The Road Trip

A family holiday goes wrong in the new 2025 novel from an beloved, bestselling Australian author

by Tricia Stringer

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Pub Date Sep 30 2025 | Archive Date Sep 24 2025

Harlequin Australia, HQ (Fiction, Non Fiction, YA) & MIRA | HQ

Women's Fiction

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Description

Two caravans, four adults and a journey through Australia's heart - the trip of a lifetime, right? Wrong. A wise take on the joys of travel with those you might dislike the most but love the best.

Sharyn Tregonning wanted a holiday somewhere glamorous for her 60th birthday. So when her husband Barry surprises her with a caravan trip from Adelaide to Broome, she is furious - and bitterly disappointed. Even worse, Barry's annoying friend Ray, and Ray's reclusive frumpy sister Kathleen are coming along.

It's true that Kathleen Allenby has become a recluse. As the end-of-life carer for three family members (and at war with her mean neighbours) she has become anxious. She doesn't expect this trip to offer her much. Sharyn has always looked down on her, and Kathleen has never liked her (or her bitchy friends).

But as a series of mishaps and accidents, overflowing toilets and destination disagreements test boundaries and fray tempers, the two women share a bottle of gin and begin to bond over the highs and lows of caravan life and their irritation with their menfolk as they travel through the magnificent Kimberly towards magical Broome. When a dead body surfaces at a luxe resort, it brings their grudges and hurts out into the open, and the women realise that it's not just the men's future - or behaviour - that needs to change.

Two caravans, four adults and a journey through Australia's heart - the trip of a lifetime, right? Wrong. A wise take on the joys of travel with those you might dislike the most but love the best.

...

A Note From the Publisher

Tricia Stringer is a bestselling and multiple award-winning author. Her books include contemporary fiction, rural romances and historical sagas set in Australian communities past and present.Tricia grew up on a farm in country South Australia and has spent most of her life in rural communities as the owner of a post office and bookshop, and as a teacher and librarian. She lives on the traditional lands of the Narungga people in the beautiful Copper Coast region and shares her passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.

Available Editions

EDITION	Mass Market Paperback
ISBN	9781867247760
PRICE	A$34.99 (AUD)
PAGES	464

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Additional Information

Average rating from 34 members

Featured Reviews

Janene M, Reviewer

The Road Trip is a witty, heartwarming and true-to-life story that perfectly captures the highs and lows of caravanning across Australia. Tricia Stringer balances laugh-out-loud humour with meaningful character development, and I found myself completely invested in the group by the end.

As a caravanner myself, I loved how authentic the travel details were — from the frustrations to the magical moments. This book is both entertaining and inspiring, and it left me wanting to hit the road again. Highly recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Nikki S, Reviewer

I adored this book! If you love stories that mix humour, heart, and a bit of chaos, this book is an absolute gem! As someone who adores both fiction and camping, I found myself immersed in this tale of campsites, clashing personalities, and the stunning Australian outback. The descriptions of the Kimberley and the journey to Broome were fantastic and I found myself googling and adding them to my list of places to visit - including the horizontal falls.
The story centres on Sharyn, who’s furious when her husband Barry swaps her dream of a glamorous 60th birthday for a caravan trip. Add in Barry’s irritating mate Ray and his socially awkward sister Kathleen, and you’ve got the worst birthday present Sharyn could imagine. What unfolds is a hilarious, sometimes touching exploration of relationships, grudges, and unexpected friendships. It was fun to watch Sharyn and Kathleen’s journey from being tolerant of each other to a whole other level.
The camping mishaps along the way resonated and kept the story moving at a fun pace. But it’s not all laughs; the book also dives into deeper themes of ageing, self-worth, and the complexities of long-term relationships. The way the women confront their frustrations with their partners and themselves was moving.
This book is perfect for anyone who’s ever been on a road trip that didn’t go to plan, or who’s had to navigate tricky family dynamics. It’s a wise, witty, and wonderfully Australian story that’ll make you laugh, tear up, and maybe even rethink your next holiday plans. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read and review this book.