Work in Progress Summary, Characters and Themes

Work in Progress by Kat Mackenzie is a contemporary romance novel that follows Alice Cooper, an American woman nursing a broken heart after discovering her fiancé’s betrayal. 

To heal and rediscover herself, she impulsively signs up for a three-week literary bus tour across the UK. What begins as a chaotic, uncomfortable adventure—with lost luggage, grumpy guides, and unexpected companions—soon turns into a journey of self-discovery, healing, and unexpected love. Through scenic landscapes, historic sites, and the camaraderie of a quirky group of women, Alice transforms her heartbreak into hope, learning to embrace new beginnings and the unpredictability of life.

Summary

Alice Cooper’s life unravels when she finds out her fiancé has been unfaithful just days before their wedding. Devastated and desperate to escape the heartbreak, she impulsively books a three-week literary bus tour around the UK, hoping a change of scenery will help her heal.

However, the trip quickly goes awry—her luggage is lost and damaged, flights are delayed, and she has a fiery encounter at the airport with a rude Scotsman named Robbie Brodie. To her shock, Robbie is the driver and guide of her all-female tour group, setting the stage for a tense and complicated journey ahead.

Expecting to travel with a group of like-minded women her age, Alice is surprised to find the bus mostly filled with spirited older ladies, including a stern German birdwatcher, and a charismatic little dog named Percy. The bus, affectionately named Rosie, feels more like a cozy tearoom on wheels than a glamorous tour vehicle.

Alice’s irritation at the situation and Robbie’s smug attitude leads to frequent verbal sparring, their interactions a mix of witty insults and simmering tension. Despite their constant bickering, Alice begins to see that Robbie is more than just a grumpy guide—he possesses a deep knowledge of the UK’s history, a genuine care for the group, and moments of surprising kindness.

As the tour winds through stunning landscapes and literary landmarks—from the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel to quaint countryside villages—Alice starts to slowly shed her bitterness. The women in the group, each with their own stories and quirks, provide warmth, humor, and unexpected wisdom.

Flossie, an elderly lady with a secret romantic past, adds both levity and poignancy, while the German birdwatcher’s pragmatic outlook challenges Alice’s perspectives. Together, they form an unlikely support system that encourages Alice to confront her pain and rediscover her passion for life and literature.

The relationship between Alice and Robbie evolves in parallel with the journey. What begins as antagonism gradually shifts toward a tentative friendship and undeniable chemistry.

Moments of shared vulnerability reveal their deeper struggles: Alice’s fear of betrayal and loss, Robbie’s own battles with acceptance and purpose. Their witty banter softens into heartfelt conversations, and subtle gestures hint at a growing attraction neither wants to fully admit.

As the tour progresses into the second half, the group’s bonds deepen, and Alice’s transformation becomes more evident. She celebrates her birthday surrounded by her new friends, who show her affection and acceptance she hadn’t expected to find.

Flossie’s rekindled romance with her longtime sweetheart Sidney adds a theme of second chances, reminding Alice that love and happiness can come when least expected.

Alice and Robbie’s romance blossoms amid the backdrop of iconic locations such as Oxford, Loch Lomond, and Chatsworth House. Their stolen moments—whether in rainy streets, cozy hotel rooms, or during quiet reflections by serene lakes—build into a passionate and tender relationship.

Robbie’s jealousy at an elegant dinner where Alice dazzles another man reveals his deepening feelings, while Alice’s growing confidence challenges her former notions of identity and home.

Facing the end of the tour, Alice grapples with the question of whether to return to her old life in America or embrace the new possibilities before her.

Robbie surprises her by launching an accessibility-focused tour business inspired by Alice’s encouragement, showcasing his commitment to change and inclusion. This act cements their partnership, not only romantically but also in shared dreams and values.

The novel concludes with Alice making a bold decision: she returns to Edinburgh unannounced, ready to build a new life in the UK alongside Robbie and her newfound community.

With her heart healing and her spirit renewed, she embraces the unknown future with hope and courage, proving that sometimes, life’s detours lead us exactly where we need to be.

Characters

Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper is the novel’s protagonist, a sharp-witted, somewhat frazzled American woman navigating a profound personal upheaval after discovering her fiancé’s betrayal. Initially portrayed as emotionally vulnerable and somewhat cynical, Alice’s journey throughout the book is one of self-discovery and resilience.

Her personality is a blend of sarcasm, intelligence, and warmth, which makes her both relatable and compelling. Despite her initial resistance and disappointment—stemming from lost luggage, disrupted travel plans, and an unexpected tour group—Alice gradually embraces the unpredictable nature of her journey.

Her love for British literature and history is a key part of her identity, anchoring her during moments of uncertainty. As the story progresses, Alice evolves from a heartbroken woman seeking distraction to someone who actively pursues new beginnings, fueled by personal growth and budding love.

Her complexity is highlighted through her reflections on past mistakes and her tentative but growing openness to romance and spontaneity.

Robbie Brodie

Robbie Brodie emerges as both a foil and a catalyst in Alice’s story. Introduced initially as an irritating, smug Scotsman with whom Alice has a fiery encounter, Robbie quickly becomes a central figure in the narrative as the driver and guide of the literary bus tour.

His sharp wit and sometimes brusque demeanor mask a deeply caring and knowledgeable man. Robbie’s love of history and his dedication to making the tour accessible and enjoyable reveal a more compassionate, earnest side that Alice gradually recognizes.

The evolution of Robbie’s character is marked by his transition from a sarcastic antagonist to a supportive partner who is willing to be vulnerable and open. His decision to launch wheelchair-accessible tours, inspired by Alice’s encouragement, demonstrates his growth beyond the gruff exterior.

Robbie’s relationship with Alice is dynamic and layered—starting with antagonism, filled with witty banter and tension, then softening into tenderness and romance. His emotional depth and evolving commitment make him a memorable and multidimensional character.

Percy (The Dog)

Percy, the small dog traveling with the group, is more than just a pet; he functions as a comforting presence and occasional comic relief. His antics and affectionate nature bring lightness to moments of tension or sadness and help to humanize the group.

Percy symbolizes loyalty and unconditional support. His role, though subtle, enriches the atmosphere of the tour and contributes to the sense of community that develops among the characters.

Themes

Emotional Rebirth Through the Lens of Travel-Induced Displacement and Chaos

At its core, Work in Progress explores emotional rebirth not as a neat or linear process but as one steeped in the discomfort and unpredictability of physical and emotional displacement. Alice’s journey begins amid travel mishaps, lost luggage, and clashing personalities—external chaos that mirrors the internal upheaval she experiences after her engagement’s collapse.

The novel uses the bus tour as a microcosm of dislocation, where Alice is forced out of her comfort zone both geographically and emotionally. The literal journeys across the UK’s landscapes correspond to an inner migration from heartbreak and self-doubt toward healing and self-rediscovery.

This theme resists simplistic portrayals of transformation, emphasizing instead the messiness, contradictions, and setbacks inherent in trying to rebuild one’s identity when everything familiar has been disrupted.

Dynamics of Reluctant Companionship and the Slow Burn of Forging Intimacy in an Adversarial Context

One of the novel’s more subtle explorations lies in the tension-filled yet evolving relationship between Alice and Robbie. Their initial antagonism, fueled by sharp wit and conflicting personalities, embodies the complexity of human connection when forged under duress.

This theme goes beyond conventional “enemies-to-lovers” tropes by examining how shared vulnerability and mutual respect can gradually dismantle guarded facades. The progression from sarcasm and irritation to tenderness reflects the fragile negotiation required to build intimacy, especially when past wounds and pride complicate openness.

The novel illustrates how real emotional connections often emerge not in comfort but through friction, negotiation, and the slow recognition of another’s humanity beneath surface antagonism.

Exploration of Identity Reconstruction Amidst the Interplay of Personal Trauma and Intergenerational Female Solidarity

Alice’s path to reclaiming her sense of self is deeply intertwined with the presence and stories of the diverse women on the tour. This theme highlights the novel’s rich portrayal of intergenerational female relationships as sites of wisdom, resilience, and communal healing.

Through the humor, empathy, and candid storytelling of the older women, Alice gains not only support but also alternative models of strength and survival. This collective dynamic underscores the layered complexity of identity formation, showing that personal trauma is not faced in isolation but in dialogue with a broader female experience.

The elderly characters’ past romances, secret adventures, and life lessons contribute to a tapestry of empowerment that challenges Alice’s initial cynicism and fosters a renewed capacity for joy and risk-taking.

Juxtaposition of Historical and Literary Settings as Catalysts for Self-Reflection and the Reframing of Personal Narratives

The novel’s use of iconic UK landmarks and literary sites serves as more than mere backdrops; they act as symbolic frameworks through which Alice reexamines her personal story. The visits to places like Rosslyn Chapel, Gladstone’s Library, and Oxford function as external mirrors reflecting themes of legacy, memory, and transformation.

These settings evoke the weight of history and literature, inviting Alice—and through her, the reader—to situate individual pain and growth within a larger continuum of human experience. This interplay between place and psyche enriches the narrative, suggesting that personal reinvention is part of an ongoing cultural and historical dialogue.

Individual stories gain meaning in relation to collective heritage and storytelling traditions.

Ethical Imperative and Personal Courage Embedded in Pursuing Accessibility and Inclusion Within the Framework of Passion-Driven Career Reinvention

In the latter part of the novel, Robbie’s decision to create accessible tours inspired by Alice’s encouragement adds a significant thematic layer around the intersection of social responsibility and personal transformation. This theme emphasizes how healing and growth can extend beyond the self to effect positive change in the wider community.

Robbie’s initiative reflects a commitment to inclusivity, highlighting the ethical dimension of reinventing one’s life purpose. It presents career reinvention not merely as a personal quest but as an opportunity to address systemic barriers and champion broader values of equity.

Alice’s support for this vision and her own decision to stay in the UK underscore the courage required to break from familiar trajectories and embrace roles that align with both passion and conscience.