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Road Trip
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26The 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.
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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 2, 2026
26 people are currently reading
1590 people want to read
About the author
Mary Kay Andrews
54 books14.4k followershttps://marykayandrews.com/
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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.
https://www.facebook.com/marykayandre...
https://www.instagram.com/marykayandr...
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 31, 2025
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.
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.
January 12, 2026
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.
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.
January 1, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Mary Kay Andrews, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for an advance copy of Road Trip! I couldn’t wait to dive into this delightful journey, and it more than lived up to my expectations.
Mary Kay Andrews writes books that are entertaining, heartwarming, and just plain fun. Road Trip is no exception. Andrews excels at making the Irish countryside come alive — from cozy pubs to twisty country lanes — and her narrative is peppered with vivid characters and just enough romance to keep things lively without being overdone. The contrast between Maeve’s cautious nature and Therese’s free spirit adds a delightful dynamic that kept me rooting for their reconciliation every step of the way.
I loved the adventure of the actual road trip, as well as the emotional journey of grief and healing. Each mile brings new revelations, not just about the painting or the family’s past, but about the sisters themselves. The humor, emotional depth, and charming accents (seriously, those fecking pub scenes!) make this book feel like the literary equivalent of a favorite summer playlist.
In short, Road Trip is a joyride of a read — heartwarming, funny, and beautifully told. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Mary Kay Andrews or new to her work, this novel is the perfect escape. Highly recommended!
Mary Kay Andrews writes books that are entertaining, heartwarming, and just plain fun. Road Trip is no exception. Andrews excels at making the Irish countryside come alive — from cozy pubs to twisty country lanes — and her narrative is peppered with vivid characters and just enough romance to keep things lively without being overdone. The contrast between Maeve’s cautious nature and Therese’s free spirit adds a delightful dynamic that kept me rooting for their reconciliation every step of the way.
I loved the adventure of the actual road trip, as well as the emotional journey of grief and healing. Each mile brings new revelations, not just about the painting or the family’s past, but about the sisters themselves. The humor, emotional depth, and charming accents (seriously, those fecking pub scenes!) make this book feel like the literary equivalent of a favorite summer playlist.
In short, Road Trip is a joyride of a read — heartwarming, funny, and beautifully told. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Mary Kay Andrews or new to her work, this novel is the perfect escape. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5, rounded up
Mary Kay Andrews has a talent for creating likable, but not perfect, characters and putting them in situations involving a mystery, family drama, and a side of romance. In Road Trip, we get all of her signature charm and wit, along with a trip to a small Irish village, as formerly estranged sisters join forces to uncover the truth about their ancestry.
I loved the slow unraveling of the truth about an oil painting that their mother had always told stories about, along with seeing the sisters begin to see each other on a deeper level, with less judgment and more understanding.
Don't pick it up for an actual road trip with lots of different locations, the majority of the story takes place in one small Irish village (though they did drive there from Dublin, and do take one sightseeing day), or back home in Savannah. As long as you don't expect that, I think a wide range of readers would enjoy this novel. MKA has done it again!
I received an ARC of this novel via NetGalley, but my love of MKA is my own, and I've purchased many of her prior novels on my own.
Mary Kay Andrews has a talent for creating likable, but not perfect, characters and putting them in situations involving a mystery, family drama, and a side of romance. In Road Trip, we get all of her signature charm and wit, along with a trip to a small Irish village, as formerly estranged sisters join forces to uncover the truth about their ancestry.
I loved the slow unraveling of the truth about an oil painting that their mother had always told stories about, along with seeing the sisters begin to see each other on a deeper level, with less judgment and more understanding.
Don't pick it up for an actual road trip with lots of different locations, the majority of the story takes place in one small Irish village (though they did drive there from Dublin, and do take one sightseeing day), or back home in Savannah. As long as you don't expect that, I think a wide range of readers would enjoy this novel. MKA has done it again!
I received an ARC of this novel via NetGalley, but my love of MKA is my own, and I've purchased many of her prior novels on my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Road Trip was an enjoyable read. The book followed two sisters, Maeve and Therese, as they reconnected after their mother's death. The sisters had opposite personalities and harbored some ill feelings toward each other from the past. Maeve and Therese needed to quickly take a trip back to Ireland, where their great grandmother was born, in order to solve a family mystery. Initially, I found both of the main characters annoying in their own way, but as the story played out, I liked them very much. The characters from their trip to Ireland were well written and added much to the story. I could easily imagine the settings and characters from their descriptions. The ending of the story was not a surprise, but the author tied up the ends nicely. I am very glad I decided to give this book a read.
I received an e-ARC for Road Trip and want to thank Mary Kay Andrews, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to voluntarily read and give an honest review of this book. Road Trip is scheduled to be published on June 2, 2026.
I received an e-ARC for Road Trip and want to thank Mary Kay Andrews, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to voluntarily read and give an honest review of this book. Road Trip is scheduled to be published on June 2, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Maeve and Therese Dunigan are sisters, but also long-estranged sisters with opposite personalities. They reunite after their mother’s death and inherit a painting that could be worth millions—if it’s real. To determine its authenticity, they head to Ireland to track down the original artwork, learning about family history, a long-buried crime, and possible curses along the way. As they navigate scenic villages, and charming men, they navigate their own tensions, and sisters must learn to work together to solve the mystery and save their futures.
This was such a fun journey to be on. The setting was top notch and the journey with the sisters was a lot of fun - all of their journeys, in fact, for they go on physical and emotional ones. This book being a bit on the longer side already did not bother me, and in fact I could have read more - something I rarely feel. A great book!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun journey to be on. The setting was top notch and the journey with the sisters was a lot of fun - all of their journeys, in fact, for they go on physical and emotional ones. This book being a bit on the longer side already did not bother me, and in fact I could have read more - something I rarely feel. A great book!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mauve and her sister Therese are back in each other's lives upon their mothers death. Mauve the "good girl" and Therese "not", are at each other from the get go. Upon learning that there is no inheritance as her mother has remortgaged the house to pay a tv evangelist, the sisters also learn that their mother had saved some money & wished for them to go to Ireland to learn of their heritage & solve a family cold case (great grandmother was accused of killing a wealth aunt before leaving for America). The sisters head off, there is a very slow romance, drama, added excitement. The book ends well, despite dragging a bit at times. A different style of book from Ms Andrews, not your typical "summer beach read".
Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Andrews and St Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I did enjoy reading the story & will be recommending it for those looking for a "winter" read.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Andrews and St Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I did enjoy reading the story & will be recommending it for those looking for a "winter" read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you @netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews, which comes out in June. Maeve and Theresa are sisters, their mother has just died. The sisters have not been close, but she leaves them with money for a trip to Ireland together, and a mystery to solve. The trip to Ireland is great, it was fun to read about. I liked how the sisters rekindled their relationship, and the other people they got to know. It was a nice story to read, with a somewhat unexpected ending. #roadtrip #marykayandrews #sisterstory #netgalley #advancedreadercopy #bookstagram #booklover #reader #bookblog #lovetoread #fictionreader #bookreview #bookrecommendation #readersofinstagram #bookloversofinstagram #takeapagefrommybook #readallthebooks #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #bookwormproblems #bookaholic #booknerd #whattoread #readingtime #bookaddict #ilovetoread #ilovebooks #needtoread #readallday
January 13, 2026
(3.5 stars) Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! I have always enjoyed her writing and her books. There were lots of things I liked about the book but also some things I didn’t like as much.
Mary Kay Andrews is great at writing multiple characters with multiple story lines happening and then weaving them all together with endings that wrap it all up in a bow. The art piece was a great plot! I loved how the trip brought the sisters closer in their relationship. I also like how she puts some suspense and mystery into her stories. The dog was a great character as well!
I was a little annoyed with numerous crude comments and language, which I feel like have started to become more normal in her writing. To me it takes away from the story and doesn’t add to it. The whole story line of her being tricked into giving all her money to the religious organization was dumb IMO.
Overall I enjoyed it but it wasn’t one of my favorites from her.
Mary Kay Andrews is great at writing multiple characters with multiple story lines happening and then weaving them all together with endings that wrap it all up in a bow. The art piece was a great plot! I loved how the trip brought the sisters closer in their relationship. I also like how she puts some suspense and mystery into her stories. The dog was a great character as well!
I was a little annoyed with numerous crude comments and language, which I feel like have started to become more normal in her writing. To me it takes away from the story and doesn’t add to it. The whole story line of her being tricked into giving all her money to the religious organization was dumb IMO.
Overall I enjoyed it but it wasn’t one of my favorites from her.
January 14, 2026
I think this is the first book I have read from this author. Hopefully it will not be the last. The storyline grabbed me from the first and kept me interested until the very end. It’s about two sisters whose mother has died. The sisters Therese and Maeve have been estranged and are very different. The characters are believable and the story captivating. I would have liked to be friends of their family. That always indicates to me that they are believable. I’m not going into the story because this is a review of the book and I will recommend it to anyone that asks for a good book or about a new author, for me, that I found to be a great story teller. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews was such a fun, fast read and the perfect kind of book club pick. The estranged sister dynamic between Maeve and Therese kept things interesting, and I loved how their forced road trip to Ireland uncovered family secrets, a mysterious painting, and an old crime.
The Irish setting really shines—charming villages, cozy pubs, and scenic roads made the story feel vivid and real. There’s a bit of light romance mixed in (the expected leave-and-come-back type), but it’s well done and doesn’t take over the story. I flew through this one and honestly just wished it were longer. A thoroughly entertaining read—5 stars from me!
The Irish setting really shines—charming villages, cozy pubs, and scenic roads made the story feel vivid and real. There’s a bit of light romance mixed in (the expected leave-and-come-back type), but it’s well done and doesn’t take over the story. I flew through this one and honestly just wished it were longer. A thoroughly entertaining read—5 stars from me!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book. At first it seemed improbable that the trip to Ireland would be successful giving the barbs flying between Maeve and Therese. But off they went in search of answers about the painting that had hung above their mother’s fireplace their whole lives. The descriptions of Tarrymore and the surrounding countryside were well done and I could really feel the small village vibe. Through interviews and letters the sisters are able to piece together the brave life that their great grandmother led. They are also able to prove her innocence. Happy endings all around. Very enjoyable.
January 8, 2026
I was gifted an ARC of this book by the publisher and what a wonderful end of the year gift it was! I read this quickly and what I loved most about this novel it is combined an almost old fashion historical fiction with a contemporary sister adventure in Ireland. I love the characterization of Mauve, Theresa and Esme, and the mystery of the painting and Mauve’s romance with Liam. I read the novel so fast. I loved the setting of the small village of Ireland and the characters. The only feedback I have is that I wish there were more letters from the girl's great grandmother and more details about her later in life. It was so fascinating to me I wanted to know more of her story. This was a fun read from MKA and it was a great read to start the New Year!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is Mary Kay Andrew’s best books yet – absolutely loved it! Maeve and Therese, estranged sisters, travel to Ireland to unravel a family mystery surrounding an old painting. Along the way, Maeve and Therese squabble, laugh, meet handsome available men and enjoy beautiful Ireland. Mary Kay Andrews fans will love this book and so will all readers that love a good mystery with a romantic twist!
I cannot thank St. Martins Press enough for providing an early read in exchange for a fair review. I adored this book and wish it were 100 pages longer for more enjoyment! Five stars.
I cannot thank St. Martins Press enough for providing an early read in exchange for a fair review. I adored this book and wish it were 100 pages longer for more enjoyment! Five stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I didn’t realize that author hasn’t published in 2 years and this is a new great one from her. I was able to read it thru NetGalley and thought her work primarily was beach based so this was a nice change. If you love an Irish family story then this is a good book for you. The characters, past and present, are interesting with varied personalities. Ireland is a great setting and of course the story makes me want to fly over for a road trip for myself. The story includes a nice mystery too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. I love Mary Kay Andrews and this book was no exception.
This story follows sisters Therese and Maeve in present day Savannah, Georgia. Their mother dies and they are left to pick up the pieces of a life that had many secrets. While dealing with their heartbreak, they set out on a mission to discover their family's past. This takes them on a journey to Ireland where they work to find the answers they desire. The story is emotional and heart warming. It was a great read to end the year.
This story follows sisters Therese and Maeve in present day Savannah, Georgia. Their mother dies and they are left to pick up the pieces of a life that had many secrets. While dealing with their heartbreak, they set out on a mission to discover their family's past. This takes them on a journey to Ireland where they work to find the answers they desire. The story is emotional and heart warming. It was a great read to end the year.
January 5, 2026
I became a fan of Mary Kay Andrews when I read the Home-wreckers. Then Summers at the Saint happened. It was my favorite book of 2024. Amazing. I didn’t want for it to end.
Road trip isn’t like any of those books, and that’s what I love about it. We have two sisters who are tracking their roots to Ireland where their grandmother was from. This was definitely a trip, and I loved it.
The characters were well developed. The plot moved along swiftly. I have no complaints.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
Road trip isn’t like any of those books, and that’s what I love about it. We have two sisters who are tracking their roots to Ireland where their grandmother was from. This was definitely a trip, and I loved it.
The characters were well developed. The plot moved along swiftly. I have no complaints.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a great novel about a family who harbors secrets! In 1926 Lady Delia Rossington tells Kathleen she's being kicked out so she cuts a portrait of Lady Geraldine out and leaves with it. Fast forward to 2025 when sisters Maeve and Therese must go to Ireland to get the money that was loaned to a preacher there, But odd things begin happening that they can't explain and they meet generous and eccentric people that had me laughing and cringing at every turn of the page! It's a delightful tale that will keep you turning the pages quickly!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
January 16, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for my arc of Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews. As usual this was another great book by this author. This story was set between Savannah Georgia and Ireland, about two sisters who haven’t been close over several years but are brought together by their mothers death. As they are cleaning out their childhood home they wonder about a portrait that has always hung on the wall and their mother said her great grandmother had brought with her from Ireland. This book was full of family secrets and great storytelling, I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One of my favorite authors has written another fantastic story. Still keeping her southern connections in her books(this time in Savannah,Ga.), she takes the reader on a trip to Ireland to discover two sister's link to a mysterious family picture. Having visited the places that are included in the book, I felt like I a took the journey with her characters. Bravo to Mary Kay Andrews for another terrific read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
This is a story of 2 sisters and their quest to find out more about their family history. I have always enjoyed MK Andrews books and this was no exception. The relationship between the sisters was a large part of the story. I liked seeing how it changed over time. I would recommend this if you enjoy stories about families with a light romance included.
This is a story of 2 sisters and their quest to find out more about their family history. I have always enjoyed MK Andrews books and this was no exception. The relationship between the sisters was a large part of the story. I liked seeing how it changed over time. I would recommend this if you enjoy stories about families with a light romance included.
January 10, 2026
Thank you MKA, NetGalley and St.Martins Press for the eARC of this book! I absolutely LOVED it! My first thought when finishing the book was “this should be a movie!”. I loved all the characters. I thought the relationship dynamics between the sisters was real and relatable. The twists and turns of the family history kept me interested as the sisters figured things out. I highly recommend this to all. MKA does it again!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sisters Maeve and Therese Dunnigan take a trip to Ireland to honor their mother’s wish to learn more about their ancestor Kathleen Connor and the heirloom painting she brought with her in 1926.
Been a MKA fan forever and this one did not disappoint. Maybe a few predictable moments, but overall likable characters and a feel good story of family connections.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Been a MKA fan forever and this one did not disappoint. Maybe a few predictable moments, but overall likable characters and a feel good story of family connections.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
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January 15, 2026I have conflicted feelings on reviews for this book. Parts of the book were interesting and engaging while other parts felt very monotonous. I sometimes wonder if I had flipped back a few pages as many times as the overall plot was repeated. I feel like a lot of story and characters were crammed into this book and it could have easily been a series. Overall, wouldn’t recommend to a friend.
Thank you NetGalley, Mary Kay Andrew’s, and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley, Mary Kay Andrew’s, and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I needed this book. It is a lovely, heartwarming story. I loved that it takes place in Savannah and Ireland. I loved how you go back in the timeline to see how things happen and then the current time to see the result. A little bit of family drama, okay, a lot, but it is all evened out by the romance. Not only do the sisters experience romance, but they find each other again, and most importantly, they find themselves.
Thank You to NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for the ARC.
Thank You to NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve been wanting to try other MKA’s books after reading and really enjoying a couple others, including Summers at the Saint. Unfortunately, this one didn’t appeal to me. I wasn’t able to get into the story. I hope others will like it more! DNF at 28%.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“The Road Trip” was a cute story. I liked that the story was set in Ireland. And I liked the mystery that Maeve and Therese had to unravel involving their ancestors and more recent events. Their relationship is profoundly changed, as are their individual lives, as Maeve will take a major leap of faith, while Therese will finally settle down. There is an enjoyable accompanying cast.
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