I had to wait a couple of days after finishing this book to be able to review it. I was on an emotional roller-coaster. Told in POV of then and now, the author has things happen first and then goes back and you find out how it happened. I have a friend who is studying to become a death doula or end of life professional. I guess I never realized just what you have to know both professionally (liability and all) and spiritually to be able to help people end their journey in life comfortably. The doula's in this story helped them get all their "eggs in one basket" so to speak.. Nova, a younger version of her business partner Kelly had her own life struggles to deal with. Mason a young man came in to their practice to help him deal with his end of life. Or so you are led to believe. Kelly hands Mason over to Nova because she thought they could relate better being close in age. And so the story starts. It is heart wrenching and beautiful at the same time. You love the characters but sometimes you hate them. In the back of your mind you are hoping for a better outcome but................
Thanks to #netgalley, #stmartinspress and @jessicastrawserauthor for an ARC of this book

Jessica Strawser is always giving us something to think about and adding her own twist. This is the third novel I’ve read by her and she’s quickly become an author I’ll always read or request.

I had never heard of a death doula before reading Jodi Picoult’s Book of Two Ways. In this book, Ms. Strawser delves more deeply into this occupation and the emotional toil it takes. I found it informative, learning about the ins, outs and what ifs. Emotional in so many ways…realistic situations, good characters and development. A little slow in parts, but it didn’t distract me from the story.

Thanks to Ms Strawser, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

Jessica Strawser is one of those authors that can come in with a totally unique premise and plot line with every single one of her books. This book was heart wrenching and takes on the "death with dignity" law.

While I found the first half to be a little slower paced than I would have liked, I am glad I stuck with it, and was very impressed with how much research Straswer did to dig into this important but tricky topic.

While this wasn't my favorite of her books, I am glad to have read it and look forward to seeing what she comes up with next! 3.5/5 stars.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for my gifted copy.

The past 2 months have been extremely exhausting for me due to having to deal with several major crises at work. Things have been rough and even though we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I anticipate that it will take several more months for things to truly settle down. I mention this because, as much as I tried to prevent it, the physical and mental exhaustion from work unfortunately seeped into my personal life as well. Over the past couple weeks especially, there were way too many moments where I struggled to summon up enough energy (both physically and mentally) to pick up a book and just read — either my mind would wander (inevitably to something related to work) or I would be so tired physically that I would doze off after a couple pages. Normally, reading is a “de-stressor” for me; it’s something I look forward to after a long, difficult day filled with more challenges than I feel I’m equipped to handle. Because of this, my current circumstances of not being able to concentrate as much as I want to on something I love and enjoy is extremely frustrating, to say the least. Having said all this though, one thing I do know is that this situation is only temporary and I’m pretty confident that, in the not too distant future, I will be able to emerge from this difficult period and get back into the groove of my usual reading routine.

Part of the reason I decided to start this review with the above (aside from me just needing to vent so I can finally get this off my chest), is because going through what I did the past few months helped me to better relate, on some small level, with the main characters in this book (though of course, my situation pales in comparison to the truly “life and death” struggles that the characters face). Nova Huston is an end of life doula whose job is to help the terminally ill who are seeking to make peace with their impending deaths. Mason Shaylor is a singer-songwriter facing the grim prospect of a debilitating condition not only putting an end to his career, but also to life as he knows it. The two cross paths when Mason hired Nova to help him come to terms with his decision. As they spend more and more time together, Mason and Nova find that they have more in common than either of them expected, and when a connection forms that deepens their relationship, that makes it all the harder to let go.

Truth be told, prior to reading this book, I had absolutely no clue what a “death doula“ was. With the marketing for this book comparing it to Me Before You (which I personally feel is unjustified, as both stories are nowhere near similar), I had the misconception at first (as it seems many other readers did) that a doula was someone who helped with assisted suicides. That’s an incorrect assumption of course, and the story goes to great lengths to explain what a doula actually does. In this regard, I felt that the author, Jessica Strawser, did a good job shining a light on a profession that few people know much about. As I’m usually big on learning something when I read, I definitely appreciated this aspect of the story and Strawser’s efforts here.

Overall, I liked this one quite a bit — it was a solid story with an interesting premise that was well-written and obviously well-researched. Having said that though, the story itself was the slow-burn type and also meandered a bit at times, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it did leave me wondering at some points where Strawser was trying to go with the plot and characters. I felt that the structure of the story was interesting as well, with the narrative alternating between the perspectives of both the two main characters as well as a few others — though with that said, the timeline jumping back and forth between past and present as often as it did made parts of the story a little hard to follow at times.

Ever since her debut novel 5 years ago made a pretty big impression on me, Strawser has become an auto read author for me. While not all of her subsequent works were “hits” for me, most were enjoyable enough that I would say my overall experience reading her books has been a positive one. One of the things I really like about Strawser’s books in general is that she does try to reinvent herself every so often by attempting different genres, often while exploring difficult themes. I continue to look forward to Strawser’s upcoming works.

Received ARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley

This fictional story about an end of life doula is outstanding. First I didn’t know there was such a thing but, #thenextthingyouknow was very good at explaining what that is within the context of the plot, characters and storyline. I will definitely keep this information handy as we could all have need of a doula’s service at some point. The writing in this by Ms Strawser was well done and made me keep reading when I should have been doing other things. I thank #netgalley and #stmartinspress for this great book to read and review.

My interest in this book was piqued when I saw that it was being compared to A Star is Born and Me Before You. My initial thought was that this book was probably going to tear my heart to shreds, but I was more than a willing victim.

Jessica Strawser created a thought-provoking, meaningful, heartbreaking story that kept me needing to know more about these intriguing characters.

Nova Huston lives her life by her own rules. As a death doula, she helps terminally ill patients prepare and come to terms with their impending deaths. While she may not believe in doing things strictly by the book, she does believe in using her instincts and her big heart to help guide them through their most difficult times.

When Mason Shaylor seeks out his own death doula, Nova is the obvious choice for this client. As a musician who’s going through a debilitative illness that has robbed him of the bones of his craft, he’s bitter, resentful, and not the most compliant or forthcoming. He has his reasons for needing her, and she has her reasons for wanting to help him. As their relationship develops, trust is secured, and defenses are lowered, leaving them at their most vulnerable with each other and what they are both facing. Death is an inevitable part of life, but sometimes it’s the living that’s the hardest.

The story is told from multiple characters’ perspectives, from the then and now. This propelled the book forward, leaving me wanting and needing to know how the story was going to unfold. Let me just say that it did not unfold the way I had envisioned it would. Strawser took it somewhere different, shocking me and leaving me speechless. I love it when the story takes an unexpected turn.

The Next Thing You Know is an emotional novel that is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful. Days after finishing it, I’m still thinking about it.

* 4 Stars

This was a moving novel unlike any other book I’ve read before. I loved the overall premise, the mixed timelines and multiple narrators. I also always enjoy medical dramas and the fact that this featured death doulas, which was a new concept to me, had me extra intrigued.

My gripes with this one was the pacing. It felt a little slow and I didn’t have much problem setting it down. It’s also one of those books I could never remember the title although the title makes sense toward the end of the novel.

The end really turned around and became incredibly emotional and moving for me, making this a solid 3.5 stars but I had to round down because I just don’t think it’s a book that will really stick with me.

Strawser is an auto read author for me and I love how every novel of hers is so different. This book was incredibly well researched, so unique, and written really well. If you’re looking for a different read and can handle a slower pace, this is one you can’t miss.

To be shared on my blog - www.withabookinourhands.com - on April 5th.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy of this novel.

The Next Thing You Know is a tear-jerker, but in the best kind of way. I read a lot of books where someone dies (sometimes a lot of someones), but rarely about the process of dying, of making a conscious decision for how you want to live your life and how you want to end it. Mason and Nova are perfectly crafted characters who made me feel like I was part of the story, who made me feel both their joy and their pain. Jessica Strawser never disappoints, but this might be my favorite yet.

Thanks for the opportunity to review. Link to 3/29/2022 Instagram post:

https://www.instagram.com/girl_loves_dogs_books_wine/

Terminally ill people might seek a death doula to reconcile things before their death, they could be legal issues, family issues, but are often relationship issues. The doulas don’t dispense any medical care or legal advice but can be advocates for their clients.Nova Huston is an end-of-life doula who helps terminally ill people make peace with the impending death. She is a free spirit who will take on any client. Kelly is also a death doulas and they work together in Cincinnati. Kelly tends to do things by the book while Nova doesn’t shy away from difficult cases.When Mason Shaylor shows up, she does not recognize him. Mason is only 36 years old, although of course a terminal diagnoses can come at any age. His arms are in constant pain from overuse and botched surgeries, and Mason doesn’t know how to live without playing the guitar all the time. He is a singer-songwriter who recently disappeared from the public eye. He tells her that his life is over, that his deteriorating has made playing his guitar extremely difficult. Helping Mason say goodbye is what she does, but why is it so hard? I enjoyed that this book revealed early on a big event that has happened then takes you back to piece together they how and why. I love this author and will continue to request and read her books!

3.5 star read for me (rounded up to 4)

This was the second book I read recently with death doulas as characters (the other was The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult) and it really is a fascinating occupation!
Kelly and Nova are partners (although Kelly is really in charge) in Parting Your Way, a business providing death doula services. Mason, a relatively well known musician in his 30's, signs on as a client. But should he really be a client?
The stories of Mason, Nova, Kelly and family members, friends, and clients are told primarily from the current and past voices of Kelly, Nova and Mason. All three main characters were interesting, but I felt that they weren't as developed as would have been helpful. I would have also liked to get a deeper understanding of Mason's relationship with his mother and brother.
Overall, an interesting story and opportunity to learn about a unique occupation and business!
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read The Next Thing You Know in exchange for an honest review.

This book. It was just a roller coaster of emotions for me!

This is the first book that I've read by Jessica Strawser and I'm impressed by the topics that she chose to write about: death and end-of-life doulas.

Now I know that sounds depressing and dark, but this book did a really good job of highlighting what a death doula is while also sharing a story filled with hope, second chances, how to handle the challenges and adversities that life throws our way all wrapped up in a love story.

The story is about a musician/singer called Mason Shaylor who seeks out the assistance of a doula. He ends up working with Nova -- a young woman who herself has faced her share of challenges and adversities -- and together they help each other come to terms with their own lives and situations.

I have to admit, there were times when reading this book that I was annoyed at the situation and for me it was easy to pass judgment on the characters for some of their choices and reactions to their circumstances but after some twists and turns (don't want to give anything away), I realized that things are much more complicated than they sometimes seem. It was a good life reminder!

Overall, I recommend this book and am looking forward to hearing what others think of it!

My thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m grateful to have received a digital arc of this book. It was unlike any other topic I’ve ever read about and the idea of an “end of life doula” was very interesting to me. I loved the characters overall but the main character struck me as a little dumb. The story was great but it did drag at multiple parts.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I've read other books by this author, and again she didn't disappoint.

Mason is musician suffering what seems to be a debilitating disease. Nova is an end of life doula, that generally deals with older patients.

When Mason seeks assistance from Nova's practice, her life is changed forever.

Told from a few of the protagonists voices in both the past and present, I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good story with a twist.

Looking forward to more novels from this author!

Oh Jessica! You’ve tugged at my heartstrings! This story was absolutely phenomenal and really got me in the feels. Thank you Jessica, St Martins Press and NetGalley for this review copy!

Nova is an end of life doula, meaning she helps people with whatever they need help with during the dying process, think cancer patients and people who know they’re dying. Whether it’s paperwork, making amends to family members, helping to plan funerals, etc. One day, Mason Shaylor walks in and changes her life. In the synopsis this story is compared to “A Star is Born” and I absolutely loved that movie and I have to say it’s similar but, the story is so much deeper and just..beautiful. Tragic and hard but, beautiful. The way it tugs at your heart and just refuses to let you go…

I absolutely LOVED this story! Without a doubt, five stars! Be prepared to finish in only a couple of sittings because you will not want to put it down! Highly recommend!

Did you know there is such a thing as an end-of-life doula? I’ll admit I hadn’t been aware of this service in which “𝘢 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯'𝘴 𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭, 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴.” 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝗪 by Jessica Strawser is about Nova, one such doula, and an unusual client seeking out her services. Mason is far younger than her typical clients, and though he admits to being a musician, he’s not very forthcoming about anything else.⁣
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This is the story of how the two learn to work together, the trust they build, bonds they make, and what happens when nothing goes quite the way it should. I really enjoyed this book and sped through it. The death doula role itself was fascinating, and I’d have liked there to be a little more about it, and less of some other parts that tended to read long or not very relevant to the story itself. Relationships were all over the place for me. Some felt very real and intense, but others a little forced. And the ending? Let’s just say a little neat and tidy for my tastes. Despite that, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸 was a truly interesting book with a unique career at its heart and that alone made it well worth reading.
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Thanks to @stmartinspress for an ARC of #thenextthingyouknow.

The Next Thing You Know
by: Jessica Strawser
St. Martin's Press

Strawser's writing in The Next Thing You Know will stun your senses. I knew this for two reasons. Having read one book by this author, I knew that she writes on a deep, emotional level about very serious topics. Next, with a plot that focuses on end of life issues, I prepared myself for a heart-wrenching journey.

With a job as an end-of-life doula, Nova is a character unlike I've ever read about. I knew very little about a doula at all. She is introduced to Mason, a singer-songwriter whose life and career have forever changed due to his health. The plot progresses with insight into Nova's world, career, and relationships with her family, work partner, and now Mason. Her support of him within her role as a doula becomes intertwined with devotion, trust, loyalty, and longing.

This book is one that makes you think hard about the stages of life, and what might happen should we find ourselves unable to live out our dreams as we had planned. The exploration of how closely musicians connect with audiences, performances instruments, and songs is profound. We are left to ponder our purposes, our aspirations, and our beliefs. This book will certainly go places.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
#NetGalley #TheNextThingYouKnow

Nova Huston works as an End-of-Life Doula where she assists terminally ill clients with companionship, making arrangements for their last days and helping them come to terms with their situation. She cares deeply for her clients and takes her role seriously as she feels this is her calling. When indie singer/songwriter Mason Shaylor hires Nova to be his 'Death Doula' both begin to see obstacles in their expectations. When a tragic accident calls into question the practices of End-of-Life Doulas, accusations are made, lives are changed and truths are revealed.
This is a beautiful story about pride, honor & commitment. It’s an emotional read written in dual timelines that will give you much to think about concerning the thoughts and feelings of the terminally ill. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 rounded up

This was my second book by Jessica Strawser and I love how she tackles controversial and emotional topics.

Nova is an end-of-life doula. She is younger and more of a free spirit than her partner Kelly. When Mason Shaylor, an indie musician whose career was ruined by surgery at 36, comes to their offices, Kelly hands him off to Nova. Nova is used to be being more open with her clients, but she crosses lines with Mason and he takes her heart with him.

This is one of those stories that makes you feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster. I was shocked by a turn of events that happened so soon in the book. I thought: where does the story go from here? But the author took us on a beautiful, albeit heartbreaking and sometimes unsettling, journey of people (friends, family, and lovers), all trying to make peace with their situations and finding something bittersweet along the way.

Thank you to @stmartinspress for this gifted ebook.

4 1/2 stars

Ms. Strawser literally dismantled my heart with this book. It was a beautiful story with a powerful message. But get the Kleenex box ready because it isn't for the faint of heart.

Nova is an end-of-life doula who has a unique take on life. She's a risk taker who rides a motorcycle with no helmet but yet she eats organically. And unlike her business partner, she doesn't shy away from the difficult clients in her field, which is how she meets Mason Shaylor. Mason comes in search of someone to help him figure out how to say goodbye. He is a successful indie musician with a degenerative condition that is slowly stealing his life from him. They soon develop an unorthodox friendship which fills a hole in both of their lives. The problem is that Nova should be keeping Mason more at a distance. It's dangerous to get too close to a client.

This book deals out some surprises and shocks. Obviously, with the subject matter, you expect sadness. But when it comes, I definitely wasn't prepared. It's beautifully done and definitely makes you think twice about what's important in your life and prioritizing things. I can't say enough good things about this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

3/3.5 stars

Nova Huston is an end-of-life doula who helps terminally ill people make peace with the impending death. She is a free spirit who will take on any client. When Mason Shaylor shows up, she does not recognize him. He is a singer-songwriter who recently disappeared from the public eye. He tells her that his life is over, that his deteriorating has made playing his guitar extremely difficult. Helping Mason say goodbye is what she does, but why is it so hard?

Jessica Strawser writes interesting, relevant, and often thought-provoking books. I have enjoyed every book she wrote that I have read. She is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects and she does so again in this book. I thought I would love this one and although, I didn't love this one, I did enjoy it. I have the privilege of having the audiobook and kindle version and it was nice to go back and forth between the two. I enjoyed the narrator and how she did the voices.

There are a lot of emotions that occur surrounding death, losing a loved one, being terminal. I appreciated that she tackled them in this book.

My main issue with this book was not being able to connect with the characters. None of them stood out for me. I usually connect with characters in her books and I wonder if she was too focused on getting the facts right, that her characters paid the price?

I appreciate the author's research and tackling of a difficult subject. A solid book that I hoped to have been more wowed by.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.