The Road to Tender Hearts cover art

The Road to Tender Hearts

A darkly funny, hopeful and uplifting novel about second chances for fans of The Wedding People and Fredrik Backman

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The Road to Tender Hearts

By: Annie Hartnett
Narrated by: Mark Bramhall
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'A moving, unforgettable story about the power we have to change our lives' Alison Espach, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding People

'I loved every page of this wild, weird, big-hearted book' Shelby Van Pelt, New York Times bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures

'Will live on in your heart long after the book is over' Rufi Thorpe, author of Margo's Got Money Troubles

US National Indie and USA Today Bestseller
New England Book Award Winner || May Indie Next Pick
Featured on Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
People Magazine Top Books of 2025
New York Times Best American Road Trip Novels
An NPR and Lit Hub Best Book of the Year

At sixty-three years old, million-dollar lottery winner PJ Halliday should be the happiest man in town - but everything in Pondville is another reminder of the child he lost, and the way his marriage fell apart.

So, when PJ hears that his high-school sweetheart, Michelle, is unexpectedly back on the market, there's nothing stopping him driving straight to the Tender Hearts Retirement Community in Arizona to win her back.

But before he can hit the road, a spanner in the works: a tragic incident has suddenly left PJ as the only guardian of his estranged brother's grandchildren.

Anyone else might be deterred, but it seems like the newly orphaned kids might enjoy the trip out of town. And PJ's adult daughter, Sophie, has been roped in to help babysit.

There's one final surprise passenger - Pancakes, a former therapy cat with a knack for predicting death, who recently turned up outside PJ's home . . .

BUCKLE IN FOR THE ROAD TRIP OF A LIFETIME

'Absurdly over-the-top in plot, yet warms like a heated seat' The New York Times

'Miraculous' John Irving

'An ABSOLUTE MUST READ!! . . . Brilliant and heartwarming' ★★★★★

'Laughed out loud and also sobbed uncontrollably' ★★★★★

'A rare and special novel . . . an extraordinary reading experience from beginning to end!' ★★★★★

'Some stories find a way to dig down deep into your heart, burrow there, and then stay for good. I think this will be one of those for me' ★★★★★

'There is really no way to put my love for this book into words' ★★★★★©2025 Annie Hartnett (P)2025 Penguin Random House Audio Coming of Age Dark Humour Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction Heartfelt
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Critic reviews

A long-suffering family finds joy. A clairvoyant cat has premonitions of death and other supernatural talents. Vultures are hoping two orphaned children will stay alive. A dead daughter's hat talks to her father. A miraculous novel - an actual and spiritual road trip you won't forget (John Irving)
A feel-good, feel-sad, warm, dark, and funny road-trip story, in the grand tradition of Little Miss Sunshine . . . I fell in love with the characters individually but also as one big, messy family, which is what this tenderhearted book is all about (Catherine Newman)
The Road to Tender Hearts is the ultimate road trip novel: a zany, heartfelt blend of dysfunction, humor, healing, and Annie Hartnett's signature poignancy and wit. This story of family, forgiveness, and moving forward is a balm for anyone who's ever been too hard on themselves, offering a compassionate reminder that we're all just figuring it out as we go. I was moved, delighted, and captivated from start to finish (Emily Habeck)
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I absolutely love this audiobook from start to finish. The narrator is perfect and the story so amazingly touching, witty and brilliantly written.

I am really pleased I have had the pleasure of listening to it and will be recommending to many people.

loved this so much. highly recommend

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Beautifully written and wonderfully narrated. Whilst sad and emotional it was also so heartwarming…it will stay with me for a long time.

Heartwarming

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I've been waiting for this release for months having read reviews online saying how wonderful it is. I was not disappointed a pure joy from start to finish even though the subject matter was not light-hearted at all. perfect.

I loved this.

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I Loved the audiobook. Feel bereft now I have finished it. I Would highly recommend this.

Excellent!

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I loved every word on every page of this special book. Heartwarming story, great characters. Brilliant narration.

What a beautiful story!!!

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