Annie Hartnett (The Road to Tender Hearts) Author Talk and Signing
Annie Hartnett (The Road to Tender Hearts) Author Talk and Signing brings the award-winning novelist to Bank Square Books in Mystic on Tuesday, June 23. Readers will have the opportunity to hear Hartnett discuss her latest novel, The Road to Tender Hearts, a darkly comic and heartfelt story that follows a lottery winner, two orphaned children, an estranged daughter, and a cat with an uncanny ability to predict death on an unforgettable cross-country journey.
Hartnett has earned national acclaim for her blend of humor, heartbreak, and richly drawn characters. Her latest novel was named a best book of 2025 by NPR, LitHub, and Southern Living, while also receiving the 2025 New England Book Award for Fiction. During the event, attendees will hear about the inspiration behind the novel, Hartnett’s writing process, and the challenges and rewards of crafting stories that balance comedy with emotional depth.
Following the discussion, guests will have the opportunity to meet the author and have books signed. Whether you’re already a fan of Rabbit Cake and Unlikely Animals or discovering Annie Hartnett’s work for the first time, this event offers a chance to connect with one of New England’s most celebrated contemporary writers.
About the Book
The Road to Tender Hearts follows PJ Halliday, a lottery winner whose life has been marked by loss, disappointment, and three heart attacks. When he learns that his high school sweetheart is finally single, he embarks on a cross-country road trip to win her back. Along the way, he’s joined by his adult daughter, two newly orphaned children, and a therapy cat named Pancakes, creating a heartfelt and often hilarious story about second chances, family, and love.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Bank Square Books, Mystic
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance. Signed copies of the book will also be available. Click the website link at the bottom of this page to register for tickets and/or a ticket and book.
