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Your Next Life Is Now: A Novel
A mother and daughter—their lives in turnaround—navigate their next move on a road trip in a captivating novel about choices and self-discovery by the author of
The Candid Life of Meena Dave.
Life is built on single decisions. Choose wisely.
It’s one of life coach Nikki Parekh’s mottos. That and being open to opportunities and taking leaps without fear. But when Nikki accepts her boyfriend’s casual proposal of marriage, she wonders if it’s just too soon, too spontaneous—and so sudden that she seeks out the advice of her not-so-nurturing mother, Tara.
To Nikki’s surprise, Tara, who raised her daughter to be self-sufficient, urges Nikki to trust her decision. Maybe that’s because Tara has made a headstrong decision of her own. After nearly forty years of marriage, she’s divorcing Nikki’s father. She’s already packing up an RV to search for her first love, who still looms large in Tara’s memories. So what’s a daughter to do with a runaway mother? Join her.
Their romantic lives in flux, Nikki and Tara hit the road. Mile by mile, they’re reliving past mistakes, learning more about each other, and rebuilding faith in themselves and in the choices they’ve made—wherever it all may lead.
Life is built on single decisions. Choose wisely.
It’s one of life coach Nikki Parekh’s mottos. That and being open to opportunities and taking leaps without fear. But when Nikki accepts her boyfriend’s casual proposal of marriage, she wonders if it’s just too soon, too spontaneous—and so sudden that she seeks out the advice of her not-so-nurturing mother, Tara.
To Nikki’s surprise, Tara, who raised her daughter to be self-sufficient, urges Nikki to trust her decision. Maybe that’s because Tara has made a headstrong decision of her own. After nearly forty years of marriage, she’s divorcing Nikki’s father. She’s already packing up an RV to search for her first love, who still looms large in Tara’s memories. So what’s a daughter to do with a runaway mother? Join her.
Their romantic lives in flux, Nikki and Tara hit the road. Mile by mile, they’re reliving past mistakes, learning more about each other, and rebuilding faith in themselves and in the choices they’ve made—wherever it all may lead.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
223 people are currently reading
3742 people want to read
About the author
Namrata Patel
4 books375 followersNamrata Patel is an Indian American writer who resides in Boston. Her writing examines diaspora and dual-cultural identity among Indian Americans and explores this dynamic while also touching on the families we’re born with and those we choose. Namrata has lived in India, New Jersey, Spokane, London, and New York City and has been writing most of her adult life. For more information visit www.nampatel.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 26, 2025
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Your Next Life Is Now by Namrata Patel
Publication date: November 18th 2025
Thoughts
2.5⭐️ - Gentle reminder: You might enjoy this book more than me so please don't let my review put you off 🙏🏻
On to the review:
I really wanted to enjoy the book equally throughout, however that wasn't the case.. Firstly there was too much going on at once, I felt as though the book was trying to cram so much in from family drama, the affects of arranged marriages, commitments, dreams and more! I found myself bored, I couldn't connect to anything it just felt like I was reading someone's rant diary 🙈 I say this because communication is KEY and there was zilch .. that is until we get to the second part of the book when the mother and daughter actually start communicating... However as much as I did prefer the ending I did feel as though this book is incorrectly advertised... The premise of the book talks about a mother and daughter trip which makes it seem as though the book is centred around that trip ( which is initially what made me request the book ) however the mention of the trip was a few pages towards the end -- Maybe a me thing I don't know .. While I do appreciate what the author tried to do with this plot and the message behind it alongside the choice of quotes but there was something missing, I would've liked a deep dive into the characters .. I was expecting this book to touch me emotionally especially with it being about life choices ect ...
Plot Summary
Nikki Parekh, a life coach who preaches bold choices, accepts her boyfriend’s surprise proposal—then instantly questions if she’s rushed into it. Looking for advice, she turns to her mother, Tara, only to discover Tara is making her own life-altering decision: leaving her husband of 40 years to chase the memory of a lost love in an RV. With both their futures in flux, Nikki joins her mother on the road. Along the journey, mother and daughter confront old wounds, rediscover themselves, and learn what it really means to choose wisely.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ARC
My Bookstagram
Your Next Life Is Now by Namrata Patel
Publication date: November 18th 2025
Thoughts
2.5⭐️ - Gentle reminder: You might enjoy this book more than me so please don't let my review put you off 🙏🏻
On to the review:
I really wanted to enjoy the book equally throughout, however that wasn't the case.. Firstly there was too much going on at once, I felt as though the book was trying to cram so much in from family drama, the affects of arranged marriages, commitments, dreams and more! I found myself bored, I couldn't connect to anything it just felt like I was reading someone's rant diary 🙈 I say this because communication is KEY and there was zilch .. that is until we get to the second part of the book when the mother and daughter actually start communicating... However as much as I did prefer the ending I did feel as though this book is incorrectly advertised... The premise of the book talks about a mother and daughter trip which makes it seem as though the book is centred around that trip ( which is initially what made me request the book ) however the mention of the trip was a few pages towards the end -- Maybe a me thing I don't know .. While I do appreciate what the author tried to do with this plot and the message behind it alongside the choice of quotes but there was something missing, I would've liked a deep dive into the characters .. I was expecting this book to touch me emotionally especially with it being about life choices ect ...
Plot Summary
Nikki Parekh, a life coach who preaches bold choices, accepts her boyfriend’s surprise proposal—then instantly questions if she’s rushed into it. Looking for advice, she turns to her mother, Tara, only to discover Tara is making her own life-altering decision: leaving her husband of 40 years to chase the memory of a lost love in an RV. With both their futures in flux, Nikki joins her mother on the road. Along the journey, mother and daughter confront old wounds, rediscover themselves, and learn what it really means to choose wisely.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ARC
My Bookstagram
November 23, 2025
There is a Hindu concept that is stated in the book by a grandmother that something that diverts from the path that is appropriate should be considered something to be put aside for the "next life." (Essentially, we don’t have time for this foolishness now, do this in your next life!) This concept of reincarnation being the fail-safe for all the poor decisions, choices, and sacrifices being made now is interesting. It's also something that our two main characters, Nikki and Tara, face. Is this the life I want? Are these the choices that I want to make? Also, who the hell am I anymore?
I really did enjoy this book as I am feeling like I am also having an identity crisis. (What timing!) Tara is a mom who gave up her dream of going to MIT grad school for her marriage and children. She lost her biggest and only dream in life for what many would consider the pinnacle of womanhood. However, she hits the wall when she realizes her youngest daughter is getting married. She hates the institution of marriage and its shackles, and while she doesn’t agree with her daughter’s decision, she sees the opportunity to finally be free. Nikki, her youngest, is a perpetual people pleaser, who doesn’t understand her mother and even though she runs a whole lifestyle brand, finds that she has no clue what she wants either. The story jumps back and forth from the past to the future, and you begin to at the same time grow to care for and be frustrated with the characters as we learn more about them.
The author does a wonderful job showing the complexities of Indian family dynamics where there is love and manipulation all wrapped in a presentable package. Some may wonder why the communication was so difficult and frankly, it’s the honest reality of an Indian/Asian household. Love is not communicated but displayed by actions and loyalty. You are to be a dutiful child, and it will go well. Tara and Nikki struggled with this in their own way and a surprise road trip in an old camper van ended up being a way for them to figure each other out. (Well, it was a start.) Both Tara and Nikki are selfish people who do love each other, and I think that’s why I enjoyed this book. It was very real and hit close to home. There are no perfect people.
This story is for those looking for a diverse read about mother-daughter relationships and female identity and our roles in society and culture. There is some romance, some intergenerational trauma, and a road trip! I received this as an ARC from Ripaldi Communications and they said that I would be interested in this. They were right.
I really did enjoy this book as I am feeling like I am also having an identity crisis. (What timing!) Tara is a mom who gave up her dream of going to MIT grad school for her marriage and children. She lost her biggest and only dream in life for what many would consider the pinnacle of womanhood. However, she hits the wall when she realizes her youngest daughter is getting married. She hates the institution of marriage and its shackles, and while she doesn’t agree with her daughter’s decision, she sees the opportunity to finally be free. Nikki, her youngest, is a perpetual people pleaser, who doesn’t understand her mother and even though she runs a whole lifestyle brand, finds that she has no clue what she wants either. The story jumps back and forth from the past to the future, and you begin to at the same time grow to care for and be frustrated with the characters as we learn more about them.
The author does a wonderful job showing the complexities of Indian family dynamics where there is love and manipulation all wrapped in a presentable package. Some may wonder why the communication was so difficult and frankly, it’s the honest reality of an Indian/Asian household. Love is not communicated but displayed by actions and loyalty. You are to be a dutiful child, and it will go well. Tara and Nikki struggled with this in their own way and a surprise road trip in an old camper van ended up being a way for them to figure each other out. (Well, it was a start.) Both Tara and Nikki are selfish people who do love each other, and I think that’s why I enjoyed this book. It was very real and hit close to home. There are no perfect people.
This story is for those looking for a diverse read about mother-daughter relationships and female identity and our roles in society and culture. There is some romance, some intergenerational trauma, and a road trip! I received this as an ARC from Ripaldi Communications and they said that I would be interested in this. They were right.
November 16, 2025
A gentle reminder that it’s never too late to choose the life you want.
Nikki Parekh is a life coach who’s great at helping everyone else figure out their next steps… but when she says yes to her boyfriend’s super casual proposal, she suddenly isn’t sure if she made that choice for herself or because it felt “right on paper.” At the same time, her mom, Tara, makes a huge decision of her own, leaving her marriage of almost forty years and packing up an RV to find the first love she never forgot. With both of them standing at these big turning points, Nikki ends up joining her mom on the road, and the two of them start unraveling old hurts, old habits, and what they actually want moving forward.
This book was such a reminder that moms are experiencing life for the first time too. We grow up thinking they have everything figured out, but they’re still women with dreams, fears, regrets, hopes… all of it. The story really shows that in such a soft, honest way.
Nikki and Tara’s relationship felt so real. Watching Tara go after what she wants later in life was genuinely inspiring — not in a dramatic “drop everything and disappear” way, but in that quieter reminder that choosing yourself never has an expiration date. And as someone in her thirties who isn’t married, the whole “make decisions with intention, not pressure” theme hit home in the best way.
The narration added so much heart to it. Soneela Nankani gave both Nikki and Tara such distinct personalities, and the way she moved between them made the story feel grounded and emotional in all the right places.
You will love this book if you enjoy:
• Mother/daughter stories
• Soft self discovery
• Road trip reflections
• Second chances
• Emotional, character driven women’s fiction
Thank you HTP Hive, HTP Books, and HTP Audio for the ALC!
Nikki Parekh is a life coach who’s great at helping everyone else figure out their next steps… but when she says yes to her boyfriend’s super casual proposal, she suddenly isn’t sure if she made that choice for herself or because it felt “right on paper.” At the same time, her mom, Tara, makes a huge decision of her own, leaving her marriage of almost forty years and packing up an RV to find the first love she never forgot. With both of them standing at these big turning points, Nikki ends up joining her mom on the road, and the two of them start unraveling old hurts, old habits, and what they actually want moving forward.
This book was such a reminder that moms are experiencing life for the first time too. We grow up thinking they have everything figured out, but they’re still women with dreams, fears, regrets, hopes… all of it. The story really shows that in such a soft, honest way.
Nikki and Tara’s relationship felt so real. Watching Tara go after what she wants later in life was genuinely inspiring — not in a dramatic “drop everything and disappear” way, but in that quieter reminder that choosing yourself never has an expiration date. And as someone in her thirties who isn’t married, the whole “make decisions with intention, not pressure” theme hit home in the best way.
The narration added so much heart to it. Soneela Nankani gave both Nikki and Tara such distinct personalities, and the way she moved between them made the story feel grounded and emotional in all the right places.
You will love this book if you enjoy:
• Mother/daughter stories
• Soft self discovery
• Road trip reflections
• Second chances
• Emotional, character driven women’s fiction
Thank you HTP Hive, HTP Books, and HTP Audio for the ALC!
October 27, 2025
This is a story of two Indian families, who's son, Jay and daughter Nikki are getting married.
The main story goes between Nikki and her mother Tara.
Tara lived in the days when your parents found the right match for you to marry.
Where as Nikki lived in a time where the women made their own choices
Yet, both families in this case, had very strong opinions of the marriage with a lot of input into what traditions should happen, and how the children should act.
The story is very complicated as we find out the reasons for the parents disagreements, and the way Nikki and Jay reacted to what was going on.
A great read, that will definitely keep you interested.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book.
The main story goes between Nikki and her mother Tara.
Tara lived in the days when your parents found the right match for you to marry.
Where as Nikki lived in a time where the women made their own choices
Yet, both families in this case, had very strong opinions of the marriage with a lot of input into what traditions should happen, and how the children should act.
The story is very complicated as we find out the reasons for the parents disagreements, and the way Nikki and Jay reacted to what was going on.
A great read, that will definitely keep you interested.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book.
July 20, 2025
Life coach Nikki Parekh impulsively says yes to a proposal, then questions her decision only to find her mother, Tara, making a bold move of her own: divorcing after 40 years to chase an old flame. As they journey together, both women confront the past, uncover hidden truths, and rediscover themselves, mile by mile.
It started off great, I was really interested and it had a good premise but things get derailed towards the end. It was trying to be too many things at once, meeting parents expectations, unhappy marriages, side effects of arranged marriage, commitment issues, dreams, family drama… and more!
I believe this book would have ended had everyone had basic communication skills! And many times it infuriated me just because it was encouraging things I’m against of like deserting your husband and kids for a boy you met one night and built a whole fantasy land with him.
I also didn’t like how little we know about the characters, we never uncover how Nikki got to be a life couch even though her mother had other plans for her and what business she owned. Also, I didn’t like how Tara’s whole personality is science (or was it physics?), it felt like I was watching TMKOC (for instance Goli’s whole personality is his obsession with food)
Though the cover and description suggest that the road trip would be central to the plot, it barely had any screen time; kind of like Taapsee Pannu’s screen time in Baby.
Overall, I’m disappointed (sorry not sorry, Ik how hard it is to write a novel). A good read for…idk what exactly. :/
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
It started off great, I was really interested and it had a good premise but things get derailed towards the end. It was trying to be too many things at once, meeting parents expectations, unhappy marriages, side effects of arranged marriage, commitment issues, dreams, family drama… and more!
I believe this book would have ended had everyone had basic communication skills! And many times it infuriated me just because it was encouraging things I’m against of like deserting your husband and kids for a boy you met one night and built a whole fantasy land with him.
I also didn’t like how little we know about the characters, we never uncover how Nikki got to be a life couch even though her mother had other plans for her and what business she owned. Also, I didn’t like how Tara’s whole personality is science (or was it physics?), it felt like I was watching TMKOC (for instance Goli’s whole personality is his obsession with food)
Though the cover and description suggest that the road trip would be central to the plot, it barely had any screen time; kind of like Taapsee Pannu’s screen time in Baby.
Overall, I’m disappointed (sorry not sorry, Ik how hard it is to write a novel). A good read for…idk what exactly. :/
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
August 27, 2025
Lots of great quotes and moments in this book.
If someone loves you, let them.
Start from where you are. Learn from where you’ve been.
“What about regret? That is also a powerful force.”
“So is acceptance,” he said.
All in all, though, it didn’t quite land for me like The Curious Secrets of Yesterday, which I loved. The two main characters stayed pretty two dimensional and everyone’s “growth” arcs seemed forced.
Will still look forward to reading more of this author. Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
If someone loves you, let them.
Start from where you are. Learn from where you’ve been.
“What about regret? That is also a powerful force.”
“So is acceptance,” he said.
All in all, though, it didn’t quite land for me like The Curious Secrets of Yesterday, which I loved. The two main characters stayed pretty two dimensional and everyone’s “growth” arcs seemed forced.
Will still look forward to reading more of this author. Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2025
3.5 stars. Thank you for the ARC!
This novel explores the layered, often unspoken dynamics within Indian families: the pressure to meet parental expectations, the emotional tightrope children walk to keep their parents happy, and the quiet sacrifices that shape our identities. These themes are handled with depth and nuance, making the story feel both intimate and universally relatable.
The alternating chapters between Tara and Nikki worked really well. It added dimension to both characters and gave insight into how differently people process the same event and also how the past informs the present. While I didn’t personally connect with Nikki—she was frustrating at times—I still appreciated how well her character was written. She felt real, flawed, and believable.
That said, one element that fell short for me was the relationship between Nikki and Jay. While it wasn’t central to the story, I would’ve liked to see more depth or chemistry there. As written, I just couldn’t fully buy into their love story.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, compelling read that deserves more attention. It may not be perfect, but it’s definitely worth picking up—especially if you’re drawn to family dramas with emotional complexity.
This novel explores the layered, often unspoken dynamics within Indian families: the pressure to meet parental expectations, the emotional tightrope children walk to keep their parents happy, and the quiet sacrifices that shape our identities. These themes are handled with depth and nuance, making the story feel both intimate and universally relatable.
The alternating chapters between Tara and Nikki worked really well. It added dimension to both characters and gave insight into how differently people process the same event and also how the past informs the present. While I didn’t personally connect with Nikki—she was frustrating at times—I still appreciated how well her character was written. She felt real, flawed, and believable.
That said, one element that fell short for me was the relationship between Nikki and Jay. While it wasn’t central to the story, I would’ve liked to see more depth or chemistry there. As written, I just couldn’t fully buy into their love story.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, compelling read that deserves more attention. It may not be perfect, but it’s definitely worth picking up—especially if you’re drawn to family dramas with emotional complexity.
November 17, 2025
Tara has been married for close to three odd decades now to Deven. Their marriage was one of compromise and in "those" days, arranged marriages were just that. Tara always wanted to study further but as typical Indian households would want it, irrespective if they were in India or anywhere on this planet, would suggest that the daughter of marriageable age first get married and then do whatever she would like with the permission of her husband and new family. Having come to that understanding Tara agrees to be married. But, obviously life does not turn out that way. Deven wants to set up his practice first and Tara's life has to take the back seat. Life moves on. Tara and Deven have two beautiful daughters - Heena & Nikki. Tara brings them up as self sufficient, learned women of the new century.
But, she has one wrong expectation of them - that they live their life, sans marriage, on their own terms and confidently etc. It was wrong to have even be holding the idea that just because her marriage wasn't fair, her daughters should not choose marriage at all.
Heena is married, has twins and has a life of her own.
Nikki is [supposedly] a life coach and now getting engaged to a complete green flag of a person, Jay.
Tara has finally lost all patience and the will to compromise in the name of marriage. So she decides to finally divorce Deven. On the day of Nikki's engagement, lots of things go wrong - one of course is Tara's decision and then all hell breaks loose when the family heirloom ring goes missing. Jay's mother is livid and files a case on Tara.
Tara, in the next few hours and couple of days, has walked out of home, found a trailer vehicle and has hit the road. On her own. To find a life that she had always dreamt of.
This story is not what the blurb says it is. It is not a road trip story. Neither is it a story of mother and daughter going off on some road trip and figuring out life.
The whole book oscillates between what Tara was doing on her journey - finding an old, one-sided love, and basically a get away from frustration and figuring out who she had become. Nikki panics and tries to join her mother on that trailer for sometime but realizes, her life is with Jay and she must go back to where she belongs and continue life.
The entire storyline was about Nikki playing mother and saviour to her mother, Tara. It was constantly cribbing and worrying about what her mother was doing, why was her mother doing what she was doing, why was her mother behaving so selfishly and walking out of a life that she had adjusted and lived so long for etc. etc. The story pulled itself into a flop bollywood movie.
This story line pulled a little too...ooo much for my liking! Thankfully, this was an audio book and I could work on my crochet project and not feel frustrated that I had spent so much time "reading" it. Every time I thought the story was going to end, another chapter started and stretched in painful detail. It was okay to an extent to have a daughter be worried about her mother, but when Nikki starts to constantly whine, the storyline gets irritating. The story tried to give some free advice about how life should be led and what life lessons one must learn, but I don't think anybody even noticed it!
I would not recommend reading this book, though the author has many other books to her name.
But, she has one wrong expectation of them - that they live their life, sans marriage, on their own terms and confidently etc. It was wrong to have even be holding the idea that just because her marriage wasn't fair, her daughters should not choose marriage at all.
Heena is married, has twins and has a life of her own.
Nikki is [supposedly] a life coach and now getting engaged to a complete green flag of a person, Jay.
Tara has finally lost all patience and the will to compromise in the name of marriage. So she decides to finally divorce Deven. On the day of Nikki's engagement, lots of things go wrong - one of course is Tara's decision and then all hell breaks loose when the family heirloom ring goes missing. Jay's mother is livid and files a case on Tara.
Tara, in the next few hours and couple of days, has walked out of home, found a trailer vehicle and has hit the road. On her own. To find a life that she had always dreamt of.
This story is not what the blurb says it is. It is not a road trip story. Neither is it a story of mother and daughter going off on some road trip and figuring out life.
The whole book oscillates between what Tara was doing on her journey - finding an old, one-sided love, and basically a get away from frustration and figuring out who she had become. Nikki panics and tries to join her mother on that trailer for sometime but realizes, her life is with Jay and she must go back to where she belongs and continue life.
The entire storyline was about Nikki playing mother and saviour to her mother, Tara. It was constantly cribbing and worrying about what her mother was doing, why was her mother doing what she was doing, why was her mother behaving so selfishly and walking out of a life that she had adjusted and lived so long for etc. etc. The story pulled itself into a flop bollywood movie.
This story line pulled a little too...ooo much for my liking! Thankfully, this was an audio book and I could work on my crochet project and not feel frustrated that I had spent so much time "reading" it. Every time I thought the story was going to end, another chapter started and stretched in painful detail. It was okay to an extent to have a daughter be worried about her mother, but when Nikki starts to constantly whine, the storyline gets irritating. The story tried to give some free advice about how life should be led and what life lessons one must learn, but I don't think anybody even noticed it!
I would not recommend reading this book, though the author has many other books to her name.
August 31, 2025
Your Next Life is Now by Namrata Patel is a book about family but also about having the courage to be independent and put yourself first when you need to. Nikki Parekh is surprised and caught off guard when her boyfriend Jay proposes while on a walk one day, but her gut instinct is absolutely to say yes. As a life coach she believes in following her gut despite knowing that her decision will probably disappoint her mother Tara, not because she disapproves of Jay, but because she has always told her daughter to be independent and self sufficient. To her surprise Tara seems at peace with her decision, she is adamant that it is Nikki's life and her choice. This is so out of character that it worries Nikki, and for good reason, Tara who has been unhappy in her marriage for a long time has decided to leave her husband and track down her first love, a man she met briefly decades before, Worried that her mother is in the midst of a midlife crisis given her impulsive purchase of an RV to head out on her quest and the seemingly out of nowhere decision to end a marriage that Nikki had always believed to be happy, she decides to tag along, something that infuriates Jay.
I really liked both Tara and Nikki as characters, and I loved seeing their mother -daughter relationship grow over the course of the book. Tara's story in particular, which moves from her teenage years through to the current day, was heart breaking, a bright and gifted student she was accepted to a PhD programme to study astrophysics, and was relieved when the prospective husband her family found for her seemed agreeable to her continuing her studies. However the reality of married life was very different and before long she found herself a reluctant mother of two with her dreams pushed aside and the frustration this caused festered at the heart of her relationship with her husband.
What did not work quite so well for me was the rather contrived drama around a missing ring, it was an unnecessary distraction and did not add to the story in any significant way, in fact it strained my credulity and took me out of the story. I also struggled a little with the relationship between Nikki and Jay, she seemed very detached, especially in the first part of the book, and in some ways I was surprised that she accepted his proposal in the first place.
3.5 stars rounded up.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
I really liked both Tara and Nikki as characters, and I loved seeing their mother -daughter relationship grow over the course of the book. Tara's story in particular, which moves from her teenage years through to the current day, was heart breaking, a bright and gifted student she was accepted to a PhD programme to study astrophysics, and was relieved when the prospective husband her family found for her seemed agreeable to her continuing her studies. However the reality of married life was very different and before long she found herself a reluctant mother of two with her dreams pushed aside and the frustration this caused festered at the heart of her relationship with her husband.
What did not work quite so well for me was the rather contrived drama around a missing ring, it was an unnecessary distraction and did not add to the story in any significant way, in fact it strained my credulity and took me out of the story. I also struggled a little with the relationship between Nikki and Jay, she seemed very detached, especially in the first part of the book, and in some ways I was surprised that she accepted his proposal in the first place.
3.5 stars rounded up.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
November 6, 2025
📚Your Next Life Is Now
✍🏻Namrata Patel
Blurb:
A mother and daughter—their lives in turnaround—navigate their next move on a road trip in a captivating novel about choices and self-discovery by the author of The Candid Life of Meena Dave.
Life is built on single decisions. Choose wisely.
It’s one of life coach Nikki Parekh’s mottos. That and being open to opportunities and taking leaps without fear. But when Nikki accepts her boyfriend’s casual proposal of marriage, she wonders if it’s just too soon, too spontaneous—and so sudden that she seeks out the advice of her not-so-nurturing mother, Tara.
To Nikki’s surprise, Tara, who raised her daughter to be self-sufficient, urges Nikki to trust her decision. Maybe that’s because Tara has made a headstrong decision of her own. After nearly forty years of marriage, she’s divorcing Nikki’s father. She’s already packing up an RV to search for her first love, who still looms large in Tara’s memories. So what’s a daughter to do with a runaway mother? Join her.
Their romantic lives in flux, Nikki and Tara hit the road. Mile by mile, they’re reliving past mistakes, learning more about each other, and rebuilding faith in themselves and in the choices they’ve made—wherever it all may lead.
My Thoughts:
Nikki and her mom, Tara, both find themselves at crossroads , one saying yes too soon, the other walking away after decades of being married. Their spontaneous road trip becomes a chance to reconnect, heal, and rediscover what happiness really means. The main story goes between Nikki and her mother Tara.
Tara lived in the days when your parents found the right match for you to marry.
Where as Nikki lived in a time where the women made their own choices
Yet, both families in this case, had very strong opinions of the marriage with a lot of input into what traditions should happen, and how the children should act.
The story is very complicated as we find out the reasons for the parents disagreements, and the way Nikki and Jay reacted to what was going on.
A great read, that will definitely keep you interested.
Thanks NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Author Namrata Patel for the copy of "Your Next Life Is Now" I am voluntary leaving a review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LakeUnionPublishing
#YourNextLifeIsNow
#NamrataPatel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Namrata Patel
Blurb:
A mother and daughter—their lives in turnaround—navigate their next move on a road trip in a captivating novel about choices and self-discovery by the author of The Candid Life of Meena Dave.
Life is built on single decisions. Choose wisely.
It’s one of life coach Nikki Parekh’s mottos. That and being open to opportunities and taking leaps without fear. But when Nikki accepts her boyfriend’s casual proposal of marriage, she wonders if it’s just too soon, too spontaneous—and so sudden that she seeks out the advice of her not-so-nurturing mother, Tara.
To Nikki’s surprise, Tara, who raised her daughter to be self-sufficient, urges Nikki to trust her decision. Maybe that’s because Tara has made a headstrong decision of her own. After nearly forty years of marriage, she’s divorcing Nikki’s father. She’s already packing up an RV to search for her first love, who still looms large in Tara’s memories. So what’s a daughter to do with a runaway mother? Join her.
Their romantic lives in flux, Nikki and Tara hit the road. Mile by mile, they’re reliving past mistakes, learning more about each other, and rebuilding faith in themselves and in the choices they’ve made—wherever it all may lead.
My Thoughts:
Nikki and her mom, Tara, both find themselves at crossroads , one saying yes too soon, the other walking away after decades of being married. Their spontaneous road trip becomes a chance to reconnect, heal, and rediscover what happiness really means. The main story goes between Nikki and her mother Tara.
Tara lived in the days when your parents found the right match for you to marry.
Where as Nikki lived in a time where the women made their own choices
Yet, both families in this case, had very strong opinions of the marriage with a lot of input into what traditions should happen, and how the children should act.
The story is very complicated as we find out the reasons for the parents disagreements, and the way Nikki and Jay reacted to what was going on.
A great read, that will definitely keep you interested.
Thanks NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Author Namrata Patel for the copy of "Your Next Life Is Now" I am voluntary leaving a review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LakeUnionPublishing
#YourNextLifeIsNow
#NamrataPatel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 16, 2025
🎧 Narrated by Soneela Nankani
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This isn’t a story about travel. Despite what the blurb suggests, Your Next Life Is Now is less about taking off across the country and more about the emotional distance that forms between mothers and daughters and closing that space.
Namrata Patel offers a layered, intergenerational story about Nikki Parekh, a life coach with a curated, glossy life and a loving fiancé… and Tara, her stay-at-home mother, who once dreamed of becoming an astrophysicist before marrying a dentist to satisfy her parents’ expectations. When a small scandal upends Nikki’s engagement party, Tara decides that she’s leaving.
What follows is a dual POV exploration of ambition, sacrifice, and what happens to the dreams we defer.
✨ What I Loved:
The generational echo. Nikki is composed and always performing. Tara gave everything up to be a good wife and mother. Watching them mirror each other was deeply compelling.
The attention to Desi cultural dynamics. Patel doesn’t simplify or flatten anything. She explores family expectations, silence-as-love, obligation, and gendered compromise with compassion.
Soneela Nankani’s narration. She brings both women to life with distinct cadence and warmth. I especially appreciated how she captured the quiet ache beneath Tara’s polished tone.
The way desire shows up differently for each character. For Nikki, it’s about freedom from over-functioning. For Tara, it’s about reclaiming curiosity. Their versions of joy and self-knowledge are specific.
📌 A Few Notes:
The pacing was slower than I expected. The road trip aspect doesn't arrive until late in the novel, and it’s more metaphor than main event. If you're here for a full-blown "Eat, Pray, Love" detour, temper your expectations.
💭 Final Thoughts:
This novel is about the life you’re living now—messy, beautiful, and unfinished. It’s about the things mothers never say, the things daughters never ask. This is a book for readers who like character-driven stories about women finding themselves by turning inward. A gentle, wise, and resonant read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with an advanced listening copy in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This isn’t a story about travel. Despite what the blurb suggests, Your Next Life Is Now is less about taking off across the country and more about the emotional distance that forms between mothers and daughters and closing that space.
Namrata Patel offers a layered, intergenerational story about Nikki Parekh, a life coach with a curated, glossy life and a loving fiancé… and Tara, her stay-at-home mother, who once dreamed of becoming an astrophysicist before marrying a dentist to satisfy her parents’ expectations. When a small scandal upends Nikki’s engagement party, Tara decides that she’s leaving.
What follows is a dual POV exploration of ambition, sacrifice, and what happens to the dreams we defer.
✨ What I Loved:
The generational echo. Nikki is composed and always performing. Tara gave everything up to be a good wife and mother. Watching them mirror each other was deeply compelling.
The attention to Desi cultural dynamics. Patel doesn’t simplify or flatten anything. She explores family expectations, silence-as-love, obligation, and gendered compromise with compassion.
Soneela Nankani’s narration. She brings both women to life with distinct cadence and warmth. I especially appreciated how she captured the quiet ache beneath Tara’s polished tone.
The way desire shows up differently for each character. For Nikki, it’s about freedom from over-functioning. For Tara, it’s about reclaiming curiosity. Their versions of joy and self-knowledge are specific.
📌 A Few Notes:
The pacing was slower than I expected. The road trip aspect doesn't arrive until late in the novel, and it’s more metaphor than main event. If you're here for a full-blown "Eat, Pray, Love" detour, temper your expectations.
💭 Final Thoughts:
This novel is about the life you’re living now—messy, beautiful, and unfinished. It’s about the things mothers never say, the things daughters never ask. This is a book for readers who like character-driven stories about women finding themselves by turning inward. A gentle, wise, and resonant read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with an advanced listening copy in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
December 30, 2025
Healing isn’t just about moving on; it’s about moving in—into a life that you finally stop trying to escape. Namrata Patel’s work reminds us that the most profound transformation happens when we stop waiting for a miracle and start recognising that the "next life" is simply the one we choose to inhabit today.
The Grief of the "Could-Have-Been"
Why is it so hard to stop romanticizing a single, powerful encounter or a "missed" path? Because that fantasy is a safe harbour. In your mind, that version of life is perfect because it was never tested by reality.
The Cost of Escapism: Every minute spent in a "what if" is a minute stolen from your healing. To heal, you must grieve the life you didn't get to live so you can finally show up for the one you have.
Release the Ghost: You aren't failing by letting go of that "perfect" potential; you are finally giving yourself permission to be human, flawed, and present.
Shedding the Skin of the Past
We often cling to our old definitions—the "wronged one," the "survivor," the "unlucky soul"—because they feel certain. Even if they hurt, they are familiar.
The Death of Blame: Emotional maturity begins when we realise that blaming others is a way to stay tethered to them. To stop blaming isn't to say what happened was okay; it’s to say, "I refuse to let the past have the final word on my joy."
Identity Rebirth: Giving up your old story feels like losing yourself. But that emptiness isn't a void; it’s space. It’s the room you need to grow into the person you were meant to be before the world told you who you were.
The Path Forward
An examined life requires the courage to be an architect rather than a tenant.
Forgive the "Past You": Forgive yourself for the time you spent waiting. It was part of your protection, but you don't need that armour anymore.
Commit to the Friction: Real life is messy, but it’s warm. Choose the messy reality over the cold perfection of a dream.
Your "next life" doesn't require a grand gesture. It starts with the quiet, internal shift of saying: "I am here, and I am enough."
The Grief of the "Could-Have-Been"
Why is it so hard to stop romanticizing a single, powerful encounter or a "missed" path? Because that fantasy is a safe harbour. In your mind, that version of life is perfect because it was never tested by reality.
The Cost of Escapism: Every minute spent in a "what if" is a minute stolen from your healing. To heal, you must grieve the life you didn't get to live so you can finally show up for the one you have.
Release the Ghost: You aren't failing by letting go of that "perfect" potential; you are finally giving yourself permission to be human, flawed, and present.
Shedding the Skin of the Past
We often cling to our old definitions—the "wronged one," the "survivor," the "unlucky soul"—because they feel certain. Even if they hurt, they are familiar.
The Death of Blame: Emotional maturity begins when we realise that blaming others is a way to stay tethered to them. To stop blaming isn't to say what happened was okay; it’s to say, "I refuse to let the past have the final word on my joy."
Identity Rebirth: Giving up your old story feels like losing yourself. But that emptiness isn't a void; it’s space. It’s the room you need to grow into the person you were meant to be before the world told you who you were.
The Path Forward
An examined life requires the courage to be an architect rather than a tenant.
Forgive the "Past You": Forgive yourself for the time you spent waiting. It was part of your protection, but you don't need that armour anymore.
Commit to the Friction: Real life is messy, but it’s warm. Choose the messy reality over the cold perfection of a dream.
Your "next life" doesn't require a grand gesture. It starts with the quiet, internal shift of saying: "I am here, and I am enough."
August 9, 2025
Out November 18th, 2025
Namrata Patel’s Your Next Life Is Now is a tender, emotionally resonant journey that explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, identity, and the courage to rewrite one’s story. Life coach Nikki Parekh, usually the one guiding others through transformation, finds herself at a crossroads after impulsively accepting a marriage proposal. Her mother Tara, meanwhile, is making a bold move of her own—divorcing after forty years and chasing a long-lost love. Their shared road trip becomes more than a physical journey; it’s a soulful excavation of regrets, dreams, and the unspoken wounds that shaped them.
The novel shines brightest in its portrayal of generational tension and cultural expectations within Indian-American families. Patel’s alternating chapters between Nikki and Tara offer rich insight into how differently they process love, duty, and ambition. Tara’s backstory—her abandoned academic dreams and quiet sacrifices—adds depth and empathy to her character, while Nikki’s struggle to reconcile her independence with vulnerability feels raw and relatable. The highs include beautifully written flashbacks and moments of unexpected tenderness between the two women. However, some readers may find the emotional miscommunication between characters frustrating, and the road trip element, while promising, doesn’t receive the spotlight it deserves.
Despite its occasional narrative detours, Your Next Life Is Now is a heartfelt ode to second chances and the power of self-discovery. Patel doesn’t shy away from the messiness of family or the bittersweet nature of growth. Instead, she invites readers to sit in the discomfort, laugh through the awkwardness, and celebrate the quiet triumphs. It’s a story that reminds us that it’s never too late to choose differently—and that sometimes, the most healing journeys begin with a leap into the unknown.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC!
Namrata Patel’s Your Next Life Is Now is a tender, emotionally resonant journey that explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, identity, and the courage to rewrite one’s story. Life coach Nikki Parekh, usually the one guiding others through transformation, finds herself at a crossroads after impulsively accepting a marriage proposal. Her mother Tara, meanwhile, is making a bold move of her own—divorcing after forty years and chasing a long-lost love. Their shared road trip becomes more than a physical journey; it’s a soulful excavation of regrets, dreams, and the unspoken wounds that shaped them.
The novel shines brightest in its portrayal of generational tension and cultural expectations within Indian-American families. Patel’s alternating chapters between Nikki and Tara offer rich insight into how differently they process love, duty, and ambition. Tara’s backstory—her abandoned academic dreams and quiet sacrifices—adds depth and empathy to her character, while Nikki’s struggle to reconcile her independence with vulnerability feels raw and relatable. The highs include beautifully written flashbacks and moments of unexpected tenderness between the two women. However, some readers may find the emotional miscommunication between characters frustrating, and the road trip element, while promising, doesn’t receive the spotlight it deserves.
Despite its occasional narrative detours, Your Next Life Is Now is a heartfelt ode to second chances and the power of self-discovery. Patel doesn’t shy away from the messiness of family or the bittersweet nature of growth. Instead, she invites readers to sit in the discomfort, laugh through the awkwardness, and celebrate the quiet triumphs. It’s a story that reminds us that it’s never too late to choose differently—and that sometimes, the most healing journeys begin with a leap into the unknown.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC!
December 7, 2025
A dual timeline, dual point-of-view story about a mother/daughter relationship. Tara Parekh had wanted to attend grad school and study Physics but her desires took a backseat to an arranged marriage and motherhood. Tara wasn't a particularly nurturing mother but she tried to raise her daughters to be independent and she can't hide her disappointment when her younger daughter, Nikki, accepts a spur-of-the-moment proposal from her boyfriend, Jay. Nikki struggles with that disappointment because she has always felt responsible for her mother's happiness. The engagement brings Tara's unhappiness to the surface and leads to a great deal of family drama while wedding preparations get underway.
The chapters from Tara's point-of-view move forward from her arranged marriage in 1989 and those from Nikki's point-of-view are in the present as she tries to mediate the conflict between the two families, preserve her relationship with Jay and find a new way of interacting with her mother. This was fine but not what I was expecting. The description of the book implies that it's a mother/daughter road trip story but Tara doesn't buy her RV until past the 50% mark of the book and she and Nikki are only travelling together for a couple of chapters. I was disappointed with the minimal focus on the road trip but it is a thoughtful story of a mother who sacrificed her dreams to expectations and let her bitterness negatively impact her relationship with her daughters - it's about choices, regrets, miscommunication, pressure to meet parental expectations and self-discovery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing a digital ARC for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
The chapters from Tara's point-of-view move forward from her arranged marriage in 1989 and those from Nikki's point-of-view are in the present as she tries to mediate the conflict between the two families, preserve her relationship with Jay and find a new way of interacting with her mother. This was fine but not what I was expecting. The description of the book implies that it's a mother/daughter road trip story but Tara doesn't buy her RV until past the 50% mark of the book and she and Nikki are only travelling together for a couple of chapters. I was disappointed with the minimal focus on the road trip but it is a thoughtful story of a mother who sacrificed her dreams to expectations and let her bitterness negatively impact her relationship with her daughters - it's about choices, regrets, miscommunication, pressure to meet parental expectations and self-discovery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing a digital ARC for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
November 3, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Namrata Patel for the audiobook ARC of Your Next Life Is Now!
The blurb makes it sound like a story about a mother and daughter going on a road trip and rediscovering themselves, but after finishing it, I feel the description doesn’t fully capture what this book truly is.
Yes, Nikki and her mother Tara do go on a road trip, but that’s just one layer. The heart of the book lies in how both women start questioning who they really are beyond being a daughter, a mother, a wife, or a grandmother. They are not trying to find each other but to find themselves, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
Tara, especially, was such an interesting character. Once a bright young woman who got into MIT, she gave up her dream because of her husband’s unkept promises and a lifetime of expectations. Now, decades later, she finally decides to live for herself. Her confusion, her impulsiveness, her search for purpose, all of it felt real and raw.
However, I do think the book’s pacing was off. The road trip, which sounded like the main focus, barely takes up about a third of the story. And the ending honestly felt abrupt and a little ridiculous. It didn’t hit the emotional depth the rest of the book built up.
That said, I still really enjoyed it. It’s inspiring, heartfelt, and beautifully written. I’d still recommend it because it makes you reflect on your own choices and reminds you that it’s never too late to start over.
The blurb makes it sound like a story about a mother and daughter going on a road trip and rediscovering themselves, but after finishing it, I feel the description doesn’t fully capture what this book truly is.
Yes, Nikki and her mother Tara do go on a road trip, but that’s just one layer. The heart of the book lies in how both women start questioning who they really are beyond being a daughter, a mother, a wife, or a grandmother. They are not trying to find each other but to find themselves, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
Tara, especially, was such an interesting character. Once a bright young woman who got into MIT, she gave up her dream because of her husband’s unkept promises and a lifetime of expectations. Now, decades later, she finally decides to live for herself. Her confusion, her impulsiveness, her search for purpose, all of it felt real and raw.
However, I do think the book’s pacing was off. The road trip, which sounded like the main focus, barely takes up about a third of the story. And the ending honestly felt abrupt and a little ridiculous. It didn’t hit the emotional depth the rest of the book built up.
That said, I still really enjoyed it. It’s inspiring, heartfelt, and beautifully written. I’d still recommend it because it makes you reflect on your own choices and reminds you that it’s never too late to start over.
November 18, 2025
3.5 Star
This is the story of a mother and daughter, Tara and Nikki. Nikki accepted her boyfriend’s marriage proposal, while Tara made the decision to divorce her husband. Without informing anyone, Tara set off on a solo road trip. Later, Nikki joined her, hoping to convince her mother to come back home.
The story is told from the dual perspectives of Nikki and Tara, allowing us to see their struggles. Tara sacrificed everything for her husband while raising their daughters. Meanwhile, Nikki accepted her boyfriend’s marriage proposal and tried to understand her mother, who appeared unhappy with her decision to get married. The relationship between Tara and Nikki is complicated; Nikki feels the pressure to make her mother happy and satisfied. Throughout the narrative, family drama unfolds, adding to the tension between them.
There was a lot of miscommunication in the book, which made it annoying at times; Tara’s tendency not to respond directly to anything added to this annoyance. Although the synopsis mentioned a mother-daughter road trip, they actually spent very little time travelling together, leaving Nikki feeling frustrated and stressed. Additionally, the ending felt rushed.
It would have been better if the road trip had been enjoyable and adventurous, allowing Tara and Nikki to see each other in a new light, understand one another better, and share a stronger bond.
Overall, I liked reading this book, and I like the simplicity of the plot.
This is the story of a mother and daughter, Tara and Nikki. Nikki accepted her boyfriend’s marriage proposal, while Tara made the decision to divorce her husband. Without informing anyone, Tara set off on a solo road trip. Later, Nikki joined her, hoping to convince her mother to come back home.
The story is told from the dual perspectives of Nikki and Tara, allowing us to see their struggles. Tara sacrificed everything for her husband while raising their daughters. Meanwhile, Nikki accepted her boyfriend’s marriage proposal and tried to understand her mother, who appeared unhappy with her decision to get married. The relationship between Tara and Nikki is complicated; Nikki feels the pressure to make her mother happy and satisfied. Throughout the narrative, family drama unfolds, adding to the tension between them.
There was a lot of miscommunication in the book, which made it annoying at times; Tara’s tendency not to respond directly to anything added to this annoyance. Although the synopsis mentioned a mother-daughter road trip, they actually spent very little time travelling together, leaving Nikki feeling frustrated and stressed. Additionally, the ending felt rushed.
It would have been better if the road trip had been enjoyable and adventurous, allowing Tara and Nikki to see each other in a new light, understand one another better, and share a stronger bond.
Overall, I liked reading this book, and I like the simplicity of the plot.
November 21, 2025
Your next life is now ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(+⭐)
Nikki had just got engaged to her fiancé, and is trying to navigate life after telling her mother she is getting married.
Usually reserved and pushing for the best for her daughters, Tara is harbouring a lifelong hurt from her past.
When two worlds collide, Nikki must navigate family troubles, cultural expectations and a missing emerald ring, alongside her mother, who seems to have lost the plot.
I am so, so SO genuinely overjoyed that I read this book. This was such a beautiful story of cultural expectations, navigating relationships with parents and partners, alongside guilt, ‘what if’s and feeling like life has passed you by.
I have never ever been so touched by a book, especially coming from a foreign background. I loved both Tara and Nikki’s stories so much, and each chapter had me begging for more and this was truly a book that I really struggled to put down. The flashbacks, understanding Tara’s background and her behaviour, whilst being frustrated on Nikki’s behalf, just fantastic.
Girlhood, parenthood, navigating relationships, this book had it all. It was a blinding reminder that it’s never too late to choose the life that you want for yourself, no matter your age, circumstances or your past.
This book was so well written, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put into words how much I loved it. Such a fantastic book for girlhood, understanding your worth, and putting yourself first.
Nikki had just got engaged to her fiancé, and is trying to navigate life after telling her mother she is getting married.
Usually reserved and pushing for the best for her daughters, Tara is harbouring a lifelong hurt from her past.
When two worlds collide, Nikki must navigate family troubles, cultural expectations and a missing emerald ring, alongside her mother, who seems to have lost the plot.
I am so, so SO genuinely overjoyed that I read this book. This was such a beautiful story of cultural expectations, navigating relationships with parents and partners, alongside guilt, ‘what if’s and feeling like life has passed you by.
I have never ever been so touched by a book, especially coming from a foreign background. I loved both Tara and Nikki’s stories so much, and each chapter had me begging for more and this was truly a book that I really struggled to put down. The flashbacks, understanding Tara’s background and her behaviour, whilst being frustrated on Nikki’s behalf, just fantastic.
Girlhood, parenthood, navigating relationships, this book had it all. It was a blinding reminder that it’s never too late to choose the life that you want for yourself, no matter your age, circumstances or your past.
This book was so well written, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put into words how much I loved it. Such a fantastic book for girlhood, understanding your worth, and putting yourself first.
November 19, 2025
Your Next Life is Now (thank you #gifted @amazonpublishing ) is a mother-daughter story about second chances and recognizing your dreams. It asks what you'd do for your family, and how much is too much.
The author's note at the beginning notes the cultural differences between different generations of Indian American women. And it plays out with Tara, who defers her dreams of studying physics at MIT to support her husband in her arranged marriage. Contrasting with her daughter Nikki, a lifestyle coach who just got engaged.
I'll admit, Nikki took a long time to grow on me. She seemed judgmental and immature, getting embarrassed about her mom's poor conversation skills when it's her fiancé's mother who points out how her mom had no friends in high school. (Really???) I didn't quite understand Nikki, either, how she doesn't like her mom, but also seems to think she needs to constantly check in on her. And what exactly does she do for work that earns her so much money and respect? Write pithy newsletters?
Tara? Oh she was fantastic. That struggle between doing what's expected of you and following your dreams. Feeling like you lack the agency to change anything, pinning your hopes on your children, realizing all the things you missed.
Both women went on an emotional journey. And I do like where the book ended up. But Tara definitely saved the book for me. 3.5 stars
The author's note at the beginning notes the cultural differences between different generations of Indian American women. And it plays out with Tara, who defers her dreams of studying physics at MIT to support her husband in her arranged marriage. Contrasting with her daughter Nikki, a lifestyle coach who just got engaged.
I'll admit, Nikki took a long time to grow on me. She seemed judgmental and immature, getting embarrassed about her mom's poor conversation skills when it's her fiancé's mother who points out how her mom had no friends in high school. (Really???) I didn't quite understand Nikki, either, how she doesn't like her mom, but also seems to think she needs to constantly check in on her. And what exactly does she do for work that earns her so much money and respect? Write pithy newsletters?
Tara? Oh she was fantastic. That struggle between doing what's expected of you and following your dreams. Feeling like you lack the agency to change anything, pinning your hopes on your children, realizing all the things you missed.
Both women went on an emotional journey. And I do like where the book ended up. But Tara definitely saved the book for me. 3.5 stars
August 28, 2025
I didn't have any expectations going into this book, but boy was I wonderfully surprised by how much I loved it. Every single part of this story was enthralling, emotional, and pulled on my heart. I loved how it was told from both Tara and Nikki's povs. The way Tara's povs started from far in the past and caught up to the present was a style that I just really liked. I loved the journey for both mother and daughter and the ways they intersected. The road trip part was my favourite part of the book and I wished it lasted a bit longer. Both characters are complex, messy, but their decisions made sense based on who they are and the circumstances they're in. Tara made many mistakes, especially as a mom, but it was easy to empathize with her. Her hopelessness, yearning, lost opportunities among the cultural and familial pressures placed on her were palpable. Her journey in realizing how she was unhappy and how her choices led her to where she ended up was so well done. I loved how things wrapped up with both mother and daughter, the realizations they make along the way, it was engrossing from start to finish.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
August 6, 2025
what worked (for me) -
Tara's backstory chapters, how her life was shaped by what was expected of her from her indian-american society
Tara's and Nikki's complicated mother-daughter relationship, one where the daughter feels responsible for the mother's emotional regulation, Tara's want to live vicariously through her children and shape them by holding off her approval of them when they disappoint her with their life choices even as adults (taken directly from any Indian parent's hand book lol)
what didn't work (for me) -
the characters miscommunicating and being frustrating throughout the book
Tara's character growth seemed rushed and inorganic
the family drama is distracting from our main characters’ character arcs
what couldve been better-
I wanted more of the road trip part of the plot, which would've been a fun adventure but also just slice of life, mother and daughter getting to see each other in a new light
Tara's backstory chapters, how her life was shaped by what was expected of her from her indian-american society
Tara's and Nikki's complicated mother-daughter relationship, one where the daughter feels responsible for the mother's emotional regulation, Tara's want to live vicariously through her children and shape them by holding off her approval of them when they disappoint her with their life choices even as adults (taken directly from any Indian parent's hand book lol)
what didn't work (for me) -
the characters miscommunicating and being frustrating throughout the book
Tara's character growth seemed rushed and inorganic
the family drama is distracting from our main characters’ character arcs
what couldve been better-
I wanted more of the road trip part of the plot, which would've been a fun adventure but also just slice of life, mother and daughter getting to see each other in a new light
December 15, 2025
Your Next Life is Now is a story true to its title. This novel follows a deeply personal journey of self-reflection, centered on Tara, a character confronting a lifelong regret that has quietly shaped her choices and relationships. The story alternates timelines and points of view between Tara and her daughter, Nikki, a life coach who needs coaching herself, revealing key moments from Tara's past, allowing the reader to see how earlier decisions led her to where she is now and the impact it had on her and her family.
What makes the story especially compelling is the ripple effect of her transformation in the present. As she begins to grow and take accountability, those closest to her are affected and forced to truly understand themselves as well. The shifting timelines add emotional depth and context, making this a thoughtful, character-driven story about growth, regret, and the courage it takes to finally choose a different path.
What makes the story especially compelling is the ripple effect of her transformation in the present. As she begins to grow and take accountability, those closest to her are affected and forced to truly understand themselves as well. The shifting timelines add emotional depth and context, making this a thoughtful, character-driven story about growth, regret, and the courage it takes to finally choose a different path.
July 15, 2025
3.5⭐️ Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this book and all of the difficult topics it touched on. For me, this story is primarily about how many young women are forced to live up to preconceived expectations, thus limiting their ability to follow their dreams. This often coincides with early marriage and parenthood, leading to mothers who resent their children and children who feel unloved by their mothers.
I really appreciated how the mom in this story was not made out to be the bad guy. The flashbacks helped me sympathize with her character and I was able to understand why she made the decisions she did.
The writing however felt a bit dry and the plot wasn’t very gripping. But, overall this was an enjoyable and timely read from an author new to me.
I really enjoyed this book and all of the difficult topics it touched on. For me, this story is primarily about how many young women are forced to live up to preconceived expectations, thus limiting their ability to follow their dreams. This often coincides with early marriage and parenthood, leading to mothers who resent their children and children who feel unloved by their mothers.
I really appreciated how the mom in this story was not made out to be the bad guy. The flashbacks helped me sympathize with her character and I was able to understand why she made the decisions she did.
The writing however felt a bit dry and the plot wasn’t very gripping. But, overall this was an enjoyable and timely read from an author new to me.
August 5, 2025
This novel, from a notable Indian author, chronicles the lives of two generations of an Indian family living in the United States. The protagonist, Tara, is a second-generation Indian American who begins her marriage with aspirations of completing her Ph.D. at MIT. Her academic pursuits are ultimately set aside to prioritize her family and husband's career. This experience motivates her to ensure her daughters, Heena and Nikki, are not subjected to the samd B2 e traditional constraints. The narrative critically examines the societal pressures and expectations placed on a wife, as she is expected to be dutiful and docile. This is an emotionally poignant book that will appeal to readers of family-centric dramas.
Thank you, Netgalley, for sharing a copy of this book for review. The opinions expressed herein are my own.
Thank you, Netgalley, for sharing a copy of this book for review. The opinions expressed herein are my own.
November 9, 2025
Your Next Life Is Now by Namrata Patel tells the story of Nikki and her mother Tara as they each work to identify what they truly want in life, how to get it, and where care for family, tradition, and the expecations of others factor into the equation. Neither character is perfect and at times I was exasperated with each of them BUT that's the strength of the story. Each has a perspective and their own scars. The alternating chapters allowed me to sink into both stories and I found this to be a book that I could read for a bit and then return to it as time permitted.
All in all a very good read that I would recommend and I will look for other titles by this author. 4 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of Your Next Life is Now in exchange for an honest opinion. This book will be available on November 18
All in all a very good read that I would recommend and I will look for other titles by this author. 4 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of Your Next Life is Now in exchange for an honest opinion. This book will be available on November 18
December 5, 2025
This story followed Tara and Nikki, a mother-daughter duo facing life-changing decisions; Nikki on whether she made the right choice accepting her boyfriend's proposal, and Tara on divorcing her husband of nearly forty years to chase her dreams.
I loved that we got to see Tara in her youth as a single lady, engaged to Devin, married and with kids, and finally in the present. I was curious to see how her choices would affect her and where she would end up.
Nikki's engagement came with drama especially from her boyfriend's family. She was also used to yielding to others' wishes and not her own. I loved that with a little nudge from her loved ones she was able to discover what she wanted.
The narrator did a great job on this. Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4⭐
Steam level: 2🌶️ Fade to black
I loved that we got to see Tara in her youth as a single lady, engaged to Devin, married and with kids, and finally in the present. I was curious to see how her choices would affect her and where she would end up.
Nikki's engagement came with drama especially from her boyfriend's family. She was also used to yielding to others' wishes and not her own. I loved that with a little nudge from her loved ones she was able to discover what she wanted.
The narrator did a great job on this. Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4⭐
Steam level: 2🌶️ Fade to black
December 9, 2025
I went into this expecting a mother-daughter roadtrip story and that’s not quite what I got. In fact it’s not at all what I got.
Rather than a story about two women navigating big life moments together while on the road, this felt like two separate stories weaved together loosely by a fragile relationship between a mother and her family.
Tara, the mother of the story, felt like the main character here, while I wanted Nikki’s story to be deeper, as well. We never even got a glimpse of Nikki’s life coaching, which should have been a major factor in how she was responding to her mother’s erratic and irrational behavior.
I enjoyed this story, but I was left wanting more character growth and more intersection between the characters’ stories.
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of this ebook.
Rather than a story about two women navigating big life moments together while on the road, this felt like two separate stories weaved together loosely by a fragile relationship between a mother and her family.
Tara, the mother of the story, felt like the main character here, while I wanted Nikki’s story to be deeper, as well. We never even got a glimpse of Nikki’s life coaching, which should have been a major factor in how she was responding to her mother’s erratic and irrational behavior.
I enjoyed this story, but I was left wanting more character growth and more intersection between the characters’ stories.
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of this ebook.
December 24, 2025
This book took me by surprise, and I really enjoyed it. Nikki gets an unexpected and casual proposal of marriage from her boyfriend Jay which she accepts. Jay appears to be a great guy and their relationship seems solid, but Nikki questions the commitment she just made and looks for approval from her mother, which she just doesn't get. Nikki's mother Tara, on the other hand, is realizing how much of herself she gave up when she entered into an arranged marriage 40 years prior. In the boldest move of her life, Tara leaves her husband and buys a used RV and heads up to find an reconnect with a man she met, and maybe fell a little bit in love with, before marrying when she was full of hopes and dreams. Both women are on a journey to find themselves and each other and it's a lovely story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 18, 2025
Namrata Patel’s Your Next Life Is Now explores family, identity, and the sacrifices women often make. Tara once dreamed of a Ph.D. in astrophysics at MIT but gave it up for marriage and motherhood, leaving her dreams behind and building years of quiet frustration. Her daughter Nikki, meanwhile, is figuring out what her mom’s choices mean for her own future.
I really liked both Tara and Nikki as characters, and I loved seeing their mother–daughter relationship grow over the course of the book. Tara’s flashbacks and Nikki’s present-day story pulled me in, making me feel for both women. The family drama, with just a touch of mystery, kept me turning pages—I couldn’t stop reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC.
I really liked both Tara and Nikki as characters, and I loved seeing their mother–daughter relationship grow over the course of the book. Tara’s flashbacks and Nikki’s present-day story pulled me in, making me feel for both women. The family drama, with just a touch of mystery, kept me turning pages—I couldn’t stop reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC.
November 17, 2025
Nikki is a life coach. She is really good at her job and she helps people out. So when her boyfriend proposes to her, she immediately says yes, though she later questions her brash decision. Tara, Nikki's mother, is also making life changing choices. She has chosen to leave Nikki's father and go in search of her real love. Tara was part of an arranged marriage and she feels like it is time to take hold of her life. With both of them having huge choices to make they both embark on an RV journey.
I enjoyed both mothers and daughter's characters. They each had their own issues and traumas to deal with. Both being from different generations and having had different decisions to reflect on.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
I enjoyed both mothers and daughter's characters. They each had their own issues and traumas to deal with. Both being from different generations and having had different decisions to reflect on.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
November 17, 2025
Fascinating story about following up on the “what if” in your life. Nikki had what she assumed was a throw away conversation with her mother, Tara, but it sent Tara into a tailspin and made her question where she is in her life. While I found both women’s actions to be suspect at times, I found that they meant well and wanted to find what was best for all the parties involved. I enjoyed getting to know both of them, as they were and as they developed, and particularly like the way Nikki came to terms with her relationships. A heartwarming story of rediscovering yourself and learning to love who you are.
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #BrillianceAudio, and #LakeUnionPublishing for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #BrillianceAudio, and #LakeUnionPublishing for an honest review.
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