After her husband cheats on her, 22-year-old Ginny’s revenge is to go on tour with her beloved rock band, the Rolling Stones. She buys tickets to all their shows across America and hits the road – hoping to live spontaneously for once. On the way she meets waitress Bree, who was once the subject of a popular rock song and now has an estranged relationship with her teenage daughter. The women band together and teach each other a few life lessons. Being a huge music fan, I totally get the thrill of taking off to follow a tour – I’d do it in a heartbeat! The author clearly has her own fascination with the Rolling Stones and knows her stuff – although the facts about Keith Richard’s infamous tree fall have been altered slightly to fit into this story. Mostly though, I found the constant references to the band and their history dragged the story down. The characters’ personal journey also didn’t feel fully explored either. With a Thelma and Louise vibe, the book had a great premise but never really lived up to expectations. But then again, I guess you can’t always get what you want.
Satisfaction, the debut novel by Andee Reilly, is about a road trip following a favourite band on tour. The summary says: "When 22-year-old Ginny Martin discovers her husband has been cheating on her, she strikes back by purchasing tickets to every concert on the Rolling Stones North American tour with their shared credit card, packing up the car, and taking to the road. As she follows the Rolling Stones from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City, Ginny experiences freedom for the first time - and begins to deal with the insecurities and limiting beliefs that have kept her suburban life far too small. Bree Cooper is a nomad, a free-spirited drifter, and a mother who abandoned responsibility - and her young daughter. When Ginny meets Bree at a roadside diner, they impulsively make the decision to throw their lot in together. In each other, they find a friendship that they have both longed for: Bree gives Ginny a chance to have a mother figure who inspires independence and encourages confidence, while Ginny gives Bree a chance to get parenting right on the second try. Together, they find the courage to break free of the past - and to blaze new paths to happiness." Satisfaction is out in August 2015.