What do you think?
Rate this book
How the Story Goes: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26In this heartwarming, bookish debut, a young widower of a famous children’s fantasy author teams up with a down-on-her-luck MFA dropout to write the final book in his late wife’s series...and find their own perfect ending along the way.
Whit Longacre has a monumental task and a looming deadline. After his wife, Helen, died of cancer, she left him with their grieving eight-year-old daughter and a surprise in her the small task of writing the final book in her mega-popular children’s fantasy series for her legions of waiting fans.
Whit is the author of moderately successful (but well-received!) literary mysteries. He doesn’t have the first idea of how to complete Helen’s beloved series, and his enigmatic wife seems to have left no clues behind on how the story is supposed to end. Writer’s block is one thing, but to fail in fulfilling his wife’s last wish? Whit is guilt-ridden and dodging calls in the school pick-up line from Helen’s publisher and agent as the deadline fast approaches.
Then Whit meets Merritt Pryor, who works at the local bookstore in their small New England town. Merritt has moved back home after a disastrous affair led to her dropping out of her prestigious MFA program. When Whit realizes that Merritt is a superfan of the Greenwood Castle series, they come up with a plan to tackle the book together. For the first time in years, Merritt finds herself falling back in love with writing…and perhaps with the coauthor offering her the opportunity of a lifetime.
But when Whit uncovers a buried secret about Helen’s final wishes, he questions everything about what he and Merritt have created together, endangering the tender, electrifying partnership that has transformed their lives.
Can Whit and Merritt come up with an ending that feels right…for both a beloved series and for their battered hearts?
Whit Longacre has a monumental task and a looming deadline. After his wife, Helen, died of cancer, she left him with their grieving eight-year-old daughter and a surprise in her the small task of writing the final book in her mega-popular children’s fantasy series for her legions of waiting fans.
Whit is the author of moderately successful (but well-received!) literary mysteries. He doesn’t have the first idea of how to complete Helen’s beloved series, and his enigmatic wife seems to have left no clues behind on how the story is supposed to end. Writer’s block is one thing, but to fail in fulfilling his wife’s last wish? Whit is guilt-ridden and dodging calls in the school pick-up line from Helen’s publisher and agent as the deadline fast approaches.
Then Whit meets Merritt Pryor, who works at the local bookstore in their small New England town. Merritt has moved back home after a disastrous affair led to her dropping out of her prestigious MFA program. When Whit realizes that Merritt is a superfan of the Greenwood Castle series, they come up with a plan to tackle the book together. For the first time in years, Merritt finds herself falling back in love with writing…and perhaps with the coauthor offering her the opportunity of a lifetime.
But when Whit uncovers a buried secret about Helen’s final wishes, he questions everything about what he and Merritt have created together, endangering the tender, electrifying partnership that has transformed their lives.
Can Whit and Merritt come up with an ending that feels right…for both a beloved series and for their battered hearts?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 5, 2026
6519 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Forrester
1 book71 followersAndrew Forrester is a writer and former English teacher whose work has appeared in McSweeney's and Parents Magazine. He holds a PhD in 19th-century British literature and lives in Austin, Texas with his family. How the Story Goes is his first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 22, 2025
It's very good!
January 1, 2026
I LOVED this, and I am a picky romance reader!
The characters make this story: the FMC and MMC, of course, but the many lovable and endearing side characters add so much to the narrative, too. I loved the fresh and unique storyline, the character growth, the smart writing, the literary allusions, the rich setting details — all of it!
I am very excited for readers to meet Whit and Merritt in 2026, and I can’t wait for whatever is next from Andrew Forrester.
Many thanks to the author and Avon for my early copy. These thoughts are purely mine!
The characters make this story: the FMC and MMC, of course, but the many lovable and endearing side characters add so much to the narrative, too. I loved the fresh and unique storyline, the character growth, the smart writing, the literary allusions, the rich setting details — all of it!
I am very excited for readers to meet Whit and Merritt in 2026, and I can’t wait for whatever is next from Andrew Forrester.
Many thanks to the author and Avon for my early copy. These thoughts are purely mine!
August 11, 2025
HYPED‼️
November 16, 2025
4.75 stars 🌟 what an amazing debut oh my goodness 🥹 i adored whitmerritt!! they were so refreshing, from their clear communication to their lighthearted banter 💖 books about books is one of my FAVORITE sub-tropes and this was done so well 📖🍁🧚♀️ i loved merritts mom, annie, evie, all the ladies at the bookshop and the town of whelk harbor so much!!
the writing made me laugh, feel pits in my stomach when something especially sad was happening, and it also made me excited to hear about how whit and merritts, and helen’s story would end 🫂 this was WONDERFUL and i will definitely be reading more by this author if he releases more in the future 😇
a special thank you to netgalley and avon publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
the writing made me laugh, feel pits in my stomach when something especially sad was happening, and it also made me excited to hear about how whit and merritts, and helen’s story would end 🫂 this was WONDERFUL and i will definitely be reading more by this author if he releases more in the future 😇
a special thank you to netgalley and avon publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
December 9, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel that explores themes of love, grief, betrayal, self-doubt, creativity, and triumph. I read it more slowly than my usual pace to savor both the prose and unfoldment of the love story between two vulnerable and highly relatable people – each struggling with loss. The bond forged between the two begins with their mutual talent for writing and the challenge to fulfill a seemingly insurmountable task.
The character development is solid and portrays the protagonists as complex people with a wide range of emotional nuances. The heavier overtones are balanced by well-placed humorous passages. Overall, this is a satisfying read that fulfills what the book synopsis accurately describes. I look forward to more novels by this talented author.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
The character development is solid and portrays the protagonists as complex people with a wide range of emotional nuances. The heavier overtones are balanced by well-placed humorous passages. Overall, this is a satisfying read that fulfills what the book synopsis accurately describes. I look forward to more novels by this talented author.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
January 14, 2026
Merritt and Whit, you have my little romcom-loving heart 💛 This story has everything: the sweetest/most refreshing characters, stunning writing, clever dialogue, and so much heart on every page
Such a wonderful read. Congrats on the amazing debut, Andrew Forrester! Thank you for the early copy.
Such a wonderful read. Congrats on the amazing debut, Andrew Forrester! Thank you for the early copy.
December 29, 2025
A delightful, lovely story that I devoured in less than a day. So many great nods to the writing and publishing worlds that I really enjoyed in this one!
March 16, 2026
This was such an amazing read! How the Story Goes follows a widowed 37 year old MMC and a 30 year old FMC who dropped out of her creative writing program. When they are brought together to finish the late wife’s unfinished novel and complete her fantasy series, they must navigate both the writing process and the emotions that come with revisiting her story.
I really loved how naturally the relationship between the characters developed. The romance felt sweet, genuine, and believable as they spent time working together on the book. The story also thoughtfully explores grief and the process of learning how to move forward after losing someone you love. The way the author handled these themes was emotional and beautifully done.
Overall, this was a touching and heartfelt story with a lovely romance and meaningful themes about healing and creativity. A solid 4-star read for me!
Thank you Andrew Forrester and Avon for this ARC.
I really loved how naturally the relationship between the characters developed. The romance felt sweet, genuine, and believable as they spent time working together on the book. The story also thoughtfully explores grief and the process of learning how to move forward after losing someone you love. The way the author handled these themes was emotional and beautifully done.
Overall, this was a touching and heartfelt story with a lovely romance and meaningful themes about healing and creativity. A solid 4-star read for me!
Thank you Andrew Forrester and Avon for this ARC.
November 25, 2025
I loved this book! While not at all similar to the TV series Younger, this book takes place in the broader publishing world which is a similar delight. Widower Whit is tasked with finishing his late wife’s extremely famous youth fantasy series and is completely stuck. Merritt is picking up the pieces of her life, and following a chance meeting finds herself helping Whit in his endeavor. This story is a celebration of humanity, with beautifully written characters and dialog in a cozy town setting (does it give Stars Hollow or is that just me?) with many nods to the goddess herself, Nora Ephron. I loved it. Read it!
March 3, 2026
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for How the Story Goes by Andrew Forrester
Let me start by saying: I love You’ve Got Mail (fight me!!) so all the little nods and references? Ya got me
This is one of those beautifully written, book-about-books romances that had me hooked from the start. Completing a deceased loved one’s final novel- Such a great concept, and it was handled with so much care. I loved how the story within the story felt real and how invested I became in both worlds
At its heart, this is about grief- it’s messy, complicated, & life-altering. Whit’s especially seeps into everything: his relationships, his career, his sense of self. Merritt’s loss mirrors his in a different way, and watching them slowly find healing together was tender and incredibly compelling. Two broken hearts figuring it out side by side- it was lovely
It also had all the romcom vibes- sweet, supportive family and friends, gentleness, understanding, but it doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. It’s about believing in yourself, going after what you want, and letting people show up for you
Another book about books… and it absolutely did not disappoint!
Let me start by saying: I love You’ve Got Mail (fight me!!) so all the little nods and references? Ya got me
This is one of those beautifully written, book-about-books romances that had me hooked from the start. Completing a deceased loved one’s final novel- Such a great concept, and it was handled with so much care. I loved how the story within the story felt real and how invested I became in both worlds
At its heart, this is about grief- it’s messy, complicated, & life-altering. Whit’s especially seeps into everything: his relationships, his career, his sense of self. Merritt’s loss mirrors his in a different way, and watching them slowly find healing together was tender and incredibly compelling. Two broken hearts figuring it out side by side- it was lovely
It also had all the romcom vibes- sweet, supportive family and friends, gentleness, understanding, but it doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. It’s about believing in yourself, going after what you want, and letting people show up for you
Another book about books… and it absolutely did not disappoint!
March 9, 2026
Another book about books, so you know I’m already leaning towards loving it. It did not disappoint. Whit is left with the daunting task of finishing his late wife’s children’s fantasy series. After securing the help of Merritt, a huge fan of the books and fellow writer, the two of them set out to tackle the final installment of the beloved series. Every character in this story played a valuable role and every character was extremely likable. The hidden nuggets about other books and movies was a lovely touch. Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy. This book arrives on shelves May 5, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book felt like curling up on the couch with a blanket and putting on my favorite comfort movie. You know that feeling when you hit play on You've Got Mail and you already know you’re going to smile the whole time? That’s exactly the vibe that "How the Story Goes" gave me.
There’s something really soft and cozy about the way this story unfolds. Small town, bookstore setting, two people who are a little broken in their own ways finding their footing again through writing. It just works. It never felt rushed or overly dramatic. It felt like real people figuring things out one conversation, one chapter, one quiet moment at a time.
Whit’s situation pulled at me more than I expected. He’s grieving, raising his daughter, and trying to finish something that meant everything to his late wife. That alone could have felt heavy, but the story balances it so well with warmth and even a little bit of humor. And then Merritt comes in, a little lost herself, and somehow they meet right in the middle of all that mess.
Their dynamic is what makes this book. Watching them work together on the final book in the series, bouncing ideas off each other, slowly opening up, it felt natural and easy. There are these small moments between them that don’t feel big on paper, but they land. A shared joke, a quiet understanding, the way writing brings them back to life in different ways.
I also loved how bookish this story is without feeling like it’s trying too hard. It’s about storytelling, grief, creativity, and second chances, but it keeps that cozy tone the whole way through. It never loses that sense of comfort, even when things get a little complicated.
By the end, I just felt… settled. In a good way. Like I had spent time somewhere safe with people I didn’t mind lingering with a little longer.
If you’re in the mood for something warm, a little emotional, and very easy to sink into, this one is such a good pick. It’s the kind of story that feels like coming home.
This book felt like curling up on the couch with a blanket and putting on my favorite comfort movie. You know that feeling when you hit play on You've Got Mail and you already know you’re going to smile the whole time? That’s exactly the vibe that "How the Story Goes" gave me.
There’s something really soft and cozy about the way this story unfolds. Small town, bookstore setting, two people who are a little broken in their own ways finding their footing again through writing. It just works. It never felt rushed or overly dramatic. It felt like real people figuring things out one conversation, one chapter, one quiet moment at a time.
Whit’s situation pulled at me more than I expected. He’s grieving, raising his daughter, and trying to finish something that meant everything to his late wife. That alone could have felt heavy, but the story balances it so well with warmth and even a little bit of humor. And then Merritt comes in, a little lost herself, and somehow they meet right in the middle of all that mess.
Their dynamic is what makes this book. Watching them work together on the final book in the series, bouncing ideas off each other, slowly opening up, it felt natural and easy. There are these small moments between them that don’t feel big on paper, but they land. A shared joke, a quiet understanding, the way writing brings them back to life in different ways.
I also loved how bookish this story is without feeling like it’s trying too hard. It’s about storytelling, grief, creativity, and second chances, but it keeps that cozy tone the whole way through. It never loses that sense of comfort, even when things get a little complicated.
By the end, I just felt… settled. In a good way. Like I had spent time somewhere safe with people I didn’t mind lingering with a little longer.
If you’re in the mood for something warm, a little emotional, and very easy to sink into, this one is such a good pick. It’s the kind of story that feels like coming home.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced copy of How the Story Goes by Andrew Forrester via NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
How the Story Goes is a fascinating, if unconventional, departure from a typical romance. While it hits all the necessary beats of the genre, the actual execution felt more like a cinematic experience than a standard novel.
The most striking thing for me was the formatting. Rather than the dual-POV alternating chapters we usually see in romance, Forrester uses a unique, almost screenplay-like structure. By sectioning chapters to "block out" character movements and settings before the dialogue starts, he creates an incredibly vivid sense of place. I could clearly picture every scene as if I were watching it on a screen, which is an ambitious and rare plotting choice for this genre.
However, the tone caught me a bit off guard. The exploration of grief here is heavy and deeply felt—much more so than I originally expected. I really appreciated the juxtaposition of the FMC’s and MMC’s opposing emotional journeys, but it’s a "deep" read that asks a lot more of the reader than your average lighthearted romance.
Ultimately, I found myself torn between 3 and 4 stars, but I landed on a 3. While I admired the technical skill, the "cinematic" approach occasionally felt like a barrier. The mid-chapter perspective shifts felt like jump cuts in a movie, and they sometimes pulled me out of the narrative flow just as I was getting invested.
It really made me think about the line between literary fiction and romance; while this definitely fits the bill for a romance novel, it didn't leave me with the "warm fuzzies" I usually look for. I’d recommend this if you’re looking for something experimental and emotionally weighty, but it might be a bit polarizing for the average romance reader.
How the Story Goes is a fascinating, if unconventional, departure from a typical romance. While it hits all the necessary beats of the genre, the actual execution felt more like a cinematic experience than a standard novel.
The most striking thing for me was the formatting. Rather than the dual-POV alternating chapters we usually see in romance, Forrester uses a unique, almost screenplay-like structure. By sectioning chapters to "block out" character movements and settings before the dialogue starts, he creates an incredibly vivid sense of place. I could clearly picture every scene as if I were watching it on a screen, which is an ambitious and rare plotting choice for this genre.
However, the tone caught me a bit off guard. The exploration of grief here is heavy and deeply felt—much more so than I originally expected. I really appreciated the juxtaposition of the FMC’s and MMC’s opposing emotional journeys, but it’s a "deep" read that asks a lot more of the reader than your average lighthearted romance.
Ultimately, I found myself torn between 3 and 4 stars, but I landed on a 3. While I admired the technical skill, the "cinematic" approach occasionally felt like a barrier. The mid-chapter perspective shifts felt like jump cuts in a movie, and they sometimes pulled me out of the narrative flow just as I was getting invested.
It really made me think about the line between literary fiction and romance; while this definitely fits the bill for a romance novel, it didn't leave me with the "warm fuzzies" I usually look for. I’d recommend this if you’re looking for something experimental and emotionally weighty, but it might be a bit polarizing for the average romance reader.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 rounding up-This was a very sweet and touching debut that will be perfect for fans of Evvie Drake Starts Over (I loved that book and this is the closest I’ve ever found to one that is similar). I’d definitely recommend it to people who enjoyed that, who are looking for books set in small New England towns, who like books about books, or who appreciate romances that have a touch of grief in them. Or all of the above!
The writing style is funny, personable, and easy to settle into. Whit was charming and I found myself rooting for him easily and quickly. I liked Merritt too, but felt as though she was kept at a big more of a distance at the beginning, so it took longer to get to “know” her. The side characters are fun too—Merrit’s mom, Whit’s sister, his friend Willa, his daughter, and of course Ian the “villain.” Though this is publishing in the spring, I think it’s a great read for fall or early winter—it was the perfect companion to a snowy day and a cup of tea (lots of tea drinking in this!) and I was always happy to sneak in a few pages wherever I could. In my head, I pictured Whelk Harbor to be Portsmouth NH and as someone who lives in a New England town maybe I’m biased, but you can’t go wrong with that as a setting.
The pacing wasn’t perfect, at times the book felt a little long, and the ending felt abrupt. I also skimmed through the third act conflict because I hate that part of every romance, although I wouldn’t classify this as specifically just a romance, which is partially why I enjoyed it so much. I’m also a bit burnt out on books about books and personally didn’t love that component of the story, especially towards the end. But overall I think this will be very well received when it publishes!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
The writing style is funny, personable, and easy to settle into. Whit was charming and I found myself rooting for him easily and quickly. I liked Merritt too, but felt as though she was kept at a big more of a distance at the beginning, so it took longer to get to “know” her. The side characters are fun too—Merrit’s mom, Whit’s sister, his friend Willa, his daughter, and of course Ian the “villain.” Though this is publishing in the spring, I think it’s a great read for fall or early winter—it was the perfect companion to a snowy day and a cup of tea (lots of tea drinking in this!) and I was always happy to sneak in a few pages wherever I could. In my head, I pictured Whelk Harbor to be Portsmouth NH and as someone who lives in a New England town maybe I’m biased, but you can’t go wrong with that as a setting.
The pacing wasn’t perfect, at times the book felt a little long, and the ending felt abrupt. I also skimmed through the third act conflict because I hate that part of every romance, although I wouldn’t classify this as specifically just a romance, which is partially why I enjoyed it so much. I’m also a bit burnt out on books about books and personally didn’t love that component of the story, especially towards the end. But overall I think this will be very well received when it publishes!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
March 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars, 🫑 romcom)
I’ve always had a soft spot for characters who share my name, and for our MMC, Whitman aka: Whit, I have spared no exception. A widower, devoted father to a precocious little girl, and the husband of a beloved children’s fantasy author, Whit is under immense pressure to complete his late wife’s final book in her cherished series.
Fifteen months after her passing, Whit remains stuck, staring at a blinking cursor as grief and self-doubt stifle his ability to write anything he feels is worthy of her legacy. With a deadline fast approaching, he unexpectedly brings in Merritt, a devoted fan of the series and fellow writer, to help him finish the story. Her deep knowledge and love for the books make her the perfect partner, but as their collaboration continues, it becomes clear that Merritt has struggles and secrets of her own. What begins as a working relationship, evolves into friendship… and maybe even something more.
To borrow Whit’s own words, this book is “compulsively readable.” It’s heartfelt, funny, and incredibly engaging. Whit’s mix of humor and vulnerability made me want to reach into the pages and give him a hug, while Merritt shines as a strong, self-aware female lead who knows her value. The witty, sharp dialogue between two talented writers, paired with sweeping, spontaneous gestures reminiscent of classic Nora Ephron-level storytelling, makes this story truly special. I cannot recommend this book enough.
As always, a huge thank you to Avon Books, NetGalley, and Andrew Forrester for a digital copy of his book in exchange for my honest thoughts. Andrew, as a debut author, I cannot wait to see where your writing takes you!
I’ve always had a soft spot for characters who share my name, and for our MMC, Whitman aka: Whit, I have spared no exception. A widower, devoted father to a precocious little girl, and the husband of a beloved children’s fantasy author, Whit is under immense pressure to complete his late wife’s final book in her cherished series.
Fifteen months after her passing, Whit remains stuck, staring at a blinking cursor as grief and self-doubt stifle his ability to write anything he feels is worthy of her legacy. With a deadline fast approaching, he unexpectedly brings in Merritt, a devoted fan of the series and fellow writer, to help him finish the story. Her deep knowledge and love for the books make her the perfect partner, but as their collaboration continues, it becomes clear that Merritt has struggles and secrets of her own. What begins as a working relationship, evolves into friendship… and maybe even something more.
To borrow Whit’s own words, this book is “compulsively readable.” It’s heartfelt, funny, and incredibly engaging. Whit’s mix of humor and vulnerability made me want to reach into the pages and give him a hug, while Merritt shines as a strong, self-aware female lead who knows her value. The witty, sharp dialogue between two talented writers, paired with sweeping, spontaneous gestures reminiscent of classic Nora Ephron-level storytelling, makes this story truly special. I cannot recommend this book enough.
As always, a huge thank you to Avon Books, NetGalley, and Andrew Forrester for a digital copy of his book in exchange for my honest thoughts. Andrew, as a debut author, I cannot wait to see where your writing takes you!
March 19, 2026
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
How the Story Goes was such a heartfelt and impressive debut for me, blending romance, grief, and creativity in a way that really pulled me in. I loved the “book about books” element, following Whit, a widower struggling to finish his late wife’s fantasy series, and Merritt, a former MFA student trying to find her way back to writing, as they come together to complete the story.
I really loved how natural and genuine their relationship felt. Watching them go from collaborators to something more was so sweet and believable, especially with how much they supported and understood each other. The emotional depth in this story stood out to me, too, in the way it explores grief and learning how to move forward felt honest and beautifully done without ever feeling too heavy. The side characters and small-town setting added so much warmth and charm, and I found myself just as attached to them as I was to Whit and Merritt. The writing itself was engaging, balancing humor with emotional moments really well, which made it such an easy, immersive read.
My only small complaint is that I wish we'd gotten a bit more from the ending or epilogue, because I wasn’t quite ready to let these characters go. But overall, this was such a touching, character-driven story that I had a hard time putting down, and I’m really excited to see what this author writes next.
Read if you like:
- Friends to lovers
- Small town
- Book references
- Collaboration
- Slow burn
How the Story Goes was such a heartfelt and impressive debut for me, blending romance, grief, and creativity in a way that really pulled me in. I loved the “book about books” element, following Whit, a widower struggling to finish his late wife’s fantasy series, and Merritt, a former MFA student trying to find her way back to writing, as they come together to complete the story.
I really loved how natural and genuine their relationship felt. Watching them go from collaborators to something more was so sweet and believable, especially with how much they supported and understood each other. The emotional depth in this story stood out to me, too, in the way it explores grief and learning how to move forward felt honest and beautifully done without ever feeling too heavy. The side characters and small-town setting added so much warmth and charm, and I found myself just as attached to them as I was to Whit and Merritt. The writing itself was engaging, balancing humor with emotional moments really well, which made it such an easy, immersive read.
My only small complaint is that I wish we'd gotten a bit more from the ending or epilogue, because I wasn’t quite ready to let these characters go. But overall, this was such a touching, character-driven story that I had a hard time putting down, and I’m really excited to see what this author writes next.
Read if you like:
- Friends to lovers
- Small town
- Book references
- Collaboration
- Slow burn
October 31, 2025
We are living in a time of abundance when it comes to romance novels featuring authors either competing for the right to adapt a beloved author’s work, to write their life story, or to complete their unfinished manuscript. I am HERE FOR ALL these stories, so I was thrilled to see the description of How the Story Goes.
This book has the sweetest main characters: Merritt, the MFA dropout who left school in shame to go live with her mom, and Whit, the author who’s spent the past year flailing as he attempts to complete his late wife’s final book. The two find a comfortable rapport almost instantly when he meets her at his daughter’s school, subbing for the librarian. Soon, White learns about Merritt’s writing prowess, and that, coupled with her passion for his late wife’s beloved children’s literature series, makes her the ideal candidate to help him write the final book, one that will please legions of fans and honor Helen’s intentions.
The novel features all the cozy New England vibes that make it perfect to read with a hot cup of tea. The relationship between these two writers develops so organically and patiently, and I just loved watching them encourage each other in their writing, helping unlock abilities and confidence they’ve both allowed to fade. Book lovers, writers, and other creatives will love this charming novel about healing after loss and following your joy. There’s no spice whatsoever, just beautiful human emotion.
This book has the sweetest main characters: Merritt, the MFA dropout who left school in shame to go live with her mom, and Whit, the author who’s spent the past year flailing as he attempts to complete his late wife’s final book. The two find a comfortable rapport almost instantly when he meets her at his daughter’s school, subbing for the librarian. Soon, White learns about Merritt’s writing prowess, and that, coupled with her passion for his late wife’s beloved children’s literature series, makes her the ideal candidate to help him write the final book, one that will please legions of fans and honor Helen’s intentions.
The novel features all the cozy New England vibes that make it perfect to read with a hot cup of tea. The relationship between these two writers develops so organically and patiently, and I just loved watching them encourage each other in their writing, helping unlock abilities and confidence they’ve both allowed to fade. Book lovers, writers, and other creatives will love this charming novel about healing after loss and following your joy. There’s no spice whatsoever, just beautiful human emotion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
A book about books?! SOLD. I've always enjoyed reading stories about authors, books, publicists, etc, so was immediately drawn to this particular book. Centered heavily around grief and how to move on, this story follows a single dad who enlists the help of a writer (who happens to be a huge fan of his late wife's work) to finish the book in late wife's series. I love the themes of this book and how the author takes the reader on a journey to explore friendship, loss, and grief.
I had a bit of a tough time getting through this book. While I love Whit and Merritt's relationship, I found it hard to connect to both characters, and ultimately this feeling lasted for the entirety of the book. At various points, I felt like I was reading this book to get through it - the pacing was slower than I would have preferred, and for me, I think more dialogue rather than paragraphs and pages of descriptive language would have captivated my attention more.
I really think book lovers would enjoy this read - especially those who love a slow burn story that relies heavily on descriptive language and scene/context setting.
A book about books?! SOLD. I've always enjoyed reading stories about authors, books, publicists, etc, so was immediately drawn to this particular book. Centered heavily around grief and how to move on, this story follows a single dad who enlists the help of a writer (who happens to be a huge fan of his late wife's work) to finish the book in late wife's series. I love the themes of this book and how the author takes the reader on a journey to explore friendship, loss, and grief.
I had a bit of a tough time getting through this book. While I love Whit and Merritt's relationship, I found it hard to connect to both characters, and ultimately this feeling lasted for the entirety of the book. At various points, I felt like I was reading this book to get through it - the pacing was slower than I would have preferred, and for me, I think more dialogue rather than paragraphs and pages of descriptive language would have captivated my attention more.
I really think book lovers would enjoy this read - especially those who love a slow burn story that relies heavily on descriptive language and scene/context setting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
How the Story Goes by Andrew Forrester completely hooked me from the start. The premise alone grabbed my attention, and once I began reading, I absolutely flew through it. It’s one of those books that makes you keep saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly you’re at the end.
I really enjoyed the characters — they felt engaging and well-developed enough that I was invested in what would happen to them. Their dynamics and growth carried the story beautifully, and the writing made everything feel immersive without ever dragging.
For most of the book, the pacing was spot on. It moved quickly but never felt rushed… until the very end. My only real complaint is that I wanted more from the epilogue. After such a strong and satisfying build, I was hoping for a bit more depth or closure in those final pages. It wasn’t a bad ending by any means — I just wasn’t ready to let go yet.
Overall, this was a really great read that kept me turning pages, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a compelling story with characters you can root for.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy. This is set to publish May 5.
I really enjoyed the characters — they felt engaging and well-developed enough that I was invested in what would happen to them. Their dynamics and growth carried the story beautifully, and the writing made everything feel immersive without ever dragging.
For most of the book, the pacing was spot on. It moved quickly but never felt rushed… until the very end. My only real complaint is that I wanted more from the epilogue. After such a strong and satisfying build, I was hoping for a bit more depth or closure in those final pages. It wasn’t a bad ending by any means — I just wasn’t ready to let go yet.
Overall, this was a really great read that kept me turning pages, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a compelling story with characters you can root for.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy. This is set to publish May 5.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/5
I really love the premise of this story. I am normally not a fan of the 3rd person POV, however, I didn’t mind it in this book. I think that’s because the writing in this book is more cinematic than most romance books with more nuanced language. The writing style makes sense considering the main characters are also writers.
I also have to say that while this is categorized as a romance, and fits the rules of the genre, to me it reads more like contemporary fiction that happens to have a romance arc.
Where I take issue with this book is the pacing. It’s slow and just drags on and on in some places. It’s filled with large information dumps about things irrelevant to the story. I mean, we really don’t need a detailed description of the setting of the farmer’s market and everything every booth sells. The chapters are also very choppy and switch scenes and perspective in the middle. This would have read better with new chapters for each perspective change.
Overall, it’s a solid debut novel, but could do with a faster pace and fewer irrelevant information dumps.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advanced reader copy.
I really love the premise of this story. I am normally not a fan of the 3rd person POV, however, I didn’t mind it in this book. I think that’s because the writing in this book is more cinematic than most romance books with more nuanced language. The writing style makes sense considering the main characters are also writers.
I also have to say that while this is categorized as a romance, and fits the rules of the genre, to me it reads more like contemporary fiction that happens to have a romance arc.
Where I take issue with this book is the pacing. It’s slow and just drags on and on in some places. It’s filled with large information dumps about things irrelevant to the story. I mean, we really don’t need a detailed description of the setting of the farmer’s market and everything every booth sells. The chapters are also very choppy and switch scenes and perspective in the middle. This would have read better with new chapters for each perspective change.
Overall, it’s a solid debut novel, but could do with a faster pace and fewer irrelevant information dumps.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
How The Story Goes is a heartfelt romance about Whit and Merritt. Whit is a writer and widower of a very popular children's fantasy author. Merritt is a former MFA student who is trying to find herself and her writing again. Whit is tasked by finishing the last book in his late-wife's series and is truly struggling to do so! He finds Merritt, they get to know each other, write well together and she fits with his family. However, a discovery makes Whit rethink everything they have done. Can they find the perfect ending for the book and for themselves?
I really enjoyed this book! It is a great debut and there is SO MUCH HEART. I loved Whit and Merritt. Andrew does a wonderful job of giving us good people with flaws in these characters and it was such a treat to read this! Annie, Evie and Eduoard just add so much to the book and I enjoyed every moment with them. I just wish we could have gotten a little more at the end!
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC! I highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book! It is a great debut and there is SO MUCH HEART. I loved Whit and Merritt. Andrew does a wonderful job of giving us good people with flaws in these characters and it was such a treat to read this! Annie, Evie and Eduoard just add so much to the book and I enjoyed every moment with them. I just wish we could have gotten a little more at the end!
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC! I highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Using Andrew Forrester’s own words, “in the end, it’s a story about the things we do for the people we love”.
Forrester’s debut is a heartwarming story of coping with grief and loss. While Whit’s character arc was focused on learning to live again after the death of a loved one, including all the mixed emotions that come with grief, Merritt represented a different type of grief, having lost her self confidence and sense of self worth. Watching both of them grow, struggle, and ultimately get to a better place (Whit finding joy again, Merritt regaining her agency) made for a lovely read.
It took me awhile to get into the book - both because the first third of the book is very slow (as compared to the rest of the book), and because I was slow to warm to Merritt (I found her a bit self absorbed and lacking empathy towards Whit).
Thanks to Andrew Forrester, Avon, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Forrester’s debut is a heartwarming story of coping with grief and loss. While Whit’s character arc was focused on learning to live again after the death of a loved one, including all the mixed emotions that come with grief, Merritt represented a different type of grief, having lost her self confidence and sense of self worth. Watching both of them grow, struggle, and ultimately get to a better place (Whit finding joy again, Merritt regaining her agency) made for a lovely read.
It took me awhile to get into the book - both because the first third of the book is very slow (as compared to the rest of the book), and because I was slow to warm to Merritt (I found her a bit self absorbed and lacking empathy towards Whit).
Thanks to Andrew Forrester, Avon, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
January 29, 2026Smart Romance Newsletter 1/29:
And last, but certainly not least, of anticipated debuts is Andrew Forrester’s How the Story Goes (May 5th). The participation of straight male authors in the romance genre is a new trend but one I’m cautiously optimistic about (Jeff Zentner’s Colton Gentry’s Third Act and Matthew Norman’s Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon were among my favorite reads last year). How the Story Goes also fulfills a need I hear voiced often among Smart Romancers, which is, the existence of more mature love stories and protagonists. Andrew’s hero is a widowed father of an eight year old who teams up with an MFA dropout to finish his late wife’s mystery series and, of course, ends up falling in love (though not without a third act twist!). I read the first chapter of this one before reluctantly putting it aside due to this preview and I’m dying to get back to it. Andrew’s voice is comedic and fresh and one that can absolutely carry a book.
And last, but certainly not least, of anticipated debuts is Andrew Forrester’s How the Story Goes (May 5th). The participation of straight male authors in the romance genre is a new trend but one I’m cautiously optimistic about (Jeff Zentner’s Colton Gentry’s Third Act and Matthew Norman’s Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon were among my favorite reads last year). How the Story Goes also fulfills a need I hear voiced often among Smart Romancers, which is, the existence of more mature love stories and protagonists. Andrew’s hero is a widowed father of an eight year old who teams up with an MFA dropout to finish his late wife’s mystery series and, of course, ends up falling in love (though not without a third act twist!). I read the first chapter of this one before reluctantly putting it aside due to this preview and I’m dying to get back to it. Andrew’s voice is comedic and fresh and one that can absolutely carry a book.
March 15, 2026
A story about grief, reclaiming your own story, and the things we’re willing to do for the people we love ♥️
Whit is a lovable widower and dad trying to figure out how to navigate this monumental life change. Merritt is trying to regain her footing after dropping out of her MFA program and ending an unhealthy relationship. They come together to try to finish the last novel in Whit’s late wife’s popular children’s series.
While a book technically about books/publishing/etc I think it was about so much more. The romance (closed door) was there and lovely but the other aspects of the story felt just as important. The author’s description of grief was so raw and real, the family dynamics and relationships were important. My only critique was the pacing felt like it dragged a touch at about 30%-65% and then it felt rushed at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!
Whit is a lovable widower and dad trying to figure out how to navigate this monumental life change. Merritt is trying to regain her footing after dropping out of her MFA program and ending an unhealthy relationship. They come together to try to finish the last novel in Whit’s late wife’s popular children’s series.
While a book technically about books/publishing/etc I think it was about so much more. The romance (closed door) was there and lovely but the other aspects of the story felt just as important. The author’s description of grief was so raw and real, the family dynamics and relationships were important. My only critique was the pacing felt like it dragged a touch at about 30%-65% and then it felt rushed at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️s rounded up
“It’s all about the things we do for the people we love”❤️
I love books about books and this debut novel most definitely fits the bill! This charming story explores grief and love beautifully. Along with its cozy New England setting, Whit and Merritt provided lots of fun and light hearted banter. A romance written with no spice but loads of emotions.
For some reason this book took me longer to finish than normal. The first half felt really slow and I wasn’t enthralled. It did pick up in the second half, but overall I felt like the pacing just wasn’t working for me.
Thanks to the author, Avon Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Expected Publication May 5, 2026.
“It’s all about the things we do for the people we love”❤️
I love books about books and this debut novel most definitely fits the bill! This charming story explores grief and love beautifully. Along with its cozy New England setting, Whit and Merritt provided lots of fun and light hearted banter. A romance written with no spice but loads of emotions.
For some reason this book took me longer to finish than normal. The first half felt really slow and I wasn’t enthralled. It did pick up in the second half, but overall I felt like the pacing just wasn’t working for me.
Thanks to the author, Avon Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Expected Publication May 5, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Avon for the chance to read this book!
Whit Longacre, is a widower trying to get his life together and raise his daughter a year after his wife death. Merritt Pryor is an MFA drop out looking to rebuild her life after a bad break up with her professor boyfriend. Helen, Whit's late wife, requested that he finish the last book in her beloved children series. Finding it hard to get the words down, he seeks Merritt's help in writing the book.
Nora Ephron references aside, this novel is swimming with romcom vibes. It is sweet, full of love and support from family and friends, gentleness, and understanding. It is also a lesson in how to believe in yourself and go for what you want.
Whit Longacre, is a widower trying to get his life together and raise his daughter a year after his wife death. Merritt Pryor is an MFA drop out looking to rebuild her life after a bad break up with her professor boyfriend. Helen, Whit's late wife, requested that he finish the last book in her beloved children series. Finding it hard to get the words down, he seeks Merritt's help in writing the book.
Nora Ephron references aside, this novel is swimming with romcom vibes. It is sweet, full of love and support from family and friends, gentleness, and understanding. It is also a lesson in how to believe in yourself and go for what you want.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was captivated by this novel and I do not offer that lightly as an avid Romantacy reader.
What elevates this story beyond is the depth and dimensionality of its characters. The central romance between the FMC and MMC is compelling in its own right, yet it is the richly drawn ensemble of secondary characters who imbue the narrative with warmth and emotional resonance. The plot unfolds with originality, balancing nuanced character development with elegant prose. I was particularly struck by the deft literary allusions and the immersive sense of place, rendered through vivid and meticulous detail.
Thank you so much to the author and Avon for providing an advance copy. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
What elevates this story beyond is the depth and dimensionality of its characters. The central romance between the FMC and MMC is compelling in its own right, yet it is the richly drawn ensemble of secondary characters who imbue the narrative with warmth and emotional resonance. The plot unfolds with originality, balancing nuanced character development with elegant prose. I was particularly struck by the deft literary allusions and the immersive sense of place, rendered through vivid and meticulous detail.
Thank you so much to the author and Avon for providing an advance copy. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The story itself wasn’t bad, and I liked the premise, but the pacing really held it back for me. The book moved very slowly, especially in the beginning, and many scenes felt longer than they needed to be.
While the writing was competent, I found myself getting tired as I read and struggling to stay engaged. By the end, I was more relieved to be finished than excited to see how things resolved. As this is an early ARC, the pacing may have been cleaned up. At best, I think this is library rental.
Thank you, Avon and Harper Voyager, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
While the writing was competent, I found myself getting tired as I read and struggling to stay engaged. By the end, I was more relieved to be finished than excited to see how things resolved. As this is an early ARC, the pacing may have been cleaned up. At best, I think this is library rental.
Thank you, Avon and Harper Voyager, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5⭐️
**Thank you Avon and NetGalley for the eARC**
Grief can change people. It can hold someone in a rut and make it seem impossible to dig themselves out. Whit is held by grief due to the loss of his wife. Merritt has a different grief—the loss of her world as she knows it. They come together to help finish the series of children’s books Whit’s late wife left behind.
This book is beautifully written. Such a wonderful story of two people working through tough lives and finding their way through it together. Though some romance arises, as it does it most of our lives, this book is not centered on it. It’s about family, friendship, and growing through grief.
**Thank you Avon and NetGalley for the eARC**
Grief can change people. It can hold someone in a rut and make it seem impossible to dig themselves out. Whit is held by grief due to the loss of his wife. Merritt has a different grief—the loss of her world as she knows it. They come together to help finish the series of children’s books Whit’s late wife left behind.
This book is beautifully written. Such a wonderful story of two people working through tough lives and finding their way through it together. Though some romance arises, as it does it most of our lives, this book is not centered on it. It’s about family, friendship, and growing through grief.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to NetGalley & the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great debut! It is very well written and had a great cast of characters. The one thing that did bother me was the FMC's final act, which definitely overstepped and seemed a little self-serving. It was a bit of a red flag, but was explained away in a somewhat acceptable manner. I would have liked to have seen a little more interaction and chemistry between the couple, as well as more of a peek into the future from the epilogue. Overall, it was fun to get lost in this little world for a few days! I'm looking forward to what Mr. Forrester writes next.
This was a great debut! It is very well written and had a great cast of characters. The one thing that did bother me was the FMC's final act, which definitely overstepped and seemed a little self-serving. It was a bit of a red flag, but was explained away in a somewhat acceptable manner. I would have liked to have seen a little more interaction and chemistry between the couple, as well as more of a peek into the future from the epilogue. Overall, it was fun to get lost in this little world for a few days! I'm looking forward to what Mr. Forrester writes next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews