When I first heard about this book, it was from an email that was pitching it as perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Ted Lasso. So naturally, being a massive fan of both Emily Henry's books and the show Ted Lasso, I was a bit skeptical. Which might have worked in my favor, because it helped me not overhype this book in my mind – which can sometimes lead me to not like a book as much as I expected.

All that said, I sincerely enjoyed this one! And I think the marketers were pretty right on when using Emily Henry and Ted Lasso to pitch it. It has great banter akin to what one might find in Henry's books, and our main male character Hollis gives off major Roy Kent vibes.

It was such a fun read and had me smiling and laughing out loud at some moments. While it does deal with grief, lost love, and betrayal, there is plenty of witty banter to make this feel closer to a light-hearted read with just the right amount of heft.

I do wish we got a bit more of Hollis and Millie in an epilogue of some kind, but maybe the author will share bonus content in the future??? Fingers crossed.

I loved Millie's sunshine character to Hollis's grump. He really turned out to be a cinnamon roll at his core ◡̈ and I loved it.

Cannot wait to read more from Sarah Adler!!

Thank you Berkley for the eArc.

I think that this was a really strong debut novel where some aspects really worked for me and others just fell a bit flat.

I really appreciated the unique nature of this book that was present down to the basic premise itself of a romance with a road trip to deliver ashes to a long lost love. The situations the characters got themselves in played with common tropes in a newer way that I thought was refreshing. The way that the story within and story aspect was handled was also a great time and I liked what the author did with it. I also went into this book after seeing some reviews comparing it to Emily Henry and can definitely see that in some of the characterization and banter between the love interests.

I think the things that didn’t work for me just come down to personal preference. I was a little bit put off by just how “quirky” Millicent was, but I do think that the discussions surrounding her personality and how other people treat her was interesting. The first person style, narrating to us as things are happening with commentary, also just didn’t connect with me the way I know it will others. Finally I personally found the romance aspect to be a little rushed and I don’t know if it’s just that there were two stories in here, but it didn’t fully land for me.

Overall I can see a lot of people liking this book, especially as a fun escapist romance for the summer, so I will definitely be recommending it.

Sarah Adler's MRS. NASH'S ASHES was a delightful debut. From the heartwarming relationship between Millie and Mrs. Nash, to the steamy scenes between Millie and Hollis, and the LOL moments involving broccoli (yes, broccoli), you can't help but devour this book in a single sitting because you want to know how it all ends. Each character really came into their own. I'll definitely be checking out what's next for Sarah.

Thank you to Sarah and Berkley for the advanced copy.

I genuinely loved Mrs. Nash's Ashes — It was such a lovely, emotional romantic comedy, that is reminiscent of what I love about Emily Henry's books. I found Millicent to be such a quirky but adorable lead, I loved her unwavering optimism, and how deeply she cared for Mrs. Nash, Mrs. Nash's story, as well as the people around her. I love the grumpy sunshine trope, and I think the way that Hollis and Millie worked together was adorable. I'm not the biggest fan of insta love, and I do think that this felt a little bit (a lot) like insta love at times, but I also didn't mind too much. Overall, I just really loved this book!

What an absolute delight. Plenty of surprises, fully drawn characters and not too much overwrought drama. I was fully invested in these characters!

This story has so many fun and delightful pieces, it wraps you right up. You can tell the author poured her heart into the main characters she crafted because they are witty, sarcastic, and a joy to experience.

This story reads like a wonderful movie plot. One-of-a-kind personalities that offer daring and bold decisions with a travel plot that will not only crack you up but endear you to the author for life. This story is gold.

Mrs. Nash’s Ashes brings a story that offers a great balance of characters, a budding and steamy romance, peeks into the past, and a future that is bright. It is heartwarming, quirky, and so entertaining! I cannot wait to read more from Adler!

I read this book so fast! It’s impossible to put down. Another amazing debut novel we are blessed with this year!

There are two love stories in this book, Rose and Elsie’s and Millie and Hollis’s. To begin with the main romance, Millie and Hollis, I have to say that they were delightful. I know this isn’t usually a positive line but Hollis is really not like other heroes I’ve read. Millie often describes his as a burnt toast on the outside that is still soft and chewy on the inside, and I totally agree. Millie was such a wonderful sunshine. God, I loved her so much. So kind-hearted and always trying to believe the best of everyone and everything. My favorite type of heroine. She was determined to reunite Rose and Elsie no matter what and her passion was my favorite aspect of this novel.

Rose and Elsie’s love story broke my heart in so many pieces. God, how unfair. I know they’re fictional but I want to time travel and bring them to today so they can be together. Don’t get me wrong, this book was a really good time, but their story squeezed my heart so hard. It’s a perfect mash of a romcom with emotions. Can’t recommend it enough. 💙

TW: Death of a loved one, grief

Rating: 4.5/5
Steam level: Open door, 2-3 scenes, medium level of detail

ARC provided by PRH International and NetGalley. Opinions are my own!

3.75 stars. Very sweet, although it really did feel like the author was trying too hard with the cute and quirky at times. A slightly different use of the grumpy/sunshine trope, with some good spiciness and a different back story. Nicely done.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley publishing for the ARC.

I’m all about giving new authors a chance. I think it takes a lot of courage to put their work in a world saturated with so many different books, and hope that readers will pick up theirs to read.
And that is why I wanted to read this book. The premise sounded interesting and I was excited to read it.

I personally didn’t click with the story. I didn’t make a connection with the characters.
I felt a lot of times the dialogues were forced and they just didn’t come naturally to the characters. Like the author was trying too hard to make the banters witty and funny, but it actually had a cringey effect.

The conflict towards the end was a bit dramatic and over the top. Mil’s reaction was exaggerated. I never warmed up to either character.

Overall an okay read.

*me, taking deep breaths, trying to play it cool, but secretly knowing this book is about to become my entire personality and I'm so not cool about it*

At its most basic, this book is extremely readable. Approximately one page in and I was already hooked. It's interesting, SO funny, ~spicy~, and a grumpy/sunshine tale that utilizes your favorite tropes while still feeling completely and joyously fresh. And that's an understatement -- it's one of the most unique and endearing books I've ever read.

Sarah Adler's magnetic debut follows former-child-actor Millicent Watts-Cohen, who is on a quest to reunite her elderly best friend's ashes (well, three tablespoons of them) with her long lost love. Her determination to give the two women a long-due happy-ever-after also coincides with her desire to (hopefully) reassure herself of love's lasting power in the process.

She just didn't expect to have a living travel companion on her quest. After a computer glitch grounds flights, Millie is forced to catch a ride with Hollis Hollenbeck, an also-stranded acquaintance from her ex's MFA program. Hollis certainly does not believe in happily-ever-afters--symbolic or otherwise--and makes it quite clear that he can't fathom Millie's plan ending well for anyone.

But as they contend with peculiar bed-and-breakfasts, unusual small-town festivals, and deer with a death wish, Millie begins to suspect that her reluctant travel partner might enjoy her company more than he lets on. Because for someone who supposedly doesn't share her views on romance, Hollis sure is becoming invested in the success of their journey. And the closer they get to their destination, the more Millie has to admit that maybe this trip isn't just about Mrs. Nash's love story after all--maybe it's also about her own. (Tbh, two love stories for the price of one!!!)

MRS. NASH'S ASHES is its own little world of unforgettable moments and distinctive yet stunning writing. (I honestly can't believe this is Sarah's DEBUT! It will blow you out of the water!) It's infused with luminous characters, offbeat but magnetic banter, ~feels~ of precise and relatable depth, and these perfectly-crafted, unexpected moments that keep you cackling, crying, clutching your heart, and desperately turning pages. It's honestly and truly masterful!!! I adored the back-in-time flashbacks, and the past weaving itself with the present. I cherish the discussions of grief and the introspection on relationships and HEAs. It was a hopeful and satisfying story, without being roll-your-eyes, off-into-the-sunset naiveté. Truly, I did not want to leave this world.

Honestly, I can't wait for y'all to star MRS. NASH'S ASHES and be like, *nervous laughter* "I'm in danger" because you KNOW, you just ~know~, it's going to change your life.

A few ~treasures~ from this story to whet your appetite and convince you to pick up this book:

-Grumpy men getting caught singing
-broccoli facts
-Steam so swoony (and hot!!!) you'll need a fainting couch
-"Loving you is making me so damn stupid." Can I just? *screams*
-Commentary on FOREARMS (a must in every romance I read, tbh!)
-long-lost sapphic love
-a drunk insistent on group hugs
-cinnamon roll lust
-banter so captivating and funny it should be illegal
-the celebration of weirdness!
-A 'Most Likely to Voluntarily Assist With Her Own Kidnapping' MC
-uncovering the shiny bits in other people
-A wacky bed and breakfast that is its own character

And just as a personal side note: the MC ends a relationship with an ex because he weaponized her "weirdness." But when she finds someone who cares for her *just* as she is...like, that hit a chord in me so important and resonant that I've haven't been able to stop thinking about it. We don't have to change ourselves just to be worthy of someone else's love. Our "weirdness," our quirks, our idiosyncrasies are what make us who we are, and there are people who will CHERISH those things about us, instead of making us feel stupid or broken, or try to manipulate us out of them. Such an important part of this story and I'm SO thankful to Sarah for sharing this with us. Five unequivocal, indisputable stars.

A big thank you to Sarah and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. This story is one I'm going to be thinking about, re-reading, and sharing with friends for a loooooong time.

Cute book, fantastic cover, and characters I know I'll never forget! This road trip romcom is going to be a hit this summer!

This was a fun road trip romance with family, historical storylines intertwined. I felt it dragged in several places and really could have been edited more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

CW: ableist language, parental death (past, off-page), death of a loved one (past), death, grief, historical homophobia, objectification of girls and women, and toxic relationship (past)

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f contemporary romance
-road trip romance
-grumpy/sunshine
-amazing banter
-opposites attract
-only one bed
-I hate everyone but you
-an obsession with Pee Wee's Big Adventure

I had a lot of friends hype this book up to me and let me tell you it did not disappoint. Millie was sunshine chaos personified, not letting life get her down after ending a relationship, and the death of her elderly best friend. Instead she chooses to honor her best friend by taking her ashes on an adventure. This book had just amazing pacing, you just keep turning the page and couldn't put it down. Millie was authentic, a bit naive, and just wore her heart on her sleeve.

She runs into grumpy Hollis on a journey of his own, add in some airport troubles, and they're off on a roadtrip to remember. Grumpy Hollis who had given up on love long ago, was fighting it every inch of the way here, but couldn't help falling for Millie. He was a grumpy man with an ooey gooey center and he'll just make you swoon. Trying to pretend he doesn't care about Millie, his concern is so evident even as he tries to push her away. Their slow build of emotional intimacy and their attraction just had me cackling as Hollis tried to pretend Millie annoyed him but was just gone on her.

And then there's the story of Rose and Elsie, Mrs. Nash's own love story and her life. I loved how that flowed through the story as it's own being but also intertwined with Millie and Hollis' While I won't give spoilers, the ending gut punched me in the throat in the best way and just had such a beautiful resolution that I was swooning, hand over my heart the entire time. If you're looking for a read that will make you laugh but also hit you in the feels, this is a must check out debut.

Steam: 3

This gave me so much Emily Henry vibes in the sense that it is, in its heart, a story filled with hope, tenderness, warmth, forgiveness, and love. While I enjoyed Millie and Hollis's banter and road-trip romance, it's the love story of Elsie and Rose that really pulls at the heart strings and gives this some gravitas and makes it truly memorable. Thank you so much to Berkley Romance for providing me with a free arc.

Mrs Nash’s ashes by Sarah Adler publishes may 2023. This is such a sweet book. Of a young woman taking her best friend’s ashes to the woman who she has always loved that she meet in the war. Millicent believes in eternal love. But her travel companion has lost his faith in it. Will Millicent and this trip change his mind

This was a beautiful and touching road trip romance with two unique main characters that I was absolutely fascinated by from the first chapter.

This is super fun book. I loved Milli & Hollis their connection. Fun banter and a fun road trip.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

A cute, easy road trip read! Really enjoyed the characters and felt they were well drawn. My fav was the flashbacks to Elsie and rose’s romance. Very adorable.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars

What an absolutely delightful read. Mrs. Nash’s Ashes is a fun, romantic road trip romp with lovable characters and excellent dialogue. The story follows Millie, a former child star and whimsical romantic, as she goes on a trip to reunite the ashes of her best friend (Mrs. Nash) with her long-lost love. Hijinks ensue and she is forced on a road trip adventure with cynical writer, Hollis. The two could not be more different, but they also could not be more perfect for each other.

From the first chapter, I knew this would be a 5 star read. The humor spoke to me and reminded me of an Emily Henry or Linda Holmes story (my all-times). I truly loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Hollis and Millie and their banter was *chef’s kiss*. I also appreciated how well-rounded the characters were and how Millie turned her Manic Pixie Dream Girl energy on it’s head. Perfection.

An excellent debut novel that makes Sarah Adler one of my auto-buy authors.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Such a wonderful debut!! Sarah Adler is a fantastic writer, and I absolutely fell in love with Hollis and Millicent's story!