Maps for the Getaway: A Novel

by Annie England Noblin

If you love Susan Mallery, you won’t want to miss this
novel of three high school friends who find themselves emotionally fractured
when tragedy strikes, so they go on a road trip they’ll never forget and
rediscover what made them “best friends forever.”

It was the road trip of their lives . . . and they did it
without a map.

When they posed for a photo at their high school graduation,
they vowed they’d be friends forever, but teenage promises are so easily
broken, and now, thirty years later, they’re practically strangers.

Cici—stuck in a rut, married to a cheating husband.

Genie—caring for her ailing father but never getting any
thanks.

Kate—everyone knows people who look perfect on Instagram are
not.

And Laurie—the most successful of them all—now tragically
gone.

So, to celebrate Laurie’s life,  three former friends in a 1962 red Lincoln
Continental convertible take the road trip of their lives—encountering male
strippers, a boy band that has seen better days, crazy motel rooms, adopting a
so-ugly-it’s-cute stray dog…and discovering that it’s never too late to live
the wild life.
















Because, sometimes, to find yourself you have to get away. 

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Road Trip, Womens Fiction, Audiobook, Summer

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2021

About the author

Writer. Mother. Wife. Bulldog enthusiast. Curly hair afternoon.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Road trip story! I loved this book so much!
Three women who have been friends since Jr. High set out on a road trip to honor their friend Laurie whom has just passed away. They are headed to Vegas to see their favorite boy band from high school in a classic Lincoln convertible. Along the way they encounter a bus full of male strippers, pick up a dog who is handicapped, learn about how each of them is facing huge life changes and so much more. This book had me laughing, crying and cheering them on. I loved all the main characters and enjoyed their adventures together.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maps for the Getaway is a sweet story about friendship and navigating through grief. It's perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins and Jill Shalvis. I loved the idea of a road trip to see a favorite boy band. I met up with my best friend one year to see a NKOTB reunion tour and this novel reminded me of that experience. (However, ours was much less chaotic!) I liked all three women and found them relatable in different ways, even if I wasn't experiencing what they were. 

The story had a comforting feel to it, even when everything was going wrong for the women. There was a lot of humor as well as some emotionally powerful moments. The descriptions made it easy to visualize people and places throughout the story, without taking away from the narrative. The dogs in the story were so cute and I love how they picked their own names.

My only concern was that I felt like some things came too easy for the women. If something went wrong on the trip, suddenly a solution was right in front of them. I would love to have Kate's skills for getting what I want all the time! 

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and it was a fun, escapist read. 

Movie casting suggestions:

Genie: Kether Donohue
Kate: Jaimie Alexander
Cici: Emily Wickersham
Troy: Luke Benward
Ben: Michiel Huisman
Wade: Paul Wesley

Originally posted at Chick Lit Central, along with a giveaway.

[Shannon Rochester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a book I chose based on the cover and the title...Three women in a car on a road trip? Yes, please. I typically love those books because they are so much fun...throw in a little growth and you have a great book. This one did not disappoint at all. There WERE four friends back in high school but they have lost one along the way...and they also did not keep in touch with each other as best friends should. The funeral brings that back together and the choice they make afterwards REALLY brings them back together. They decide to drive to Vegas to see their favorite boy band from high school. I mean, really, are they still called boy bands at that age? lol...I absolutely loved this book. I wanted to hang out with those girls myself a time or two. Throw in that I was picturing Jane from Jane the Virgin as Genie and the Backstreet Boys as the boy band and it was an amazing adventure. :)

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given this 4 stars if it had been edited better. This story was overall pretty good and I really enjoyed the relationship and the journey these 3 friends took. It started with a few stereotypical characterizations I wasn’t sure I would like - oh, the overweight girl is the only single one? The one who got married out of high school has marriage problems? Really? But, it turned out really good - if not a bit cheesy.

Editing: there was a major chronological error (regarding Genie’s dad teaching at the high school for 36 years - not possible with the storyline about him not teaching until she was 10, and had retired 5 years prior. She’s only 38 in the story. So 10 years to 33 years is 23 years teaching). Genie is written Gene once. And CiCi’s daughter Lily is called by the younger daughters name, Sophie, at the end of the book. Also, better editing would have helped with flow and storyline. Excellent premise - execution could have been better.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about three friends who decide to go on a road trip after the funeral of the 4th friend in their group and, well, I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it. On one hand, I bought it as a beach read, a book I didn't have to work too hard at, and that is just what I got. But, darn it, I wanted just a little bit more. I mean, this is about three friends whose best friend has just DIED. Yet, they don't seem to spend a lot of their time grieving or even reminiscing about her; no, their road trip is more about the car they're driving, and a boy band, not to mention the literal BUSLOAD of male strippers they just happen to meet up with. Each story line ends in just a perfect way...in fact, just the way I guessed they would since the early pages of the book. Be warned: there are no plot twists, no surprises in the story. Just a cutesy little story tied up with a much too convenient bow. Yawn.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review of
MAPS FOR THE GETAWAY
By Annie England Noblin
Gifted & Published by WilliamMorrowBooks
On Sale: 6/15/21 - Purchase Link in my Bio
******
This is your ultimate friend book looking at and making you remembering your high school days and the difficulties that come with it. The Author portrays the 4 main protagonists in each their own way, the popular girl, the cheerleader, the unpopular girl but speaks up for herself and the outcast. I loved how the Author brought them together and knitted a friendship together from the things they had in common. Reading in alternating POV’s, you get to see all sides and thoughts of how important this friendship was to each of them.

Fast forward twenty years and as time and life often does; the women lose their promise to never fall away from one another. Now each woman going through heartache, divorce, cheating husbands has had a profound affect on them all. Miserable in their own right, things can only get worse when one of the women, now a famous writer, dies and ultimately bring the remaining women back together.

The women find solace in their nostalgic friendship and are hesitant about sharing their Instagram perfect lives. Because in real life it’s anything but perfect. The girls decide to celebrate their lost friend’s life by taking a girls trip to see a band in Las Vegas. What happens is a rowdy ride and full of fun with friendships rekindled. And having that bond amongst themselves again brings out the truth to what each one has been holding back.
*****
This is the ultimate road trip, with a feel good vibe that makes you relive the times you experienced and went a little wild. Want to go on a getaway without leaving your house? This book will have you feeling as if you are in the middle of all the action.

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross-country road trip in a classic Lincoln convertible. Three best friends from high school, each facing a crossroads in her life as they approach the end of their 30's, driving from Missouri to Las Vegas to see a reunion concert of their favorite boy band from their teens in honor of their fourth bestie who unexpectedly died two weeks earlier. I didn't want to put this book down. It's filled with laugh-out-loud humor, poignant, heart-tugging emotion, self-reflection, growth, more than a few surprises, hope for the future, and bonds of youthful friendship that may fray over the years but with care and understanding can strengthen and hold solid for a lifetime.

This was my first book by Annie England Noblin. Won't be my last. Add this one to your summer reading list. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having recently finished “Maps for the Getaway” by Annie England Noblin, I am happy to have had the chance for the preview; thank you NetGalley and William Morrow!

This was a story of three childhood friends who decide to take a road trip to honor the memory of their recently deceased friend, Laurie. The trip to Las Vegas was a chance to see what they still had in common and decide if they could overcome the secrets they had kept from each other over the years. Was their friendship strong enough to continue in their ever-changing futures?
The miles spent together in the Lincoln will be the test.

[Vanessa Funk · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light and easy read about a group of middle age friends going on a road trip that they wanted to go on in high school. It just felt like it probably shouldn't have felt that light since the road trip was inspired by their friend's death and each woman had pretty major personal life problems. There were too many perfectly timed meetings on the road trip and none of the characters felt like they could be real people. It was an easy but not particularly satisfying read.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was frivolous and silly. Yes it was a light, quick read, but I needed a little more. It annoys me that the title has no real connection to the book.

[Chris Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie Noblin writes wonderful books!!! This one celebrates women’s friendships in such a real way. CiCi, Genie and Kate show that true friendship can prevail in spite of lots of difficulties.

[Joanie Inlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I laughed out loud, such a fun read:)

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a quick and easy read. Not much depth to be found in this story and although the adventures the friends go on are humorous, I did not like the way it ended with a big red bow and everyone's life now being completed with a man. The best part to me was Pat Sajak and Frank Sinatra!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maps for the Getaway by Annie England Noblin is a wonderful novel of friendship, new beginnings and self-discovery.

Although they have very different family lives, Cici, Genie, Kate and Laurie are best friends from the moment they meet.  And yet, twenty years after their high school graduation, their only communication is the occasional text. But when they learn of Laurie’s unexpected death, they reunite for their dear friend’s funeral.  Afterward, they make an impetuous decision to take a road trip to Las Vegas to attend their favorite teenage boy band’s reunion concert. Cici, Genie and Kate learn each other’s secrets as they laugh, cry and sometimes get angry, during their journey.

Kate is a lawyer whose long hours away from home have led to her recent divorce. Although not surprised, she is hurt their sons decided to live with their father.  Kate has always projected a happy home life, so she has kept quiet about her divorce. Will she tell Cici and Genie that she is now single?

Cici is married to her high school sweetheart and the mother of two teenage daughters. Up until now, she has turned a blind eye to her husbands philandering. But when she sees him with his latest girlfriend, Cici reacts in a very unexpected and public way that goes viral in their small town.

Genie is a kindergarten teacher and she lives in her childhood home. Until recently, she was taking care of father who has Alzheimer’s. But when his condition worsens, Genie has no choice but to move him to an Alzheimer’s unit. Their relationship has always been fraught, but Genie does not let this get in the way of continuing to care for him.

Although Laurie is now gone, she is with her friends in spirit as they make their way from MO to Las Vegas. Genie is a planner who presents a strict schedule for them to follow on their road trip. Unused to taking time off, Kate is a little surprised that she is able to leave work behind. Cici tries to use the time away to come to terms with the end of her marriage. During their trip, they end up in some laugh out loud situations as well as poignant discussions about their lives past and present.

With chapters alternating between different points of view, Maps for the Getaway is a marvelous friendship novel that will resonate with readers. The characters are well-developed but it takes a little time for their individual voices to become distinct. The road trip is interesting with Cici, Genie and Kate finding themselves in some very unusual but funny situations as they unexpectedly meet unique people along the way. Annie England Noblin brings this heartwarming novel to a very uplifting conclusion.

[Maggie Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. I finished 3/4 of it on my flights yesterday. Kate, CiCi & Genie reminded me so much of the friendships I share with my own h.s. group. This book would make a great movie, so vivid in emotions, adventure and characters.

[Charlene Groome · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about best friends and going through life together. They grieve a friend and head out on a road trip, rediscovering themselves and each other.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I put this down for months but was easily able to jump back into the story. It's a simple story and read. A nice reset book but lacked any real depth or character development.

[Gina Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun besties on a road trip story with lots of laughs and omg’s. I really loved the characters! And the dog!!!! Absolutely loved the playlist for each character at the end of the book!

[Linz Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25🌟 Liked the focus on friendships and getting reconnected on a road trip to Vegas but I didn’t connect with the characters.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this as a chosen book for book club. It wasn't what I thought it would be but it was good. It was an easy read, not quite as in-depth as it could have been. Their high school friend died yet they spent way more time focusing on the actual events of the road trip. There was not a lot of reminiscing or grieving happening. It was immature at times (trashing a car?) and unrealistic (happening upon a bus-load of male strippers and hitching a ride?); although, there were also moments that I thought the characters were portrayed as older then they were introduced as (39 is premenopausal?).
This is a good book for a "beach read".

[Misha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It takes you back and makes you text your best girlfriends. I love Annie’s books and I can hear her personality filter out through the pages. Just, read it!

[Cathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was nestled in a display of "summer escapist" reads in one of my area bookstores. I'd read (and liked) many of the other titles on display, so decided to give this a try. Not for me though.

Three women, once friends in high school and now approaching 40, embark on a road trip to see a boys' band reunion concert in the wake of a mutual friend's unexpected death. Mayhem and merriment follow.

Personally, I thought the characters were shallow, borderline stereotypes. The plot and language were homespun and occasionally shamltzy. Also, I never really bought into the friendship - nothing in the story really helped me understand the connection between these women.

The aspect that really bugged me though was that the book felt anachronistic. Aside from the prologue, the book is set in 2020. The entire time I was reading it though, I felt everything seemed closer to 1988 or thereabouts. Also, these women are approaching 40 but treat their life and situations as if they were approaching 50. Trust me, I've been through both life stages and know the difference.

Maps for the Getaway is intended as a feel good book. I dislike writing negative reviews for a feel good novel (somehow it's easier to be critical of other genres!) but again, this one simply didn't work for me.

[Tanya Rumford · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 : Genie, Kate, and CeCe embark on a road trip adventure to Vegas in honor of their late friend, Laurie. But at nearly forty, they certainly aren't teenagers anymore. Shenanigans ensue. 🤣⁣
⁣
Though this one started out slow and rather cheesy, it ended up being pretty cute with a surprising amount of heart and some honestly funny moments. ⁣
⁣
With nineties references aplenty, a bus load of hunky male strippers, and a boy band reunion concert, women of a certain age (30-40) will find this especially amusing. ⁣
⁣
I did wish there would have been a bit more contrast between the three main characters. They all had a very similar voice, which made it hard to feel connected to one girl over the other, or the story as a whole. But by the end, I was right there with them on their trip and was pleased with the conclusion.⁣
⁣
Read this if you're looking for a quick, light read about female friendships, nineties nostalgia, and hitting the open road. ⁣
⁣
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: PG13 (for some mild language and adult situations)⁣

[Laura • lauralovestoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet trip down memory lane! I graduated high school in 2001, so all the early ‘00 references were so fun, and I really enjoyed the bonus playlist for each character at the end, and seeing what songs they would have added.

I loved the theme of friendship, and seeing each POV through alternating chapters as high school friends reconnect and decide to take a road trip to see an old boy band to honor their friend who just passed.

*many thanks to William Morrow for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this, but it was a miss for me. I enjoyed another one of Annie England Nolbin's and I was hoping this would be the same. It all felt too shallow, cheesy, and cliché. The characters were stereotypes and the ending was expected. Her writing was good and there was decent banter between the best friends. I wish there was more story development amongst their conversations instead of it all being spoon-fed to us through internal monologues. It had potential, but never really rose to the occasion.

[Liz Willard · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title of this book is bugging me - I can't find any connection between it and the content of this book. Setting that aside, if you want a light-hearted, fairly frivolous girls-trip book, you might love this one. I found it a little unoriginal, a bit cliched, from the characters to the plot. There are fun moments, scenes that feel a bit more real, but overall this book disappointed.

[Authentikate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple, uncomplicated diversion. Nothing too deep here folks. No major twists or surprises. Just sort of a Point A to B plot with some friends.

It was okay.

[Ahalya Sri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book so much....but didn't. I felt like it was edited too much. As a Gen X-er I totally relate to a lot of the things but it just didn't catch me.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about how high school friendships change and are re-energized years later. Three friends, two of whom still live in the small town they grew up in, gather after a fourth friend dies unexpectedly. They impulsively decide to take a road trip in the car belonging to the father of one of the women to Las Vegas to see the reunion of a boy band they were super fans of in high school. Along the way, they have many humorous mishaps, and their friendship is challenged by some secrets, memories, and relationships.

The characters were a bit stereotypical. Genie, the overweight single kindergarten teacher, stuck in her life in the small town she grew up in (with a horrible father); CiCi, the one who married right out of high school; and Kate, the one who hides behind her picture-perfect Instagram life. Laurie, the one who had the most challenging childhood and who died unexpectedly, was the one who became the most successful of the four.

All is well that ends well, and the story was wrapped up in a neat little bow. I thought it would have been better if it had just ended when they returned home after their road trip; the epilogue was just a little too good to be true. But then again, everyone was happy!

[Peggy Huey · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I started reading Annie England Noblin's book Maps for the Getaway, I couldn't help but see parallels to the 1996 movie starring Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton The First Wive's Club, which starts off with a similar premise. Four high school friends (in Noblin's story, college friends in the movie) vow to be friends forever, yet life allows them to grow apart until one of them dies unexpectedly, bringing the other three back together to face this shared crisis (as well as individual crises) enabling them to bring their lives to some sort of satisfactory resolution. Noblin does a fascinating job allowing Cici, Genie, and Kate to provide individual points of view in alternating chapters as the readers join them on an epic road trip from Missouri to Las Vegas, traveling in the red convertible that belongs to Genie's father to see the favorite boy band from their youth. The version of the book Harper Collins sent me comes complete with playlists for the road for each of the characters and discussion questions for book clubs, who will definitely enjoy discussing this book!