4.5 Stars

A story of life and loss that is also a story of hope, and of finding a path forward following loss. A story that also manages to be uplifting, and leave you pondering this story of a life and all of the questions left unanswered at the end of a life.

This is the first of Jessica Strawser’s books that I’ve read, and I loved this introduction. Last year I read another book that included a death doula, which left me thinking about the profound and genuine love someone must have to spend their days caring for how others prepare for the end of those days. It is one thing to care for a member of your family, and hope for a gentle end for them, it is another to make it your career.

Despite the topic, this is a story filled with an abundance of genuine, caring gestures, love and hope. 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, defined path based on the client. Nova chooses to navigate each situation by listening for their needs, and personally connecting and caring for them. Not surprisingly, most of their clients are elderly, so when Mason, a young musician, requests their services, Nova enters the picture.

This is an emotional story, which shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it is also a thought-provoking one. The families of those involved add some drama, as well. Losing a loved one, and the pain involved for the families involved is also part of this story, as is an element of not honoring their wishes.

Ultimately, this is a story of hope, as well as the loss of hope, and love, and even the transformative power of love.


Pub Date: 22 Mar 2022

Many thanks for the ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press

I really usually like books by Jessica Strawser, but I couldn't get into this one. I think it was the subject matter and all that is going on in the world right now. I tried a second time to read it and still only got about 1\3 of the way through before I gave up. The writing and character development were great, storyline was just too depressing for me.

As an end-of-life doula, Nova's job is to help the terminally ill cope with their impending death. When Mason Shaylor, an up-and-coming indie singer-songwriter, comes in asking for help to say goodbye after a deteriorating condition that has already caused him to lose his ability to play the guitar. Months later, Mason's mom comes in accusing Nova of assisting Mason's suicide after he dies in a car accident, Nova questions everything she thought she knew about a patient she had become extremely close to.

The Next Thing You Know is a top-level tearjerker, expertly drawing you into the characters and perfectly timing revelations to emotionally wrench you. Reminiscent of Me Before You, Strawser's novel makes you think about how to cope when life as we know it ends. A must-read for anyone who enjoys women's fiction, The Next Thing You Know is sure to make waves in 2022. Just make sure you have a box of tissues handy because I guarantee you will need them.

My heart! This was an emotional and intriguing story. Really enjoyed that it provoked so many emotions!! I really love the cover art, too.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

It is always a good day when I have the opportunity to review Jessica Straswer’s latest.

I was introduced to the idea of a death doula in Jodi Picoult’s novel, “The Book of Two Ways.” In “The Next Thing You Know,” we meet Kelly, who is the director of “Parting Your Way,” which helps assist individuals and their families with the process of dying. Yet, when she meets Mason, a musician, who is giving up his career because of a terminal diagnosis, she refers him to her colleague, Nova, who doesn’t hesitate to say it like it is. However, Mason presents a challenge Nova’s other clients have not and it’s not simply because they’re the antithesis of one another. In fact, at second glance, they might have more in common; as a result, it becomes more and more difficult for her to remain detached from her client.

The narrative includes both Mason’s and Nova’s perspectives, moving from past to present and back. This allows the reader to appreciate and understand both their viewpoints. Strawser is an exceptionally gifted writer who focuses on creating vibrant, multidimensional characters that resonate with you long after you finish the novel. She is also skilled at tackling tough topics but not letting those topics control what the characters do. Like her previous work, her writing pulls out a variety of unexpected twists, but never manipulates her characters for the sake of plot.

Thank you the Jessica Strawser, NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel.

As an end-of-life doula, Nova's job is to help the terminally ill cope with their impending death. When Mason Shaylor, an up-and-coming indie singer-songwriter, comes in asking for help to say goodbye after a deteriorating condition that has already caused him to lose his ability to play the guitar. Months later, Mason's mom comes in accusing Nova of assisting Mason's suicide after he dies in a car accident, Nova questions everything she thought she knew about a patient she had become extremely close to.

The Next Thing You Know is a top-level tearjerker, expertly drawing you into the characters and perfectly timing revelations to emotionally wrench you. Reminiscent of Me Before You, Strawser's novel makes you think about how to cope when life as we know it ends. A must-read for anyone who enjoys women's fiction, The Next Thing You Know is sure to make waves in 2022. Just make sure you have a box of tissues handy because I guarantee you will need them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It took me longer to read this book than it usually does. The story was so beautiful and intriguing that I couldn’t read it fast. I did find some parts to be drawn out but overall I loved Nova’s story. It was poignant and believable and beautiful !!

A breathtaking, emotional and compelling novel with powerful themes of life and death, The Next Thing You Know is a poignant look at love and hope, and the importance of living every moment with no regrets. Unflinching and unforgettable, this one will crack your heart open and slowly stitch it back together.

Nova Huston has an interesting job. She meets with people that have terminal conditions and helps them prepare for the end. Nova is a bit of a free spirited person and doesn’t refuse any clients. When she meets her next client Mason Shaylor she does not recognize him. Mason is famous singer that doesn’t know how to say goodbye. Nova tries to maintain a professional relationship with Mason, but she finds they have a lot in common. This could turn out to be the best and toughest client she has faced so far.

And now for something totally different! I really enjoyed this death doula’s bittersweet story. Of course it is very emotional, but definitely has some very uplifting moments as well. The writing is fantastic and I would highly recommend it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.

I finished THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW multiple books ago, and yet the lead characters continue to haunt me. Two broken people trapped in the past and lost in the present, Mason and Nova share a powerful, memorable story.

At thirty-six, indie singer-songwriter Mason Shaylor signed a major record deal—and disappeared from the public eye. Only his family knows why: following a devastating diagnosis, he will never play his guitar again. Everything he’s lived for is over. He’s scared, angry, and alone when he hears a conversation about end-of-life doulas—people who guide others through the process of death. But when he hires motorbike-riding Nova Houston to help him say goodbye, he never expects to discover someone whose spirit is “music in human form.”

Nova, who meditates to the sunrise and believes there is no such thing as false hope, knows nothing about Mason’s fame. She sees him only as a difficult new client. He won’t even fill out the paperwork, but then … she’s not a stickler for rules. She’s also hiding from her own truth: that while she helps others make peace with their mistakes, she hasn’t figured out how to do the same for herself.

On the surface, they’re polar opposites, but they recognize something in each other, something that brings both of them clarity and joy. And maybe a shot at the unexpected: love.

As the story weaves effortlessly back and forth in time, we see the evolution of their relationship leading up to the incredible final twist. There’s a wonderful balance for the reader between the gradual reveal of their growing connection and the desperate need for answers about what happened between them. (A huge mystery, announced early on, opens a can of plot questions.) Each chapter ending is pitch perfect, as is the true meaning of the title.

I found this novel uplifting, hopeful, and full of wisdom about surviving loss, embracing life, and offering and accepting forgiveness.

THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW is a book I will buy in hardcopy and re-read.

This is a beautifully written, heart breaking and heart healing book about love in all forms and the families we are born into and create. Characters you care about and take into your heart as you grow with them

This was the first time I have read a book by this author. I will be working on changing that. Jessica Strawser took a topic that is on-trend in health care. Death doulas--not hospice care, not licensed personnel--but a health care field that definitely has potential. This book takes the story of death doulas and while it shows the possibilities of claims of malpractice, it also shows the beauty of taking care of someone that is terminal. The death doulas in the book become an extension of family, giving of themselves and receiving the joy that comes with that gift. But what happens when the doula falls in love? Does it cloud his or her judgment? This book will tear your heart open as the doula falls in love with a client. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in the form of an e-book in exchange for an honest review.

The Next Thing You Know by Jessica Strawser sheds light on an occupation I didn't know existed...the end of life doula, who helps patients complete the detritus of their lives....paperwork, making amends, etc. before they pass from illness or natural causes. In this context, a musician, Mason, calls on an end of life doula named Nova to help him come to terms with the end of his life after degenerative nerve issues in his arms and hands make it impossible for him to play guitar any longer. As Nova discovers more and more about Mason, this goes from being a job to a relationship until he dies suddenly and she discovers that his condition was not fatal and he may have been planning his own demise.

This novel is an interesting look into death and the terms on which we surrender ourselves to it, and whether we should have any say in ending our own lives. A very intriguing read! Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC: I debated 3.5, but the book explores important subjects and translates issues about death, suicide, end of life and meaning of life into popular fiction. Nova, the main protagonist, is a "death doula" assisting terminal patients/clients with end of life concerns. She takes on a client, Mason, who is a musician with a quality of life issue and uncertain prognosis. The book explores their relationship, her back story, the concept of death doulas, meaning of life, transitions in life and families--quite a broad reach. Although, for me, it took a bit to gain momentum, it did and it raises many important questions in the guise of popular fiction. A great book club book.

Wow! What an original story. This isn’t my typical sort of read but I could not put it down. Page after page was engrossing and really made me want to root for these characters. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book.

The Next Thing You Know was a solid book. I thought it was a great story on a sensitive topic which I really did not know much about. However, I found myself wanting the beginning two-thirds of the story to move a little faster. I thought the ending was great and I just wanted to see how it all played out. Another good read by Jessica Strawser!

My review is simple, I loved this book. I loved the characters. I loved the way the story made me feel. The story is reminiscent of Me After You, which is the highest compliment in my book. It’s been a long time since a book evoked so much emotion within me. This one will make you ugly cry….over and over again and the remorse you’ll experience may shatter you in the very best way. The story of loss and ultimately peace will touch your heart and soul. An outstanding story with a heartbreaking ending. The story and characters will stay with you long after the last page. 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of The Next Thing You Know from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Loved it! This novel made me laugh, cry, and everything in between. Although it was a surprising way to tell a story, I still enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down. (Thank you for the positive outlook on life even in the most dire situations--I will try to pass on that sentiment when I encounter someone in such a stark situation.)

Jessica Stawser's novel, The Next Thing You Know has a unique storyline involving death doulas. I honestly had never heard of a death doula or how they functioned. Google what they are, it is actually pretty interesting! Strawser brings together four great characters and unfolds a story about love, loss, healing, and death. While, the book is not a fun, light, beach-read, it is however memorable. The Next Thing You Know makes the reader think about life choices. Grab the tissue, it's a good one!

Loved this well written book! The storyline, the characters and how the story unfolds is so well done. Always love jessica Strawser and her latest lives up to her well deserved hype. Highly recommend!

Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange of an honest review.