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What Comes Next: A Novel
An empowering and heartfelt novel about the complexities of family, the power of sisterhood, and the bravery it takes to choose happiness when all seems lost.
My life is perfectly fine.
Alex has pretended this for years—despite an emotionally absent father, a best friend drifting away, and a floundering dog-training business. At least Alex has her sister, Meredith, a driven polar opposite. But both their lives are upended when their estranged mother dies of a genetic condition that the sisters have a fifty-fifty chance at inheriting. For Alex, a world without her mother is uncomfortable. But a world without Meredith is unthinkable.
Alex suggests a pact to which Meredith tentatively In three months they’ll get tested. Until then they go after everything they’ve ever wanted. Alex is finally stepping out of her comfort zone and opening herself up to new relationships. Or maybe reconnecting with an old one. Nathan, a boy who once broke her heart, needs a trainer for his mixed-breed rescue. Alex can’t resist.
As sparks rekindle, and time passes much too quickly, Alex discovers more about herself, her sister, and her mother than she ever imagined. And that everything in life—especially happiness—comes with a risk worth taking.
My life is perfectly fine.
Alex has pretended this for years—despite an emotionally absent father, a best friend drifting away, and a floundering dog-training business. At least Alex has her sister, Meredith, a driven polar opposite. But both their lives are upended when their estranged mother dies of a genetic condition that the sisters have a fifty-fifty chance at inheriting. For Alex, a world without her mother is uncomfortable. But a world without Meredith is unthinkable.
Alex suggests a pact to which Meredith tentatively In three months they’ll get tested. Until then they go after everything they’ve ever wanted. Alex is finally stepping out of her comfort zone and opening herself up to new relationships. Or maybe reconnecting with an old one. Nathan, a boy who once broke her heart, needs a trainer for his mixed-breed rescue. Alex can’t resist.
As sparks rekindle, and time passes much too quickly, Alex discovers more about herself, her sister, and her mother than she ever imagined. And that everything in life—especially happiness—comes with a risk worth taking.
317 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2025
240 people are currently reading
3033 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Forbes
1 book29 followersMy name is Caitlin Forbes and I write stories that explore the messiness of relationships—from sisterhood to romance to the tricky relationship we have with ourselves. When not writing, you can find me chasing after my toddler (or my dog), and exploring small-town New England life.
My debut novel, What Comes Next, comes out this October. I can't wait to hear your thoughts.
My debut novel, What Comes Next, comes out this October. I can't wait to hear your thoughts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 25, 2025
Caitlin Forbes’ What Comes Next is an absolute gem. It is deeply moving, quietly powerful, and impossible to put down. From the very first page, I was pulled into Alex’s world: a woman holding her life together with quiet strength, humor, and denial until everything changes with one phone call.
This story beautifully captures the messy, complicated bonds between sisters, the weight of family secrets, and the fragile courage it takes to choose joy even when the future feels uncertain. Forbes’ writing is tender and raw, with moments that made me laugh out loud and others that absolutely broke my heart.
I loved watching Alex rediscover herself, through her relationship with Meredith, her beloved dogs, and the reappearance of Nathan, whose presence adds just the right spark of hope and romance. Every chapter feels honest and real, reminding us that love, loss, and courage often come hand in hand.
This is a story about taking risks, forgiving the past, and daring to imagine happiness even when life doesn’t come with guarantees. If you’ve ever asked yourself “What would I do if time were running out?”, this book will stay with you long after the last page.
What comes next? Maybe everything you’
This story beautifully captures the messy, complicated bonds between sisters, the weight of family secrets, and the fragile courage it takes to choose joy even when the future feels uncertain. Forbes’ writing is tender and raw, with moments that made me laugh out loud and others that absolutely broke my heart.
I loved watching Alex rediscover herself, through her relationship with Meredith, her beloved dogs, and the reappearance of Nathan, whose presence adds just the right spark of hope and romance. Every chapter feels honest and real, reminding us that love, loss, and courage often come hand in hand.
This is a story about taking risks, forgiving the past, and daring to imagine happiness even when life doesn’t come with guarantees. If you’ve ever asked yourself “What would I do if time were running out?”, this book will stay with you long after the last page.
What comes next? Maybe everything you’
September 9, 2025
What Comes Next was beautifully written. It gave me so many feels and spoke to me in so many ways. Everyone should read this incredible book!
September 9, 2025
As someone who deals with genetic conditions and chronic illness, who also recently lost family to disease and also absolutely loves dogs, this story was overwhelmingly powerful! It was beautiful, moving me to tears, but also completely heartwarming.
This is a story that really shows how family and love can help us through our hardest moments. And the compassion shown for dogs just brought it up another level in my opinion! Definitely recommend!
This is a story that really shows how family and love can help us through our hardest moments. And the compassion shown for dogs just brought it up another level in my opinion! Definitely recommend!
September 26, 2025
The author takes us on part of the journey of sisters, Alex and Meredith, whose mother dies of a genetic condition that the sisters have a fifty-fifty chance of inheriting. They are polar opposites of each other, and they go about thinking what is to come, in their own way. Alex finally suggests that they take three months and just live their life, do the things that are important to them, and then in 3 months they will get tested.
We see the things that are important to them, and the things they learned not only about themselves, but each other, their mother and their estranged father. When the three months were up, they did go to get tested, but you will have to read the book to find out.
I finished the book a week ago, but I couldn't write the review. I always write my reviews right after I read the book, but this one my brain just wouldn't let it go, so I had to think about things. We get to see two sides, and how both goes, and why they chose the things they did, and there is no right or wrong, only what is right for themselves. Now, when you read the book, you will see what happens when they get tested.I am only telling you in my review up until they get tested. There are many emotions that come through as I read, which enhanced the story.
I received an ARC from Lake, Union Publishing through NetGalley.
We see the things that are important to them, and the things they learned not only about themselves, but each other, their mother and their estranged father. When the three months were up, they did go to get tested, but you will have to read the book to find out.
I finished the book a week ago, but I couldn't write the review. I always write my reviews right after I read the book, but this one my brain just wouldn't let it go, so I had to think about things. We get to see two sides, and how both goes, and why they chose the things they did, and there is no right or wrong, only what is right for themselves. Now, when you read the book, you will see what happens when they get tested.I am only telling you in my review up until they get tested. There are many emotions that come through as I read, which enhanced the story.
I received an ARC from Lake, Union Publishing through NetGalley.
October 15, 2025
This is a book for anyone who has ever loved a pet. As a dog mom who had an unpredictable pup for many years, I was fascinated with the dog training aspects. But there is a lot more than that. It’s also a second-chance story on many levels. Alex had some BIG decisions, and I was pulling for her big time. The book deals with a genetic condition thoughtfully and made me think about how I might handle certain decisions. Dominique Salvacion was a wonderful narrator for this incredibly compelling novel.
October 9, 2025
Sisters facing unexpected challenges, romance, and dogs. Three pretty great components to an enjoyable and then heart wrenching story.
August 6, 2025
The reason I wanted to read this book is that it’s quite different from what I usually read. I’m always looking forward to trying new genres or exploring genres I’m not as familiar with. It makes reading fun because reading the same sort of book all the time only leads to burn out. And this novel was exactly what I needed it to be. So let’s chat about it.
First of all, I want to mention that I appreciate that the author has professional knowledge about healthcare. She could have still written this book without it by doing a lot of research. It could still be a respectful depiction of a very serious illness. But knowing her professional background made me less worried about seeing another author using a big health issue as just a plot device. Obviously, the threat of Alex and Meredith having HD is a huge part of the story. But it’s not the whole story. The story is how two young women, mostly Alex since she’s the protagonist, face what could be a life changing situation. The story is about what to do when your future changes so drastically all of a sudden. And it’s about relationships but not just in a romantic sense. It’s about Alex’s relationship with Nathan, sure. But also about her relationship with her roommate/best friend, with her sister and her husband, with her dad, with her mum, with her friends, with her job, …
This is a character focused story. And I usually prefer a much more clear plot where we go from A to C and walk past B on the way to the destination. So even if I’m not 100% the target audience for the book, I enjoyed it a lot. And I can only imagine how people who love these types of stories would enjoy it even more. It’s a pretty easy book to recommend as well, in my opinion.
I have to say the writing was so beautiful. Nowadays it seems so many authors try to add a few cute quotes to their books, so people share them on social media and promote their books that way. As much as I love pretty quotes (to the point of wanting to tattoo some of them on my own skin), I need more than that. And I don’t enjoy it when it is so obvious that the writing is way too flowery, even if it doesn’t fit the story, just to have those quotes highlighted on TikTok. However, that wasn’t the case in this book. This writing flowed so naturally. It was beautiful because that’s how the author writes and it made sense for this story. I highlighted so many quotes. Many of them were quite simple sentences but the way they were written, and the context, made them stunning. Anyone who loves beautiful writing will have a great time reading this book. I adored reading some sentences out loud because that way they sounded even better than when I heard them in my mind.
Alex as a main character is incredibly interesting to follow. Her life hasn’t always been easy and so a lot of her choices are a result of that. Sometimes her reactions are frustrating and I felt like yelling at the book but…it also made sense. Put in the same situation, I might make the same choices. It’s not so black or white and the book is trying to explain that. The nuances and the multiple options we have in our lives when facing tough realities. While there were many sad moments, the book is hopeful.
The rest of the characters played an important part in Alex’s life and her decisions. It wasn’t a big cast but everyone served a purpose. Plus they all felt like fully fleshed characters, even if they didn’t have a lot of pagetime.
I’m personally not a dog person and dogs are a big part of the plot. But I’m an animal person. I sometimes find it easier to empathise with an animal than with a human. And so it was easy for me to empathise with Remy and with Alex’s feelings of wanting to help dogs. It’s not just me who feels such a connection to animals and I find that anyone who’s similar will really enjoy that part of the book. Because it’s about more than a dog, it’s about humanity. About how we treat those more vulnerable.
I’m genuinely so happy I decided to pick this book as my “out of my comfort zone” pick because it was a fantastic read, which I would recommend often.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this early free review copy.
First of all, I want to mention that I appreciate that the author has professional knowledge about healthcare. She could have still written this book without it by doing a lot of research. It could still be a respectful depiction of a very serious illness. But knowing her professional background made me less worried about seeing another author using a big health issue as just a plot device. Obviously, the threat of Alex and Meredith having HD is a huge part of the story. But it’s not the whole story. The story is how two young women, mostly Alex since she’s the protagonist, face what could be a life changing situation. The story is about what to do when your future changes so drastically all of a sudden. And it’s about relationships but not just in a romantic sense. It’s about Alex’s relationship with Nathan, sure. But also about her relationship with her roommate/best friend, with her sister and her husband, with her dad, with her mum, with her friends, with her job, …
This is a character focused story. And I usually prefer a much more clear plot where we go from A to C and walk past B on the way to the destination. So even if I’m not 100% the target audience for the book, I enjoyed it a lot. And I can only imagine how people who love these types of stories would enjoy it even more. It’s a pretty easy book to recommend as well, in my opinion.
I have to say the writing was so beautiful. Nowadays it seems so many authors try to add a few cute quotes to their books, so people share them on social media and promote their books that way. As much as I love pretty quotes (to the point of wanting to tattoo some of them on my own skin), I need more than that. And I don’t enjoy it when it is so obvious that the writing is way too flowery, even if it doesn’t fit the story, just to have those quotes highlighted on TikTok. However, that wasn’t the case in this book. This writing flowed so naturally. It was beautiful because that’s how the author writes and it made sense for this story. I highlighted so many quotes. Many of them were quite simple sentences but the way they were written, and the context, made them stunning. Anyone who loves beautiful writing will have a great time reading this book. I adored reading some sentences out loud because that way they sounded even better than when I heard them in my mind.
Alex as a main character is incredibly interesting to follow. Her life hasn’t always been easy and so a lot of her choices are a result of that. Sometimes her reactions are frustrating and I felt like yelling at the book but…it also made sense. Put in the same situation, I might make the same choices. It’s not so black or white and the book is trying to explain that. The nuances and the multiple options we have in our lives when facing tough realities. While there were many sad moments, the book is hopeful.
The rest of the characters played an important part in Alex’s life and her decisions. It wasn’t a big cast but everyone served a purpose. Plus they all felt like fully fleshed characters, even if they didn’t have a lot of pagetime.
I’m personally not a dog person and dogs are a big part of the plot. But I’m an animal person. I sometimes find it easier to empathise with an animal than with a human. And so it was easy for me to empathise with Remy and with Alex’s feelings of wanting to help dogs. It’s not just me who feels such a connection to animals and I find that anyone who’s similar will really enjoy that part of the book. Because it’s about more than a dog, it’s about humanity. About how we treat those more vulnerable.
I’m genuinely so happy I decided to pick this book as my “out of my comfort zone” pick because it was a fantastic read, which I would recommend often.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this early free review copy.
September 8, 2025
What Comes Next is a book about not giving up on relationships and maturing through family pain. It is a refreshing look at loss, disease and the natural chaos that can lead to judging, retreating, reflecting, and wisdom typically found in older folks. The author however, develops her youngish characters with charmingly real dialogue and nuanced exposition while taking on complicated family health issues with delicate and unstereotypical ease. Love emerges in the struggle to be honest with oneself somehow, on the winding road to discerning what one feels and wants. Relevant to any age group, but without deliberation, it honors young adults in their late twenties to thirties, the murky unsettling period when crucial decisions about love, work and place are made. As a senior, it was delightful to observe the journey of Alex, her love interest, her sister and office friends. It's a lovely, close-up of messy intimacy, growing up, dealing with hard realities and choosing to acknowledge one's own limits, wait at times, and finally admit it is okay to be human. It's earthy, grace-filled, and satisfying.
June 14, 2025
What Comes Next” is an engaging and emotional read that grabs you from the first chapter. At the heart, it’s a story about a young woman learning to understand herself and her loved ones in a honest and raw way. Her sister is a full human. Her mom? Complex, flawed, and brave. And then, there's her complicated first love... Forbes does a tremendous job expanding the secondary and tertiary characters’ worlds so the reader can get a deeper understanding of how everyone moves in, and around, the central plot.
The book covers some challenging and niche topics, but it’s clear Forbes has done her research deeply and holistically. It forces you to grapple with the question of whether you'd want to know about an illness you can't cure, and what it means to move forward in uncertainty. You’ll finish reading this with a strong understanding of relationships, with yourself and those around you. A deep and thought-provoking read! Plus, I loved the dog scenes.
The book covers some challenging and niche topics, but it’s clear Forbes has done her research deeply and holistically. It forces you to grapple with the question of whether you'd want to know about an illness you can't cure, and what it means to move forward in uncertainty. You’ll finish reading this with a strong understanding of relationships, with yourself and those around you. A deep and thought-provoking read! Plus, I loved the dog scenes.
June 27, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book before its release on October 14, 2025.
The premise of this book intrigued me. It follows the story of two sisters struggling to cope with the loss of their estranged mother, who succumbed to Huntington’s Disease. Neither sister understood the reasons behind their mother’s departure at a young age so this is the missing link for them.
While the book may not be heavily plot-driven, it delves into a character study of the protagonist, Alex. Although I initially found Alex somewhat unlikable, the storyline kept me engaged throughout.
The author’s ability to captivate my attention was evident through the well-developed cast of characters, including a rescue dog with behavioral issues.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. If you’re seeking a unique storyline with intriguing characters, I highly recommend “What Comes Next.”
The premise of this book intrigued me. It follows the story of two sisters struggling to cope with the loss of their estranged mother, who succumbed to Huntington’s Disease. Neither sister understood the reasons behind their mother’s departure at a young age so this is the missing link for them.
While the book may not be heavily plot-driven, it delves into a character study of the protagonist, Alex. Although I initially found Alex somewhat unlikable, the storyline kept me engaged throughout.
The author’s ability to captivate my attention was evident through the well-developed cast of characters, including a rescue dog with behavioral issues.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. If you’re seeking a unique storyline with intriguing characters, I highly recommend “What Comes Next.”
June 16, 2025
I had the privilege of getting to read this book early. It was a wonderful story of truly what comes next. Would you want to know what lies ahead or is life a struggle anyway? Great story that captivates you from the get go. Makes you ponder what would you do? The book finished with the best sentence and has me thinking about it for hours after I read it.
October 7, 2025
3.5 🌟
Alex and her sister Meredith were abandoned by their mother the day that she walked out on them, effectively leaving Meredith to do the mothering Alex loves her sister, she genuinely appreciates everything she done for her, yet she feels opposite and lesser in every single way. When word arrives that their mother has died, it is also disclosed that she died from a genetic illness, which of course means the sisters have a chance of carrying the gene. The journey that unfolds for both is emotional and heartwarming. Alongside all of this by way of her dog behavioural skills an old love reenters Alex’s life, but is it a love that she can let in?
Powerful, poignant and quite beautiful, yet not without a few issues that unfortunately made the story drag a little in places, only my own preference, of course.
The narration by Dominique Salvacion was lovely, and definitely kept me engaged.
My gratitude to Brilliance Publishing via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
Alex and her sister Meredith were abandoned by their mother the day that she walked out on them, effectively leaving Meredith to do the mothering Alex loves her sister, she genuinely appreciates everything she done for her, yet she feels opposite and lesser in every single way. When word arrives that their mother has died, it is also disclosed that she died from a genetic illness, which of course means the sisters have a chance of carrying the gene. The journey that unfolds for both is emotional and heartwarming. Alongside all of this by way of her dog behavioural skills an old love reenters Alex’s life, but is it a love that she can let in?
Powerful, poignant and quite beautiful, yet not without a few issues that unfortunately made the story drag a little in places, only my own preference, of course.
The narration by Dominique Salvacion was lovely, and definitely kept me engaged.
My gratitude to Brilliance Publishing via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
October 8, 2025
What Comes Next is a beautifully written story that explores the intricacies of relationships—romantic, familial, friendship, and most importantly, the relationship we have with ourselves. This heartfelt novel examines how the main character, Alex, and others navigate life’s challenges from the ordinary (choosing between a job promotion and a risky business venture) to the cataclysmic (a terrifying incurable medical diagnosis). Well written and thought provoking.
October 15, 2025
What Comes Next is a beautiful, quietly powerful story about the relationships that shape us—especially the ones we fight for. It’s about sisters, love, loss, and that fragile space between fear and hope when we’re forced to figure out what really matters.
After the sudden loss of their mother, Alex and Meredith are left reeling—not just from grief, but from the possibility of inheriting a life-changing medical condition. Instead of facing the results right away, they make a promise: three months of not knowing. Three months of just living. And in those three months, something remarkable begins to unfold.
This isn’t a book about running from fear—it’s about choosing hope anyway. Watching Alex begin to believe in herself again, and slowly let others back in (especially Nathan), felt like such a tender reward. Her reconnection with him was full of care and trust, and the way they navigated their shared past was incredibly moving. It wasn’t dramatic or over-the-top—it was honest and full of quiet longing.
The relationship between Alex and Meredith is the heart of this book and their bond is one we all yearn for. The characters' relationships were what drove the book.
What stood out to me most was the sense of hope threaded throughout the story. Even in their hardest moments, there’s a feeling that better days could be ahead—and that’s what kept me turning the pages. This is a book that reminds you healing is possible, even when the future is uncertain.
If you love books that explore deep relationships and emotional growth—with just the right touch of romance—you’ll want to read this.
Recommended for fans of:
Uplifting stories with emotional depth
Books about sisters and family bonds
Slow, hopeful romances
Characters learning to choose life again
Huge thanks to Lake Union for the ARC. This one really stayed with me.
After the sudden loss of their mother, Alex and Meredith are left reeling—not just from grief, but from the possibility of inheriting a life-changing medical condition. Instead of facing the results right away, they make a promise: three months of not knowing. Three months of just living. And in those three months, something remarkable begins to unfold.
This isn’t a book about running from fear—it’s about choosing hope anyway. Watching Alex begin to believe in herself again, and slowly let others back in (especially Nathan), felt like such a tender reward. Her reconnection with him was full of care and trust, and the way they navigated their shared past was incredibly moving. It wasn’t dramatic or over-the-top—it was honest and full of quiet longing.
The relationship between Alex and Meredith is the heart of this book and their bond is one we all yearn for. The characters' relationships were what drove the book.
What stood out to me most was the sense of hope threaded throughout the story. Even in their hardest moments, there’s a feeling that better days could be ahead—and that’s what kept me turning the pages. This is a book that reminds you healing is possible, even when the future is uncertain.
If you love books that explore deep relationships and emotional growth—with just the right touch of romance—you’ll want to read this.
Recommended for fans of:
Uplifting stories with emotional depth
Books about sisters and family bonds
Slow, hopeful romances
Characters learning to choose life again
Huge thanks to Lake Union for the ARC. This one really stayed with me.
October 15, 2025
Wow—what a wonderful book. Engaging, insightful, and full of warmth, this is truly a character-driven story. I loved every part of it, but especially the complex and tender relationships between the characters. Sibling bonds are always fascinating to me, and this one resonated on multiple levels. Having lost my own twin, the possibility of one sibling facing a fatal illness felt deeply personal, and the author handled it with such empathy and care.
I also loved the storyline with the dog. Animals have always been such an important part of my life—my horse is my partner at work and keeps me safe, and I once had a cat who meant the world to me. Sometimes I still think I can see him in the stars. Because of that, the bond between Alex and Remy felt especially touching and beautifully written.
The pacing was just right, giving the characters room to breathe and reveal both their flaws and their strengths. As someone with a very intense life, books are my escape—and this one was absolutely perfect for that.
I also loved the storyline with the dog. Animals have always been such an important part of my life—my horse is my partner at work and keeps me safe, and I once had a cat who meant the world to me. Sometimes I still think I can see him in the stars. Because of that, the bond between Alex and Remy felt especially touching and beautifully written.
The pacing was just right, giving the characters room to breathe and reveal both their flaws and their strengths. As someone with a very intense life, books are my escape—and this one was absolutely perfect for that.
December 29, 2025
Finished this in one sitting!! It wrecked me in the best possible way, with fully developed characters that held me in their stories & had me questioning my own takes on life altering situations. Highly recommend, bring tissues.
November 21, 2025
This story absolutely floored me in the best way possible! The character development and beautifully articulated complex relationships across characters was absolutely encapsulating! Once I picked up this book, I truly couldn’t put it down until I finished! The gut wrenching truth of losing a loved one to an inherited neurodegenerative disease, followed by the impossible decision to find out if that same ending is in your future, while navigating the closest and most important relationships in your life seems impossible, but Caitlin Forbes writes in a way that is SO relatable that you find yourself asking what you would do in these seemingly impossible situations. This story made me not only feel, but think so much about so many aspects of my life and relationships that I have! This was one of my first 5 star ratings this year as someone who reads about a book a week! I could not recommend this book enough! I think it is a tale that could touch more souls than originally imagined with all of the layers of relationships, grief, growth, and faith that are intertwined into this beautiful story!
October 19, 2025
5 ⭐ (Publication Date: October 14, 2025)
This book 🥺 Gave me all the feels. What a beautifully written story.
"What Comes Next” follows the story of two sisters Alex and Meredith, who find out their mother (whom walked out on their family over a decade ago) recently passed away from a genetic condition that each of them share a 50-50 chance of inheriting. Gripped with fear and anxiety, Alex agrees that Meredith can get tested in 3 months & she would consider too. Until then, they go on living their “normal” lives as Alex attempts to step out into a bolder more confident version of herself - including rekindling feelings for her college lover Nathan. But is it what she actually wants? What DOES Alex actually want in life?
I don’t really know how to describe it, but the way Caitlin Forbes made me feel reading this story… found family, love, fear of the future, even including a dog’s future. It was all so intricately and delicately woven together that made my heart ready to burst at the seams due to the overwhelming emotions I was experiencing. 🥺 I especially appreciated learning about Huntington’s disease and how Caitlin showed the different responses to grief and the real, raw, emotions that we as humans go through in life.
I didn’t even know this was Caitlin’s Forbe’s debut novel until I went back to write this review! This story was so emotionally heavy & beautiful all at the same time; I am so thankful I got a chance to experience it.
Life is beautiful. Life is complicated. Life is worth living despite not knowing what the future holds or how it might end. All one needs to do is keep on going; a life lesson I learned from Alex in this book. “What Comes Next” should definitely be added to your list!
**Thank You NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review**
This book 🥺 Gave me all the feels. What a beautifully written story.
"What Comes Next” follows the story of two sisters Alex and Meredith, who find out their mother (whom walked out on their family over a decade ago) recently passed away from a genetic condition that each of them share a 50-50 chance of inheriting. Gripped with fear and anxiety, Alex agrees that Meredith can get tested in 3 months & she would consider too. Until then, they go on living their “normal” lives as Alex attempts to step out into a bolder more confident version of herself - including rekindling feelings for her college lover Nathan. But is it what she actually wants? What DOES Alex actually want in life?
I don’t really know how to describe it, but the way Caitlin Forbes made me feel reading this story… found family, love, fear of the future, even including a dog’s future. It was all so intricately and delicately woven together that made my heart ready to burst at the seams due to the overwhelming emotions I was experiencing. 🥺 I especially appreciated learning about Huntington’s disease and how Caitlin showed the different responses to grief and the real, raw, emotions that we as humans go through in life.
I didn’t even know this was Caitlin’s Forbe’s debut novel until I went back to write this review! This story was so emotionally heavy & beautiful all at the same time; I am so thankful I got a chance to experience it.
Life is beautiful. Life is complicated. Life is worth living despite not knowing what the future holds or how it might end. All one needs to do is keep on going; a life lesson I learned from Alex in this book. “What Comes Next” should definitely be added to your list!
**Thank You NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review**
November 22, 2025
There are so many coming-of-age books with teenaged characters awkwardly teetering between childhood and adulthood. I think of What Comes Next as Coming-of-Age 2.0. It is a story of that time when you're paying your own electric bill but don't feel like a "grown-up" in the same way that your parents are "grown-ups".
This novel is a touching journey through that time with excellent lines drawn between Alex, a struggling 20-something, and the dogs she trains. One of the things I most admired was the intimate portrayal of the different couples in the book. You could feel their love and connection through tiny clues left in the text, much more powerful than any bedroom scene.
I think we will all recognize ourselves in the characters and struggles of What Comes Next, either something we're going through now or something from our past. this is a great book for all adults, no matter what their age. Because aren't we all wondering, What Comes Next?
This novel is a touching journey through that time with excellent lines drawn between Alex, a struggling 20-something, and the dogs she trains. One of the things I most admired was the intimate portrayal of the different couples in the book. You could feel their love and connection through tiny clues left in the text, much more powerful than any bedroom scene.
I think we will all recognize ourselves in the characters and struggles of What Comes Next, either something we're going through now or something from our past. this is a great book for all adults, no matter what their age. Because aren't we all wondering, What Comes Next?
October 15, 2025
Two sisters, each facing a possible tragedy. Each one has a 50/50 chance of getting Huntingdon’s disease. Their mother had it but did not give the information to anyone. She left the girls and left home and they don’t know if it was because of the disease. The older sister, Meredith, is married and they want to start a family but it’s complicated because of Huntingdon’s. Akex, younger sister, isn’t sure if she wants to get tested. Alex seems to br having a harder time and she doesn’t know what she wants from her life. Hard story to read, very emotional.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 14, 2025
This book is beautifully written, with every chapter pulling me deeper into the story and the characters’ emotional journeys. I loved the through line about second chances as it made me reflect on my own choices and what I’d do in the same situations. The story is thought provoking in the best way, and I found myself rooting for the characters as they navigated both deeply complex situations and ones that I could easily relate to through shared experiences of navigating your 20s. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a heartfelt, engaging read. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the ARC!
July 6, 2025
A heartfelt journey of growth
What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes is a beautifully written novel that explores the uncertainties and quiet triumphs of moving forward after life’s unexpected turns. Forbes has a talent for capturing raw emotion in simple, elegant prose, and her characters feel authentic and relatable.
The story unfolds at a gentle pace (beginning felt a little slow, but did pick up at appropriate pace), focusing more on inner transformation than dramatic plot twists—which may not be for everyone, but worked well for me. I appreciated the honesty in the main character’s journey: messy, reflective, and ultimately hopeful. Some moments felt a bit slow, and I wished for more development in a couple of side characters, but overall, the message of resilience and self-discovery landed powerfully.
If you’re looking for a character-driven story that lingers after the last page, What Comes Next is a worthy read. Grew to love all the main characters.
What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes is a beautifully written novel that explores the uncertainties and quiet triumphs of moving forward after life’s unexpected turns. Forbes has a talent for capturing raw emotion in simple, elegant prose, and her characters feel authentic and relatable.
The story unfolds at a gentle pace (beginning felt a little slow, but did pick up at appropriate pace), focusing more on inner transformation than dramatic plot twists—which may not be for everyone, but worked well for me. I appreciated the honesty in the main character’s journey: messy, reflective, and ultimately hopeful. Some moments felt a bit slow, and I wished for more development in a couple of side characters, but overall, the message of resilience and self-discovery landed powerfully.
If you’re looking for a character-driven story that lingers after the last page, What Comes Next is a worthy read. Grew to love all the main characters.
October 10, 2025
First time reader of this author and I found the book powerful and brave. Alex's sister is her rock. Their mother abandoned the family during their childhood. Their father is distant. Meredith has been everything for Alex. When Meredith shares bad news- that their mother is dead, but worse, she died of Huntington's Disease and they could also have it. Meredith wants to get tested. Alex does not. They make a pact- they will live their lives to the fullest for the next few months, then get tested. As Alex starts to prioritize her own wants and needs, she realizes how much she has held herself back. It was a strong start but the end was a bit of a let down. This might be a good book for a book club the discussions would be engaging as well as explore a wide variety of topics. Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity.
December 4, 2025
I'm reviewing again from Outlier Island. *sighs* It's probably me as this novel has a 4.08 rating at this moment. 🏝️🥥☕At least there's coffee on the island today as the rain is fearsome. 🌧️
2.25 stars ⭐⭐✨
The drama here was too widespread throughout the novel. If you've lived long enough it's easy to realize that sometimes when it rains it pours so to speak, but putting every character including the dog in crisis is risky. There are novels out there that go this route and pull it off, but this one misses the mark, not for a lack of effort more from needing tighter editing and the writing lacks the sharp edge required to grab attention. If everyone is facing difficult circumstances it needs to bleed across the page to grab this reader. Instead, it's wavering and rambling with the main character Alex annoying me often, but I did feel for her in moments.
The novel gets a lot right about canine behavior which I appreciated. I like that the dog Alex is trying to rehabilitate isn't an easy case because animal training is not linear. It is very time consuming and difficult at times. There was a lot of discussion about how many dogs have fear based reactions which is spot on. It takes tremendous energy to help some of them learn to trust.
We have a rescue who found us and she bore the marks of suffering atrocious treatment. It took days for her to stop running or hiding whenever we walked in the barn. She now sleeps on the foot of my bed, but it was a long road for her and us.
The novel deals with two sisters learning that the mother who abandoned them died of Huntington's Disease. They have a 50% chance of inheriting it. There is a test that can detect the disease and even give a ballpark figure of how long a person has before it becomes symptomatic. Huntington's is a neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. Alex doesn't know if she wants to get tested or not. Meredith her sister is a physician with a type A personality and decides she wants to know. Alex is contacted by her first love because he is desperate to save his dog from euthanasia after biting a neighbor. Remy is reacting from fear and is a challenging case but not impossible. Only having a few months before a hearing to decide her fate puts the situation in a pressure cooker. Alex and Nathan fall for each other all over again, but she wavers because of her possible health crisis. Nathan's mother has had cancer repeatedly and beaten it even though she's told it is terminal each time. Alex's best friend/roommate is moving out to live with her boyfriend causing the friends to have trouble connecting. There's a lot going on in this story. All serious issues but it felt like it was just all crammed in there with a lot of decisions to make. Alex annoyed me because she didn't want to make any decisions. Head in sand. Even though I understand freezing up from stress, it's annoying to spend an entire novel with a character like that.
Less would've been more plot wise.
This wasn't for me in the end.
Please check out the many glowing reviews for this debut if it sounds like your jam.
*Now Available*
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for providing an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2.25 stars ⭐⭐✨
The drama here was too widespread throughout the novel. If you've lived long enough it's easy to realize that sometimes when it rains it pours so to speak, but putting every character including the dog in crisis is risky. There are novels out there that go this route and pull it off, but this one misses the mark, not for a lack of effort more from needing tighter editing and the writing lacks the sharp edge required to grab attention. If everyone is facing difficult circumstances it needs to bleed across the page to grab this reader. Instead, it's wavering and rambling with the main character Alex annoying me often, but I did feel for her in moments.
The novel gets a lot right about canine behavior which I appreciated. I like that the dog Alex is trying to rehabilitate isn't an easy case because animal training is not linear. It is very time consuming and difficult at times. There was a lot of discussion about how many dogs have fear based reactions which is spot on. It takes tremendous energy to help some of them learn to trust.
We have a rescue who found us and she bore the marks of suffering atrocious treatment. It took days for her to stop running or hiding whenever we walked in the barn. She now sleeps on the foot of my bed, but it was a long road for her and us.
The novel deals with two sisters learning that the mother who abandoned them died of Huntington's Disease. They have a 50% chance of inheriting it. There is a test that can detect the disease and even give a ballpark figure of how long a person has before it becomes symptomatic. Huntington's is a neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. Alex doesn't know if she wants to get tested or not. Meredith her sister is a physician with a type A personality and decides she wants to know. Alex is contacted by her first love because he is desperate to save his dog from euthanasia after biting a neighbor. Remy is reacting from fear and is a challenging case but not impossible. Only having a few months before a hearing to decide her fate puts the situation in a pressure cooker. Alex and Nathan fall for each other all over again, but she wavers because of her possible health crisis. Nathan's mother has had cancer repeatedly and beaten it even though she's told it is terminal each time. Alex's best friend/roommate is moving out to live with her boyfriend causing the friends to have trouble connecting. There's a lot going on in this story. All serious issues but it felt like it was just all crammed in there with a lot of decisions to make. Alex annoyed me because she didn't want to make any decisions. Head in sand. Even though I understand freezing up from stress, it's annoying to spend an entire novel with a character like that.
Less would've been more plot wise.
This wasn't for me in the end.
Please check out the many glowing reviews for this debut if it sounds like your jam.
*Now Available*
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for providing an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 17, 2025
What Comes Next is about a young woman who is confronted with the terrifying possibility that she (and her sister) may have Huntington’s disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder.
I had heard about Huntington's before and was surprised to learn that many people who are at risk of having the disorder choose not to get tested and find out. It is a deeply personal choice with so many considerations, many of which are explored in the novel. Alex does not want to know, but her sister Meredith does. Alex doesn’t want her identity or her relationships to be defined by her (possible) condition- the story delves into the complexities of relationships and why we stand by the people we love even if it is painful, or not the way we imagined our future. The characters had depth and their relationships were well developed- nothing about this novel felt flat or one dimensional.
Another thing I liked about the novel is that it captures the unsettling limbo that often defines being in your twenties. It’s a period of life filled with potential, but also the fear of making the wrong choice, and feeling a sense of disorientation at having true independence and being a “real” adult. Before the bombshell possibility of Huntington's, Alex is already grappling with these broader uncertainties about her career, her relationships, and the path forward. It made the novel extremely relatable. I highly recommend What Comes Next. it will give you a lot to think about. Plus it has a dog storyline 🙂.
Some quotes that resonated with me:
“Four years ago. The length of high school, or of college, but without the predetermined milestones. the signposts that tell you how and why everything is about to change.”
“I’m not sure how to explain that between work and all the daily stuff in my life that is really not that hard, that I don’t know how to become period. Have the being takes up all the energy that should go toward the be becoming.”
“It’s all harder than I expected. I had the same ideas as everyone. You get the job, the cute apartment, the cute girl, but the thing is, even with all that, it’s still hard. It’s all still really fucking hard.” “But you keep doing it,” I point out. “you keep showing up.” “Showing up. Not showing up. I can’t say for sure which one is better.” “Showing up” says Bean, her voice firmer than I’ve ever heard it. She gives me a small smile. “It took me a long time to figure that one out” she says, “but choosing nothing won’t keep you where you are. You’ll still end up somewhere else.”
Thanks to Lake Union for the ARC!
I had heard about Huntington's before and was surprised to learn that many people who are at risk of having the disorder choose not to get tested and find out. It is a deeply personal choice with so many considerations, many of which are explored in the novel. Alex does not want to know, but her sister Meredith does. Alex doesn’t want her identity or her relationships to be defined by her (possible) condition- the story delves into the complexities of relationships and why we stand by the people we love even if it is painful, or not the way we imagined our future. The characters had depth and their relationships were well developed- nothing about this novel felt flat or one dimensional.
Another thing I liked about the novel is that it captures the unsettling limbo that often defines being in your twenties. It’s a period of life filled with potential, but also the fear of making the wrong choice, and feeling a sense of disorientation at having true independence and being a “real” adult. Before the bombshell possibility of Huntington's, Alex is already grappling with these broader uncertainties about her career, her relationships, and the path forward. It made the novel extremely relatable. I highly recommend What Comes Next. it will give you a lot to think about. Plus it has a dog storyline 🙂.
Some quotes that resonated with me:
“Four years ago. The length of high school, or of college, but without the predetermined milestones. the signposts that tell you how and why everything is about to change.”
“I’m not sure how to explain that between work and all the daily stuff in my life that is really not that hard, that I don’t know how to become period. Have the being takes up all the energy that should go toward the be becoming.”
“It’s all harder than I expected. I had the same ideas as everyone. You get the job, the cute apartment, the cute girl, but the thing is, even with all that, it’s still hard. It’s all still really fucking hard.” “But you keep doing it,” I point out. “you keep showing up.” “Showing up. Not showing up. I can’t say for sure which one is better.” “Showing up” says Bean, her voice firmer than I’ve ever heard it. She gives me a small smile. “It took me a long time to figure that one out” she says, “but choosing nothing won’t keep you where you are. You’ll still end up somewhere else.”
Thanks to Lake Union for the ARC!
October 20, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
What Comes Next is one of those stories that will have you thinking about it long after the final page is closed. It’s a story of decisions, neither right nor wrong, but correct for each individual. A story of “What if” and how to move forward through the tough times and celebrate life itself, in all of its messy, wonderful aspects. It’s a story that will touch your heart, make you think, and perhaps change your worldview as you evaluate your own choices and decisions in your life.
Alex and Meredith are as opposite personalities as possible, yet as sisters, they are tight as thieves and cannot imagine a life without the other in it. When their mother dies of a genetic condition neither knew about, their lives are about to change forever. They agree to go for testing in three months time, but until that date they’ll live life to the fullest, take on challenges they never thought they’d face, and experience all the emotions possible. Basically, their goal is to pack an entire lifetime into three months… before they can have any regrets when they do face testing to see if they have inherited the same disease that took their mother’s life.
What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes is compelling. It’s messy, wonderful, sad, happy, and emotional in all the ways that will grab hold of your imagination and your emotions. It’s also full of adorable dogs who play a big part in this story. Relationships, worthwhile risks, facing challenges, and most importantly, I think, becoming comfortable with who you are enough to face the unthinkable as a future that cannot be denied, these aspects of life and more are found within this story that will linger in your mind. I think it’s fair to say that you won’t close this book without being moved in some way. No spoilers, just an appreciation for a well-written, emotional story that touched my heart and made me think… what if.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*
What Comes Next is one of those stories that will have you thinking about it long after the final page is closed. It’s a story of decisions, neither right nor wrong, but correct for each individual. A story of “What if” and how to move forward through the tough times and celebrate life itself, in all of its messy, wonderful aspects. It’s a story that will touch your heart, make you think, and perhaps change your worldview as you evaluate your own choices and decisions in your life.
Alex and Meredith are as opposite personalities as possible, yet as sisters, they are tight as thieves and cannot imagine a life without the other in it. When their mother dies of a genetic condition neither knew about, their lives are about to change forever. They agree to go for testing in three months time, but until that date they’ll live life to the fullest, take on challenges they never thought they’d face, and experience all the emotions possible. Basically, their goal is to pack an entire lifetime into three months… before they can have any regrets when they do face testing to see if they have inherited the same disease that took their mother’s life.
What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes is compelling. It’s messy, wonderful, sad, happy, and emotional in all the ways that will grab hold of your imagination and your emotions. It’s also full of adorable dogs who play a big part in this story. Relationships, worthwhile risks, facing challenges, and most importantly, I think, becoming comfortable with who you are enough to face the unthinkable as a future that cannot be denied, these aspects of life and more are found within this story that will linger in your mind. I think it’s fair to say that you won’t close this book without being moved in some way. No spoilers, just an appreciation for a well-written, emotional story that touched my heart and made me think… what if.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*
October 30, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📚 enjoy books about second chances
👩🏼 had to raise a younger sibling
🐢 like slower paced novels
💭 love books that make you think
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
My life is perfectly fine.
Alex has pretended this for years—despite an emotionally absent father, a best friend drifting away, and a floundering dog-training business. At least Alex has her sister, Meredith, a driven polar opposite. But both their lives are upended when their estranged mother dies of a genetic condition that the sisters have a fifty-fifty chance at inheriting. For Alex, a world without her mother is uncomfortable. But a world without Meredith is unthinkable.
Alex suggests a pact to which Meredith tentatively agrees: In three months they’ll get tested. Until then they go after everything they’ve ever wanted. Alex is finally stepping out of her comfort zone and opening herself up to new relationships. Or maybe reconnecting with an old one. Nathan, a boy who once broke her heart, needs a trainer for his mixed-breed rescue. Alex can’t resist.
As sparks rekindle, and time passes much too quickly, Alex discovers more about herself, her sister, and her mother than she ever imagined. And that everything in life—especially happiness—comes with a risk worth taking.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a sweet but sad story about two sisters, abandoned by their mother, coming to terms with her death and the reason for her death - a genetic disease that they could possibly have. While I can’t say any of the characters were particularly likable, I felt really bad for them having to deal with these issues on their own. I did enjoy learning more about Alex and her connection to dogs though. I’ve never really read about this kind of thing, so it was fun to get something knowledge on the subject. I also liked that the sisters made a pact to live their lives to the fullest before choosing (or not) to see if they had Huntington’s Disease too.
📚 enjoy books about second chances
👩🏼 had to raise a younger sibling
🐢 like slower paced novels
💭 love books that make you think
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
My life is perfectly fine.
Alex has pretended this for years—despite an emotionally absent father, a best friend drifting away, and a floundering dog-training business. At least Alex has her sister, Meredith, a driven polar opposite. But both their lives are upended when their estranged mother dies of a genetic condition that the sisters have a fifty-fifty chance at inheriting. For Alex, a world without her mother is uncomfortable. But a world without Meredith is unthinkable.
Alex suggests a pact to which Meredith tentatively agrees: In three months they’ll get tested. Until then they go after everything they’ve ever wanted. Alex is finally stepping out of her comfort zone and opening herself up to new relationships. Or maybe reconnecting with an old one. Nathan, a boy who once broke her heart, needs a trainer for his mixed-breed rescue. Alex can’t resist.
As sparks rekindle, and time passes much too quickly, Alex discovers more about herself, her sister, and her mother than she ever imagined. And that everything in life—especially happiness—comes with a risk worth taking.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a sweet but sad story about two sisters, abandoned by their mother, coming to terms with her death and the reason for her death - a genetic disease that they could possibly have. While I can’t say any of the characters were particularly likable, I felt really bad for them having to deal with these issues on their own. I did enjoy learning more about Alex and her connection to dogs though. I’ve never really read about this kind of thing, so it was fun to get something knowledge on the subject. I also liked that the sisters made a pact to live their lives to the fullest before choosing (or not) to see if they had Huntington’s Disease too.
November 1, 2025
5 stars for What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes!! I loved this book so much!
Before my review, I’ll share this one tip - make sure you’re in the right headspace when you pick this one up, because holy moly this is EMOTIONAL! The amount of tears I cried! 😭 If you have a sister or love dogs, be prepared to be extra emotional. 🥺 But even if you don’t, this one will absolutely tug at your heartstrings.
Ok now I’ll reiterate that this book is great and you should definitely read it! 😆 Forbes’ writing is exceptional, and the scenes are so detailed that I actually felt like I was right there.
Alex is the kind of main character that you want to hug and also shake some sense into. It’s heartbreaking to see the life she’s boxed herself into, out of fear that her future would end up like her past. 🥺 Her character arc and self-reckoning was my favorite part.
Forbes truly pulled so many emotions out of me while reading. Anger and sadness for all that had happened, but also joy and faith for “what comes next.” I guarantee you’ll finish this book with a greater appreciation for life. And you’ll want to squeeze all your loved ones extra tight!
The whole book is a study in choices and how they hold us back or move us forward. It’s so thought provoking!! One of my favorite lines was this: “Maybe there is a difference between settling and seeing what is here. Between standing still and staying.”
What Comes Next touches on some pretty serious topics so please read with care. ❤️ Content warnings for long-term illness, abandonment by a parent, and emotional neglect. Also, a big part of this story is Alex’s work with dogs that have behavioral issues, so there are some hard parts around that aspect too. Definitely had me in my feels!!
Thank you so much to the author and Suzy Approved Book Yours or sending me this wonderful novel!!
Before my review, I’ll share this one tip - make sure you’re in the right headspace when you pick this one up, because holy moly this is EMOTIONAL! The amount of tears I cried! 😭 If you have a sister or love dogs, be prepared to be extra emotional. 🥺 But even if you don’t, this one will absolutely tug at your heartstrings.
Ok now I’ll reiterate that this book is great and you should definitely read it! 😆 Forbes’ writing is exceptional, and the scenes are so detailed that I actually felt like I was right there.
Alex is the kind of main character that you want to hug and also shake some sense into. It’s heartbreaking to see the life she’s boxed herself into, out of fear that her future would end up like her past. 🥺 Her character arc and self-reckoning was my favorite part.
Forbes truly pulled so many emotions out of me while reading. Anger and sadness for all that had happened, but also joy and faith for “what comes next.” I guarantee you’ll finish this book with a greater appreciation for life. And you’ll want to squeeze all your loved ones extra tight!
The whole book is a study in choices and how they hold us back or move us forward. It’s so thought provoking!! One of my favorite lines was this: “Maybe there is a difference between settling and seeing what is here. Between standing still and staying.”
What Comes Next touches on some pretty serious topics so please read with care. ❤️ Content warnings for long-term illness, abandonment by a parent, and emotional neglect. Also, a big part of this story is Alex’s work with dogs that have behavioral issues, so there are some hard parts around that aspect too. Definitely had me in my feels!!
Thank you so much to the author and Suzy Approved Book Yours or sending me this wonderful novel!!
October 28, 2025
I was especially excited to read What Comes Next because the author, Caitlin Forbes, is my coworker’s wife. It was really touching hearing him talk about how enthusiastic he was about the book, even though it isn’t the genre he usually reads. Knowing that, and because it’s a genre I do enjoy, I was extremely eager to dive in — and it completely lived up to my expectations.
Off the bat, I appreciated that the story is set around Boston, as I was able to relate to it growing up around here at a similar age to the main character. Overall, the story is deeply moving and beautifully human. It follows Alex — a woman doing her best to hold her life together until one unexpected phone call changes everything.
I was especially drawn to the way Forbes portrays the complicated, unbreakable bond between sisters — as someone who also has a sister, those moments felt incredibly real and relatable. And as an animal lover, I absolutely loved that dogs play such a meaningful role in Alex’s journey; they add so much warmth and comfort to the story.
The author does an amazing job of expressing thoughts and emotions in creative and realistic ways. Every feeling — from grief and uncertainty to hope and love — comes across with honesty and depth, making the story feel so authentic.
I laughed, I cried, and by the end, I felt like I was saying goodbye to someone I truly knew. What Comes Next is a powerful reminder that even in sadness, there is always room for love and hope. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates an emotional, beautifully written story about family, courage, and finding light in dark times.
Congratulations to Caitlin on such a touching and beautifully written debut. Highly recommend and will be sharing it with my whole office.
Off the bat, I appreciated that the story is set around Boston, as I was able to relate to it growing up around here at a similar age to the main character. Overall, the story is deeply moving and beautifully human. It follows Alex — a woman doing her best to hold her life together until one unexpected phone call changes everything.
I was especially drawn to the way Forbes portrays the complicated, unbreakable bond between sisters — as someone who also has a sister, those moments felt incredibly real and relatable. And as an animal lover, I absolutely loved that dogs play such a meaningful role in Alex’s journey; they add so much warmth and comfort to the story.
The author does an amazing job of expressing thoughts and emotions in creative and realistic ways. Every feeling — from grief and uncertainty to hope and love — comes across with honesty and depth, making the story feel so authentic.
I laughed, I cried, and by the end, I felt like I was saying goodbye to someone I truly knew. What Comes Next is a powerful reminder that even in sadness, there is always room for love and hope. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates an emotional, beautifully written story about family, courage, and finding light in dark times.
Congratulations to Caitlin on such a touching and beautifully written debut. Highly recommend and will be sharing it with my whole office.
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