I thought you said this would work gave me a lot to think about. The first thing I noticed when I read the synopsis was it is a book about lifelong friendships. It is also a book about perseverance and how heavily we rely on our friends during tough times. The best part is that while the story does include figuring out life with cancer and doing everything for a friend who we want to keep around, it is humorous and light. Take a look at the synopsis yourself and then read on for my thoughts.
A road trip can drive anyone over the edge—especially two former best friends—in bestselling author Ann Garvin’s funny and poignant novel about broken bonds, messy histories, and the power of forgiveness.
Widowed Samantha Arias hasn’t spoken to Holly Dunfee in forever. It’s for the best. Samantha prefers to avoid conflict. The blisteringly honest Holly craves it. What they still have in common puts them both back on speed dial: a mutual love for Katie, their best friend of twenty-five years, now hospitalized with cancer and needing one little errand from her old college roomies.
It’s simple: travel cross-country together, steal her loathsome ex-husband’s VW camper, find Katie’s diabetic Great Pyrenees at a Utah rescue, and drive him back home to Wisconsin. If it’ll make Katie happy, no favor is too big (one hundred pounds), too daunting (two thousand miles), or too illegal (ish), even when a boho D-list celebrity hitches a ride and drives the road trip in fresh directions.
Samantha and Holly are following every new turn—toward second chances, unexpected romance, and self-discovery—and finally blowing the dust off the secret that broke their friendship. On the open road, they’ll try to put it back together—for themselves, and especially for the love of Katie.
Content Notes include depiction of cancer, animal health, and strained friendships.
Thoughts on I thought you said this would work
I don’t often think about the age of the characters in the book but this one stood out to me. The main characters are in their 40s and have spent many years together with different levels of intimacies. There is friendly rivalry in this book, a road trip across the USA, a beautiful animal sanctuary that you will want to visit as soon as you read about it (I looked it up and it is gorgeous) and much more. Here are three things I absolutely loved about this book.
On friendships
Friends are an important part of our lives. Some people are more open to making them but usually, we always find like minded people that we get along with at work or in the neighbourhood. Sam and Katie have been by each other’s side through thick and thin over the past decades. Their other friend Holly is a whole other story and Sam has always wanted to figure out what happened with their friendship. When the two of them are thrown together for a road trip to retrieve Katie’s beloved dog from her husband, there are opportunities to revisit the past as well as create some awesome new memories.
There are a number of unexpected people and pets that are part of this trip. Dogs, cats and a celebrity who is super confident in getting her way added a light feel to the book. Sam and Summer get along quite well and though they originally gang up on Holly, they do recognize that she is an important part of the trip and Katie didn’t just send her for the sake of.
I loved reading about these deep friendships as well as the misconceptions that can happen when one is feeling insecure. Sam and Holly reminded me of my own teenage years when sometimes I would read too much into my friend’s actions when there was no such intent. When one is in a vulnerable place, it can be hard to speak up but if we don’t, it can lead to broken friendships and a constant avoidance.
On children
I love the variety of relationships in this book! Sam’s daughter has moved out of the house and is working out of town. This is the first time the nest is empty and as Sam journeys across the country to get her best friend’s pet, there are moments when she talks to her daughter or the friends recount her birth. With Holly’s wife being pregnant herself, there are opportunities to talk about childbirth and motherhood and Holly finds a confidant in Sam which she had not thought of turning to. Katie is the perfect auntie and it is so heartwarming to read about her relationship with Sam’s family.
On pets
If you have a pet, you have likely experienced what it means to want to protect and care for someone little. We know when our furbabies are stressed and we will do anything to keep them from harm’s way. I thought you said this would work reflects on the unique place that animals have in our lives. The soft headbutts from a cat or the weight of a dog by our feet are little things that calm us and make us feel loved and cared for. Katie’s need for her dear puppy, no matter how medical issues he may have, shows how far we will go to get the comfort that makes us feel better.
Overall, I had lots of chuckles throughout this book, and some serious reflective thought as you can tell from above. I recommend adding this to your summer reading list or when you are craving a road trip.
** I thought you said this would work will be out on May 1st, 2021. Be sure to check it out then! **
Amazon Print
Amazon Kindle
Many thanks to the Over the River Public Relations and publisher for gifting me a copy of the book for an honest review.
Cover image: Photo by Deanna Lewis on Unsplash
Ooh, this does sound like a good one, Kriti.
It was great, Angela! 🙂
🙂
As usual great review, loved reading your thoughts about the book.
Aww thank you 🙂 Are there certain genres/authors you would like to me to explore more on the blog?
I don’t have anything specific tbh but I love the contemporary fictions you pick, it’s always interesting books I’ve never heard of before.
I am glad to hear that! I have been reading more of them lately.