Thanks NetGalley for an arc. When a mother leaves her children it leaves so many unanswered questions. Two sisters discover a secret which can have dire consequences. Overall a good story. Slow at some parts but enjoyed the book.

What Comes Next is a beautiful, quietly powerful story about the relationships that shape us—especially the ones we fight for. It’s about sisters, love, loss, and that fragile space between fear and hope when we’re forced to figure out what really matters.

After the sudden loss of their mother, Alex and Meredith are left reeling—not just from grief, but from the possibility of inheriting a life-changing medical condition. Instead of facing the results right away, they make a promise: three months of not knowing. Three months of just living. And in those three months, something remarkable begins to unfold.

This isn’t a book about running from fear—it’s about choosing hope anyway. Watching Alex begin to believe in herself again, and slowly let others back in (especially Nathan), felt like such a tender reward. Her reconnection with him was full of care and trust, and the way they navigated their shared past was incredibly moving. It wasn’t dramatic or over-the-top—it was honest and full of quiet longing.

The relationship between Alex and Meredith is the heart of this book and their bond is one we all yearn for. The characters' relationships were what drove the book.

What stood out to me most was the sense of hope threaded throughout the story. Even in their hardest moments, there’s a feeling that better days could be ahead—and that’s what kept me turning the pages. This is a book that reminds you healing is possible, even when the future is uncertain.

If you love books that explore deep relationships and emotional growth—with just the right touch of romance—you’ll want to read this.

Recommended for fans of:

Uplifting stories with emotional depth
Books about sisters and family bonds
Slow, hopeful romances
Characters learning to choose life again

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the ARC. This one really stayed with me.

A heartfelt journey of growth

What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes is a beautifully written novel that explores the uncertainties and quiet triumphs of moving forward after life’s unexpected turns. Forbes has a talent for capturing raw emotion in simple, elegant prose, and her characters feel authentic and relatable.

The story unfolds at a gentle pace (beginning felt a little slow, but did pick up at appropriate pace), focusing more on inner transformation than dramatic plot twists—which may not be for everyone, but worked well for me. I appreciated the honesty in the main character’s journey: messy, reflective, and ultimately hopeful. Some moments felt a bit slow, and I wished for more development in a couple of side characters, but overall, the message of resilience and self-discovery landed powerfully.

If you’re looking for a character-driven story that lingers after the last page, What Comes Next is a worthy read. Grew to love all the main characters.

Alex has grown up in a broken home with a lot of baggage. When she finds out her estranged mother died from a degenerative disease, she has a lot of decisions to make.
This was a very deep book with lots of inner monologue. As with most main characters, you can immediately spot the toxic behaviors. The resolution that comes from that character growing is what is so satisfying. Alex goes through this journey. If you look carefully, you can see the really creative way the author ties Alex’s journey through fear with the ways dogs deal with fear.
All in all, this was a deeply emotional book with a satisfying ending and lots of character growth.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC.
This book was a so-so read for me, it had way too much soul searching for me. I got tired of being constantly in the protagonist's (Alex)
head and ended up skipping a lot. But the parts of Dave the dog were lovely, I enjoyed those a lot. Huntington's Disease was something I knew nothing about and was horrified and intrigued at the same time to learn about it.
So even though I skipped some parts, I enjoyed others.

This story broke me open in the quietest, most unexpected ways. The writing was graceful and warm, never trying too hard. It let emotions simmer. It gave space for grief and love and fear and joy to coexist, often in the same scene. I closed this book feeling full and a little bit braver. It reminded me that happiness isn’t always loud or perfect. Sometimes it’s just choosing to risk a little more than you did yesterday. And that choice, in itself, is everything.

Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book before its release on October 14, 2025.

The premise of this book intrigued me. It follows the story of two sisters struggling to cope with the loss of their estranged mother, who succumbed to Huntington’s Disease. Neither sister understood the reasons behind their mother’s departure at a young age so this is the missing link for them.

While the book may not be heavily plot-driven, it delves into a character study of the protagonist, Alex. Although I initially found Alex somewhat unlikable, the storyline kept me engaged throughout.

The author’s ability to captivate my attention was evident through the well-developed cast of characters, including a rescue dog with behavioral issues.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. If you’re seeking a unique storyline with intriguing characters, I highly recommend “What Comes Next.”

WHAT COMES NEXT is a story about sisterhood, grief, illness, and discovering what truly matters in life. And there's dogs! :) This is a highly emotional and satisfying story that leaves the reader pondering about choices we make in our lives. In this day and age of genetic testing, it opens a can of worms: how much do we want to know? Perhaps the key takeaway is to live your life now as if your time was precious, because truly, it is.

"What Comes Next" is a poignant and emotionally rich novel that explores the journey of self-discovery within the context of familial relationships. This story centers on Alex and her sister Meredith as they navigate the intricate dynamics of their bond while dealing with the death of their estranged mother, who succumbed to Huntington's Disease. This pivotal event compels them to confront the daunting uncertainty of their own genetic inheritance, as they grapple with the potential of facing the same illness.

Caitlin Forbes intricately interlaces the personal struggles of her characters, revealing their deep emotional landscapes and the complexities of their familial connections. The themes of love, grief, and resilience are examined in depth, allowing you to engage empathetically with the characters' dilemmas and aspirations. Alex's journey stands out as she seeks to rekindle her first love while contending with the anxiety of an uncertain future.
The novel was paced appropriately and I couldn’t put it down due to the emotional stakes that are presented. This is a beautifully crafted novel that resonated deeply with me. The themes of family, love, and hope are deeply explored. I highly recommend this novel.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my review.

This is the story of Alex, who finds out her mother has died from Hodgkinson's disease. Her sister Meredith is also going through the struggle. An old boyfriend turns up which complicates the plot and Alex has great difficulty in deciding what to do about all of her life, rand coming to terms with her past. There is a lot of soul-searching.

When Alex learns that her estranged mother has passed away from Huntington's Disease, she and her sister Meredith are suddenly faced with the possibilty that they might one day become victims of the same fate. Should they take a genetic test that would provide definitive answers or go on with their lives without ever knowing the future? Either way, now that Alex's first love has unexpectedly re-entered her life, she'll have to decide if she can trust him enough to let him walk this journey alongside her.

Caitlin Forbes has written a captivating debut that will leave readers with plenty to think about. Emotionally gripping and poetic, What Comes Next is a story of loyalty, grief, and resilience in the face of tragedy, proving that love in spite of fear is the bravest decision one can make.

An emotionally-charged, vulnerable read that left me wanting to read it again. What Comes Next covers a heavy subject - Huntington's Disease - but at its core, it's a story about hope. A coming-of-age narrative, it wrestles with questions that so many of us can relate to: How do you go after what you want, when what you have is arguably good enough? What, in life, is worth the bigger risks and how do you find the courage to take them? The story explores the complex relationships between parents and children, sisters, friendship and romance, and how so much depends on learning how to give yourself the benefit of the doubt. I was rooting for Alex (and her sweet dog-friend, Remy) at every step. As another reviewer mentioned, it is character-driven fiction, and it's done in a masterful way. And it's a debut!

What Comes Next is the story of Alex and her sister Meredith, who are facing an uncertain future when they discover that their estranged mother has passed away after being diagnosed with a genetic disease that the girls are 50% likely to inherit.

The story is told from Alex’s viewpoint, as she labors through the emotional dilemmas that arise when she considers that her life may be impacted severely if she tests positive to the disease. The book is an introspective narrative that delves into some complex issues, including family and romantic relationships, self judgement and risk taking.

Caitlin Forbes has described each character in an authentic and compassionate way. She has skillfully portrayed the impact of unfolding events on each of the characters in the narrative, encompassing hope, love, grief and resilience

I was totally engaged with the story. I would recommend the book to readers who enjoy modern contemporary fiction, however please do note that the writer’s descriptive passages about each character’s mental states are thorough and sometimes protracted, so the story will not appeal to readers who prefer an action-filled adventure.

What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes is an engaging and emotionally resonant novel that explores family, self-discovery, and the bravery needed to embrace life's uncertainties. Alex and Meredith's relationship drives the story, balancing deeply personal questions about genetic fate with the universal desire to live fully. I appreciated how the book captures the complexities of sibling bonds—sometimes strained, sometimes unwavering—and the way it delves into the fears and hopes of making pivotal life decisions. Alex’s journey of stepping out of her comfort zone, rekindling old flames, and embracing new relationships makes for a compelling and relatable narrative. While some moments feel familiar within the coming-of-age genre, Forbes’s warm writing and authentic characters elevate the story, making it feel fresh and meaningful. The pacing is steady, and the stakes—both emotional and existential—add depth to the tale. Overall, What Comes Next is a beautifully written story about taking risks and discovering what matters.

I had the privilege of getting to read this book early. It was a wonderful story of truly what comes next. Would you want to know what lies ahead or is life a struggle anyway? Great story that captivates you from the get go. Makes you ponder what would you do? The book finished with the best sentence and has me thinking about it for hours after I read it.

What Comes Next” is an engaging and emotional read that grabs you from the first chapter. At the heart, it’s a story about a young woman learning to understand herself and her loved ones in a honest and raw way. Her sister is a full human. Her mom? Complex, flawed, and brave. And then, there's her complicated first love... Forbes does a tremendous job expanding the secondary and tertiary characters’ worlds so the reader can get a deeper understanding of how everyone moves in, and around, the central plot.
The book covers some challenging and niche topics, but it’s clear Forbes has done her research deeply and holistically. It forces you to grapple with the question of whether you'd want to know about an illness you can't cure, and what it means to move forward in uncertainty. You’ll finish reading this with a strong understanding of relationships, with yourself and those around you. A deep and thought-provoking read! Plus, I loved the dog scenes.

This is a wonderful, emotionally charged story about two sisters.
They are so different.
Meredith is a married physician, with life being good.
Alex, a once dog trainer is trying to figure out her goals and what will come next for her.

Within a minute- the sisters learn of a devastating possibility (50% chance) that they may have inherited a fatal, horrible illness.
As they muddle their way through the anxiety, fear and dread, this is their challenge. It is a challenge!

I found myself holding my breath at times and reading quickly to see how these two ladies would live their lives either knowing or not knowing their fate and would they or could they still be happy?
You decide.

Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Lake Union Publishing for this ARC and allowing me to provide my own review.

"What Comes Next" by Caitlin Forbes is a captivating novel that masterfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The story likely follows complex characters navigating life's challenges and uncertainties. With its thought-provoking narrative and relatable characters, this book explores the human experience and the power of resilience. Fans of character-driven fiction and stories about personal growth will appreciate Forbes' writing style and the emotional depth of the characters. The novel's exploration of what comes next in life makes it a compelling read for those interested in stories about transformation and new beginnings.

This is a story about how life can change in an instant. Alex and her sister Meredith are complete opposites but when their mum dies, the sisters never realised how much of an impact it would have on their lives, especially when they find out that it was a genetic condition that took their mum away. The girls have a 50-50 change of inheriting it. So they decide they are going to do everything they have ever wanted to do and go with the flow and forget about it for three months and then get testes. But what does it mean for the sisters? and can they ever truly forget about it for three months? it was a whirlwind of a story, it is thought provoking and tense, but full of love and the great thing of having a sister beside you every step of the way. It was a good read.