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The Next Step
Christmas has been all but forgotten as a negative pregnancy test makes Rachel reconsider her future with Todd. The realisation sends her to the small town of Abbeyglen where the opening of Caulfield’s Café is all anyone’s talking about. But it also has her beginning to see returning colleague at Blackwater Financial Services, the loud, hilarious Owen Larrson in a new light.Natalie has decided she needs a change. In the midst of Christmas craziness, with the grand opening of the café and the excitement of her two children’s Christmas concert, Natalie can only hope the people of Blackwater Financial Services can help her find the job that will change her life. But as ex-boyfriend Darren returns, she realises luck might not be on her side for a bright Christmas after all …Join two women who are trying to figure out what the rest of their lives hold, in the midst of the mayhem of the most wonderful time of the year in the most wonderful place to be!
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
1 person want to read
About the author
B.R. Maycock
7 books69 followersHi Readers, I’m Berni and I’m a rom-commer!
My start: Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl and the entire contents of our local library, then Sweet Valley High, Point Horror, Babysitters Club and Saddle Club before edging into adulthood and reading … Jenny Colgan, Marian Keyes, Patricia Cornwall, Stephen King and John Grisham.
I am now an absolute chick lit, rom com, and thriller addict and former book blogger (you might know me from B R Maycock’s book blog).
My goal is always to give someone something they can settle down with for a bit of escapism and a laugh with small town series, ‘mom lit’ books and sparkly standalones.
Then there’s the official line...
B R Maycock (Berni to all you lovely people!) writes romantic comedies that are warm, sparkly and fun. She can be found in Co. Westmeath, Ireland with her brilliantly out there husband, Keith, their four epic little men, and four cats She has one goal and that’s simply to make readers smile and/ or laugh (a splutter rates highest;)).
My start: Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl and the entire contents of our local library, then Sweet Valley High, Point Horror, Babysitters Club and Saddle Club before edging into adulthood and reading … Jenny Colgan, Marian Keyes, Patricia Cornwall, Stephen King and John Grisham.
I am now an absolute chick lit, rom com, and thriller addict and former book blogger (you might know me from B R Maycock’s book blog).
My goal is always to give someone something they can settle down with for a bit of escapism and a laugh with small town series, ‘mom lit’ books and sparkly standalones.
Then there’s the official line...
B R Maycock (Berni to all you lovely people!) writes romantic comedies that are warm, sparkly and fun. She can be found in Co. Westmeath, Ireland with her brilliantly out there husband, Keith, their four epic little men, and four cats She has one goal and that’s simply to make readers smile and/ or laugh (a splutter rates highest;)).
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 19, 2024
Natalie has a bit of a scuzzball of a man in his life. She’s left him but when kids are involved, it’s never a clean break. So scuzzball remains in Natalie’s life like a bad smell.
Rachel is all over the place. She went through the is she isn’t she pregnant phase and then life with her flaky boyfriend isn’t looking as rosy.
Two women let down by men, two women who need their crowns straightening by their friends. And so they all take the Next Step in life.
I really enjoyed getting to know Natalie and Rachel and their crown straightening cheerleaders of Bex and Holly. The camaraderie leapt off the page at me and made me feel all warm and fuzzy despite the behaviours of the opposite sex. The way my two main characters become interlinked through their support act just reflects how life can bring strangers together for the better!
Even though the story is set in the run up to Christmas, the festive feel isn’t in your face. This is neither a good or bad thing. As someone who rarely reads Christmassy books before the third week of November, I didn’t get the urge to fetch the decorations out the loft but I did get an inkling of what’s to come in 6 weeks. Call it a taster. What I’m trying to say is, you don’t need to feel out of place reading this any time of year (or is that just my quirk).
Maycock has written a wonderful story of friendship, new beginnings and hope. Hope for a better future that you’re in control of, taking The Next Step.
Rachel is all over the place. She went through the is she isn’t she pregnant phase and then life with her flaky boyfriend isn’t looking as rosy.
Two women let down by men, two women who need their crowns straightening by their friends. And so they all take the Next Step in life.
I really enjoyed getting to know Natalie and Rachel and their crown straightening cheerleaders of Bex and Holly. The camaraderie leapt off the page at me and made me feel all warm and fuzzy despite the behaviours of the opposite sex. The way my two main characters become interlinked through their support act just reflects how life can bring strangers together for the better!
Even though the story is set in the run up to Christmas, the festive feel isn’t in your face. This is neither a good or bad thing. As someone who rarely reads Christmassy books before the third week of November, I didn’t get the urge to fetch the decorations out the loft but I did get an inkling of what’s to come in 6 weeks. Call it a taster. What I’m trying to say is, you don’t need to feel out of place reading this any time of year (or is that just my quirk).
Maycock has written a wonderful story of friendship, new beginnings and hope. Hope for a better future that you’re in control of, taking The Next Step.
October 13, 2024
Without having read the synopsis, I hadn’t realised that this was part of a series of books that are set in a more rural area of Ireland. The pace was perfectly set, and the characters each had distinct personalities.
As the book opens, we meet Rachel, who is in the process of splitting up with her boyfriend, Todd. Convinced that she may be pregnant, she flees to Abbeyglen and finds solace among her friends in the local area. I liked Rachel and was invested in her drama, hoping for a happy ending to her predicaments. She was determined to stick to her decision about leaving Todd, and it soon became obvious that she was doing the right thing.
Once in Abbeyglen, we meet single-mum Natalie, who has become overwhelmed by her circumstances and is holding down multiple jobs while trying to keep her head above water. Her unreliable ex, Darren, is around to ensure that she is pulled in every direction and unable to make the right decisions to help herself and her children.
This book transported me straight into the heart of this lovely community that exudes the kind of warmth that is a very special ingredient. The supporting characters were entertaining, and their dialogue was witty. I soon settled into their company.
As Rachel and Natalie each battled with their own challenges, it was obvious that they had found a safe place to be. There was everything that I look for in a book of this type, and I can highly recommend it. Although it is not intended to be read as a standalone story, I managed it without issue, but I would recommend reading the full series if you can.
As the book opens, we meet Rachel, who is in the process of splitting up with her boyfriend, Todd. Convinced that she may be pregnant, she flees to Abbeyglen and finds solace among her friends in the local area. I liked Rachel and was invested in her drama, hoping for a happy ending to her predicaments. She was determined to stick to her decision about leaving Todd, and it soon became obvious that she was doing the right thing.
Once in Abbeyglen, we meet single-mum Natalie, who has become overwhelmed by her circumstances and is holding down multiple jobs while trying to keep her head above water. Her unreliable ex, Darren, is around to ensure that she is pulled in every direction and unable to make the right decisions to help herself and her children.
This book transported me straight into the heart of this lovely community that exudes the kind of warmth that is a very special ingredient. The supporting characters were entertaining, and their dialogue was witty. I soon settled into their company.
As Rachel and Natalie each battled with their own challenges, it was obvious that they had found a safe place to be. There was everything that I look for in a book of this type, and I can highly recommend it. Although it is not intended to be read as a standalone story, I managed it without issue, but I would recommend reading the full series if you can.
October 14, 2024
The Next Step is a quick and easy feel-good read that centres around Natalie and Rachel, two women both on journeys to discover their self worth.
Both of the MFC felt real and their struggles were definitely something every woman can probably relate to at least once throughout her life.
There is a vibe of Christmas and everything festive, just not as much as I would have liked.
An entertaining and enjoyable novella.
Both of the MFC felt real and their struggles were definitely something every woman can probably relate to at least once throughout her life.
There is a vibe of Christmas and everything festive, just not as much as I would have liked.
An entertaining and enjoyable novella.
October 13, 2024
(Book 3 of the Abbeyglen series)
This book follows the lives of two women - Rachel and Natalie – who are trying to sort their lives out and find out which man is right for them, if any are. Helpfully, the last chapter of the previous book is included so we catch up on what happened last time. (This means you can easily read this as a standalone, like I did, though I would always recommend beginning a series with Book 1 if possible.)
Rachel is engaged to Todd, but she finds out he has lost his job and also thinks she is pregnant. All these big things lead to her having second thoughts about her relationship. She ends up moving in with her best friend Bex and her housemate Holly.
Rachel and Bex work together at Blackwater Financial Services. Owen Larsson returns to the company and it seems he has history with Rachel.
Meanwhile, Natalie is a single mum to the lovely Jamie (10) and his younger sister Katie. She sees her old school friend Ryan on the bus and there’s a spark there, but then her e-boyfriend (and the father of her children) Darren returns.
These characters are lovely! I really wanted to go out with them all and have a gossip down the pub, what a wonderful friendship group! I also enjoyed the lovely setting of Abbeyglen in Ireland. It’s easy to picture, with a lovely community spirit, and people helping each other.
I have found I’ve lost my reading mojo a bit lately, but this book helped get it back with its good, short chapters helping me want to keep reading. The book itself is around 200 pages long too and while I love big books, sometimes it’s nice to have a book that isn’t 400 pages long!
Overall, I would definitely recommend the book and I’d also like to say that the author is one of the loveliest people I have met online in the reading/writing/blogging community. I’ll look forward to reading Book 4 and finding out what happens next.
This book follows the lives of two women - Rachel and Natalie – who are trying to sort their lives out and find out which man is right for them, if any are. Helpfully, the last chapter of the previous book is included so we catch up on what happened last time. (This means you can easily read this as a standalone, like I did, though I would always recommend beginning a series with Book 1 if possible.)
Rachel is engaged to Todd, but she finds out he has lost his job and also thinks she is pregnant. All these big things lead to her having second thoughts about her relationship. She ends up moving in with her best friend Bex and her housemate Holly.
Rachel and Bex work together at Blackwater Financial Services. Owen Larsson returns to the company and it seems he has history with Rachel.
Meanwhile, Natalie is a single mum to the lovely Jamie (10) and his younger sister Katie. She sees her old school friend Ryan on the bus and there’s a spark there, but then her e-boyfriend (and the father of her children) Darren returns.
These characters are lovely! I really wanted to go out with them all and have a gossip down the pub, what a wonderful friendship group! I also enjoyed the lovely setting of Abbeyglen in Ireland. It’s easy to picture, with a lovely community spirit, and people helping each other.
I have found I’ve lost my reading mojo a bit lately, but this book helped get it back with its good, short chapters helping me want to keep reading. The book itself is around 200 pages long too and while I love big books, sometimes it’s nice to have a book that isn’t 400 pages long!
Overall, I would definitely recommend the book and I’d also like to say that the author is one of the loveliest people I have met online in the reading/writing/blogging community. I’ll look forward to reading Book 4 and finding out what happens next.
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October 11, 2024The Next Step by B.R. Maycock
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Christmas has been all but forgotten as a negative pregnancy test makes Rachel reconsider her future with Todd. The realisation sends her to the small town of Abbeyglen where the opening of Caulfield’s Café is all anyone’s talking about. But it also has her beginning to see returning colleague at Blackwater Financial Services, the loud, hilarious Owen Larrson in a new light. Natalie has decided she needs a change. In the midst of Christmas craziness, with the grand opening of the café and the excitement of her two children’s Christmas concert, Natalie can only hope the people of Blackwater Financial Services can help her find the job that will change her life. But as ex-boyfriend Darren returns, she realises luck might not be on her side for a bright Christmas after all …Join two women who are trying to figure out what the rest of their lives hold, in the midst of the mayhem of the most wonderful time of the year in the most wonderful place to be!
My Opinion
I have read this as a standalone book so there is definitely information I am missing, but I was still able to enjoy this book. This was a quick, festive novella with some great characters. Even though this book is just over 200 pages there is so much going on and there is so much character development. A nice uplifting read that is easy to finish in one sitting.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Christmas has been all but forgotten as a negative pregnancy test makes Rachel reconsider her future with Todd. The realisation sends her to the small town of Abbeyglen where the opening of Caulfield’s Café is all anyone’s talking about. But it also has her beginning to see returning colleague at Blackwater Financial Services, the loud, hilarious Owen Larrson in a new light. Natalie has decided she needs a change. In the midst of Christmas craziness, with the grand opening of the café and the excitement of her two children’s Christmas concert, Natalie can only hope the people of Blackwater Financial Services can help her find the job that will change her life. But as ex-boyfriend Darren returns, she realises luck might not be on her side for a bright Christmas after all …Join two women who are trying to figure out what the rest of their lives hold, in the midst of the mayhem of the most wonderful time of the year in the most wonderful place to be!
My Opinion
I have read this as a standalone book so there is definitely information I am missing, but I was still able to enjoy this book. This was a quick, festive novella with some great characters. Even though this book is just over 200 pages there is so much going on and there is so much character development. A nice uplifting read that is easy to finish in one sitting.
Rating 4/5
October 13, 2024
The Next Step is the third book by B R Maycock in the Abbeyglen series, although the third it can totally be read as a stand-alone story. This is a gorgeous Christmas romance , it features two leading ladies Rachel and Natalie. Rachel is dating and realises she might need a fresh start and then we have Natalie and her two children and when a past boyfriend arrives she also looks to a change.
B R Maycock writes beautiful and heartwarming stories, they are so engaging they seem to fly by and before you know it you are at the end and want more ! The Next Step is such an enjoyable festive read, full of friendships, romance, community and taking chances, a completely uplifting story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
B R Maycock writes beautiful and heartwarming stories, they are so engaging they seem to fly by and before you know it you are at the end and want more ! The Next Step is such an enjoyable festive read, full of friendships, romance, community and taking chances, a completely uplifting story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 29, 2024
The Next Step by B.R. Maycock is a heartwarming Christmas romance, the third book in the Abbeyglen series, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. The story follows two women, Rachel, who feels ready for a new chapter in her dating life, and Natalie, a mother of two who is shaken by the return of an old boyfriend. Both women face big life decisions as they embrace change and new possibilities.
With Maycock’s warm and engaging storytelling, this uplifting holiday read highlights friendship, romance, and the power of community, making it a perfect choice for fans of feel-good festive stories.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
With Maycock’s warm and engaging storytelling, this uplifting holiday read highlights friendship, romance, and the power of community, making it a perfect choice for fans of feel-good festive stories.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 10, 2024
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This was a short read that gave off a feel-good festive vibe. I appreciated the friendships between the female characters; they were very supportive of each other. I found this quite heartwarming to read, as I felt that both Rachel and Natalie went on their own personal journey to better themselves. I found that uplifting, and I really liked the character development. The story itself had a lovely festive atmosphere, and it was easy to read in one sitting.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This was a short read that gave off a feel-good festive vibe. I appreciated the friendships between the female characters; they were very supportive of each other. I found this quite heartwarming to read, as I felt that both Rachel and Natalie went on their own personal journey to better themselves. I found that uplifting, and I really liked the character development. The story itself had a lovely festive atmosphere, and it was easy to read in one sitting.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
October 11, 2024
A story of friendships, romance and choosing what to do
As options change and need revising too.
When relationships end and fresh starts made
So many decisions have unexpected impacts, but don’t be afraid.
With Irish communities and places, too,
Friendships and worries, lots to work through.
There’s humour, fun and great characters, too,
And possible romances - but involving just who?
This is the third in a series and I suspect it would be best
To wait to read this till you’ve read the rest.
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
As options change and need revising too.
When relationships end and fresh starts made
So many decisions have unexpected impacts, but don’t be afraid.
With Irish communities and places, too,
Friendships and worries, lots to work through.
There’s humour, fun and great characters, too,
And possible romances - but involving just who?
This is the third in a series and I suspect it would be best
To wait to read this till you’ve read the rest.
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews