A nostalgic, emotional journey with heart—though not without its bumps
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 rounded up)

There’s something I’ll always fall for: a story about childhood friends who grew apart and are thrown back together, forced to confront old wounds and unspoken truths. That setup always hits close to home for me—there’s just so much depth in having shared history, lingering tension, and the hope of reconnection. The Truth Is in the Detours started off so strong in that way. The tension between Ophelia and Beau was palpable, and I couldn’t stop flipping pages trying to find out what exactly went wrong between them.

I also really appreciated that the book didn’t lean on flashbacks or a dual timeline to do its emotional heavy lifting. The past was revealed organically through conversation and reflection, which kept the story grounded in the present. That said, for how invested I was at the start, the ending felt a little abrupt. I wanted more resolution—not necessarily in plot, but in those intimate, character-deepening conversations I felt we were building toward. There were so many opportunities for Beau and Ophelia to really talk, and I missed having those moments on the page.

Romance-wise, my feelings were a bit mixed. At first, I was rooting for them, but as the story unfolded, some of their dynamic left me cold. There were a few “ick” moments that made it harder to believe in their romantic arc. Oddly, I started feeling like maybe they were better off rebuilding their friendship than reigniting anything romantic. Still, their banter had its charm, and the road trip gave them a great setting for meaningful moments (even if some of those stayed beneath the surface).

What really kept me hooked was the mystery surrounding Ophelia’s mother. That thread was well-paced and compelling, and I appreciated the emotional payoff. For a debut, Mara Williams has a strong voice and clear storytelling instincts, and I’d definitely be curious to see what she writes next.

If you enjoy second-chance stories with a side of grief, healing, and slow-burn revelations—this one’s worth the read.

I love a good love story where childhood friends who fell apart reunite and have to delve into the past and address their issues. The book started off really strong. I was immediately hooked. The tension between the characters was palpable, and I felt a deep need to know what happened.

What I absolutely loved about the book is that it didn’t rely on dual timelines and flashback chapters like many stories with a similar concept do. And more importantly, there was no need for them. Everything that went down in the past was explained through the main character’s inner monologue as well as her conversations with other characters. At no point did I feel like the book was dragging- in fact, I felt like it was cut short. I needed more closure, the ending felt quite abrupt, and even though the main couple spent so much time together, I felt like they needed to talk more and I wish we got to witness those conversations on page.

As for the romance, I was really intrigued at first. But the more time they spent together, the less I liked them as a couple. Towards the end, I felt like perhaps they are better off as just friends. Some of their conversations gave me a huge ick and I did not really find myself rooting for them to be together. I felt indifferent and didn’t really care much.

The mystery and the quest to find Ophelia’s mom is what kept me invested in the book. I was genuinely curious and wanted to find out what exactly happened, and I was pretty satisfied with the way that storyline went.

Overall, it’s a great debut, and I would consider picking up another book by this author

3.5 stars rounded up!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I love a book with a road trip. A love story about childhood friends. A chance to work out problems together and apart. Ophelia and Beau are the sweetest couple, and it was a delight to follow their journey back to each other. More of a contemporary romance than a romcom, the book begins with the aftermath of the death of a parent. The author didn’t shy away from grief, loss, loneliness, or memories. I don’t typically care for lack of communication in romance novels, but I understood it with Ophelia and Beau as they had not been in contact in many years and we’re getting to know each other all over again. I enjoyed this one very much and highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book. It's a bit of romance, but contains some tough topics such as parent death, parent abandonment, found family. It's more of a journey of Ophelia navigating her past, her way and herself.

The romance part was a little tough. I am not the biggest fan of miscommunication tropes, and I wish I felt more of "feeling" between Beau and Ophelia. Looking for the lead up... reflecting on their past more? I loved the banter between them though!

Overall, it was a good read, paced, and I enjoyed the. narrator.

Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced reader copy

The Truth is in the Detours by Mara Williams is a very well done book. The book tackles a lot of heavy topics, including loss of a parent/death, and handles them well. The idea of Ophelia taking a road trip to learn the truth called to me (I love a good road trip) and I enjoyed reading it a lot. Her journey, both physically and mentally, made this book a nice read. The banter between Beau and Ophelia was really cute and I enjoyed seeing them grow together

The Truth Is in the Detours feels like having a deep, honest convo with a friend who's been through it. She talks about grief and finding herself in a way that’s super real and relatable. It’s one of those books that sticks with you after you finish. This one is definitely going to stay with me.

I liked the set up for this book, and I think the writing was good, I just couldn’t wrap my head around this being a romance. The premise seemed like a classic trope but the chemistry between the two main characters just didn’t hit for me. They both seemed just kind of mean? And while I know they’re processing grief, it just never felt like they came around from that.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the arc. All opinions and statements are my own.

Blurb
“Ophelia Dahl has just buried her beloved father when she finds among his personal effects a blindsiding document. The mother Ophelia thought died thirty years ago isn’t dead after all—she abandoned her. But how could she, and where is she now? With some neighborly help, Ophelia’s going to find out.

Beau Augustin is an acclaimed author and Ophelia’s childhood bestie turned teenage nemesis, still chafing after all these years. As luck would have it, Beau’s current project—family deceptions—is set to take him across the West Coast. Ophelia has a brilliant idea: Beau’s book. Her life. Win-win. In a Subaru filled with baggage, they hit the road.

Despite detours, dead ends, and old grudges, Ophelia is desperate to unravel a lifetime of lies. And Beau’s research is a little more personal than he’s letting on. Mile by mile, they’re getting closer to their truths—and to each other—than they ever thought possible.”

My Thoughts
What a fun yet interesting book! I love a romance book that has sad and challenging moments/plot points that the main character has to face in order to grow. It adds so much more depth and feeling into novels, in my opinion.

I related to Ophelia a lot. She was insecure, self-deprecating, and holding onto a lot of hurt and pain from the past. I still need to work on myself, but it was nice to see a character work through that and come through stronger and bolder. 💪🏼

The story was entertaining, the romance was pretty cute, and Ophelia’s journey to finding herself was probably my favorite part of the book. I will say, though, that Beau growls too much (I get it, he’s a grumpy guy, but he’s not a dog 😅) and Ophelia was always trying not to “project.” And I agree with what another reviewer said about the writing: there was more telling than showing. But not too much to where you feel like your ear is being talked off by someone who is dying to share their life story in one sitting. And the miscommunication drove me crazy! I honestly cannot stand miscommunication in books, especially the kind where it is obvious the characters need to flipping talk in order to resolve their problems and not have internal monologues about the awkward situation they can pull themselves out of. Oh, and this book has some spice in it, fyi. 😉

But I will say, I did love the banter and the rekindled friendship between Ophelia and Beau that somewhat quickly turned into a romance. They were cute together. 🥰 Beau’s parents and friends were also the best, but I cannot say the same about Ophelia’s friends. 😅 And the ending was great! I loved it and wanted to cry at the happy ending I was hoping for. This book was just so fun and easy to read, so I highly recommend it if you need a good, summer book with the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers and grumpy and sunshine trope, roadtrips, healing, and forgiveness.

Content Warnings
Loss of a parent, grief, mental illness, death, miscarriage

#TheTruthisintheDetours #Netgalley

Thank you to Mara Williams and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. ♡

₊˚⊹⋆ first thoughts: this book description sounds as though i am about to be hit with a ton of emotional turmoil when beau and ophelia head on the road to uncover their truths. i am so excited to crack this one open!!

Thank you Netgalley the publishers and the author for the e-arc of this book.

This was hoestly quite bingeable, icl. Every time I put it down, I would keep thinking about how it would progress, not just in terms of the mystery, but also for the mending and improving of the relationship between the 2 main characters. This was exactly what I expected it would be, a classic lit fic. book, which was the type of story I was in the mood for as well. It was quite a poignant look at how 2 close friends drifted apart due to their different priorities in their teenage years, with 2 polar views on what happened, and the story of them reuniting after years and finally trying to sink back to their dynamic and mend their broken friendship while also talking out what had happened all those years back.
Tbh, it did make me tear up a bit at the end. It was a quite nice read, and pretty true to life in its depictions of specific feelings everyone has experienced at least once in their life. But I will leave you the joy of reading and relating to that if you decide to pick this story up.

4.5 stars

What a wonderful debut with so many touching and poignant moments. This road trip romance features two estranged best friends - Ophelia searching for the mother she thought was dead, and Beau researching his book on how lies change personal histories.

What I found fascinating is how Ophelia (frustratingly slowly) comes to realise that how she behaved towards Beau in high school rightfully meant he felt used by her. Conversely Beau understanding she was blithely unaware and that she saw him as a safe harbour. Pace-wise, there were a few times that it lagged, I also wish Ophelia came to realisations earlier about how toxic her other friendships and stopped acquiescing to them, but otherwise I was glued to this story.

I adored tender-hearted, nerdy Beau and felt broken hearted for how he felt in high school. If I had any quibbles, I think I needed Ophelia’s growth to come a bit earlier to make their reunion feel like it could stick more. That said it was so satisfying to watch the lightbulb finally go off, and watch her make the grand gesture.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was my first ARC book experience and all I have to say is WOW! This book had me hooked from the very beginning. Her writing style lures you in and I love the character development. I definitely got lost in this book in the BEST way! It had me feeling all the feels and the journey of the characters was raw and real. Definitely a top read for this year! I will definitely be purchasing it when it comes out! Wonderfully written from beginning to end.

I enjoyed reading this debut novel. It’s perfect for the summer for a little escapism or even a palette cleanser. And while the writing was decent, there was still a lot more telling than showing. Like I would have honestly preferred if we had flashbacks scenes between the two main characters showcasing their love for us to feel the yearning between them.
In that aspect, the relationship between the main characters didn’t really interest me. It felt a bit flat.

There was also miscommunication in this book. And while I’m a lover for miscommunication tropes in books, this one just didn’t hit for me. They only ever really opened up and started communicating towards the end and throughout the whole book, I just felt frustrated and unsatisfied.

That does not go on to say that I didn’t enjoy the book don’t get me wrong. I think if we were to ignore the romantic element, I’d say that the story of how our fmc deals with the passing of her father, grief, and uncovering family secrets was way more entertaining and interesting to me!

Set on a road trip from San Diego up California and into Oregon, Ophelia Dahl finds out her mother she thought had died gave up custody months after her "death". Struggling to understand why her dad kept this secret but unable to ask him, she joins her childhood best friend turned rival Beau Augustin on his research trip. Beau is working on a new book, but Ophelia feels like there is more going on with her former friend. Along the way, they confront truths and lies, motivations and consequences, intent and desire, and seeing life in a new way.

I felt like there was so much to consider and talk about from this book! I got frustrated with Ophelia and Beau at different times, but they are going through so much pain and grief. Their inability to communicate (miscommunications) felt natural to their characters, even if I wish they would just talk to each other. I think a book club that enjoys Emily Henry, Jessica Joyce, or Beth O'Leary would have lots to discuss here too.

This ended up at a lower rating for me as I wish their physical relationship had progressed more slowly. With all the chaos around them, it stressed me out to see them struggle by adding this on top of everything else. That said, I liked how the book closed out after road trip ends.

While predominantly set in California, I loved the Oregon settings: Bend/Sunriver/La Pine (Central Oregon) and Medford/Ashland (Southern Oregon).

This novel features:
🚗 Second chance romance
🚗 Childhood friends to rivals to lovers
🚗 Road trip (with a hot professor)
🚗 Forced proximity (one tent!)
🚗 Family secrets
🚗 Grief and loss and lies

Open door / spicy

3.25 / 5 stars

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this eARC!

It’s my first time reading an exploration slash travel kind of romance so it’s new to me. But Phe and Beau’s story made me hooked. I may not be a huge fan of childhood friend’s to lovers too but they both made it so warm in the heart. The dynamics made me relate to their story. It is not just romance, but deep in a sense that it talks about the other kind of relationship, not just the romantic kind of way, but family and friends, and everyone around us. I love it, and hope to read more books from the same author.

And thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC!

This book was such a gorgeous surprise. The writing is rich with warmth and humor, but it’s also sharp and deeply introspective in a way that quietly tugs at your heart. The banter, the tension, the slow unwinding of their past; it had me hooked. I love stories where resentment and affection blur, where the chemistry is tangled in old wounds, and this had that in spades. Every mile felt like a reckoning, but also a healing. And by the end, I didn’t want to let them go.

In her bio, Mara Williams says she's been writing since the third grade, and honestly, it shows. "The Truth Is in the Detours" is sharp, poignant, filled with equal parts heart, gravitas, and tension. Did I stay up too late reading it the first night I received it? Yes. Did I regret it but stay up past my bedtime the next night as well? Also yes. How could I not?!? The general plot (no spoilers, I promise):

Ophelia Dahl has just buried her beloved father when she finds among his personal effects a blindsiding document. The mother Ophelia thought died thirty years ago isn’t dead after all—she abandoned her. But how could she, and where is she now? With some neighborly help, Ophelia’s going to find out.

Beau Augustin is an acclaimed author and Ophelia’s childhood bestie turned teenage nemesis, still chafing after all these years. As luck would have it, Beau’s current project—family deceptions—is set to take him across the West Coast. Ophelia has a brilliant idea: Beau’s book. Her life. Win-win. In a Subaru filled with baggage, they hit the road. Despite detours, dead ends, and old grudges, Ophelia is desperate to unravel a lifetime of lies. And Beau’s research is a little more personal than he’s letting on. Mile by mile, they’re getting closer to their truths—and to each other—than they ever thought possible.

Phe, as she's known, is messy, relatable, and a character I rooted for. Beau tugged at my heartstrings with his depth and past. I simultaneously wanted to keep reading and skip to the end to see how it all turned out. Highly, highly recommend "The Truth Is in the Detours."

Loved the friendship between Beau and Phe. Loved that we were able to experience how the characters evolved. Lani was “home” for Phe and I loved that ,most of her fond as well as sad memories, Lani was there to capture it as well offer insight when necessary. I also loved how this book shed some light on mental health and how important it is to protect and help the people we love.

First, I wish to thank Netgalley, Publisher Lake Union Publishing and Author Mara Williams for the e-arc of The Truth is in the Detours.

When Ophelia Dahl's father passes away and she goes through old paperwork, she discovers a secret that may change everything she's ever known. One day, her old childhood friend Beau Augustin knocks on the door, offering his assistance with clearing out the house. Beau is researching for a new book he is writing, and Ophelia joins, ready to research her own family secret.

Ophelia and Beau's character development was well written and thought through. The events that unfolded, not only in present time, but in the past, made sense and added a new layer of feelings, heartbreak and love to the story.

The reason for the 4 star review is that the story was slightly drawn out in the middle, leaving me to lose focus and pause it for a bit!

I’m a big fan of a road trip/travel romance and this was great! Ophelia and Beau were so cute. Childhood friends to lovers is my favorite romance drama so I really enjoyed this! Plus there were other things going on that made this book deeper and very thought provoking.