An unforgettable and breathtaking novel of love, loss, and the unexpected routes that life takes from Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kerry Lonsdale.With her deceased sister’s Route 66 bucket list in hand, California girl Joy Evers sets out on a cross-country road trip to meet up with her fiancé, checking off the bullets along the way.Singer-songwriter Dylan Westfield has … way.
Singer-songwriter Dylan Westfield has a serious case of wanderlust and a broken-down car. Stuck at a diner between LA and Flagstaff, he meets Joy, his complete opposite. She’s energetic. He’s moody. She’s by the book. He’s spontaneous. She believes in love at first sight. He thinks love is a complicated mess. But Joy has a brand-new convertible.
They strike a deal. She’ll drive him to New York. He’ll pay for gas. Only three rules apply: no exchanging of last names; what happens on the road, stays on the road; and if one of them wants to take a side trip, they both must agree.
A heart-stirring love story that spans a decade, Side Trip explores what-if. What if Joy and Dylan had exchanged last names? What if he’d told her she made him believe love was worth the risk? And what if they hadn’t made that second deal when they couldn’t say goodbye?
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Oh dreamy sigh… that’s what this book makes me do! I love the idea of a travel adventure and unexpected side trips being a part of that experience. Add in a fine, fun and talented guy and you have an unforgettable, life altering drive across country in this story. In this not to be missed story, Joy and Dylan, new acquaintances brought together by fate, are in for an unexpected time together on the road, finding out about life, what influences our life decisions, and ultimately how to be brave, daring, and true to ourselves and who we are meant to be in the end. I really enjoyed these characters and felt this was a truly original storyline. There’s an air of mystery, a touch of romance, and tough decisions ahead for readers – and you don’t want to miss it! I was truly touched by this story when reading the inspirational song (title track!) written by the author’s daughter – it was beautiful and encompassed everything about this book!
Side Trip by Kerry Lonsdale
Two individuals thrown together by chance, as they are both taking a trip from California to Chicago on Route 66, then on to NYC.
Joy Evers, just out of college is about to journey across country to fulfill her sister Judy’s bucket list, and to join her fiance in NYC and start a new life.
Joys sister Judy, died when she was just 18 and Joy 14, but Joy has been carrying guilt about it ever since it happened. Finding the list her sister had written, feels like it could be a way of keeping her memory close.
Dylan Westfield a singer and song writer, also has an agenda as he takes this journey. He needs to play and sing at small bars across the route, something his father wanted him to do after he died, but which Dylan dreads.
They meet at a diner at the start of the trip, where Joy is having lunch, and Dylan’s car breaks down, and so their journeys begins as strangers, but soon close friends.
I loved this journey of self discovery, building of trust and a closeness and having a lot of fun doing their side trips,the only stipulations for the trip are no last names, what happens on the road stays on the road and both must agree on the side trips.
Joy and Dylan are wonderful characters, who keep us rooting for them through out the story, and wondering what happens to them as they part ways in NYC.
This is a very emotional read as they open up to each other and doubt their choices.
I must say the end had me a tied up in knots.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of “Side Trip”.
The comments and review of this book are my honest opinion.
After the tragic death of her sister Joy feels, for reasons known only to her, the need to complete the bucket list that she found in Joan’s belongings.
Knowing that traveling Route 66 will perhaps bring some unforgettable experiences, what Joy doesn’t expect is wish for her trip to never end.
It’s been a long time that I have wanted to skip to the end of a book in order to be sure there was a happy ending. But I’m glad I didn’t. I would have missed crying and laughing through a wonderful book. Side Trip by Kelly Lonsdale is one trip I was glad to be on for the wonderful ride!
Kerry Lonsdale does not disappoint with this romantic suspense drama that draws you in from page one. The alternating storylines tell the captivating tale of an unlikely duo driving cross country. One with a bucket list, the other with an obligation to fulfill, and both keeping secrets. As they embark on side trips along the route, their stories unfold and the true purpose behind the journey is revealed. Rich narrative, and complex characters create a surprising emotional roller coaster. It twists and turns, and just when you think the ride is over, there’s one more final loop!
*Thank you Kerry Lonsdale, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the ARC in exchange for my honest review
I’m a big fan of Kerry Lonsdale’s storytelling and, in my opinion, this is her best yet; a story of hope, living with guilt, and the true cost of lost chances.
Joy and Dylan both have good reasons not to fall in love, but sometimes the universe pushes us into situations we’re not ready for, and it’s up to us how the rest of the story unfurls. What if you met someone who might be the right one for you, but at the wrong time, under the wrong circumstances. Would you follow through with the opportunity through, or let it go?
If you enjoy books about the twists of fate, this is among the best of them. I finished it thinking ‘wow what an ending’ , admiring Kerry’s craftsmanship as a writer, and stopping to question: Am I personally living my best life, and making the best choices I can, right now, today?
An enjoyable read that leaves you satisfied, but also makes you stop and think – to me that’s that’s the role of true literature. I predict this book , including its ending, will surprise and delight you, as it did me.
When Joy decided to complete her late sister’s bucket list, she got so much more than she bargained for!
Joy has felt guilty about her sister Judy’s death for nearly a decade. It’s this guilt causing Joy to almost live in Judy’s shadow-dress like her, listen to the music she enjoyed, make a trip across Rt 66, and eventually marry and do the work Judy dreamed off. Joy has it all planned out-but she didn’t plan for Dylan…
Dylan has been living in a shadow too-his father’s. The difference is that Dylan is happy there. Despite having “the look”, the talent & voice of a rocker, Dylan also has terrible stage fright. He is much happier as a songwriter and producer. His late father has other plans for Dylan, though…
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book. Chapters jump back and forth from during the road trip and up to 10 years after it’s completed, but it all fits together seamlessly. Reading about Joy & Dylan’s time together made me want to get lost on a road trip with my guy! I can see myself re-reading this when I need a little side trip of my own
* Thanks to the publisher/author for granting my request for an ARC, all opinions are my own*
Bestselling author, Kerry Lonsdale, delivers another top chart, stand alone novel.
Side Trip will take you on an emotionally charged road trip along Historic Route 66.
Fulfilling a promise and suppressing her own guilt, Joy Evers leaves California to start a new life in New Your with her fiancé Mark. The drive is meant to fulfill her deceased sister Judy’s bucket list. Along the way, Joy meets Dylan. The son of a famous musician. Dylan has his own list to complete and doesn’t seem happy about it.
This story is about a promise made. Fulfilling an obligation and figuring out what it all means on a side trip.
I couldn’t put it down yet wanted to savor every page! It steadily wove it’s way into my heart. I LOVED the characters and visual tapestry.
I found this book extremely satisfying and think it’s the perfect summer read.
Side Trip will be available July 2020 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2996669310
Side Trip
by Kerry Lonsdale (Goodreads Author)
Kerry Lonsdale’s new book, Side Trip, was a 5-star read for me! Rarely has a book made me cry, but I was so emotionally invested in Joy and Dylan’s story that tears flowed down my cheeks as I read the final chapters.
Joy is driving across the country on historic Route 66 with a bucket list to complete that’s not her own. Her final destination is New York where her fiancé awaits. Dylan is a singer and songwriter with gigs booked across the country on his way to catch a flight to London from JFK Airport. They meet at a roadside dinner and wind up as traveling companions. As they get closer to the end of the trip, they unexpectedly fall in love.
Determined to honor her commitment to her fiancé, Joy parts ways with Dylan at JFK. The next ten years are filled with regrets and “what ifs”. As I rooted for them to make their way back to each other, the story took an unexpected turn, leaving me in shock and tears.
Kerry Lonsdale writes stories that touch my heart, and she has become one of my favorite authors. I’m honored to have been chosen to be a member of her early reading group, Team Side Trip, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to her and her publisher, Lake Union, for the ARC.
This is a trip of “What if’s, Why Nots, and What happens on on the road, stays on the road”.
It has love, heartbreak, grief, fear, friendship, guilt, romance and sorrow.
I was on this journey, sitting in the back seat of the car and all the while praying for Dylan and Joy to find happiness, release their guilt and lose their fears as they traveled on Route 66 on an expedition that changed them both forever.
What begins as strangers, grows into so much more. Will it be enough?
Beautifully written!
Head on out to Route 66 with Joy and Dylan. You won’t want to miss out on this!
What If…. what if that side trip was the road you should have taken. Maybe the road less traveled or the road that brought you everything you could ever dream. Do you take that one or stay on the path that is the safe path. The one to right wrongs, heal guilt, pay the price and your dues. What if…. every road was so easily marked for us to choose. This book will certainly make you stop and think about your What ifs and maybe make some side trips.
Thanks to the author and Publisher for the ARC. all comments and thoughts are my own.
What if? What if you never read this book, and then you will miss this incredible journey, a road trip like no other? From the moment Joy sat in that diner watching Dylan try to fix his car; through their 10-day road trip filled with passion and adventure; following the trajectory of their lives over a ten-year span filled with what-ifs, living with the choices they’ve made—I was riveted. The characters and their stories were so captivating, that I never wanted this trip to end! By the time I finished, I was an emotional wreck, completely enraptured by Joy and Dylan and all of the feelings they brought out in each other, and in me.
I finished this book about a week ago, and Joy and Dylan have been living in my head ever since.
This story is for anyone who has ever wondered “what if?”
While I was reading I kept saying to Joy: “just live your life and be you!” and to Dylan “don’t let what’s right in front of you go!”
It brought out all of my emotions and just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, “surprise!” what an ending!
I love all of Kerry’s books, but this one is, by far, my favorite!
I received this book as an ARC with the promise to post my honest review. I recommend this book wholeheartedly!
Kerry does it again! This is the ride of a lifetime, that will grip you until the very end. Full of love and loss, secrets and adventure, this is a must read for 2020!
Grateful to the author and publisher for an ARC of this beautiful book ! What at emotional roller coaster ! Joy is on a road trip to hopefully dissolve her grief and Dylan is on one due to obligation. Long story short, Dylan’s car dies. He meets Joy and they decide to go on this JoyRide together. What can go wrong ? I laughed, I cried, and then I cried some more. This is not just a romantic love story. It is a story of grief, disappointment and choices. And where those choices will lead you . I cannot recommend this book enough. Kerry Lonsdale has outdone herself with this spectacular novel.
Side Trip is such an amazing read, I feel like my review isn’t going do it justice. Joy Evers was involved in an accident as a teen that resulted in the loss of her older sister Judy. That tragedy holds a terrible secret that Joy hasn’t shared with anyone, instead, carrying the baggage with her and living out Judy’s dreams while putting her own on hold. That spurs her to take a road trip on Route 66, something Judy always wanted to do, while Joy’s moving from California to be with her fiance in New York. Dylan Westbrook, son of a famous musician, is just trying to meet the stipulations of his father’s will so that he can get his record label off the ground. Unfortunately for him that includes traveling Route 66 and playing in all of the small dives his dad did before he made it big. Dylan’s already determined this is going to be the worst trip of his life, not only does he despise performing, he can’t use his cellphone and his car has broken down near the California Arizona border. Now he needs a ride, trying his luck he makes a deal with Joy.
I’m a Kerry Lonsdale fan and have been for a couple of years now, I’ve never read a book by her that wasn’t fantastic and Side Trip definitely did not disappoint. It’s been a while since I’ve read something that I just couldn’t put down and NEEDED to know what was going to happen next. Everything about this book drew me in, the characters, their backstories, the dialogue, the tension, it was all so beautiful. It’s not in chronological order, going back and forth between during and after the road trip. My heart was equally broken for both Joy and Dylan, Joy not just for the loss of her sister but because of the baggage that she carried because of it, and also the feelings of inadequacy she had before (and after) her sister died. Dylan for his dad and the way he treated him and his mom, the conditions he grew up in and his own set of baggage that caused. Around the 95% point, I wasn’t sure I could finish the book, it was so brutal, but I’m SO GLAD I did finish. Side Trip is a phenomenal book, about love, life, loss, forgiveness and letting go. I can not recommend it enough.
I love all of Kerry londsdales books however after reading this it is my new favorite. This book had me feeling all the feels . I was crying both happy and sad tears. The twist at the end that left my heart pounding. I finished the book yesterday and I’m still sitting here absorbing what I read . I encourage everyone to read this book and can’t wait to see what Kerry londsdale has in store for us next!
SIDE TRIP by Kerry Lonsdale is a beautifully-written and heart-wrenching story of family, loss and love that held me captive from beginning to end. I simply could not put this book down! Still haunted by the tragic death of her sister, Judy, Joy sets off on a cross-country trip from California to New York following Route 66 with the plan of crossing off all the things on her sister’s bucket list. Her fiancé, Mark and her new life await her once she reaches New York. Not long into her trip, while stopped at a diner, she meets Dylan Westfield, a singer and songwriter who happens to be traveling the same route as Joy. Against her better judgment, she allows Dylan to travel with her, but there is a catch. They agree they will go their separate ways when they reach New York. They also agree not to exchange last names and not to share the details of their trip (and side-trips) with anyone. What follows is a heart-wrenching and emotional journey filled with suspense, romance and plenty of drama. The story is told over a period of ten years from both Joy and Dylan’s point of view, alternating seamlessly between the time before and after their 10-day trip, finally arriving in the present. I loved the characters and the music theme throughout the book. SIDE TRIP is an unforgettable story that I can’t recommend highly enough! Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the honor of reading an early copy.
Pure perfection! I am so sad to have finished this book because I want more of Joy and Dylan! Two strangers are embarking on cross country trips for two very different and personal reasons. Joy is moving cross country to move in with her fiance but also to fulfill her deceased sister, Judy’s, bucket list. Dylan is traveling cross country to fulfill an obligation he has. When his car breaks down, they travel together across the country on Route 66.
Joy is a surfer chick with a big secret and bigger weight on her shoulders. She has horrible guilt and is attempting to ease it all by checking off items on her sister’s bucket list. She’s unhappy with her past and not particularly thrilled with the future that awaits her either. Dylan is just what she needs (and vice versa) and their chemistry is off the charts! The emotions that I felt throughout the book were incredible because of the brilliant writing. I love every character that Kerry created.
I don’t want to say much about the ending because I don’t want to give anything away…but what an emotional rollercoaster that was!!!
I cannot say enough good things about this book. Like every book that Kerry Lonsdale writes, Side Trip is a wonderful read! I’m proud to be a Tiki and am thrilled to have received an ARC of this fabulous book. All thoughts are my own.
I have to say I have liked all of the books I have read by Kerry Lonsdale.Each new book she tops herself. Side triptakes you to all the stops, you go through feelings from one end of the spectrum to the other and back. This book starts out Joy is starting a cross country trip to fulfill her deceased sisters bucket list. This book is that but so much more in “side trips”. You will love Joy and Dylan, you will cheer for them, want to yell and shake them, just want to hug them and cry with them. To paraphrase one of the great old songs “what a long,strange trip it’s been”.
In many reviews I see people state a book “hit all the Feels” now I know exactly what they meant. This books does that and more. Take some time after you finish, just digest….and ponder….
Side Trip by author Kerry Lonsdale took me on an emotional adventure which had me feeling swept away from the start all the way through to the ending.
Oh My Stars, I feel SHATTERED! Joy Evers is taking a sentimental journey in the memory of her sister, Judy. Joy has made plans to drive a convertible Beetle from her family home in California along the historic Route 66 which ends in Chicago. She will then travel on to New York and move in with her fiance’, Mark. She never planned to pick up a musician who needed a ride. Joy has secrets she has kept for all the years since the night an accident took Judy’s life. She kept a box of life lists Judy had hidden in a hatbox. Joy feels she needs to use this trip to fulfill the items on Judy’s bucket list as a debt she owes her sister. Oh, how her plans get side-tracked along the way! Joy is not the only person carrying secrets and a load of self guilt from the past. What is Dylan running from as he needs to stop along the same historic route and perform in some of the most unlikely bars and dives? I won’t post spoilers, but I have to let you know, this book will have you seeing a scenic drive in an unexpected way. I remembered my trip to the Grand Canyon, felt the crazy exciting thrill of a bungee jump off a bridge, danced with the joy of wonderful music, I cried with sorrow, and fell so madly in love. But all of life is on a crazy loop and Side Trip will leave the reader breathless!
Publication Date July 7, 2020
Thank you to Kerry Lonsdale, NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and post a review of this book.