Wow - did this book really take me on a wild ride!

83 year old Louise has recently fallen and broken a hip - her children decide she needs a caregiver and hire 23 year old Tanner to watch over her. Tanner is smarting from an injury to her leg that ends her soccer goals and has moved back home to her parent's basement.

Oh my goodness, this book way exceeded my expectations and the storyline is awesome! The characters are great - the descriptions are so vivid and there are so many twists and turns - but keep up because it's a fun story!

I won a temporary, digital ARC on a contest from Colleen Oakely - thank you to NetGalley for honoring my request after it was denied originally - for my review.

This was such a great book. Tanner is a 21-year old woman just starting her adult life which has been sidetracked after she looses her scholarship and has to move back in with her parents … until her mother kicks her out. With no money and limited options she ends up moving in with an elderly woman who needs a live-in caregiver. For the most part it is a good gig, drive the old lady around to her appointments and spend the afternoon doing what she loves – playing video games. However, Tanner starts to notice her new roommate Mrs. Wilt might not be the sweet old lady she has been lead to believe as evident by her photo showing up on the 5 o’clock news as a wanted felon!

Gosh I loved this book, the contrast between Tanner who is young and naive and Mrs. Wilt who has lead quite the life and sees the world through a different lens made this book hard to put down. They are a very unlikely paring and as expected it took a while for them to find common ground but I loved to see the friendship build between the two women throughout the book.

There are so many layers to this book and Colleen Oakley did a beautiful job of intertwining them. The main story line follows Tanner and Louise, first as they settle into their joint living arrangement. I love Mrs. Wilt and her shoot from the hip honestly and quick witty comebacks which made me laugh out loud on several occasions. As we learn more about Mrs. Wilt it really shines a light on just how much life people in their later stage of life have lived and just how many memories and stories they have to share. Towards the end of the book there are a couple of tender moments that really shows us the bond between the two women and it truly tugs are the heart strings. There are several side characters in this book, while we don’t learn a lot about them they do provide just enough interest and colour to the story as the majority of the book centres around Tanner and Louise.

I’ve had another book by this author on my bookshelf for a while and after having read The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise I will definitely be picking it up sooner rather than later. This book was very enjoyable and the perfect palate cleanser as I’ve been reading mostly contemporary romance lately.

Sometimes, I just need something light and humorous. If one of the main characters is older, all the better. This one fits the bill. Louise is 84, recovering from a broken hip, when her children convince her to get a live-in caretaker. Tanner is not the typical caregiver. She’s 21, also recovering from a physical injury and angry that her parents have told her to find somewhere else to live. She only wants to spend her days playing video games. What Tanner doesn’t know is that Louise has a past. And that past is catching up with her. Soon, they’ve embarked on a road trip. But not one Louise has told her three children about, so police and then the FBI get involved.
It’s a character rich story and I came to care about both women. They are angry, private women on the opposite end of the age spectrum, so there are numerous misunderstandings. The story volleys between both of their POVs. Louise reminds me of my mother - God forbid anything come between her and a hair appointment. As time goes on, they start to find more in common. The writing is descriptive without being overly flowery. It’s easy to see each scene play out.
Favorite line (of many):
“Angry women don’t bother me. It’s the ones who aren’t furious that I worry about.”
“What?” Tanner asked, confused. “Why?”
“Means they aren’t paying attention.”

The interludes with the children interacting with the police/FBI are wonderful. The humor ranges from dry and acerbic to laugh out loud funny. The ending was flat out perfect. I didn’t see that coming! I can only hope this gets picked up for either a movie or a mini-series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for an advance copy of this book.

This was a very slow read for me. I wanted to like it; the writing was okay but the story lagged in bits. Plot not original and it didn't keep my attention to keep reading at big intervels.

Tanner thinks she has landed the dream job, taking care of, Louise, an elderly woman. Tanner settles into her new life until Louise, comes into her room and tells her to pack. Louise is going on the run. The two women have nothing in common but soon become allies. They go on an exciting and sometimes humorous road trip. I liked both the characters and enjoyed the story, you can’t help rooting for the two women. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

My first book of the year was finished in one day and was a 5 star read. I have rated every book I've read by Colleen Oakley 5 stars!⁣ This book is about Tanner, who is 21 and living at home after an injury caused her to lose her soccer scholarship. She moves in with Louise, who is 84 and needs help around the house after breaking her hip. When Louise recruits Tanner to drive her out of town, they are suddenly on the run - but from what? ⁣ This was a fun and funny road trip story with great twists and surprises along the way. Tanner and Louise's friendship was such fun to experience! I loved the characters and the whole story as it was revealed along the way.

THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF TANNER AND LOUISE is a cross-country road trip unlike any other that pays homage to the infamous Thelma & Louise.

After an injury derails Tanner’s collegiate soccer career she is reluctantly hired to move in as a caretaker for Octogenarian Louise. Needless to say, the two don’t hit it off. When Louise’s secrets from the past threaten to catch up with her, the two embark on an unforgettable road trip to California.

The story shines in its portrayal of intergenerational friendships and the unexpected paths life can take when we are open to new experiences. Tanner and Louise were an unexpected dynamic duo and I adored watching their friendship evolve. With a zany personality and a plethora of well-kept secrets, Louise is a character I won’t soon forget.

Colleen Oakley has written a charming story woven with a fun mystery element. This story felt fresh, snappy, and a bit suspenseful. Pick up THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF TANNER AND LOUISE if you enjoy characters who play by their own rules, a daily 4pm (sharp) happy hour, and unconventional friendships.

RATING: 4/5
PUB DATE: March 28, 2023

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review will be posted to www.instagram.com/kellyhook.readsbooks in advance of publication date.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley

Oil and water, that is Tanner and Louise. Eighty three year old Louise broke her hip and now that she is home from the hospital and rehab her daughter won't mind her own business and has made Louise get a live-in caregiver. Louise cherishes her alone time and not having a person in her house that can act as a nosy spy/tattletale for her daughter.

Tanner was flying high mostly. And then a disaster led to more disasters and now her only desire is to play her favorite video games all the time. But her mom has kicked her out of the basement and she had to get a job watching over a cranky woman old enough to be her great grandmother.

The two eventually fall into mutual ignore-ment, with set times for Tanner to use the only TV for her gaming and set times for Louise to have the TV for news and favorite shows. They barely have to speak to each other which suits both of them just fine. So things are working out as best that they can when...ROAD TRIP!!! What the heck! Tanner is going to bow out but the bribe is too good and she knows that Louise really does need her. Louise knows she is good for Tanner whether Tanner likes it or not. Plus there is some emergency that Louise won't disclose. So off they go!

I can handle these two. For all their tough veneers, Tanner (I need nobody) and Louise (prim and proper with a fierce bite) are a nice combination of vulnerable and capable of adapting to what comes their way. Both of them are really good with the zingers and now Louise doesn't have to be lonely on her road trip while Tanner is actually growing in confidence in this extremely odd employment opportunity. Sometimes I want to pinch both their cheeks which would not go over well with either of them but they are just so cute, each in their own ways. For me, this is a feel good story, finding the help you didn't want to admit you needed, in the least likely place.

Thank you to Elisha at Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.

It would be hard to find a more unlikely pair then Tanner and Louise. Tanner has recently been kicked out of her parents house. A year after an awful injury that left her unable to play college soccer she is lost and looking for a new path. Louise took one wrong step and broke her hip, now her daughters think she needs around the clock care. What starts as a business arrangement of convenience quickly turns into a friendship for the ages when Louise's past catches up with her. You will laugh and cry as you follow Tanner and Louise across the country as they try to stay one step ahead of their pasts.

This was a cute feel good book. It was a fun quick read but not something that will really stay with me. It will be great for readers who like Richard Osman for Fredrik Backman.

This book started out slow for me, but I'm so glad that I kept going because I loved this book! Tanner and Louise were such fun, quirky characters. Tanner is a college student who had an accident and can no longer play soccer. She lost her scholarship and is feeling lost and angry at everyone. She takes a job as a caretaker for Louise. Louise needs help driving to her appointments, but is not happy about needing Tanner's help. The two don't get along at first. Then one day Tanner sees Louise's picture on the news as a suspect in a years old jewelry heist. That night they hear sirens and Louise convinces Tanner to leave with her so she can drive her to California. The two set off on a cross-country trip and find themselves along the way.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise
By Colleen Oakley

This is not my typical go-to type of book but I loved it! Tanner loves soccer and would be getting a scholarship due to her soccer skills until she fell off a balcony. After surgery her leg would never be soccer worthy. She is angry, bitter, and takes it out on everyone. Her mom had enough and said to get out!

Louise fell and now nursing her repaired hip from a fall. She's in her eighties but normally takes care of herself but her daughter demanded that she have a person stay with her. That person could drive her places, be there in case she falls again.
It's a rocky start and it's funny how the generations differ but somehow the same!

Tanner gets suspicious of several things. One is a composite drawing of a jewel thief aged to what they might look like now. Tanner thinks it looks like Louise. Then Louise comes in her room in the middle of the night and has her pack, they leave to go when sirens are coming down their street.

The adventure begins! It is one wild ride too! The people, places, and situations they get into! Oh my! Louise has a dry wit that had me giggling. Everyone is after them! Great fun! Love the ending!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this awesome book!

I loved this book, and couldn't put it down!

I have no idea if I would place it in an adventure, mystery, realistic, or humor genre, but I think fans of all of those would enjoy this read. I'm enjoying the multigenerational relationships (think, 100 Years of Lenni & Margot), and felt a great connection to both characters even though my age is somewhere in between theirs.

Old fashioned crimes, meet new-age problems in this book about friendship, resiliency, and following your gut despite the risks.

What a delightful book! I loved the story and was often surprised (in a good way) by the story line. I loved the arc of Tanner and Louise's relationship. I loved the dialogue. This was my first Colleen Oakley book but won't be the last. The book made me smile many times - highly recommend!

This was such a fun book! It made and laugh and smile!! This is something I look for in my books so I appreciated it! If you are looking for an entertaining read, I highly recommend adding THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF TANNER & LOUISE to your list.

This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to pub date.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for my ARC!!

<i>I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own, and I am writing a voluntary review.</i>

This is an adorable read. The plot and stakes feel a little all over the place, and it probably could have been a tad shorter if the pace had been a little more robust, but its really cute.

After an accident ends her soccer career at college, Tanner is the epitome of wallowing in self-pity. After one too many angry outbursts, she's kicked out of her family's home and goes to live as a sort of companion to a family friend. Throwing 21-year-old Tanner and 84-year-old Louise together was genius and as the story moves along, the things they learn from one another are truly touching.

There are a lot of asides that are cute, but not totally necessary to the plot, which sees Tanner and Louise going on the lam and both being pursued by the FBI. This forced road trip is full of cute moments though a couple of the beats feel more like filler than anything.

There's a lot to be said about female relationships in this story, as well as, surprisingly, female strength. There is a small subplot <spoiler>that sees a young george and patty/louise helping abused women get out of their abusive relationships</spoiler> that I honestly wish there had been more of. It seemed important to the story but introduced as late as it was, lacked true depth.

I am always amazed to discover new-to-me authors that spark joy in me. This is my first Colleen Oakley read and she did exactly that in "The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise."

Synopsis: Tanner needed a place to live. Since she has no credit or money to speak of, her options are limited, so when an opportunity to work as a live-in caregiver for an elderly woman falls into her lap, she takes it. Louise took a slip on a rug and now her daughter is demanding she have a caregiver. She doesnt need one or want one. The authors blurb goes onto to state "the story of a not-to-be-underestimated elderly woman and an aimless young woman who—if they can outrun the mistakes of their past—might just have the greatest adventure of their lives."

The title, synopsis and my feelings from reading Marinanne Cronin's, "The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot," plus the feelings from the classic movie Thelma and Loiuse (which I couldnt shake when seeing this title) hooked me, but Colleen Oakley's words kept me coming back in this most enjoyable tale of friendship that spans the ages. When Tanner and Louise meet, they are like oil and water. Tanner immediately is aware of the quirky behaviors of Louise. It seems that Louise is not exactly the typical 80-ish woman. Tanner doesn’t appear to be a typical 21 year old person either.

Tanner is in for quite a surprise, when Louise insists they leave town immediately. The two go on an adventure with twists and turns. There are rumors of a large jewel heist from the seventies, and Louise seems to be called another name when she meets some people. There are more twists and turns. Louise is on a mission to find someone, and at the same time is avoiding both murderer and the law.

This is a delightful adventure and a fun ride - two women try to remedy the mistakes from the past, to be able to move on to the present and future. Throughout the book, Oakley imparts the importance of family and friendship. Read this for the adventure. Read this for friendship and connections. You will not be disappointed.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Colleen Oakley for. this ultimate road trip with enjoyable quirky characters. Thanks for bringing me along on a wild surprising ride!

Tanner Quimby would rather sit around playing video games all day, but life takes money. So she finds a job as the live-in caregiver of an elderly woman. Indignant that her daughter is forcing a nanny upon her, Louise wants nothing to do with Tanner. When Tanner begins to wonder if Louise is actually an infamous jewel thief, they set out on an adventure to outrun the mistakes of their paths.

Even though I loved The Invisible Husband of Frick Island, Oakley's last novel, I had a really hard time getting into this cheesy light-hearted story. I will say that I enjoyed Louise's sense of humor but Tanner wasn't a great protagonist, veering more toward annoying than likable. Readers seem to be raving about this one on Goodreads, but I wasn't impressed with the story or the writing.

So much fun. Full of unexpected twists and turns sending readers off on many tangents. Great story.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley
Pub Date: March 28, 2023
Berkely
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. A “wildly surprising, entertaining” (Jodi Picoult) novel featuring a college dropout and an eighty-four-year-old woman on the run from the law, full of tremendous heart, wit, and wisdom from the USA Today bestselling author of The Invisible Husband of Frick Island.
I loved this book and it came along at the perfect time for me!! What a fun read reminiscent of 90's movies vibes like Thelma & Louise, Driving Miss Daisy, Midnight Run. The mysterious plot blended with laugh out loud text made me enjoy this book immensely, I highly recommend it.

5 stars