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The Next Best Day
Beloved and bestselling author Sharon Sala brings you a brand-new contemporary romance filled with second chances, new beginnings, and a Southern small town you won't want to leave.
Fans of Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs will love this new story filled with:
A fresh start for a young teacher to build the life she's dreamt of
A second chance at romance for a single dad
The warm and uplifting small-town community cheering them on
After two back-to-back life-changing events, first grade teacher Katie McGrath left Albuquerque for a fresh start in Borden's Gap, Tennessee. She is finally back in the classroom where she belongs, but it will take a little while for her to heal and feel truly like herself. She'll need to dig deep to find the courage it takes to try again—in life and in love—but with some help from her neighbor Sam Youngblood and his adorable daughters who bring her out of her shell, her future is looking brighter than she dared imagine.
Fans of Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs will love this new story filled with:
A fresh start for a young teacher to build the life she's dreamt of
A second chance at romance for a single dad
The warm and uplifting small-town community cheering them on
After two back-to-back life-changing events, first grade teacher Katie McGrath left Albuquerque for a fresh start in Borden's Gap, Tennessee. She is finally back in the classroom where she belongs, but it will take a little while for her to heal and feel truly like herself. She'll need to dig deep to find the courage it takes to try again—in life and in love—but with some help from her neighbor Sam Youngblood and his adorable daughters who bring her out of her shell, her future is looking brighter than she dared imagine.
456 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 8, 2022
317 people are currently reading
3711 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
280 books2,304 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
November 19, 2022
EXCERPT: Katie holed up in her apartment for the entire week that would have been her honeymoon. She slept away the shock, then ate away the rage, and ignored the phone calls from everyone but Lila. Those she took, only to reassure her best friend that she was still kicking. By the time she was ready to go back to Saguaro Elementary, she had her game face on.
It took that week of solitude to remind herself that, in the grand scheme of things, her heart had been broken, but nobody had died. She was tougher than some man's lies. She didn't need a man to take care of her. She didn't need anyone, ever again.
ABOUT 'THE NEXT BEST DAY': A fresh start for a young teacher to build the life she's dreamt of
A second chance at romance for a single dad
The warm and uplifting small-town community cheering them on
After two back-to-back life-changing events, first grade teacher Katie McGrath left Albuquerque for a fresh start in Borden's Gap, Tennessee. She is finally back in the classroom where she belongs, but it will take a little while for her to heal and feel truly like herself. She'll need to dig deep to find the courage it takes to try again—in life and in love—but with some help from her neighbor Sam Youngblood and his adorable daughters who bring her out of her shell, her future is looking brighter than she dared imagine.
MY THOUGHTS: The last thing I expected when I began The Next Best Day by Sharon Sala was that I would be reading about a drug cartel, familial abuse, and an elementary school shooting. This read was sure full of surprises! Not all of them pleasant.
I loved the main character, Katie. What a wonderfully inspiring teacher and person she is. And Sam is equally wonderful in his own way; a dedicated and loving father, a pillar of the community. I love the little town of Borden's Gap, Tennessee, that Katie moves to for her new start in life, and where Sam lives.
I didn't much like the storyline involving Mark and his wife. It was extraneous and detracted from the main story. It would have been enough just to hear from Lila that he didn't get his HEA. I didn't need a front row seat. Then, after having bits of Mark's story scattered throughout, it's never really finished off.
This is my first book by Sharon Sala, so I don't know if she routinely includes these violent episodes in her books. I was looking forward to a heartwarming small town story, which I got. But I was not expecting the violence, and it didn't sit well with me, and nor did it seem to gel with the rest of the book. Will I read more from this author? Yes, because I loved the Katie/Sam story. But if these random threads of violence are a trademark of Sala's, our relationship will be short lived.
⭐⭐⭐.4
#NetGalley
I: @sharonkaysala_ @sourcebookscasa
T: @SourcebooksCasa
THE AUTHOR: As a farmer's daughter, and then for many years a farmer's wife, Sharon Sala began writing because she hated her job, but it was the love of the craft that kept her writing. Her first attempts were stuffed under her bed to be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of life with a growing family. It wasn’t until the tragic losses of two close family members that she vowed to follow through on her earlier dreams of writing. She joined writers groups and attended conferences to learn the craft.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sourcebooks, Casablanca, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Next Best Day by Sharon Sala for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
It took that week of solitude to remind herself that, in the grand scheme of things, her heart had been broken, but nobody had died. She was tougher than some man's lies. She didn't need a man to take care of her. She didn't need anyone, ever again.
ABOUT 'THE NEXT BEST DAY': A fresh start for a young teacher to build the life she's dreamt of
A second chance at romance for a single dad
The warm and uplifting small-town community cheering them on
After two back-to-back life-changing events, first grade teacher Katie McGrath left Albuquerque for a fresh start in Borden's Gap, Tennessee. She is finally back in the classroom where she belongs, but it will take a little while for her to heal and feel truly like herself. She'll need to dig deep to find the courage it takes to try again—in life and in love—but with some help from her neighbor Sam Youngblood and his adorable daughters who bring her out of her shell, her future is looking brighter than she dared imagine.
MY THOUGHTS: The last thing I expected when I began The Next Best Day by Sharon Sala was that I would be reading about a drug cartel, familial abuse, and an elementary school shooting. This read was sure full of surprises! Not all of them pleasant.
I loved the main character, Katie. What a wonderfully inspiring teacher and person she is. And Sam is equally wonderful in his own way; a dedicated and loving father, a pillar of the community. I love the little town of Borden's Gap, Tennessee, that Katie moves to for her new start in life, and where Sam lives.
I didn't much like the storyline involving Mark and his wife. It was extraneous and detracted from the main story. It would have been enough just to hear from Lila that he didn't get his HEA. I didn't need a front row seat. Then, after having bits of Mark's story scattered throughout, it's never really finished off.
This is my first book by Sharon Sala, so I don't know if she routinely includes these violent episodes in her books. I was looking forward to a heartwarming small town story, which I got. But I was not expecting the violence, and it didn't sit well with me, and nor did it seem to gel with the rest of the book. Will I read more from this author? Yes, because I loved the Katie/Sam story. But if these random threads of violence are a trademark of Sala's, our relationship will be short lived.
⭐⭐⭐.4
#NetGalley
I: @sharonkaysala_ @sourcebookscasa
T: @SourcebooksCasa
THE AUTHOR: As a farmer's daughter, and then for many years a farmer's wife, Sharon Sala began writing because she hated her job, but it was the love of the craft that kept her writing. Her first attempts were stuffed under her bed to be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of life with a growing family. It wasn’t until the tragic losses of two close family members that she vowed to follow through on her earlier dreams of writing. She joined writers groups and attended conferences to learn the craft.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sourcebooks, Casablanca, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Next Best Day by Sharon Sala for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 8, 2022
First grade teacher Katie McGrath decides to move to Borden’s Gap, Tennessee, and she needs a fresh start. Katie hasn’t had an easy life, she was abandoned as a newborn baby, she grew up in foster care, her fiancée let her down, and there was a violent incident at the school she taught at in Albuquerque.
Moving to a small town is what Katie requires, she rents a cute cottage and everyone is really friendly. Over the summer she tries to overcome her fears, she walks the neighbors dog, the cutest six years old ever, Evie and Beth live across the road from her and they cheer her up with their endless questions.
Katie is still suffering from PTSD, she’s plagued by bad dreams and the twin’s father Sam Youngblood is the local police chief, he offers his support and gives Katie his phone number. Katie’s nervous on her first day of school, everything goes well and she loves being back in the classroom. Katie is amazed at the kindness shown by the people in the small southern town, slowly Katie starts to heal, thanks to two sweet little girls and their handsome father.
I received a copy of The Next Best Day from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. I haven’t read a book written by Sharon Sala in a while, she certainly hasn’t lost her touch, and the main (nice) characters are wonderful. Miss Katie is the first grade teacher we would all want for our children, she makes learning fun, Katie's very observant and a wonderful role model. The story does mention different forms of violence and abuse and could trigger bad memories for some people. The main narrative is about second chances, new beginnings and friendships, overcoming trauma, and finding love when you least expect it and five stars from me.
Moving to a small town is what Katie requires, she rents a cute cottage and everyone is really friendly. Over the summer she tries to overcome her fears, she walks the neighbors dog, the cutest six years old ever, Evie and Beth live across the road from her and they cheer her up with their endless questions.
Katie is still suffering from PTSD, she’s plagued by bad dreams and the twin’s father Sam Youngblood is the local police chief, he offers his support and gives Katie his phone number. Katie’s nervous on her first day of school, everything goes well and she loves being back in the classroom. Katie is amazed at the kindness shown by the people in the small southern town, slowly Katie starts to heal, thanks to two sweet little girls and their handsome father.
I received a copy of The Next Best Day from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. I haven’t read a book written by Sharon Sala in a while, she certainly hasn’t lost her touch, and the main (nice) characters are wonderful. Miss Katie is the first grade teacher we would all want for our children, she makes learning fun, Katie's very observant and a wonderful role model. The story does mention different forms of violence and abuse and could trigger bad memories for some people. The main narrative is about second chances, new beginnings and friendships, overcoming trauma, and finding love when you least expect it and five stars from me.
November 3, 2023
Three and a half stars
After two life changing events that leave her with scars, inside and out, Katie McGrath leaves the school where she has been teaching.She too only leaves the school she leaves Albuquerque. It takes a bit of time but then she is ready to go into a school again. Katie is a natural born teacher who loves. Kids and makes learning fun. She accept a position at a small school in the town of Border’s Gap, Tennessee. She want to leave her past behind but that is not so easy. Having been abandoned as a baby and growing up in the difficult and at times abusive foster care system has convinced Katie she is not worthy of love. But she wants to do all she can to love the children in her new first grade class. She settles into her new home and meets Sam Youngblood and his two twin girls, who live across the road from the little cottage she is renting. What she is not prepared for is the easy acceptance by the townsfolk and especially her new neighbours. Dare she hope she can leave the past behind and build a new life in Border’s Gap? But what about when the past comes calling?
The author who has had a number of books published, quickly drew me into the story and evoked my liking and empathy for Katie, to whom life had handed a rough deal.
Her neighbour Sam Youngblood, is a single dad after his wife died giving birth to the twins, Sam, the police chief, has his own life scars. He is a lovely character, the twins are cute, Louise the estate agent, Susan the principal at the school and Lila, Katie's long time friend, are all great support characters. There are also more than a few unsavoury characters in this book and some downright evil.
There were times when I wasn’t enjoying some aspects of the story that deals with lies, drugs, and abuse of more than one kind and I wasn’t sure it always sat comfortably alongside the romance and new start scenario. But it certainly shows both the good and evil in society. Despite those reservations and a couple of plot points that seemed a tad convenient, it did keep my interest and I did mostly enjoyed it.
Interestingly Katie mentions an author whose books she loves to read. When I looked the name up. It was a pen name for the author. Cheeky way of self promotion made me smile.
After two life changing events that leave her with scars, inside and out, Katie McGrath leaves the school where she has been teaching.She too only leaves the school she leaves Albuquerque. It takes a bit of time but then she is ready to go into a school again. Katie is a natural born teacher who loves. Kids and makes learning fun. She accept a position at a small school in the town of Border’s Gap, Tennessee. She want to leave her past behind but that is not so easy. Having been abandoned as a baby and growing up in the difficult and at times abusive foster care system has convinced Katie she is not worthy of love. But she wants to do all she can to love the children in her new first grade class. She settles into her new home and meets Sam Youngblood and his two twin girls, who live across the road from the little cottage she is renting. What she is not prepared for is the easy acceptance by the townsfolk and especially her new neighbours. Dare she hope she can leave the past behind and build a new life in Border’s Gap? But what about when the past comes calling?
The author who has had a number of books published, quickly drew me into the story and evoked my liking and empathy for Katie, to whom life had handed a rough deal.
Her neighbour Sam Youngblood, is a single dad after his wife died giving birth to the twins, Sam, the police chief, has his own life scars. He is a lovely character, the twins are cute, Louise the estate agent, Susan the principal at the school and Lila, Katie's long time friend, are all great support characters. There are also more than a few unsavoury characters in this book and some downright evil.
There were times when I wasn’t enjoying some aspects of the story that deals with lies, drugs, and abuse of more than one kind and I wasn’t sure it always sat comfortably alongside the romance and new start scenario. But it certainly shows both the good and evil in society. Despite those reservations and a couple of plot points that seemed a tad convenient, it did keep my interest and I did mostly enjoyed it.
Interestingly Katie mentions an author whose books she loves to read. When I looked the name up. It was a pen name for the author. Cheeky way of self promotion made me smile.
October 7, 2022
Publication Nov. 8, 2022
Although the opening is intense, involving not just getting left at the altar but being seriously wounded in a terrifying school shooting, this one has the usual Sala themes of hope and healing. I must admit, as a former teacher, albeit one who was never involved in any lock down other than for weather, the section involving the school shooter left me shaken. Sadly, while this is fiction, this is also the reality nowadays for too many students and teachers. That Katie McGrath is able to survive not just these events but a childhood of being shunted from foster home to foster home and abuse is amazing. Even more so, she seems to be a wonderful teacher, kind and caring, and, as one character describes her, nice. You'll root for her. Katie is a survivor in all senses of the word.
Fresh starts is another common Sala theme and this one involves not just Katie, who moves after the shooting incident, but her neighbor Det. Sam Youngblood and his two young, twin daughters, Evie and Beth. He's raised them alone after his wife died giving birth to them. Like Katie, he's opening up to more and they are immediately attracted, particularly as Katie proves adept at not just telling the twins apart easily but sensing their moods and needs. How these two wounded souls come together forms the basis of the story and it's a good one.
The only jarring aspect of the book, as in jarring because it took me out of the story, was the side-story following Katie's almost husband, Mark. Well, that and a sad acknowledgement that Sam simply couldn't be that perfect, nor could Katie.... but I liked them just the way they are. It's occasionally nice to read about people who aren't twisted up by inner demons (as if Katie's PTSD from the shooting isn't enough). Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and found myself thinking about it as I went about my daily life. That is a sign for me that a book has made an impression, in this case a good one. Give it a read but, sigh, be sure you're ready for the gut wrenching intro to how they get to their "next best day".
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Sourcebooks - #Casablanca for introducing me to Katie, Sam, and the rest of Borden's Gap, TN. I wish they were real and my neighbors.
Although the opening is intense, involving not just getting left at the altar but being seriously wounded in a terrifying school shooting, this one has the usual Sala themes of hope and healing. I must admit, as a former teacher, albeit one who was never involved in any lock down other than for weather, the section involving the school shooter left me shaken. Sadly, while this is fiction, this is also the reality nowadays for too many students and teachers. That Katie McGrath is able to survive not just these events but a childhood of being shunted from foster home to foster home and abuse is amazing. Even more so, she seems to be a wonderful teacher, kind and caring, and, as one character describes her, nice. You'll root for her. Katie is a survivor in all senses of the word.
Fresh starts is another common Sala theme and this one involves not just Katie, who moves after the shooting incident, but her neighbor Det. Sam Youngblood and his two young, twin daughters, Evie and Beth. He's raised them alone after his wife died giving birth to them. Like Katie, he's opening up to more and they are immediately attracted, particularly as Katie proves adept at not just telling the twins apart easily but sensing their moods and needs. How these two wounded souls come together forms the basis of the story and it's a good one.
The only jarring aspect of the book, as in jarring because it took me out of the story, was the side-story following Katie's almost husband, Mark. Well, that and a sad acknowledgement that Sam simply couldn't be that perfect, nor could Katie.... but I liked them just the way they are. It's occasionally nice to read about people who aren't twisted up by inner demons (as if Katie's PTSD from the shooting isn't enough). Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and found myself thinking about it as I went about my daily life. That is a sign for me that a book has made an impression, in this case a good one. Give it a read but, sigh, be sure you're ready for the gut wrenching intro to how they get to their "next best day".
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Sourcebooks - #Casablanca for introducing me to Katie, Sam, and the rest of Borden's Gap, TN. I wish they were real and my neighbors.
January 24, 2023
Prior to this book, I had only read one other book by Sharon Sala and that was 'The Best Of Me', the final book in the Blessings series. I loved that one so I was hoping for the same experience with her latest book. It turned out to be a mixed-bag. I liked reading about Katie McGrath's new beginning in Borden's Gap, Tennessee and Sheriff Sam's twin daughters were adorable but there were moments where I felt Katie and Sam's love story was rushed and forced. There was also another story thread of Katie's ex-fiance Mark and his new wife (which involved drugs and a cartel) and that felt totally out of place. It didn't add anything to Katie's story and the plot overall....that is unless the author plans to turn this into a new series of books with Mark making an appearance again later on.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca and the author for the e-Arc of the book.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca and the author for the e-Arc of the book.
December 17, 2022
This is a little painful to write. Sharon Sala is a favorite author of mine, but her last few books have been very meh. And I have a theory as to why. Ms. Sala has a habit (especially recently) of including many stories in one book. And it has gotten old and very formulaic. Especially after the Blossom series. There are the main characters, the downtrodden wife with an awful husband who she finally stands up to, and all the different points of view of town members.
This had the potential to be a great story. And I loved the main character's story but got so annoyed every time it switched to another point of view. And the whole ex-fiance story was so weird, unnecessary, and over the top. It didn't further the plot, it detracted.
The other thing that bothered me was the 6 references to the MC reading her Dinah McCall book. Many might not know that Dinah McCall was a pen name for Ms Sala and every time it was mentioned it wasn't in a casual, authentic way. It was awkward.
I may just have to stick with my vintage Sharon Sala and forgo reading her new releases.
This had the potential to be a great story. And I loved the main character's story but got so annoyed every time it switched to another point of view. And the whole ex-fiance story was so weird, unnecessary, and over the top. It didn't further the plot, it detracted.
The other thing that bothered me was the 6 references to the MC reading her Dinah McCall book. Many might not know that Dinah McCall was a pen name for Ms Sala and every time it was mentioned it wasn't in a casual, authentic way. It was awkward.
I may just have to stick with my vintage Sharon Sala and forgo reading her new releases.
November 20, 2022
I always enjoy Sharon Sala’s books but this one tops the list. It is a wonderful mix of real-life situations that show how people can choose how they handle difficult things.
I also really got a kick out of the Dinah McCall book references….😄
I also really got a kick out of the Dinah McCall book references….😄
September 10, 2025
Re-read.
Difficult subjects beautifully handled with care culminating in hope and healing.
Difficult subjects beautifully handled with care culminating in hope and healing.
November 22, 2022
What a wonderful story of surviving and living. I was heartbroken when Sharon Sala ended the Blessing, Georgia series but this book (hopefully the beginning of a new series) restored my faith in her. Set in Tennessee, Katie moves to Borden's Gap after her wedding is called off and she is shot by a shooter in her school. Suffering from PTSD Katie moves into a small house across the street from Police Chief Sam and his two daughters. I loved the romance and the interaction of the young twin girls and Katie. A book I've had in my TBR pile for awhile and can't believe I waited so long to read.
August 16, 2022
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. There were parts that were pretty dark, but also parts that were warm and comforting and I thought it was a really good balance. The story kept me interested and I really cared about what happened to the characters. I liked watching the main character grow as she went through her journey. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC.
August 18, 2022
I received an ARC of, The Next Best Day, by Sharon Sala. Teacher. Katie, has moved from New Mexico to Tennessee, to start over. Miss Katie found out you cannot always run from your problems.
August 15, 2022
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Katie loves being a first grade teacher until their was a shooting at her school. She was shot and was a survivor. She wanted to continue teaching but in a smaller town. She moves to Tennessee where she meets her neighbor who is a cop. I enjoyed the chemistry that developed between Katie and Sam. This book was well written and I cant wait to read her next one.
dnf-set-aside-for-later
October 5, 2022I loved Sharon Sala's Blessings, GA series and I spotted this new small town romance from her and I was jazzed.
I read the blurb and saw the heroine went through a lot before coming to the small town. I thought that trauma would be told 'rear view mirror' when, in fact, the book starts with both big scenes when she is dumped at the altar (and oddly includes a scene with the ex and his new gal and a situation that seemed to want to make me feel sorry for the ex- who screwed up all around) and then takes the reader right into a school shooting situation.
Now, I know I read thrillers and darker fantasies and sci-fis, but reading a brutal scene like that in a contemporary when I was in mindset for heartwarming small town stuff was just too jarring. My stomach twisted and I couldn't get all the real life news out of my head.
So, I apologize to publisher and author, but I need to DNF right at chapter one what is probably another fab book.
I rec'd this eARC through NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
I read the blurb and saw the heroine went through a lot before coming to the small town. I thought that trauma would be told 'rear view mirror' when, in fact, the book starts with both big scenes when she is dumped at the altar (and oddly includes a scene with the ex and his new gal and a situation that seemed to want to make me feel sorry for the ex- who screwed up all around) and then takes the reader right into a school shooting situation.
Now, I know I read thrillers and darker fantasies and sci-fis, but reading a brutal scene like that in a contemporary when I was in mindset for heartwarming small town stuff was just too jarring. My stomach twisted and I couldn't get all the real life news out of my head.
So, I apologize to publisher and author, but I need to DNF right at chapter one what is probably another fab book.
I rec'd this eARC through NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2023
I enjoy Sharon Sala's small town faith based series and had high hopes for The Next Best Day. After a school shooting at her school Albuquerque, Katie McGrath moved to Borden's Gap, Tennessee for a fresh start. She has a lot to heal from, abandoned at birth, raised in foster care and being dumped by her fiance as well as PTSD from the school shooting, Katie plans to take the summer to get to know the town and her neighbours. She meets the twin girls across the street while they are walking their dog and she befriends them. Their father, Sam Youngblood is the local police chief and he offers his support to help her adjust. With the wonderful people in town and the cute neighbours, she finally begins to heal.
I am going to start by saying although I enjoyed this story, it was just full of way too many tragic situations. I love reading about people overcoming tragedy and bad experiences, but Katie had them coming at her from everywhere. I will say that I loved Katie's character and I was happy to see her find romance and a family, but there were other things that I just didn't like. Sharon Sala always includes more than one storyline and this one continued to explore the story of Katie's ex-fiance, which I really didn't care about. Throw in a storyline about a drug cartel and it just went over the top for me. A story of second chances, healing from trauma, community and family would have been far more enjoyable without Mark's story.
I am going to start by saying although I enjoyed this story, it was just full of way too many tragic situations. I love reading about people overcoming tragedy and bad experiences, but Katie had them coming at her from everywhere. I will say that I loved Katie's character and I was happy to see her find romance and a family, but there were other things that I just didn't like. Sharon Sala always includes more than one storyline and this one continued to explore the story of Katie's ex-fiance, which I really didn't care about. Throw in a storyline about a drug cartel and it just went over the top for me. A story of second chances, healing from trauma, community and family would have been far more enjoyable without Mark's story.
April 25, 2023
Great story .Best narration in any Audible book I have listened too in a long time.
November 15, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
Why can’t I give this 10 gold stars is beyond me!!!!
OMGoodness! To say that this book is enthralling is an understatement! I was hooked right from the beginning. The characters and the plot were so believable and well written that I was just drawn in. This emotional tale needs to come with a word of warning to have some tissues near by. There were times when I just couldn’t stop crying my eyes out. Then there were times when joy filled my heart. What an emotional rollercoaster of a ride this was.
Katie McGrath is a true survivor. She was found as an infant in the garbage and age out of foster care. She put herself through college and now teaches first grade. She is getting married and things are looking so good. That is, until she receives a phone call just minutes before the ceremony. Her groom is already in Vegas on his honeymoon with another wife! A few months later Katie is taking her students to the cafeteria for lunch when gun shots sound in the school. Katie rushes her students into the nearest room when happens to be her BFF’s, Lila. Two children are missing and Katie turns back to see one of the two had fallen. Katie runs to save them and ends up getting shot!
Sam Youngblood, is the chief of police in a small rural town in Tennessee. He is a widower (his wife died on the same day that he become a father!) His twins girls are exceptionally bright and loving. Sam is doing a fantastic job of balancing his job as a single father and that of a law-man.
Katie escapes Albuquerque with her PTSD. Knowing that she could never teach again at least at the same school. She moves across the street to Sam and his girls.
I loved how the author wrote this in a multiple POV format. There are several characters that have their story told here as well as the two main protagonists. That was wonderful to have so I the reader didn’t have to wonder as to their fate.
I highly recommend this story to anyone. Any sexy moments were alluded to.
Why can’t I give this 10 gold stars is beyond me!!!!
OMGoodness! To say that this book is enthralling is an understatement! I was hooked right from the beginning. The characters and the plot were so believable and well written that I was just drawn in. This emotional tale needs to come with a word of warning to have some tissues near by. There were times when I just couldn’t stop crying my eyes out. Then there were times when joy filled my heart. What an emotional rollercoaster of a ride this was.
Katie McGrath is a true survivor. She was found as an infant in the garbage and age out of foster care. She put herself through college and now teaches first grade. She is getting married and things are looking so good. That is, until she receives a phone call just minutes before the ceremony. Her groom is already in Vegas on his honeymoon with another wife! A few months later Katie is taking her students to the cafeteria for lunch when gun shots sound in the school. Katie rushes her students into the nearest room when happens to be her BFF’s, Lila. Two children are missing and Katie turns back to see one of the two had fallen. Katie runs to save them and ends up getting shot!
Sam Youngblood, is the chief of police in a small rural town in Tennessee. He is a widower (his wife died on the same day that he become a father!) His twins girls are exceptionally bright and loving. Sam is doing a fantastic job of balancing his job as a single father and that of a law-man.
Katie escapes Albuquerque with her PTSD. Knowing that she could never teach again at least at the same school. She moves across the street to Sam and his girls.
I loved how the author wrote this in a multiple POV format. There are several characters that have their story told here as well as the two main protagonists. That was wonderful to have so I the reader didn’t have to wonder as to their fate.
I highly recommend this story to anyone. Any sexy moments were alluded to.
November 9, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.
The Next Best Day
by Sharon Sala
Pub Date: 08 Nov 2022
This book was as uplifting as it was heartbreaking. The author managed to bring about some really dark topics but gave us light at the end of the darkness.
I loved the relationship that grew between Katie and Sam...throw in his adorable twins and awwwwww, tons of sweetness. The only real complaint is the side storyline of Mark (Katie's ex-fiancé and his drug dealer wife.) I almost feel like that detracted from the main storyline. And even though Mark was trying to find personal redemption with his family, there was no closure or forgiveness even attempted with Katie! I wish there was an additional scene with him trying to make amends and that he was made to pay for all his betrayal. He got off way too easy for being such a slime ball...lol
Loved the town, Katie's best friend (she should get a book!), the romance...that was all great!
The Next Best Day
by Sharon Sala
Pub Date: 08 Nov 2022
This book was as uplifting as it was heartbreaking. The author managed to bring about some really dark topics but gave us light at the end of the darkness.
I loved the relationship that grew between Katie and Sam...throw in his adorable twins and awwwwww, tons of sweetness. The only real complaint is the side storyline of Mark (Katie's ex-fiancé and his drug dealer wife.) I almost feel like that detracted from the main storyline. And even though Mark was trying to find personal redemption with his family, there was no closure or forgiveness even attempted with Katie! I wish there was an additional scene with him trying to make amends and that he was made to pay for all his betrayal. He got off way too easy for being such a slime ball...lol
Loved the town, Katie's best friend (she should get a book!), the romance...that was all great!
November 19, 2022
Lives up to the title
The first chapter had me in tears. The rest of the book had me turning the pages of a wonderful stories unfolding. Many stories entwined to a beautiful ending that lived up to "The Next Best Day"
The first chapter had me in tears. The rest of the book had me turning the pages of a wonderful stories unfolding. Many stories entwined to a beautiful ending that lived up to "The Next Best Day"
November 20, 2022
I love Sharon Sala's story as they're always well plotted, poignant and heartwarming. I loved this one, loved the atmosphere and the well written characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
January 20, 2023
Sweet story with a bit of suspense here and there. I was a little surprised that it started so far back in the heroine's life, and then that it followed certain characters longer than I expected. But overall, the story was as expected. Sala's usual good work. I liked it.
August 23, 2025
Audible book. Very sweet, comfort read with strong, compassionate, and likable main characters. I liked how the two main characters faced tragedy and adversity but fought for a happy ever after and remained kind and hopeful after life’s disappointments.
Read
December 2, 2022it was a nice read, dealt with some difficult subjects.
TW: a school shooting.
TW: a school shooting.
March 10, 2023
Review to follow
April 13, 2023
Meh..decent but plot was was very repetitive and very slow moving.
April 23, 2025
One of those books you can't put down. Looking forward to reading more of this author.
December 23, 2023
While I like a good “all things work out in the end” story, this one was a little too syrupy for my taste.
November 25, 2022
A heartwarming story that will melt your heart. It will make you laugh and cry. I loved every minute of the story and hated to see it end.
January 25, 2024
A Wonderful Story
I loved this story. There was so much to love. It pulls you in and holds you tight until the very end, an end you don't want to come quite yet.
I loved this story. There was so much to love. It pulls you in and holds you tight until the very end, an end you don't want to come quite yet.
October 12, 2022
Let me start by saying that I am a huge Sharon Sala fan. Saying that, sometimes you can have overload. And this was it .
I loved Katie's character. She was a fighter and a survivor. Dumped as a baby , she was raised in the foster system. When she aged out she put herself they school working two jobs. She becomes a teacher. She settles down in her job and her life becoming engaged to be married.
She is left at the alter. Her fiancee married the boss's daughter in Vegas and leaves her alone at the church. She is heart broken but gets on with her life.
Then comes the school shooting. She is caught in the hallway with two of her students when the gunman takes aim. She throws them down, covers them up and is shoot twice in the back. She saves the boys and is eventually sent home to recover. Except recovery isn't that easy because she is suffering from PTSD.
At this point you think, wow, this girl has been thru a lot. But it doesn't end here.
She decides to start fresh somewhere else and moves to a small town in Tennessee.
Things look up when she moves in next door to the town police chief, who happens to be hot, widowed and the father of two adorable little girls. This storyline was great. I loved Sam and Evie and Beth. I loved how they became friends and then lovers, all the while taking his two daughters into consideration.
But life doesn't run that smoothly. As a teacher, you deal with children and they're problems. So in her new class she deals with parental abuse and child abuse both physical and sexual.
All topics are hard to deal with and should not in my opinion been put together all in one book.
So in this book you dealt with school shootings, PTSD, sexual abuse and physical abuse of both a wife and child.
And this doesn't include the 2nd storyline that follows her ex fiancee and how his life turns out after dumping her at the alter. He married, unknowingly, into a family of drug dealers, who all get murdered.
Too much!!! Overload!!!
3⭐⭐⭐
I loved Katie's character. She was a fighter and a survivor. Dumped as a baby , she was raised in the foster system. When she aged out she put herself they school working two jobs. She becomes a teacher. She settles down in her job and her life becoming engaged to be married.
She is left at the alter. Her fiancee married the boss's daughter in Vegas and leaves her alone at the church. She is heart broken but gets on with her life.
Then comes the school shooting. She is caught in the hallway with two of her students when the gunman takes aim. She throws them down, covers them up and is shoot twice in the back. She saves the boys and is eventually sent home to recover. Except recovery isn't that easy because she is suffering from PTSD.
At this point you think, wow, this girl has been thru a lot. But it doesn't end here.
She decides to start fresh somewhere else and moves to a small town in Tennessee.
Things look up when she moves in next door to the town police chief, who happens to be hot, widowed and the father of two adorable little girls. This storyline was great. I loved Sam and Evie and Beth. I loved how they became friends and then lovers, all the while taking his two daughters into consideration.
But life doesn't run that smoothly. As a teacher, you deal with children and they're problems. So in her new class she deals with parental abuse and child abuse both physical and sexual.
All topics are hard to deal with and should not in my opinion been put together all in one book.
So in this book you dealt with school shootings, PTSD, sexual abuse and physical abuse of both a wife and child.
And this doesn't include the 2nd storyline that follows her ex fiancee and how his life turns out after dumping her at the alter. He married, unknowingly, into a family of drug dealers, who all get murdered.
Too much!!! Overload!!!
3⭐⭐⭐
November 11, 2022
Life's travels
Another great story from a wonderful author
When the first grade school was injured in a school shooting and left for dead, when she survives she is left with PTSD and has to move away to another school. She .over to Jordan's Gap, Tennessee to start over with a new job. She finds out things happen just as much there but feels safer after meeting the town sheriff
A wonderful story of life dreams do come true. Highly recommended.
Another great story from a wonderful author
When the first grade school was injured in a school shooting and left for dead, when she survives she is left with PTSD and has to move away to another school. She .over to Jordan's Gap, Tennessee to start over with a new job. She finds out things happen just as much there but feels safer after meeting the town sheriff
A wonderful story of life dreams do come true. Highly recommended.
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