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The Sweet Tea Odyssey
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26Three generations of women and one mobility service dog flee a hurricane, hashing out old betrayals and confronting new anxieties while locating ADA compliant lodgings. One mile marker at a time, they search for peace through unraveling the saga of the grandmother’s 1990 odyssey to Washington, DC with her husband to participate in a demonstration supporting the proposed Americans with Disabilities Act.
- GenresFiction
283 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 11, 2026
About the author
Catherine Mann
593 books1,259 followersUSA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has written women's fiction, romance, and romantic suspense for Lake Union, Harlequin, HQN, Berkley, Tule, and Sourcebooks, with titles released in more than 30 countries. Catherine’s novels have won numerous awards, including a RITA Award, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Bookseller’s Best Award.
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Special thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. This book was an emotional story following three generations of women, each dealing with their own struggles. I really loved how strong and real the characters felt, and how their stories connected. Definitely a great read if you like emotional stories with strong female leads.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a lady who grew up in an area where sweet tea is almost synonymous with water, I couldn't resist this title. As I turned the pages, I discovered something that is also sweet - a strong multi-generational bond between females who each have faced their own sets of challenges.
While the relationships predominantly take center stage (as they should), the story also highlights some hot topics of the past and present.
The author spotlights a 1970s/1980s historical movement that advocated for the rights of those with disabilities and resulted in The Americans with Disabilities Act. I am a speech and language pathologist who works with individuals with disabilities, so I found this emotional and incredibly interesting. As if that isn't significant enough, Mann also explores the very current difficulties with non-consensual photography and voyeurism, not shying away from the social and emotional impacts. On top of that, it blends in loss, marital struggles, addictions and more. It's heavy...topic heavy. While I applaud the effort, I found myself thinking that emphasizing one or two of these would have been more than enough and perhaps would have allowed the space to dive deeper and develop the characters even more. They are such likeable and interesting characters (applause), so there is a world of opportunity there.
I want to thank Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy via NetGalley. I truly love getting the chance to do this! Please note that these opinions are entirely my own and based off of an early addition. Now go make you some yummy sweet tea...the proper way!
While the relationships predominantly take center stage (as they should), the story also highlights some hot topics of the past and present.
The author spotlights a 1970s/1980s historical movement that advocated for the rights of those with disabilities and resulted in The Americans with Disabilities Act. I am a speech and language pathologist who works with individuals with disabilities, so I found this emotional and incredibly interesting. As if that isn't significant enough, Mann also explores the very current difficulties with non-consensual photography and voyeurism, not shying away from the social and emotional impacts. On top of that, it blends in loss, marital struggles, addictions and more. It's heavy...topic heavy. While I applaud the effort, I found myself thinking that emphasizing one or two of these would have been more than enough and perhaps would have allowed the space to dive deeper and develop the characters even more. They are such likeable and interesting characters (applause), so there is a world of opportunity there.
I want to thank Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy via NetGalley. I truly love getting the chance to do this! Please note that these opinions are entirely my own and based off of an early addition. Now go make you some yummy sweet tea...the proper way!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
****Thanks to #NetGalley for the advance copy to read and review this book!
#NetGalley
#GreatRead #SweetTeaOdyssey #ADA
This is an interesting storyline with the added input of flipping back and forth in time to the period pre-ADA (American Disabilities Act) and to current times, 2026. The story is told from three different perspectives, our main character Rosalynn, who is in a wheelchair from a childhood accident, her teenage daughter and Rosalynn’s mother.
While on a road trip escaping for safety from a hurricane barreling down near Rosalynn’s home, we learn the story of all three women and how they are interconnected. It is generational sharing at it’s best, as one can clearly see the similarities and differences between the three women connected by blood. It is both moving, reflective and excellent character development shown of all three women.
The additional challenge of introducing a disability in the storyline was handled effortlessly. It gave the reader an inside perspective into some of the challenges someone with a disability has to deal with that far too many of us take for granted. Drawing attention to this important issue and making it yet only one part of the story was pretty ingenious. People adapt to the world around them but with legislation like ADA, it makes it much more seamless and safer for all of us.
I really enjoyed the author’s ability to not only tell a good story but to interweave some lessons for us to learn as the women make their journey, both physically and metaphorically. The growth of all the women was tangible.
I found the book moving but, at times, the pace could have been a bit quicker. Some of the subject matter was on the sad side; you could sense the characters’ frustration and perhaps a quicker pace or a few more funny moments through-out might have lightened it up a bit but not taken away from the quality of the book. But it was a wonderful read!
#NetGalley
#GreatRead #SweetTeaOdyssey #ADA
This is an interesting storyline with the added input of flipping back and forth in time to the period pre-ADA (American Disabilities Act) and to current times, 2026. The story is told from three different perspectives, our main character Rosalynn, who is in a wheelchair from a childhood accident, her teenage daughter and Rosalynn’s mother.
While on a road trip escaping for safety from a hurricane barreling down near Rosalynn’s home, we learn the story of all three women and how they are interconnected. It is generational sharing at it’s best, as one can clearly see the similarities and differences between the three women connected by blood. It is both moving, reflective and excellent character development shown of all three women.
The additional challenge of introducing a disability in the storyline was handled effortlessly. It gave the reader an inside perspective into some of the challenges someone with a disability has to deal with that far too many of us take for granted. Drawing attention to this important issue and making it yet only one part of the story was pretty ingenious. People adapt to the world around them but with legislation like ADA, it makes it much more seamless and safer for all of us.
I really enjoyed the author’s ability to not only tell a good story but to interweave some lessons for us to learn as the women make their journey, both physically and metaphorically. The growth of all the women was tangible.
I found the book moving but, at times, the pace could have been a bit quicker. Some of the subject matter was on the sad side; you could sense the characters’ frustration and perhaps a quicker pace or a few more funny moments through-out might have lightened it up a bit but not taken away from the quality of the book. But it was a wonderful read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having been raised in a family with a quadriplegic (an aunt struck with polio at age 14), I seldom saw limitations on movement due to the wheelchair as a problem. If there was a place with too many stairs, we just didn't go to that establishment. My grandparents' apartment had a homemade elevator built by my grandfather and an uncle so my dad's sister could get from the apartment on the second floor to the first floor, where she worked in my grandfather's television sales and repair store. As a kid, I just thought this was normal. The family worked together to find solutions to any obstacles, leaving the young children clueless about any problems at all.
Chatherine Mann has successfully written a story featuring four very strong women who are also overcoming restrictions and working for change. Evacuating before a hurricane is stressful enough with four good limbs; try it with physical limitations. Try to remember everything you must bring with you. Getting stuck on the road to safety. Not having the luxury of having a backup vehicle if your custom rig gets wrecked. Ms. Mann then adds 21st-century problems like cybersecurity and bullying to the mix, making this a relatable book for multi-generational readers.
This would make for a rousing book club discussion. There could be so many topics for the meeting. ADA, access, slow-moving government-backed changes, and being more aware of the needs (or not) of others.
Chatherine Mann has successfully written a story featuring four very strong women who are also overcoming restrictions and working for change. Evacuating before a hurricane is stressful enough with four good limbs; try it with physical limitations. Try to remember everything you must bring with you. Getting stuck on the road to safety. Not having the luxury of having a backup vehicle if your custom rig gets wrecked. Ms. Mann then adds 21st-century problems like cybersecurity and bullying to the mix, making this a relatable book for multi-generational readers.
This would make for a rousing book club discussion. There could be so many topics for the meeting. ADA, access, slow-moving government-backed changes, and being more aware of the needs (or not) of others.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Sweet Tea Odyssey is a lovely story about family and the relations of different women from different generations.
There are 3 POVs (from the grandma, the mother, and the teenage daughter) spread across two timelines (in the past, following the grandma and her daughter) and the present - with all three 3 women on a quick road trip. Each one has their own struggles and backgrounds and in the end they all need to support each other to face what's coming in their future.
It's a cozy and comfy read, but also dramatic. I personally felt invested more in the mother and daughter's relationship (from the present timeline), but my favourite scenes were the ones when the three women were together in the car.
I'd say they are realistic characters, in realistic situations and troubles, so that it can be easier to care for them.
I've had a good time with this book, but I do think the conclusion was a little too rushed. The daughter's trouble was fixed way too fast and easy.
I do recommend it to anyone who enjoys women's fiction and realistic characters.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for this eARC.
There are 3 POVs (from the grandma, the mother, and the teenage daughter) spread across two timelines (in the past, following the grandma and her daughter) and the present - with all three 3 women on a quick road trip. Each one has their own struggles and backgrounds and in the end they all need to support each other to face what's coming in their future.
It's a cozy and comfy read, but also dramatic. I personally felt invested more in the mother and daughter's relationship (from the present timeline), but my favourite scenes were the ones when the three women were together in the car.
I'd say they are realistic characters, in realistic situations and troubles, so that it can be easier to care for them.
I've had a good time with this book, but I do think the conclusion was a little too rushed. The daughter's trouble was fixed way too fast and easy.
I do recommend it to anyone who enjoys women's fiction and realistic characters.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a child, Rosalynn adored dancing—until a fall during a recital left her in a wheelchair for life. Now navigating a difficult divorce, she’s blindsided when her beloved teenage daughter, Elsie, announces she wants to be emancipated and live with her grandmother, Lillian, in Virginia.
When a distressed call from Elsie brings Lillian rushing to South Carolina—just as a category three hurricane threatens the coast—she arrives in time to help Rosalynn and Elsie prepare for evacuation. With only what they can fit into the van, plus Rosalynn’s loyal service dog, Dusty, the three set out for Virginia. The journey becomes far more than a storm escape: challenges arise at every turn, long-buried betrayals surface, and family secrets come to light. Through it all, they begin to rediscover the strength and comfort of a truly supportive family.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
When a distressed call from Elsie brings Lillian rushing to South Carolina—just as a category three hurricane threatens the coast—she arrives in time to help Rosalynn and Elsie prepare for evacuation. With only what they can fit into the van, plus Rosalynn’s loyal service dog, Dusty, the three set out for Virginia. The journey becomes far more than a storm escape: challenges arise at every turn, long-buried betrayals surface, and family secrets come to light. Through it all, they begin to rediscover the strength and comfort of a truly supportive family.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After reading Lightning in a Mason Jar last year, I knew I wanted to read The Sweet Tea Odyssey by Catherine Mann.
In The Sweet Tea Odyssey we follow three generations of women (Grandmother, Mother, Daughter) and the sweetest mobility service dog as they evacuate from a hurricane. With every passing mile these women learn more about each other, the trials and tribulations they faced, past trauma, and their present anxieties and pressures.
I love that the novel is told from dual timelines, the Grandmother’s journey to DC with her husband to participate in the 1990 demonstration supporting the proposed Americans with Disabilities Act and the present. The Sweet Tea Odyssey is about family, loss, starting over, discovery, strength, and so much more. I loved every single page. 🫶🏼
I also love how the novel really highlighted the importance and impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the landmark civil rights act that prohibits discrimination of individuals with disabilities.
In The Sweet Tea Odyssey we follow three generations of women (Grandmother, Mother, Daughter) and the sweetest mobility service dog as they evacuate from a hurricane. With every passing mile these women learn more about each other, the trials and tribulations they faced, past trauma, and their present anxieties and pressures.
I love that the novel is told from dual timelines, the Grandmother’s journey to DC with her husband to participate in the 1990 demonstration supporting the proposed Americans with Disabilities Act and the present. The Sweet Tea Odyssey is about family, loss, starting over, discovery, strength, and so much more. I loved every single page. 🫶🏼
I also love how the novel really highlighted the importance and impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the landmark civil rights act that prohibits discrimination of individuals with disabilities.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Advance readers copy from NetGalley
The Sweet Tea Odyssey by Catherine Mann is about three generations of women thrown together during a stressful, emotional road trip. With a hurricane coming, a failing marriage, and a daughter pulling away, Rosalynn is already overwhelmed when her strong-willed mom steps in to take charge.
As they travel to safety, old wounds, family secrets, and past struggles resurface—forcing them to confront what’s been left unsaid for years. It’s ultimately a story about messy family dynamics, healing, and finding your way back to each other, even when it’s hard.
Loved the characters, the setting and the plot. Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this copy.
The Sweet Tea Odyssey by Catherine Mann is about three generations of women thrown together during a stressful, emotional road trip. With a hurricane coming, a failing marriage, and a daughter pulling away, Rosalynn is already overwhelmed when her strong-willed mom steps in to take charge.
As they travel to safety, old wounds, family secrets, and past struggles resurface—forcing them to confront what’s been left unsaid for years. It’s ultimately a story about messy family dynamics, healing, and finding your way back to each other, even when it’s hard.
Loved the characters, the setting and the plot. Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sweet Tea Odyssey follows three generations of women as they evacuate during a hurricane. Secrets and old wounds are revealed in a dual time line. I felt so drawn to each of the women’s stories. The characters were so layered and real. I love that Catherine didn’t shy away from hard topics and handled them with such care. This is about family and loving each other through the highs and lows. It’s an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible. You will laugh, you will cry and leave the book wanting to hug your loved ones tight.
I was particularly moved by the protest scene. While reading, this quote kept swirling in my mind. “Strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.”
I was particularly moved by the protest scene. While reading, this quote kept swirling in my mind. “Strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
High honors are due the author in a book that tackles a collection of topics that too many shy away from.
While one would be enough, she details an incoming hurricane & describes the urgency & fear felt with each hour.
I live very close to Southeast Guide Dog Campus in Florida & one of the main characters, Rosalynn, is using a guide dog because of her physical disability. I believe there are only 11 training facilities in the US & ours used to be the only one open to the public. I feel lucky I have got to visit, donate & also see them in action. One lived across the street from my home with a young person.
You rarely read about the hours of training, financial commitment (that is not passed onto the recipient of the dog) & the genetics behind a successful canine graduate. Here the author considers what an asset & certain freedom the canine provides through its work.
I welcomed the outstanding research about the 1990 ADA (American Disability Act) that was passed after much lobbying. While there is still much to do, I grew up with my mother confined to a wheelchair in the 1970s & 1980s. There were few accommodations compared to present day.
Despite all these literary hurdles that the main characters encounter, the book is fast-paced & an easy read.
Background events also involve the often-found drama like divorce/the fractured families left behind plus addictions like gambling. More & more families become familiar with hospice also & sadly, it plays a role here.
I believe I have read some of the author’s earlier books dating back to the 2010s. I am anxious to read Lightning in a Mason Jar that also releases as this book does on August 11, 2026.
While one would be enough, she details an incoming hurricane & describes the urgency & fear felt with each hour.
I live very close to Southeast Guide Dog Campus in Florida & one of the main characters, Rosalynn, is using a guide dog because of her physical disability. I believe there are only 11 training facilities in the US & ours used to be the only one open to the public. I feel lucky I have got to visit, donate & also see them in action. One lived across the street from my home with a young person.
You rarely read about the hours of training, financial commitment (that is not passed onto the recipient of the dog) & the genetics behind a successful canine graduate. Here the author considers what an asset & certain freedom the canine provides through its work.
I welcomed the outstanding research about the 1990 ADA (American Disability Act) that was passed after much lobbying. While there is still much to do, I grew up with my mother confined to a wheelchair in the 1970s & 1980s. There were few accommodations compared to present day.
Despite all these literary hurdles that the main characters encounter, the book is fast-paced & an easy read.
Background events also involve the often-found drama like divorce/the fractured families left behind plus addictions like gambling. More & more families become familiar with hospice also & sadly, it plays a role here.
I believe I have read some of the author’s earlier books dating back to the 2010s. I am anxious to read Lightning in a Mason Jar that also releases as this book does on August 11, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of Advanced Readers Copy from NetGalley
An emotional, beautifully written story highlighting the issues and struggles faced by three generations of women, one of whom is disabled. (A shout out to Dusty, Rosalynn's guide dog). Evacuating their South Carolina coastal home due to a hurricane, they embark on a road trip in a minivan. During this trip they learn so many things about each other. There are tears and sadness and some laughter and fun along the way. This is a story about strong, intelligent woman who all come out triumphant in the end. A wonderful and memorable read.
An emotional, beautifully written story highlighting the issues and struggles faced by three generations of women, one of whom is disabled. (A shout out to Dusty, Rosalynn's guide dog). Evacuating their South Carolina coastal home due to a hurricane, they embark on a road trip in a minivan. During this trip they learn so many things about each other. There are tears and sadness and some laughter and fun along the way. This is a story about strong, intelligent woman who all come out triumphant in the end. A wonderful and memorable read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rosalynn Yates has had a lot on her plate - a failing marriage, an emotionally estranged daughter, and now a storm of mother nature's brewing.
But when her mother Lilian shows up to help her to safety, the two of them, along with Rosalynn's difficult daughter Elise, end up heading off in search of safety. Packed into close quarters, tensions inevitably reach boiling point...
As they try to find their way to a safe space, can the three women also find their way to each other? This is a heartwarming and emotional story that gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But when her mother Lilian shows up to help her to safety, the two of them, along with Rosalynn's difficult daughter Elise, end up heading off in search of safety. Packed into close quarters, tensions inevitably reach boiling point...
As they try to find their way to a safe space, can the three women also find their way to each other? This is a heartwarming and emotional story that gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story focuses on a family of strong southern women, three generations, the grandmother, mother and daughter ( granddaughter) who are working their way to evacuate from South Carolina to Virginia due to an approaching hurricane. The women are all dealing with stressful personal situations, during this trip, relationships are tested, secrets are revealed, and ultimately the family’s love and devotion shines through. This book was well written, good character development and the story flowed, I would highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one seems like a typical hurricane escape story, but it’s way more emotional than that. The Sweet Tea Odyssey by Catherine Mann is all about messy family dynamics, secrets, and three generations of women being forced together on a stressful road trip.
I loved how character-driven it is, with real, complicated relationships and just enough depth without feeling heavy. Plus the Southern setting adds such a cozy vibe. Overall, a heartfelt, slightly messy, but super comforting read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC.
I loved how character-driven it is, with real, complicated relationships and just enough depth without feeling heavy. Plus the Southern setting adds such a cozy vibe. Overall, a heartfelt, slightly messy, but super comforting read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read and enjoyed Catherine's book LIGHTNING IN A MASON JAR so I was looking forward to reading this one. Following three generations of women as they are evacuating the Carolinas because of a hurricane. As old struggles and secrets are brought to the surface again, they try to hash out their feelings and emotions and rekindle their relationships. I love a feel good Southern and I really loved these women. There are heartfelt moments and even some humor. Such a great read. Highly recommend.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a beautifully written, poignant book that follows three generations of women in the same family as they evacuate during a hurricane. It's told through a dual timeline and it deals with old secrets. The author did a fantastic job creating strong, well developed, INTERESTING characters that felt real. I really enjoyed watching the each one grow and develop throughout the story. This book had me feeling all the feels.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
reading about a time before the ADA passage always makes me see red. how had we (as in the good ol’ US of A) spent so long isolating disabled people, saying through inaccessibility that they aren’t welcome? how do so many places in the world still not try?
i really liked this story. i wish it was longer!!! i could’ve spent so much more time in the van with three generations of stubborn women.
i really liked this story. i wish it was longer!!! i could’ve spent so much more time in the van with three generations of stubborn women.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is about three generations of women and the struggles to build a strong family. The characters & plot are very relatable to today & it strikes the emotions. This book was very well written. Very easy and enjoyable read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The storm brewing outside is no match for the one inside a minivan full of memorable characters trying to outrun a hurricane. Three generations struggle to find healing in a deftly-crafted novel that is as unforgettable as it is uplifting. A beautiful, poignant tale from a gifted storyteller!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
review will be added shortly
April 17, 2026
I love reading NetGalley books and am especially fond of books from Lake Union. This is about 3-4 generations of a family from a teenage girl to her grandfather who is close to dying. And it’s hurricane season. For me the story was a little difficult to follow in some places but very realistic in other places. The characters were realistic and the story definitely southern. I will recommend it to some of my Louisiana friends and family. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for allowing me to read an advance copy.
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