Mrs. Nash's Ashes

A cynical writer, a starry-eyed romantic, and (the ashes of) an old lady embark on a once-in-a-lifetime road journey that has the potential to upend their preconceived notions about genuine love.

Millicent Watts-Cohen has a purpose in life. She never dreamed it would include packing three teaspoons of Mrs. Nash's remains in her bag and flying from D.C. to Key West to fulfill her promise to her aging best friend that she would reconnect her with the lady she fell in love with over eighty years ago. But before it's (really) too late, Millie is determined to provide her buddy a symbolic happily-ever-after; maybe, in the process, she can also convince herself of the enduring power of love.

She just didn't anticipate traveling with a live partner.

After a computer glitch grounds flights, Millie is forced to catch a ride with Hollis Hollenbeck, an also-stranded acquaintance from her ex’s MFA program. Hollis certainly does not believe in happily-ever-afters—symbolic or otherwise—and makes it quite clear that he can’t fathom Millie’s plan ending well for anyone.

However, as they deal with strange bed and breakfasts, out-of-the-ordinary small-town celebrations, and death-wish deer, Millie starts to worry that her hesitant travel companion may be more fun to be around than he lets on. Because for someone who supposedly doesn’t share her views on romance, Hollis sure is becoming invested in the success of their journey. And as they approach their goal, Millie finds herself having to concede more and more that maybe this journey isn't only about Mrs. Nash's love story; perhaps it's also about her own.