When Ophelia's dad dies, she inherits his house and, along with the house, a lifetime of memories and secrets. Thirty years ago, Ophelia's mom died in a car accident- or so she thought. When Ophelia finds court documents proving that her mother is alive and out there somewhere, she determines to find answers. Why did she abandon her, and why did her dad take that secret to his grave.

Ophelia accompanies Beau, her childhood friend turned enemy, on a road trip to help him conduct research for his next book. The topic? Family deceptions. Along the way, truths about their pasts are revealed,

This book was a delightful read! It was a good mix of a romance novel and a "finding yourself" story, both of which fall into my favorite types of stories. I enjoyed both the writing and the narration, and I have already added Williams's next novel on my to-be-read list.

**A Delightful Road Trip of Secrets, Reconciliation, and Unexpected Love** The Truth is in the Details by Mara Williams is a charming and engaging journey—both literally and emotionally—that had me hooked from start to finish. Ophelia Dahl’s world turns upside down when she uncovers a startling secret about her mother’s supposed death, igniting a cross-country adventure filled with twists, surprises, and heartfelt moments. The road trip trope has never been more entertaining. Ophelia and Beau’s chemistry is wonderfully complicated—once childhood friends, then rivals, and now reluctant partners in uncovering a lifetime’s worth of lies. Williams deftly balances humor, tension, and genuine emotion, making for a story that’s both lighthearted and deeply moving. Their quirky banter and shared vulnerabilities make Mile after mile a delightful read. The mysteries unravel slowly, revealing secrets that challenge what Ophelia believed her whole life, and Beau’s own motives add an intriguing layer of depth. The scenic West Coast setting is almost a character itself, adding a sense of freedom and discovery. If you’re craving a road trip story that’s as about emotional journeys as it is about Miles traveled, The Truth is in the Details is a wonderful read—full of surprises and the kind of bond that only the open road can nurture.

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

Thank You NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the Audio Arc of The Truth is in the Detours I thoroughly enjoyed the writing still of the Author Mara Williams and will definitely read more of her books. Barrie Kealoha did a phenomenal job bringing each character to life and giving then the shine they deserved. There is a wide range of emotions in this book from anger to love and she made sure you felt it.

Now on to the actual story. Beau is a History Professor and Ophelia is a freelance virtual assistant and grew up neighbors and best friends till college split them up. Both main character are dealing with their own for of deceit and betrayal in their lives and are looking for the answers. Ophelia offers to go along with Beau as he writes his third book on Secrets after her father has passed away and she finds proof her mother was never dead. Beau is also looking for a way to come to the terms of his divorce and failed marriage. During the trip the tension between them becomes unbearable and a kiss starts the chain reaction. There is a happy ever after and I was swooning for it the whole time.

I wasn’t expecting to love this as much as I did.
The characters were realistic and human, flawed and funny.
I do love me some childhood friends who fell apart to lovers type of story. And although the third act breakup and miscommunication is hard to pass when we’re talking about 34 year olds,

Great narrator, especially good voice for the Beau parts.

There was a lot to love about this one - - friends/enemies to lovers, some forced proximity, great banter & chemistry plus an eventful road trip with some planned and unplanned detours along the way. I loved Ophelia and Beau’s shared history. They were both fantastic characters and Barrie Kealoha was spot on as the narrator. Ophelia was relatable for me - - an only child who had put up some walls to protect herself. I was rooting for her to find answers and happiness both personally and professionally. Absolutely loved this one!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the advanced copy of the audiobook.

One of my favorite romance tropes is a travel slow burn with plenty of drama and that’s what this book is.

Ophelia has recently lost her beloved dad. In the process of going through his home she finds that the mother she thought died when she was a child had not died at all. Enter her childhood bestie and former teen nemesis, Beau. Beau is going through a divorce and working on a project that has him taking a roadtrip to interview people. They go on the trip together and end up healing parts of their past they never thought they’d address again.

this was a great book. the relationship between ophelia and beau was fun to watch over time. this book made me laugh a few times, feel sad a bit, but overall left me feeling happy. the narration had a good flow and helped the overall likability of the book.

thank you netgalley and publisher for the arc.