Deeply heartfelt and full of spirit, this is a wonderful read that will bring joy through the imperfect situation of PJ Halliday and the children he is a guardian of (Luna and Ollie).

Throughout the book, you get a glimpse of the struggle, PJ, an alcoholic grieving the death of his eldest daughter still faces 15 years after her passing. He wants to do sweet and kind things for the children he is a caregiver for but is imperfect and still negotiating his relationship with his youngest daughter, Sophie.

The roadtrip they all take together deepens the reader’s understanding of each of their needs. They are also accompanied by Pancakes, a cat who can predict death. Pancakes’ storyline woven throughout helps bring more humanity to the journey.

Thank you to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. I admit I have sat on this review a bit as I didn’t want to write it. I am the unpopular opinion. I did not like this book. I have enjoyed this author, so I struggled with different this one hit for me.

PJ Halliday who is codependent on his ex-wife and her now husband, is a lottery winner (a typical now broke-ish one), gets two kids “left” to him when his terrible brother’s grandchildren are left orphans through a horrible and somewhat ridiculous murder suicide situation. He reluctantly takes the kids but then decides they will go with him on a road trip to marry his long ago high school girlfriend whose long time husband has just died. Yep, you read that right. PJ is 66, not an impulsive, selfish kid, but yet, that is exactly what he is and shows himself to be again and again.

He heads out to his HS girlfriend’s retirement community. He doesn’t even call ahead, but he ropes in his frustrated adult daughter to help him on this foolish and unplanned odyssey with kids who are grieving and also don’t know him. The horrible plan turns out to be mostly that, a horrible plan with some mad cap tangents where I wanted to like PJ a little but also am grateful he is not in my real life. I whole heartedly believe that people should never be told they are “too much” but this guy…too much.

*It’s important to note that PJ’s own daughter died when she was a teenager explaining why his wife left, many marriages don’t survive the loss of a child, and his estrangement with his younger daughter. He doesn’t recognize his own grief which is likely why he walks over everyone else’s. He is also an alcoholic who occasionally tries recovery, so his immaturity makes some sense. Often addicts stop maturing when the addiction begins, for PJ that’s about right. But also, I am making excuses because this if’s often what people do when they can’t explain why someone is such a disaster.

I think I know people like PJ, and that might be my problem with this book. I like to get invested in a story and I just couldn’t.

4.5 stars!

I really enjoyed the latest from Annie Hartnett - she is a master at quirky situations. In her new novel she gives us a road trip and found/actual family coming together through family secrets and A LOT of death. It's funny, it's heartwarming, it's poignant, but yes there is A LOT of death... Not in a creepy way, but quirky/morbid humorous way.

I loved all of the characters and their flaws and motivations, but the quirky death aspect of the book quickly grew a little old to me, especially once I noticed and came to expect it. And it kept coming and coming and coming.

This book is probably best read relatively quickly so this won't be much of an issue, but over the course of several days of reading it did get pretty eye-rolly.

Overall though, the characters and clever plotting made up for it and I would definitely recommend!

Thank you so much to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the gifted ARC!

Title: The Road to Tender Hearts
Author: Annie Hartnett
Pub Date: April 29, 2025

Ugh, these characters have my heart! I felt the widest range of emotions while reading this book! I laughed out loud SO many more times than any books I've read in the recent past and teared up several times as well! There were also many audible "AWW"s I instinctively let out!

Let me just say this: this book is a special kind of humor and sometimes the humor was downright dark and morbid....but oh, did I find this book to be hilarious. If you're a fan of all things unique and quirky, this one is definitely right up your alley!

I think if I had to make some comparisons to previous books I've read, I'd call it a weirder mix of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife and The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern.

Read if you love:

Quirky Humor
VERY unique and memorable characters
Cats
Road Trips
Books revolving around senior citizens

The ending of this book was nothing less than shocking. The whole plot just gets more brilliant the more I think about it! I think this would be such a blast to read with a bookclub, because the discussion would be a total HOOT!

Annie Hartnett, you took me on the wildest and craziest road trip to one of the strangest destinations and I'd 10/10 go on the journey with you again! I'm adding all her backlist books to my TBR and prioritizing them after this!

4.5 stars, rounded up

Darkly comic, this novel slips around constant themes of grief and loss with lighthearted energy. An unconventional group end up on a road trip - a sixty-something alcoholic, his partly estranged adult daughter, and the previously unknown grandchildren of his estranged brother. Joining them is a cat that knows who nearby will die next. As the group road trips to Arizona from New England, they form bonds and begin to heal. All along, the slight magical realism and funny asides keep all the deaths from dragging the story down. I really enjoy the tone of Ms Hartnett's writing (Unlikely Animals is a book I recommend regularly), and I am glad to have had a chance to read this one early.

In the running to be my favorite book of the year so far! I loved every moment of this family/found family road trip novel. I laughed and cried and remain profoundly moved. Annie Hartnett is a gift.

★★★★★
The Road to Tender Hearts (Annie Hartnett - releasing 2025)
e-ARC Review

✧ Read with me ✧ Instagram ✧| @haileydianereads

A massive thank you to NetGalley, Random House, Ballantine Books, and Annie Hartnett for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest book review! 🥰🙌

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy…
- Families who need a second chance
- A cat who can predict death (the harbinger of death)
- Dark comedy (seriously, things get bleak at times)
- Uplifting stories that will reconnect you with your humanity
- Poignant, yet life-affirming, writing that will gut you to your core

SPLENDID! Seriously, of the 30+ books I’ve read so far in 2025, this takes the cake as the overall best book I’ve read. There are so many factors that go into that statement, but I just want to applaud Annie Hartnett for accomplishing such a masterpiece. This novel made me laugh and cry - sometimes, at the same time! Not only is this novel witty and chalked full of ridiculously funny scenarios, but it will hit readers in the heart. From the impact of prolonged grief to a parent who simply cannot get their shit together, this book holds nothing back. Immediately, I’ve added Hartnett’s other novels (Unlikely Animals and Rabbit Cake) to my TBR.

RATING SYSTEM: I rate my books by 5 literary element groupings: plot and pacing, characters and development, setting and world building, dialogue and writing style. See below for a full review:

📖Plot and Pacing
PJ Halliday is simultaneously the luckiest and unluckiest of men. Winning a million dollar lottery? Luckily? The unexpected death of your daughter who was eighteen and only days away from her high school graduation? Unlucky. At 63, PJ has barely lived. He’s only ever left Pondville twice in his life - basic training and Vietnam. Readers meet PJ and will instantly have feelings towards him - good or bad. Maybe both. PJ has spent the last fifteen years drinking to numb his pain and it has cost him his wife and youngest daughter, Sophie. Both can’t help but love him, but have put in place some boundaries for self-preservation. PJ is asked to care for two tragically orphaned kids he’s never met at the same time he decides to take his first cross-country road trip to reunite with “the one who got away.” As Sophie reluctantly agrees to round out the party size to four (plus one deadly cat), PJ leads the way as the rag-tag group starts their journey. The pacing of this whimsical trip to the Tender Hearts Retirement Community slows for no one! Readers should expect an engaging story of hope, resilience, truths, sorrows and second chances.

🧞‍♀️Characters and Development
While the main character, PJ, may not be every reader’s cup of tea, he is written in such an endearing way that leaves the reader feeling that they might be a member of this quirky family. While PJ learns some hard lessons and has to confront truths he’s always known but wasn’t quite ready to come to terms with, readers have a whole cast of characters to enjoy getting acquainted with along the trek. Luna (10) and Ollie (9) are the two children, Irish twins, PJ has recently been given custody of and they’ve endured more trauma in a day than many adults in one lifetime. Sophie, PJ’s eldest, and Ivy, PJ’s ex-wife are still coming to terms with all the ways in which PJ has failed them. Fred, Ivy’s boyfriend, is one of the most patient characters I’ve ever met in a novel. This is the family you can’t look away from when a scene unfolds in public. They’re magnetic and gritty while remaining true to life. The best part about the novel is witnessing these characters grow in ways that seem impossible at the start. The emotional souvenirs from this road trip may prove to be invaluable.

🌇Setting and World Building
Set in the spring/summer of 2014, PJ and his family embark on a road trip from Massachusetts to Arizona. So much of this adventure immerses the reader in the car and alongside the family for meals and motel stops. As a Tennessean, the Waffle House and Cracker Barrel stops felt reminiscent of my own memories and associations with those diners. If you’ve ever taken a family road trip and stopped at some questionable (read mediocre) sites, this is a story that might provide you with some nostalgia.

🗣️Dialogue
One of the most compelling aspects of this story is just how hysterical, yet heart-wrenching, the dialogue is - especially the internal dialogue. It’s smart and witty. It is satirical at times and completely raw at others. There’s something truly beautiful that unfolds once all of the truths are laid out bare for the reader. I could not have enjoyed the character interactions more. At times, the absurdity of the situations or actions seem too much to bear, but in reality, we probably all know someone we can picture saying these exact words. They may have good intentions, but they have no filter and can leave a path of destruction behind them.

📝Writing Style
I STRUGGLE to read (and enjoy) novels where the main character is downright unlikable at times. However, Hartnett’s ability to create a backstory and character arc for PJ that keeps me interested this journey will take him is unparalleled. Truly, Hartnett does what few other writers have been able to convince me of when it comes to redemptive stories. Outside of the character writing, Hartnett’s approach to humor and levity is perfectly placed. I laughed, out loud - loudly at times. The writing felt reminiscent of any great travel. I was so glad I took the journey, but happy to find myself at home in the end. I cannot wait to read her other stories.

❉BONUS❉: Emotional Connection
The entirety of this book was an emotional rollercoaster. There were times when I just could not stand PJ and his decision-making. However, I was often reminded of a loved one who is so similar to his character. At other times in the book, I wanted to hug Sophie and whisper to her that she didn’t always have to be so strong. Wow, wow, wow. This book really did leave me speechless (and in a puddle of tears - happy & sad ones).

😤The Flaws
I always try to find a flaw. Sometimes, I try to find a flaw just so that I feel I did a thorough job critiquing a book. I’m sure this novel may have a flaw or two, but I’m not going to go looking. Nope. For me, this book is flawless. No notes!

I want to move Hartnett’s two other books to the top of my TBR list, but I must stay committed to the cause and continue down my list for the year. I am hoping these can be added later in the year because I am so extremely impressed with Hartnett’s writing style and ability to tell such an engaging story.

Gratitude, always.
- H.

This is the first book I’ve read by Annie and I really enjoyed it! It’s definitely dark and there are some parts in the book that were disturbing. I’d definitely recommend checking out the trigger warnings before reading the book.

I really like PJ. I can relate to him when it comes to not wanting to read about bad stuff that happens. I think he’s ex-wife is sweet and I really like the friendship they have. Things definitely haven’t been easy for him but he decides to take a road trip to Tender Hearts Retirement Community so he can win back his high school sweetheart, Michelle!

PJ is ready for a fresh start! But can his heart handle it?

I really loved the characters in the book! PJ definitely stressed me out at times! I absolutely love pancakes the cat! This was a really cute read but also dark.

I really like Annie’s writing. I definitely plan to read more of her books!

Rating: 🐱🐱🐱🐱
Publication Date: April 29th 2025

Thank you so much NetGalley, Annie and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the eARC!

#TheRoadtoTenderHearts #NetGalley

I am thoroughly enjoying Annie Harnett's works, having read all her books published to date. Her upcoming release, scheduled for April 29th, is truly captivating. This poignant narrative expertly weaves together elements of sadness, hope, humor, and adventure, culminating in a road trip embarked upon by PJ. PJ, a man in his sixties, is uniquely situated, being best friends with his ex-wife and her husband, Fred, while also navigating a complicated relationship with his estranged daughter, Sophie. Furthermore, PJ has recently discovered two previously unknown relatives, and his cat possesses an uncanny ability to sense death. Following a tragic murder-suicide involving his niece, PJ undertakes a road trip to Arizona with his newly formed family to reunite with a recently widowed ex-girlfriend. Concurrently, his ex-wife embarks on a journey to Alaska, while Fred, PJ's best friend and neighbor, plans to propose to Ivy, PJ's ex-wife. The intricate web of characters, each bearing their own scars, serves as a powerful backdrop for a narrative centered on healing and redemption. Through their collective experiences, Annie Harnett masterfully illustrates the human capacity for resilience and the transformative power of interpersonal connections. I found this book deeply moving, as it reaffirms the possibility of happiness and genuine relationships, regardless of past adversity. Annie Harnett's writing is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for hope and renewal. #Netgalley #TheTenderRoadToHearts

This may be the feel good book of the year.

If you loved Frederick Fife definitely check this one out.
It’s a long winding story filled with quirky kids and adults, a roadtrip, a cat named Pancake and some twists and turns.
The story and characters are absorbing and while slight caricatures I loved them all. Especially pancakes. God do I need a cat now?!
4+

“The Road to Tender Hearts” is the story of alcoholic lottery winner PJ and the road trip he takes with his new cat named Pancakes, his youngest daughter, and his great niece and great nephew who he has just assumed guardianship of.

They’re a motley crew who haven’t got much in common except that their lives so far have involved a fair amount of tragedy and heartache. But maybe that’ll all change when they reach the end of their journey?

Although at times I was really stressed out by some of the choices that PJ made, ultimately I fell for each of the characters and was rooting so hard for them each to find a happy ending, whatever that looked like.

I’d highly recommend this book for fans of “Remarkably Bright Creatures”, “Lessons in Chemistry”, Amy Poeppel, or readers who just like a ‘found family’ vibe in general (even though the characters in this book are related, it still gives off that vibe). It’s one of those books that you’ll finish feeling like you just received a warm hug.

The Road to Tender Hearts is a delightful novel that truly has everything I love in a story—family drama, lovable yet flawed characters, themes of found family, and even some lighthearted moments.

PJ Halliday, a former Massachusetts Lottery winner, unexpectedly finds himself taking care of two spirited orphans just as he’s about to head out on a cross-country journey to reconnect with his former almost-girlfriend, Michelle Cobb.

To give you some context... After losing his oldest daughter in a tragic accident fifteen years ago and going through a divorce from the love of his life, PJ turned to drinking and has struggled to maintain sobriety since. Despite their separation, he and Ivy still hold a deep love for each other, so much so that PJ enjoys breakfast at Ivy and her fiancé Fred's house every morning. When Fred announces they’ll be getting married right after their long vacation in Alaska and asks PJ to be his best man, life takes an unexpected turn. Suddenly, PJ becomes the guardian of two young children just as Ivy and Fred are off to Alaska. He turns to his youngest daughter, Sophie, who is dealing with her own challenges and is weary of finding her dad passed out on the streets. Together, Sophie, PJ, the two kids, and a cat embark on their journey, learning valuable life lessons along the way.

This was definitely a FIVE STAR read for me! I can’t wait to dive into more works by this author. A big thank you to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for the ARC!

When 63 year old PJ Halliday sees an obituary for an old high school friend turned romantic rival, he realizes his high school crush is finally single again. He decides to take a cross country road trip to win her over. Only one problem, PJ has also suddenly found himself the legal guardian of his estranged brother's two grandchildren. As PJ, his daughter, and the two children (and a cat named Pancake who may or may not be a harbinger of death) embark on their journey, the begin to help each other unpack the tragedies they've all been through.

The plot of this one was a little fantastical, but I loved it. The book is built upon the backs of some truly awful tragedies, but it still manages to have some really great comedic moments. I absolutely loved the addition of Pancake the cat, who at times felt like the only responsible adult in the book. All of the characters were really well thought out and fully developed, no matter how small their role was. Overall this was a really cute read that pulled on your heartstrings in just the right way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the arc!

This book won’t be for everyone. But for those who enjoy dark comedy, a dash of magical realism, and a lot of quirkiness—all leading to an incredibly sweet ending—this will be pretty much perfect. It’s the dark comedy that I think will hinder some. This is not a light a book. Usually I’d just direct people to check out the content warnings on StoryGraph, but I do think it’s necessary to underscore here that the book deals with a murder-suicide, death of a child, grief, child abuse, and domestic abuse. When trying to describe the book to my husband yesterday, I made the realization that A LOT of people die in this book. So be warned: There is humor to be found here, but it is dark.

The story revolves around the incredibly flawed PJ Halliday. He’s a former lottery winner, though you’d never guess it by looking at him or walking through his home. He’s divorced, but still has breakfast daily with his ex-wife and her boyfriend. He’s an alcoholic, still grieving the death of his eldest daughter 15 years prior. His surviving daughter doesn’t talk to him. When we begin the book, he’s made an impulsive decision to drive across the country to propose to “the one who got away.” (Her husband just died.) But then, PJ unexpectedly finds himself the guardian of two young children—one of whom is convinced that her real father is a famous soap opera star. One thing leads to another and PJ, his surviving daughter, a cat (who can sense when someone is about to die), and the two kids are off on a cross-country trip to confront the soap opera actor, propose, and see the country.

PJ is going to aggravate you. You will downright hate him at times. He makes dumb decisions and is incredibly selfish. But that just means that he can have a really lovely redemptive arc. I would never want to be on this road trip, but goodness I loved reading about it.

I know what to expect from the author, so I loved! Some of the trauma was a little much for me but handled with such care and added humor. Characters were chef's kiss. Bravo!

Annie Hartnett is queen of the dark comedy with her signature brand of quirk, and The Road to Tender Hearts is no exception. This one opens like a Shakespearean tragedy, (namely, R+J), with a cat named pancakes that can predict death added in. PJ Halliday won the lottery, but that is really his only win. His ex wife is happily remarried, one of his kids has died, he's had 3 heart attacks, and is now in surprise custody of his grand niece/nephew that he didn't know existed after the Shakespearean tragedy strikes. He decides a roadtrip to find his HS sweetheart is just what all of them need.

I didn't read the synopsis, but it should have been clear from the title/cover to me that this was a roadtrip book. I really don't like those, and think I audibly groaned. I don't love the tropes: the ragtag band of misfits, the reluctant hero, the obvious metaphors for discovery and transformation, and all that is here, BUT it's Hartnett, so I ended up getting a lot out of this.

The parts that irritated me were just because of personal taste. Readers that enjoy a true heartwarming story should run for this when it publishes April 29th and read Unlikely Animals while you wait. This one ended quite beautifully and cemented it as a win. I'm grateful to Hartnett for helping me and readers everywhere see the magic in the darkest of times.

Once again, Hartnett has created a novel infused with warmth and spiked with humor and sorrow. It’s a combination she pulls off beautifully. PJ Halliday is a flawed hero whose rocky road to redemption I rooted for. The title says it all. And not surprisingly, an animal—this time a tabby cat—plays a pivotal role. Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

I was a big fan of Unlikely Animals, so I was really excited to read Annie Hartnett’s new book, The Road to Tender Hearts. This novel boasts a road trip, a found-family (cat included), and lots of character development. It’s quirky, heart-warming, and, at times, frustrating but lovable (much like its main characters).

PJ Halliday, retired postman and lottery winner with a drinking problem, and his daughter Sophie, who is recently out of work and struggling to find her way, are both endearing and infuriating at times. Ollie and Luna Meeklin, recently orphaned and in the care of PJ, feel like real, complex children who have been through more than their share of trauma and need lots of love. Unfortunately, PJ and his daughter are in need of some therapy themselves, so perhaps they’re not the best guardians for the Meeklin children. But, PJ and Sophie are all they have.

While I enjoyed each character, it sometimes felt overwhelming to force all of them together in this book. I don’t particularly care for the trope of adults overcoming their own trauma by having to suddenly care for children that have their own problems. Children, while they provide so much purpose and love in life, are not a way to magically fix your own problems. The events of the Meeklin children’s lives were a bit too much for me, and I felt like their story was used at times only to further the development of the adult characters. But to be fair, Sophie does point out to her father that children are not as resilient as everyone likes to claim, and that they hurt just as much as adults. “But kids are everything that happens to them. They’re sponges. Everything bad, everything good. Every hurtful thing you say. Every loving one.” Ultimately, I was glad Sophie, who survived her own trauma, was present to speak for the Meeklin children. Without her, the book would not work.

One thing I really enjoy about Hartnett’s writing is the touch of magical-realism she uses to shape the events of her novels. One of my favorite parts of Animals was the narration from the residents of the town graveyard. In Tender Hearts, the character of Pancakes the cat provides that same quality with her occasional commentary (that none of the other characters can hear, of course) and her uncanny ability to predict death. Oh, and there’s a baseball hat that occasionally talks to PJ. These devices are what sets Harnett’s writing apart for me. Overall, I would recommend this book to others, but with a caution about the excessive amounts of trauma that all the main characters have to face.

No one writes quite like Annie Hartnett. She hits right in my sweet spot of handling really heavy topics with a light hand and a lot of humor. I have adored her first two books but this one is easily my favorite. Our main character PJ is 63 years old and about to take off on a road trip from the Massachusetts town he has only ever left once (to serve in Vietnam) to win over his high school sweetheart - the one that got away - at the Arizona retirement community where she has just lost her husband. His plans are delayed when he is tasked with becoming the guardian for Luna and Ollie, the grand-niece and grand-nephew he didn’t know existed after the tragic deaths of their parents. He decides to take the kids on the road trip, along with his adult daughter, Sophie, hoping to see some of the America he has never seen along the way. Oh, and they’re also accompanied by Pancakes, a cat that can predict death. (I deeply loved all these wonderfully quirky characters but Pancakes just may be my favorite.) If I were to describe all the content warnings present in this book (murder-suicide, loss of a child, suicide attempt, child abuse, alcoholism, so much death) and tell you that this book is tender-hearted and funny yet never handles those topics disrespectfully you wouldn’t believe it but all of that is true. This is a story about how the worst thing you can imagine can happen to you and you can somehow manage to not only just keep on going but even to make something truly beautiful out the rest of your life. Hartnett is truly a gifted author - I haven’t encountered anyone quite like her. I will read anything she writes and I absolutely loved this book. Five stars.

This was such a great story. I love pancakes such a great cat. PJ was someone I was rooting for throughout this book. I felt for Sophie, Luna, and Ollie such great characters. The scenes were so well written I could see myself right there with them on the road trip!

I would recommend this book.

I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing for- Ballantine for this advanced reader copy. This is my honest opinion.