Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book before its release!

Let me first start with all my good thoughts on the book before i share the few things i didn't enjoy.

I had a good time reading this book, I loved the road tripping and all the laughs and sometimes almost tears, this was a beautifully written book not only about grief but also about finding yourself and trying to understand all the reasons of why people lie. it was messy, raw, real, and relatable. Mara Williams did a fantastic job at making me feel all the highs and lows emotionally in this book and I think she captured the essence of human emotions and how messy and confusing they can be beautifully.
Considering this is Mara Williams debut novel I think she did a phenomenal job, and though this book isn't even out yet I already I can't wait to see what she writes next.
Will Absolutely recommend this too anyone who wants a romantic and funny book filled with grief and soul-searching set on a road trip between ex childhood friends.

Now onto the things i didn't like about the book

Miscommunication, there was a good amount of it in this book and it's personally my least favorite trope. It was frustrating at times and a lot of things from their childhood still felt unresolved at the end, they were both very hurt by the other because of miscommunication and although they talked some of it out it did not feel like that kind of hurt was ever really worked through in its entirety.

I won't say much about this to avoid spoilers, but Ophelias past relationship that was clearly very toxic felt a little brushed over considering it was big aspect of her life, and it clearly left her with some deep insecurities that I think that should have been addressed more thoroughly.

Cherry. What she did to beau was horrible and I strongly disliked her character from the beginning, without spoiling anything this "friendship" felt unresolved in the end, and we never got a clear answer on what happened with Ophelias other friend I think her name was Simone.

There was a good bit of cliches, for example beau growled at her too many times, like is he a bear or...? Lol

My only other criticism is that Beau pushed very hard for Ophelia to open up to him, which she did plenty of times but when she simply asked him to do the same in return he would just shut down and I found it annoying and hypocritical of him considering she was very vulnerable with him but it took him forever to do the same.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

There were aspects of this book I liked, but overall too many cliches & too spicy for me personally.

Beau was a classic man written by a woman & I ate it up. However he “growled” way too many times, felt a little overdone to me. There was a thread of miscommunication woven throughout, and while I understand why it was there & it served the plot it’s just not my favorite trope.

I thought handling grief and how it brings people together & the blessing of found family was great.

Overall not my cup of tea, but could be enjoyable for you if it is yours!

Loved the concept of this storyline. Secrets and soul searching while on a road trip across the US, I was hooked right away! The writing is excellent, and the characters are well crafted. I think this will be a popular book for discussions and clubs. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thanks @netgalley @amazonpublishing @marawilliamswrites for the chance to read The Truth Is in the Detours. It releases on August 12, 2025.

Are you looking for a swoon-worthy romance that includes a road trip across scenic California and ALL the secrets? Well, do I have a book for you! Mara's debut has beautiful writing at the line level with an emotional wallop.

Ophelia is preparing her late father's house for sale when she finds a blindsiding document. The mother Ophelia thought died thirty years ago isn’t dead after all—she abandoned her. Her neighbor (and former childhood friend) Beau's current project is set to take him across the West Coast. Ophelia has a brilliant idea: she'll help Beau with his book and he'll help her unravel the truth of her mother's disappearance. Mile by mile, they grow close again, but are there still secrets between them? Can they trust each other enough to find a way back to each other?

Steam: 🔥🔥
Tropes: frenemies to lovers, family secrets, road trip, only one tent

Again, I'm going to express that I didn't like the way the book was written because I like past tense better but this story has heart so I kept with it.
Lol lol lol this book was too cute and some scenes were hilarious as Beau and Opheliah find their way to the truths.
I love road trips especially in books. I can go places and use my imagination without having to go there lol..
Some scenes had me doubled over laughing. I won't say what they are. I don't want to give them away.
I didn't want to put this book down because that meant that I had to say goodbye to Beau and Opheliah. They cracked me up!
I think it was the title to be honest that made pick up this adventure.
I wasn't going to finish it because of the way it was written but now I'm so glad I did!! Lol!
I will say that people sometimes do what they do to protect the ones they love even if it's wrong. "Eventually lies will bite you in the ass" Jeremiah says.
I'm giving this book 5 stars simply for the adventure this book offered and the lessons that were in it.
I recommend this beautiful story of may e renewed friendships and 2nd chances? You'll just have to pick this one up and read it!
My thanks for a copy of this adventure lol I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

There are elements to like here for fans of the Emily Henry formula (it reads like a combo of Beach Read and Great Big Beautiful Life), though with less skillful pacing and occasionally stilted dialogue. I didn't feel as though the interpersonal frustrations and miscommunications between the main characters were adequately addressed, so the relationship never felt earned. The premise (a road-trip to interview liars, helmed by a history professor who apparently crowdsourced interviewees from the internet) also felt contrived and was executed unrealistically.

This book is STUNNING! Atmospheric, romantic, heartfelt; it was everything I want in a childhood friends to estranged ex-friends to lovers road trip romance. The insights in the book were also so deep and sharp that I felt like I learned something about myself from reading, while being whisked along on a magical journey. Ophelia is one of my favorite main characters I've ever read and her chemistry with Beau was absolutely sizzling. Plus, an only one tent scene??? If I could give it a million stars, I would.