alive, highlighting heritage, family bonding and long-buried secrets. There are multiple threads to pull together as well as time hops, so hunker down and enjoy the journey.
While the above are great essentials for this road trip, it was the small steps taken towards healing and an attempt at finding common ground that pulled me into the story.
As one member of a sister-sibling dynamic, I identified with Therese and Maeve and their journey and was along for the ride as their relationship changed and shifted with age, distance, pain and love. I understood their long memory and the deep emotional thread that bound them and I appreciated a fun, engaging story about heritage and sibling bonds that anchored MKAs story.
Some gifts we anticipate, some we love and then there are others that are more than just a gift - they’re the bridge to discovering more about ourselves and those we love - the Dunigan sisters’ gift, a final wish by their mother, is one such gift.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Thank you to #StMartinsPress and #NetGalley for the digital ARC of #RoadTrip. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
This came to me unsolicited from the publishers and it was the right book at the right time for me. I needed something lighter to finish the year on an upbeat note. I've read a few of Andrews other books and this is definitely my favorite.
Sisters Maeve and Therese are together in their childhood home following the death of their mother. Both are counting on their inheritance for different reasons. Turns out their mom mortgaged the house to send money to a televangelist in Texas, but she saved $9000 with the explicit instructions that the girls go to Ireland together to investigate their family heritage. Mayhem, mystery and romance ensue with a generous dose of sibling tension, quirky characters and Irish charm.
Set in Savannah (Andrews usual setting) and County Wicklow, Ireland, the book mostly takes place in current day with a few flashbacks via letters to when their great grandmother immigrated to the US. Some part were a little predictable, but overall a really fun read.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own. I am a huge Mary Kay Andrews fan so I went into this book already with high hopes.
At first, I did feel it was a slow start and was nervous there would be too many characters to keep up with. As the story goes on, the writing really zooms in on the two sisters and their relationship which I really enjoyed as it made me think of my relationship with my own sister.
No surprise that I really enjoyed this book, but what did surprise me was the fact that this is so different than any of the other MKA stories I’ve read. I loved that this book still had her signature southern charm with a twist while also giving some historical fiction vibes with how we see the story unfold in Ireland in dual timelines!
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in beach reads with a mystery (typical MKA 😊) and historical fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this novel.
MKA is the undisputed queen of Southern sass, and for me it’s never truly summer until I’ve read her latest release. Road Trip is a notable departure from her usual fare, so readers should go in knowing this is not the classic Southern beach read filled with thrifting adventures, home décor musings, and familiar coastal vibes. Instead, this book shows a different side of her storytelling.
The novel follows estranged sisters Maeve and Therese as they travel to Ireland to fulfill their mother’s dying wish. Their journey takes them to the town where their great-grandmother grew up before immigrating to the U.S., and along the way they connect with locals while researching a painting tied to their family history—one that could potentially solve a financial problem they’re facing.
Once I set aside my expectations and focused on the story being told, I found it to be an enjoyable and thoughtful read. I especially loved the flashbacks to their great-grandmother’s life; those sections were rich and compelling, and I found myself wishing more of them appeared later in the book. I also went in anticipating more road-trip hijinks and chaos, and readers should note that the “road trip” element is more thematic than literal.
That said, I truly enjoyed immersing myself in the sisters’ family story. The Irish setting was vividly drawn, the small town came alive on the page, and the supporting characters added warmth and color throughout. While Road Trip may surprise longtime fans, it’s a heartfelt, atmospheric novel that showcases MKA’s range, and is well worth reading if you’re open to something a little different from her usual style.
It's not really summer until you've read Andrews' newest read! Here she explores the journey of two sisters from Savannah as they head to Ireland to uncover their heritage in her new novel, Road Trip. Filled with mystery, romance, and sisterly bonding, Road Trip will have you eagerly turning pages for miles and miles!
This was a cute read. Has MKA done a historical before? The modern story, which is most of the book, felt like typical MKA, but I'm not sure they worked super well with the past portions. Some of this was the modern characters telling about their ancestors and some of it was us actually going to the past to hear from the characters themselves. I think this would have been better had she picked one or the other. But it still was a good, quick read.
4.25⭐️ This book was just so fun. I loved the relationship between the two sisters and all of the descriptions of their time in Ireland. I was so enthralled by the mystery of Lady Geraldine, and I was hooked by the letters of Kathleen. This would be the perfect summer read, but I also really enjoyed it during this rainy week.
I really love Mary Kay's books, and when I was given an ARC of The Road Trip by St. Martin's Press, I was ecstatic! First of all, access to her latest book, but secondly the fact that it takes place in both Savannah and Ireland - what a bonus! My family and I just spent two weeks in Ireland this past summer, so it was really fun to read about the sisters travel and to be able to so vividly picture exactly where they were.
I really related to Maeve, as I myself am a person who loves to have control and make sure that all of my i's are dotted and my t's are crossed, almost to the point that I too struggle to take a risk or a chance on things. Therese definitely was harder to relate to, and I found myself almost annoyed with her and her inability to be responsible - but I think that's the point! Depending on who you are, or how you approach life, I think Mary Kay was giving the reader the chance to relate to one of the sisters and the way that they approach life.
I really loved Liam and his whole family, and would have loved to experience even more with the Grogan brothers and their family. Esme was a hoot, but in that really awful cantankerous way. I also related heavily to the sisters plight of tracking down their family roots, as my family and I just did this when we were in Southern Ireland and tracked down my family homestead and met some new cousins as well. I found this book VERY relatable and as always love the nods to Savannah and even Tybee this time too. All in all, a really fun and solid read and a great way to start off my new year with a book exploring the country side in Ireland and exploring the bonds between sisters who are so different, yet have more in common then they know!
Thank you again to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.25 ⭐️ This book had a slow start. I enjoyed the dual timeline in the beginning, but found the modern day plot to be a tad boring. However, when the sisters followed their mother's wishes and flew to Ireland to find out the origin of a painting, the book became so much better. The description of Irish small town life and landscapes, the antics of the people were terrific. By the time I finished, I was fully invested in the outcome. Was it a little unrealistic? Yes. Did it provide me with some escape from real life? Yes. I enjoyed this book and would recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Another ARC from Netgalley. It was a sweet story. Sisters Maeve and Therese have little in common and rarely see eye to eye on anything but then their mother dies they find out she had been saving money for year in the hopes that her two daughters would take a trip to Ireland together to dig into their family history. At first they are reluctant to go and even once they agree the trip starts out rather rocky but soon the two are drawn into the family secrets they uncover and find that the trip completely changed them both.
Want to be near y nt as stranger trip road chang many climnt chang mood tolrat many feeling trip to save pic root to search more to understand water from wher come many buttle we give at long trip we have volcano under our breath many heat we want want advic against many wolvs want support agains briak want to be togather to rest our mother soul want to be us whatver we didnt want want to be tow hand pray for futur want to be in more in love and peace
Even though this took me a while to finish, I truly enjoyed it. (Personal issues, not book issues.). A little bit of mystery, a bit of a love story, travel to Ireland and Savannah, Georgia - all very appealing. Description of the buildings and surroundings were perfect, and made the story line even more enjoyable. Sweet and appealing.
Edited to add: I recently realized that I’m very drawn to books about family relationships generally, and sister relationships in particular. While I can do a lot of personal analysis on the fact that I have no sisters, the important thing here is that this is such a book - two sisters who take a road trip to Ireland at the behest of their deceased mother. I enjoyed the sisters’ relationship, and the way it evolved through the story.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a digital ARC. Opinions are my own.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
As someone who primarily reads thrillers, this women's fiction/romance novel was a welcome read. I was drawn in by the very real story line of family coming together after loss, and how different personalities make it difficult to find common ground with the after math of death (I found Maeve more relatable while the author did a fantastic job of making me not like Therese).
After the loss of their mother, the Dunigan sisters return home to deal with the house they thought would be left to them, mortgage free, while also struggling with their own personal issues (job loss, debt, unlucky love lives). The sisters are met with a final wish from their mother - to travel to Ireland to learn about their heritage. On their quest to learn about the truth about their family lineage, both sisters uncover family secrets while realizing what they both really want out of life.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy. ** This is an all around entertaining read. Follow the Dunagin sisters on their adventure to discover their family history after reuniting when their mother passes away. They fly to Dublin where the mystery unfurls and they meet some interesting characters. Enjoy the ride.
Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews (June 2026) [reading in March] 437-page Kindle Ebook story pages 5-431
Genre: Women's Fiction, Romance
Rating as a movie: R for adult language and situations
Featuring: Bibliography for Mary Kay Andrews, Ireland, 1926, Savannah, Georgia, 2025, Multiple Timelines, Big Irish Family, New York City, New York; Catholicism, Sisters, Actress, Professor, Family Secrets, Portraits, Mysteries, Loss of Parent, Inheritance, Travel, Letters, Multiple POVs, Dublin, Ireland; Geneva, New York; The Irish Republican Army (IRA), Cold Case, Sex - Very Low Details, Violence - Off-Camera, Family Dynamics, Dog - English Cocker Spaniel, Small-Town Characters, Author's Links
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🇮🇪🛳🍑🇺🇸🛩🍀🖼
My thoughts: 🔖Page 24 of 437 Chapter 3 - This is taking a bit long for me to get interested in. I'm assuming I'm going to find out what happened in the last 100 years eventually. I wasn't a fan of the jump. I'm guessing we have to return to Ireland or New York. 🔖45 Chapter 6 - Ugh! I was hoping it was going somewhere fun, but it's a little sad, and my hope was just snatched. I don't know if it's a slow start or if I should read it in the daytime. 🔖159 Chapter 24 - It's not hitting, but it has its moments. 🔖267 Chapter 41 - I don't want to switch books, but I do need to give these other books a chance. This is the best of my 3 reads, but it's not as good as the previous MKA stories.
This story was okay. I have read 18 Mary Kay Andrews stories, abandoned 2, left 2 untouched, and I've read 1 Kathy Hogan Trocheck story, so I have a pretty good idea of her writing style and what to expect. This was one of my least favorites. It had the elements of all the stories I didn't care for. Like Every Crooked Nanny, the mystery was lacking, and solving it seemed far-fetched. Like High Tide, a DNF that remains on my TBR, it was long-winded and slow-paced. The sisters were like a laid-back version of Weezie and Bebe, the series I gave up on. I persevered, and the results were just okay. I felt like Maeve and Therese were switched at times, but I didn't care enough to confirm. I also didn't understand the point of their solo investigations, they could have easily been together for many scenes, especially since they were supposed to be reconnecting. Nevertheless, by the middle, I was quite interested in their story. But it also seemed to drag on. I didn't find it humorous or romantic, I was a fan of the historical portions. By the end, it was better than okay. I know many of my book buddies will love it, but it was too bland for my taste. Her other books, not the ones mentioned, are much better than this; in my opinion, it comes off a bit dry. However, if you loved The Homewreckers you'll probably love this one too. It's a completely different story but has the same vibe. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Recommend to others: Sure, if you're a big MKA fan, looking to read a contemporary novel with historical fiction elements, or a book set in Ireland, this is a great option. If you're looking for the humor of Hissy Fit, or a mystery like Sunset Beach, you may not find it in this book, or it could just be me.
Songs for the soundtrack: "Like a Virgin" by Madonna, "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinéad O'Connor"1979" by The Smashing Pumpkins, "Pepper" by Butthole Surfers, "Kittens Got Claws" by Whitesnake, "Going Out In Style" by Dropkick Murphys, "Pour Some Sugar On Me" by Def Leppard, "Anywhere For You" by Backstreet Boys, "Brand New Day" by Sting, "You’ll Never Beat The Irish" by Wolfe Tones, "Galway Girl" by Ed Sheeran, "To Market, To Market," "Danny Boy" by Elsie Griffin, "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's an Irish Lullaby)" by James Royce Shannon
Books and Authors mentioned: My Fair Lady screenplay by Alan Jay Lerner [based on] My Fair Lady play by Alan Jay Lerner [based on] Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw; Guys and Dolls by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling, Miami Vice by Dan Gilroy, Eric Warren Singer, and Anthony Yerkovich; Titanic by James Cameron, The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, Jane Austen, Titanic by James Cameron, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W.W. Denslow; John le Carré, Len Deighton, Lee Child, Frederick Forsyth, Tana French, Ruth Ware, Gillian Flynn, Val McDermid, Ian Fleming, Agatha Christie, Alistair MacLean, Daphne du Maurier, The Quiet Man by Frank S. Nugent [based on] ”The Quiet Man” by Maurice Walsh; Gone With the Wind by Sidney Howard [based on] Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell; The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Robert Frost, Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field by Sir Walter Scott, Charles Dickens, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, To Have and Have Not by Jules Furthman and William Faulkner [based on] To Have and Have Not by Ernest Hemingway; You've Got Mail by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron [based on] The Shop Around the Corner by Samson Raphaelson [based on] Parfumerie by Miklós László; Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, Pillow Talk by Stanley Shapiro and Maurice Richlin, The Summer Day by Mary Oliver
Memorable Quotes: "Okay, but what about after? Like, after you took the old lady home? Please tell me you went home with Liam and made bouncy-bouncy." Therese mimicked the sound of rusty bed springs. "God. You are so crude." "Stop evading the question. Come on, Maeve. I've been involuntarily celibate for like, six months. Help a sistah out. I need all the dirty details." "Get your mind out of the gutter," Maeve said primly. She nibbled the last cookie on the plate and dabbed her lips with the linen napkin. "I swear, nothing like that happened. We had a few drinks at the pub, and you know the rest. Perfectly innocent. No bouncy-bouncy." "Maeve!" Therese exclaimed. "You're killing me. When I said I wanted you to spill the tea I wasn't talking about literal tea." She's scraped her chair legs on the wooden floor as she pushed away from the table. "I'm starting to seriously doubt whether we really are sisters."
3.5 ⭐️ When Maeve and Therese Dunigan’s mother dies after a long illness, the sisters expect grief—but they certainly don’t expect financial disaster. Instead of an inheritance, they discover their supposedly paid-off childhood home still carries a mortgage, and the savings they thought were waiting for them have been donated, penny by penny, to a slick televangelist during their mother’s final years. All that remains is about $9,000 tucked inside a coffee can—along with their mother’s final wish: that the two sisters travel to Ireland together to see the village their great-grandmother, Kathleen Conner, left behind when she immigrated to America in 1926.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Maeve, the practical rule-follower, has just been fired, and Therese—the impulsive rebel and struggling actress—has no auditions on the horizon. Worse still, the sisters haven’t exactly been on speaking terms for years. But with little money, too much free time, and their mother’s request weighing on them, the two reluctantly agree to make the trip.
Complicating matters further is a mysterious family heirloom: a portrait that has hung in their home for decades, rumored to have been brought from Ireland by Kathleen herself. When the sisters learn the painting could be worth millions—and that their great-grandmother may have been the illegitimate daughter of an Irish lord—the journey suddenly becomes more than sentimental. There’s just one problem: the painting might be a fake. The only way to prove its value—and perhaps find the original—is to dig into their family’s past.
What begins as a reluctant pilgrimage quickly turns into a madcap adventure across Ireland. From twisty country lanes and colorful seaside villages to cozy pubs filled with locals (and more than a few charming Irishmen), Maeve and Therese follow clues that lead them into long-buried family secrets, a possible cold case, and a mystery that no one in Ireland seems particularly eager to discuss.
Full of sharp sisterly banter, misadventures, and heart, this whimsical story follows two very different women who must navigate their tangled family history—and each other. As the sisters chase the truth about the painting and their great-grandmother’s past, they might just discover that the greatest treasure isn’t hidden in an old portrait after all. It’s the chance to reconnect, forgive, and laugh along the way.
Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this ARC!
This author isn't going to do any wrong with me when it comes to pen & pad (or her estate sale finds that she shares on social media). I am an avid fan & tune in on Wednesday evenings for The Friends & Fiction Podcast (available on YouTube & Facebook). From watching each week, I know the love & devotion this author dedicates to each & every book. Those chapters you are about to read? Please know much went into making them perfect!
I love a read that has me interested enough to pull my world atlas off the shelf. This road trip entails crossing some sizeable ponds such as The Atlantic Ocean. You too will join Road Trip & travel from Savannah, Georgia with two dysfunctional Sisters faced with the very complicated estate of their late Mother. Next stop? Hopping a jet in ATL & landing in the lush & green Dublin, Ireland.
Let the true road trip begin as they maneuver rental cars through The Wicklow Mountains to arrive in Cobh, Ireland. If these two Sisters thought life was complicated in The Peach State, Cobh isn't arranging any welcoming party for them during their stay.
In the early chapters, I kept a detailed list of the ancestors. You need not worry about the family history because the cast of characters becomes distinct as each chapter unfolds. You most surely will not confuse one from the other!
The two Sisters, Maeve & Therese's, late Mother who was a simple & aged woman who lived a modest life. It is she who is actually "the driver" of this road trip. Their pursuit of the truth & the validity of a piece of their Mother's art will keep you turning the pages.
I especially loved that the author incorporated Mary Oliver's poem about this one, precious life. Also, I laughted out loud with the definition of why Jesus was actually Irish!
I often hear someone ask for a book on social media that might not be filled with detailed sex scenes. While I am an extremely liberal reader who has recently finished a couple books that included polygamy & lavender marriages, this would be an appropriate choice to recommend. There is great love here & there is passion, but it is left unsaid. The reader knows within themselves from this gifted author.
I thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press & Mary Kay Andrews (who is a total delight) for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.
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 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 to the story, 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!
Mary Kay Andrews is the undisputed queen of Southern sass, and for me, summer (well at lately Christmas) doesn’t officially start until I’ve read her newest release. Road Trip is a clear shift from her usual formula, so readers should know going in that this isn’t the classic Southern beach read packed with thrifting, décor details, and familiar coastal charm. Instead, Andrews leans into a different storytelling lane—and it works.
This books blends mystery, romance, and family drama in just the right balance, with a quirky, lovable cast and an Irish setting that feels rich and alive. Heritage, family ties, and long-buried secrets sit at the heart of the story, with multiple timelines and threads that slowly weave together. It’s the kind of book you want to settle into and let unfold at its own pace.
The story follows estranged sisters Maeve and Therese as they travel to Ireland to fulfill their mother’s dying wish. Their journey leads them to the town where their great-grandmother once lived before immigrating to the U.S. Along the way, they connect with locals and investigate a painting tied to their family’s past—one that could solve a pressing financial problem. Though their mother lived a quiet, modest life, she’s very much the unseen force driving this road trip, and the sisters’ search for truth—and the legitimacy of her artwork—keeps the pages turning.
I especially loved the inclusion of Mary Oliver’s poem about our “one wild and precious life,” and I genuinely laughed out loud at the explanation for why Jesus was actually Irish. Humor, heart, and reflection are woven throughout.
While Road Trip may surprise longtime fans, I found it deeply immersive. The Irish small-town setting is beautifully drawn, the supporting characters add warmth and texture, and the emotional core of the sisters’ story really lands. This is a heartfelt, atmospheric story that highlights Andrews’ range—and it’s well worth the read if you’re open to something a little different from her usual style.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Mary Kay Andres for the ARC!
Fans of Mary Kay Andrews will be happy to read this latest work, Road Trip. When sisters Maeve and Therese come together at their mother's funeral in Savannah, they both expect to receive a small inheritance. They both need the money. Older sister Therese has been an actress, living hand-to-mouth for years. Maeve has been 'the responsible sister,' having earned a degree in literature and working as a college professor. Maeve had taken time off to care for their mother during her rapid decline of health and ended up being replaced permanently by someone else.
Both women are shocked to learn their mother had spent not only her life savings, but mortgaged the once-paid-for family home to donate money to a television evangelist. There was nothing left. Nothing but an oil painting her mother always claimed was their distant grandmother in Ireland and had been brought to America by Kathleen, the original immigrant from the old country. A similar painting was found to have recently sold for over a million dollars and Therese was determined to prove their painting was authentic and also worth a large sum of money.
The only other thing of value their mother had left was money saved in a coffee can, which she had instructed the girls' uncle to ONLY allow them to spend on a trip to Ireland. Therese and Maeve grudgingly decided to make the trip to research the family history and get to the bottom of the mysterious painting. Because of limited funds, the very different sisters are forced into close proximity with one another. When they discover more about their distant ancestor, they find she's long been considered a murderess and criminal. Embarking on an effort to get to the bottom of the story and clear her name, they encounter a hunky whiskey distiller, an angry older member of the aristocracy, and numerous other memorable characters in their quest.
This one is a fun read you won't want to put down until the resolution.
A deep dive into family secrets, estranged sisters unite, a little bit of love, a dash of historical fiction, and a mystery that needs solving...this book has it all.
I think this is my favorite Mary Kay Andrews novel to date. In Road Trip, she blends together scenes from the past with the unfolding events in the present that make the storyline easy to follow. Set in both Ireland and Savannah, Georgia, the story follows two estranged sisters who reunite after their mother's death to solve the mystery of a painting that's been in their family for generations.
One thing that adds to the engagement of the story is the cast of characters. Almost every character has some type of eccentric quality or quirk that makes them memorable. I mean a dog named Sinead O'Cocker?! Golden! Yet underneath the fun and quirks, Andrews layers in a surprising amount of depth. No one is quite as they seem at first glance, and the "why" behind each character only adds to that depth.
While there is romance woven into the story, it doesn't take center stage. At its core, this is Maeve and Therese's story and the exploration of the sisterly bond, estrangements, and the (very) complicated love that binds family together. Their journey to Ireland, initiated by their late mother’s coffee can money (with the stipulation that it must fund a trip for just the two of them), becomes much more about healing and uncovering the truth.
This is a great pick for readers who don't want explicit spice scenes, but want to feel the chemistry between the characters. Whether you tend to reach for historical fiction, mystery, or books about second chances, give this one a try!
A big thanks to NetGalley, Mary Kay Andrews, and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
read if you like: 👯♀️ books about sisters 📍 Ireland 🏡 family dramas
summary: If you need a break from real world gloom and doom, ROAD TRIP is heartfelt story of estranged sisters, a mysterious inheritance, and a journey across Ireland that forces them to revisit their past.
The book follows sisters Maeve and Therese Dunigan, who haven’t exactly been close in recent years. After their mother’s death, they’re forced back together and shocked to learn she’s left behind a painting that could be worth a fortune — if it’s real. To find out the truth, the sisters head on a trip to Ireland to trace the artwork’s origins and fulfill their mother’s final wishes. What begins as a reluctant obligation quickly turns into a winding adventure through charming villages, and long-buried family secrets.
The story is told primarily through Maeve’s POV, with layers of backstory woven in that slowly reveal the breakdown in their sisterhood. The author does a beautiful job capturing the complicated dynamics between siblings — the old resentments, the protective feelings and the things left unsaid. As they navigate pub stops, wrong turns, and emotional landmines, the mystery of the painting unfolds alongside a deeper exploration of grief and reconciliation. There’s also a light romantic thread that adds fun without overpowering the central relationship. The pacing feels like a true road trip — moments of tension and revelation balanced with humor. Themes of forgiveness, identity, and starting over are at the heart of the story, making it more than just a travel adventure.
If you love stories about complicated families, second chances, and travel, this one is for you. Thanks to St Martins Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy, and check this book out when it releases on June 2!
Overall, I enjoyed the story and thought it was a fun and entertaining read. There was a lot happening and I enjoyed how it went back and forth between the past and the present and how the mystery unravelled.. I also liked the various characters and exploring their journey both individually and with each other. I really was enjoying the sisters discovery about Kathleen through the letters.
My hesitance with this one is a little in the plot/editing. I felt like there were various points throughout the book where the focus seemed to shift and as I was getting into one storyline, it would switch to another. Also, there was a lot of repetitiveness of scenes where it felt like it was there to keep reminding us what the author wanted the character or scene to be about/how to feel when I felt that was already established. Because of this,there were portions that could be cut out because they felt unneccesary and just took my focus away as the reader. The ending also dragged on a bit. It was a good conclusion to everything, but I felt myself skimming the last few chapters because I just stopped caring, again because it felt like the focus of the story shifted. Like was it a book about Kathleen and her mystery and the mystery of the painting? Was it about the mystery of the IRA? Was it a story about two sisters and their relationship and the mystery of their mother? Was it a story about Maeve? Or a story about Therese? All these at once were just too many ideas happening. This could have almost been two or three different book ideas that could have been explored separately. Maybe in a nice series, but separately.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc.
I just have a soft spot for these books, I loved summers at the saint & the newcomer so I definitely jumped on this when I saw it available for ARC. This would be a perfect summer or beach read.
Two sisters; who don’t always get along; who are in the middle of maybe an early quarter life crisis flounder when their jobs unexpectedly change and their mom passes. The mom’s dying wish is send them on one last vacation to figure out their linage and family history in Ireland.
There are some really good, heartfelt and sweet bits in this, mixed with humor and a mystery! It was like all the parts of a romcom and a mystery put together. I think the banter and humor between the two sisters really helped add levity. I won’t spoil anything but the situation with their mom who passed hooked me; definitely more unique. Rather than it being a book solely based on romance; I really loved the sisterly dynamic and relationship.
The only real drawback; and maybe the reason why I docked one star… I feel like there is some unnecessary commentary surrounding body size and food intake. I know the author is a little older, and it’s very common for that generation to make food/body size comments without much thought and I just have to say removing those bits wouldn’t change the story and would maybe even make it more of an enjoyable read for some others.
If you are a fan of her books or new to her, I definitely recommend! A fun read with a good paced plot and a happy ending😊
₊˚⊹⋆˙⟡Thank you to Macmillan audio & NetGalley for an advance copy! My opinions on this read and this review are my own!₊˚⊹⋆˙⟡
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review. The Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews is a poignant, character-driven novel that explores grief, sisterhood, and the powerful pull of family history. At the heart of the story are two estranged sisters navigating the recent loss of their mother. Their relationship is strained, layered with long-standing tension and unspoken resentments. In her final act, their mother leaves them a coffee can filled with cash and a directive: travel to Ireland and uncover the truth behind their great-grandmother’s forced emigration to America in the 1920s. What unfolds is both a literal and emotional journey. As the sisters retrace their ancestor’s path, they begin to uncover long-buried family secrets that reshape their understanding of their heritage. The historical mystery provides depth and forward momentum, while the evolving dynamic between the sisters gives the novel its emotional weight. Andrews skillfully balances themes of loss, reconciliation, and identity. The exploration of ancestry is particularly compelling, especially for readers interested in genealogy and generational storytelling. The Irish setting adds richness and atmosphere, enhancing the sense of discovery and reflection. Overall, The Road Trip is a thoughtful and engaging novel about how uncovering the past can illuminate the present. It is a meaningful story about healing fractured relationships and understanding the sacrifices that shaped a family’s legacy.
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“Road Trip” is by Mary Kay Andrews. If you’re a fan of Ms. Andrews’s other books, be forewarned - this is not her typical Savannah on the beach romance book. That being said, this isn’t a bad story, it’s just a different story. There’s mystery, there’s romance, and there are two sisters who need to get along for a trip and uncover things about their past. I also feel compelled to note, there isn’t actually a “road trip” - it’s more set in two places so I guess it’s more a theme than literal? I found the story of the great-grandmother interesting (and the first chapter really interesting!) but wish that that part had spread out more over the course of the book (the story was told via letters but I wished it had been more spread out through the book). I did feel like there was a bit too much repetition of some of the background information, but I understood why it was repeated. I felt like one of the story lines ended a bit oddly for my taste (I was in agreement with one of the characters about “wow, that was out of the blue”) though it did work for the story. I also felt that a story line related to that one (I’m trying to not give too much away!) the “who done it” was … odd. But, honestly, minor quibbles. The overall story is fine … there’s a lot packed into this book - but do keep an open mind. For me, this book is a solid 3.5 stars - it would’ve been higher if I’d known “not a typical MKA read” going in.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Mary Kay Andrews has long been one of my favorite authors, so I was absolutely thrilled to learn she had a new release. From the very first chapters, I was reminded why I’m such a devoted fan. Her writing is warm, engaging, and effortlessly draws you into the lives of her characters.
There was so much to appreciate in this story. At its heart, it’s a deeply emotional and heartfelt journey centered on family, forgiveness, and rediscovering connection. The dynamic between the two sisters was one of my favorite aspects of the novel. Their witty banter felt authentic and added levity to some of the heavier emotional moments. Watching their relationship evolve, from tension and distance to understanding and closeness, was both satisfying and touching.
The Irish setting added a rich layer of atmosphere to the story. The descriptions of the landscape, culture, and extended family dynamics made the setting feel immersive and vibrant. It truly felt like Ireland became a character of its own, shaping the sisters’ experiences and growth throughout the novel.
That said, there were a few aspects that didn’t fully work for me. At times, the pacing felt uneven, and certain sections seemed longer than necessary or not long enough. I also found myself occasionally confused by the extended family members and their relationships, which made it harder to stay fully grounded in the story. Additionally, while the emotional arc was compelling, some plot developments felt a bit predictable.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read that delivered the charm, heart, and engaging storytelling I’ve come to expect from Mary Kay Andrews. Even with a few minor drawbacks, it was a satisfying and heartfelt story that reminded me why I eagerly pick up each of her new releases.
As a longtime fan of Mary Kay Andrews, I always go into her books with high expectations, and Road Trip did not disappoint! In fact, I’d go as far as to say this is one of her absolute best—ranking right up there with The Summer at the Saint for me.
The Story
The heart of this book follows two sisters traveling to Ireland in the wake of their mother’s death. Their mission is to uncover the secrets of their family history, but as with any great MKA novel, the journey becomes about so much more. The Irish backdrop is lush and atmospheric, providing the perfect stage for a story about grief, sisterhood, and discovery.
Why I Loved It
Unputdownable: I literally could not put this book down. The pacing was so perfect that I finished the entire thing in just 24 hours.
Emotional Depth: While it has the charm and wit I expect from this author, the exploration of family roots after losing a parent felt deeply personal and moving.
The Setting: If you weren't already dreaming of a trip to the Emerald Isle, you will be after reading this.
Final Thoughts
The only negative thing I can say? I wish it were longer! I wasn't ready to leave these characters or the beautiful Irish countryside behind. Whether you are a "Mary Kay-ficionado" or a newcomer to her writing, this is a must-read. It’s a beautiful, fast-paced journey that stays with you long after the final page.
Special thanks to the publisher for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Maeve and her sister, Theresa, have been estranged for years when they are brought back together at their mother’s funeral. The tension between them only grows when they discover that their mother has left them a house mortgaged to the hilt, an antique painting, and a tin containing $8,000. The money comes with a very specific condition: they must take a trip to Ireland together. So begins their road trip. Central to the story is the painting of Lady Geraldine, which has been in their family for as long as they can remember. There is a legend attached to it, one that may or may not be true. Uncovering the truth behind the painting and their heritage becomes the reason the sisters agree to make the journey. Maeve is a recently fired college professor, and Theresa is an unemployed actress, so neither has much tying her down. Once in Ireland, they are quickly introduced to the estate of Terrymore and the locals in the nearby town. From the start, it’s clear they are not entirely welcome, and they soon find themselves wrapped up in mystery, romance, and self-discovery. Road Trip is a delightful read filled with quirky characters and a fun sense of adventure. Mary Kay Andrews is a master at blending romance with just enough mystery to keep things moving. With well-developed characters and charming settings, this is a perfect beach or weekend read Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Fiction, Family Dynamics, Generational, Ireland, Savannah
Maeve and Therese Dunigan are sisters with completely different lifestyles. Maeve is a college professor and lives a quiet life while her sister, Therese, is an aspiring actress who has travelled the world. Maeve put her life on hold to take care of their mother for the last two years of her life. Once she passes, Therese comes home to claim her inheritance. The sisters find out their mother had been sending money to a television minister. She even took out a $300k mortgage so she could send him more money. They realize they are broke, the house has a mortgage, and Maeve is replaced at the college. Their mother did provide them with something. She had a coffee can with about $9,000 in it. She wanted them to go back to Ireland to sort out the murky past of their ancestor, Kathleen, who brought a painting with her to New York when she left Ireland abruptly.
The story has a steady pace, the characters are well developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. The book moves from the past with Kathleen’s story to the present time with Maeve and Therese. I love these characters. They show strength, emotions, and growth as the story goes along. I have read nearly all the books by Mary Kay Andrews and I can honestly say this is by far her best work to date.