the setup…
It’s the spring of 2014 in Pondville, Massachusetts and Paul (PJ) Halliday was reading the obituaries and saw that his old friend and rival Gene Bartlett had died. Gene married Michelle Cobb, “the one that got away,” and PJ is inspired to drive across the country to the Tender Hearts Retirement Community in Arizona and marry her. Never mind that at 63-years old, PJ hasn’t driven for eight years, is an alcoholic and has had three heart attacks. As he’s figuring out the trip, he’s contacted by social services who wants him to take in his late brother’s grandchildren, 10-year old Luna and 9-year old Ollie, who he never knew existed (they live in the same town) as he hadn’t spoke to his brother in over 40 years. And, a stray named Pancakes, a nursing home therapy cat, turned up near PJ’s home.
the heart of the story…
There’s every reason to write off PJ but it’s impossible. He won $1.5 million in the state lottery years ago and spent most of it charitably. PJ’s relationship with his ex-wife and her boyfriend is extraordinary (they breakfast together everyday) but not so with his 25-year old daughter Sophie who is reluctantly dragged into this road trip. Everything about this adventure screams disaster but somehow this motley crew just deals with every challenge and manages to find solace and healing along the way.
the narration…
Mark Bramhall does all the heavy lifting and is the primary voice of PJ as well as the others. I wasn’t sure at the onset but it didn’t take long for me to adore his storytelling.
the bottom line…
There’s a sweetness to this story while tragedy, despair and sadness surround the travelers. There’s hilarity, poignancy, dark moments and unpredictability but always a sense of hope lurking in the background. And Pancakes? He understands language and has a gift for knowing who will die next. I was hoping for something special…this is that story.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 29, 2025
- Narrator: Mark Bramhall
- Audio Length: 11 hours, 48 minutes
- Publisher: Random House Audio
Listen to an Excerpt!
Blue Mood Café 
Fab review, Jo, glad it was a special listen!
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Thank you, Nicki💜
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What a premise! Great review Jonetta.
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Thanks, Jodie💜 And there’s so much more!
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Can’t wait to read this one!
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I’m hoping it’s a win for you, too, Marialyce💜
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My library is due to come in any day now!
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Really hope you enjoy this, too, Carol💜
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Fun! Great review. Is that a station wagon? That’s old school.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜 It’s actually a Volvo station wagon!
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You had me at sweetness amid despair! I’m adding this to my reading list. Did this book make you cry? I want to be prepared.
https://embracethepandemonium.wordpress.com/
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This story had me experience every emotion. At times, I was laughing out loud in public. At others, I did cry. Highly recommend, Roxanne💜
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This sounds lovely and perfect for summer!
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It’s definitely a lovely story!
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Fab review! I’m definitely intrigued now. xx
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Thank you, Yvo💜 It’s one I think you’d love.
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I’ve added it to my wishlist! PJ sounds like a character I just HAVE to meet. xx
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The cover was not one that caught my eye, but your review sure has, Jo. I will have to see if my library has this one. It sounds like one I would enjoy. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Great review.
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Thank you, Carla💜 You will love this!
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