The Sweet Tea Odyssey: A Novel

by Catherine Mann

A powerful story of healing, resilience, and the traditions that bring Southern families together by the USA Today bestselling author of Lightning in a Mason Jar .

With her waterfront home on the market, marriage over, and teen daughter, Elsie, threatening emancipation, Rosalynn Yates finds her nerves well frayed, and that’s even before a Category Three hurricane approaches the Carolinas. Fortunately, Rosalynn’s mother, Lillian, arrives to help with the evacuation, going into full Mama Bear mode—whether Rosalynn likes it or not.

The three women load a few belongings and Rosalynn’s mobility service dog, Dusty, into her van and start the slow journey to Lillian’s home in Virginia, where further heartache awaits them. As they hash out old betrayals and new crises, Lillian recalls another important road trip, when decades earlier the family joined the historic Capitol Crawl to fight for the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

As secrets surface and accommodations become more difficult to find, the women are tested at every turn. But they know that finding hope and reconciliation takes care and patience—just like making the perfect pitcher of sweet tea.

Genres: Fiction

Audible Audio

Expected publication August 11, 2026

About the author

USA 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

Reviews

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story opens on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, as a hurricane approaches. Rosalynn and her ex-husband, Seth—divorced for only a month—have just signed papers to put their waterfront home on the market. True to form, Seth's focus is on departure, leaving Rosalynn to manage storm preparations alone.

Amid the turmoil, Rosalynn discovers a string of missed texts from her mother, Lillian, who has hastily booked a flight and an Uber. Lillian's urgency is prompted by a call from her granddaughter, Elsie, whose life has been upended by betrayal. Elsie's reputation is ruined; she has lost friends and is left isolated with only one friend remaining. Beyond the bullying, she is now facing blackmail—even if she can hold off her tormentor, her senior year promises to be anything but enjoyable. Elsie is relying on her grandmother's legal expertise and on her home as a safe haven, with the intention of escaping, relocating, and rebuilding her life.

Before any face-to-face conversations can take place, the three women must evacuate together. They set out on the road in Rosalynn's specially equipped van, which allows her to transfer from her wheelchair to the driver's seat, accompanied by her loyal service dog, Dusty.

Lillian, Rosalynn, and Elsie each take turns telling the story, offering perspectives on their present lives, their pasts, and their hopes for the future. This is a multi-generational exploration of mothers and daughters: their independence, the pivotal events that shape them, and the bonds that, at times, feel confining yet run deep with experience, protection, and love. As they unravel past heartaches, guilt, secrets, fears, and disappointments, the women face new challenges on their journey—long before they even reach Alexandria, where Grady, the cherished husband, father, and grandfather, awaits.

This is not a fast-paced story but like drinking a glass of sweet tea on the porch savoring the relationships we cherish, reflecting on the choices, experiences, and memories of the past, and deciding how to take the best of what we've learned about others, ourselves, and how we react, realizing our strengths, our resilience, and to use changes to dream, to hope, to act, with full awareness that often the best is yet to be.

The Acknowledgments lend additional meaning to the reading experience. Discussion Questions are available for book clubs at the end of the novel.

Thank you to Catherine Mann, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

[Crystal Tipton · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Amy E Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sweet Tea Odyssey by Catherine Mann is a beautiful contemporary Southern fiction novel about family, resilience, and healing.

Staring down a hurricane, Rosalyn and her daughter Elsie must evacuate their South Carolina coastal home. Rosalyn’s mother, Lillian, a fierce mother and lawyer arrives unexpectedly and just in time to help them make the journey to her home in Alexandria.

A dual time line, The Sweet Tea Odyssey travels seamlessly through each woman’s POV. Each must learn to trust their bond as mothers and daughters as well as their own personal strength in the face of crisis.

Catherine Mann tackles complex issues of addiction and recovery, cyber bullying and extortion, living with disability and accessibility issues without getting heavy handed. She keeps the reader engaged throughout this heartfelt story.

I particularly appreciated the retelling of the Capital Crawl and the passing of the American with Disabilities Act. Rosalyn’s character, a woman confined to a wheelchair, and her service dog, Dusty were well-rounded, strong important characters. The publishing industry needs more stories like this.

Overall, The Sweet Tea Odyssey is just that. A journey that feels like a glass of the finest Southern elixir sipped on a warm summer night.

Thank you to the publisher, Catherine Mann and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Shine with Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[DeeDee Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary advance audiobook copy from Brilliance Audio through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. The print edition is published by Lake Union Publishing, with a publication date of August 11, 2026

Catherine Mann delivers a heartfelt, emotional novel that explores family relationships, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds between strong female generations of characters. The Sweet Tea Odyssey follows three generations of women as they flee an approaching hurricane, but the physical journey quickly becomes an emotional one as old wounds, family secrets, and long-held regrets rise to the surface.

The characters felt genuine, and deeply human, making it easy to become invested in each of their journeys. The historical connection to the fight for disability rights added another meaningful layer that made this story stand out.

The audiobook was a wonderful way to experience this novel. The multiple narrators brought each character’s perspective to life, making the emotional moments even more impactful and creating an immersive listening experience.

If you enjoy:

* Southern women’s fiction
* Multi-generational family stories
* Emotional road trips
* Stories of resilience and second chances
* 🎧 Beautifully narrated audiobooks

Then I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR

Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to experience this touching audiobook ahead of its August 11, 2026 release.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweet Tea Odyssey by Catherine Mann is an absolutely exceptional and emotional novel that deserves all five stars. This beautiful story captures the lives of three generations of strong, resilient women, each navigating their own challenges and triumphs. Told across multiple timelines, the book seamlessly weaves together the past and present, revealing the enduring bonds of family, love, and perseverance.

Catherine Mann’s writing is heartfelt and vivid, drawing readers into the world of these remarkable women. The emotional depth of the story is powerful without ever feeling forced, and the way the characters’ journeys intertwine is both moving and inspiring. It’s a true celebration of the strength found in family and the love that carries through generations.

For anyone who enjoys multi-generational family sagas filled with heart, courage, and hope, The Sweet Tea Odyssey is a must-read. I was captivated from the first page to the last and will be thinking about these characters for a long time.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for offering me this book to read before it’s publication date. I appreciate the opportunity to give an honest review. This is a deeply emotional, educational and riveting story, told in a dual timeline, that brings the reality of how the Americans With Disability Act affects so many aspects of so many peoples’ lives. The story covers a 35 plus year time frame, and deals with several frustrating issues in a family of strong women and the men who have been in and out of their lives over that time period. The bonds of mothers and daughters are tested by some complicated circumstances and I was totally immersed in reading how the solutions were discovered, and how they molded this story. I recommend this book highly.

[Jamilah Green | Apothecary Tales Press · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Sweet Tea Odyssey is a sweet Southern fiction novel that tells the story of three generations of women. The narrative moves between past and present with each chapter alternating perspectives. The author’s research and experience with the struggles of disabled individuals was impressive and humbling. Also, as a North Carolina native, I appreciated all of the familiar details that made this work every bit relatable. Although the plot slowed down somewhat in the middle, it was still entertaining and I felt invested in each character. A quick feel good read.

ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Celeste Grayson Seymour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Catherine Mann's The Sweet Tea Odyssey is a novel that follows three generations of women—Lillian, Rosalynn, and Elsie—as they evacuate Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, ahead of a hurricane. Their road trip to Washington, D.C., intertwines with Lillian's memories of traveling there in 1990 to participate in the historic march advocating for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

The novel unfolds in three perspectives, but Mann chooses to tell Lillian’s chapters in the first person, while Rosalynn’s and Elsie’s are in third person. A discussion question at the end of the book prompts the reader to consider why the author made that choice. I read Lillian's character as a way to tether 1990 and the present day and still give the author opportunity for some plot twists at the end. However, Rosalynn opens the novel, and I wished her story had been told in first person instead. Her perspective drew me in immediately, and I wanted more of a connection to her journey.  

The dual timeline works well. The historical chapters, particularly the depiction of the Washington march and the iconic "Capitol Crawl," moved me. When the disability rights activists leave behind their mobility aids to crawl up the steps of the U.S. Capitol, a few tears definitely fell. 

The rest of the story, unfortunately, was less than inspiring. The author tackles a lot in this story: disability rights, divorce, emancipation, addiction, trauma, parenting, end-of-life care, and online bullying. The themes seem to crowd one another for the spotlight.  

Elsie’s teen perspective was the most difficult for me to connect with. Her experiences with online bullying are undeniably serious, but surrounded by so many other significant issues, I found myself thinking about them as trivial rather important. I wished that Mann offered a narrower scope of topics so that I could empathize a bit more with all three characters.  

The Sweet Tea Odyssey is a work of fiction, based on true events in America’s history, that was thought-provoking but ultimately didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. 

[Veronica Gliatti · Rating 4 out of 5]

****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!

[My one thousand lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so lovely, i enjoyed it more than i had anticipated. I really loved how the author integrated the three individual stories, worries and challenges of the grandmother Lillian, mother Rosalynn and daughter Elsie while also exploring their deeper complex relationship and connection as a family.

The family is travelling from South Carolina to Virginia to avoid a category three hurricane. On their road tip we get to see some of each characters past and present. Lillian is reminiscing about a road trip she took in the 90s with Rosalynn's Dad to the capitol, to fight for the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Following Rosalynn's accident, that left her needing to use a wheelchair, Lillian is struggling to find a balance between keeping her daughter safe and giving Rosalynn independence.

For Rosalynn the difficulties of the road trip and extra challenges they face along the way have caused unwanted memories of her accident. She is also grappling with a desire to prove to her mother and daughter that she and her service dog are capable of taking care of each other and they do not need to fight her battles but also reluctantly admitting to herself that sometimes it can be okay to ask for help.

Finally, we have Elsie who has gotten into some trouble and is struggling with a great sense of guilt and shame. She is trying to escape to her grandmothers house to start over while preventing her mother and grandmother from learning of her secret.

Overall, this book dealt with some big topics, living with a disability, addiction, the breakdown of a marriage, blackmail. But at the same time it was a beautiful story of strong women coming together to hold each other up and give their strength and support when needed. I toughly enjoyed Sweet Tea Odyssey

The audio book is narrated by Sherri Slater; Jeannie Sheneman; Jess Moran who did a phenomenal job, their voices perfectly suited the characters.

[Amber (amberreadsitall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sweet Tea Odyssey by Catherine Mann is a Southern fiction novel about three generations of women: Rosalynn, her mother Lillian, and her teenage daughter Elsie. In this story, the three women face a hurricane evacuation, family secrets, divorce, past betrayals, and new family crises, while dealing with the impending death of a loved one.

This story is told in dual timelines, focusing on present day, South Carolina and a 1990s road trip to Washington, D.C. for a peaceful protest in support of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The story explores themes of healing, love, resilience, and the traditions that bind Southern families. You might even learn the right way to make sweet tea along the way!

I appreciated the disability representation in this story and the service dog representation. The author presented Rosalynn’s story with care and dignity, while also highlighting some of the challenges that she faced along the way. I also loved the relationship dynamics of this family. Through ups and downs, these strong women were there for one another.

Story highlights:
🧡 character-driven
🧡 southern fiction
🧡 disability rep
🧡 service dog
🧡 history of ADA
🧡 themes of family
🧡 coping with loss
🧡 southern sweet tea

I had the privilege of receiving an ALC and eARC for this beautiful, character driven story. I enjoyed tandem reading it. The audio was performed by Sherri Slater, Jeannie Sheneman, and Jess Moran. The narration was outstanding and the southern voices felt very authentic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the advance copy of the this audiobook and to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is new to me, but felt familiar as in my opinion her writing is similar to that of Catherine Ryan Hyde. The story has a warm inner glow that enables you to move with the author through some dark concepts like death and disability, but feel like you're in safe hands.
Rosalynn is divorcing her husband whose gambling has cost her far too much financially and emotionally. She is also being forced to sell her house, which has been customised to accomodate her wheelchair. As a cyclone is closing in on their coastal town, she finds out her powerhouse mother is flying in as Rosalynn's teenage daughter Elsie, has decided to emancipate herself to go and live with her grandmother.
The result is a road trip back to Lillian's house with Dusty, Rosalynn's loyal service dog. Elsie is distant and worried about an incident at school she does not want her mother to find out about. Lillian has been made the offer of a lifetime with her law career, but doesn't feel she has capacity to take it on with her husband in palliative care. Rosalynn is trying to negotiate life with a disability as well as divorce and a troubled teen.
The story has a parallel timeline which goes back to the 1990's when Rosalynn has had a tragic accident and her parents are attending a march in Washington to fight for better rights for disabled people.
This is a story which deals with a lot of emotions and basic humanity. There is one 'twist' in the story, although I hesitate to call it a twist, where you realise that a crucial piece of information has been withheld from the reader and I felt a little annoyed by it. Otherwise, I am happy to recommend this lovely book about family.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.

[Debi Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

This book really surprised me. I found this book randomly and thought the title was intriguing, but I was not expected to be so connected and emotionally moved in 280 pages.

I really enjoyed following all of our characters and seeing their dynamics on the road trip in such a close environment. Seeing the different family generations each deal with their own life trials and how they affect the other family members was really interesting and made me grow attached to the characters so quickly.

The secrets and drama of the plot helped keep the pace of the book, which I really enjoyed. I couldn’t read the book quick enough to see how it all played out and how the characters would react. I enjoyed the insight into her disability and seeing how it affects aspects of her life that you might not expect, as well as the insight into service animals.

The flashbacks to 1990, following Lillian and Grady on their roadtrip, added so much to the story and made me fall in love with those characters even more. I enjoyed seeing the parallels between the two road trips and Lillian’s references to the previous trip.

An aspect that dropped the rating was the repetition of phrases in the character’s inner monologues. I understand that you get recurring thoughts but full phrases were repeated in each character's POV.

[Igor DelRey · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A multigenerational story of three women confronting secrets.

Rosalyn Yates, her mother, Lilian, and her teenage daughter, Elsie are forced to evacuate their home due to a hurricane leading to a road trip. The three women load their car with necessities and Rosalyn’s mobility service dog, Dusty, and start a slow journey to Lilian’s house in Virginia. Along the way Lilian tells the story of the historic Capital Crawl in support of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Along the way they are confronted with things from the past as well as finding disability accommodations.

The book alternates between 1990 and Lilian’s memories of the Capitol Crawl and 2026 with these chapter designated by the place where the women stopped on their trip to Virginia. The importance of disability rights is so well and beautifully articulated in this book. What a premise!

In this age of DEI and denigration of people with disabilities, this book stands out. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this heart filled story.

My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me access to this ARC.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kristin Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Callie Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.”

[Edie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sweet Tea Odyssey by Catherine Mann is a book that will appeal to so many readers. It has many things in it that all fit together to make this a book that will have many feeling emotions and for some things that are not common for a book to have but it tells a story of a hurricane and a road trip that brings family drama, secrets, and how the three women work their way through what they learn about family and themselves. The women are from three generations and how they have the relationship strong enough to become who they are.
This is a book that will leave these three women in your mind long after you have finished reading it.
Thank you NetGalley, Catherine Mann and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of The Sweet Tea Odyssey. This is my personal review.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweet Tea Odyssey
By @catherinemann
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Three generations of women, three crossroads in their lives, each facing their own challenges separately and together. This was a tender tale about relationships, communication, forgiveness, and respect. It showed that when we share our struggles with others, commonality and compassion can prevail.

I appreciated each of the women, Lillian, Rosalynn, and Elsie telling the story in their own POV. It allowed each to share with the reader their thoughts and feelings. I found myself completely invested in their relationships and hopeful for their outcomes. I also quite enjoyed the Acknowledgments and Discussion Questions after the end of the book.

[Amy Tarren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley for this arc.

I think I liked this book… actually, I’m sure I did.

I went into The Sweet Tea Odyssey completely blind. I hadn’t read the synopsis and genuinely had no idea what the story was going to be about, which actually made the journey quite interesting.

I’m still not entirely sure the title fits. I understand the connection once you’ve read the book, but for me it didn’t feel central enough to represent the whole story. That may depend on whether the author wants readers to go in with a sense of surprise, as I did, or have more of an idea of what they’re getting.

Overall though, I really enjoyed it. It was an easy, thoughtful and enjoyable read, and I’m glad I picked it up

[Stacey Ferrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sweet Tea Odyssey is so much more than a story about escaping a hurricane. It's an emotional journey that follows three generations of one family as they navigate life's storms both on and off the road. From grandmothers willing to do anything for their grandchildren to parents fighting for their kids, the story is filled with love, sacrifice, and resilience.

It tackles difficult topics like addiction, disabilities, divorce and its impact on children, the emotional toll of being a first responder, and even cyberbullying. There were a lot of heavy themes woven throughout, but they came together to create a heartfelt story about family, perseverance, and the people who refuse to give up on the ones they love.

[Leisa Back Porch Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨The coastal South and a hurricane evacuation? Say less. This is my life, so I already felt a connection. That familiar setting quickly unfolded into something much more powerful, though, and I loved the direction the story took.

✨There's so much to love here: three generations of strong women, layered family dynamics, mother/daughter relationships, thoughtful disability representation (including the best mobility service dog!), and the incredible history behind the fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act.

✨All in all, this was a truly heartfelt character-driven read, and I loved the resilience and strength of women across generations found in its pages.

🎧I read this one on audio, and although I did find one of the voices to be a bit overdone in the southern drawl department, I did enjoy the rest of the narration and in the end was happy I chose this method of reading the book.

🌿Read if you like:
✨Coastal south settings
✨Disability rep
✨Mother/daughter narratives
✨Second chance love stories
✨Road trip stories
✨Service dogs
✨Dual timelines
✨Character-driven stories
✨Southern fiction

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

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