I received an eARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have some mixed feelings on this book and some of that might be from my own grief and biases.

Nova is a death doula who takes on a new client, Mason. Mason was an up and coming musician until he ended up needing Nova’s services.

“That it’s more important to focus on what you can fit in the bucket today, rather than pinning for things you hope to cram in later.” -Nova

What I liked:
-the book features death doulas. I have only learned about this profession somewhat recently when a good friend decided to go into this profession.
-the book shines a light on end of life care, dignity for the person dying, centering that person and what they want, and giving that person a voice when it’s so easy to drown them out.
-grief. There are so many different types of grief. Not just over someone dying. You can grieve over loss of function, loss of independence, friendships, relationships, and life not turning out how you thought it would.
-validating grief. There’s no time limit! Everyone’s grieving process is different and valid. Just because you want someone to “get over it” doesn’t mean they can.
-the relationship between Nova and Mason felt organic.


What I didn’t love:
-the caregiver falling for the patient trope feels a little icky to me. Probably because of working in healthcare. So, my personal bias. However, it was well done.
-the ending. It felt rushed and like it was trying to tie things up too neatly. Life is messy, death is messy, I feel like the ending could have been messier.

Saying this book is Me Before You meets A Star is Born feels pretty accurate, so if you liked those, grab your tissues and read this book.

Trigger warnings: suicide, cancer, death, grieving.

I have read and loved Jessica Strawser's previous books and this one is added to that.

My heart! My heart is in pieces and I might need a few moments to recover. What a beautiful heart-wrenching story.
I know the blurb which has “A star is born” meets “me before you” and that gives you an inkling as to what will be the hero’s fate at the end and yet I was unprepared and spend many minutes sobbing.

Nova Huston is one of two end-of-life doulas, working with her partner, Kelly Monroe. Kelly goes by a system, a checklist of questions, answers, and a clear way based on the client. Nova however chooses to navigate each situation by listening to her clients' needs, wishes and personally connecting and caring for them. Not surprisingly, most of their clients are elderly, so when Mason, a singer song-writer, seeks help to let go of life as he deals with a devastating condition that has robbed him of hope and his ability to play guitar Nova enters the picture.
Mason and Nova are such amazing characters, they are dysfunctional and flawed that they are instantly likeable and relatable.

A story of life and loss. It is also a story of hope. It is gut-wrenching and profound and oh so beautiful. It leaves you thinking after you have finished the book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was intrigued by the premise of this novel, but I found it plodding, and I didn’t connect with any of the characters. It was a DNF about 25% of the way in.

Jessica Strawser writes books that remind me of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain, or maybe JoJo Moyes. So, I should theoretically like the stories she creates. I just could not find the topic in this book interesting at all. I’ve never heard of death doulas. Even if I had, I don’t think I would have been drawn into this story. It is about terminal illness and helping people prepare for their impending death, which is the last thing I want to read about. I will say that I did like the characters in this book, and by the end of the book I was invested enough in their story that I wanted to see it through to the end. Because of that, I rated it 3 out of 5 stars. (Which means I liked it!) I will definitely read future books by Strawser, as I have enjoyed her past titles and think she writes good women’s fiction.

As I started reading The Next Thing You Know, I wasn't so sure I wanted to read a story about death doulas. However, it didn't take me long to engage with the characters and become invested in the storyline despite the back and forth timeline. The subject of the book would definitely produce some good book club discussions. It really got me to thinking about the ways we choose to lead our lives. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review Jessica Strawser's latest novel.

Jessica Strawser has managed to get me thinking about my own demise, and I am not upset with that.

This book, based on characters being confronted with the realities of their own death, was engaging and heartfelt. Mason is a guitarist, facing the end of the life that he has created and thrived within. In trying to come to terms with his realities, he engages the services of death doula Nova, a young woman carrying her own carefully guarded burdens. Throughout the book, we meet characters who hold true to the realities of people dealing with death, grief and the burdens of supporting others.

Strawser has done an impeccable job of researching the growing movement towards death doulas and support for those who are facing death, outside of the traditional medical model. As a mental health professional, I appreciated her unflinching, yet compassionate, approach to the effects that death and dying can have not only on the person dying, but on the circles of people surrounding them. And I was personally touched, and invigorated, with her portrayal of Nova's own life philosophy and approach (no spoilers, but darn, I need to emulate her tactics!).

A beautiful read, about a very tough topic. The hard truths of this book are balanced with a touching romance, and left me feeling like I had been hugged. Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book released Mar 22, 2022.

I have to admit this story started out slow for me. I didn't feel connected to the characters. I was confused by what was going on and what wasn't being said. I have read other books by this author so I knew it should have been a good read.

Well, somewhere along the way I think maybe I figured out what the author was doing. I was feeling the way the characters were feeling and interacting with each other—confused and leaving out parts of their stories. (Jessica, if this wasn't intentional, don't tell me, let me believe I figured out your intent.) 😉

As feelings and facts were revealed, both in the book and in my mind, I became very attached to the characters and was emotional right along with everyone else involved. And then I devoured the story!

And I felt all of the frustration that they did, as well as their love, compassion, hope, and forgiveness. This would be a great book to re-read, just to see the characters in a new light from the very beginning.

The Next Thing You Know ended up being an amazing story that will truly stick with me for a long time. I loved everything about it. The characters grew on me and lessons were learned—to realize that you don't always know what someone is going through, so you just need to give them a chance.

4.5 stars

I wasn’t expecting to be so emotionally moved by this story, but but it really resonated with me.

Nova Huston is an end-of-life doula who takes on Mason Shaylor as a client. He is a young man whose career as a musician is coming to an end due to a deteriorating condition and from what he has told Nova, his life as he knows it is over. Nova is a bit more free-spirited when it comes to her clients, and while she knows she should keep them at arms length, there is something about Mason that she connects with. She knows he will be her greatest challenge, in more ways than one, but little did they know that meeting one another would be the best thing that’s ever happened to them both.

Going into this book, I was a bit apprehensive. I personally don’t deal well with death, but reading this story about a young woman who helps terminally ill people make peace with their death was intriguing to me. I think one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much was because it manifested a lot feelings in me that I wasn’t expecting, and after a roller coaster of emotions, I finally felt at peace with how it ended. I highly recommend this book but be prepared to have your emotions put through the wringer!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4615069918

The Next Thing You Know tugged at my heart. Nova is a death doula; I never had heard of such a thing. I enjoyed learning more about what a death doula does, it is a unique career and certainly not a job everyone can do. Dealing with death is never easy and Nova has a huge heart that lets her clients in as more than just clients. Mason is more than just a client. He never really shares why he needs her assistance, but it is evident that there is something more than just terminal illness going on. Nova opens her life to him and her heart, while also helping him find his way.

I like that every character in the book seemed to have more to their story. Each character had a secret to keep, a story to tell, or a past that effected their current lives. The final secret revealed blew me away, I never saw it coming and I love how it finished the story perfectly.

Jessica Strawser is so talented. I devoured this book, wanting more, and loving how real the story is.

This is such a beautiful and emotional novel. It reminded me of Me Before You, one of my all time favorites books ever. I loved getting to know the characters, the tease of the unknown, the building and breaking of relationships, family, friends, love, sorrow. I had never heard of doulas before and was intrigued when reading about what Kelly and Nova do. I love psychology and the whole topic was captivating to me. The character development was perfect and I found myself personally drawn towards Nova and Willow. Mason was a fantastic character and my heart went out to him, his pain was so raw and the personal growth he reached was so triumphant. The relationship he had with Nova was achingly beautiful and I rooted for them wholeheartedly. This is not a book that you fly through easily, it should be read slowly, give yourself the opportunity to cherish every word and savor every scene. The song at the end pierced my heart and made me cry. What a fantastic ending, all of it. The unanswered questions and loose ends were tied up neatly, and my emotions were raw and strong. I always read the acknowledgments and author’s notes at the end of books and some are more moving and touching than others. I loved reading what this author wrote. From talking about her inspiration, about doulas, suicide prevention, special thanks to specific authors, and of course her family… This is going to be added to my favorites list. Absolutely loved it!

4.5/5

The Next Thing You Know is powerful, emotional and bittersweet. The subject of death doulas is quite interesting. I had read another book that first introduced me to death doulas so I was intrigued when I saw that this book dealt with that topic. I loved the characters, especially Nova and Mason, and also loved the way this book was written, going back to then and now with different POV's. This book will leave you emotionally drained and possibly in tears. This was a beautiful but heartbreaking story. Very well done.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy.

3.5/5 stars

I've enjoyed many of the author's previous books. So I was very excited to read her newest book, which is classified as women's fiction.

The book has multiple timelines (however the timelines take place only a few months apart).

This is Nova's story. But there are multiple narrators.

Nova is a death doula. This is someone who helps patients and family members when someone is dying.

This is an interesting topic that I knew absolutely nothing about.

I could not remember the title. Although the title does end up having significance. But I hate when someone asks me what I'm reading and I absolutely cannot recall the title of the book.

The beginning and middle were just okay for me. But I absolutely loved the last 20%. This brought the story together. And I ended up with a positive feeling about the book. But I just wish that I had felt more connected to the rest of the story.

The Next Thing You Know by Jessica Strawser is best described as a contemporary romance with a side of drama. This is definitely not the happily ever after kind of romance but actually needs a trigger warning for suicide. The story in The Next Thing You Know is one that is told by changing the point of view between a few of the characters and also taking place in a before and after timeline style.

Nova Huston is a end-of-life doula, she helps terminally ill clients settle all of their final affairs being that rock that many need in their life during that time. Mason Shaylor came to Nova’s business wanting to hire Nova but was very vague on just what his prognosis could be. Nova could see that something was going on with Mason’s arm preventing him from playing music which was his passion in life but what Nova doesn’t expect is to begin to have feelings for Mason as she tries to help him.

The Next Thing You Know by Jessica Strawser is the type of novel that let’s you know early on a big event that has happened then takes you back to piece together they how and why. The story is an emotional one with some drama thrown into the mix but there wasn’t much that was surprising to the story as it went on. I did enjoy the characters and the story but felt this one just wasn’t as strong as other books I’ve read from the author in the past with it being sort of predictable leaving my rating at three and half stars.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

PUB DAY REVIEW:
THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW
by Jessica Strawser
St. Martin’s Press

Jessica is one of my favorite authors -- and a Cincinnatian to boot -- and she never disappoints as she picks topics that fascinate and alter one's perspective. I was completely captivated by the story of death doula Nova, who co-runs a Cincinnati service for the dying, and Mason, a famed singer-songwriter, who shows up at her door.

He seeks help letting go of life as he deals with a devastating condition that has robbed him of hope and his ability to play guitar. What transpires is a relationship that surprises them both as they cope with what could be his death.

I won't spoil the tale by revealing more about this must-read book for Strawser's many fans -- and for lovers of beautifully told narratives and endearing characters you won't forget. Brava, Jessica!

Thanks to @jessicastrawserauthor,
@stmartinspress, and @netgalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.

#thenextthingyouknow #jessicastrawser #stmartinspress #NetGalley #deathdoulanovel #contemporaryfiction
#cincinnatibasedauthorandbook #cincinnatiauthors #josephbethcincysigning
#bookstagramcommunity

"Denial is never stronger then when it comes from love."

Just broken. That is what The Next Thing You Know by rip your heart out author Jessica Strawser did to me...just broke me.

Accurately hailed as a mix of A Star Is Born and Me Before You this novel/audiobook will leave you with swollen eyes and a runny nose. The end is not a tear or two but loud trying to breathe sobs.

Nova is a death doula. She helps people come to terms with their terminal diagnoses. She keeps the paperwork straight and helps the loved ones cope with the impending loss. She is a companion, a councilor, a friend. She will listen without judgement to your fears, confessions and anger.

When handsome young singer songwriter Mason comes to Nova stating he is physically deteriorating and can no longer make music but doesn't know how to let go and say goodbye she hopes to help him. But when he becomes her friend, her companion and listens to her fears, confessions and anger both their hearts are on the line.

Award winning narrator Christa Lewis performs this emotional story with profound grace. Her voice is so real with pain and angst but also calm and pure at all the right moments. A standing ovation performance.

This book is not just a sad romance. It is a journey of how our lives effect others. Both Mason and Nova have contentious relationships with their moms, who are far from perfect, but are always coming from a place of love. As a mom I thought the author got it right about how we fight for our kids no matter their age.

Though you will need a box of tissues this one is worth your time. Not everything is what it seems and it is definitely proof life is unfair at times. It is also life affirming with perfectly. descriptive writing of human emotions.

I received a free copy of this audiobook/novel from the publishers via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Nova, an end-of-life doula, is forever changed once she's hired by Mason, a young musician. What is his deal, and will he ever open up to her so she can help him?

"[Dying] is as miraculous and life-altering as birth—but we talk about that 'lightly' all the time. In fact, we rub strangers' bellies and ask intrusive personal questions—'like it's nothing.'"

The first time I'd ever heard of a death doula was while reading The Book of Two Ways (5 stars) by Jodi Picoult, and I was fascinated by the concept. In this version, I enjoyed learning even more about death doulas and their services and beliefs. The cover and title were absolutely perfect for the story. After being thoroughly engaged by the first chapter and then utterly shocked by the third chapter, I was definitely hooked all the way until the end. Since this was such a serious topic, the story was also serious. "Advice is often wrong. Listening is always right." However, there were definitely parts that made me laugh or smile, including the spot on description of a Midwestern good-bye!

Just like a novel by the esteemed Jodi Piccoult, the content was controversial, and the story itself was both thoughtful and thought-provoking. How would you react if you were given only weeks or months to live, and how would you want a doula to help you and your family deal and cope with the diagnosis? After reading these two books, I think I might!

"Denial is never stronger than when it comes from love."

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

I received an advance copy from the author in the Bloom with Tall Poppy Writers giveaway. All opinions are my own.

For me a book is interesting when you learn something new. I didn't know that a death doula was a thing, so I learned something new with this book. The story is interesting, I don't necessarily like how it turned out, but I enjoyed the journey and the way the book was constructed, with chapters told in different moments in time, and in the perspective of different characters. So instead of a linear story, you get to experience a story that is slightly out of order.
Mason looks for a death doula for himself, which seems fine, except for the fact that he is way younger than their typical patients. So Nova ends up in charge of him to try to help him at the end. But was he really a terminal patient?

I absolutely love Jessica Strawser's books and "The Next Thing You Know" is no exception. I was a blubbering, sobbing mess at the end of this one! I was utterly captivated by the heart wrenching story of Mason, a famous musician, and his end-of-life doula, Nova, who he retains to help him prepare for his impending death.. Told through dual timelines with impeccable writing, Ms. Strawser develops her characters into living breathing people who step from the pages into the reader's heart. The characters, especially Mason who reminds me a bit of myself, will haunt me for weeks to come. At its heart, "The Next Thing You Know" is an inspiring story of how important it is to actively participate in your life and not just let life happen to you. Life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will, but it can turn out even better.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this fabulous book, in exchange for my honest review.

Another great book by Jessica Strawser! Thans to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance reader copy.

End of life is a hard subject to talk about, and for many to think about or plan for. This book I thought was beautifully written, and shares Mason's journey. He shows up at Parting Your Way to get information about end of life. Nova Huston is an end-of-life doula, who helps terminally ill people come to terms with their impending death. This is Nova's purpose in life to help the young whose life is ending far too soon. She takes Mason on as a client, and the story tells about the journey they go on as Mason faces his life is over. When he dies, it isn't as expected, and the story changes. Nova remembers the connection that she had with Mason, the things she tried to help him with, and she questions if she really knew Mason.
Through it all, the connection, love, caring, is a special time in his life. He realizes that what he thought he knew and wanted wasn't what he wanted at all. He was going to fight. Writing this review is hard, not because of the subject but because there is so many beautiful moments, that would be spoilers so I won't tell you. Life is a journey, and Jessica Strawser writes this story with honesty, compassion, what it is like at the end of life.
I received an ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley.