Equal parts quirky and sad, this is a special book. If you loved the movie Homeward Bound as a child of the 80s/90s, you will like this one.

Almost everything in this book worked for me. The characters are flawed and believable, but also very, very funny. PJ, an elderly retired mailman and former lottery winner, goes to his ex-wife's house very morning to enjoy breakfast with her and her new gentleman friend. Pancakes the cat (who has a knack for sensing when a person is living their last days) is both a menace to the bird population and a comfort to people who are dying (even if they don't know it yet). When PJ is named guardian of some family members he didn't even know existed, they embark on the road trip of a lifetime and have some hilarious adventures along the way.

The "found family" element of this story is strong and I enjoyed it very much. There's a lot of sadness in this book, but it has a tremendous amount of heart and hope.

If you read Annie Hartnett's previous book Unlikely Animals and enjoyed it, this one should be a home run for you.

4.5 stars. Big thanks to the publisher for an ARC!

An old man, his daughter and two orphaned children set out on a road trip to find his recently widowed high school sweetheart. It’s amazing how light and fun this managed to feel while covering so many dark topics. Big Little Miss Sunshine vibes. This author has such a singular, whimsical style that won’t be for everyone but really works for me. It’s the kind of book you could recommend to anyone and they’d find something to love in it.

Thank you to @RandomHouse and #NetGalley for the DRC of #TheRoadtoTenderHearts. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

I'm a fan of Annie Hartnett. I like the way she writes quirky, flawed characters you fall in love with and stories that are just a little fantastical, but still plausible.

The book starts with a tragedy that quickly brings our characters together. When Luna & Ollie are suddenly orphaned, CPS places them with their only living relative - their grandfather's brother - who they have never met. Uncle PJ is a bit of a mess - divorced, alcoholic, prone to heart attacks and running out of money after winning the lottery. But he's got a plan. He'll take the kids on a road trip to Arizona. They'll see America on the way to Tender Hearts, where PJ plans to propose to his recently widowed high school sweetheart. What could possibly go wrong?

I really fell in love with these characters and seeing their transformation throughout the story.

Annie Hartnett is back with another zany, heartfelt story, which opens with an animal moment that only Hartnett could pull off. Pancakes the cat resides at a local nursing home in Pondville, a small town nestled in the armpit of Massachusetts. The animal's presence, we discover, isn't comforting like you would expect to the home's elderly residents mainly because when Pancakes come a-knocking, whoever he visits dies shortly thereafter. When word breaks out in the local paper that the nursing home cat can predict death, residents run from him, one patient jumping out of their window to escape the Agent of Death. But Pancake's adventures are just beginning as he finds his way into the arms of sixy-three-year-old, million-dollar lottery winner PJ Halliday after running away.

With PJ's ex-wife officially moving on with someone else and his lottery winnings quickly running out, he is searching for a fresh start. He learns from the obituary of his high school rival that his first love, Michelle Cobb, is finally single. Convinced this is his chance at happiness, PJ plans a cross-country road trip to Arizona to win her back.

But life throws him another curve ball, and PJ suddenly becomes the guardian of his estranged late brother's grandkids. PJ considers canceling the trip, but Ollie & Luna smartly pitch why they can't return. Hartnett writes, "Kids need time to grieve after tragedy." It was something Ollie read in one of the books at the foster home. "We need time to trust our new caregiver and adjust to life after loss. We might withdraw or act out or even get violent." Luna was impressed with this pitch. He wasn't usually clever like this. She was the clever one, and he went along with it."

The pitch is a roaring success, so PJ packs up the kids and his adult daughter Sophie for support and hits the road with the cat in tow. A luck would have it, Luna believes her biological father is a soap opera star, and a side trip to reunite her with her dad at a soap opera convention becomes a perhaps misguided but heartwarming side quest.
The shenanigans we go on with this hodgepodge crew are hysterical and written in a way only Hartnett can manage. Pancake's special gift for predicting death persists in alarmingly dark ways on the road, Luna shoplifts and carries a purse filled with hysterical oddities from their travels, and Sophie's bond with her dad renews as the two discover more about her years growing up. Your heart will be pulled in all different directions, especially as the story concludes with a gorgeous twist.

I loved every minute of this laugh-out-loud road trip adventure, which contained heart-aching surprises and hilarious comedic bits that showcase Hartnett's unmatched timing for spinning an incredible story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for gifting me with an ARC of Annie Hartnett’s newest novel, The Road to Tender Hearts. In exchange for the early copy I offer my honest review.

Annie Hartnett really knows how to create quirky whimsical stories, as Rabbit Cake remains one of my most favorite debuts of all time. So when I read the blurb for her newest novel I was sure Road to Tender Hearts, would be another memorable reading experience. Unfortunately, this book didn’t land quite right for me. It was too goofy, too absurd and wayyy too heavy. I felt a lot of the themes explored here were very similar to both of Hartnett’s previous novels. I love the playfulness of Hartnett’s imagination but I’d like to see her try her hand at something slightly different- Sorry, but this book falls into the borrow not buy category for me.

Come for the humor, the summer road trip vibe and the found family trope done to perfection, but stay for the insights on humanity and a fresh perspective on what storytelling means. I laughed and cried multiple times. This is truly the kind of book you should just dive into without knowing too much of the premise, but in my mind it takes the very best elements of the following books and blends them into a beautiful but unique whole: The Second Ending by Michelle Hoffman, The Sweet Spot by Amy Poeppel, Family Family by Laurie Frankel, The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman, Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson and Starter Villain by John Scalzi. That may sound like a lot, and IT IS. Hartnett does so much that you’d think it would be too much, but it is absolute perfection. I’ll be thinking about, laughing about and crying about this one for a long, long time.

Thank you so much to the author, Net Galley and Ballantine Books for the early copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a delight. Make no mistake, this book is dark. Like, a lot heavier subject matter than I expected, especially with such a lovely book cover like this one! Almost every type of abuse is mentioned here, and death is a constant theme, but despite this, it still somehow manages to maintain its levity and lighthearted humor without ever feeling cloying. This is difficult to do and I feel like the author balanced this really well.

The characters were so incredibly frustrating at times (looking at you, PJ) but yet still so lovable and you were rooting for them the entire time. They were all so so openly flawed, but I think that is what made it work. It flowed so well, I laughed out loud, felt for these characters, and was so pleased with the way this all wrapped up.

I’m now on a quest to read the author’s backlist. This was really a gem and I recommend to all!

The Road to Tender Hearts publishes on April 29, 2025 and I know it won’t be for everyone, but damn was it the book for me.

If you are familiar with Hartnett’s previous works you will already anticipate that TRTTH is going to be a little weird—and you would be right, it’s just the right amount of weird. The book starts with a murder suicide and segues into a heart-warming road trip with the most endearing cast of characters—PJ an optimistic alcoholic who is off on an adventure inspired by his mother (and to escape from traumatic memories of loss), siblings Ollie (who is the sweet to his sister’s sour) and Luna—who are on the search for Luna’s possible soap-star biological father, Sophie the newly unemployed, unmoored, and running-fanatic daughter of PJ, and Pancakes the tabby cat, a harbinger of death.

TRTTH is equally touching and hilarious. There is an abundant amount of tragedy and trauma that fills the pages (consider this a sign to check out the TWs) but the levity and story of family, forgiveness, and redemption far outshines the suffering.

The journey from Massachusetts to Arizona was an outlandish amalgamation (say that 3 times fast) of hurt and hope, loss and love, tears and triumphs, with the best collection of unique and lovely characters that I can recall being in a novel (even the side characters that we spend a mere several pages with were fantastic). I loved this book and I cannot wait for everyone else to read it.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this advanced digital copy.

* I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.

I truly loved this book! I even slowed down how fast I was reading so that I could savor every page. It’s such an unlikely group of family members that get together for a wild cross-country road trip. Can this be considered to found family even if they are already technically family??Because that’s basically the vibe of this book. Luna and Pancakes are my favorite characters but Hartnett does such a fantastic job of making you fall in love with each and every one along their journey.

I have already recommended this book and will continue to recommend it! And I will finally read my copy of Unlikely Animals (hopefully) soon!

Overall, I’m very disappointed with this rock. Her first two books are some of my favorites of all time. This book felt absurd, not weird and quirky like the other two. I will continue to always pick up her books, but I am sad about her newest.

LOVE, LOVE LOVED it!!!!!!! I absolutely loved "Rabbit Cake " and "Unlikely Animals, " so I was so excited to read this book. It definitely didn't disappoint. Annie Hartnett's books are magical. The characters come to life. I felt like I was right there with PJ, Kate, Luna, Ollie and Pancakes on their crazy, wild adventure. What doesn't happen on their way to Texas? Everywhere they stopped was an experience all on its own. Not sure I would have wanted to go on this trip, especially if Pancakes decided he loved me and wanted to spend time with me. I loved that cat, but also feared him. He was the Grim Reaper of cats. An orange furred agent of death. He was so loving, traveled well and would even wear a leash. Loved when PJ said he didn't recognize his cat (Pancakes) because he got a haircut. Was the social worker really doing her job when she allowed Ollie and Luna to stay with PJ? PJ tries his hardest but he really needs Ivy and Fred around. I love their relationship, although Ivy and Fred enable PJ. Ivy clips all the newspapers, feeds PJ breakfast every morning, does all of his shopping... just to name a few. I kept wondering how $1.5 million would last that long. PJ won the lottery eight years ago. He constantly gives money away, except to his brother. Getting back to the crazy trip. My favorite stop was Big Kevin's Alpaca Ranch. I want an alpaca or two. Naturally, Pancakes had to go sit on the lap of Big Kevin's wife. So she's probably dead. Who knew soap star events are so crazy? Then throw in a hungry alligator, T. Boone Pickens. The museum of puppets was creepy. A Texas police officer thought they had a dead body in their car, but no it was just a wax arm. I'm not sure the kids or PJ would have survived if Kate wasn't along for the ride. They definitely wouldn't have survived without Pancakes. PJ's determination to marry Michelle Cobb, even though he hasn't seen her since high school. Pancakes loved staying at Tender Hearts Retirement Community. Can't imagine why!!! I loved this book so much. The ending!!! I might have teared up knowing what was eventually going to happen. I wanted to keep reading about everyone and see what they were up to. I hated when it was over. This was definitely one of my favorite reads.

Definitely recommend the book. The book was full of surprises, there were hilarious moments, along with serious and emotional ones. You never know what's going to happen. Loved the characters, story and writing style- everything about the book. It was AMAZING!! Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Road to Tender Hearts: A Novel by Annie Hartnett from Ballantine Books via NetGalley. This book is expected to be published on April 29, 2025.

Annie Hartnett has a way of writing books that I just love to read. I think some of it is her dark sense of humor, but I mostly think it is the way she incorporates animals into her stories. They aren't just set dressing. The Road to Tender Hearts delivered on that again. I've done my share of road trips, but I don't think any of them have been quite this eventful. It reminded me a bit of National Lampoon's Vacation in that way. This is a little bit of spoilers, but the part about the soap opera convention was really spot-on. It makes me think Annie may have been to one...for research? If you want to read something that will lightly tug at your heartstrings but will mostly make you laugh, you will want to get a copy of this as soon as you can.

Bonus points for Pancakes who should have his own series.

Pancakes the cat is the absolute best character in this wonderful story. The carful of family members traveling across country are full of surprises. There were many laugh out loud moments and some very serious scenes. I really enjoyed the writing and the ending.

Found this one to be interesting but forgettable.
The cat really got me! But the main character and overall road trip took me out of it.

After reading and loving Unlikely Animals, I was happy to be granted the opportunity to read The Road to Tender Hearts through netgalley. Annie Hartnett is known for humorous, heartwarming, whacky plots and this is no exception. This time, Hartnett’s story involves a senior citizen looking to reunite with his high school crush, his daughter, two orphaned kids and a cat that can predict (or is it cause?) death.
The story is bonkers. It goes from one weird plot point to another. The characters are ones your heart just goes out to. PJ is 63, alcoholic and still dependent on his ex-wife to take care of him. But in a fluke, he finds himself the guardian of two siblings. I appreciated that PJ struggled to find sobriety. Likewise, Hartnett doesn’t try to paint two kids who are wise beyond their years. These kids have never known stability and it shows. More than anything, they want to be able to rely on an adult. And Sophie is realistically painted as the child of an alcoholic.
I’m not a cat fan, but Pancakes was probably my favorite character. The anthropomorphism didn’t feel overdone.
The book moves at a brisk pace. The humor isn’t laugh out loud funny, and often is more poignant than dark. I loved the twists at the end and didn’t see them coming. There were quite a few loose threads left dangling, so folks expecting everything tied up with a neat bow will be disappointed. But such is life.
My thanks to Netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.

4 stars

This feels like a '90s holiday feel-good movie, with cheesy scenes and funny moments throughout.

The story follows 60-year-old "man-child" PJ Halliday as he embarks on a road trip with his 'children' and a certain orange tabby cat. I loved his chaotic mind—there were so many moments where I gritted my teeth at his antics. He was both frustrating and endearing, and despite his flaws, I could see why his ex wife still held him dear.

My favorite characters was Sophie, the most 'normal' one from this bunch haha and I related to her so much, especially when she voiced a fear that hit me right in the gut :

"I am afraid this is all i will ever have, and that I will feel sad and empty forever"


This was a bit cheesy for my taste, but i will still give it 4 stars, because i enjoyed it and this made me awake till 1 AM (always a sign of a good read) Plus, it taught me a fun fact I never knew: when an alpaca gives birth, it’s called an unpacking! Who knew?

Note : Thank you Ballantine Books for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved Hartnett's debut novel, Rabbit Cake, and enjoyed her sophomore novel, Unlikely Animals, though the latter doesn't stick with me at all. While The Road to Tender Hearts does feature some of the quirkiness I associate with Hartnett, I found this book a bit stranger and less enjoyable than her others. Road trip novels can be a fun escape, but the road trip in this one is a bit slow in coming, and the stops along the way are a mixed bag. However, what I liked least about this novel were the anthropomorphic objects and animals that appear throughout (several animals, houses, etc). The characters themselves are fine, but not astounding, and the protagonist PJ is a bit unbelievably naive and simple for a man in his 60s who has lost a daughter and been divorced. To be fair, there are some witty and fun moments, and the children are unique and enjoyably odd. There is also the occasional heartfelt scene, but overall, this book dragged a bit and lacked Hartnett's usual magic.

THE ROAD TO TENDER HEARTS was such an absolute delight to read that it made me feel so fortunate that I was able to experience reading this book. It's easily one of my favorite books in the past year. There's so much humor, heart, and healing in this book that it felt therapeutic. Who knew a book with so much death in it could be so incredibly funny, charming and heartfelt? Found family, forgiveness, resilience, bettering oneself and finding the love and good even in the craziest of situations...so many great wholesome moments that reminds us of the beauty of life.

I deeply cared for all the characters in this book and loved them dearly. And I really admired the writing and frankly am in just awe of this author. I can't wait to read her other work and whatever she decides to grants us with next!!

Much gratitude to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Ms Hartnett does it again & is propelled to my personal "auto-buy" author list. All of the main characters had appeal & had me rooting for them; the storyline hooked me in from the start, was very engaging. Would love to see follow-up tales of this cast of characters! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for this ARC opportunity.

*Just a heads up, this novel is full of possible triggers, and I'll add a content warning at the end.*
I have heard wonderful things about Annie Harnett's writing, and I have to agree. To take content like this and make it not only touching, but darkly comedic in moments is no small feat. If you've ever faced a life altering tragedy you realize that humor shows its face at the oddest of times. This novel read as being honest even with the smidge of magical realism.

P.J. is a man whose life has been wrought with tragedy. He also happens to be a lottery winner. Upon hearing that his high school crush is a new widow, he decides a cross-country road trip is in order to reconnect and finally get his happily ever after. Before he can leave, P.J. inherits his estranged brother's orphaned grandchildren. He invites his daughter Sophie along because he knows he's going to need a hand. There's also the small matter of his license being revoked from multiple DUIs. Sophie's resentment towards her father is felt in each exchange. My heart went out to her. P.J. also brings the former nursing home cat, Pancakes, who predicts death.

I'm keeping the description ⬆️ rather vague to avoid spoilers because I read this without any prior knowledge, and I think it added to the experience. The characters are well drawn with flaws and heartwarming growth. P.J. is a character that is easy to find frustrating, but I felt like he was written true to his personality and circumstances. His behavior made sense even when I wanted to yell at him. The entire cast of characters had interesting arcs. No one felt glossed over. The pace kept me flying through the pages. The intricate detailing in the plot made this layered story impossible to put down. I cared about each of these characters and wanted them to find their own slice of happiness.

Will this road trip end in bliss for P.J. and his unlikely band of travelers?

There are so many possible triggers in the novel I can't say with certainty that my list is complete.
**Content Warning**
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Suicide
alcoholism
cancer
drug use
sexual abuse
arson
murder
poisoning
death of a child
divorce
A LOT of DEATH

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House-Ballantine for providing an Advance Reading Copy for review. All opinions are my own.