The Road to Tender Hearts: A Novel

Four broken people and a cat take a road trip in a purloined car. What could go wrong! The enjoyment of this novel (sort of) snuck up on me... partly due to Hartnett's handing of dark topics with dark humor. She had me laughing ... while rooting for everyone in the book! I heartily recommend this delightful novel. I'm a better man for reading it.

I really enjoyed the story. I was definitely not predictable.

This book starts with a bit of a slow pace but the growth through the chapters makes it worth it. A heart felt read through the road trip of a Father/GrandUncle, Daughter/2nd Cousin, Orphaned brother and sister, and a cat who is the agent of death. The plot is filled with such mind spinning back stories that make you empathize with each of the character, roll your eyes with the others, and love the addition of the cat more. This would be a great book for a long escape that would bring you smiles as you turn the page. I would suggest it for book clubs as there are great topics of discussion.

The Road to Tender Hearts takes on tough themes—death, grief, alcoholism, abuse, abandonment—yet delivers them through a quirky, heartfelt family drama played out over a wild road trip. The balance of humor and poignancy is spot on, with moments that made me laugh out loud and others that cut deep.

The characters are flawed but endearing, and Pancakes the cat is an absolute standout—pivotal, funny, and unforgettable. A moving, sharp, and unexpectedly funny read that I really loved.

Favorite quote: "My dad always said a person needs three things to be happy: something to do; someone to love; and something to look forward to."
--Annie Hartnett