Love, trains and other things that go off the rails

Jennifer E. Smith, bestselling author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight , returns with Love, Trains, and Other Things That Go Away , a novel about family, the future, self-discovery, and the journey of new love on the road.

Before entering university, Hugo and his girlfriend have the perfect idea: to spend a whole week together on a train trip across the United States. But then she breaks up with him and returns the tickets for the last-minute trip as a farewell gift. The only problem: everything—tickets, hotel reservations—is registered in the name of his now ex-girlfriend, Margaret Campbell. It's nontransferable and nonrefundable.

Meanwhile, on another continent, Mae is feeling a bit lost, having recently ended a seemingly hopeless relationship and grieving over her rejection of a film program at university. When fate works its magic and she comes across Hugo's ad seeking a replacement for Margaret Campbell (coincidentally, her full name), she's certain this is exactly the adventure she needs to shake off her recent disappointment, fuel her brain with ideas for her next film, and, most importantly, break out of the comfort zone of her parents and grandmother.

A long train ride with a complete stranger may not seem like the best idea. But for Hugo and Mae, both eager to escape the routine of their normal lives, it makes perfect sense... And what begins as a convenient improvisation soon turns into something more. But when life outside the train threatens to disrupt this new—and already strong—connection, will they be able to keep their feelings for each other from going off the rails?

“Incredibly romantic” – Jenny Han, author of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series

“It strikes at the root of something deeply stirred in our hearts.” – Entertainment Weekly