The Next Thing You Know

by Jessica Strawser

A musician facing the untimely end of his career. An end-of-life doula with everything, and nothing, to lose. A Star Is Born meets Me Before You in this powerful novel by the author of A Million Reasons Why.

As an end-of-life doula, Nova Huston’s job—her calling, her purpose, her life—is to help terminally ill people make peace with their impending death. Unlike her business partner, who swears by her system of checklists, free-spirited Nova doesn’t shy away from difficult clients: the ones who are heartbreakingly young, or prickly, or desperate for a caregiver or companion.

When Mason Shaylor shows up at her door, Nova doesn’t recognize him as the indie-favorite singer-songwriter who recently vanished from the public eye. She knows only what he’s told her: That life as he knows it is over. His deteriorating condition makes playing his guitar physically impossible—as far as Mason is concerned, he might as well be dead already.

Except he doesn’t know how to say goodbye.

Helping him is Nova’s biggest challenge yet. She knows she should keep clients at arm’s length. But she and Mason have more in common than anyone could guess… and meeting him might turn out to be the hardest, best thing that’s ever happened to them both.

The Next Thing You Know is an emotional, resonant story about the power of human connection, love when you least expect it, hope against the odds, and what it really takes to live life with no regrets.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Book Club, Drama, Adult

352 pages, Hardcover

First published March 22, 2022

About the author

JESSICA STRAWSER is the USA Today bestselling author of seven suspenseful book club novels featuring strong women put to the test, including ALMOST MISSED YOU, NOT THAT I COULD TELL (a Book of the Month selection), A MILLION REASONS WHY, and THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW (a People Magazine Pick). Her two most recent novels, THE LAST CARETAKER (a 2023 Amazon Editors First Reads Selection) and CATCH YOU LATER (new in October 2024) have both become instant bestsellers on the USA Today charts.

She is Editor-at-Large for Writer’s Digest, a contributing editor for Career Authors, and a popular speaker at writing conferences at reader-focused events.

Her work has appeared in The New York Times' Modern Love, Publishers Weekly, and other fine venues. She lives with her husband and two children in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she is the recipient of a 2024 Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award. She is a member of Tall Poppy Writers, Fiction Writers Co-op, and Women's Fiction Writers Association. Connect with her on Twitter @jessicastrawser and Facebook and Instagram @jessicastrawserauthor. Visit jessicastrawser.com to learn more.

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Ms. Strawser, you didn’t just pull out the emotional cords of mine by writing this extremely heart wrenching story, you just tore apart those cords! I know what I’m signed for as soon as I read the blurb: “A star is born” meets “me before you” definition gives enough clue the hero’s fate at the end! But before reaching the end, I already started uncontrollably sobbing because I got invested into both characters and a little piece of me still kept hopes up for least devastating conclusion! But… it didn’t happen!

I’m a trainwreck with my stained mascara, blotchy face and red eyes! I procrastinated to read this book for three weeks because I know the author is brilliant and her book will be the ruin of me! It’s like knowing not to put your hand on the hot stove but you do it anyway even though you have to suffer from consequences!

Let me give you more details about the plot and characters while I’m dabbing my eyes and sniffing more.

The book opens with Mason Shaylor’s appointment with Kelly Monroe. Then we get informed Kelly is the director “Parting you way” which is specialized doula program to help you assist throughout your dying process. But Mason is only 38 and Kelly’s entire program focused on elderly people but she knows someone who can provide the service Mason needs!

Then we’re introduced to Nova, biker, free spirited, at the same age with Mason. I have to admit: I don’t like her at first. She’s not quirky, kind hearted Louisa Clark! I had hard time to connect with her. But Mason gives the entire Will Traynor vibes from the beginning. (he’s not quadriplegic and he’s not an adrenaline junkie like Will but common thing about them is Mason’s degenerative condition in his right arm which affect his career as musician. Losing his musician self means losing entire identity ! )

The story moves between past and present with dual POVs give enough clues to understand the characters’ lives and things they’ve been through make them who they are right now!

I kept questioned what happened to Mason in the past? Did an accident seal his fate or did he do this to himself?

I have to warn you about the ending: some of you will hate it because it hurts you more than you expected with some heart shattering revelations! If you recently lost your loved one or if you still try to deal with your grief, this book is not great fit for you.

If you are tough enough to rip the Band aid off at one time, just go blind, keep your napkins, boxes of absorbent paper products close and don’t hold your tears, you’re gonna shed gallons of them!

Ms. Strawser broke my heart into millions of pieces but I loved her creative and sentimental writing style. Even though this book was one of my heaviest and hardest reads with the ultra depressing subject choice, I still enjoyed her meaningful words and genuine characterization. I’m looking forward to read more works of her.

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

[Michael David (on hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nova Huston is an end-of-life doula. What that means is that she helps people who are dying in many ways…offering a sympathetic shoulder, helping with funeral arrangements, acting as a mediator between the family and the terminally ill person, being a companion. She works for her friend, Kelly’s, business.

Mason Shaylor is an up and coming indie singer-songwriter. He already has quite the following, and was up until recently about to break into the mainstream. Nova has never heard of him until now, when he comes to her for her doula services. He has a deteriorating condition that doesn’t allow him to play guitar anymore, and he tells her he’s dying.

Nova is not sure how to work with Mason and provide the support he needs to find peace before it’s his time to go, but she goes out of her way to try.

The next thing you know…they start to bond, and neither of them realize how hard it may be to say goodbye.

What a pleasant surprise this book was. I was honestly dreading the thought of reading it after perusing some trusted reviews, but I ended up really enjoying it. It’s a quiet and heartfelt story with memorable characters, an emotional plot, and an unpredictable story arc.

I was able to connect with the characters, which I wasn’t expecting, and really wanted things to somehow work out the way they would in a happier story. All in all, everyone’s reading experience is different…and that’s what keeps book chatter interesting. This was a win for me.

Kudos to the author for her diligent research on end-of-life doulas. It was very eye-opening to read about what they do…and don’t do.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Now available.

Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me way, way too long to get through.
Once I got going, I was interested, but the book includes a couple of things that I don't connect with.

First some good things:
This is an emotional story, when I first heard it was about an "end of life doula" and then heard the comparison to Me Before You, I assumed that a death doula was someone who helped people with assisted suicide. It took me a while to figure out that it wasn't the concept at all, and I actually really enjoyed learning about this type of job and how it can be such a valuable thing to people.
I liked the character of Willow, I'm not always a fan of child characters, but I did like her and what she added to the story.

Now for what I didn't like:
I don't like storylines where a person is wrongly accused and spends the entire book trying to prove their innocence. It gives me so much anxiety and since Nova is basically accused of doing something wrong from the beginning, I spent the majority of my reading of this book alternately annoyed and anxious.
There are many, many points of view, and those points of view are in the past and present. I got lost many times not remembering whose head I was in or at what point of the timeline.

Overall this is an interesting story, but it just took me a very long time to read and when I got done I wasn't touched emotionally like I should have been (and have been with similar books). I thought the pacing was too slow and convoluted to help me to become emotionally invested, and plus I didn't really care about most of the characters either.

I can see why others have really liked this book, and in the hands of the right reader who can just go along for the ride it will probably resonate.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[Catherine (alternativelytitledbooks) - tired of sickness! · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Jessica Strawser for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 3.22!**

"Sometimes I think life is a terminal illness."-Spencer Tracy

You may have heard of doulas who deliver babies...and postpartum doulas who help new parents care for themselves and their new baby after birth...but have you ever heard of a death doula? These particular doulas provide care in a very different way: they serve to help those who know their time on earth is nearly up safely from life to death, dealing with all of the logistics and smoothing the transition, allowing a person who is terminally ill to focus on what REALLY matters with the time they have left. At Parting Your Way (pun intended, mostly), Kelly and Nova handle these clients, Kelly exclusively catering to the elderly set, while Nova handles clients of any age.

When rocker Mason Shaylor walks in the door, neither doula is acquainted with him or his fame, his career at a current standstill after injury has prevented him from playing his beloved guitar. But since Mason falls at the younger end of the spectrum, he is quickly paired with Nova. What neither expects, however, is a blossoming kinship, set against the backdrop of a ticking clock. What does fate hold in store for these two...and will secrets held close to the prove destructive to any chance of hope that love can miraculously conquer all?

The blurb for this book compares this story to Me Before You, and in some ways...this is almost painfully accurate. So much so that it almost felt that this plot was inspired by that one, but with the added twist of the death doula casting a new light on the situation. However, where the characters of Louisa and Will absolutely carried Moyes' book, this one had a somewhat substantial cast...and I have to say, I did not connect with a single person. I'm not sure why this was, but what started out as a feeling that maybe it would take a while to dig deeper into their collective psyches instead became the sad realization that nothing about these characters felt REAL.

Mason was supposed to be the gruff and cynical rocker (not so successfully) burying his pain...but I didn't buy it. He didn't ever seem inaccessible or unpleasant to begin with, just a bit boring. Nova was in some ways just as bad...painted at the beginning as a bit of a wild child, I didn't get that feel from her through her dialogue, her actions...or anything else. All of the other characters, including Kelly's daughter Willow, were equally bland. In a novel that needs you to MOURN, you first have to build a connection to feel any sense of loss (or fear of loss!) in this sort of plot. Since I didn't have it, the emotional component was completely absent and THAT was a loss keenly felt.

This timeline also constantly bops back and forth, from past to present and back again, and arbitrarily has a few chapters here and there narrated by others outside of our two leads, and I'm not sure there was a need. It was confusing enough to keep track of when and where we were at without adding more narrators. There is also a fair amount of time spent on subplots, from Mason's relationship with his family to Nova's dealings with her own, reporters, and the like, and none of the excess felt like it helped establish the main theme. I didn't buy into the relationship between Mason and Nova, and for this book to truly work, that is essential.

I do feel that Strawser picked an interesting topic in death doulas to explore that I haven't read about before, and I applaud her for thorough research and thinking outside the box. Unfortunately, I think I would have been more interested by some of the research materials Strawser cited at the end of the book than this novel itself...and might have even had more of an emotional connection as well. My favorite part of the book takes place at King's Island (being the roller coaster fanatic that I am) but even that portion 'stalled' in its own way (no spoilers!) I know Strawser has the goods, but after recently reading a book about grief, love, and music that DID touch my heart, The Next Thing You Know just didn't quite hit the mark.

3 stars

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up!

Death with Dignity laws are in the books in the District of Columbia, and ten States-California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. These acts allow for Physician assisted death-or medical aid in dying under very SPECIFIC guidelines.

DEATH DOULAS on the other hand CANNOT intervene medically or ASSIST with the death process-instead they step in to provide assistance in planning for the end of life-filling in the gaps that Hospice or Funeral providers cannot provide, offering grief support and companionship for Patients and their families. Although not a new practice in many other cultures, it is a newer movement in Western countries.

The synopsis of this book describes it as “A Star is Born” meets “Me Before You” and I am happy to report, that it is accurate!

Mason Shaylor, is an Indie singer-songwriter with a deteriorating medical condition which makes playing his guitar physically impossible.

He seeks out an “End of Life Doula” to help him make peace with his goodbyes, and is assigned to Nova Huston.

But when her methods are questioned and a patient threatens a malpractice suit against “Parting Your Way”, a holistic practice she shares with its founder, Kelly Monroe, the law offers little precedence.

AND, nobody realizes that Nova is also grieving for Mason on a personal level as they had become quite close.

Although I enjoyed learning more about “End of Life Doulas”, this is a very dialogue driven story, and I didn’t find it to be particularly riveting.

BUT, the author does introduce the concept with sensitivity, and her research is evident.

I DO think that this would make an EXCELLENT choice for book clubs, as I DO think the idea is MISUNDERSTOOD. If your group can respectfully discuss polarizing topics, this book could offer one of your more scintillating conversations.

This was a buddy read with DeAnn. Be sure to read her fantastic review!

NOW AVAILABLE!!

Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the early gifted copy! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m familiar with the concept of doulas. My step-daughter was a postpartum doula for years. But this is the first I’ve heard of an end-of-life doula. But that’s what Nova Houston is. And unlike Kelly, her partner, who only accepts elderly clients, Nova will work with anyone. Her client, Mason is a 36 year old indie songwriter and performer. He’s also not one to share much information, despite Nova’s best efforts. When he dies in a car accident, his mother is looking for someone to blame, which ends up being Nova.
The book is told in present and past tense, from the POVs of Nova, Kelly, Mason and other secondary characters. The characters at times came across as cliches - the emotional doula, the by-the-book doula, the client unable to accept all life could still offer. The ending was also unoriginal and I could see it coming from early on. I’m usually an emotional reader, but I was dry eyed and unimpressed.
The story came across as a little too “woo-woo” for me. It was like Strawser was trying to see how much emotional drama she could fit in one story. But she raises some interesting questions about our responsibility to others, assisted suicide, our personal rights over our bodies. She also gets it right about how gray and blurred the doula position can be when it comes to providing comfort and friendship.
I do think the book could make for an interesting book club selection, given the topic.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

[Terrie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Next Thing You Know" by Jessica Strawser is Women's Fiction with a hint of Suspense!

Nova Houston is an End-of-life Doula trained to assist terminally ill clients. This assistance may be providing comforting practices, helping clients reflect on their life as they come to terms with their approaching death, as well as, logistics for the time before, during and after death.

Nova isn't a list checker though and because she thrives on viewing life from outside the lines rather than inside, she's willing to take on the most heartbreaking and difficult clients. She welcomes work that is both challenging and purposeful.

Is this why she takes on Mason Shaylor as a client?

Mason is an up and coming indie singer-songwriter who has mysteriously disappeared from the music world. He has a debilitating medical condition that makes it physically impossible to play his guitars and he feels his life is over. Nova doesn't know any of this. The only thing she knows is Mason is dying, because that's what he tells her.

This is a story about living life as usual, then 'the next thing you know' everything changes. Something unexpected happens, in good and not so good ways. It's all in the perspective of those it impacts...

This is the first book I've read by this author and it remains my favorite. The premise, which sounds different, caught my attention and the author writes with a touch of suspense added to Women's Fiction which makes her stories more interesting and immersive. I love that little something extra!

There's edginess to this story with diverse characters and lots of pieces and parts that are both tragic and inspiring. It has a great twist at the end and, overall, I thought it was both creative and entertaining.

I flew through this audiobook narrated by Christa Lewis who does a phenomenal job with voicing for all the characters. I will definitely listen to this one again and have purchased a print copy for my personal library.

This book touched me and gave me all the feels! 5 beautiful Doula stars!!

[Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/3.5 stars

Nova Huston is an end-of-life doula who helps terminally ill people make peace with the impending death. She is a free spirit who will take on any client. When Mason Shaylor shows up, she does not recognize him. He is a singer-songwriter who recently disappeared from the public eye. He tells her that his life is over, that his deteriorating has made playing his guitar extremely difficult. Helping Mason say goodbye is what she does, but why is it so hard?

Jessica Strawser writes interesting, relevant, and often thought-provoking books. I have enjoyed every book she wrote that I have read. She is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects and she does so again in this book. I thought I would love this one and although, I didn't love this one, I did enjoy it. I have the privilege of having the audiobook and kindle version and it was nice to go back and forth between the two. I enjoyed the narrator and how she did the voices.

There are a lot of emotions that occur surrounding death, losing a loved one, being terminal. I appreciated that she tackled them in this book.

My main issue with this book was not being able to connect with the characters. None of them stood out for me. I usually connect with characters in her books and I wonder if she was too focused on getting the facts right, that her characters paid the price?

I appreciate the author's research and tackling of a difficult subject. A solid book that I hoped to have been more wowed by.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com

[DeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Made Me Think Stars - now available

I have really enjoyed the three previous Jessica Strawser books that I’ve read and this one might have the slight lead to be my favorite. Strawser is not afraid to explore complex issues and this time she tackles death doulas. I think her books make excellent choices for books clubs because they raise issues and make you think which can lead to a great discussion!

Nova and Kelly are two death doulas working together in Cincinnati. Terminally ill people might seek a death doula to reconcile things before their death, they could be legal issues, family issues, but are often relationship issues. The doulas don’t dispense any medical care or legal advice but can be advocates for their clients. Kelly tends to do things by the book while Nova doesn’t shy away from difficult cases.

They have a surprise client one day, a younger man than they usually see at 36, but they know that a terminal diagnosis can come at any age. Nova begins to work with Mason and he’s a tough nut to crack. He doesn’t open up as much as other clients and he’s got a lot of anger that he’s now unable to play the guitar and his arms are losing strength. As Mason and Nova slowly grow closer, she struggles with how to help him say goodbye and forgive himself and others.

An angry family member gets the police involved and legal action is threatened against Kelly and Nova. The author highlights the fact that death doulas are not licensed, thus not having the protections of therapists or lawyers.

This one really got to me, and I admit I shed some tears at the end. I find myself still thinking of the characters and how life isn’t always fair. I do like the concept of death doulas, and I think a lot of us could use some help with a meaningful departure from the world.

This made for some interesting discussion with Jayme and I as we buddy read this one. I think I liked it more than she did but be sure to read her review to read why!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the copy of this one to read.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason came to Parting Your Way to partner with a Death Dula. Nova is assigned to his case by her partner Kelly. Fast forward to several months later when Mason's mother Bonnie is knocking on their door. She wants answers. Reporters are on the scent. Is it possible to know what really happened to Mason? Jessica Strawser's narrative uses several POVs including Kelly's young daughter Willow and "Then" and present timelines to show us the complete picture. The musical component of the plot is especially compelling and helps tie it all together. Along the way you will find yourself pondering your own mortality. This is not a place we are comfortable. Yet, we are all in the same boat in this respect. Death is inevitable. Knowing that, how are we living? How are we preparing for that end? This reminded me of some of the Jodi Picoult titles that I have enjoyed in that the compelling narrative forces you to look hard truths straight in the eye. This is my favorite from Strawser so far.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom ~ Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

Thank you to St. Martins Press and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sheyla ✎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have liked Jessica Strawser's other work so you could understand how excited I was to dive into The Next Thing You Know.

Nova Huston is an end-of-life doula. She works for Kelly Monroe at Partying Your Way. Kelly is also a doula and she and her daughter Willow have formed a friendship and a bond with Nova.

End-of-life doulas can be their client's support system, the go in-between with family. They can guide their clients with their legal issues and end-of-life care. End-of-life doulas are also there to help with the mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of their journey. Kelly's way of working is more by the book. She's responsible and loves to follow protocol. On the other hand, Nova just goes more with her gut feeling. Nova also takes the cases Kelly doesn't like to do, for example, a young person their age dying. So when Mason Shaylor comes knocking, Kelly immediately passes him to Nova.

Mason tells Nova he has a deteriorating condition and there is nothing left to be done to help him. After a rocky start, Nova takes him as her new client and she's hopeful she can help him with his transition.

Then we switched to the present where Nova is in trouble and Kelly's business might be in danger of closing. Mason's mother has made an accusation against Nova. First to the police and then to the media. Nova's world is imploding while she mourns her loss too.

The Next Thing You Know was thought-provoking and also quite informative. I knew all about Hospice and end-of-life care but not about doulas and the extra help they could bring to a patient in the right setting. Most of the time is quite hard for patients and families to accept hospice coming in and helping. I believe the last time I saw a statistic, hospice was underused. Most people are only in hospice for a median average of 24 days so not enough time to actually use all its benefits.

Death for most people is not an easy topic to discuss. Patients and family members tend to avoid talking about advance directives. Yet, the one constant is that we are all going to die so it would be nice if we can get the help we need during the end of our life. A support system, helping with pain, acceptance of the inevitable, seeking forgiveness, dealing with unresolved feelings and regrets. I can see the use of end-of-life doulas in this regard.

Even though I liked this book, I didn't like the ending quite that much. I thought the explanation was just too out there for my liking. Other than that, I have no qualms about recommending it.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Next Thing You Know by Jessica Strawser is best described as a contemporary romance with a side of drama. This is definitely not the happily ever after kind of romance but actually needs a trigger warning for suicide. The story in The Next Thing You Know is one that is told by changing the point of view between a few of the characters and also taking place in a before and after timeline style.

Nova Huston is a end-of-life doula, she helps terminally ill clients settle all of their final affairs being that rock that many need in their life during that time. Mason Shaylor came to Nova’s business wanting to hire Nova but was very vague on just what his prognosis could be. Nova could see that something was going on with Mason’s arm preventing him from playing music which was his passion in life but what Nova doesn’t expect is to begin to have feelings for Mason as she tries to help him.

The Next Thing You Know by Jessica Strawser is the type of novel that let’s you know early on a big event that has happened then takes you back to piece together they how and why. The story is an emotional one with some drama thrown into the mix but there wasn’t much that was surprising to the story as it went on. I did enjoy the characters and the story but felt this one just wasn’t as strong as other books I’ve read from the author in the past with it being sort of predictable leaving my rating at three and half stars.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Theresa Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy release day!

Nova joined Kelly’s practice a year ago. They are death doulas, which means they help people in the last days or weeks of their life with a variety of issues. They are not licensed medical professionals, although both completed a certification program. Single mother Kelly does everything by the book, something Nova decidedly does not. She goes even more off track when she gets an unusual client. Mason is only 36 years old, although of course a terminal diagnoses can come at any age.

Mason is a talented musician well known to those people who understand music, although not with the population at large, which is why Nova doesn’t recognize him. His arms are in constant pain from overuse and botched surgeries, and Mason doesn’t know how to live without playing the guitar all the time. Nova tries to get him to see the things he can still do, but this just draws him further from her.

When he dies under questionable circumstances, his angry mother wants to blame Nova and, by extension, Kelly, for his death. When reporter who cares more about personal success than the human lives she screws up runs with the story from the mom's point of view, it could mean catastrophe for Kelly’s business. The instinct to blame is understandable, though it still pisses me off. I liked the way Nova’s backstory unfolds, as well as her time with Mason.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

A story of life and loss that is also a story of hope, and of finding a path forward following loss. A story that also manages to be uplifting, and leave you pondering this story of a life and all of the questions left unanswered at the end of a life.

This is the first of Jessica Strawser’s books that I’ve read, and I loved this introduction. Last year I read another book that included a death doula, which left me thinking about the profound and genuine love someone must have to spend their days caring for how others prepare for the end of those days. It is one thing to care for a member of your family, and hope for a gentle end for them, it is another to make it your career.

Despite the topic, this is a story filled with an abundance of genuine, caring gestures, love and hope. Nova Huston is one of two end-of-life doulas, working with her partner, Kelly Monroe. Kelly goes by a system, a checklist of questions, answers, and a clear, defined path based on the client. Nova chooses to navigate each situation by listening for their needs, and personally connecting and caring for them. Not surprisingly, most of their clients are elderly, so when Mason, a young musician, requests their services, Nova enters the picture.

This is an emotional story, which shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it is also a thought-provoking one. The families of those involved add some drama, as well. Losing a loved one, and the pain involved for the families involved is also part of this story, as is an element of not honoring their wishes.

Ultimately, this is a story of hope, as well as the loss of hope, and love, and even the transformative power of love.


Published: 22 Mar 2022

Many thanks for the ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press

[Jessica Strawser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A STAR IS BORN meets ME BEFORE YOU in my new novel, coming your way in March 2022. Writing this book during the isolation of the pandemic took on a whole new layer of meaning—I can't wait for you to meet these characters who've been keeping me such good company for the past 18 months!

I hope you'll add it to your shelf for a full description and lots more info coming soon.

[Bkwmlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The past 2 months have been extremely exhausting for me due to having to deal with several major crises at work. Things have been rough and even though we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I anticipate that it will take several more months for things to truly settle down. I mention this because, as much as I tried to prevent it, the physical and mental exhaustion from work unfortunately seeped into my personal life as well. Over the past couple weeks especially, there were way too many moments where I struggled to summon up enough energy (both physically and mentally) to pick up a book and just read — either my mind would wander (inevitably to something related to work) or I would be so tired physically that I would doze off after a couple pages. Normally, reading is a “de-stressor” for me; it’s something I look forward to after a long, difficult day filled with more challenges than I feel I’m equipped to handle. Because of this, my current circumstances of not being able to concentrate as much as I want to on something I love and enjoy is extremely frustrating, to say the least. Having said all this though, one thing I do know is that this situation is only temporary and I’m pretty confident that, in the not too distant future, I will be able to emerge from this difficult period and get back into the groove of my usual reading routine.

Part of the reason I decided to start this review with the above (aside from me just needing to vent so I can finally get this off my chest), is because going through what I did the past few months helped me to better relate, on some small level, with the main characters in this book (though of course, my situation pales in comparison to the truly “life and death” struggles that the characters face). Nova Huston is an end of life doula whose job is to help the terminally ill who are seeking to make peace with their impending deaths. Mason Shaylor is a singer-songwriter facing the grim prospect of a debilitating condition not only putting an end to his career, but also to life as he knows it. The two cross paths when Mason hired Nova to help him come to terms with his decision. As they spend more and more time together, Mason and Nova find that they have more in common than either of them expected, and when a connection forms that deepens their relationship, that makes it all the harder to let go.

Truth be told, prior to reading this book, I had absolutely no clue what a “death doula“ was. With the marketing for this book comparing it to Me Before You (which I personally feel is unjustified, as both stories are nowhere near similar), I had the misconception at first (as it seems many other readers did) that a doula was someone who helped with assisted suicides. That’s an incorrect assumption of course, and the story goes to great lengths to explain what a doula actually does. In this regard, I felt that the author, Jessica Strawser, did a good job shining a light on a profession that few people know much about. As I’m usually big on learning something when I read, I definitely appreciated this aspect of the story and Strawser’s efforts here.

Overall, I liked this one quite a bit — it was a solid story with an interesting premise that was well-written and obviously well-researched. Having said that though, the story itself was the slow-burn type and also meandered a bit at times, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it did leave me wondering at some points where Strawser was trying to go with the plot and characters. I felt that the structure of the story was interesting as well, with the narrative alternating between the perspectives of both the two main characters as well as a few others — though with that said, the timeline jumping back and forth between past and present as often as it did made parts of the story a little hard to follow at times.

Ever since her debut novel 5 years ago made a pretty big impression on me, Strawser has become an auto read author for me. While not all of her subsequent works were “hits” for me, most were enjoyable enough that I would say my overall experience reading her books has been a positive one. One of the things I really like about Strawser’s books in general is that she does try to reinvent herself every so often by attempting different genres, often while exploring difficult themes. I continue to look forward to Strawser’s upcoming works.

Received ARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: March 22, 2022

What would you do if you lost the ability to do the one thing that makes your life worth living? Mason Shaylor is faced with just this situation when a botched surgery leaves him with limited movement in his arms and hands, ending his career as a musician. Nova Huston is a “death doula”, a professional who helps those with terminal illnesses through their final stages of life. When Nova meets Mason, she doesn’t recognize him as the famous musician he once was, and he doesn’t reveal to her exactly what he wants her services for. Nova and Mason are both struggling with difficult pasts, and unsteady futures, but together they just might be what the other needs.

“The Next Thing You Know” is the newest novel by Jessica Strawser (author of “Almost Missed You”, “A Million Reasons Why” and others). As a huge fan of Strawser, it was a no-brainer for me when I was offered the oppourtunity to read and review her newest novel, and I’m so glad I got the chance.

“Next Thing” is creative, beautiful and emotionally profound, tugging at the heartstrings in a way no novel since “Me Before You” has done. Romantic and thought-provoking, Strawser introduces the world of “death doulas” and how we, as a human race, consider our own end-of-life.

Mason and Nova are great characters, so dysfunctional and humanly flawed that they are instantly likable and relatable. The novel is told from various timelines (when Nova and Mason meet, and after a life-changing event) and is told from the perspective of a few of the main characters (although Nova and Mason are the main players, we hear from Kelly, Nova’s business partner and Willow, Kelly’s daughter). Although the alternating timelines can be a bit confusing, by the end of the novel it makes absolute sense why Strawser told it in this manner, and it completely fits.

I was so beyond grateful that the reality of what happened to Mason was revealed at the end. Since Strawser did not give anything away until the final pages, I was worried it would be one of those “make your own assumptions” endings, where the reader was left to speculate. I am so glad Strawser did not go this route, and instead provided a definitive answer to the major question of the novel.

“The Next Thing You Know” is creative, and had me running the gamut of emotions. It was thought provoking and entertaining, and I was pulled into the plot from page one.

[Greta Samuelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this one a couple hours ago but I wanted to think about my rating. I’m hovering between 3 and 4 stars and I’m going to settle on 3 stars.
Very interesting and thought provoking premise. Nova is a death doula - which is something like a complementary part of the end-of-life care team.
She has been though some things in her life that brought her to this career but you won’t learn another that until about 1/2 way through the book.
You will meet a couple of her patients but the other main character is a young patient that will come to her seeking care.

I think this was basically a pretty good book but I did find myself picking up my phone to play a game or scroll mindlessly rather than read many times. It was good but not great - maybe Strawser could have had a little more editing done so that it didn’t feel like the same wheel spinning for too long sometimes.

On a positive note, I do think that in our culture (I live in the US) we are super uptight about death and one of the messages in this book was to give people permission to die on their own terms- I hope that some people who read this one are helped by this.

If you read this one, let me know what you thought of it.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring book that makes you want to live your best life. Strawser show's us how impactful a death doula can be when someone is at the their lowest point. This book had me flying through the pages to find the hidden truths that make upthe relationship between Mason and Nova.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this 4 + stars ~ it is very good but
I am stingy in giving 5 star ratings ~
I save that rating for "100% Perfect"!
I put this on my TBR list because I love Jessica Strawser’s stories. I went into this cold; I honestly knew ‘nothing’ about this story. When I started it I thought hmm I know ‘doulas’ help new moms. In fact, one of the gifts to our daughter on the birth of her first baby was help from a doula. I am sure I am not the only one who wasn’t aware of an ‘end-on-the life’ doula ~ one who helps terminally ill patients accept and make peace with facing death.
I read Me Before You and yes laughed and cried when I read that story. This term wasn’t used but as we know it was ‘Louisa Clark’s role!

This story starts when Mason Shaylor makes a dreaded appointment with Kelly Monroe the director of ‘Parting You Way’ an ‘end-of life’ doula program. We know 38-year old Mason is seeking assistance and we believe for an elderly member of his family however we find out that he is like Will Traynor from the book “Me Before You” and he is the one who is looking for assistance. He is a musician/songwriter who has a degenerative condition in his right arm ~ however information from him is slow and difficult to get out of Mason. When Kelly finds out that he is the one looking for assistance, she assigns Nova Huston, who is close to his age and is a bit of a ‘free spirit’. At first I wasn’t sure I liked Nova. She had me wondering about her experience as well as her professionalism. We learn early on that something happened to Mason ~ was it an accident or did he want to do harm to himself?
Story goes back and forth between then and now. We gain a much better understand of both Mason and Nova…their relationships as well as more about them. We soon love both of them; but Willow Monroe is my favorite!
Story is engaging but inpatient me wanted to get to the bottom of …what really did happened to Mason?

This is, as you might suspect, an emotional story.

I went to the ‘Acknowledgements’ early in the story as I wanted to read about the research Ms. Strawser did and also her motivation for writing this story. She said that one of the first things she did was become a regular listener of the “Ask a Death Doula” podcast with founder Suzanne B. O’Brien, R.N. with a background as a hospice and oncology. Ms. Strawser said the pandemic has brought a whole new meaning of this concept to everyday people.
I believe readers will find the ‘Acknowledgments’ very informative!


Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 22, 2022

[Christina McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breathtaking, emotional and compelling novel with powerful themes of life and death, The Next Thing You Know is a poignant look at love and hope, and the importance of living every moment with no regrets. Unflinching and unforgettable, this one will crack your heart open and slowly stitch it back together.

[Val (pagespoursandpups) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was attracted to this story because I find that I love stories about grief. The grief in this book was different than what I expected though. It was more about the grieving that occurs when the person you have known yourself to be is no longer possible. So the grief is about losing yourself.

Such an interesting topic - a death doula who assists those who are facing death with helping to come to terms with their prognosis as well as helping them to get their affairs in order. I haven't read anything regarding this topic before, so I was intrigued. Mason is a musical performer on the brink of stardom when he is dealt a devastating blow. The hands that have driven him closer to his dream with his guitar, are now rebelling against him. Without his music, without his life on the road, without the roar of the crowd, he wonders who he is. He consults with a death doula, Nova, who fills a void in his life by listening and not assuming what he is thinking. Nova has her own ghosts to deal with. She is fulfilling a passion - finding a job where she feels purpose and contentment. The two find a comradery and a shared attraction. A devastating car accident is woven through the story so that the timeframes and chapters are labeled "before" and "after".

This book took me longer than expected to connect with and enjoy the story. I looked down to see that I was at 76% completed when I finally really felt vested in this story. The way that the chapters jumped around in point of view and timeframe did not feel smooth. In fact, it was jarring to me. There were a few chapters that seemed a little thrown in. I also never quite understood the strained relationships with the main characters' mothers.

All that to say that just because I didn't connect with this one does not mean I think no one else will. I have seen good reviews on this book, so I feel like this one just didn't hit me in the intended way. I did not consider this a bad read, rather just an okay read for me. I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I wanted to. It almost felt like there was a glass partition between us. Toward the last third of the story I definitely felt that glass move out of the way, but by then it felt a little too late.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC to read and review. Pub date: 3.22.22.

[Chelsey (a_novel_idea11) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a moving novel unlike any other book I’ve read before. I loved the overall premise, the mixed timelines and multiple narrators. I also always enjoy medical dramas and the fact that this featured death doulas, which was a new concept to me, had me extra intrigued.

My gripes with this one was the pacing. It felt a little slow and I didn’t have much problem setting it down. It’s also one of those books I could never remember the title although the title makes sense toward the end of the novel.

The end really turned around and became incredibly emotional and moving for me, making this a solid 3.5 stars but I had to round down because I just don’t think it’s a book that will really stick with me.

Strawser is an auto read author for me and I love how every novel of hers is so different. This book was incredibly well researched, so unique, and written really well. If you’re looking for a different read and can handle a slower pace, this is one you can’t miss.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy of this novel.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Total Me Before You vibes! Except, I didn't cry. I don't think I could go through those emotions again so I am happy this reading experience remained tear-free for me. The Next Thing You Know gives you many questions to ponder in terms of end-of-life doula services and liability. I learned so very much about the concept of death wellness and I think the doula service is a beautiful support for the one facing death and the family that lives on. Part mystery, part romance, and a whole lot of education/perspective. Good book!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Next Thing You Know by Jessica Strawser is a unique story about end of life choices and how Death Doulas provide mental, spiritual and practical comfort and assistance to the terminally ill.
The story focuses on Nova, a death doula. She breaks the rules of her profession by becoming personally involved with a client.
The story was slow paced throughout with an exceptional ending!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting premise – but not for me. Both the writing and development were wonderfully done. The back-and-forth timeline worked really well in this situation. I had no complaints with the presentation. It was probably the frame of mind that I find myself in these days – so not going to punish a wonderful author for my mood. I’ll leave this one without a rating for now. And someday, I might give it another go.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bittersweet. Compelling. Thought-provoking. Insightful. Poignant.

Talented bestselling author and storyteller Jessica weaves a beautiful story of love and loss with THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW.

Her best yet! I LOVED this book. An ideal choice for books clubs and further discussions. A fitting title and a stunning cover. Hauntingly beautiful, yet uplifting, this story will grab you from the first page to the last, and the characters linger long after the book ends. Hats off to the author for tackling this emotional story with grace and compassion.

Meet Nova Huston, an end-of-life doula. She is a free spirit and lives life in the present. She also has a way with her patients or clients. She is also a cancer survivor.

Her business partner (Parting Your Way), Kelly, assigns her a new case. Mason implies he has a terminal condition but never says the terminal illness or how long he has to live. He is not the typical senior at the end of life but a young man.

His name is Mason Shaylor, and he is a 36-year-old singer-songwriter-musician and quite successful and well known. However, he can no longer play or perform due to an unsuccessful surgery. He thinks his life is over since he can no longer play the guitar. What is he to do now?

He is pretty depressed and has no interest in teaching music or going on the road to talk about his tragedy. He signs up for an end-of-life Doula. He even has Nova go to the music shop to sell his beloved Gibson guitar. He learns much from the wonderful wisdom of Nova and some of her other patients.

Mason and Nova get very close. She gets him. More so than any of his family. They become romantically involved. However, she urges him to try new things and make every day count with the time he has left.

Then the unspeakable happens. An accident. A tragedy. A pending lawsuit. Fingers are pointed at Nova. She cannot believe this. Soon, his producer Dex uncovers evidence, which sheds light positively for Nova and Mason. Things are not as they appear.

"He'd gone to a death doula to say goodbye, And somehow, she'd saved his life instead."

From then to now, from Nova and Mason, beautifully rendered, with compassion and sensitivity, Strawser pens a beautiful love story. We also hear from Willow and Dex near the end. The song was poignant and loved every word.

Heartbreaking, emotional, yet uplifting. What a journey: from loss, grief, love, forgiveness, and acceptance. A lesson for us all: "to live in the present moment." You never know who will come into your life with the power to change you and them.

Thank you so much, Jessica, for this wealth of information and beautiful story. Very educational. This was definitely a book for me. I had already been researching Doulas so this was a real treat. What an intimate experience. I have read already many of the books she has referenced and will be reading the few others, I missed. I was fascinated by everything I learned.

As a baby boomer myself about to go into my 70s, single and no family or close friends here in Florida, this is always on my mind. My sons are out of state in NC with busy lives and I want to prepare. Even though my will and end-of-life documents and cremation, etc. are complete I am missing this valuable piece. I love the idea of a DOULA. Everyone needs one. Who wants to die alone, but often out of dignity, we do. Hospice, nurses, or doctors will not be there. Often family members are not there around the clock. Their service fills the gap.

For years, families have been using birth coaches called doulas to help make the childbirth experience more comfortable and supportive for mothers. Now, both volunteer and professionally trained doulas are offering guidance during the end-of-life period as well which makes perfect sense.

Like many of you possibly, I just spent years dealing with my mom's cancer and dad's heart health issues and was their POA and executor, facilitating end-of-life decisions and fighting hospice doctors, hospitals, and lack of care and personal attention. At the same time hiring live-in specialized nurses until it was time to move to hospice—a horrible experience. Not what I had planned for them when they passed. Often if you experience this firsthand, you see the missing link. Not something my parent's generation thought about or planned for. A Doula would have been perfect for the personal attention and the missing link.

I think they serve so many purposes as we see in the novel. I love listening to their stories. Often times a dying person can share their wishes with a Doula, whereas would not open up to their own family, as we see in the novel. Since reading this wonderful story, I have watched several interviews with Suzanne B. O'Brien, R.N. and her wonderful Ask a Death Doula podcast, as well as interviews of other EOLDs, insights, and references.

I hope with all the baby boomers we will shake things up a little and bring this to the forefront where it belongs. We all need that special attention. These are gifted people. We should not be afraid to speak about death. I think this topic scares most Americans. We all want to die with dignity and hopefully pain-free. But we cannot wait until the last minute. This is something that needs to be planned. We all need to be educated about the dying experience, with no regrets, forgiveness, and make our wishes known. They offer tools of empowerment.

Have some Kleenex handy. Fans of Nicholas Sparks, Jo Jo Moyes, Rochelle Weinstein, and Jodi Picoult will enjoy this one.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by the lovely Christa Lewis and enjoyed her soft, soothing voice offered a pleasant listening experience. I was hanging on her every word while she drew you into the sitting and the conversations. This is a TOP audiobook, and I would highly recommend the audio and the book to accompany.

Thank you dearly to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for an ARC ebook and audiobook and for the opportunity to read this special book.

Ironically, after reading THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW, I read an ARC, the memoir Winter Stars: an elderly mother, an aging son, and life’s final journey which is also out on the same day, March 22. It is also superb and highly recommend. I loved the two women who lovingly took care of his mother down to death at age 105- they even made her burial dress and knew everything she wanted down to the last detail with special care and attention which totally surprised the son.

Blog Review posted @ www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating 5/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ++
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[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

PUB DAY REVIEW:
THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW
by Jessica Strawser
St. Martin’s Press

Jessica is one of my favorite authors -- and a Cincinnatian to boot -- and she never disappoints as she picks topics that fascinate and alter one's perspective. I was completely captivated by the story of death doula Nova, who co-runs a Cincinnati service for the dying, and Mason, a famed singer-songwriter, who shows up at her door.

He seeks help letting go of life as he deals with a devastating condition that has robbed him of hope and his ability to play guitar. What transpires is a relationship that surprises them both as they cope with what could be his death.

I won't spoil the tale by revealing more about this must-read book for Strawser's many fans -- and for lovers of beautifully told narratives and endearing characters you won't forget. Brava, Jessica!

Thanks to @jessicastrawserauthor, @stmartinspress, and @netgalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.

#thenextthingyouknow #jessicastrawser #stmartinspress #NetGalley #deathdoulanovel #contemporaryfiction
#cincinnatibasedauthorandbook #cincinnatiauthors #josephbethcincysigning
#bookstagramcommunity

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poignant, hopeful, and sweet!

The Next Thing You Know is a tender, moving tale that immerses you into the life of grief-stricken, end-of-life doula Nova Huston as she navigates the shock, heartache, sorrow, guilt, regret, blame, secrets, and questions that come to life after the sudden death of musician Mason Shaylor a man who started as a client but quickly became something a lot more.

The prose is sensitive and smooth. The characters are multilayered, genuine, and conflicted. And the plot is an absorbing tale about life, loss, love, grief, family, friendship, introspection, heartbreak, romance, and the intricacies of end-of-life care.

Overall, The Next Thing You Know is an intense, compelling, touching tale by Strawser that does a lovely job of highlighting just how powerful love is and reminds us to always savour every moment because life can often change in a heartbeat.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Next Thing You Know is a powerful, emotional roller coaster of a book. Nova is an end-of-life doula and Mason, although a young man, becomes her client. The relationship between Nova and Mason is multi-faceted and compelling, tinged with sadness, with genuine moments between them despite the secrets they keep from each other. There are many layers to this story, as well as twists and turns, and complicated relationships between all the characters—all of which kept me turning pages, eager to find out how it would all turn out in the end.