Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This was an emotional book and well written. This was my first time reading this author and won’t be my last. It kept my interest through the whole,book.

“Grief can be about all sorts of things…It doesn’t have to be about death.”

Popular podcaster Faith Byrne made a name for herself telling stories of triumph after tragedy. While her daughters spend the summer in Hawaii with her ex-husband and his new wife, she must manage life on her own. All of that changes when she is asked to spotlight her childhood best friend’s missing person case on her podcast What Happens Next. A girl that, prior to now, she didn’t even know was missing.

Dora Crane has never accepted that her younger daughter Heather could be dead, keeping her home looking the same as when she disappeared decades before. But when her husband leaves her and her older daughter intervenes, she agrees to counseling and to pack up her missing daughter’s belongings under one condition: Faith Byrne comes to Deep Valley and spotlights her case.

As the cold case moves forward, old wounds and long-buried secrets are exposed. Will these women finally get the answers they have been looking for?

I couldn’t put this book down! It is told in dual timelines and from multiple POV. The chapters are short, which I always appreciate, keeping the story flowing at a quick pace. The characters are flawed and damaged and so well developed. This book kept me up reading past my bedtime and ignoring adult responsibilities. A five star read all the way.

Also, the nostalgic references to neon earrings, split heart Best Friend necklaces, and Love’s Baby Soft cannot be understated. 💕

Thank you so much to Netgalley, @bethanyhousefiction and @christinasuzannfor the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

With each new development I found myself hoping for a good outcome. And in a way it was, but I still needed tissues. Faith’s best friend Heather age ten, from a summer thirty years ago, goes missing. Heather’s sister Brooke visits Faith in the hope that she will feature Heather’s disappearance mystery on her nationwide podcast. They need closure and maybe someone out there knows something or their memory might be jogged. Ever since her daughter’s disappearance, Dora has been in a downward spiral, and who could blame her? What happened to Heather?
My thoughts kept jumping around regarding various clues and suspects. Let me say that the ending was perfect, but no peeking, it will spoil it all for you!
I also liked reading the chapters dedicated to Heather’s perspectives and what she was saying and doing that summer.
The title, What Happens Next, was the name of Faith’s podcast. I first thought it had to do with the disappearance of Heather. I enjoy knowing where the book titles come from. I gave this five stars and wish I could give it more!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

Thank you to Bethany House for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.

Sometimes I find that writing a paragraph style review comes so easy, other times all I can manage is some bullet points and that's what we're working with today:

What I liked:
- The 3 viewpoints + the short chapters made the book fly by!
- I liked the way the faith thread was woven in seamlessly and never felt like it was proselytizing.
- The explorations of grief and the way that Dora (the missing child's mother) handled herself in the wake of her loss; it was sad and frustrating to read but seemed very realistic.

What I was kinda meh on:
- A lot of threads were set up for the MCs family and some kind of heavy situations going on there, but were very much left hanging.
- Okay, so this one is difficult because as much as the ending annoyed me, I also liked it. I can't tell you why one way or the other because that would be Spoiler City, but, well, yeah.

If you're looking for a quick read with some mystery / thriller aspects, this book is right up your alley!

What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson is a deeply engrossing story that I literally did not want to put down. I was so invested in these characters and this story that I had to find out what happened that summer all those years ago.

Faith, Nate and Heather were best friends the summer they were 10. Thirty six years later, Faith comes back to Deep Valley, where Nate and Faith work together to try and solve the mystery of Heather's disappearance all those years ago. This story not only solves the mystery, but explores grief and how different people grieve differently. I normally don't like to read stories that are so heavy, but this author has such a wonderful writing style and ability to tell such engrossing stories that I knew I had to give it a try. I'm so glad I did.

What Happens Next is the third book I've read by Ms. Nelson. I have enjoyed all of them. I'll definitely be reading the rest of her backlist and whatever she writes next!

I received a complimentary copy of this story. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light.

What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson is AMAZING. I know for a fact this book will be on my top-ten list for 2023. This story is told in three perspectives: Faith, Dora, and Heather. Faith and Dora are the contemporary points of view, and Heather’s P.O.V. hearkens back to the summer of 1987. In the summer of 1987, I had just turned six years old. My sense of nostalgia for Heather’s day was fierce during all of her chapters. As she illustrates, I, too, fondly remember long summer nights, bike riding all over the place with my brothers, movie nights with homemade popcorn, BBQs and soda pop, and all the popsicles I could stomach. It was so much fun taking a walk down memory lane. I actually think this is my favorite aspect of this beautiful story. Nelson does an excellent job with place and time. I really enjoyed Faith and Dora’s modern perspectives, but Heather stole my heart. I really loved everything about this precocious young lady. She is spunky, courageous and brave, and so honest. She just says things like they are. She is totally endearing. When I got to the end of her storyline, I had to take a break from the story and mourn her. In fact, as I type this, I’m trying so hard not to cry again. This character really wheedled her way into my heart and she won’t be leaving any time soon.

Some people have a difficult time talking. Some of us have a hard time talking AND being in groups. The idea of a grief group, while I understand the value, makes my skin crawl. Grief hits in all different ways and in waves. Sometimes the waves are tiny. Sometimes the waves are tsunamis. I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, grief makes me want to hide like a wounded animal. I don’t want to talk and I don’t want hugs. I just want to work. Dora is a woman after my own heart. She doesn’t want to talk either, she just wants action. Faith, likewise, struggles to deal with her grief, not because she doesn’t want to or because she is too busy acting rather than dealing, but because she doesn’t recognize she has any grief to deal with. I get this, too. When we compare our stories to others, we often talk ourselves down from the care we actually need because others’ pain and grief feels more real and more deep. Dora lost a ten-year old child. The child who came from her body. Compared to that, divorce feels like a nothing burger. I mean, death of child and divorce are not even in the same category. Yes, it is true that they are not the same thing but loss is loss, and all loss causes some level of grief that should be dealt with. Both Dora and Faith come to realize this very important fact. I really appreciate Nelson’s honest discussion about grief and how some of us fight dealing with it kicking and screaming, while others don’t even realize they have grief to face. This story really had me evaluating my own grief and how I am handling it. It may be time to start talking!

What Happens Next is a phenomenal story. I loved every single minute of this well-written, highly engaging story. This is a story I will not soon forget, and it is one I highly, highly recommend. If you read one book this year, make it What Happens Next!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, through NetGalley. I also received a paperback review copy of this book as part of Bethany House’s Influencer Team in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This one was so hard to put down! It was kind of like watching a train wreck, since I just couldn't stop reading! The story is heartbreaking, especially from Dora's point of view, as a mother who has a hard time mourning while still holding out hope. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of showing how grief affects each of us differently. This is such a good book.

Good story, the characters were done well, overall a well paced story. The ending was different than I expected, but I liked it.

This is my first time reading this author. What Happens Next over all was a very good story with, to me, a sad/glad ending. It's a story of grief and tragedy along with forgiveness.
The only con I have is the going back and forth past to present. That is a little hard for me to follow.

I really enjoyed WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. The "then" and "now" format works extremely well for this story, and the author does a good job of keeping the various POV characters (Faith in present day, Dora in present day, Heather in the past) straight for the reader. I'm not a fan of true crime podcasts, but this novel is really more about the people and their journeys toward redemption and hope for the future, which I really appreciated.

Those looking for thriller-level pacing may be disappointed as the first half is somewhat slow. This is because the author is developing the story lines and letting us get to know the characters. I'm really glad I struck with it. The second half speeds up a bit in terms of suspense and, because we have gotten to know the characters, we care what happens to them.

The message of faith / hope in Christ is a strong one -- deftly conveyed, never preachy.

The ending is very satisfying.

Received e-galley from publisher; all opinions are my own.

As someone who reads a LOT, I have found that there are many reads that are great while reading-- providing needed entertainment while it lasts. After several weeks and more books, they tend to blend together. Then there are others that you know that as soon as you finish the final page, it is going to be one that sticks with you for a very long time. For me, What Happens Next definitely falls into the latter category.

This actually started off a little bit slow for me... but once I got into the story, I was absolutely hooked. The mystery of what happened to Heather back in 1989 certainly drew me in, but beyond that it also told a really beautiful story of grief and the many forms it takes. It was told from three different POVs, to include that of 10-year-old Heather and I loved how well these perspectives blended together to really tell a great story. It was beautifully written and had me reaching for my tissues more than once.

While I am not personally someone who is super into true crime myself, I found myself thinking that this is definitely one that fans of that type of story would enjoy as well. Overall, a great read and one that I would highly recommend.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

This is a heartfelt, emotional story, with storylines alternating between Heather’s childhood in the past and the present search for answers about her disappearance. It is a story of grief, loss, and betrayal, but also forgiveness and healing. I certainly wouldn't call it suspense, but the element of mystery kept me turning pages for more. This is not a light-hearted story, but if you are looking for beautiful writing that deals with the depths of human emotions and faith in the face of tragedy, don’t miss What Happens Next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What Happens Next" wasn't a true crime show, at least not in the traditional sense. Her listeners expected stories of hope and healing, people who fought through loss to come out stronger and still maintaining compassion and wholeness Brooke's own words clarified the point. This wasn't a success story."

Faith started her podcast to provide others with the ability to move forward after tragedy. Going through her own challenging season, she questions whether she should continue to do her podcast. But when she finds out her childhood best friend went missing after the summer she spent with her, she knows she needs to find the truth.

This is a timeslip novel - set in both 1987 and present day. While part of the storyline is tough (it deals with a missing child), there is still plenty of hope. Because the reader had a chance to "get to know" the girl that eventually went missing, that made empathy and compassion a natural result. Since the story was told from both past and present perspectives, I really felt like that made for a strong novel.

This story is also about second chances. I couldn't stop reading this book - I had to know what happened and if the girl was, in fact, alive. Definitely a powerful novel!

I was a part of the book launch team and was provided with an advanced copy. I wanted to read this one. All opinions in this review are my own.

Faith Bryne, popular podcast host of What Happens Next, is living in turmoil from recent divorce, ex-husband remarrying, and her two teenage daughters planning to spend the summer in Hawaii to attend the wedding and visit grandparents. And then a voice from the past......can she help to resolve the mystery of her childhood best friend's disappearance? Faith remembers her best friend Heather from the summer they were ten years old, 1987, and then wonders why she didn't know Heather had disappeared? As Faith reluctantly agrees to take on the mystery, she returns to Deep Valley Oregon and the home of her grandmother, where she had stayed with her parents during that summer. Faith rekindles friendships and relationships from the past as she becomes entwined in the process of discovery and memories from long ago. Dora Crane, Heather's mother, feels she cannot move on until she knows what happened to her daughter, even as her family falls apart......and Faith becomes more determined to get results. The author intricately brings the characters together as they deal with their memories and grief, relying on their faith in God as part of the healing process. But will what she finds tear them apart? A well-written story that makes the reader feel invested in both the characters and the outcome as the truth unwinds through dual timelines and character perspectives. Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #WhatHappensNext

Wow! What Happens Next is a rivoting story from Christina Suzann Nelson. I jumped on board this adventure full of mystery, grief, and ultimately healing. I'm not usually into Who Done Its, but this book had me intrigued from start to finish. No wonder I finished it in one day!

I received a free copy of this book from Baker Book House. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Award-winning author Christina Suzann Nelson captivates readers with her latest release, What Happens Next! You’ll be gripping the pages of this phenomenal novel as you journey to the small town of Deep Valley, Oregon, to seek answers about what happened to Heather Crane thirty-six years ago!

Popular podcaster and ex-reporter Faith Byrne has made a name for herself, telling stories of greatness after tragedy, though her real life doesn’t mirror the stories she tells. While her daughters spend the summer in Hawaii with her ex-husband and his new wife, Faith must manage life on her own. But all that changes when she’s asked to spotlight her childhood best friend’s missing person case on her podcast.

Dora Crane has never accepted that her younger daughter, Heather, could be dead, keeping her home looking the same as the day Heather disappeared. But when her husband leaves her and her older daughter intervenes, she agrees to counseling and packing Heather’s belongings under one condition: Faith Byrne returns to Deep Valley to bring attention to the cold case.

As the investigation into Heather’s disappearance is reopened, Faith and Dora will revisit the summer of 1987, causing the two women to face the long-hidden truth before they can finally heal. Will this be a summer of second chances, or will their search bring more grief to their already broken hearts?

"Time took advantage of everything, finding a way to age even that which is best preserved." ~ Christina Suzann Nelson

Now, THIS is how you write great Christian Fiction!! Oh, my goodness! I’m speechless after devouring this novel. For a while, reading has felt like a chore to get these reviews out, but What Happens Next! was the jump start I needed to re-energize my love of storytelling!

Christina Suzann Nelson is a SPECTACULAR writer! Though the topic of grief, loss, and broken relationships was heavy, she did a beautiful job respecting each character’s pain and healing. Christina’s decision to include Heather’s perspective was GENIUS! The three points of view wove together seamlessly, creating a masterpiece I hope millions will read!

"Good pieces existed in everyone, though loss was easier to keep under control when those heart-deep memories were kept shut tight." ~ Christina Suzann Nelson

The faith element was also perfect. It wasn’t too in your face, yet it packed a punch that gave God glory and shone His light throughout the plot. I applaud the author for this, as I’ve struggled to find Christian Fiction books that genuinely give God honor and praise. We need more books like What Happens Next!!

Whether you’re looking for your next read or overloaded with your never-ending to-read pile, stop what you’re doing and pick up What Happens Next!! This book will be your new favorite; I know it’s mine!

*Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with a pre-release copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own*

This cover is perfect and the book is too. Everything about it is fantastic. It grabbed my attention from page and I can’t wait to read what’s next from the author.

I have read other books by Christina Suzann Nelson and enjoyed them so I was looking forward to this book. What Happens Next did not disappoint. While I love her other books more than this one, I was very happy with this one. It took me a minute to adjust to the different points of view for each character and I also was not expecting the story to go where it went. It started being about Faith but I found Dora (Heather's Mom) to be a more interesting character. Christina also told Heather's story well and the mystery is very well done. I would recommend this book to a friend. It pulls you in from the start and the relationships and emotions are handled so well, this book makes you think about things and relationships.

I don’t normally read true-crime stories, but since I was asked to be an influencer by the publisher, and I’ve read all the author’s novels and enjoyed them. I thought I’d jump in.

It’s been 36 years since Heather had gone missing. Her sister, Brooke Crane asks Faith Byrne to do some investigating. Faith tells her this is not her normal venue, but she would use her reporter skills, for the sake of their friendship. Faith was shocked by the news and the fact her parents and friends never told her of Heather’s situation. She had written her several letters which had gone unanswered. This explained so much. Faith hoped that by doing this podcast it would help bring closure to this family.

The main character Faith Byrne was visiting her grandmother the summer 10-year-old. Heather went missing. Heather lived next to Faith’s grandma and became fast friends as they spent a lot of time together that summer, which included male pal Nate, who had a crush on Faith. Telling the story through the eyes of Heather (the missing girl), Faith and Dora (Heather’s mother) added a depth to the story, with an element of mystery. and suspense.

I appreciated that the story did not get super graphic. Faith starts digging through the cold files and interviews people, hoping to gain a new insight. The towns people are not fond of this digging. They knew who did this deed, no need to stir the pot. They kept an eye on the man and made his life miserable.

Through the search, Faith discovered she had to deal with some grief of her own. She realized she needed to find hope, mourn her divorce, learn to live in her new normal and find forgiveness along the way. This story is well-written and heartfelt. It shows how one person (Dora the mother) in a family can get stuck in the past while other family members try to move on. The disappearance affected their lives in every way. It’s not that they don’t love Heather, but there were other children and a husband to love.

The author shows how emotionally damaging it can be to hold onto grief, anger, and the past. The investigation was very well written, I liked how she dropped clues throughout the journey. This plot will tug at your heart, make you tear up in parts, and cause you to wonder. There was a splash of romance, a dash of hope, and a trail of new beginnings.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is my first Christina Suzann Nelson book and I look forward to more of her books. The book follows a podcaster called Faith who receives a surprising letter from someone from her past. The letter is from a woman that wants her to highlight her missing sister Heather. Heather was Faith's friend and she had gone quiet suddenly .This book is perfect for podcast and mystery lovers,