The Trip of a Lifetime

by Kate Galley, Patricia Gallimore (Narrator)

The BRAND NEW brilliantly funny, relatable read from Kate GalleyYou’re never too old for a second chance… or for settling an old score.

Martha’s life has grown smaller in her seventies – quiet days, a tidy flat, and the occasional call from her granddaughter, Erin. But she wasn't always so careful. Fifty years ago, she raced across Spain in a reality travel competition, chasing adventure – and almost winning. Until charming fellow competitor Harrison got in her way.

When an invitation arrives for a reunion race, Martha’s first instinct is no. She’s too old for all that now. Isn’t she? But then she thinks of Erin, who is struggling since her mother’s death – this trip might be exactly what they both need.

So that's how Martha and Erin find themselves heading for the Canadian wilderness. And this time, Martha is determined to beat Harrison once and for all.

Praise for Kate

'Warm, engaging and as beautifully crafted as the Shetland knitwear!' Linda Green

'A glorious romp with a super-sensitive touch' Celia Anderson

'This was so good. One of my favourite books this year' Rachel Burton

'Wonderful to read about older heroines and with their age comes secrets, mysteries and challenges. Highly recommended' Maddie Please

'An uplifting, positive story... Eat Pray Love for the older generation' Judy Leigh

'I thoroughly enjoyed this poignant and heartwarming debut!' Fiona Gibson

'I loved this book! I wouldn't have thought it was a debut novel, it was so well-written. I loved the author's style and also the pace of the story', NetGalley Reviewer

'The perfect holiday read! I'll be looking for more books by Kate Galley in the future', NetGalley Reviewer

'Wonderful story about friendships, second chances, and what ultimately can make life feel worth living', NetGalley Reviewer

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published September 3, 2026

About the author

Kate Galley writes UpLit and Bookclub fiction full of heart and humour. The older generation are at the centre of her stories and are usually wrapped up in a mystery.

She lives with her family in Buckinghamshire and works part time as a mobile hairdresser in the surrounding Chiltern villages.

In her spare time she crochets blankets, knits jumpers and also disappears into her workshop to play with kiln formed glass.

Kate is the author of The Second Chance Holiday Club – which has been optioned for TV – and The Golden Girls' Road Trip. Old Girls Behaving Badly is the first book in a new series introducing Gina Knight. The Old Girls' Chateau Escape sees Gina and Dorothy on a new adventure in the south of France. The Last Laugh Club is a standalone and follows Gloria, Derek and Bridget as they travel to the Shetland Islands to scatter the ashes of an old friend. Her latest book brings us back to The Old Girls series. Gina and Dorothy are on the sun soaked island of Corfu in The Old Girls' Island Getaway.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifty years on from the first reality travel competition, Martha received an invitation for a reunion trip. Spain was the first trip, this one would be Canada, racing from one side of the country to the other. The prize - $50,000 to the winning pair. Martha, now seventy, wasn't sure she had it in her, but thinking back to the first trip and how she'd been tricked, and had no chance to win, she decided to do it. If Harrison was in it again, she was determined to beat him. Martha invited Erin, her granddaughter, to go with her. Erin was suffering after the loss of her mother; they both were. Perhaps this would help them. Arriving at the first meeting place, Martha & Erin saw there were five pairs, including them. One of the original members had passed away; his twin brothers were racing in his honour. All the others were the same, with their partners.

As they raced from one check point to the next, using their imaginations and ingenuity to be the quickest there, with Noah, their camera man dogging them, and the team leaders following in the car, the distance seemed insurmountable. Trains, buses, ferries and more. And their budget was low - run out of money, you're out of the race! Martha & Erin were enjoying themselves, until something of a disaster happened. Would it be a straightforward trip? It definitely didn't seem so...

I love Kate Galley stories, and The Trip of a Lifetime was no different. Extremely entertaining, very competitive, and lots of fun - just 10 people trying their hardest to win. Several oldies, and several younger generation. Great characters, beautiful descriptions of Canada and the mountains, the wilderness and friendliness of the locals, all together a wonderful read which I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Pattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stressful, anxious, tired, excited, rooting for the underdog, angry at rule-breaking (and did I mention stressed out?)--these are all the emotions I felt while reading this book. I am not familiar with the show it's based upon ("Race Across the World"), but I've seen my share of reality TV episodes. I think it's closer to the American show "The Amazing Race," for reference.

Kate Galley does a great job of drawing in the reader to Martha's world, both as a young woman and a mature grandmother. Her relationship with her granddaughter Erin, who has agreed to be her competition partner in the 50-year anniversary revisit of the original competitors in "The Trip of a Lifetime," is of course more complex than we might expect. I loved both of these women, and their story certainly held a front spot in place of the romance(s) in the book (which were fraught with their own tensions).

I highly recommend this novel. While I have not been to all the Canadian provinces, I can say with full certainty that the Red River of the North in Winnipeg is beautiful--and watching it flow to the left, or north, was always a bit of a mind-bending experience for me (and I also miss Tim Horton's coffee!).

Thank you, Boldwood Books, for the chance to review this novel ahead of its publishing date. All thoughts are my own.

[Monica Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up, started reading and finished it the next day! It was a really engaging read and quite relatable in a lot of ways, also. I am an older lady, not quite as old as Martha, but close, and so I could relate to her small life in the present day and the person that she was when she was a young woman: adventurous, full of energy and verve.

As a long-time fan of The Amazing Race, the book reminded me a lot of that premise and I am also a huge Canada fan (still haven't made it there but I am even more determined to get there, now!) so that was another thing that really appealed to me about the storyline.

Martha and Erin (her granddaughter) are racing across Canada for a large, cash prize. The most important thing though is that Martha has done this kind of thing before, and it didn't end all that well for her, last time. So, this is her opportunity to right that wrong.

Great story, great characters and I really liked the way it all flowed.

5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha was in the original race, for the show, Trip of the a Lifetime when she was 20. Now it is fifty years later, and the show wants to do an anniversary show, and invites the original racers, to come and bring anyone they want to do the show again. Martha at first says no but then she and her granddaughter talk about it and they decide they will do it.The author did such a good job writing the story that as I was reading my brain was showing me the show. There were many different ages, and many challenges but they kept on going. They learned a lot while there, like they were amazed at what they could do when they had to, see things differently, and the ones in the seventies, made it to the finish line. To know who won, you will have to read the book, and maybe you will see yourself doing something like this, or see yourself a little differently.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.

[Heather Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 5 star read for me - a delightful feel good story.

Martha was part of the original series of Trip of a Lifetime and 50 years on she is invited to take part again - this time with a partner - with four of the other original participants.

Joined by her granddaughter, Erin, they have to travel across Canada with limited cash and no electronic devices to help against the clock.

The journey tests them both but also draws them closer as they remember Martha’s daughter, Clare. We meet a lot of delightful characters who help them on their journey. Martha is also forced to evaluate her feelings about Harrison who she fell for in the original series and she apparently betrayed her particularly when Erin develops feelings for his team mate.

A lovely story - adventure and romance.

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Promise of a fast paced frenetic road trip wrapped in a slow paced read.

This seemed to be contradictory to the premise and cover of the read.

The initial set up was done well and clearly set the storyline of a woman betrayed and a chance for redemption. Clever to have paired grandmother with grandaughter rather than just twenty somethings.

Expected mishaps that tested the main characters. Certainly, there were some but found the pacing slow. Then there was the switch from Martha's voice to Erin's a bit jarring. This Reader 'needed' the titles in the Chapter to note which voice was speaking.

Thank you Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

All opinions are my own.

#TheTripofaLifetime #NetGalley

[Katy Cameron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't be fooled by the cover, there are no fun adventures like that. This is an almost direct rip off, journey-wise, of the 3rd season of Race Across The World, with fewer stops, and an insane journey to Banff (seriously, if you are in any way familiar with the geography of the Rockies and how to get to Banff from the West via Jasper, you'll want to skip those chapters - the author clearly didn't look at a map or even rewatch those episodes) The main character does not have fun, she spends the entire book whining about how old she is, with a dead daughter thrown in repeatedly just to bring you down further.

[Sarah Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book whilst sat in a chair recovering from a hip replacement and yet I feel like I have just been on a massive adventure! Beautifully written, and a well crafted story that gained pace and kept me turning those pages! I was drawn in and invested in every mile Martha and Erin covered, and although I have never been to Canada before the beautiful descriptions of the scenery and landscape and the author’s attention to details make it seem so familiar to me now and perhaps a future holiday destination! Well deserved 5 stars and very much recommended read

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trip of a Lifetime by Kate Galley was a cracking read from start to finish and so addictive. I found this book a great read, an uplifting, positive story.especially for snuggling on your favourite chair or sitting in your garden catching the last rays of the summer sun.

The Trip of a Lifetime was a joy to read. . . . . . and a beautifully written book

Remember: "You’re never too old for a second chance… or for settling an old score!"

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book bases its premise on the reality tv show Race Across The World. You can picture the race as 70 year old Martha races with her granddaughter to fight a wrong from 50 years previous where the young Martha took part in the original show.
The characters learn about each other and the author builds a plausible picture for you to conjure in you mind

This review is in return for an ARC copy of the book via NetGalley and the publisher

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The trip of a lifetime has all the feels with grief, regrets, romance, suspense and good old fashioned character development. We see the plot through the eyes of the two main characters, who grieve the loss of one woman on bet different ways. They learn to share their perspectives as they compete in a race across Canada.

Easy to read, a lovely holiday book that sweeps you into a Canadian trip.

Advanced copy received through NetGalley.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I see that others really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audiobook, which is where I went wrong. The reader put me
off, as there was no warmth to her voice or her interpretation. It was “prissy” sounding, like a judgmental old lady. However, I think the book would make a terrific miniseries! Great scenery, and the ability to bring life to the characters and to portray their relationships. C’mon, Hallnark Channel!

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having watched and loved the TV series Race around the World, I was so pleased to have been approved to read this book. It was so good and the characters were lovely. I enjoyed all the racing through Canada and the struggles they all had. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Merry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute grandmother/granddaughter novel set within a reality TV show. While I could tell the main characters shared a closeness, that part of the story was limited by the race's need for speed. I wanted to learn more about their relationship especially after the death of Erin's mother/Martha's daughter.

[JennLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous book! As a Canadian, it felt somewhat less exotic than another destination would have, but I’m so glad it introduced people to our big, beautiful country and hope it makes them want to visit. Just one small FYI, in chapter 30 when they are travelling from Montreal to Quebec City, they are going alongside the Saint Lawrence River - not Lake Ontario.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story. 50 years after being involved in a race around Europe, Martha is invited to join in another….this time with a partner! She takes along her granddaughter, Erin and as they race across Canada, they become even closer as they share more of their stories, hopes and fears with each other.

[Corrine Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Fun!

A fun race across Canada! The characters get into your heart quickly & their adventures are fun as they make their way across the country. I recommend it for any age who wants a clean fun light story.

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Based loosely on the TV programme " Race around the world" with more than one type of journey going on. Brilliantly entertaining read.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha had taken part in a reality TV programme when she was young and fallen for one of the competitors only to find that for the final leg somebody gad organised for her to receive the wrong info and come last. Now as a seventy year old she had been invited to take part in a revival of the show against the same competitors accompanied by her granddaughter. This is a fun story of that trip across Canada with little money and how both Martha and Erin came to terms with their memories of Martha's daughter Erin's mum death from cancer. This was a great story that I couldn't put down and really enjoyed with a bit of romance thrown in.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Kate Galley has taken me on a delightful journey through the pages. The characters are well developed and while Martha and her granddaughter, Erin, are the primary characters, there are several more who add to the story. Seeing a group of older adults have an adventure with their younger companions (for the most part) was entertaining. The setting of the various provinces of Canada had me wanting to book a train excursion across the country. There are some flashback moments as memories are explored. The challenges the teams experienced were softened by the friendly locals of the areas through which they traveled. Their willingness to help was heartwarming. Experiencing the way Martha and Erin’s relationship changes through their adventure was encouraging. You will need to take a trip through the pages to discover who actually wins the race.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

[corin burnside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Kate Galley’s books since her first uplit story hit the bookstores. The Trip of a Lifetime is her latest and features Martha and her grand daughter, Erin, teaming up to take part in a Race Across the World type of competition in Canada.
I absolutely loved this book - believable characters, fantastic setting and a building tension and excitement as the story reaches its climax, plus a good bit of ‘will they, won’t they’ romantic interest to keep the reader guessing.
I was rooting for Martha and Erin all the way. Both are grieving in their own way the death of the same person, Martha’s daughter and Erin’s mother, Clare. This is a journey, not just across Canada, but also of healing, reconnection and love.
Highly recommended.