This book was so cute. It follows Grace and her mom Loralynn as they take on a road trip to Graceland, Memphis. Along the stops not only do they learn more about Elvis and Loralynn’s love of The King, but they also learn more about each other and what it looks like to repair a mother-daughter relationship.

Based off the cover I really thought this was going to be a lighthearted, romcom read. It’s styled in the same way as many other romcom authors and the book cover is what pulled me in because of that assumption. You know what they say though, don’t judge a book by its cover! This book may have parts that are lighthearted but for the most part it doesn’t and the author took alot from her life and translated it into this book. It’s a wonderful read regardless. It’s about trauma, renewal, and growth. The road-trip taken with her mom brings back old friends, new friends, and of course, Elvis.

I was expecting more of a fun romp, but this was actually a pretty serious book, although there were a few comical moments. Overall, I enjoyed it, and the ending gave me hope.

The fun, colorful cover design and the word Graceland (a place I’ve visited) is what caught my eye about this book, but that suggestion of whimsy was quite misleading. For a few pages I expected to be writing a review that gave comp titles for fans of books like ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ by Emily Henry. However, that is not the case; at the same time the parent- daughter relationship in ‘A Thousand Miles to Graceland’ is not quite as bad as that of Jeanette Walls in ‘The Glass Castle.’ The author’s final notes at the end of the book make it clear that there are many autobiographical elements in these 200 pages and that getting this story down in print was somewhat of a catharsis for her. I neither looked at the back of the book nor did I search for the reactions /reviews from other people. So as I read, I kept expecting more of a happy end to the road trip. Thank you to the Forever imprint of Hatchette Book Group and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

The cover of this book is very deceiving. It looks like a book in the style of Tessa Bailey or another lighthearted writer. The story itself is great, a tale of family trauma and bonding between generations but I do not think it is being marketed appropriately. I know you should not judge a book by its cover, but this is like pulling a switcheroo on the reader.

I was only expecting a fun road trip read, but this delivered much more. Grace's family had many problems while she was growing up and she escaped Texas for Boston as soon as she could. Her mother, Loralynn, one of the few Chinese on their military base, sought refuge in all things Elvis. Figurines, clothes, beehive hair, you name it, she did it, much to the chagrin of young Grace. When Grace's husband declares their troubled marriage over, Grace decides heading to El Paso and driving with her mama to Graceland in honor of her 70th birthday the thing to do. The drive, of course, comes to symbolize much more, with stops to see old friends, make new friends and see Elvis worthy sites on the way to Graceland itself.

A story of trauma, forgiveness, and healing, all set on a mother/daughter road trip that starts out with a daughter trying to escape both her unfulfilling life and the guilt of abandoning her mother and ends with love and understanding.
Grace Johnson is a tough character to connect with at first, in part because she doesn't seem quite there. The blurb talks about her living on autopilot and it's an excellent description of her life and attitude towards things. But her mother's request to join her on a dream road trip from El Paso to Graceland arrives just as she needs an escape and things are off on a fun and heartfelt adventure.
As the story progresses, you get to see more of the awful abusive father Grace had to survive and how her childhood was something that she wanted to escape and get as far away from as possible. Unfortunately, that also meant abandoning her mother and avoiding her as much as possible, even after her father died. It made Grace shut herself off from almost everyone and avoid getting close to people, even her husband. But the road trip gives Grace and her fun, Elvis-loving mother a chance to spend time together and see things from each other's perspective. It makes for a great story of forgiveness and understanding that takes the time to include fun and heartfelt moments that endear the characters to you.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the emotional read!

With such a cute cover, I was ready for a cute dysfunctional redemption story of a mother and daughter and they travel around visiting previous Elvis locations. I thought it would be light and funny and cute. Instead, there are some pretty heavy themes in here. And definitely a case of where I wasn't so sure the daughter being estranged from her mom was such a bad thing.

I know others loved this story so if this sounds like it will work for you, go check those glowing 4 & 5 star reviews as I'm sure you will love it. This one just wasn't for me. I didn't find the mom's reasons to be enough or the daughter's PTSD from very real abuse to be so heartbreaking. I did like the little bit of romance and thought that rounded out the MC well. I really didn't like the mom. I wish I'd loved this one.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

This light-hearted cover includes a more serious story than I expected. Chase’s debut takes you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions and leaves you on a definite high. The mother/daughter relationship is fraught with danger and Chase demonstrates that in spades. I recommend this novel.
#AThousandMilesToGraceland

A mother daughter roller coaster of emotions road trip of a lifetime!



Grace leaves Boston to drive her mom on a birthday road trip to Graceland. This is her mother's dream trip, Loralynn has loved Elvis Presley and his music forever. Their relationship is strained. Their first stop is Grace's childhood home. She gets reacquainted with Wyatt and his mother.

They go on a few stops one of which is a haunted house which is closed.

Mama wouldn't tell Grace everywhere they were going but she would yell out turn left here when they got to a place she wanted to stop at. This made me laugh.

I liked the big purple convertible. I was totally along for the ride in this story.

I liked that Grace was going to therapy and how childhood issues came up in her memories during the book.


I really liked the Elvis tidbits thrown in.

I liked how they listened and talked to each other.

We learn ed a lot about Grace and her brother and parents and it was well written.

I literally felt the gamut of emotions from laughter and joy to sorrow and pain. I laughed and cried and enjoyed. I yelled once too.


I've never been to Tupelo nor Graceland but they are on my bucket list for sure.

I grew up listening to Elvis and watching his movies. There was a pizza place that showed his movies on weekends.

Since there are a few heavier topics I hesitate to call the story joyful but I loved the range of experiences and emotions and Graces growth from on being a dutiful daughter calling her Mama when necessary to really connecting with her mother.

Mama was just a hoot. Loved her so much!


I savored and relished this book. I liked Asha and Wyatt too.


I have been really talking about this book constantly. Every customer MUST read it
In my opinion.


Thank you to net Galley the author and publishers for this awesome book!


4. 1\2 stars

This was an easy read and really fun. Grace and her Mom begin a thousand mile journey to Graceland. Her Mom loves all things Elvis. They make lots of stops along the way. Grace and her husband have decided to get a divorce. Grace feels sad and lonely but she is doing the trip for her Mom. Almost at the end of the trip Grace discovers her Mom has cancer. They finish the trip her Mom gets treatments and all ends well. A great book for book clubs to read.

Grace Johnson is tired, stressed and done. Work has not been good, her husband is divorcing her and her crazy mother’s seventieth birthday wish is a trip to Graceland to visit the King. Problem is that her mother lives in El Paso, Texas, wants to drive to Memphis and they only talk once a month.
The journey opens up many topics between them including the reason her mother continues to collect Elvis memorabilia and dress like Pricilla Presley who she hates.
1000 Miles to Graceland provides so much scenery. Growing up in Odessa, I had traveled many of the roads that she describes in so much detail that I was able to picture where she was on the interstate and some of the little out of the way places. I was expecting more humor especially knowing that Loralynn still dresses in sequins and a beehive. Kristen Mei Chase provides so much detail that the reader can fill the embarrassment that Grace felt as a child and an adult. I was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster and the topics that often affect us all. 1000 Miles to Graceland leaves the reader wanting to take that road trip with our families to learn more, understand why and overcome.
Thank you NetGalley, Kristen Mei Chase and Forever Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! It was incredibly nostalgic for me, as I grew up with an Elvis-loving relative. Hearing the characters visit so many places that I've been put me right back into being a kid and going on a road trip to Graceland! Kristen Mei Chase did a wonderful job outlining the nuances of relationships between mothers and daughters, and how strained they can be though neither party knows or understands why. It was unexpectedly emotional in the best way!

This was a really sweet and emotional book about a mother-daughter relationship that had been through lots of ups and downs. I loved the Elvis aspects and learning about their relationship. I thought the medical aspects and recovery were a little unrealistic, but I still thought it was very enjoyable.

This was such a wonderful read. I loved that Elvis was the reason that the daughter always resented her mom, and she barely spoke to her as an adult. But when her Mom was turning Seventy, her mom asked her to take a trip to Graceland with her. She finally obliged. From El Paso to Graceland, was such a treasure trove of memories and forgiveness, thanks to Elvis.

Such a heartwarming, uplifting journey as mother and daughter finally reunite after years of antagonism.

A Thousand Miles to Graceland is a mother/daughter adventure where the pair travel from El Paso, Texas to Memphis, Tennessee to live out the mother’s fantasy (obsession?) with Elvis and lifelong dream to see Graceland (his home). Throughout this novel they grapple with their complex past and navigate through reestablishing their connection (despite present obstacles). I would give this a 3.5/5, but have marked it as a 3. This book does a good job balancing between the journey through grief and also finding joy/yourself again. The nods to Elvis were an endearing touch. I like how the mother/daughter relationship developed during the book, and the author’s voice worked well with the topics covered. I thought this was generally very easy to read, and I never got the sense of feeling bogged down despite the heavier topics.
Trigger Warnings: abuse and cancer

What a beautiful book and a heartwarming and poignant story about family, identity, and the power of music. The novel follows the journey of 16-year-old Olivia as she embarks on a road trip with her mother to visit Graceland, the home of her idol, Elvis Presley. Along the way, Olivia discovers the truth about her family's past and learns to embrace her own identity.

Chase's writing is engaging and evocative, transporting the reader to the sights and sounds of the American South. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, with Olivia's journey of self-discovery serving as a powerful anchor for the narrative. The incorporation of Elvis Presley's music adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the story, making it a must-read for fans of the King.

Overall, "A Thousand Miles to Graceland" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page. Thank you Forever Books for an advanced copy of this book!

This was a cute story about healing a strained mother/daughter relationship.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC.

One thing about me is that I love a mother/daughter bonding road trip! This was a sweet trip of a mother & daughter on their journey to Graceland and their healing journey along the way as well.

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever Grand Central for the opportunity to read A Thousand Miles to Graceland by Kristen Mei Chase. They was a fun road trip book and so much more.