Lori is such a class act!

I listened to the audiobook, and Lori Allen's narration was so real and raw; she did a fantastic job.
She is fun, sassy and very classy. Lori covers not only the things you expect: beauty, fashion, family, but more serious topics too. Throughout you can tell that Lori is a great mother, friend and boss.
I was the wrong demographic as I am in my 20's and these 'over-50' books very muhc give me anxiety about MANY MANY THINGS. BUT Lori is soothing and sweet and translates well to all generations.

SAY YES TO THIS BOOK!

Move over girlfriend, you're going to love Lori Allen's signature sass and class, backstory, advice, and positive messaging about living your best life, no matter your age.  

I listened to the book's audio version, and Lori Allen's narration was outstanding, making this a  "must-read"/"must-listen-to" book.

OMG....I almost did not listen to this book for two reasons:
1) Since I never watched SAY YES TO THE DRESS: ATLANTA, I did not know if I could relate to Lori's story, nor did I know what to expect.  Fortunately, from the very first chapter, I connected with Lori's dynamic personality and wit and was instantly hooked.
2) Even though I am "over 50", I was not sure if I wanted to read ANOTHER  "What Happens After Age 50" book.   Lori's book, however, is definitely not the "same old, same old" (no pun intended!) and I was very glad that I made the decision to move forward. 

I especially loved this book because it made me laugh and cry.  Lori's honesty about her successes and challenges in life was very inspirational.  As a breast cancer survivor, I felt Lori's pain when she received her diagnosis and admired (and shared!) her determination to beat the disease.  And as a self-employed working mom,  I was also able to relate to the many "blips in the road" that Lori experienced on her road to success and truly admired her determination, persistence, resilience.

I am the mother of 4 boys and the funny "Wear Beige and Keep Your Mouth Shut" advice for mothers-of-the-groom that Lori shared with readers kept me laughing for days. Lori is right....being mother-of-the-groom is a very, very different experience than being the mother-of-the-bride!  Just like Lori, I love bright colors and have a very difficult time keeping my mouth shut but I did realize the importance of keeping quiet when my sons' weddings were being planned.   BTW, there were sooo many good "Southern lines" in this book and because I was listening to the book on audio, I was not able to capture (and remember!) them all. 

I am usually very stingy with my 5-star ratings, but Lori Allen earned this one!   Thank you, Lori Allen, for this fabulous book.   And thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Lori Allen’s book is part memoir, part advice book. She covers events and topics in her life ranging from breast cancer, her marriage, her store, her kids’ marriages, starting up her business in Atlanta, and being on Say Yes To The Dress. She takes the life she’s lived and turns her lessons and wisdom into advice for readers.

I’m younger than the targeted audience for this book, and that likely impacted my rating. There are some generalizations about men and women that didn’t sit well with me, but I think Allen’s viewpoints are probably spot-on with many 60+ year old women. Allen also mentions God, spirituality, and bible verses throughout the book, which didn’t resonate with me since I’m not religious, but Christian readers may enjoy this aspect. She offers a lot of tips for older women, so this book would be a perfect gift for the moms and grandmas in your life!

Chapter two was my least favorite - under the pretense of “self-care,” Allen advises women to take more care in their appearance, and talks about how women start to fall apart after having kids. She talks about how this is eventually linked to lower self-esteem but I don’t think this is necessarily true for everybody. There are going to be days when I want to leave the house in sweatpants and flip flops, and I’d rather not be judged for it! Self-care looks different for everyone and it doesn’t need to equal perfect hair, skin, and clothes when going out.

Overall, I found Lori’s stories enjoyable and there are certainly things I can learn from the life she’s lived. I like her advice to women to take more interest in their family’s finances and take more control of their health.

Lori Allen’s life is a success story in more ways than one and I think everyone can find a few takeaways from her book!

This one was a good listen. I’m inspired by Lori and addicted to her show. While
I was not the target reader I learned a lot
From this book

As a huge fan of "Say Yes to the Dress, Atlanta", I was so excited to be given the opportunity to listen to this book. The fact that Lori herself narrates it makes it all the more enjoyable and I could see the people she was referring to in the book as I had seen some of them on the show. A brilliant, thought provoking book that will resonate with me for some time to come, I am sure.

NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Publisher and Lori Allen for the advance audiobook copy.

Say Yes to What’s Next is as much of a inspirational book for older women. But, also a memoir of parts of Lori Allen’s life. I truly loved Ms. Allen narration. The book is an honest look at how we as women tend to put ourselves behind everyone and everything. She wants us to take back our lives and dreams. The book is geared for the empty nester. However, she offers a wonderful blueprint for women in general. Reminding us to lift each other up instead of knocking off the crowns of others. Mrs. Allen reminds us to slow down and take a breath and make sure we are getting our well checks. After all, you cannot have a wonderful “cookie” if we are not healthy. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook while I took my daily walks. Be well and enjoy life!

First of all, I love nonfiction books read by the author. Lori Allen from Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta delivers a killer audiobook meant for ladies whose kids are grown and flown. Even though I'm not even close to there yet, I really wanted to review this audiobook. I still got a ton out of it. Lori makes all topics accessible. It's hard not to take the advice from a woman whose southern drawl is sweet as candy. Say Yes to What's Next is like sitting down for nice chat with a friend who you've known for years and nothing is off limits. It's both firm and comforting. I absolutely recommend you get a copy and listen to this one.

I received this as an ARC in return for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an audiobook ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I love Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta and love Lori. I was quite excited to see her new book being offered on Netgalley in audiobook form, especially since she also narrates it. I could just listen to her talk all day. Now I am not in her demographic age of women in later life, and am actually about 20 years away from that point still. However, I still found a lot to connect to in her book and was able to gain insights that are helpful at my point in life. I also liked the feeling that I was getting the test scores to some future point in my life. I know what's coming and am more prepared for it after listening to Lori's experiences and example. I thought a lot of what she said about finding your own passion, taking care of yourself so that you will better be able to nurture others, strengthening relationships, and planning ahead is valuable advice at any age. Her book was so enjoyable to listen to and was packed full of useful, practical tips for a happy, fulfilled, and meaningful life. Thanks Lori!

I LOVED this Audiobook! When I first seen Lori Allen had a book out, I just KNEW I had to request it. I have watched EVERY episode of her show "Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta"

This memoir/Self help book is just lovely. After I was accepted to review the audiobook, I realized that it was targeted to 50+ older women. They made me think if I actually messed up by requesting this book. But, I was wrong. I am a 30 year old woman and I found this book so interesting and even found myself in some of these scenarios. I.E the best friends chapter.

Lori has been through a lot in her life, But yet she still remains classy, sweet, and beautiful (even without the face lift!) and has a great sense of humor and the determination for 5 people. This book made me laugh, and cry. Very touching. My favorite chapter would have to be the chapter on cancer. She went through such a tough time but yet I felt so engaged in the story it almost felt like I was there with her, cheering her along. I loved everything about this book and I hope to hear more form her in the future! This is a real page turner for sure.

Thank you to Netgalley for lending me this ARC in exchange for honest feedback. I loved this book and look forward to my next great read!

This can be for any age, not only people who are not ready to retire or take a back seat in life. There is more that we can and should do! I Lori is authentic. I wrote down notes and ideas on how to live the second half of my life. It's a game changer!

Say Yes to What’s Next is a book that offers advice and life lessons to live your best life, no matter your age! This book is a memoir with tips to learn how to grow and learn, and not be afraid of change. This book touches on so many topics. It touches on self care, health, beauty, clothing, finances, relationships, family, and so much more. Lori Allen truly put her heart and soul into this book. There is also a “Girlfriends Guide” at the end of each chapter, that breaks down the main points from that chapter.

This was such an amazing book! At first I was worried I wouldn’t connect with this book, since I am not part of the “targeted” audience. But, I am so glad I ended up reading it still! There was some wonderful and practical advice that I am able to put it to use in the future! Lori is so honest in this book, and tells things as they really are. I also loved that she narrated the audio for this book. I think this is a great book for all woman to read. I would highly recommend it!

Say Yes to What’s Next: How to Age with Elegance and Class While Never Losing Your Beauty and Sass! by Lori Allen. Lori narrates her book with Southern wit. It is like having a conversation with your best girlfriend.
This lady just lays it all out - the good, bad and the ugly about women's health and relationships and makes it funny while she is doing it. No topic is off-limits.
She is a mother, wife, grandmother and cancer survivor. If you are a woman, especially 50 or older, this book will speak to you.

In Lori Allen’s new book Say Yes to What’s Next, she takes you on a journey to all the many lessons she’s learned about aging with elegance and class. You can think of it like a big sister or best friend approach to making sure you are as equipped as you can be to face the developments that life can throw at you as you get older and how to still enjoy it at the same time. In the audiobook version she tells you like it is in her own words holding no tears back at times. Some of the scariest and saddest conversations reach through the audio and can grab you by surprise, so you may shed a tear or two. The subjects she broaches are some of the more difficult ones anywhere from avoiding emotional landmines and understanding them or taking care of your physical and financial health. Overall this book may not be as lighthearted and energetic like so many other books about midlife transitioning, but it may be more valuable and exactly what you need. #getyourmammogram

I am sad to say that I could not finish this audio book. I was intrigued by the idea of maximizing the second half of your life, so I requested this audio book (read by the author).

I did not know anything about the author or the "Say Yes to the Dress" show. I think if I was a fan, I may have enjoyed her back story a bit more.

Unfortunately, I found her story to be a "typical" mid-life story of a woman in her position in life. I am sure she is a nice woman with a story that is meaningful to some, just not something for me right now.

#NetGalley #SayYestoWhat'sNext

I love Lori and this book. I loved how she gave her wisdom and opened up about her cancer. Lori really put her heart and soul in this book. I loved her advice on woman's health and taking care of yourself. Woman are so used to taking care of others that we need to take care of oursleves. Lori's advice is real and heartfelt.

I'm not yet to the "wear white pants without fear" stage so I'm not entirely in the target audience for this book and I may not agree with every piece of advice she gives, but I still really enjoyed it! First, I love that the author read the audio version herself. I always think it's a bit odd when memoirs are read by anyone other than the author.
 
The author and I differ greatly on style. I don't color my hair, I have no intention of getting plastic surgery, I rarely even wear make-up and I'll keep my comfy clothes and shoes, thank you very much. I prefer shoes made for real feet and don't care if they "make my legs look good". I do love most of her philosophy on money though. The fact that she said no to her future son-in-law when he asked for her daughter's hand and told him to get his ducks in a row by paying off his debt made me love her! And yes, everyone needs to be able to handle their finances and not rely on someone else to do it for them. If you marry a man who is great at handling money? Great! But what happens when he's not there to do it for you through death or divorce? Everyone can do a budget. And her thoughts on continuing education? Yes! Though this book is directed at over 50 women, this book has so much great encouraging advice for women of any age.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson/W Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I usually don’t listen to audiobooks. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I enjoyed it very much. Lori Allen as the narrator did a wonderful job. She made you feel like you were her friend and hanging out with her. I laughed and cried especially when she would get choked up when telling her story. Lori tell the story that you are never too old to do anything. You are in the prime of your life and don’t let it pass you by even if you are considered middle age. She takes you through her life. Lori is very candid about her ups, downs and her mistakes. She talks about Know your finances, friends, being empty nester etc. Her chapter about being a mother in law resonated with me, as did many of the chapters. I enjoyed this audiobook very much. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson W Publishing for the early listen to this audiobook. This is my own opinion.

I have to start by saying I love Lori Allen!

Maybe it’s because I still have 3 small children running around my home, but this book just didn’t land for me like I thought it would. I craved to see the real yet down to earth, Lori that we all love. While I think we definitely saw parts of her, I felt like the made for TV persona would drop in at the most inconvenient times. Parts of this book felt gimmicky to me.

Things I didn’t love:
How it felt like she was throwing her DIL under the bus without really saying it. Be for her, or don’t.
How she played off her faults as “Well it’s just how I am, and I’m not going to change” instead of trying to discuss becoming better for those around her (this is where I felt the gimmicky side crept in).
The fine line between self-centeredness and self-love. There were times I felt as though she promoted more of a selfishness mentality than the selfless one required of our faith.

Things I adored:
Well, Lori, of course! I listened to this book on audio, and I am SO GLAD Lori narrated it. You really got a feel for her intended prose, personality, and wit. This was part of what made the book so good.
The honesty. Lori is known for her honesty, and it was on full display here. While I felt as though she used it at the expense of others in some parts, her overall willingness to share the nitty gritty of what many are not was refreshing.
Her commitment. Whether that be to her husband, her business, or the care of her family, there is no doubt that Lori is dedicated and doesn’t believe in giving up.
THE ONE IN EIGHT CHAPTER! Ok, full disclosure, I lost my aunt to breast cancer and have spent the last 7 or so years raising thousands or breast cancer research and community programs. Breast cancer stories get me every time. That being said, the rawness with which Lori shared her breast cancer journey made this book a winner. I will buy it for others, simply for the gem that is found in that one chapter. I wish the entire book had been written about Lori’s cancer journey (and beyond) and in the vulnerable way in which she relayed it to us. THIS was the Lori I read the book to know. It was real and it was powerful.

I am 42 and have been feeling like I am in a rut, so this book caught my attention. The author's advice for women that are approaching or past 50 was spot on and even though I am further away to 50 than close to, I will be utilizing it. I listened to the audio version of this and found it to be beneficial and will be recommending it to other women.