I absolutely loved this book. Tanner is in her twenties, and Louise is in her eighties. Tanner is hired as Louise’s caretaker; however, Louise didn’t really want - or need- a caretaker. Tanner slowly begins to notice odd things about Louise- things as a reader I never would have expected either! One night Louise is in Tanner’s room and says they have to leave right away, and off they go on an adventure of sorts.

Their story is so much more than that journey. The author touches on so many important issues like elder care, the need for independence for the aged, the dynamics between children and their aging parents, Parkinson’s Disease (wow, did this ever hit close to home, and I was so grateful to see it featured in this book), friendship, and second chances. There’s a zaniness to the story that keeps it fun and far from serious, but that’s countered with the heart and goodness in the story and its characters. Once again, Colleen Oakley has knocked it out of the park.

I received a gifted copy.

Louise and Tanner are such an odd, fun pair! Louise is an 83 year old woman who has broken her hip and Tanner is the girl hired to watch over the cranky old woman.

They come to a mutual agreement of ignoring each other until they end up headed on a road trip together! Because why does a notorious jewelry thief look exactly like Louise? Tanner drives her to her destination with both of them living like outlaws for a few days! Boy is it a trip.

I loved the witty banter between these two characters. It was a fun book and different from what I would normally grab for. Overall it was an enjoyable read.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Is there a (non-romance) genre for books about two people who learn to like each other and bring out the best in each other? It often involves one character being much older than the other. Maybe a curmudgeon and brat genre? I'm not complaining because I have enjoyed a great many of these books. The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise is another book that fits right into this genre. However, I found the plot to be completely unexpected. I enjoyed the misunderstandings and the twists. It gave the story a unique place in the genre and I truly appreciated its originality. I grew to really like both of the main characters, just as they both begrudgingly began to realize that the other had a few good qualities. It ties up with a big happily-ever-after bow, and who can complain about that with this fun, easy to read novel. I recommend that you read this book, even if you are not a big fan of the curmudgeon and brat genre. I believe that book clubs will find plenty to discuss with this title, so I also recommend it to any book clubs looking for a light, pleasurable read. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thelma and Louise but one is younger and the other older, and, you got this book. It felt expertly crafted, witty and engaging; making it a joy to read.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise is such a delightful ride. I loved the interactions between Tanner and Mrs. Wilt and how they came to be a team and grew based on the brief number of days that they were together. This book made me laugh out loud on a few occasions and I loved the twist with George and how it leads you into thinking one thing several times along the way only to surprise you at the end. I also really enjoyed the portions of the book that break up the narrative on occasion as Mrs. Wilt's family comes to terms with her disappearance and the investigation. I recommended this book all summer long. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the early access in exchange for my honest opinion. 4.5 big stars

Absolutely hilarious. I loved Louise. I want to be Louise when I grow up (minus the rap-sheet!) What a wonderful multi-generational story! Highly recommend!

This was such a heartwarming story. I fell in love with both Tanner and Louise and found myself wanting to spend more time with them.

I love love love Tanner and Louise. I wanted to hide under a blanket in the back of the car and go on the adventure with them!

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King

Mr. King is right. Books are a uniquely portable magic.

Pick a story, any story. Crack the spine (or don’t, I know how some of you feel about that) and let the words on the page cast a spell on you to bring you to another time and place. “The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise” by Colleen Oakley is just the story to rip you from your current worries and transport you into another life. It’s not fantasy or sci-fi, but it is based in a different reality than the one I live in, and I was excited to spend time getting to know Tanner and Louise. Their unconventional friendship reminds me of my best friends. We are very different people, and we’re following very different paths in life, but we’re on the journey together and ready for the unexpected adventures along the way.

“In life, there were two kinds of friends: friends who would wish you well on your journey to battle, and friends who would jump in the trenches with you.”

never judge a book by its cover
Never Judge a Book By it’s Cover
This may shock some of you… I wanted to read this book solely from the cover. A beautiful blue background like the wide open sky, and a car with two people driving off into the sunset. You had me at hello, Berkley! Reading is a way to escape the everyday rat race monotony. I knew that there was an adventure waiting for me between these pages and I was not disappointed. Tanner and Louise get up to hijinks that made me hold my breath: a jewel heist, hidden guns, picking up strangers in hotel bars… and that’s from the octogenarian!

“People always said life was short, but it wasn’t. Not really. You could cram so many different lives into one. Be so many different people. Louise would know. She’d been at least three.”

“The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise” is about personal connection, the story of getting older (but maybe not wiser) and how to adapt when your plan changes on the spot. Oakley finds the perfect recipe for success in this novel: laughter, adventure, intrigue, love, and respect. I hope that, like me, you’ll be thinking about this story and these characters days after finishing the book.

Also, just for fun, drop a comment and share your favorite road trip memory. Or, if you’d prefer, your favorite road trip snack.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley was pure joy. I love this trope in fiction when an elderly person is suddenly stuck with a younger person. Watching their relationship grow was pure joy! Tanner figuring out who Louise really is was also lots of fun.

Well, this book is pure fun. An unlikely bond forms between 21 year old Tanner and elderly Louise. Tanner takes a job as a caretaker for Louise. Tanner doesn’t necessarily wants this job but she’s limited on options and Louise certainly doesn’t want a caretaker but her daughter demands it.
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Tanner just assumes that Louise is a sweet elderly woman, until she realizes her shed is locked up like Fort Knox, there’s a jewelry heist on the run and before she knows it Louise shows up with a Go Bag. I need to see this one on the screen! It would be so fun and it’s out today!
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Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads @prhaudio and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was utterly fantastic, and I loved it! Tanner and Louise are such a great pair. I loved their separate stories, and how the author wove them together. It was beautiful right to the end. I can't stop talking about this one!

When college dropout Tanner agreed to be a live-in caregiver to Louise, she never imagined they’d end up on a road trip running from the law.

I loved this - it kept me guessing! I feel like I can’t get into specifics without giving anything away, but its part women’s fiction, part romance, part mystery/thriller. It’s a quick read, and I loved the audiobook.

This was such a fun story! Tanner and Louise make an unlikely pair, and their journey together is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt exchanges, and witty banter. They were some of the most likeable characters I’ve come across in a while, which made the reading experience that much better. There were moments of growth and self-reflection from Tanner, and themes of loss, perseverance, and wisdom from Louise. I loved how despite getting on each other’s nerves regularly, they were still able to overcome obstacles and learn from each other. This was fast-paced and quirky mystery with a great surprise twist at the end!

If you’re looking for an easy and upbeat read that will keep you pulled in the whole time, this is it!

I rated it 4.5 stars and rounded down to 4.

4.5 stars, rounded up. This was the most delightful surprise. Fabulous characters, hidden pasts, healing, and hilarity all wrapped into a fabulous story. I cruised through the audio of this in less than 24 hours. Utterly binge-able and un-put-down-able! If you're looking for romance, you won't find it here. But you will find a great story of two lonely and lost women who find themselves and true friendship among some wild and crazy events!

*Some strong language including f words, one super vague closed door/fade to black scene and other references to intimacy, some peril

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my complimentary e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.

Thank you Berkley for complimentary copies of The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Hillary Huber.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise is a modern day Thelma and Louise meets Golden Girls.

Twenty-one-year-old Tanner Quimby & 84-year-old Louise Wilt are an unusual pair. After Louise breaks her hip from a slip on the rug, Louise’s family think it’s time for their mother to have a live in nanny. Louise completely disagrees. But her family, find Tanner, who is sort of in a limbo phase in her life. She lost her sports scholarship to Northwestern.

Tanner thought this was just a job where she would drive Louise and play video games 🎮 during her other hours. She didn’t expect to learn that Louise might not be who she says she is. She certainly didn’t expect she’d drive Louise across country.

I can’t begin to express how much I love the audiobook! The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise is so quick witted. I was laughing and nearly crying throughout this book. I grew attached to the characters: Tanner and Louise.

I found Tanner to be pretty respectful. She abided by Louise’s house rules even playing video games 🎮 during hours Louise felt proper. The two women bicker and laugh together like old pals. I wasn’t expecting to like this book as much as I did, but it’s an incredibly easy read, the pacing is just right. I walked away from this book smiling about the journey.

I recommend this book to fans of Golden Girls. If you enjoy that type of comedy, then I feel like you’ll enjoy the snappy but funny Louise and the cross country FBI chase.

Tanner and Louise make an odd pair. But somehow they work well together. Secrets, lies and a spontaneous road trip in the middle of the night keeps the story moving along quickly. A quick read for fans of fiction with a touch of mystery.

Humor must be a challenge to write. A lot of authors try but most of the time the dialogue just isn't all that funny. Fear not, in Colleen Oakley's The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise you will definitely find time to laugh out loud. There is not a more unlikely pairing than main characters Tanner, an early twenty's dropout, and Louise, an 84 year old firecracker. A crazy event leads Tanner to agree to Louise to California, a decision that leads to big-time trouble. You won't find a better road trip story - this needs to be on your must read list!

If you’re looking for something fairly light and fun that still offers a bit of a twisty plot, this is it! The characters are so likeable; I was rooting for them without even knowing their full stories. A modern day Driving Miss Daisy meets Thelma and Louise. Loved it!

Happy Friday Y'all!

Coming at you hot with a book I can't stop bragging about!

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise

Surprised, huh? No need to adjust your eyes, this is NOT a thriller and YES I loved it.

I definitely consider myself a die hard thriller fan but when bookstagram starts buzzing about a book that typically wouldn't be on my radar, my FOMO kicks in and I just have to see what everyone is chirping about. So, I hit request, and Walaaaah, here we are.

No regrets on this one. I loved this one from start to finish. Never once did I want to put the book down and even carried it to the bathroom so I wouldn't miss a beat. Colleen Oakley is an author that needs to be on everyones radar. I am ashamed to admit this was my first book by Oakley, but don't you fret, I ran right on over to amazon and purchased her backlog.

This story warmed my heart, I fell in love with both Tanner and Louise and wished so hard that they existed in real life! This book is an adventure from start to finish, a ride you just won't want to get off of.

I still can't believe I am swooning like this over a book!

Teaser:

A Good Morning America Buzz Pick * A Marie Claire Book Club Pick for April * A Reader's Digest Book Club Pick for April * A LibraryReads Pick * One of Southern Living's Most Anticipated 2023 Releases * One of Today's Most Anticipated 2023 Releases

An unforgettable pairing of a college dropout and an eighty-four-year-old woman on the run from the law in this story full of tremendous heart, humor, and wit from the USA Today bestselling author of The Invisible Husband of Frick Island.

Twenty-one-year-old Tanner Quimby needs a place to live. Preferably one where she can continue sitting around in sweatpants and playing video games nineteen hours a day. 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.

One slip on the rug. That’s all it took for Louise Wilt’s daughter to demand that Louise have a full-time nanny living with her. Never mind that she can still walk fine, finish her daily crossword puzzle, and pour the two fingers of vodka she drinks every afternoon.Bottom line: Louise wants a caretaker even less than Tanner wants to be one.

The two start off their living arrangement happily ignoring each other until Tanner starts to notice things—weird things. Like, why does Louise keep her garden shed locked up tighter than a prison? And why is the local news fixated on the suspect of one of the biggest jewelry heists in American history who looks eerily like Louise? And why does Louise suddenly appear in her room, with a packed bag at 1 a.m. insisting that they leave town immediately?

Thus begins 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.