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Driving with the Top Down
Three women, two weeks, one convertible: sometimes life doesn't take you in the direction you expect...
Colleen Bradley is married with a teenage son, a modest business repurposing and reselling antiques, and longtime fear that she was not her husband’s first choice. When she decides to take a road trip down the east coast to check out antique auctions for her business, she also has a secret ulterior motive. Her one-woman mission for peace of mind is thrown slightly off course when sixteen year old Tamara becomes her co-pilot. The daughter of Colleen’s brother-in-law, Tamara is aware that when people see her as a screw-up, but she knows in her heart that she’s so much more. She just wishes her father could see it, too.
The already bumpy trip takes another unexpected turn when they stop at the diner that served as Colleen’s college hangout and run into her old friend, Bitty Nolan Camalier. Clearly distressed, Bitty gives them a story full of holes: angry with her husband, she took off on her own, only to have her car stolen. Both Colleen and Tamara sense that there’s more that Bitty isn’t sharing, but Colleen offers to give Bitty a ride to Florida.
So one becomes two becomes three as Colleen, Tamara, and Bitty make their way together down the coast. It’s a road trip fraught with tension as Tamara’s poor choices come back to haunt her and Bitty’s secrets reach a boiling point. With no one to turn to but each other, these three women might just discover that you can get lost in life but somehow, true friends provide a roadmap to finding what you’re really looking for.
Colleen Bradley is married with a teenage son, a modest business repurposing and reselling antiques, and longtime fear that she was not her husband’s first choice. When she decides to take a road trip down the east coast to check out antique auctions for her business, she also has a secret ulterior motive. Her one-woman mission for peace of mind is thrown slightly off course when sixteen year old Tamara becomes her co-pilot. The daughter of Colleen’s brother-in-law, Tamara is aware that when people see her as a screw-up, but she knows in her heart that she’s so much more. She just wishes her father could see it, too.
The already bumpy trip takes another unexpected turn when they stop at the diner that served as Colleen’s college hangout and run into her old friend, Bitty Nolan Camalier. Clearly distressed, Bitty gives them a story full of holes: angry with her husband, she took off on her own, only to have her car stolen. Both Colleen and Tamara sense that there’s more that Bitty isn’t sharing, but Colleen offers to give Bitty a ride to Florida.
So one becomes two becomes three as Colleen, Tamara, and Bitty make their way together down the coast. It’s a road trip fraught with tension as Tamara’s poor choices come back to haunt her and Bitty’s secrets reach a boiling point. With no one to turn to but each other, these three women might just discover that you can get lost in life but somehow, true friends provide a roadmap to finding what you’re really looking for.
342 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2014
85 people are currently reading
3628 people want to read
About the author
Beth Harbison
25 books1,700 followersBeth Harbison grew up in Potomac, Maryland, in the shadow of Washington, D.C. Apart from the occasional irritation at being held up in traffic by a presidential motorcade, she has remained fairly uninvolved in the politics that define her home town. Her latest book is CONFESSIONS OF THE OTHER SISTER, William Morrow 10/11/22
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 472 reviews
January 5, 2016
Driving with the Top Down is a standalone, women's fiction novel written by author Beth Harbison. The story follows three different women, in three very different stages in their lives who unexpectedly end up on the same road trip together. Each character is experiencing a significant struggle, and the strength they share with each other during their time together binds them together and the result is beautiful. Driving with the Top Down is real, heartfelt, funny, and just a great book! It's been almost a week since I've read this (writing my review late) but I still have fond memories of my reading experience. If you're a fan of women's fiction, don't miss out on this one!
My favorite quote:
"Sometimes a little glow in the road ahead gave you hope for a moment, but turned out to be a mirage. And sometimes that mirage was pretty enough to keep you going just a little bit longer."
My favorite quote:
"Sometimes a little glow in the road ahead gave you hope for a moment, but turned out to be a mirage. And sometimes that mirage was pretty enough to keep you going just a little bit longer."
October 24, 2022
Great book! Highly recommend it if you like this genre.
July 24, 2014
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and the publisher for selecting me as a winner for Beth Harbison's "Driving With The Top Down."
It isn't sitting well with me to have to give this book two stars, because there is a lot to like about it, so let's start there.
I love a chick lit road trip novel, especially in summer and especially if it has a bit of gravitas and isn't a formulaic exercise in the genre. So this book ticks off all those check boxes easily. Colleen, Tamara, and Bitty are likeable and relatable characters, each with flaws and baggage, but also lovable in their emotional growth over the course of the story. There are funny LOL moments and touching, teary-eyed moments and Harbison mixes it up well. The plot moves quickly and enjoyably.
BUT... and yes, it's a big but. The end just turned me off completely. Not because of the trajectory of the plot; it was the abrupt change in the type of book I was reading. I completely expected Bitty to go looking for Blake on the way home. I even expected her to find him and stay. It's that kind of story and I'm completely okay with the happy, 'bow-on-top of the present' ending. What I didn't like and found out of place was the PAGES long sex scene between Bitty and Blake during their reunion. I'm not a prude and I have no problem with explicit sex scenes in books when I'm expecting them. But this was like going to a PG-13 movie and in the last 20 minutes it changes to a triple XXX. Not what I was expecting and it just didn't fit with this female-centered story about three women at different stages of life and in different circumstances finding their way to the person and place they most wanted to be and doing it together. If the scene had been shorter, less explicit, if the entire book had more sex (good sex, not humiliating sex, because there was a bit of that) sprinkled throughout, it wouldn't have seemed so jarring. It was just too much for me and ruined the mood of an otherwise sweet and satisfying story. There's a place for sex books and sex in books, but this, to me, just wasn't it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2017
I'd forgotten how refreshing a book written by Beth Harbison could be, and really enjoyed this light yet warmly compassionate story of three female characters all tussling with personal issues, some more dire than the others'. It is a road trip, with reluctant participants and eventual confessions, and, oh, so happily, good things for all in the end. It was just the right book at the right time for me. Frothy, friendly and four stars.
September 19, 2014
I only gave this 2 stars because it's not something I would recommend to another person. I didn't hate reading it and I certainly made it to the end, but the characters were not necessarily that interesting the story felt a little too contrived.
August 19, 2014
I'm so horrible with writing reviews but I really wanted to write one for this book. I have loved every Beth Harbison book that I have read and I had no doubt that I would love this one as well. This book ended up being my favorite of hers so far. It made me laugh and it made me cry. I found myself wanting to give "Tam" a big motherly hug (and I'm not a mother). My heart just broke for her. I won't get into what it is about because you can read that in the synopsis and I don't want to give any spoilers. You know when you read a really good book and it just sticks with you for a while? This one is going to do that to me, I know! If you are a Beth Harbison fan then I am very sure you will love this book as well. If you have never read any of her books you should definitely pick this one up. I am sure it will make you want to read more.
July 15, 2014
I was lucky and won this from a Goodreads giveaway. So thank you to Goodreads, St. Martin's Press, and Beth Harbison.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a great book for summer!
I really enjoyed this book. It's a great book for summer!
February 10, 2015
This was my first time reading a book by Beth Harbison; I have no idea why considering I have about 3 of her books sitting on my book shelf. I guess with everyone going on in my life and new books coming out every month, I just put them on the backburner. However, have no fear because all of those old books just got boosted up in the TBR list! Driving with the Top Down is a fun and spunky novel that is the perfect escape and will make you want to go hug your girlfriends and family right afterwards.
The story centers on three women who are all living with issues of their own and yearning for that perfect fairy-tale life. Well, life is sticky and nothing is perfect which the three women learn when they unexpectedly come into each other’s lives and take a road trip together that could end up being their saving grace (in more ways than one.) To kick off the story, we have Colleen – a mom and wife who can’t seem to get anything right or under control in her life including her son who is almost failing out of school and can’t help out with the simplest of chores. As Colleen’s inventory at her store begins to grow sparse and her husband and son schedule a boy’s trip, she decides to take a road trip down the coast to hopefully find some hidden gems along the way. A wrench is thrown into her plan when Colleen’s brother-in-law goes out of town and Colleen is forced to bring his daughter (and her niece) Tamara along the way. As Colleen and Tamara start off their adventure, they run into Colleen’s old college roommate Bitty, who has separated from her husband and decides to join in on the road trip adventure.
I loved reading about the Colleen and Bitty’s relationship from when they became best friends, had a falling out and now are trying to repair their friendship. The banter back and forth between the two made me feel that I was reading about my friends and I. I also enjoyed reading about Tamara, who on the outside seems like a misfit – a loner who has been in and out of jail and dates the most infuriating and foulest guy on the planet (I can’t help it – he is awful!) The author does a great job breaking down Tamara by showing her true colors and the circumstances that have led her to where she is today.
Driving with the Top Down was a wonderful and easy read that is perfect for any getaway. It sort of reminded me a little bit of Time Flies by Claire Cook – it had a similar feel with the road trip/best friends aspect to the story. If you are looking for the perfect beach read or something to make you feel a bit warmer in this cold weather, I recommend picking up this book. Plus, the cover was so much fun to look at for the few days that I was reading it!
The story centers on three women who are all living with issues of their own and yearning for that perfect fairy-tale life. Well, life is sticky and nothing is perfect which the three women learn when they unexpectedly come into each other’s lives and take a road trip together that could end up being their saving grace (in more ways than one.) To kick off the story, we have Colleen – a mom and wife who can’t seem to get anything right or under control in her life including her son who is almost failing out of school and can’t help out with the simplest of chores. As Colleen’s inventory at her store begins to grow sparse and her husband and son schedule a boy’s trip, she decides to take a road trip down the coast to hopefully find some hidden gems along the way. A wrench is thrown into her plan when Colleen’s brother-in-law goes out of town and Colleen is forced to bring his daughter (and her niece) Tamara along the way. As Colleen and Tamara start off their adventure, they run into Colleen’s old college roommate Bitty, who has separated from her husband and decides to join in on the road trip adventure.
I loved reading about the Colleen and Bitty’s relationship from when they became best friends, had a falling out and now are trying to repair their friendship. The banter back and forth between the two made me feel that I was reading about my friends and I. I also enjoyed reading about Tamara, who on the outside seems like a misfit – a loner who has been in and out of jail and dates the most infuriating and foulest guy on the planet (I can’t help it – he is awful!) The author does a great job breaking down Tamara by showing her true colors and the circumstances that have led her to where she is today.
Driving with the Top Down was a wonderful and easy read that is perfect for any getaway. It sort of reminded me a little bit of Time Flies by Claire Cook – it had a similar feel with the road trip/best friends aspect to the story. If you are looking for the perfect beach read or something to make you feel a bit warmer in this cold weather, I recommend picking up this book. Plus, the cover was so much fun to look at for the few days that I was reading it!
November 22, 2014
I simultaneously love and hate Beth Harbison's books. I love them because they enrapture the reader. Never have I ever found an author that has made me laugh and cry between covers...and I hate them because I read them way, way too fast. Because they're that good.
The only qualm I had with this book was the prologue, which could have been stronger and a bit less confusing. The entire book I was waiting for a tie in...not until I was about 2/3 of the way in did I realize the prologue was fantasy-driven.
But other than that if you need a book that makes you feel good, then pick up something by this author. She nails the emotions surrounding every experience as though she personally lived through everything. I mean, even the cover color tied in with a "key" element in the novel. Excellent, excellent genre writer
The only qualm I had with this book was the prologue, which could have been stronger and a bit less confusing. The entire book I was waiting for a tie in...not until I was about 2/3 of the way in did I realize the prologue was fantasy-driven.
But other than that if you need a book that makes you feel good, then pick up something by this author. She nails the emotions surrounding every experience as though she personally lived through everything. I mean, even the cover color tied in with a "key" element in the novel. Excellent, excellent genre writer
July 22, 2014
I received this book as a first reads copy and I was excited when it arrived.
Every woman in this book had their ups and downs. Their stories were sad in the beginning of the book. You had Bitty who didn't marry her childhood sweetheart and was in a horrible marriage, Tamara was a struggling teen with an absent father, and Colleen that didn't know what she was truly searching for. Colleen was an aunt to Tamara and Bitty was her college friend. Each lady had an interesting story to tell and it all takes place during a car ride along the coast in search of items for Colleen's shop. You'll laugh and you'll cry during the course of the book. The book has a bit of romance in there and I think it was a well written chick lit.
Every woman in this book had their ups and downs. Their stories were sad in the beginning of the book. You had Bitty who didn't marry her childhood sweetheart and was in a horrible marriage, Tamara was a struggling teen with an absent father, and Colleen that didn't know what she was truly searching for. Colleen was an aunt to Tamara and Bitty was her college friend. Each lady had an interesting story to tell and it all takes place during a car ride along the coast in search of items for Colleen's shop. You'll laugh and you'll cry during the course of the book. The book has a bit of romance in there and I think it was a well written chick lit.
August 3, 2016
What a fun book to listen to! It is about three women on a road trip to Florida searching for items for Colleen's shop. Colleen is questioning her husband's love for her and her place in the marriage. Tamara is Colleen's 16-year-old niece with an absent father and a young life that is leading to nowhere. Bitty is Colleen's college BFF who is on the brink of suicide. What follows is a heart-warming story with laughter and tears filling every inch of the car and the trailor.
Go Cards! L1C4!
Go Cards! L1C4!
August 2, 2018
You must deal with the life your dealt. Everyone has an imaginative thought now and then. These thoughts can destroy our view of not only ourselves but of others as well. This story deals with the lives of three women; two middle aged and one teenager.
Colleen thinks she was her husband's second choice for a wife and allows her imagination to play with what is right before her eyes. Wilomena, better known as Bitty, has the handsome man for a husband but never imagined what she got herself into. Tamara, lost her mother and was sent to live with a father that doesn't want her nor respects women period. Tamara imagines a life where there's someone to care about her.
This chic lit is very entertaining, thought provoking, and will make you dislike Tamara's dad extensively. The road trip that evolves around these women is truly their sabbatical. There's humor, drama, poignant moments that will make you cry, and a lot of encouraging conversations that can help all of us. There's not a lot graphic or profane language in this book and anyone between the ages of 16 and up can enjoy reading.
Colleen thinks she was her husband's second choice for a wife and allows her imagination to play with what is right before her eyes. Wilomena, better known as Bitty, has the handsome man for a husband but never imagined what she got herself into. Tamara, lost her mother and was sent to live with a father that doesn't want her nor respects women period. Tamara imagines a life where there's someone to care about her.
This chic lit is very entertaining, thought provoking, and will make you dislike Tamara's dad extensively. The road trip that evolves around these women is truly their sabbatical. There's humor, drama, poignant moments that will make you cry, and a lot of encouraging conversations that can help all of us. There's not a lot graphic or profane language in this book and anyone between the ages of 16 and up can enjoy reading.
February 24, 2017
Easy entertaining read. Light hearted with a good story
August 10, 2015
A little better than the other chick-lit I've read recently. At least the lives of the women portrayed were real and understandable. I enjoyed the stark differences between them all, and the types of relationships they had as a result of this.
I do have to say though, Bitty's diary was really interesting. I enjoyed "her" writing style and the fact that she was writing a suicide note to anybody and nobody. When it turned into a diary, it was fitting. What I absolutely hated was her description of sex with Blake. It made the diary not seem like a diary any more. Up until this point, when we read from Bitty's perspective, it was diary entries. When she described the sex, it seemed more like a narration instead of a diary entry. It became really cheesy and just kind of unbelievable. She wanted him to cleave her in half with his dick? Come on now.
That aside though, it was a decent read. Fast, smooth and with a predictably happy ending.
I do have to say though, Bitty's diary was really interesting. I enjoyed "her" writing style and the fact that she was writing a suicide note to anybody and nobody. When it turned into a diary, it was fitting. What I absolutely hated was her description of sex with Blake. It made the diary not seem like a diary any more. Up until this point, when we read from Bitty's perspective, it was diary entries. When she described the sex, it seemed more like a narration instead of a diary entry. It became really cheesy and just kind of unbelievable. She wanted him to cleave her in half with his dick? Come on now.
That aside though, it was a decent read. Fast, smooth and with a predictably happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2014
I was a lucky First Reads winner and received this ARC in the Goodreads Giveaway. I want to thank both the publisher and Goodreads for this opportunity. It was a reading pleasure!
This was my first Beth Harbison novel, and I am sure it will not be my last. It was great chick lit, an easy summer beach read that was both enjoyable and heartwarming. I liked that the main characters were not your typical “let’s go on a road trip” BFFs, but rather an unlikely combo of Colleen, (age 34, who is traveling south in search of antiques for her business) her niece Tamara, (age 16, juvenile delinquent) and Bitty (an estranged friend of Colleen whom they run into along the way.) Each character has their own reasons for needing a “get away” for a few weeks, and though they may or may not find what they were looking for, they certainly find what they need in the end.
This was my first Beth Harbison novel, and I am sure it will not be my last. It was great chick lit, an easy summer beach read that was both enjoyable and heartwarming. I liked that the main characters were not your typical “let’s go on a road trip” BFFs, but rather an unlikely combo of Colleen, (age 34, who is traveling south in search of antiques for her business) her niece Tamara, (age 16, juvenile delinquent) and Bitty (an estranged friend of Colleen whom they run into along the way.) Each character has their own reasons for needing a “get away” for a few weeks, and though they may or may not find what they were looking for, they certainly find what they need in the end.
April 29, 2015
This book pulled me in from the beginning and I couldn't put it down! The three story lines were so well developed although it wasn't hard to guess how the video issue would turn out but her character was so well written that I didn't mind. The only thing was that it was so easy to get drawn into each woman's sadness that I felt sort of depressed myself while I was reading. I enjoyed the fact that there was a happy ending for all.
September 16, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It was a feel good book for me, even if the ending was a bit predictable. I liked the characters of the book, although I do feel they could have been developed a bit more. I found myself anxious to finish the book once I started it. I would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a good read.
September 1, 2014
I'm so glad I didn't give up on her after the last novel! What a great tale of 3 women taking a road trip in unorthodox circumstances only to learn about life and themselves in ways they never thought. Great read!
July 11, 2014
I kind of loved this. It's the improbable story of a road trip with three women who have problems to face, and quandaries to solve, and questions to resolve. But somehow it's believable and wonderful, and the perfect summer "beach read."
June 26, 2016
My first Beth Harbison. I especially enjoyed the narration of the audio--seemed to fit the story perfectly. A great summer read, light and fun but with some things to think about if you care to.
November 5, 2018
3.5 stars.
The word to describe this book was sweet. I liked how the story was centred around the intersecting lives of three different women. There's Colleen, the self conscious housewife who questions her husband's feelings towards her; Tamara, the troubled teenager who is forced to go on a road trip with her aunt (Colleen); and Bitty, the depressed divorcee who is considering suicide.
The strongest aspect of the story was Colleen. She was the literal driving force of the story, the reason why the road trip occurs, and she is the one who has a relationship with both Tamara and Bitty, which allowed Tamara and Bitty to interact with each other when they wouldn't have in any other situation. Colleen and Tamara's developing relationship was my favourite part of the book. Colleen is initially a staunch, high-strung woman who doesn't know how to interact with her delinquent niece, and, in turn, Tamara is reluctant to spend an entire week-long road trip with her aunt rummaging through antiques. It's a classic set-up for disaster considering their opposite personalities, but watching Tamara open up to her aunt was really heartwarming, especially after readers see how neglectful Tamara's dad is over the course of the book. Tamara's whole situation with her boyfriend Vince was also realistically maddening. I just wanted to give the girl a big hug because if anyone needed one, it was her. Tamara needed a friend to confide in and it was nice seeing Colleen become a friend and mother-figure to her, especially when Tamara technically didn't even have one parent to look up to.
The weakest aspect of the story was the third woman on the road trip: Bitty. She had the darkest introduction, in which she was writing a suicide note when she ran into Colleen and Tamara. Her storyline should have been the most compelling, but she had the complete opposite impact. Her suicide notes added nothing to the book and were more like long-winded diary entries that no one - not even Bitty-herself - was interested in. She wrote about how she got into an argument with a woman over a parking spot and a long entry of how she tried rescuing a cat. The one suicide note she wrote that was interesting was the one where explained how her marriage was a failure.
That chapter was the one where I empathized with her. She caught her husband and he had the audacity to gaslight her, as if it was her fault. You really saw how incredibly emotionally abusive her husband was and you couldn't help but understand her frustrations. She isolated herself from everyone she loved to fix her marriage when her husband didn't even have the motivation to try. It was understandable to conclude why Bitty was thinking of ending her life, albeit I questioned how she got over her suicidal thoughts so easily. The transition wasn't steady enough even if she was regaining hope by rekindling her friendship with Colleen and befriending Tamara.
I got to say, I didn't like how Bitty just randomly showed up on her ex's doorstep and he just happened to be home, single, and still desperately in love with her after twenty years. It was too convenient. And it wasn't the first time this happened in the book. Colleen also showed up on her husband's ex-girlfriend's doorstep unannounced, and the woman happened to be home and welcoming and free to dispel any of Colleen's insecurities from the past.
It was even weirder that when Bitty went to her ex's house, she left Colleen and Tamara in the truck, completely hungover and unconscious. And then to top it all off, Bitty and her ex have a sex scene that lasted eight uncomfortable pages. Bitty describes the act of Blake (her ex) entering her as a "searing hot blade" and she wanted him to "split [her] open" (page 308). Like why does (good) sex feel like this to her? Why does it sound so invasive and the complete opposite of sexy and/or pleasurable?
Did anyone else feel like all of the women's problems with men were also resolved too fast? It sounded like Colleen's husband was so disinterested in her and then suddenly he's loving and perfect. It's arguable that he was okay all along and Colleen couldn't see it because of her insecurities, but I wanted them to talk about their feelings at least once. Instead, there was more open communication between Colleen and her husband's ex. Then Bitty got over her abusive husband by dating her ex again, which felt too easy.
Even Tamara got off too easily. However, I did admire the fact that Tamara doesn't end up with anyone, or anyone that we thought she would end up with. I thought she was going to end up with Connor, the nice guy who was talking to her all along, but by the end of the book, it seemed like they fell out of touch and there was hope that she was seeing another boy named Kyle. I thought this was realistic since she would meet other people once she moved in with Colleen. It would have been too perfect if Tamara dated Connor by the end of the story. She's sixteen and there are other options around.
The word to describe this book was sweet. I liked how the story was centred around the intersecting lives of three different women. There's Colleen, the self conscious housewife who questions her husband's feelings towards her; Tamara, the troubled teenager who is forced to go on a road trip with her aunt (Colleen); and Bitty, the depressed divorcee who is considering suicide.
The strongest aspect of the story was Colleen. She was the literal driving force of the story, the reason why the road trip occurs, and she is the one who has a relationship with both Tamara and Bitty, which allowed Tamara and Bitty to interact with each other when they wouldn't have in any other situation. Colleen and Tamara's developing relationship was my favourite part of the book. Colleen is initially a staunch, high-strung woman who doesn't know how to interact with her delinquent niece, and, in turn, Tamara is reluctant to spend an entire week-long road trip with her aunt rummaging through antiques. It's a classic set-up for disaster considering their opposite personalities, but watching Tamara open up to her aunt was really heartwarming, especially after readers see how neglectful Tamara's dad is over the course of the book. Tamara's whole situation with her boyfriend Vince was also realistically maddening. I just wanted to give the girl a big hug because if anyone needed one, it was her. Tamara needed a friend to confide in and it was nice seeing Colleen become a friend and mother-figure to her, especially when Tamara technically didn't even have one parent to look up to.
The weakest aspect of the story was the third woman on the road trip: Bitty. She had the darkest introduction, in which she was writing a suicide note when she ran into Colleen and Tamara. Her storyline should have been the most compelling, but she had the complete opposite impact. Her suicide notes added nothing to the book and were more like long-winded diary entries that no one - not even Bitty-herself - was interested in. She wrote about how she got into an argument with a woman over a parking spot and a long entry of how she tried rescuing a cat. The one suicide note she wrote that was interesting was the one where explained how her marriage was a failure.
That chapter was the one where I empathized with her. She caught her husband and he had the audacity to gaslight her, as if it was her fault. You really saw how incredibly emotionally abusive her husband was and you couldn't help but understand her frustrations. She isolated herself from everyone she loved to fix her marriage when her husband didn't even have the motivation to try. It was understandable to conclude why Bitty was thinking of ending her life, albeit I questioned how she got over her suicidal thoughts so easily. The transition wasn't steady enough even if she was regaining hope by rekindling her friendship with Colleen and befriending Tamara.
I got to say, I didn't like how Bitty just randomly showed up on her ex's doorstep and he just happened to be home, single, and still desperately in love with her after twenty years. It was too convenient. And it wasn't the first time this happened in the book. Colleen also showed up on her husband's ex-girlfriend's doorstep unannounced, and the woman happened to be home and welcoming and free to dispel any of Colleen's insecurities from the past.
It was even weirder that when Bitty went to her ex's house, she left Colleen and Tamara in the truck, completely hungover and unconscious. And then to top it all off, Bitty and her ex have a sex scene that lasted eight uncomfortable pages. Bitty describes the act of Blake (her ex) entering her as a "searing hot blade" and she wanted him to "split [her] open" (page 308). Like why does (good) sex feel like this to her? Why does it sound so invasive and the complete opposite of sexy and/or pleasurable?
Did anyone else feel like all of the women's problems with men were also resolved too fast? It sounded like Colleen's husband was so disinterested in her and then suddenly he's loving and perfect. It's arguable that he was okay all along and Colleen couldn't see it because of her insecurities, but I wanted them to talk about their feelings at least once. Instead, there was more open communication between Colleen and her husband's ex. Then Bitty got over her abusive husband by dating her ex again, which felt too easy.
Even Tamara got off too easily. However, I did admire the fact that Tamara doesn't end up with anyone, or anyone that we thought she would end up with. I thought she was going to end up with Connor, the nice guy who was talking to her all along, but by the end of the book, it seemed like they fell out of touch and there was hope that she was seeing another boy named Kyle. I thought this was realistic since she would meet other people once she moved in with Colleen. It would have been too perfect if Tamara dated Connor by the end of the story. She's sixteen and there are other options around.
August 13, 2020
Cute, fun, summer reading story.
October 19, 2024
Road trip with 3 women.
August 18, 2014
Each woman in this book is having a hard time with life and certain people or things involved in their own. The three women, Colleen, Tamara, and Bitty, are all connected through Colleen and are each searching for something that seems to be missing in their lives. Colleen doesn’t quite know what she is searching for, Tamara is a troubled teen with a past, and Bitty is struggling in a horrible marriage. These three women end up together for a two week car ride up the coast looking for new items for Colleen’s shop. This book is very well-written, of course because it is a Beth Harbison book, and will have you laughing and crying as the stories of these women unravel and they share their desires, deepest secrets, and their deepest fears with you!
This novel is a little on the larger side at almost 350 pages, but it took me no time to finish. Once you learn about each woman you will instantly become invested in their stories and what they have to share with you. I could never decide which one I liked more, but I will say that I was rooting for Tamara because as a teen she was still so young and I wanted to see her change her life and come out on top. The story is light and this definitely qualifies as a summer/pool/beach read. It is so charming and I guarantee that you will connect with at least one of these women.
Beth Harbison is a phenomenal author. I have never disliked any of the books that I have ever picked up by her. This book has a lot to offer as far as relationships are concerned, and if you have any relationship in your life whether it is romantic, a friend, a colleague at work, or anything else then you understand the importance of them. What I love most about Harbison is that while she writes incredible fiction stories, she also makes you stop and think at the actions and thoughts of her characters. She puts thought into each one and I am sure she is trying to reach her readers using her characters. If this is the case, it works every time for me!
***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at St. Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest review***
This novel is a little on the larger side at almost 350 pages, but it took me no time to finish. Once you learn about each woman you will instantly become invested in their stories and what they have to share with you. I could never decide which one I liked more, but I will say that I was rooting for Tamara because as a teen she was still so young and I wanted to see her change her life and come out on top. The story is light and this definitely qualifies as a summer/pool/beach read. It is so charming and I guarantee that you will connect with at least one of these women.
Beth Harbison is a phenomenal author. I have never disliked any of the books that I have ever picked up by her. This book has a lot to offer as far as relationships are concerned, and if you have any relationship in your life whether it is romantic, a friend, a colleague at work, or anything else then you understand the importance of them. What I love most about Harbison is that while she writes incredible fiction stories, she also makes you stop and think at the actions and thoughts of her characters. She puts thought into each one and I am sure she is trying to reach her readers using her characters. If this is the case, it works every time for me!
***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at St. Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest review***
February 27, 2016
I enjoyed Driving with the Top Down by Beth Harbison. It was a quick, relaxing, well written read. After a prologue which introduces the ideal life the three main characters aspire to live, we get introduced to their actual lives.
Colleen Bradley is looking forward to an antiquing road trip down the east coast, in her convertible. She is in search of acquisitions for her business, Junk and Disorderly, where she restores antiques to resell as well as recreates vintage finds into unique creations. A road trip to increase her inventory also sounds like a perfect time to discover some things about herself.
But instead of a solo adventure, she is asked to bring along Tamara, her 16 year old "jailbird" niece, who she barely knows. Tam has been through some tough times, and as she and Colleen learn to relax with each other, the reader gets to see them as kind, humorous women
Wilhelmina Camalier (aka Bitty) is at the lowest point in her life, and doesn't see any happiness ahead in her future when she stops at an old college haunt for what is possibly a last meal. At this exact moment in time, Colleen is revisiting her college days by sharing a meal with Tam at the diner. Bitty and Colleen had been great friends in college, but didn't keep in touch. The duo becomes a trio, secrets are shared along the way, as Bitty states, "We all have monsters we battle in life." Friendships as well as outlooks bloom.
They discover, "there is nothing better than opening up and driving with the top down". "It's the only way to fully enjoy the sun and the wind and life. It's so much better than keeping it all closed up!"
Colleen Bradley is looking forward to an antiquing road trip down the east coast, in her convertible. She is in search of acquisitions for her business, Junk and Disorderly, where she restores antiques to resell as well as recreates vintage finds into unique creations. A road trip to increase her inventory also sounds like a perfect time to discover some things about herself.
But instead of a solo adventure, she is asked to bring along Tamara, her 16 year old "jailbird" niece, who she barely knows. Tam has been through some tough times, and as she and Colleen learn to relax with each other, the reader gets to see them as kind, humorous women
Wilhelmina Camalier (aka Bitty) is at the lowest point in her life, and doesn't see any happiness ahead in her future when she stops at an old college haunt for what is possibly a last meal. At this exact moment in time, Colleen is revisiting her college days by sharing a meal with Tam at the diner. Bitty and Colleen had been great friends in college, but didn't keep in touch. The duo becomes a trio, secrets are shared along the way, as Bitty states, "We all have monsters we battle in life." Friendships as well as outlooks bloom.
They discover, "there is nothing better than opening up and driving with the top down". "It's the only way to fully enjoy the sun and the wind and life. It's so much better than keeping it all closed up!"
December 30, 2014
Full disclosure: I received this novel as a First Reads Goodreads giveaway, but that in no way affects my review.
Road trip...with two women: one a surly, unruly teen, the other her aunt. Add to that, a suicidal old friend and therein lies the makings of a contemporary, fun chick-lit novel.
Colleen is a wife, mother, and small businesswoman who creatively refinishes and refurbishes antiques. Her husband and son are heading off on a guys-only week-long trip so she decides on a trip down the East coast to replenish her stock.
Her brother-in-law's daughter is suddenly (and not necessarily happily) added to the trip. Already at odds with her aunt, Tamara is not thrilled with this, either, but the die is cast. Together, they will go.
Purely by chance, Colleen runs into an old college friend, Bitty. Despite the obvious lies Bitty tells about this chance meeting, Colleen and Tamara add her to the trip after Bitty's car is stolen.
The three make their way down the coast, and the trip is fraught with good times and bad for all of them as their friendship grows. Will any of them find a bit of happily-ever-after and closure for their individual issues?
A quite enjoyable read with characters that are likeable and realistic. Never have I ever read a book quite like this one...and will be checking out others by this author.
Road trip...with two women: one a surly, unruly teen, the other her aunt. Add to that, a suicidal old friend and therein lies the makings of a contemporary, fun chick-lit novel.
Colleen is a wife, mother, and small businesswoman who creatively refinishes and refurbishes antiques. Her husband and son are heading off on a guys-only week-long trip so she decides on a trip down the East coast to replenish her stock.
Her brother-in-law's daughter is suddenly (and not necessarily happily) added to the trip. Already at odds with her aunt, Tamara is not thrilled with this, either, but the die is cast. Together, they will go.
Purely by chance, Colleen runs into an old college friend, Bitty. Despite the obvious lies Bitty tells about this chance meeting, Colleen and Tamara add her to the trip after Bitty's car is stolen.
The three make their way down the coast, and the trip is fraught with good times and bad for all of them as their friendship grows. Will any of them find a bit of happily-ever-after and closure for their individual issues?
A quite enjoyable read with characters that are likeable and realistic. Never have I ever read a book quite like this one...and will be checking out others by this author.
March 5, 2016
I won this book through Goodreads' giveaway program, and I am very glad I won it.
Premise: I have never read a book in this genre, and I was very skeptical going in. I have never pictured myself reading "chicklit" or anything like it, but I signed up to win this book as a way of broadening my horizons. I really enjoyed it. The story line was simple, but surprisingly engaging. The kind of story you can relate to, and really allowed you to focus on who the story was happening to instead of what was actually happening.
Writing: The copy I read was a Advance Reading Copy, however I loved the writing style. Beth is a very gifted writer and has very unique and funny ways of describing every day things. Her writing is also very real and raw, rich with emotion.
Humor: Hilarious. I laughed a lot while reading this. Beth mixes a perfect balance of real world hardships and humor. Even when things got really hopeless sounding and terrible, she managed to catch me off guard with a little laugh at some of her descriptions.
Characters: Real and alive. I had my doubts at first but they were quickly vanquished. These characters are awesome. I felt quite attached to them by the end of the book.
Journey: Very enjoyable and easy read. I definitely recommend this book.
Premise: I have never read a book in this genre, and I was very skeptical going in. I have never pictured myself reading "chicklit" or anything like it, but I signed up to win this book as a way of broadening my horizons. I really enjoyed it. The story line was simple, but surprisingly engaging. The kind of story you can relate to, and really allowed you to focus on who the story was happening to instead of what was actually happening.
Writing: The copy I read was a Advance Reading Copy, however I loved the writing style. Beth is a very gifted writer and has very unique and funny ways of describing every day things. Her writing is also very real and raw, rich with emotion.
Humor: Hilarious. I laughed a lot while reading this. Beth mixes a perfect balance of real world hardships and humor. Even when things got really hopeless sounding and terrible, she managed to catch me off guard with a little laugh at some of her descriptions.
Characters: Real and alive. I had my doubts at first but they were quickly vanquished. These characters are awesome. I felt quite attached to them by the end of the book.
Journey: Very enjoyable and easy read. I definitely recommend this book.
October 4, 2014
I really wanted to like this book. I chose it as the first of several audiobooks I'd received to review because I just loved the concept -- three gals, a road trip. "How fun!" I thought. "They will get into all kinds of fun adventures! It will make me want to grab my besties and hit the open road!"
Unfortunately, it did not. Admittedly, their lives all kinda sucked (except for Colleen, who was just making her own drama for no good reason), but this book to me was basically just them whining about how horrible everything is for 350 pages. There was literally one point in the book where Colleen and Bitty are sitting at a bar engaging in a "who has the crappier life right now??" match. I can't. I cannot. I know you had to show these characters hitting rock bottom so you can see them starting to climb their way up, but I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it was more climbing and less descent and groveling around at the bottom. The happy ending for the gals was pretty much right at the end. The rest of the time they were just driving around and brooding in their own heads. I made myself push through it, though....
Read the full review on Book Nerds Across America: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com...
Unfortunately, it did not. Admittedly, their lives all kinda sucked (except for Colleen, who was just making her own drama for no good reason), but this book to me was basically just them whining about how horrible everything is for 350 pages. There was literally one point in the book where Colleen and Bitty are sitting at a bar engaging in a "who has the crappier life right now??" match. I can't. I cannot. I know you had to show these characters hitting rock bottom so you can see them starting to climb their way up, but I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it was more climbing and less descent and groveling around at the bottom. The happy ending for the gals was pretty much right at the end. The rest of the time they were just driving around and brooding in their own heads. I made myself push through it, though....
Read the full review on Book Nerds Across America: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com...
July 3, 2014
I won this ARC in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I've only read one other Beth Harbison book - When in Doubt, Add Butter - but definitely put her books in the category of beach read or brain candy. There is nothing wrong with brain candy, sometimes it is just what the doctor ordered. Getting the balance of "don't expect too much from the reader" and "entertain the reader and keep her interested" is something many writers fail at. Beth Harbison has it down solid.
I liked the characters in this book. Colleen is someone I wouldn't mind being friends with, so was Bitty once I got to know her back story. I felt sorry for Tamara and wanted to give her a hug. For the most part, the relationships and experiences ring true. There's only one scene I could have done without frankly, but I won't give anything away.
Ms. Harbison is very descriptive - I like to be able to imagine the scene I am reading.
Pick this one up if you're looking for a fun book to keep you company for a little while.
I've only read one other Beth Harbison book - When in Doubt, Add Butter - but definitely put her books in the category of beach read or brain candy. There is nothing wrong with brain candy, sometimes it is just what the doctor ordered. Getting the balance of "don't expect too much from the reader" and "entertain the reader and keep her interested" is something many writers fail at. Beth Harbison has it down solid.
I liked the characters in this book. Colleen is someone I wouldn't mind being friends with, so was Bitty once I got to know her back story. I felt sorry for Tamara and wanted to give her a hug. For the most part, the relationships and experiences ring true. There's only one scene I could have done without frankly, but I won't give anything away.
Ms. Harbison is very descriptive - I like to be able to imagine the scene I am reading.
Pick this one up if you're looking for a fun book to keep you company for a little while.
March 9, 2015
Colleen is questioning her ability as a wife and mother. Her business has not had a good year. So when her husband and son go off on a father/son trip to Cooperstown, Colleen plans a trip of her own. She repurposes antiques and unique items, and takes off to find new treasures. What she wasn't expecting was a passenger. She is asked to take her 16 year old neice, Tamara, who has made one too many bad choices. With resentment, Colleen agrees. To her surprise, Colleen finds Tamara funny and engaging when she isn't sullen and moody. To Colleen's great astonishment, they run into her college best friend, Bitty, at a diner along the way. After Bitty finds her car stolen, she joins Colleen and Tamara on their excursion. The three make quite a trio, and as the miles pass, their stories are revealed. I was expecting a light hearted story, and while I often found myself laughing, I was drawn into the touching, and sometimes poignant stories of each of these women.
Really 4.5 stars.
Really 4.5 stars.
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