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Maddy and Leanne #1
The Road Trip
Have you ever wanted to press the escape button?
Maddy and Leanne are in need of a miracle.
Maddy can't bear to wash another pair of her husband's Y-fronts and if he continues to drone on about golf she might just scream.
Leanne can't stand living with her overbearing mother for a second longer and she's one disapproving eye roll away from a nervous breakdown.
But their luck changes when they win the lottery.
Setting off from Dublin, Maddy and Leanne lease a red convertible, winding through Europe and heading for the sun-drenched French Riviera.
But the pair have their own reasons for their adventure. Maddy has never forgotten her summer romance of twenty years ago with a gorgeous Frenchman and Leanne plans to track down the father who abandoned her as a child.
Amongst glorious sunsets and buckets of bubbly, Leanne and Maddy are searching for answers after years of wondering 'what if?'. But there might just be some surprises in store along the way…
A hilarious and heartwarming story about friendship, living life to the full and making the most of every moment. Fans of Fiona Gibson, Carole Matthews and Lucy Diamond will adore this uplifting, fun-filled read.
Maddy and Leanne are in need of a miracle.
Maddy can't bear to wash another pair of her husband's Y-fronts and if he continues to drone on about golf she might just scream.
Leanne can't stand living with her overbearing mother for a second longer and she's one disapproving eye roll away from a nervous breakdown.
But their luck changes when they win the lottery.
Setting off from Dublin, Maddy and Leanne lease a red convertible, winding through Europe and heading for the sun-drenched French Riviera.
But the pair have their own reasons for their adventure. Maddy has never forgotten her summer romance of twenty years ago with a gorgeous Frenchman and Leanne plans to track down the father who abandoned her as a child.
Amongst glorious sunsets and buckets of bubbly, Leanne and Maddy are searching for answers after years of wondering 'what if?'. But there might just be some surprises in store along the way…
A hilarious and heartwarming story about friendship, living life to the full and making the most of every moment. Fans of Fiona Gibson, Carole Matthews and Lucy Diamond will adore this uplifting, fun-filled read.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2018
944 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Susanne O'Leary
57 books380 followersSusanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than 30 novels, mainly romantic fiction set in Ireland. Her many books set in County Kerry have been hugely popular with readers all over the world. She shares her time between Dublin and Kerry, where she and her husband have a little cottage near the beach. The wild, beautiful landscape, the small villages and the friendly people of that county have inspired her to write her feel-good stories. She's been inspired to represent people of all ages and walks of life, with lots of romance, and more than a dash of humour.
When she is not writing or reading by the fire, Susanne loves heading for the great outdoors, walking on the beaches or scaling the green hills of her favourite county.
When she is not writing or reading by the fire, Susanne loves heading for the great outdoors, walking on the beaches or scaling the green hills of her favourite county.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 15, 2018
4 Road Trippin’ Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Ever wonder what you would do if you won the lottery? The one thing I would do for sure is hire someone to cook and clean for me... when best friends Maddy and Leanne win the lottery they decide to take a dream road trip across Europe... once again I found myself vacationing vicariously through the characters in my books... it really is much cheaper...and unless I win the lottery I probably will not be taking a trip around Europe any time soon!
Maddy and Leanne are both running from something and trying to find something...Maddy wants to get away from her tired marriage and find a man in Paris she had a fling with over 20 years ago... Maddy as a character was tough to sympathize with... if we were friends I would tell her this* quit complaining about your marriage, do something about it! Either leave or fix it, but having an affair with a man you haven’t seen in 20 years, not going to help anything! So please quit the whining!* clearly she needed a friend like me to straighten her out... leeAnne was trying to get away from a disapproving mother and find herself and her father.... I had much more sympathy for Leanne and I can’t believe she never lost it with her friend Maddy....
The road trip itself was a lot of fun! There were some over the top moments, but they made me laugh.... The descriptions of the cities throughout this book were so well painted, I felt as though I was there.... at the end of the book we find out there is a sequel, and I’m assuming some loose ends will be tied up.... also I cannot wait to see where they go next!
Recommend as a perfect summer getaway read... you too can vacation through Europe from the comfort of the couch or while sitting by your pool🚗
*** many thanks too Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
Ever wonder what you would do if you won the lottery? The one thing I would do for sure is hire someone to cook and clean for me... when best friends Maddy and Leanne win the lottery they decide to take a dream road trip across Europe... once again I found myself vacationing vicariously through the characters in my books... it really is much cheaper...and unless I win the lottery I probably will not be taking a trip around Europe any time soon!
Maddy and Leanne are both running from something and trying to find something...Maddy wants to get away from her tired marriage and find a man in Paris she had a fling with over 20 years ago... Maddy as a character was tough to sympathize with... if we were friends I would tell her this* quit complaining about your marriage, do something about it! Either leave or fix it, but having an affair with a man you haven’t seen in 20 years, not going to help anything! So please quit the whining!* clearly she needed a friend like me to straighten her out... leeAnne was trying to get away from a disapproving mother and find herself and her father.... I had much more sympathy for Leanne and I can’t believe she never lost it with her friend Maddy....
The road trip itself was a lot of fun! There were some over the top moments, but they made me laugh.... The descriptions of the cities throughout this book were so well painted, I felt as though I was there.... at the end of the book we find out there is a sequel, and I’m assuming some loose ends will be tied up.... also I cannot wait to see where they go next!
Recommend as a perfect summer getaway read... you too can vacation through Europe from the comfort of the couch or while sitting by your pool🚗
*** many thanks too Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
June 22, 2018
What would I do if I won the lottery? Go on a trip like Leanne and Maddy did? You betcha!! I enjoyed their adventures along with their escapades they fell into!! I enjoyed this story and look forward to more by this author. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 22, 2018
This was a light fluffy read. Maddy was tired of the routine tedium of housework and her husband's obsession with golf. Leanne had a dominating over-possessive mother. When both win 200,000£, they decide to go on a road trip exploring Europe. Both the women had a motive: one to find a lost love, other to find her lost father.
My first book by Susanne O'Leary, and this is the first adventure in the travel series. The countryside described was fabulous and realistic. The women did have a loads of fun. The red Mercedes convertible attracted me throughout the book, it could take on all the roads.
The women were fun loving, spirited, there was a bond between them. They had their similarities, they were both teachers. Yet their differences in attitude and age separated them, they weren't the best of friends. So the warmth between them that comes from years of friendship was lacking. Their friendship grew with their capers which went from shopping trips to pretending to be the waitresses to accidental dog-knapping to ferry ride to sweet-turning-nasty Lord of Manor blackmailing passenger to old fickle lover to new father-turning-boyfriend to divorcing old husband to new love. Whew!!
This was a light read, with minimal drama, minimal emotions. It seemed more like a journey of their inner discovery, an escape from their life into their travels. Overall a fun read!!
My first book by Susanne O'Leary, and this is the first adventure in the travel series. The countryside described was fabulous and realistic. The women did have a loads of fun. The red Mercedes convertible attracted me throughout the book, it could take on all the roads.
The women were fun loving, spirited, there was a bond between them. They had their similarities, they were both teachers. Yet their differences in attitude and age separated them, they weren't the best of friends. So the warmth between them that comes from years of friendship was lacking. Their friendship grew with their capers which went from shopping trips to pretending to be the waitresses to accidental dog-knapping to ferry ride to sweet-turning-nasty Lord of Manor blackmailing passenger to old fickle lover to new father-turning-boyfriend to divorcing old husband to new love. Whew!!
This was a light read, with minimal drama, minimal emotions. It seemed more like a journey of their inner discovery, an escape from their life into their travels. Overall a fun read!!
May 31, 2018
They say that money can't buy you happiness and there is no doubt about, but it can open doors to certain opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise. It can give you the chance to escape from things and put your needs first instead of those of others.
This story is about friendship, love lost and found, about living the dream or waking up.
Some parts were totally over the top that they were funny, others were heartbreakingly sad.
When I reached the last chapter, I was afraid that I would not get all my questions answered. I was very relieved to see that I will have my answers in the next book. I can't wait to read what happens next.
Overall it is a trip down a bumpy road that (hopefully) will be evened in the sequel in order to lead to happy ending for all the characters.
Thank you, Susanne O'Leary, Bookouture and Netgalley
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com/...
This story is about friendship, love lost and found, about living the dream or waking up.
Some parts were totally over the top that they were funny, others were heartbreakingly sad.
When I reached the last chapter, I was afraid that I would not get all my questions answered. I was very relieved to see that I will have my answers in the next book. I can't wait to read what happens next.
Overall it is a trip down a bumpy road that (hopefully) will be evened in the sequel in order to lead to happy ending for all the characters.
Thank you, Susanne O'Leary, Bookouture and Netgalley
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com/...
June 11, 2018
The Road Trip was such a wonderful, fun read that I devoured over the course of 24 hours. The writing was brilliant, the characters were realistic and the setting was just stunning. The Road Trip is the perfect read for your holiday this summer.
Maddy and Leanne work at the same school who have entered into the lottery as a syndicate. Imagine their surprise and delight at finding out they've won! Would you tell people? What would you do with the money? Maddy and Leanne think it's the perfect time to explore Europe in a convertible while hunting down some old memories.
Right from the start I could see parts of myself in both Maddy and Leanne however Leanne's character resonated more with me. Nearly 30 and I'm not married or have children - very similar to Leanne. Both Maddy and Leanne were down-to-earth and at several points in the book I was giggling away as they stumble their way across Europe.
The supporting characters were fabulous especially Bridget! Susanne's writing was great, she kept me hooked to the pages and it really felt I was amongst friends while reading it. I felt I was on the trip with them, I loved the scenery and the hotel descriptions - it made me wish I was on holiday though!
From the very first page, I was cheering the characters on and it had a real heartwarming feel to the book. It's funny, it makes you feel-good and it was a delight to read. I am so excited for the next book and for more adventures with Maddy and Leanne.
The Road Trip is a wonderful escape to Europe with some friends you'll love and will make you want to make the most of your summer.
Maddy and Leanne work at the same school who have entered into the lottery as a syndicate. Imagine their surprise and delight at finding out they've won! Would you tell people? What would you do with the money? Maddy and Leanne think it's the perfect time to explore Europe in a convertible while hunting down some old memories.
Right from the start I could see parts of myself in both Maddy and Leanne however Leanne's character resonated more with me. Nearly 30 and I'm not married or have children - very similar to Leanne. Both Maddy and Leanne were down-to-earth and at several points in the book I was giggling away as they stumble their way across Europe.
The supporting characters were fabulous especially Bridget! Susanne's writing was great, she kept me hooked to the pages and it really felt I was amongst friends while reading it. I felt I was on the trip with them, I loved the scenery and the hotel descriptions - it made me wish I was on holiday though!
From the very first page, I was cheering the characters on and it had a real heartwarming feel to the book. It's funny, it makes you feel-good and it was a delight to read. I am so excited for the next book and for more adventures with Maddy and Leanne.
The Road Trip is a wonderful escape to Europe with some friends you'll love and will make you want to make the most of your summer.
June 4, 2018
Lovely refreshing summer read. Maddy and Leanne head off on a road trip after their syndicate won the lottery. You will follow these women as they drive to Europe. It’s not all plain sailing, ups and downs along the way. Meeting lots of very different characters along the way. I did enjoy it very much but felt at times my enthusiasm weaned a bit. For that reason it lost a star. The type of book you read and wish it was you.
June 25, 2018
Having enjoyed this author in the past I was very excited to see she was now a Bookouture author, and despite having had the book on my kindle for a while, and being taunted by the gorgeous cover whenever I've been scrolling twitter, it took a while to get around to picking it up to read.
What is not to like about this book - an unexpected windfall, two colleagues on a road trip to France from Ireland, a glorious car, madcap adventures, and both Maddie and Leanne have their own reasons for travelling to France.
They are both looking for men - well to be specific, specific men that they have lost from their lives. Leanne believe her father lives somewhere in France, and she hasn't seen him she was was 12. Maddie on the other hand wants to look up the man she had a love affair with 20 odd years ago when she was a student in Paris.
But before they even get to the continent they get up to all sorts, and even start a blog which proves quite popular. Along the trip they pick up some extra passengers for various reasons which added extra dynamics to that stage of the trip.
We get a great sense of their entire road trip, and I am delighted to say that this book has a lovely open ending to make way for the next book A Holiday to Remember which I am already eager to read.
This is pure escapist summer fun, and is great for sitting in the garden with, or poolside, and following the ladies exploits in this funny and well written romantic comedy. I loved the descriptions of the various stops on the road trip, and I really felt as though I was alongside the ladies, while they have a summer that will change everything for them.
Although its been a while since I last read a book from the author, I was reminded within moments of starting it why I love her writing, the tone is perfect, its full of warmth and just draws you in. All in all this is an addictive read and I can't wait to see what Maddie and Leanne get up to next.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
What is not to like about this book - an unexpected windfall, two colleagues on a road trip to France from Ireland, a glorious car, madcap adventures, and both Maddie and Leanne have their own reasons for travelling to France.
They are both looking for men - well to be specific, specific men that they have lost from their lives. Leanne believe her father lives somewhere in France, and she hasn't seen him she was was 12. Maddie on the other hand wants to look up the man she had a love affair with 20 odd years ago when she was a student in Paris.
But before they even get to the continent they get up to all sorts, and even start a blog which proves quite popular. Along the trip they pick up some extra passengers for various reasons which added extra dynamics to that stage of the trip.
We get a great sense of their entire road trip, and I am delighted to say that this book has a lovely open ending to make way for the next book A Holiday to Remember which I am already eager to read.
This is pure escapist summer fun, and is great for sitting in the garden with, or poolside, and following the ladies exploits in this funny and well written romantic comedy. I loved the descriptions of the various stops on the road trip, and I really felt as though I was alongside the ladies, while they have a summer that will change everything for them.
Although its been a while since I last read a book from the author, I was reminded within moments of starting it why I love her writing, the tone is perfect, its full of warmth and just draws you in. All in all this is an addictive read and I can't wait to see what Maddie and Leanne get up to next.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 13, 2018
An adventure every woman would love to go on. I wanted to be Maddy and Leanne, I got caught up in the excitement of winning all that money and the amusing journey these two woman went on to find themselves. Loved it, so real, so entertaining and exhilarating. A journey we can only dream about doing, but it felt so real. Thank you for a fab read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2018
Visit the many locations in the novel
Totally fun this read! Light and fluffy and just what I needed when I read it. A tonic for the mind as you get to travel from Ireland via Wales and England to the Netherlands, then Belgium and down through France with some of the most mad cap characters I’ve ever met. There is a reason why they’re off on this journey and not just to do with the lottery but for me the main attraction of the book was to see and experience the journey with them. Some places they barely brush but it’s the fun in the car, the conversations, the idea of meeting nice French men. Oh and the perfumes! They pick some lovely places to stay – all real – that I am definitely going to put on my next holiday to France.
A giggle and a click of a prosecco glass this novel. It made me chuckle and wonder where I would go if I won the lottery. Definitely a road trip of some sorts. But for the price of a book, you get to go on this fun jaunt first.
August 31, 2018
This was a funny and light read. Made the mistake of starting to read the second book first. About a quarter of the way through I realised my mistake - and changed books. This would make a perfect holiday read.
April 19, 2018
This is my first book by this author will not be my last at all as so well written and makes you think of life. It's all about friendship, romance and living life to the full and it's very heartwarming and funny as well and has you hooked to what will happen next. The characters are true to life and very loveable and great hearing about all the difference places they go to on their trip. Would highly recommend any one reads this to hear the amazing adventures the couple have and who they meet on there way.
You have to characters Mandy and Leanne poor Mandy is fed up doing her husbands washing and cooking for her husband who is only interested in golf. Then Leanne can't stand living with her mother any lady any more and close to a breakdown they are both teachers and they win the lottery and decide to keep it from anyone and spend it on themselves. They decide to go on a road trip around Europe and Leanne hires a convertible car and head for the French Riviera. They both have reason for the adventure Leanne has always wanted to track down her father who left her as a child and she she knows and believes he's in France. Mandy had a romance with a French man years ago and believes she needs to find him. They start there journey and write a bog as well of there adventures and can they find what they are looking for or do they find many surprises along the way. Can they find romance or not as well and what happens when Mandy's husband turns up on her adventure one day. Great read from the first page to the last so many twists and turns.
You have to characters Mandy and Leanne poor Mandy is fed up doing her husbands washing and cooking for her husband who is only interested in golf. Then Leanne can't stand living with her mother any lady any more and close to a breakdown they are both teachers and they win the lottery and decide to keep it from anyone and spend it on themselves. They decide to go on a road trip around Europe and Leanne hires a convertible car and head for the French Riviera. They both have reason for the adventure Leanne has always wanted to track down her father who left her as a child and she she knows and believes he's in France. Mandy had a romance with a French man years ago and believes she needs to find him. They start there journey and write a bog as well of there adventures and can they find what they are looking for or do they find many surprises along the way. Can they find romance or not as well and what happens when Mandy's husband turns up on her adventure one day. Great read from the first page to the last so many twists and turns.
April 4, 2022
In the beginning I really enjoyed the book and was looking forward to go on the road trip with Maddy and Leanne. I was also interested in Maddy's search for her summer romance from the past.
It was very nice to visit different places with the two women but somehow I had difficulties to tell the two women apart and always struggled with who is who and whose past we are talking about.
The journey itself also lost its sparks throughout the story as they were mostly staying in one place. Also Maddys search for her summer romance became a little bit annoying and had too much room.
The story turned out to be ok and entertaining in parts but won't be something I will really remember.
It was very nice to visit different places with the two women but somehow I had difficulties to tell the two women apart and always struggled with who is who and whose past we are talking about.
The journey itself also lost its sparks throughout the story as they were mostly staying in one place. Also Maddys search for her summer romance became a little bit annoying and had too much room.
The story turned out to be ok and entertaining in parts but won't be something I will really remember.
May 2, 2019
I bought this last year after seeing good reviews from various friends, but was never in the right mood to read it until last night, when I craved something light hearted, after a difficult week. I’m not a fan of romance novels, but this was supposed to be about friendship and getting away from it all, which it sort of was, but unfortunately it’s mainly about one of those women who needs a man to feel valued. Note to self - avoid all books with the word “romantic” on the cover.
Irish school teachers Maddy, 44, and Leanne, 30s, win €200 000 each in a lottery syndicate, and spontaneously decide to take a road trip to Europe, despite having nothing in common other than a shallow desire to make people envy them, which they indulge by starting a blog for a trashy women’s paper. Maddy is dissatisfied with her stale marriage to boring Tom, obsessed by golf, and has never forgotten the handsome French student she met in Paris. Leanne has friends she doesn’t like, a difficult mother and yearns for the father who left when she was young. Accidentally dogknapping a minipoo from an English stately home, and followed online by thousands of desperate housewives, their adventures take them to Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and the South of France, as they discover that what they are looking for is not actually what they want.
I’m not sure what it says about me that I didn’t find this remotely funny, and was more irritated by the main characters’ shallowness and selfishness. I’ve grown out of this kind of chook lit as the trope of the woman who got the “happily ever after” - handsome husband, 2.4 children, worthwhile career, comfortable life, then is completely dissatisfied by it, does my head in. The message is that your boring life will be magically transformed by enough money to buy a flash car, fancy clothes and a new hairstyle is exactly the reason I don’t read women’s magazines any more.
This did have good writing, and evocative descriptions of the beautiful places our daft duo race through, but don’t really appreciate, as they are always thinking about the next destination - or the next man. The plot was pretty predictable - I was hoping that for a change Maddy might rediscover the real love of her life rather than moving from one immature fantasy to another, but the ending is left open for the next book about the pair’s adventures. 2.5 rounded up because it’s not a bad book if you like this kind of thing, it just reminds me that I really don’t.
Irish school teachers Maddy, 44, and Leanne, 30s, win €200 000 each in a lottery syndicate, and spontaneously decide to take a road trip to Europe, despite having nothing in common other than a shallow desire to make people envy them, which they indulge by starting a blog for a trashy women’s paper. Maddy is dissatisfied with her stale marriage to boring Tom, obsessed by golf, and has never forgotten the handsome French student she met in Paris. Leanne has friends she doesn’t like, a difficult mother and yearns for the father who left when she was young. Accidentally dogknapping a minipoo from an English stately home, and followed online by thousands of desperate housewives, their adventures take them to Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and the South of France, as they discover that what they are looking for is not actually what they want.
I’m not sure what it says about me that I didn’t find this remotely funny, and was more irritated by the main characters’ shallowness and selfishness. I’ve grown out of this kind of chook lit as the trope of the woman who got the “happily ever after” - handsome husband, 2.4 children, worthwhile career, comfortable life, then is completely dissatisfied by it, does my head in. The message is that your boring life will be magically transformed by enough money to buy a flash car, fancy clothes and a new hairstyle is exactly the reason I don’t read women’s magazines any more.
This did have good writing, and evocative descriptions of the beautiful places our daft duo race through, but don’t really appreciate, as they are always thinking about the next destination - or the next man. The plot was pretty predictable - I was hoping that for a change Maddy might rediscover the real love of her life rather than moving from one immature fantasy to another, but the ending is left open for the next book about the pair’s adventures. 2.5 rounded up because it’s not a bad book if you like this kind of thing, it just reminds me that I really don’t.
August 23, 2018
Maddy and Leanne are secondary school teachers in Ireland who have just won the lotto in a group ticket buy. Both are planning just what to do with the money: the options are great. Maddy’s husband Tom spends all his free time, and all his focus on golfing- not including Maddy at all. With their two children grown and away from home, Maddy is at loose ends, and is finding her life sans children is not the travel and reconnect with the adult side of their marriage that she hoped for. Leanne is at the other side of her life, just having received a full time offer to teach science at the school, she is single, lives with her very controlling and manipulative mother, and tends to ‘act out’ with outrageous hair, piercings and dress.
But, the two are friends and decide that a road trip through England and France in a sporty red Merc convertible is just the ticket- 5 star all the way, with a blog to document their adventures as they each have a personal stake in their travels through France.
From shopping for ‘new looks’ on their way out of Ireland to serving at a drinks party at a manor house and finding a stowaway in the form of a little poodle owned by a royal, to the lord of the manor threatening blackmail and police action if they don’t take him along –the story is full of moments that highlight the differences between Maddy and Leanne, as each starts to open up and discover ‘the good life’ as they travel.
While all is not light and fluffy: Leanne is ostensibly on a search for her father who left her and her mother without a trace some twenty years earlier, as Maddy looks to find her first love, met when she was ending her time at the Sorbonne – the two have stories and loose ends, as well as current issues to work out. Leaving with their time in Provence, there are questions and changes to adapt to: the end of Maddy’s marriage, her attraction to Leanne’s father, Leanne’s budding romance and her relationship with her long-lost father now that she knows another side of the story of her parents’ relationship…. This is pure escape reading – the characters are clever and slow to develop, but have a wonderful way of encouraging you to take a seat and travel along.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
But, the two are friends and decide that a road trip through England and France in a sporty red Merc convertible is just the ticket- 5 star all the way, with a blog to document their adventures as they each have a personal stake in their travels through France.
From shopping for ‘new looks’ on their way out of Ireland to serving at a drinks party at a manor house and finding a stowaway in the form of a little poodle owned by a royal, to the lord of the manor threatening blackmail and police action if they don’t take him along –the story is full of moments that highlight the differences between Maddy and Leanne, as each starts to open up and discover ‘the good life’ as they travel.
While all is not light and fluffy: Leanne is ostensibly on a search for her father who left her and her mother without a trace some twenty years earlier, as Maddy looks to find her first love, met when she was ending her time at the Sorbonne – the two have stories and loose ends, as well as current issues to work out. Leaving with their time in Provence, there are questions and changes to adapt to: the end of Maddy’s marriage, her attraction to Leanne’s father, Leanne’s budding romance and her relationship with her long-lost father now that she knows another side of the story of her parents’ relationship…. This is pure escape reading – the characters are clever and slow to develop, but have a wonderful way of encouraging you to take a seat and travel along.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
June 12, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Honestly, I don’t think that this book could have come at a better time! After reading several rather dark psychological thrillers in a row, I was ready for something a little calmer and, whilst ‘The Road Trip’ was certainly calm, I felt spoiled (in a good way) when I realised that it was also a breath of fresh air to read. What more could you want?
With Maddy feeling like the hired help in her marriage, and Leanne still living with her mum even though she has hit her thirties, their lottery win ended up being the key to their well deserved freedom. In no time at all, Leanne and Maddy had decided that they were going to embark on a road trip, doing things that they wouldn’t normally do as the world was now their oyster. Even though I had everything crossed that their road trip was going to be plain sailing, I never expected it to turn out the way that it did. Pleasantly surprised, that’s for sure!
Maddy and Leanne couldn’t be more different if they tried, yet the fact that their personalities were chalk and cheese ended up being the glue to their strong friendship – believe it or not! Leanne’s bonkers personality had me in hysterics, whilst Maddy’s personality kept Leanne on the straight and narrow. Although saying that, it would have been hilarious to read about what Leanne got up to if Maddy hadn’t been her voice of reason.
‘The Road Trip’ is jam-packed with surprises, hilarious one liners, multiple bonkers characters, and of course a dog who attempted to steal the show. The highlight of the book for me, was how the author cemented the ‘strong woman’ vibe, highlighting just how important sisterhood relationships are. The fact that Maddy never gave up, even when her husband did, really did make me think that there is no set time for dreams to come true – you just have to go out and make them come true, even if people disagree with your choices. It’s your life, right?
Definitely a breath of fresh air novel which made me giggle more than once – I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Maddy and Leanne’s antics, and I hope we get to catch up with them again in the future.
Honestly, I don’t think that this book could have come at a better time! After reading several rather dark psychological thrillers in a row, I was ready for something a little calmer and, whilst ‘The Road Trip’ was certainly calm, I felt spoiled (in a good way) when I realised that it was also a breath of fresh air to read. What more could you want?
With Maddy feeling like the hired help in her marriage, and Leanne still living with her mum even though she has hit her thirties, their lottery win ended up being the key to their well deserved freedom. In no time at all, Leanne and Maddy had decided that they were going to embark on a road trip, doing things that they wouldn’t normally do as the world was now their oyster. Even though I had everything crossed that their road trip was going to be plain sailing, I never expected it to turn out the way that it did. Pleasantly surprised, that’s for sure!
Maddy and Leanne couldn’t be more different if they tried, yet the fact that their personalities were chalk and cheese ended up being the glue to their strong friendship – believe it or not! Leanne’s bonkers personality had me in hysterics, whilst Maddy’s personality kept Leanne on the straight and narrow. Although saying that, it would have been hilarious to read about what Leanne got up to if Maddy hadn’t been her voice of reason.
‘The Road Trip’ is jam-packed with surprises, hilarious one liners, multiple bonkers characters, and of course a dog who attempted to steal the show. The highlight of the book for me, was how the author cemented the ‘strong woman’ vibe, highlighting just how important sisterhood relationships are. The fact that Maddy never gave up, even when her husband did, really did make me think that there is no set time for dreams to come true – you just have to go out and make them come true, even if people disagree with your choices. It’s your life, right?
Definitely a breath of fresh air novel which made me giggle more than once – I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Maddy and Leanne’s antics, and I hope we get to catch up with them again in the future.
June 13, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I haven't read anything by this author before and I liked the blurb so I thought I would give it a go. I'm always looking for new authors to fall in love with.
This story follows Maddy and Leanne as they take a road trip across Europe. Maddy is in her forties. Her children are all grown up and her and her husband have grown apart. Leanne is 32 and currently is still living with her mum. Her dad left a long time ago and it's always been just the two of them. When the girls win big on their lotto syndicate they decide to spend the summer in Europe.
I liked both girls, really women, but I preferred Leanne. Leanne is feisty and impulsive. She is the sort of person we all want to be. As a friend she will talk you into doing all sorts of things that you wouldn't have done otherwise. Maddy seemed a bit naive. She'd been holding on to this dream since she was young which was likely to never pan out. In all honesty I just felt a bit sorry for her. She did get a bit of spunk about half way through the book though which I liked.
I like Susanne's writing style and there were some real funny scenes in this book. The humour was more subtle than laugh out loud but it was funny all the same. I also liked that the book was more about the girls friendship than about them falling in love. Don't get me wrong I love a love story but it's also nice to read about the other bonds in our lives.
The book is left mid way through the trip and I'm looking forward to seeing what the girls get up to next in The Boat Trip.
This story follows Maddy and Leanne as they take a road trip across Europe. Maddy is in her forties. Her children are all grown up and her and her husband have grown apart. Leanne is 32 and currently is still living with her mum. Her dad left a long time ago and it's always been just the two of them. When the girls win big on their lotto syndicate they decide to spend the summer in Europe.
I liked both girls, really women, but I preferred Leanne. Leanne is feisty and impulsive. She is the sort of person we all want to be. As a friend she will talk you into doing all sorts of things that you wouldn't have done otherwise. Maddy seemed a bit naive. She'd been holding on to this dream since she was young which was likely to never pan out. In all honesty I just felt a bit sorry for her. She did get a bit of spunk about half way through the book though which I liked.
I like Susanne's writing style and there were some real funny scenes in this book. The humour was more subtle than laugh out loud but it was funny all the same. I also liked that the book was more about the girls friendship than about them falling in love. Don't get me wrong I love a love story but it's also nice to read about the other bonds in our lives.
The book is left mid way through the trip and I'm looking forward to seeing what the girls get up to next in The Boat Trip.
September 8, 2023
When we first meet Maddy and Leanne, we learn they are part of a group of schoolteachers who have hit the lottery and have each won GBP200,000, so how awesome is that? This windfall couldn’t have come at a better time in their lives. Leanne’s life is under control by her mother and Maddy’s life consists of children who no longer need mothering and a husband who values his bloody golf clubs over his wife. Both of these women need a fresh start in the worst way. They keep the win to themselves and decide to go on a holiday. Leanne is on the search for the father who left when she was a child and Maddy is searching for the man she fell in love with when she was a student in France over twenty years ago.
Along the way from Dublin to the French Riviera, they meet many interesting characters, secrets are revealed, truths are told, tears are shed and life is lived with many humorous moments.
I liked Maddy and Leanne and their decision to take off on a massive holiday adventure was very exciting. Blogging it as they go also holds great appeal to me. We’ve all entertained the question of ”What is the first thing you would do if you hit it big in the lottery?” and for these two ladies, the answer is simple and I really liked that.
I went with the audiobook format of this story and I absolutely loved the narration performance of Melanie MacHugh. The story starts in Dublin and Maddy and Leanne are Irish, so obviously, listening to this book, one would expect Irish accents and this one didn’t disappoint. Ms. MacHugh’s narration was excellent. The voices of each character were distinct and brought them to life, giving me a better understanding of their personality, which enabled me to connect with them.
This was the first book for me by this author and I have the second book in this series, A Holiday to Remember which sees Maddy and Leanne’s adventure continuing. I am looking forward to reading that one as there are several loose threads in this story and I am curious to see how it all comes out.
My Final Verdict: I recommend this story to readers of women’s fiction, chick-lit and stories that feature exciting locale settings.
Along the way from Dublin to the French Riviera, they meet many interesting characters, secrets are revealed, truths are told, tears are shed and life is lived with many humorous moments.
I liked Maddy and Leanne and their decision to take off on a massive holiday adventure was very exciting. Blogging it as they go also holds great appeal to me. We’ve all entertained the question of ”What is the first thing you would do if you hit it big in the lottery?” and for these two ladies, the answer is simple and I really liked that.
I went with the audiobook format of this story and I absolutely loved the narration performance of Melanie MacHugh. The story starts in Dublin and Maddy and Leanne are Irish, so obviously, listening to this book, one would expect Irish accents and this one didn’t disappoint. Ms. MacHugh’s narration was excellent. The voices of each character were distinct and brought them to life, giving me a better understanding of their personality, which enabled me to connect with them.
This was the first book for me by this author and I have the second book in this series, A Holiday to Remember which sees Maddy and Leanne’s adventure continuing. I am looking forward to reading that one as there are several loose threads in this story and I am curious to see how it all comes out.
My Final Verdict: I recommend this story to readers of women’s fiction, chick-lit and stories that feature exciting locale settings.
May 29, 2018
This book is a lighthearted summer holiday read. That you might enjoy in the sunshine next to a inviting swimming pool.
The story itself is about two friends who win the lottery and decide to go on a trip of a lifetime together around Europe. Both are looking for different things along the way. Mandy is basically looking to have an affair with a past Parisian lover and Leanne is looking to break free from her over bearing mother.
Although this story is lighthearted and the descriptions of the city’s they visited made me long for a road trip for myself. I found Mandy the most annoying character I’ve come across. I found her selfish, disrespectful, temperamental and irritating. If her marriage is so bad why doesn’t she just sit down with her husband, talk Things over and try to sort things out. Instead of wanting to jump into bed with a past lover. This isn’t going to help solve anything, and for that reason it hampered my enjoyment of this book and that is why I give it a 3/5.
The story itself is about two friends who win the lottery and decide to go on a trip of a lifetime together around Europe. Both are looking for different things along the way. Mandy is basically looking to have an affair with a past Parisian lover and Leanne is looking to break free from her over bearing mother.
Although this story is lighthearted and the descriptions of the city’s they visited made me long for a road trip for myself. I found Mandy the most annoying character I’ve come across. I found her selfish, disrespectful, temperamental and irritating. If her marriage is so bad why doesn’t she just sit down with her husband, talk Things over and try to sort things out. Instead of wanting to jump into bed with a past lover. This isn’t going to help solve anything, and for that reason it hampered my enjoyment of this book and that is why I give it a 3/5.
June 14, 2018
I have a huge confession to make. Although Susanne has released over a dozen books, I haven’t actually come across her before nor have I read any of her books. I know where have I been all this time? Well worry (not that you were anyway) not because now I have read the one book and loved it, I fully intend to find her other books and make my way through them.
I have to say that I absolutely adored the characters of Maddy and Leanne. Maddy is married to a man, who takes her for granted, as do her children. Maddy has got to a particular age, where she is reassessing her life and she decides that she has to do something for herself. The fact that she is part of a lottery winning syndicate certainly helps. She doesn’t let on to her husband about the scale of her win because she knows that he would spend it on something for himself. I really don’t blame her for keeping it a secret. Maddy is one lady who has put everybody else’s wellbeing before her own. Maddy has never really had much time to do what she wants to do so when Leanne. a colleague from the school where Maddy teaches and a fellow lottery winner, suggests that they go on a road trip, Maddy jumps at the chance. Both ladies really enjoy making plans for the trip and they don’t seem to believe that they are going until they go if that makes sense? Leanne is a likeable young woman, who lives with her overbearing & overpowering mother. I got the impression that Leanne just needed some space apart from her mother. Leanne is a bit of a rebel both in her clothing and the fact that she wears a nose ring. Leanne is certainly a breath of fresh air. Maddy and Leanne get on really well and they learn from each other if that makes sense?
I picked up this book when I was desperately in need of a distraction. My back was playing up and as a result I was feeling miserable but I certainly wasn’t miserable whilst reading this book and I was left with a smile on my face. I found myself chuckling away to myself throughout the book. In fact I had to remember not to laugh too much because it would hurt too much. To say that ‘The Road Trip’ is a pick me up kind of book is an understatement.
The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn into the book and before you know it you are hooked. Indeed I was addicted to this book from the moment I picked it up and I binge read it over a couple of days. The page numbers flew past in a blur but I didn’t realise how much I had read or how the time had passed until I looked up to see that a couple of hours had flown past and I was 40% of the way through the book. I originally picked this book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but that intention soon flew out of the window. I was enjoying the writing style, the characters and the story that much that I just wanted the book to continue. I really did feel as though I was on the road trip with the ladies. In fact I was a bit (ok a lot) jealous of how much fun they were having and I really wished that I could go on my own road trip.
In conclusion I totally and utterly flipping well loved reading this book and I wholeheartedly recommend it to other readers. In fact I think you must read it and I am sure that you will enjoy it just as much as I did. I sincerely hope that this is not the last we have seen of Maddy and Leanne. Fingers crossed. I can’t wait to read what comes next from Susanne O’Leary but in the meantime I will definitely be seeking out her other books and make reading them one of my reading priorities. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I have to say that I absolutely adored the characters of Maddy and Leanne. Maddy is married to a man, who takes her for granted, as do her children. Maddy has got to a particular age, where she is reassessing her life and she decides that she has to do something for herself. The fact that she is part of a lottery winning syndicate certainly helps. She doesn’t let on to her husband about the scale of her win because she knows that he would spend it on something for himself. I really don’t blame her for keeping it a secret. Maddy is one lady who has put everybody else’s wellbeing before her own. Maddy has never really had much time to do what she wants to do so when Leanne. a colleague from the school where Maddy teaches and a fellow lottery winner, suggests that they go on a road trip, Maddy jumps at the chance. Both ladies really enjoy making plans for the trip and they don’t seem to believe that they are going until they go if that makes sense? Leanne is a likeable young woman, who lives with her overbearing & overpowering mother. I got the impression that Leanne just needed some space apart from her mother. Leanne is a bit of a rebel both in her clothing and the fact that she wears a nose ring. Leanne is certainly a breath of fresh air. Maddy and Leanne get on really well and they learn from each other if that makes sense?
I picked up this book when I was desperately in need of a distraction. My back was playing up and as a result I was feeling miserable but I certainly wasn’t miserable whilst reading this book and I was left with a smile on my face. I found myself chuckling away to myself throughout the book. In fact I had to remember not to laugh too much because it would hurt too much. To say that ‘The Road Trip’ is a pick me up kind of book is an understatement.
The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn into the book and before you know it you are hooked. Indeed I was addicted to this book from the moment I picked it up and I binge read it over a couple of days. The page numbers flew past in a blur but I didn’t realise how much I had read or how the time had passed until I looked up to see that a couple of hours had flown past and I was 40% of the way through the book. I originally picked this book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but that intention soon flew out of the window. I was enjoying the writing style, the characters and the story that much that I just wanted the book to continue. I really did feel as though I was on the road trip with the ladies. In fact I was a bit (ok a lot) jealous of how much fun they were having and I really wished that I could go on my own road trip.
In conclusion I totally and utterly flipping well loved reading this book and I wholeheartedly recommend it to other readers. In fact I think you must read it and I am sure that you will enjoy it just as much as I did. I sincerely hope that this is not the last we have seen of Maddy and Leanne. Fingers crossed. I can’t wait to read what comes next from Susanne O’Leary but in the meantime I will definitely be seeking out her other books and make reading them one of my reading priorities. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
August 29, 2018
You must take this road trip with Maddy and Leanne, as they win a lottery and use it to take off on a road trip from Ireland to Europe. Maddy hopes to find a lost love, while Leanne searches for her father. You will laugh out loud at their antics which they decide to turn into a blog to give other women a chance to dream through their adventures. A fun, perfect vacation read.
September 14, 2023
2.5 stars. This wasn’t my favourite. It was an okay summer read but I found it a bit slow.
August 6, 2018
A light hearted romantic comedy which I read in one sitting. A perfect holiday read . I loved it and look forward to reading more about Maddy and Leanne’s adventures in the next book.
June 12, 2018
This a fun read and I really enjoyed the sparky relationship between the two women. It was also great to travel through England and France to get to Nice. It's a lovely summery read full of missed opportunities and possibilities for love. Fab-u-lous!!!
September 10, 2018
Maddy feels unfulfilled. The kids have left home, her husband is obsessed with golf and life has become rather boring. She’s a teacher and one of her colleagues and a good friend is Leanne, a bit of an oddball character but with a good heart. She’s looking after her mother, and boy, does she need a break. Both of them do, so when they scoop a Lottery win, they’re decide to go on a road trip to the south of France. Maddy’s husband Tom disapproves, as does her mother-in-law, but she disapproves of everything. And anyway, Tom is planning a trip of his own to play in a golf tournament.
Both women have lurking ulterior motives – Leanne wants to track down her father, Erik, and Maddy desperately needs some thinking time and wouldn’t mind looking up Ludovic, her first real boyfriend.
They have some very amusing adventures and encounters, including one with Bridget the poodle with royal connections, as they try to rediscover their real selves and get out of the rut that life has somehow shunted them into without their fully realising. They do seem to have found their goal, only they discover there are goats in it. Their happy endings aren’t quite there for them yet. So it’s onwards with their travels and, you have to hope, they’ll have plenty more adventures for us to share. ‘The Boat Trip’ is the next book in this series.
This is sharply and beautifully written. Maddy and Leanne are wonderful, colourful, imperfect characters trying to do their best and make the most of their lives. We feel they fully deserve this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity their win has given them, and share their enthusiasm and optimism for the future. There are many clever, comical touches, but there’s tension, insecurity and doubt there too. Our characters have responsibilities and have tough decisions to make. But the background is a feel-good one of hope and expectation. Readers’ expectations won’t be disappointed by this lively, touching novel.
Both women have lurking ulterior motives – Leanne wants to track down her father, Erik, and Maddy desperately needs some thinking time and wouldn’t mind looking up Ludovic, her first real boyfriend.
They have some very amusing adventures and encounters, including one with Bridget the poodle with royal connections, as they try to rediscover their real selves and get out of the rut that life has somehow shunted them into without their fully realising. They do seem to have found their goal, only they discover there are goats in it. Their happy endings aren’t quite there for them yet. So it’s onwards with their travels and, you have to hope, they’ll have plenty more adventures for us to share. ‘The Boat Trip’ is the next book in this series.
This is sharply and beautifully written. Maddy and Leanne are wonderful, colourful, imperfect characters trying to do their best and make the most of their lives. We feel they fully deserve this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity their win has given them, and share their enthusiasm and optimism for the future. There are many clever, comical touches, but there’s tension, insecurity and doubt there too. Our characters have responsibilities and have tough decisions to make. But the background is a feel-good one of hope and expectation. Readers’ expectations won’t be disappointed by this lively, touching novel.
September 24, 2021
Maddy e Leanne são professoras numa escola na Irlanda, apesar de não terem muito em comum, a algo que elas compartilham, o desejo de fugir de suas vidas.
Leanne tem 30 anos e ainda mora com a mãe, que é uma pessoa arrogante e manipuladora, ela não a suporta mais e tem o desejo de procurar o pai que a abandonou quando criança.
Maddy é mais velha, tem 44, seu marido é um cara chato e egoísta, que só pensa e fala em golfe desde que se aposentou. No momento tudo que ela consegue pensar é no desejo de rever um antigo amor, um jovem francês que ela conheceu num intercâmbio em Paris a mais de 20 anos.
Então quando ganham na loteria conjunta da escola, com outros professores, elas alugam um conversível vermelho e partem numa viagem de Dublin em direção a Riviera Francesa e no meio do caminho vão arranjar mais uma companheira de viagem, uma poodle em miniatura chamada Bridget.
Gostei do livro, porém...
A ideia central da história é boa, as descrições dos locais da viagem foram ótimas, me encheu de curiosidade para conhecer pessoalmente.
Mas alguns detalhes das personagens me incomodou um pouco, elas estavam mais para anti-heroína do que heroínas propriamente dito.
A Maddy reclamava muito do casamento, mas não tomava uma atitude, e quando resolve tomar é para ter a brilhante ideia de ter um caso com um homem que ela não vê a 20 anos, fala sério! É o típico caso de precisar de um homem para se sentir amada e valorizada novamente.
Quanto a Leanne, ela parece toda rebelde com seu cabelo e trajes e até um pouco irresponsável, mas é só fachada, na verdade ela é insegura e carente pra caramba.
E apesar desses detalhes, e até mesmo por eles, é uma boa leitura. E ficou com um final aberto para dar entrada ao próximo livro.
Leanne tem 30 anos e ainda mora com a mãe, que é uma pessoa arrogante e manipuladora, ela não a suporta mais e tem o desejo de procurar o pai que a abandonou quando criança.
Maddy é mais velha, tem 44, seu marido é um cara chato e egoísta, que só pensa e fala em golfe desde que se aposentou. No momento tudo que ela consegue pensar é no desejo de rever um antigo amor, um jovem francês que ela conheceu num intercâmbio em Paris a mais de 20 anos.
Então quando ganham na loteria conjunta da escola, com outros professores, elas alugam um conversível vermelho e partem numa viagem de Dublin em direção a Riviera Francesa e no meio do caminho vão arranjar mais uma companheira de viagem, uma poodle em miniatura chamada Bridget.
Gostei do livro, porém...
A ideia central da história é boa, as descrições dos locais da viagem foram ótimas, me encheu de curiosidade para conhecer pessoalmente.
Mas alguns detalhes das personagens me incomodou um pouco, elas estavam mais para anti-heroína do que heroínas propriamente dito.
A Maddy reclamava muito do casamento, mas não tomava uma atitude, e quando resolve tomar é para ter a brilhante ideia de ter um caso com um homem que ela não vê a 20 anos, fala sério! É o típico caso de precisar de um homem para se sentir amada e valorizada novamente.
Quanto a Leanne, ela parece toda rebelde com seu cabelo e trajes e até um pouco irresponsável, mas é só fachada, na verdade ela é insegura e carente pra caramba.
E apesar desses detalhes, e até mesmo por eles, é uma boa leitura. E ficou com um final aberto para dar entrada ao próximo livro.
June 13, 2018
If you had reached a time in your life when you weren’t happy with the way things were headed and you suddenly had the financial means to escape for a while, and a friend ready to join you, would you go?
This is the situation teacher Maddy finds herself in. Her kids have left home, her husband has a closer relationship with his golf clubs than with her and with the school lottery syndicate hitting the jackpot, she now has 200,000€ of her own, to do with what she chooses. Along with colleague Leanne, they hire a car, buy a designer capsule wardrobe and set off on a road trip from Ireland to the south of France, with lots of places they want to see on the way.
The characters of Maddy and Leanne are full of life with a little Irish mischief and the situations they find themselves in are often unexpected and come with a good pinch of fun and joie de vivre, but there is a touch of seriousness too. It becomes a journey of discovery where they learn a lot about themselves and their families along the way, so much so life will never be the same again, for either of them. They meet the eccentric and the good looking, but more importantly will they find the answers to unanswered questions from long ago?
I read the first half of this book in one sitting, it’s that good I just didn’t want to put it down and I’m so glad to hear there is to be more from Maddy and Leanne, very soon.
This is the situation teacher Maddy finds herself in. Her kids have left home, her husband has a closer relationship with his golf clubs than with her and with the school lottery syndicate hitting the jackpot, she now has 200,000€ of her own, to do with what she chooses. Along with colleague Leanne, they hire a car, buy a designer capsule wardrobe and set off on a road trip from Ireland to the south of France, with lots of places they want to see on the way.
The characters of Maddy and Leanne are full of life with a little Irish mischief and the situations they find themselves in are often unexpected and come with a good pinch of fun and joie de vivre, but there is a touch of seriousness too. It becomes a journey of discovery where they learn a lot about themselves and their families along the way, so much so life will never be the same again, for either of them. They meet the eccentric and the good looking, but more importantly will they find the answers to unanswered questions from long ago?
I read the first half of this book in one sitting, it’s that good I just didn’t want to put it down and I’m so glad to hear there is to be more from Maddy and Leanne, very soon.
December 5, 2022
The concept of this story didn't quite sit right with me. The abrupt ending made it impossible not to read the second book in the series.
"Maddy can’t bear to wash another pair of her husband’s Y-fronts and if he continues to drone on about golf she might just scream.
Leanne can’t stand living with her overbearing mother for a second longer and she’s one disapproving eye roll away from a nervous breakdown.
But their luck changes when they win the lottery.
Setting off from Dublin, Maddy and Leanne lease a red convertible, winding through Europe and heading for the sun-drenched French Riviera.
But the pair have their own reasons for their adventure. Maddy has never forgotten her summer romance of twenty years ago with a gorgeous Frenchman and Leanne plans to track down the father who abandoned her as a child.
Amongst glorious sunsets and buckets of bubbly, Leanne and Maddy are searching for answers after years of wondering ‘what if?’ But there might just be some surprises in store along the way…". synopsis copied
"Maddy can’t bear to wash another pair of her husband’s Y-fronts and if he continues to drone on about golf she might just scream.
Leanne can’t stand living with her overbearing mother for a second longer and she’s one disapproving eye roll away from a nervous breakdown.
But their luck changes when they win the lottery.
Setting off from Dublin, Maddy and Leanne lease a red convertible, winding through Europe and heading for the sun-drenched French Riviera.
But the pair have their own reasons for their adventure. Maddy has never forgotten her summer romance of twenty years ago with a gorgeous Frenchman and Leanne plans to track down the father who abandoned her as a child.
Amongst glorious sunsets and buckets of bubbly, Leanne and Maddy are searching for answers after years of wondering ‘what if?’ But there might just be some surprises in store along the way…". synopsis copied
July 11, 2018
Delightful. Coming back to life, after winning a large share of a group lottery at work, two teachers go off on a summer holiday road trip through Europe. Maddy, an empty nester, who is in a turning point in her marriage doesn’t mention the big win to husband who is more interested in gold than her. Leanne a younger science teacher still living with her mother who guilts her in staying. Both take off in the little rented red Mercedes convertible for the luxury adventure of a lifetime. Leanne to look for the father who deserted her and her mother. Maddy to search for her long ago lover she has never forgotten, to find the answer why he never contacted her. Such a nice adventure as these women learn more about themselves and living life on the high life. So refreshing. Oh, every women reading will urge the women at work to buy a group lottery ticket. I did!
May 21, 2018
The Road Trip by author Susanne O'Leary is a delightful escape. I would love to see this made into a movie! I enjoyed every page I read and it was just the escape I needed. I loved it...Uhmmm did I say I enjoyed the book? Oh, Ok. Seriously, sometimes you need a bit of a girl's escape and this book was great. I like the characters of Maddy and Leanne being acquaintances through the school where they work and were partners in winning the lottery. They are not best friends, so don't expect synchronism in the beginning, but they soon learn to accept each other's differences. I don't want to post spoilers, but I laughed through so many scenes and then I also felt the emotions of the serious scenes. Love little Bridget!
Thank you, Susanne, for my little armchair escape!
Thank you, Susanne, for my little armchair escape!
May 18, 2018
The Road Trip is the first book I’ve read by Susanne O’Leary and I loved it. I read the majority on a three hour train ride as I found I just couldn’t put it down.
Warm, fun and a great light-hearted summer read this book will appeal to many. I adored both of the main characters. Practical Maddy, the sensible French teacher, mother and wife and Leanne, the wild one.
Tho book has a great story that flows well from chapter to chapter and you feel almost as if you’re on the trip with them. I can highly recommend this book as a fabulous summer read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.
Warm, fun and a great light-hearted summer read this book will appeal to many. I adored both of the main characters. Practical Maddy, the sensible French teacher, mother and wife and Leanne, the wild one.
Tho book has a great story that flows well from chapter to chapter and you feel almost as if you’re on the trip with them. I can highly recommend this book as a fabulous summer read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.
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