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The Road to Tender Hearts
Not yet published
Expected 21 May 26'A moving, unforgettable story about the power we have to change our lives' Alison Espach, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding People
'I loved every page of this wild, weird, big-hearted book' Shelby Van Pelt, New York Times bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures
'Will live on in your heart long after the book is over' Rufi Thorpe, author of Margo's Got Money Troubles
US National Indie and USA Today Bestseller
New England Book Award Winner || May Indie Next Pick
Featured on Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
People Magazine Top Books of 2025
New York Times Best American Road Trip Novels
An NPR and Lit Hub Best Book of the Year
At sixty-three years old, million-dollar lottery winner PJ Halliday should be the happiest man in town - but everything in Pondville is another reminder of the child he lost, and the way his marriage fell apart.
So, when PJ hears that his high-school sweetheart, Michelle, is unexpectedly back on the market, there's nothing stopping him driving straight to the Tender Hearts Retirement Community in Arizona to win her back.
But before he can hit the road, a spanner in the a tragic incident has suddenly left PJ as the only guardian of his estranged brother's grandchildren.
Anyone else might be deterred, but it seems like the newly orphaned kids might enjoy the trip out of town. And PJ's adult daughter, Sophie, has been roped in to help babysit.
There's one final surprise passenger - Pancakes, a former therapy cat with a knack for predicting death, who recently turned up outside PJ's home . . .
BUCKLE IN FOR THE ROAD TRIP OF A LIFETIME
'Absurdly over-the-top in plot, yet warms like a heated seat' The New York Times
'Miraculous' John Irving
'An ABSOLUTE MUST READ!! . . . Brilliant and heartwarming' ★★★★★
'Laughed out loud and also sobbed uncontrollably' ★★★★★
'A rare and special novel . . . an extraordinary reading experience from beginning to end!' ★★★★★
'Some stories find a way to dig down deep into your heart, burrow there, and then stay for good. I think this will be one of those for me' ★★★★★
'There is really no way to put my love for this book into words' ★★★★★
'I loved every page of this wild, weird, big-hearted book' Shelby Van Pelt, New York Times bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures
'Will live on in your heart long after the book is over' Rufi Thorpe, author of Margo's Got Money Troubles
US National Indie and USA Today Bestseller
New England Book Award Winner || May Indie Next Pick
Featured on Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
People Magazine Top Books of 2025
New York Times Best American Road Trip Novels
An NPR and Lit Hub Best Book of the Year
At sixty-three years old, million-dollar lottery winner PJ Halliday should be the happiest man in town - but everything in Pondville is another reminder of the child he lost, and the way his marriage fell apart.
So, when PJ hears that his high-school sweetheart, Michelle, is unexpectedly back on the market, there's nothing stopping him driving straight to the Tender Hearts Retirement Community in Arizona to win her back.
But before he can hit the road, a spanner in the a tragic incident has suddenly left PJ as the only guardian of his estranged brother's grandchildren.
Anyone else might be deterred, but it seems like the newly orphaned kids might enjoy the trip out of town. And PJ's adult daughter, Sophie, has been roped in to help babysit.
There's one final surprise passenger - Pancakes, a former therapy cat with a knack for predicting death, who recently turned up outside PJ's home . . .
BUCKLE IN FOR THE ROAD TRIP OF A LIFETIME
'Absurdly over-the-top in plot, yet warms like a heated seat' The New York Times
'Miraculous' John Irving
'An ABSOLUTE MUST READ!! . . . Brilliant and heartwarming' ★★★★★
'Laughed out loud and also sobbed uncontrollably' ★★★★★
'A rare and special novel . . . an extraordinary reading experience from beginning to end!' ★★★★★
'Some stories find a way to dig down deep into your heart, burrow there, and then stay for good. I think this will be one of those for me' ★★★★★
'There is really no way to put my love for this book into words' ★★★★★
- GenresFiction
Audible Audio
Expected publication May 21, 2026
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 6, 2026
This book is a dark delight. Tragedy, swearing, and yet you are rooting for everything you work out.
60 yr old, PJ Halliday a divorced, lottery winner becomes the guardian of 2 kids and adopts a cat that seems to cause death. Together along with his grown up daughter end up on a road trip.
60 yr old, PJ Halliday a divorced, lottery winner becomes the guardian of 2 kids and adopts a cat that seems to cause death. Together along with his grown up daughter end up on a road trip.
Review of advance copy
This book was so delightful and touching that- when I returned it early to the library bc I blew through it- I wished I could pass a note to the next person to check it out and tell them they were in for a treat!
Review of advance copy
This book did a great job making me laugh and cray throughout. It is about an older man finding purpose for his life. I would give it 4 1/2 stars!
Review of advance copy
One of the best audiobooks I've listened to -- perfect narrator and awesome, unpredictable storyline. I highly recommend!
Review of advance copy
Loved this! A lighthearted take on serious things. (I read this, didn't audible it)
Review of advance copy
What a beautifully written book. This story has so many heart warming moments, mixed in with humor. The topic of death and everlasting grief was so beautifully discussed.
May 10, 2026
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews