What do you think?
Rate this book
What If? #2
What Now?
The hilarious sequel to the bestselling What If?
Twenty years ago, Carly Cooper went on an epic quest to track down all the men she’d ever loved and lost in the hope that one of them was her Mr Right. Now, two decades and two teenage sons later, she thinks she might have got it all wrong. As the years have passed, lots of things have changed, leaving Carly asking ‘What Now?’
With a divorce and an empty nest on the horizon, Carly sets off once more to Los Angeles with her band of trusty girlfriends, to find the carefree, wild and adventurous Carly Cooper that she used to be. On this latest quest, Carly discovers a few home truths and has to decide if her marriage is worth saving or is there a new happy-ever-after out there, just waiting for her…
Twenty years ago, Carly Cooper went on an epic quest to track down all the men she’d ever loved and lost in the hope that one of them was her Mr Right. Now, two decades and two teenage sons later, she thinks she might have got it all wrong. As the years have passed, lots of things have changed, leaving Carly asking ‘What Now?’
With a divorce and an empty nest on the horizon, Carly sets off once more to Los Angeles with her band of trusty girlfriends, to find the carefree, wild and adventurous Carly Cooper that she used to be. On this latest quest, Carly discovers a few home truths and has to decide if her marriage is worth saving or is there a new happy-ever-after out there, just waiting for her…
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2021
1653 people are currently reading
995 people want to read
About the author
Shari Low
48 books1,493 followers*No1 Multi-Million Copy Best-Selling Author*
LATEST NOVEL, JUST ONE MORE DAY IS OUT NOW!
In a career spanning twenty five years, author Shari Low has published over 40 books, and sold over five million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia.
In 2020, her first novel, What If? (originally published in 2001), was updated and re-released, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Since then, several of Shari's books have been #1 chart-toppers - including One Day With You, One Moment in Time, One Christmas Eve, One Year After You, One Midnight With You, One Day & Forever and One Snowy Day (all published by Boldwood Books).
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit Shari on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at sharilow dot com
LATEST NOVEL, JUST ONE MORE DAY IS OUT NOW!
In a career spanning twenty five years, author Shari Low has published over 40 books, and sold over five million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia.
In 2020, her first novel, What If? (originally published in 2001), was updated and re-released, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Since then, several of Shari's books have been #1 chart-toppers - including One Day With You, One Moment in Time, One Christmas Eve, One Year After You, One Midnight With You, One Day & Forever and One Snowy Day (all published by Boldwood Books).
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit Shari on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at sharilow dot com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
February 5, 2021
A couple of months ago I reviewed What if? which was the first book Shari Low wrote. Set in late 80s and 90s, it was an unforgettabe story of looking for second chances and true love, families and friendships, throwing all the caution to the wind and trying to find Mr Right.
In What Now? we are back into Carly Cooper's world, just twenty years later. Not everything has worked out for our fun-loving heroine. She has two fabulous teenage sons and sometimes wonders how lucky she is to have them. She still has her family of choice: her loyal friends, their partners and their offspring (yes, the parties these ones throw are as noisy and full of joy as you can imagine). On the minus side, her marriage is on the rocks. Her soon to be ex-husband (not naming him on the off chance you still haven't read the previous book) and Carly still respect each other and will always be there for their kids, but it turns out that too much work and not enough time dedicated to your family isn't a recipe for a marital bliss.
Carly's friends and her one of a kind aunt Val tell her Carly has changed. She has lost her spark and spontaneity. Yes, life in general and having kids makes us grow up and start weighing all the pros and cons before making a decision. But overthinking things doesn't mean the course of action we take is going to be the right one, or the only right one. Carly Cooper is off on a journey again!
Shari Low knows how to create interesting characters. Even if it's a secondary one and we get just a glimpse of their life, it is still fascinating. Carly is blessed with a large group of friends, so the cast is quite large, but they are all diverse and unique, and complement each other to create a most colourful patchwork of life. One of her original friends has passed away and we feel how she is mourned and remembered every day.
The age group Carly and her friends belong to -late forties-early fifties- is one of the most uderrepresented ones. It is as if once you settled down and had kids, you are just supposed to get on with your routine and keep quiet. You can't even complain about your changing body and raging perimenopausal hormones or feel you betrayed your true identity by not pursuing your dreams. What about your relationship with your own aging parents? Don't even start me on thinking that things were a whole lot simpler before your kids became teenagers.
What Now? is a great sequel to Shari's first book. Perhaps, a bit more realistic, but still as entertaining.
In case, you were wondering, there is a happily ever after, but it isn't just the destination that counts, it's the journey!
Thank you to Rachel, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy. All opinions aremy own and were not influenced in any way.
June 12, 2022
Oh no.
I feel terrible for saying this because I really love the 1st book so much, but this was just awful. Also this is not a romance, this is women's fiction. And was not a great sequel to what came before. Next time readers may want to re-think begging an author for an update on characters they wrote from 20 years ago. I beg of you, just read book 1 and stop there. Following up with Carly Cooper 20 years later was a disappointment. Unlike with book 1, I didn’t laugh once. Most of the book read like a long line of misery. And Carly’s ending was not realistic and frankly boring. I wish that Low had her going on a whirlwind trip around the world again while her sons were gone. Have them gone for 8 weeks so she can follow her footsteps from 20 years ago so we can check in on everyone.
“What Now?” follows almost 50 year old Carly Cooper who is now estranged and almost divorced from the guy she chose in the last book. Dealing with him and her two sons being gone for 4 weeks, her friends drag her to LA to visit with one of her exes in some harebrained let’s help Carly get her groove back mess.
Carly is boring as anything in this. And I blame the plot. Just moving Cary to LA to visit Sam with her friends and aunt in tow was a terrible idea. One, it reminded me how much I didn’t like Sam in the first book. Two, and most important there’s nothing there. Just chapter headings with song titles .Also Carly has zero personality. And I don’t blame her marriage. Low didn’t give her anything to do but lust after an ex. And also I felt letdown by how we have a scene that shows she almost walked out on her marriage before for really stupid reasons. She’s fickle as shit and I was just done done.
None of the other women even felt like the same. And it felt like Low decided everyone had to just have terrible things happen to them. No spoilers, but at one point I went what's next, locusts?
The dialogue is lackluster. The subplots were dumb. And the writing was tortured after a while.
The flow was pretty awful. I think if we had Carly just focusing on where she has been in the 20 years since she and the girls were all together that could have worked, but Low in several places just whole sale lifts parts of book #1 and puts them in this. I felt like I was in a bad case of deja-vu for most of my reading experience.
Also who Carly chooses made zero sense. Maybe if I hasn’t read book #1 right before this, but based on that it just didn’t work. I maybe laughed and sighed a few times. She shows her with her husband at points in time and honestly for her to do that and give us the is whatever ending was a head scratcher.
This just felt like a pale version of what I read before. Just a total disappointment.
I think what kills me is that Low had a pitch perfect plot for this, she could have had Carly retracing her footsteps from 20 years ago, going back to where she and her girls went on vacation, back to Amsterdam, Scotland, Ireland, Hong Kong, etc. She could have given us updates on the six men we got to know in book #1.
ETA: And another thing [redacted] is an emotional blackmailer and am surprised none of Cooper's friends even saw that and called it out. That's it. I see there's a third book that just came out and I am going to hard pass on that one.
I feel terrible for saying this because I really love the 1st book so much, but this was just awful. Also this is not a romance, this is women's fiction. And was not a great sequel to what came before. Next time readers may want to re-think begging an author for an update on characters they wrote from 20 years ago. I beg of you, just read book 1 and stop there. Following up with Carly Cooper 20 years later was a disappointment. Unlike with book 1, I didn’t laugh once. Most of the book read like a long line of misery. And Carly’s ending was not realistic and frankly boring. I wish that Low had her going on a whirlwind trip around the world again while her sons were gone. Have them gone for 8 weeks so she can follow her footsteps from 20 years ago so we can check in on everyone.
“What Now?” follows almost 50 year old Carly Cooper who is now estranged and almost divorced from the guy she chose in the last book. Dealing with him and her two sons being gone for 4 weeks, her friends drag her to LA to visit with one of her exes in some harebrained let’s help Carly get her groove back mess.
Carly is boring as anything in this. And I blame the plot. Just moving Cary to LA to visit Sam with her friends and aunt in tow was a terrible idea. One, it reminded me how much I didn’t like Sam in the first book. Two, and most important there’s nothing there. Just chapter headings with song titles .Also Carly has zero personality. And I don’t blame her marriage. Low didn’t give her anything to do but lust after an ex. And also I felt letdown by how we have a scene that shows she almost walked out on her marriage before for really stupid reasons. She’s fickle as shit and I was just done done.
None of the other women even felt like the same. And it felt like Low decided everyone had to just have terrible things happen to them. No spoilers, but at one point I went what's next, locusts?
The dialogue is lackluster. The subplots were dumb. And the writing was tortured after a while.
The flow was pretty awful. I think if we had Carly just focusing on where she has been in the 20 years since she and the girls were all together that could have worked, but Low in several places just whole sale lifts parts of book #1 and puts them in this. I felt like I was in a bad case of deja-vu for most of my reading experience.
Also who Carly chooses made zero sense. Maybe if I hasn’t read book #1 right before this, but based on that it just didn’t work. I maybe laughed and sighed a few times. She shows her with her husband at points in time and honestly for her to do that and give us the is whatever ending was a head scratcher.
This just felt like a pale version of what I read before. Just a total disappointment.
I think what kills me is that Low had a pitch perfect plot for this, she could have had Carly retracing her footsteps from 20 years ago, going back to where she and her girls went on vacation, back to Amsterdam, Scotland, Ireland, Hong Kong, etc. She could have given us updates on the six men we got to know in book #1.
ETA: And another thing [redacted] is an emotional blackmailer and am surprised none of Cooper's friends even saw that and called it out. That's it. I see there's a third book that just came out and I am going to hard pass on that one.
February 10, 2021
One thing that I loved about the first book was the energy and passion that Carly Cooper demonstrated. It was a whirlwind romance across the globe and it was impossible to not get caught up in her excitement. Therefore, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the sequel and was enthusiastic to learn what happened next to Carly Cooper.
However, I was a little disappointed in the end and the book didn’t meet my expectations. The fun-loving, wild, spontaneous Carly has been replaced with a grief-stricken, lonely, overweight middle-aged woman, with very low self-esteem. Throughout the book we are reminded of Carly’s insecurities and flaws; she is unable to accept who she is and has lost the identity that made her character so loveable to begin with. I think this had a major impact on the tone and pace of the story. Reminding myself that this character was now approaching fifty, I still think Low could have embraced a more fun-loving aspect to herself. Instead, it takes Carly nearly all of the novel to rediscover herself and energy, meaning that the last few chapters were actually my favourite.
It feels like the majority of the novel doesn’t really move, quite literally. Carly and her friends are sat around a pool in LA, staying at Sam’s house (a flame from the previous story). The intention is for Carly to re-energise herself, especially as it appears that her marriage has broken down and her sons are on a tour of the east coast of the States. Not wanting to be left alone, Carly’s friends arrange for her to have a mini break and hopefully return home in a better mood.
There is a lot of reference to the previous story. At times, it felt like there was too much of a recap, meaning you could probably get away with not reading the predecessor. This was another element that reduced the pace of the story because Low was reviewing events that had happened so long ago and I had already known. However, at the same time, there remains flashbacks to the previous twenty years, giving readers a true insight into why Carly has not found her ‘happy ever after’ and what she and her friends have been through these past two decades. I liked the transition between the time lines because it made the novel more interesting to read and it did feel like I was catching up with old friends.
Despite my criticisms, I did enjoy reading the book. Although I was always yearning for Carly’s original “pzazz”, I was really keen to see how life had progressed for the main characters. Low again titles every chapter with a song and I loved the music references; quite frequently the song would be stuck in my head for a while after reading and it definitely reflected the mood of the chapter.
Whilst there is a lot of low points and sadness in the novel, Carly’s role as Aunt to Toni was endearing and showed a glimpse of her old character. When the friends move to New York, I thought this was symbolic of Carly breaking free from her negativity and it turns out that this is actually what happens in the city. There begins the start of some fun energy and it is at this point that the novel reminded me of the first book.
I loved the first book; I only liked the follow-up. Personally, I hope Low does not consider another novel in this series because I think it is best the characters are left alone. I can’t see how a third book would offer any new, original material and in my head, I am going to allow myself to believe that all the characters lived a happy, fulfilled, ever after.
With thanks to Boldwood books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
However, I was a little disappointed in the end and the book didn’t meet my expectations. The fun-loving, wild, spontaneous Carly has been replaced with a grief-stricken, lonely, overweight middle-aged woman, with very low self-esteem. Throughout the book we are reminded of Carly’s insecurities and flaws; she is unable to accept who she is and has lost the identity that made her character so loveable to begin with. I think this had a major impact on the tone and pace of the story. Reminding myself that this character was now approaching fifty, I still think Low could have embraced a more fun-loving aspect to herself. Instead, it takes Carly nearly all of the novel to rediscover herself and energy, meaning that the last few chapters were actually my favourite.
It feels like the majority of the novel doesn’t really move, quite literally. Carly and her friends are sat around a pool in LA, staying at Sam’s house (a flame from the previous story). The intention is for Carly to re-energise herself, especially as it appears that her marriage has broken down and her sons are on a tour of the east coast of the States. Not wanting to be left alone, Carly’s friends arrange for her to have a mini break and hopefully return home in a better mood.
There is a lot of reference to the previous story. At times, it felt like there was too much of a recap, meaning you could probably get away with not reading the predecessor. This was another element that reduced the pace of the story because Low was reviewing events that had happened so long ago and I had already known. However, at the same time, there remains flashbacks to the previous twenty years, giving readers a true insight into why Carly has not found her ‘happy ever after’ and what she and her friends have been through these past two decades. I liked the transition between the time lines because it made the novel more interesting to read and it did feel like I was catching up with old friends.
Despite my criticisms, I did enjoy reading the book. Although I was always yearning for Carly’s original “pzazz”, I was really keen to see how life had progressed for the main characters. Low again titles every chapter with a song and I loved the music references; quite frequently the song would be stuck in my head for a while after reading and it definitely reflected the mood of the chapter.
Whilst there is a lot of low points and sadness in the novel, Carly’s role as Aunt to Toni was endearing and showed a glimpse of her old character. When the friends move to New York, I thought this was symbolic of Carly breaking free from her negativity and it turns out that this is actually what happens in the city. There begins the start of some fun energy and it is at this point that the novel reminded me of the first book.
I loved the first book; I only liked the follow-up. Personally, I hope Low does not consider another novel in this series because I think it is best the characters are left alone. I can’t see how a third book would offer any new, original material and in my head, I am going to allow myself to believe that all the characters lived a happy, fulfilled, ever after.
With thanks to Boldwood books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2021
4☆ A Fun Filled, Uplifting Adventure, A Laugh out Loud Must Read
Another Fantastic installment and the sequel to What If? Shari Low has written another Gem!
This Time round fast forward 20 years and Carly is divorced, and panicking when she reluctantly agrees to let her boys go away with their Dad for one whole month. Despite him never taking them & her away, when they was married.
Her best friends (yeap there all back) and Aunt Val rally round to support her. But that comes with a lil bit of tough love.
You see the girls think it's about time Carly got her mojo back and find herself again. She used to be spontaneous, Fierce and Fun. But now she's older and going through a tough time.
So what better way to discover who she is again, than a fun filled girly trip to Los Angeles.
After their last adventure who knows what this trip has in store for them!
Oh my gosh this book is one highly Entertaining, Laugh out Loud, whirlwind of a book. So much hijinks, Second Chance Romance and Drama.
The Characters are just as good as before and what shines through is their close bond and friendship. I wish I had a group of friends like that.
What Now? Does have a bit of a different vibe, but there all older, and it definitely doesn't stop them having fun and getting into all sorts of trouble.
So if you are looking for a Fun, Uplifting, Laugh out Loud Read then I highly recommend you pick up a copy of What Now?
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources & Boldwood books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
Another Fantastic installment and the sequel to What If? Shari Low has written another Gem!
This Time round fast forward 20 years and Carly is divorced, and panicking when she reluctantly agrees to let her boys go away with their Dad for one whole month. Despite him never taking them & her away, when they was married.
Her best friends (yeap there all back) and Aunt Val rally round to support her. But that comes with a lil bit of tough love.
You see the girls think it's about time Carly got her mojo back and find herself again. She used to be spontaneous, Fierce and Fun. But now she's older and going through a tough time.
So what better way to discover who she is again, than a fun filled girly trip to Los Angeles.
After their last adventure who knows what this trip has in store for them!
Oh my gosh this book is one highly Entertaining, Laugh out Loud, whirlwind of a book. So much hijinks, Second Chance Romance and Drama.
The Characters are just as good as before and what shines through is their close bond and friendship. I wish I had a group of friends like that.
What Now? Does have a bit of a different vibe, but there all older, and it definitely doesn't stop them having fun and getting into all sorts of trouble.
So if you are looking for a Fun, Uplifting, Laugh out Loud Read then I highly recommend you pick up a copy of What Now?
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources & Boldwood books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
February 8, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
I realised we were both wearing the same outfit: white jumpers, ripped faded jeans. However, with my size fourteen figure and her size eight, we looked like a before and after poster advertising weight-loss shakes.
…it icked me out even to think about women lusting after my brother, but, to his credit, he only had eyes for Carol. Especially as she’d assured him that she’d take her straightening irons to his pubic hair while he slept if he dared to consider infidelity.
She could have married George Clooney and she’d still have found fault. She always had that sour expression – like her knickers were on too tight.
Christ on a bike, I wouldn’t want to have to Hoover that place. You’d just be finished and it’d be time to start again.
‘Is she the one that did that orgasm scene in the café? Our Josie once copied that at a coffee morning in the community centre. They asked us to leave.’ I turned to Carol. ‘Is it just me, or is she the gift that keeps on giving?’
‘…blame the menopause,’ Val announced, making several people around us choke on their drinks. ‘When I was going through the change, I was forever just blurting out whatever was on my mind. Although, my Don says I’m still doing it, so this must be the longest menopause in history.’
My Review:
I enjoyed every perfectly pitched word of this highly engaging and delightful book. It was definitely giggle-snort worthy. Ms. Low’s storylines and writing style were good fun and sparkled with wry wit, clever levity, and situations that resonated deeply with me. The characters were endearingly quirky, highly invested, tirelessly supportive, and interesting women whom I covet to have as my own circle of friends. My favorite of all was of course Auntie Val. I suspect Ms. Low was following me around and taking notes, although I am not quite as well accessorized. I aspire to ascend to Val’s lofty heights of Auntiedom and colorful fashion sense. I adore Shari Low and am scheming to read all of her past and future scribblings as I am enamored with her deliciously amusing and pleasantly absorbing wordcraft.
I realised we were both wearing the same outfit: white jumpers, ripped faded jeans. However, with my size fourteen figure and her size eight, we looked like a before and after poster advertising weight-loss shakes.
…it icked me out even to think about women lusting after my brother, but, to his credit, he only had eyes for Carol. Especially as she’d assured him that she’d take her straightening irons to his pubic hair while he slept if he dared to consider infidelity.
She could have married George Clooney and she’d still have found fault. She always had that sour expression – like her knickers were on too tight.
Christ on a bike, I wouldn’t want to have to Hoover that place. You’d just be finished and it’d be time to start again.
‘Is she the one that did that orgasm scene in the café? Our Josie once copied that at a coffee morning in the community centre. They asked us to leave.’ I turned to Carol. ‘Is it just me, or is she the gift that keeps on giving?’
‘…blame the menopause,’ Val announced, making several people around us choke on their drinks. ‘When I was going through the change, I was forever just blurting out whatever was on my mind. Although, my Don says I’m still doing it, so this must be the longest menopause in history.’
My Review:
I enjoyed every perfectly pitched word of this highly engaging and delightful book. It was definitely giggle-snort worthy. Ms. Low’s storylines and writing style were good fun and sparkled with wry wit, clever levity, and situations that resonated deeply with me. The characters were endearingly quirky, highly invested, tirelessly supportive, and interesting women whom I covet to have as my own circle of friends. My favorite of all was of course Auntie Val. I suspect Ms. Low was following me around and taking notes, although I am not quite as well accessorized. I aspire to ascend to Val’s lofty heights of Auntiedom and colorful fashion sense. I adore Shari Low and am scheming to read all of her past and future scribblings as I am enamored with her deliciously amusing and pleasantly absorbing wordcraft.
February 8, 2021
The much anticipated sequel to What If? was released January 28, 2021 and it is everything the hype made it out to be.
WHAT NOW? continues the tale of Carly Cooper (but can be read as a stand alone) just 20 years later. After the epic search for her Mr. Right, she is now facing an empty nest of 2 teenage boys with a potential divorce in sight. Life is certainly very different than she expected after all this time, and she is questioning herself and “what now”? Carly sets off to Los Angeles again with her trusty band of girlfriends to try and find the girl she was 20 years ago. Is her marriage worth the effort or is there a new happy-ever-after just around the corner?
This sequel is just as fun, quirky and well written as I anticipated it to be. We find a 40 something pre-menopausal Carly on the brink of divorce with 2 teenage boys, and just trying to figure herself out AGAIN. I totally related to her experiences (both then and now) and had some laugh out loud moments along with her. Lucky enough to have a squad of friends who persuade her to go off to LA (again) to help her try and find her mojo (again) Carly and the girls give us one heck of a crazy ride. It’s nice to see the progression of her character as so many of us experience the same issues as we get older. This was everything I wanted it to be and more. You just have to read it to find out where Carly ends up.
I absolutely highly recommend this book and although it can be read as a stand alone, it will be so much more of an experience for you if you read the first book. Without a doubt 5 stars.
Thank you so much to Shari Low, Rachel Gilbey from Rachels Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for my gifted copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.
WHAT NOW? continues the tale of Carly Cooper (but can be read as a stand alone) just 20 years later. After the epic search for her Mr. Right, she is now facing an empty nest of 2 teenage boys with a potential divorce in sight. Life is certainly very different than she expected after all this time, and she is questioning herself and “what now”? Carly sets off to Los Angeles again with her trusty band of girlfriends to try and find the girl she was 20 years ago. Is her marriage worth the effort or is there a new happy-ever-after just around the corner?
This sequel is just as fun, quirky and well written as I anticipated it to be. We find a 40 something pre-menopausal Carly on the brink of divorce with 2 teenage boys, and just trying to figure herself out AGAIN. I totally related to her experiences (both then and now) and had some laugh out loud moments along with her. Lucky enough to have a squad of friends who persuade her to go off to LA (again) to help her try and find her mojo (again) Carly and the girls give us one heck of a crazy ride. It’s nice to see the progression of her character as so many of us experience the same issues as we get older. This was everything I wanted it to be and more. You just have to read it to find out where Carly ends up.
I absolutely highly recommend this book and although it can be read as a stand alone, it will be so much more of an experience for you if you read the first book. Without a doubt 5 stars.
Thank you so much to Shari Low, Rachel Gilbey from Rachels Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for my gifted copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 19, 2021
I absolutely loved What If? and was excited when Boldwood emailed me about Shari Low's 2021 novel, What Now? Carly was fun and 30 in What If? and now, 20 years on, her life has moved on.
She is a mother to two sons, and has split from her husband. They seem to have a comfortable home and I enjoyed the banter and relationship between her and her sons.
Understandably, she wasn't going to be relaxed and carefree. She now does not have her husband, and the boys don't have their father in their lives so much.
There's something "off" about Carly still, like she's lost her spark. We see her go through the motions of daily life and how her love for her sons fits in. She gets nostalgic for when she was younger and the boys were small. This was done in such a way that it was heartwarming though.
I get the impression that she and her husband Mark were good parents and still are despite their not being together anymore.
Carly does still have her close group of friends, who I really liked. Val is great and everything she says is a real pick-me-up. The friendship between them all is one that has truly stood the test of time and this is uplifting.
What Now? has an air of Sex and the City 2 with a trip of a lifetime for the friends. But will it really be that way? Mark has decided to fly off to the US with their sons and the reveal of that does not come in the best way of moment for Carly.
Well, she thinks she's entitled to do what she wants, too. True, she's hurt and shocked, but they're his sons too. She thinks she may be stuck at home (and here, I had a memory of Bridget Jones in Bridget Jones' Diary. And the song "All By Myself").
Carly does get quite down at some points in this book and she's not as happy as 20 years ago. Pushing 50 and a size 14 (facts which, by the way, seem to drag her down even more) were mentioned a tad too much for my liking. But it did fit to illustrate her low points. If you can see it from that point of view then you'll see this novel is a realistic portrayal of who she is now.
I liked how she relaxed around her friends and I think she did the very best for her sons all the way through the book.
Her ex Sam still has a special place in her heart. He's out in the States too. Will she rekindle some of those feelings she had? Will the trip and being with friends make her feel she has finally "moved on?" or has Carly changed forever despite all the good things in life?
What Now? is such a contrast from What If?, and I loved that. It really showed the progression of Carly's life. Where What If? is funky, throwback "real 90s" and dreamy, What Now? is Carly's reality right now. The rough the smooth, the joys, tears, heartache and the friends who have stuck by her throughout the years.
Each chapter is titled with a song like Sister Sledge's We Are Family. If I could add to it, I'd add the Friends TV show song I'll Be There for You which just fits perfectly to describe Carly's relationships with her friends and how close-knit they are.
I was pleased to find another reference to the TV show ER and George Clooney (and yes, I did find him handsome although I was in my teens and early 20s back when ER was on TV). Carly's and my own passion for that show and the fact we both have the DVDs (one of the best purchases I ever made) was something that made me identify with her.
I'm glad she had her forever friends there to help her out in life.
What Now? is realistic, gripping, thought-provoking (it certainly made me miss friends who weren't in my life anymore because of circumstance). It made me question whether my own life is full enough.
True, Carly does not have the extra challenges I do because of my disabilities, and just personal situation. There is no pandemic in this book.
In short, it made me smile, laugh, feel for Carly and also feel hope. Wonderful escapism from current circumstances.
Although Carly may not be as happy as she is in What If? I feel this is still a feel-good book and is one I enjoyed. It shows Shari Low can write a novel that pulls your heartstrings whatever the characters are feeling.
Thanks to Shari Low and Boldwood Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars.
She is a mother to two sons, and has split from her husband. They seem to have a comfortable home and I enjoyed the banter and relationship between her and her sons.
Understandably, she wasn't going to be relaxed and carefree. She now does not have her husband, and the boys don't have their father in their lives so much.
There's something "off" about Carly still, like she's lost her spark. We see her go through the motions of daily life and how her love for her sons fits in. She gets nostalgic for when she was younger and the boys were small. This was done in such a way that it was heartwarming though.
I get the impression that she and her husband Mark were good parents and still are despite their not being together anymore.
Carly does still have her close group of friends, who I really liked. Val is great and everything she says is a real pick-me-up. The friendship between them all is one that has truly stood the test of time and this is uplifting.
What Now? has an air of Sex and the City 2 with a trip of a lifetime for the friends. But will it really be that way? Mark has decided to fly off to the US with their sons and the reveal of that does not come in the best way of moment for Carly.
Well, she thinks she's entitled to do what she wants, too. True, she's hurt and shocked, but they're his sons too. She thinks she may be stuck at home (and here, I had a memory of Bridget Jones in Bridget Jones' Diary. And the song "All By Myself").
Carly does get quite down at some points in this book and she's not as happy as 20 years ago. Pushing 50 and a size 14 (facts which, by the way, seem to drag her down even more) were mentioned a tad too much for my liking. But it did fit to illustrate her low points. If you can see it from that point of view then you'll see this novel is a realistic portrayal of who she is now.
I liked how she relaxed around her friends and I think she did the very best for her sons all the way through the book.
Her ex Sam still has a special place in her heart. He's out in the States too. Will she rekindle some of those feelings she had? Will the trip and being with friends make her feel she has finally "moved on?" or has Carly changed forever despite all the good things in life?
What Now? is such a contrast from What If?, and I loved that. It really showed the progression of Carly's life. Where What If? is funky, throwback "real 90s" and dreamy, What Now? is Carly's reality right now. The rough the smooth, the joys, tears, heartache and the friends who have stuck by her throughout the years.
Each chapter is titled with a song like Sister Sledge's We Are Family. If I could add to it, I'd add the Friends TV show song I'll Be There for You which just fits perfectly to describe Carly's relationships with her friends and how close-knit they are.
I was pleased to find another reference to the TV show ER and George Clooney (and yes, I did find him handsome although I was in my teens and early 20s back when ER was on TV). Carly's and my own passion for that show and the fact we both have the DVDs (one of the best purchases I ever made) was something that made me identify with her.
I'm glad she had her forever friends there to help her out in life.
What Now? is realistic, gripping, thought-provoking (it certainly made me miss friends who weren't in my life anymore because of circumstance). It made me question whether my own life is full enough.
True, Carly does not have the extra challenges I do because of my disabilities, and just personal situation. There is no pandemic in this book.
In short, it made me smile, laugh, feel for Carly and also feel hope. Wonderful escapism from current circumstances.
Although Carly may not be as happy as she is in What If? I feel this is still a feel-good book and is one I enjoyed. It shows Shari Low can write a novel that pulls your heartstrings whatever the characters are feeling.
Thanks to Shari Low and Boldwood Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars.
February 7, 2021
This is the sequel to What If? which was originally published 20 years ago. What Now? picks up the story 20 years later, finding out how Carly Cooper’s life has turned out. She’s now 20 years older, mum to two teenage boys and her marriage to the love of her life is on the rocks. When her sons go on holiday with their dad, Carly and her life-long friends jet off to Los Angeles to try and rediscover the old Carly.
I loved the previous book, and couldn’t wait to read this one! I won’t tell you who Carly married just in case you haven’t read the first book, but after 20 years the marriage is on the verge of ending. I loved the old Carly, fun, flirty and carefree, but the years have certainly taken their toll on her. She’s a wonderful, loving mother, but it’s obvious to see that ‘fun Carly’ has left the building! She has given up so much for her marriage and her family, feeling that she never gets anything in return. All of her friends are back for this story, except Sarah who has sadly died, and her death has greatly affected Carly more than anything.
Coerced into a holiday in LA, visiting an old friend (and ex!), I just knew the old Carly would resurface somewhere. I loved all the other characters (except Estelle, who I think I would have slapped!!), and the relationship she has with all of her friends is something to be envied. The group are so much more than friends, knowing each other most of their lives, and I would struggle to say which one of them I liked the most!! Their friendship was heart-warming and completely hilarious, making me laugh at the turn of every page.
The book is so easy to read, and the characters and storyline wraps you up like a big hug as soon as you start reading it. It can easily be read as a standalone book, but I would really recommend reading the previous book first to understand Carly’s story! It’s packed to the rafters with life, love and laughter, and I genuinely couldn’t work out what Carly was going to do about her failing marriage. There are no big twists, but the ending fitted Carly’s story perfectly, and I have to admit being just a tiny little bit jealous as to how it all worked out!
There were lots of laughs along the way (cue Aunt Val’s down to earth nature and ‘telling it how it is!!), but there’s also a lot of tears and sadness, particularly when the circumstances around Sarah’s death was revealed. Be prepared for tears, both of the happy and sad variety and have the tissues at the ready! The location of the book may also reduce you to tears, but only because you just really want to be there!!! I bawled my eyes out with how the author teased me with the L.A. skyline, blue skies, swimming pools and endless cocktails!! This was the perfect escapism from the wet, cold, windy weather here at home!!
This was a fabulous revisit to the world of Carly Cooper! A little bit more serious than our first visit, but she’s now a grown up so what do we expect!! Nonetheless it was still just as enjoyable and I was captivated with it by the end of the first chapter! Highly recommended if you need some laughs, a good cry and a dose of L.A. sunshine! Can we expect to see Carly Cooper in another 20 years’ time…I really hope so!! Fab, fab, fab!!
I loved the previous book, and couldn’t wait to read this one! I won’t tell you who Carly married just in case you haven’t read the first book, but after 20 years the marriage is on the verge of ending. I loved the old Carly, fun, flirty and carefree, but the years have certainly taken their toll on her. She’s a wonderful, loving mother, but it’s obvious to see that ‘fun Carly’ has left the building! She has given up so much for her marriage and her family, feeling that she never gets anything in return. All of her friends are back for this story, except Sarah who has sadly died, and her death has greatly affected Carly more than anything.
Coerced into a holiday in LA, visiting an old friend (and ex!), I just knew the old Carly would resurface somewhere. I loved all the other characters (except Estelle, who I think I would have slapped!!), and the relationship she has with all of her friends is something to be envied. The group are so much more than friends, knowing each other most of their lives, and I would struggle to say which one of them I liked the most!! Their friendship was heart-warming and completely hilarious, making me laugh at the turn of every page.
The book is so easy to read, and the characters and storyline wraps you up like a big hug as soon as you start reading it. It can easily be read as a standalone book, but I would really recommend reading the previous book first to understand Carly’s story! It’s packed to the rafters with life, love and laughter, and I genuinely couldn’t work out what Carly was going to do about her failing marriage. There are no big twists, but the ending fitted Carly’s story perfectly, and I have to admit being just a tiny little bit jealous as to how it all worked out!
There were lots of laughs along the way (cue Aunt Val’s down to earth nature and ‘telling it how it is!!), but there’s also a lot of tears and sadness, particularly when the circumstances around Sarah’s death was revealed. Be prepared for tears, both of the happy and sad variety and have the tissues at the ready! The location of the book may also reduce you to tears, but only because you just really want to be there!!! I bawled my eyes out with how the author teased me with the L.A. skyline, blue skies, swimming pools and endless cocktails!! This was the perfect escapism from the wet, cold, windy weather here at home!!
This was a fabulous revisit to the world of Carly Cooper! A little bit more serious than our first visit, but she’s now a grown up so what do we expect!! Nonetheless it was still just as enjoyable and I was captivated with it by the end of the first chapter! Highly recommended if you need some laughs, a good cry and a dose of L.A. sunshine! Can we expect to see Carly Cooper in another 20 years’ time…I really hope so!! Fab, fab, fab!!
December 22, 2020
'What Now' is the sequel to Shari Low's 'What If', the release and story coming 20 years after the original (which I loved and gave an enthusiastic five stars on its rerelease earlier this year). Whereas Carly Cooper was in her late thirties and chasing previous lovers around the globe in the original, the plot of the sequel sees her almost 50, her marriage to Mark failing and her two sons almost grown. Her character has come on quite a journey since her outing in the first novel, falling into domestic not-quite-bliss with Mark and eventually abandoning all of her literary dreams. Shari Low crushes Carly to a shadow of her former self, using this sequel to build her back up. Unfortunately, this means the book is not quite the enjoyable ride of the original.
The bulk of the book sees Carly on holiday with her pals in LA, visiting the gorgeous Sam Morton, trying to forget her husband who is on a trip with their two sons. To me, quite a lot of the story felt like Carly had regressed. She is obsessed with the fact that she has gained some weight, her size 14ness mentioned enough to give any reader a complex really, and agonises over her path in life for the majority of the plot. It is a shame that the trip to LA serves to illustrate Carly being in a rut and moves incredibly slowly. There is a slightly diverting story in New York (no spoilers but it is quite emotional) but the book lacks the pace and excitement of the pursuit of love from the original. A lot of action happens in the last 10% of the book and it is all just a bit unbelievable and convenient. The story is fine but the pacing needs to be fixed for this to have the spark 'What If' captured all those years ago.
Overall, a sweet story but stick to Shari Low's brilliant original if you want something more engrossing. 3 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The bulk of the book sees Carly on holiday with her pals in LA, visiting the gorgeous Sam Morton, trying to forget her husband who is on a trip with their two sons. To me, quite a lot of the story felt like Carly had regressed. She is obsessed with the fact that she has gained some weight, her size 14ness mentioned enough to give any reader a complex really, and agonises over her path in life for the majority of the plot. It is a shame that the trip to LA serves to illustrate Carly being in a rut and moves incredibly slowly. There is a slightly diverting story in New York (no spoilers but it is quite emotional) but the book lacks the pace and excitement of the pursuit of love from the original. A lot of action happens in the last 10% of the book and it is all just a bit unbelievable and convenient. The story is fine but the pacing needs to be fixed for this to have the spark 'What If' captured all those years ago.
Overall, a sweet story but stick to Shari Low's brilliant original if you want something more engrossing. 3 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2021
WHAT NOW? is the amazing sequel to book "WHAT IF?" that has been a bestseller and has really put Shari Low's name on the map for her amazing romcoms and women's fiction books. Twenty years later we follow back up with Carly Cooper and how she is doing and since so many things have happened and two teenage sons later with a pending divorce. She sets out to Los Angeles with her girlfriends to see whether her marriage is worth saving or moving in is the right answer.
I enjoyed reading WHAT IF? and the young, fun, and free spirited Carly then, and the pre-menopausal and forty something Carly that we are reading now in this book. I find that her character is definitely relatable and so well written. I noticed myself laughing and agreeing many times to what Carly is going through. There are a lot of endearing characters and some memorable ones you will remember from the first book that have come back and some such as life have moved on.
The book was very well written - this was certainly an uplifting read that celebrates life, friendships and family, while finding and accepting ourselves despite the changes in our lives. This was fantastic and I loved and enjoyed this book so much!
I enjoyed reading WHAT IF? and the young, fun, and free spirited Carly then, and the pre-menopausal and forty something Carly that we are reading now in this book. I find that her character is definitely relatable and so well written. I noticed myself laughing and agreeing many times to what Carly is going through. There are a lot of endearing characters and some memorable ones you will remember from the first book that have come back and some such as life have moved on.
The book was very well written - this was certainly an uplifting read that celebrates life, friendships and family, while finding and accepting ourselves despite the changes in our lives. This was fantastic and I loved and enjoyed this book so much!
January 30, 2021
I enjoyed reading 'What If?', the previous book in this series, which is set twenty years ago when Carly Cooper set off to see if any of the men she'd loved and split up with were actually her Mr Right. Having decided one of the was, twenty years and two sons later she's reconsidering her choices and has separated from her husband. Her best friends and Aunt all get her to realise that she's left behind her wild, adventurous self and they set out to help her rediscover herself by travelling over to America with her. Get ready for more journeys, trips down memory lane, meeting up with folks from her past, going viral on the internet, being arrested and several romances, including a second chance romance for Carly! This is another fun read and such a lovely change to go back to visit characters I'd read about to discover what they've done with their lives since the initial story.
Aunt Val is still hilarious! Her besties are totally the best and the story has a lovely mix of humour and kindness as well as some thought provoking scenarios, too. Can Carly re-invent herself as the fun-loving person we met in 'What If?' or has time erased that from her personality? You'll have to read it for yourself and journey with this great gang to find out and discover the role of a cheese grater in it all, too!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
Aunt Val is still hilarious! Her besties are totally the best and the story has a lovely mix of humour and kindness as well as some thought provoking scenarios, too. Can Carly re-invent herself as the fun-loving person we met in 'What If?' or has time erased that from her personality? You'll have to read it for yourself and journey with this great gang to find out and discover the role of a cheese grater in it all, too!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
February 17, 2021
I believe I am in the minority of readers of What Now? by Shari Low in that I have not read the first book, What If?.
Occasionally, I thought perhaps I should have read book one first, but I had no problem following and enjoying the story as a stand-alone. The author gives enough backstory to make the story flow.
The characters are entertaining and relatable. Several subplots involving the next generation and a few new players add great dynamics, and Val nearly stole the show. I’ve been told she appears in several of the author’s books. This tidbit alone will make me read more of Ms. Low’s books.
Our main character, Carly Cooper, uses comedy & sarcasm to deal with her life issues. For the most part, this worked well in the book. Her banter with her sons is quite entertaining. I wish I were that witty.
While the romance is a predominant part of the book, I felt that the real story was the connection between lifelong friends. The way they deal with tragedy, life, problems, and romance made the story special. The way they have each other’s back after all these years is amazing.
I recommend What Now? to lovers of fun, witty, sarcastic romantic comedy.
Occasionally, I thought perhaps I should have read book one first, but I had no problem following and enjoying the story as a stand-alone. The author gives enough backstory to make the story flow.
The characters are entertaining and relatable. Several subplots involving the next generation and a few new players add great dynamics, and Val nearly stole the show. I’ve been told she appears in several of the author’s books. This tidbit alone will make me read more of Ms. Low’s books.
Our main character, Carly Cooper, uses comedy & sarcasm to deal with her life issues. For the most part, this worked well in the book. Her banter with her sons is quite entertaining. I wish I were that witty.
While the romance is a predominant part of the book, I felt that the real story was the connection between lifelong friends. The way they deal with tragedy, life, problems, and romance made the story special. The way they have each other’s back after all these years is amazing.
I recommend What Now? to lovers of fun, witty, sarcastic romantic comedy.
January 4, 2021
I absolutely loved Carly’s adventures in ‘What If?’ set 20 years prior to this follow on. It was great to step back in time to an age when computers and the internet were not so readily available. It was a simpler time, and it really allowed Carly’s story to play centre stage. So, I was excited that the author was bringing out a follow-on and we were going to see what Carly and her motley crew were up to 20 years later.
I have mixed emotions after reading the book, on the one hand, I really enjoyed it, and I’m glad we got more of Val who has been seen in lots of Shari Low’s other books. The amusement level of this book was off the scale; I wish I could be as witty as these characters. However, on the other hand, I wished we’d left Carly with her happy ever after and not destroyed that bubble. I know that’s not what life is like, there are ups and downs in reality, but when I enter these worlds, it’s to read about the happy endings and the forevers of couples dancing off into the sunset. To suddenly have the end of a book I enjoyed so much torn up and to effectively start again was discombobulating. I think it was even more so as I’d only read the first book a few weeks ago so it was all fresh in my mind and I still had the happy glow from the perfectness of Carly’s story.
We saw Carly happily married to her childhood sweetheart, Mark. However, now they have split, and she is reevaluating her life that has become one big plod fest! Wacky antics are afoot when Carly, Val and the girls head off to LA to visit Sam one of her exes and get some long needed Vitamin D. Lots of ups, downs, and drama make for a fun read.
I can’t say the book was as gripping as the first as Carly’s attitude, which was very downtrodden and depressed made me read the book at the same pace she moved. Overall, I’m glad I read the book even if it was just to see Val a little more, but I still think it would have been better off left at the end of ‘What If?’
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
I have mixed emotions after reading the book, on the one hand, I really enjoyed it, and I’m glad we got more of Val who has been seen in lots of Shari Low’s other books. The amusement level of this book was off the scale; I wish I could be as witty as these characters. However, on the other hand, I wished we’d left Carly with her happy ever after and not destroyed that bubble. I know that’s not what life is like, there are ups and downs in reality, but when I enter these worlds, it’s to read about the happy endings and the forevers of couples dancing off into the sunset. To suddenly have the end of a book I enjoyed so much torn up and to effectively start again was discombobulating. I think it was even more so as I’d only read the first book a few weeks ago so it was all fresh in my mind and I still had the happy glow from the perfectness of Carly’s story.
We saw Carly happily married to her childhood sweetheart, Mark. However, now they have split, and she is reevaluating her life that has become one big plod fest! Wacky antics are afoot when Carly, Val and the girls head off to LA to visit Sam one of her exes and get some long needed Vitamin D. Lots of ups, downs, and drama make for a fun read.
I can’t say the book was as gripping as the first as Carly’s attitude, which was very downtrodden and depressed made me read the book at the same pace she moved. Overall, I’m glad I read the book even if it was just to see Val a little more, but I still think it would have been better off left at the end of ‘What If?’
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
February 22, 2021
I was happy to be back with Carly Cooper and her girls. And also delighted that there are 'chick-litty' books about women in their 40s. Normally this age-group features only in 'romance dramas' that are either melancholy, boring and/or have at least one heavy blow of fate.
Well, Carly's life hasn't been exactly a breeze either, she had some heartaches to endure. And yes, they are dealt with in this book as well! But still, the whole book never lets you feel down, thanks to Shari Lows great writing style that I've become to adore over the past couple of years.
This book is a sequel to Lows very first novel "What if" (published 20 years ago), and although Carly sums up the necessary bits and pieces as she goes along, I would highly recommend reading the first part.
There you get a better picture on who her friends are (character-wise) and what kind of character Sam really is. Because here he is very seldomly part of the story, which consists mainly of Carly lying on the pool and chatting to her friends, and here and there she throws in some flashbacks. There is not so much action going on. All the touristy things they do in L.A. are summarized in one paragraph! Yes, there is a trip to NYC, but I would have liked a little bit more.
Also, the circumstances of how she gets into a very special situation that she mentions in the first chapter - and most importantly how she gets out of that situation - are too easily solved. After reading the whole book until finally coming back to the Carly from chapter 1 I expected more.
However, I still highly enjoyed "What Now?", and wouldn't mind at all to meet the girls again a couple of years down the line. And what happens with Carly after she finally makes up her mind where life will take her next!
Well, Carly's life hasn't been exactly a breeze either, she had some heartaches to endure. And yes, they are dealt with in this book as well! But still, the whole book never lets you feel down, thanks to Shari Lows great writing style that I've become to adore over the past couple of years.
This book is a sequel to Lows very first novel "What if" (published 20 years ago), and although Carly sums up the necessary bits and pieces as she goes along, I would highly recommend reading the first part.
There you get a better picture on who her friends are (character-wise) and what kind of character Sam really is. Because here he is very seldomly part of the story, which consists mainly of Carly lying on the pool and chatting to her friends, and here and there she throws in some flashbacks. There is not so much action going on. All the touristy things they do in L.A. are summarized in one paragraph! Yes, there is a trip to NYC, but I would have liked a little bit more.
Also, the circumstances of how she gets into a very special situation that she mentions in the first chapter - and most importantly how she gets out of that situation - are too easily solved. After reading the whole book until finally coming back to the Carly from chapter 1 I expected more.
However, I still highly enjoyed "What Now?", and wouldn't mind at all to meet the girls again a couple of years down the line. And what happens with Carly after she finally makes up her mind where life will take her next!
May 29, 2024
Another amazing listen in this series after a pause to listen to the 1st thst I didn't realise existed what if, back to this and now on to the 3rd what next.
I think from my library it's clear how much I enjoy this author and also the narrator Helen McAlpine who has covered so far most if not all of those I've listened to on audiable they make an awesome team.
This story picks up fantastically from What If? It covers various subjects not just filled with the as always adored love, fun, humour, and deep friendships otherwise known as framily, which reminded me of those close to me in my life.
Taking to NYC helps put to bed some misunderstandings for many in this friendship and family group and had me in tears, the delivery of this poignant part hit deep as did much of this book.
It also raises the subject of revenge porn etc and how from book 1 in the 90s now in this time frame showing how differently the next generation of their children's lives are. With this being said, as always they all stand together through every trial and tribulation no matter what. Isn't that what love is? Family is what we make it after all, the friends we choose that become more than just someone we know.
Now on to the 3rd What Next, let's be having you... more time with my audiable framily delivered by Shari Low.
#Allthestars
#Highlyreccomended
#sharilow
#helenmcalpine
I think from my library it's clear how much I enjoy this author and also the narrator Helen McAlpine who has covered so far most if not all of those I've listened to on audiable they make an awesome team.
This story picks up fantastically from What If? It covers various subjects not just filled with the as always adored love, fun, humour, and deep friendships otherwise known as framily, which reminded me of those close to me in my life.
Taking to NYC helps put to bed some misunderstandings for many in this friendship and family group and had me in tears, the delivery of this poignant part hit deep as did much of this book.
It also raises the subject of revenge porn etc and how from book 1 in the 90s now in this time frame showing how differently the next generation of their children's lives are. With this being said, as always they all stand together through every trial and tribulation no matter what. Isn't that what love is? Family is what we make it after all, the friends we choose that become more than just someone we know.
Now on to the 3rd What Next, let's be having you... more time with my audiable framily delivered by Shari Low.
#Allthestars
#Highlyreccomended
#sharilow
#helenmcalpine
February 1, 2021
So I started to read this book and stopped and back tracked to read the first book because while you don’t have to read the first to get what’s going on, I wanted to read about Carly in her carefree days. I’m so glad I did too because it just made this story so much better. I loved Carly and all her relationships, and how cringe worthy she can still be even after all those years later. This story made me laugh, groan at her decision making and even cheer her on wondering if I would make the same decision. I think if you were a fan of Sex in The City or even Bridget Jones you will absolutely love this story.
May 27, 2025
Wat een frustratie bij dit boek omdat het niet ging zoals ik wou, maar wat was het spetterend!!! En het einde was ook top!!! Dankje Din, voor het uitkiezen van deze serie. Het is geweldig. Gaat het over iets zinnigs? Nee zeker niet. Maar is het een lekkere feel good roman met humor en houd ik ervan? Oh yeah!
July 25, 2025
I enjoyed this book — it was full of the sharp, witty humour I’ve come to love from Shari.
I didn’t find it quite as gripping as the first in the series - I felt that Carly lost a bit of the spark that made her so compelling initially. That said, glimpses of her old self did shine through, especially in how she handled situations with Toni. Thankfully by the end of the book, she seemed to reclaim her voice and energy which made for a satisfying conclusion.
I’m happy with how things wrapped up and am definitely looking forward to reading the third book.
I didn’t find it quite as gripping as the first in the series - I felt that Carly lost a bit of the spark that made her so compelling initially. That said, glimpses of her old self did shine through, especially in how she handled situations with Toni. Thankfully by the end of the book, she seemed to reclaim her voice and energy which made for a satisfying conclusion.
I’m happy with how things wrapped up and am definitely looking forward to reading the third book.
January 28, 2021
Having recently read ‘What If’ for the first time (and loved every word of it!) I was over the moon to have received a copy of ‘What now’. It was everything I hoped for and more.
In ‘What Now’ we re-join Carly Cooper and her besties although we are 20 years on from where we left them in ‘What If’. Carly is mum to two teenage boys and when her soon-to-be ex-husband drops a bombshell on her, Carly’s friends are there to stage an intervention. One that sees the girls all jetting off to LA to catch up with another of Carly’s exes Sam Morton, accompanied by Aunt Val (who is hilarious!).
This book will make you laugh (mainly) but there are parts where it will no doubt also reduce you to tears. As Carly faces up to some of the demons that have been troubling her for the last few years, can she leave them in the past and move on? Will she ever feel happiness again? Or is the fun-loving Carly we all came to know and love in ‘What of’ a thing of the past?
This is a must-read!!!!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
In ‘What Now’ we re-join Carly Cooper and her besties although we are 20 years on from where we left them in ‘What If’. Carly is mum to two teenage boys and when her soon-to-be ex-husband drops a bombshell on her, Carly’s friends are there to stage an intervention. One that sees the girls all jetting off to LA to catch up with another of Carly’s exes Sam Morton, accompanied by Aunt Val (who is hilarious!).
This book will make you laugh (mainly) but there are parts where it will no doubt also reduce you to tears. As Carly faces up to some of the demons that have been troubling her for the last few years, can she leave them in the past and move on? Will she ever feel happiness again? Or is the fun-loving Carly we all came to know and love in ‘What of’ a thing of the past?
This is a must-read!!!!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
April 4, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed What If? but this book just didn’t do it for me. I found Carly pretty insufferable and couldn’t wait to finish it.
February 7, 2021
Carly has fallen into a bit of a slump after ending her marriage. All the plans she had to grab life by the horns and do all the things she had to put on a back-burner – she has done none of them. Her friends decide it is time for an intervention. A subtle, well okay not so subtle attempt to jump start their friend back into the joys of life.
In the perfect follow-up to What If, this is the story of what happens after Carly has found her happily ever after only to find that sometimes it doesn’t last forever. Sometimes Mr Right is only Mr Right for a certain period of time or the fading glow of initial love starts to fade away.
Although this is a romcom it’s also a snarky and honest look at relationships, marriage and indeed the glossy masquerade of love and how we experience it. Taken in Kodak moments the reality of life is something more like the experiences Carly has, as opposed to the alleged sanctity of a relationship born from intense passion, shy blushes and optimistic visions of the future.
The author combines both aforementioned elements to create an amusing, yet often quite sad and introspective read, about life after the so-called perfect relationship has become routine and disappointing. What happens when our expectations aren’t met, which some of us are happy to ignore, others however would rather live life to the fullest whilst they can. This is the perfect example of someone determined to do that.
*I received a courtesy copy*
In the perfect follow-up to What If, this is the story of what happens after Carly has found her happily ever after only to find that sometimes it doesn’t last forever. Sometimes Mr Right is only Mr Right for a certain period of time or the fading glow of initial love starts to fade away.
Although this is a romcom it’s also a snarky and honest look at relationships, marriage and indeed the glossy masquerade of love and how we experience it. Taken in Kodak moments the reality of life is something more like the experiences Carly has, as opposed to the alleged sanctity of a relationship born from intense passion, shy blushes and optimistic visions of the future.
The author combines both aforementioned elements to create an amusing, yet often quite sad and introspective read, about life after the so-called perfect relationship has become routine and disappointing. What happens when our expectations aren’t met, which some of us are happy to ignore, others however would rather live life to the fullest whilst they can. This is the perfect example of someone determined to do that.
*I received a courtesy copy*
February 5, 2021
Carly and her amazing friends are back, 20 years later and things are looking very different. Recently divorced, child free for a while and at a loose end can only mean one thing! Girl trip!
I am so pleased we got another chance to hang out with Carly and the girls. I adored their friendship and shenanigans in What If? And loved a second visit into their lives. This time we begin with Carly in a rut. Down and a much calmer version of her previous self it was quite heart breaking to see. What’s amazing is her friendship with her girls is still very strong and along with Aunty Val (who appears in several of Shari’s novels), they manage to convince her to add a little adventure and spark back into her life. The bond between these ladies spans decades and is so strong. I have a strong group of friends and reading this really reminded me of them. I love how they are all honest but adore each other. Each friend brings a different personality and perspective into things, but they all share a common goal – to restore Carly back to herself. Carly is a wonderful character, full of life and energy and I love her spirit.
It was a pleasure to join the girls on yet another road trip and I devoured this book. I laughed, cried and sighed throughout and I highly recommend.
I am so pleased we got another chance to hang out with Carly and the girls. I adored their friendship and shenanigans in What If? And loved a second visit into their lives. This time we begin with Carly in a rut. Down and a much calmer version of her previous self it was quite heart breaking to see. What’s amazing is her friendship with her girls is still very strong and along with Aunty Val (who appears in several of Shari’s novels), they manage to convince her to add a little adventure and spark back into her life. The bond between these ladies spans decades and is so strong. I have a strong group of friends and reading this really reminded me of them. I love how they are all honest but adore each other. Each friend brings a different personality and perspective into things, but they all share a common goal – to restore Carly back to herself. Carly is a wonderful character, full of life and energy and I love her spirit.
It was a pleasure to join the girls on yet another road trip and I devoured this book. I laughed, cried and sighed throughout and I highly recommend.
February 23, 2021
Carly's been living the dream with her presumed soulmate, two kids, a house, a career with dreams politely shelved and no (*cough cough*) regrets, until one day...she's not. I mean, she still has the great kids, house, and career-type outlook in the works, but the soulmate has left the building. What's a girl to do?! Carry on, and so she does...until another monkey wrench comes flying her way and suddenly ducking for cover is no longer an option, and hiding away won't be tolerated by those who love her most. Can we say ROAD TRIP? Okay, well there is a road, but they take the skyway, and along the way discover oh-so-many-more things about themselves, each other, and the world around them...including the fact that love comes in many forms, not every soulmate results in a happily ever after, never take on a clan of "mama bears", and true love can strike twice!
If I've left you intrigued, GOOD! You should be...and it's well warranted. If you're a fan of Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, or Chick Lit, this is definitely a book you won't want to miss. By the turn of the final page, you'll feel like one of the gang...and I can't think of a better group to be counted as one!
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
If I've left you intrigued, GOOD! You should be...and it's well warranted. If you're a fan of Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, or Chick Lit, this is definitely a book you won't want to miss. By the turn of the final page, you'll feel like one of the gang...and I can't think of a better group to be counted as one!
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
February 9, 2021
What Now? is the sequel to What If? the story that began it all. It is feisty, fresh and funny with standout characters, emotion and relatability. Carly's life after almost twenty years isn't quite what she imagined. Her sons are everything she wanted, but her marriage is over after years of making do. Her vulnerability is undeniable when Mark her soon to be ex-husband arranges to take the boys away on the family holiday they always promised themselves.
Carly's caring friends organise a trip to LA to stop make her realise that proves to be a revelation and forces her to confront past decisions. There is so much to love in this story, especially the friendships, the laughter and the romance.
A lovely escapist read full of emotion and laugh out loud moments.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Carly's caring friends organise a trip to LA to stop make her realise that proves to be a revelation and forces her to confront past decisions. There is so much to love in this story, especially the friendships, the laughter and the romance.
A lovely escapist read full of emotion and laugh out loud moments.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
January 15, 2021
Well-defined characters, good story, great dialogues - this book has it all. I was invested in Cooper's story right from page 1 and now I want to know what happens next.
This is one of the better books I have read in 2020. It made me laugh and it made me cry. I haven't read the first book in the series yet (I didn't know about it before) but I will surely pick it up now. Not reading the first book didn't make a difference while reading this one.
Thanks to Netgalley, Shari Low, and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
This is one of the better books I have read in 2020. It made me laugh and it made me cry. I haven't read the first book in the series yet (I didn't know about it before) but I will surely pick it up now. Not reading the first book didn't make a difference while reading this one.
Thanks to Netgalley, Shari Low, and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
March 29, 2021
After reading the first instalment I couldn’t wait to read the next one. I’ve got to admit, this one didn’t have me as hooked at the beginning as the first book but I was so invested in the characters, I had to find out what happens. I’m so thankful I did! This book was brilliant! I laughed and cried and loved it so much! Definitely give it a read! Gutted there isn’t another book now, I want to find out more. Maybe in another 20 years from now😉
February 10, 2021
This book was really a page-turner. I could not out it down. It was funny, entertaining and just an all round good book. I totally recommend it, you won't be disappointed.
July 28, 2021
What a fabulous follow up with Coop and her friend families. Loved it from start to finish.
April 7, 2022
Sequel to what if? Enjoyed them both
January 6, 2024
It was a bit repetitive of ‘what if’ at the beginning but I ended up enjoying it more, now time to see what happens next in ‘what next ‘ 🥰
Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews