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What Happens Next
Popular podcaster and ex-reporter Faith Byrne has made a name for herself telling stories of greatness after tragedy--but her real life does not mirror the stories she tells. While her daughters spend the summer in Hawaii with her ex-husband and his new wife, she must manage life on her own. But all that changes when she's asked to spotlight her childhood best friend's missing person case on her podcast.
Dora Crane has never accepted that her younger daughter could be dead, keeping her home looking the same as when her daughter disappeared. But when her husband leaves her, and her older daughter intervenes, she agrees to counseling and to pack up her missing daughter's belongings under one condition: Faith Byrne comes to Deep Valley and sheds light on the cold case.
As the investigation moves forward, the two women uncover desperate secrets, and Faith and Dora must face the long-hidden truth before they can begin to move forward.
Award-winning author Christina Suzann Nelson masterfully leads readers on a journey of discovery, healing, and friendship in this suspenseful and poignant tale.
Dora Crane has never accepted that her younger daughter could be dead, keeping her home looking the same as when her daughter disappeared. But when her husband leaves her, and her older daughter intervenes, she agrees to counseling and to pack up her missing daughter's belongings under one condition: Faith Byrne comes to Deep Valley and sheds light on the cold case.
As the investigation moves forward, the two women uncover desperate secrets, and Faith and Dora must face the long-hidden truth before they can begin to move forward.
Award-winning author Christina Suzann Nelson masterfully leads readers on a journey of discovery, healing, and friendship in this suspenseful and poignant tale.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2023
55 people are currently reading
6061 people want to read
About the author
Christina Suzann Nelson
10 books351 followersChristina Suzann Nelson is an inspirational speaker and the award-winning author of If We Make It Home, Swimming in the Deep End, and More Than We Remember. The Way It Should Be releases February 2, 2021.She writes and speaks about hope after dysfunction. Christina is over the top about her passion for faith, family, fiction, and foster care. When she’s not writing, she’s working with the Every Child initiative, chasing escaped steers, reading, breathing in the sweet smell of her horse, hiking with her dog, or enjoying her just-as-crazy family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
January 14, 2023
3.5 stars, solid Christian fiction suspense offering. It reads as more YA than adult fiction, because many of the segments are told from the perspective of ten-year-old in the past.
Faith Byrne is a podcaster who tells stories of hope and healing after tragedy. She receives a letter that is both shocking and a blast from the past. A woman named Brooke asks Faith to do a podcast highlighting her missing sister Heather. Faith is stunned--Heather was her best friend during the summer of 1987 when she and her family lived with her grandmother. She had always wondered why Heather never wrote back to the letters she sent after that summer, but now she knows that Heather disappeared soon after their family moved. Can Faith and her podcast help to solve this decades-old mystery?
I enjoyed this book overall, but I would have liked it more had it been focused more on the present day than the past. The parts in the past felt too young and added too much unnecessary filler. I really resonated with the current storyline, particularly that of Dora, Heather's mother, who is so mired in the past that she cannot move through her grief. Her journey is realistic and relatable. I also wish we had more from the story about Faith and her working through being separated from her kids for the summer. It kind of got lost and the romance storyline felt thrown in and forced.
The mystery aspects of this story are interesting and was what kept me invested to find out what had happened to Heather. It's well constructed and the conclusion is satisfying.
Although this book is a bit uneven, if you like Christian suspense you won't go wrong picking this one up.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Faith Byrne is a podcaster who tells stories of hope and healing after tragedy. She receives a letter that is both shocking and a blast from the past. A woman named Brooke asks Faith to do a podcast highlighting her missing sister Heather. Faith is stunned--Heather was her best friend during the summer of 1987 when she and her family lived with her grandmother. She had always wondered why Heather never wrote back to the letters she sent after that summer, but now she knows that Heather disappeared soon after their family moved. Can Faith and her podcast help to solve this decades-old mystery?
I enjoyed this book overall, but I would have liked it more had it been focused more on the present day than the past. The parts in the past felt too young and added too much unnecessary filler. I really resonated with the current storyline, particularly that of Dora, Heather's mother, who is so mired in the past that she cannot move through her grief. Her journey is realistic and relatable. I also wish we had more from the story about Faith and her working through being separated from her kids for the summer. It kind of got lost and the romance storyline felt thrown in and forced.
The mystery aspects of this story are interesting and was what kept me invested to find out what had happened to Heather. It's well constructed and the conclusion is satisfying.
Although this book is a bit uneven, if you like Christian suspense you won't go wrong picking this one up.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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December 17, 2022There was so much more depth in this book than I expected. I loved that there was an element of mystery, but to me this story was not about that. It was about dealing with grief and learning to live and finding hope and forgiveness. Well-written and heartfelt. Highly recommended for fans of inspirational women's fiction.
January 25, 2023
Present Day and 1987 Oregon
Smarting from her ex-husband's upcoming marriage, Podcaster Faith returns to small town Oregon where she spent the summer of 1987. With Faith's children spending three months away for the nuptials and bonding time for the new family, Faith has an opportunity to confront her own grief while also helping a mom wade through the pain of her missing daughter. Heather disappeared just after the summer of 1987. Faith hopes to find out what happened and bring healing to Heather's family. Heather was Faith's best friend that summer.
I loved the short chapters and that the story unfolded in three points of view: Faith's, Heather's and Heather's mother (Mrs. Crane/Dora). The 1987 references such as the movie The Goonies and bikes with banana seats were such fun.
What Happens Next is engaging and hopeful. Well done! Fans of General Fiction and Women's Fiction in particular won't want to miss this one.
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Smarting from her ex-husband's upcoming marriage, Podcaster Faith returns to small town Oregon where she spent the summer of 1987. With Faith's children spending three months away for the nuptials and bonding time for the new family, Faith has an opportunity to confront her own grief while also helping a mom wade through the pain of her missing daughter. Heather disappeared just after the summer of 1987. Faith hopes to find out what happened and bring healing to Heather's family. Heather was Faith's best friend that summer.
I loved the short chapters and that the story unfolded in three points of view: Faith's, Heather's and Heather's mother (Mrs. Crane/Dora). The 1987 references such as the movie The Goonies and bikes with banana seats were such fun.
What Happens Next is engaging and hopeful. Well done! Fans of General Fiction and Women's Fiction in particular won't want to miss this one.
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 29, 2024
What Happens Next was picked for a buddy read, and it was a perfect discussion book! Filled with faith, mystery and the hope of recovering from loss this book was enjoyed very much!
January 22, 2023
A child missing for 36 years. How could Faith not help discover what happened to her friend Heather. Someone must know something. “After all these years, there was no time to waste in finding them. A family needed answers. Faith needed answers.”
This was an exceptional story written from three points of view: Heather tells of her summer of 1987. Her mother, Dora, and her best friend, Faith, are looking back at that fateful summer.
Dora has not navigated the last 36 years well. Her other daughter, Brooke, asks for help from Faith who does a podcast called WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. Finding herself at loose ends for the summer, she agrees to return to Deep Valley, Oregon to try and find those answers that were never resolved.
This book is more than a mystery. It is a look at types of grief and how grief is handled or mishandled. And a continuing look at how grief shapes our lives. It poses solutions for coping through steadfast faith.
I have enjoyed several books by Ms. Nelson and she always makes me rethink my priorities as well as spinning an intriguing and complex story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
This was an exceptional story written from three points of view: Heather tells of her summer of 1987. Her mother, Dora, and her best friend, Faith, are looking back at that fateful summer.
Dora has not navigated the last 36 years well. Her other daughter, Brooke, asks for help from Faith who does a podcast called WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. Finding herself at loose ends for the summer, she agrees to return to Deep Valley, Oregon to try and find those answers that were never resolved.
This book is more than a mystery. It is a look at types of grief and how grief is handled or mishandled. And a continuing look at how grief shapes our lives. It poses solutions for coping through steadfast faith.
I have enjoyed several books by Ms. Nelson and she always makes me rethink my priorities as well as spinning an intriguing and complex story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
September 5, 2023
Man. I don’t know where to start. I’m truly touched by this book.
It is a definite step outside of my comfort zone, but I feel like it was JUST the thing I needed.
The premise hooked me. A 30 year old cold case. A summer of young fun and friendship. A podcast. And questions people wanted answers for.
And then I started reading the book and was engaged like I haven’t been in a story in a while. This FELT REAL! I could feel the emotion radiating off the page. The different levels of grief, and how they touched each life so differently.
The past that they were DESPERATELY seeking to figure out. The present they were trying to survive in. And the future they just weren’t sure about.
I loved the 3 POVs we got! Seeing Faith & Dora both work through the pain and grief life threw at them. And seeing Heather’s POV from that summer.
But more than anything I relished in the healing & the hope that was woven seamlessly throughout the pages. Though it seems faint, there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
I think I’ll be thinking about this book for a while! It just felt real! I’m so glad I picked this book up!
5/5 stars
*I received this book from the publisher**All thoughts are my own*
It is a definite step outside of my comfort zone, but I feel like it was JUST the thing I needed.
The premise hooked me. A 30 year old cold case. A summer of young fun and friendship. A podcast. And questions people wanted answers for.
And then I started reading the book and was engaged like I haven’t been in a story in a while. This FELT REAL! I could feel the emotion radiating off the page. The different levels of grief, and how they touched each life so differently.
The past that they were DESPERATELY seeking to figure out. The present they were trying to survive in. And the future they just weren’t sure about.
I loved the 3 POVs we got! Seeing Faith & Dora both work through the pain and grief life threw at them. And seeing Heather’s POV from that summer.
But more than anything I relished in the healing & the hope that was woven seamlessly throughout the pages. Though it seems faint, there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
I think I’ll be thinking about this book for a while! It just felt real! I’m so glad I picked this book up!
5/5 stars
*I received this book from the publisher**All thoughts are my own*
January 1, 2023
I love books by this author and this did not disappoint. From beginning to end the pages flew as I looked for answers.
A read that is told from several points of view and is melded together beautifully.
One glorious summer three young kids, one boy and two girls, spend as much time as possible together. Faith is visiting her Grandmother for the summer, and becomes best friends with Heather, but shortly after Faith has gone to her new home, Heather turns up missing.
Thirty six years later a mother is unable to move on, she can't keep hoping her daughter is out there.
When Heather's sister asks Faith, now a pod caster, for help, we hope that bringing this case back into the news will turn up answers.
What a journey, and I kept hoping they would find Heather alive, but after 36 years!
Was I right in my assumptions? Well, partly, but there are answers coming, along with big surprises!
This was such a great read, and wished I could continue on in the lives of these people, I now cared about, but the story does wrap up with a lot of answers!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
A read that is told from several points of view and is melded together beautifully.
One glorious summer three young kids, one boy and two girls, spend as much time as possible together. Faith is visiting her Grandmother for the summer, and becomes best friends with Heather, but shortly after Faith has gone to her new home, Heather turns up missing.
Thirty six years later a mother is unable to move on, she can't keep hoping her daughter is out there.
When Heather's sister asks Faith, now a pod caster, for help, we hope that bringing this case back into the news will turn up answers.
What a journey, and I kept hoping they would find Heather alive, but after 36 years!
Was I right in my assumptions? Well, partly, but there are answers coming, along with big surprises!
This was such a great read, and wished I could continue on in the lives of these people, I now cared about, but the story does wrap up with a lot of answers!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
December 6, 2022
I am a big fan of anything by this author. I find that she has such an interesting way of telling her stories. This book did not disappoint as it follows the story of Heather who was kidnapped as a 10 year old. The story of Heather was told in the past and in the present it is in the voice of her friend, Faith, and her mom, Dora. I really got behind the characters of Paul and Dora and how much the disappearance of their daughter affected their lives.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own!
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own!
January 27, 2023
This was my first book by Nelson. I can say I really enjoyed it. as I read it I watched it play out in my mind. This is a powerful, emotional read. All the layers were woven just right. A 4-star read for sure. I can't wait to read more from Nelson. The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
January 22, 2023
This one drew me in completely from the beginning. I love it when I book does that. From then on, my attention did not waver. I desperately wanted to look at the ending first to find out what happened to Heather, but I managed to restrain myself. Well written with a really good plot, this one will be one for the keeper shelf.
My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is my own.
My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is my own.
February 5, 2023
Christina writes such interesting books. Her characters seem like someone who would be your neighbor, but then there's so much more. And now, she's done it again.
Here you have a middle-aged woman, Faith, who has recently gone through a divorce. Her past comes back to greet her out of the blue in the form of her childhood friend's sister. Her friend, who she never heard from again after her family moved after the best summer of her 10 year old life, has been missing all these years.
We get three different perspectives and while sometimes that can be clunky or hard to follow along, this was done smoothly and it flowed perfectly. What I found especially interesting was getting to know Heather through her chapters. She's the missing friend/daughter. You can't help but love her spunk and curiosity.
I also felt like this author brought 1987 to life through the "past". It was like having deja vu reading those pages and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip down nostalgia lane! If you were around and a teen in those days, you'll enjoy the topics that are brought up.
The author also makes us work for it trying to figure out who might be connected to Heather's disappearance. Dora, Heather's mom, was incredibly relatable! She certainly had me stepping back wondering what my reaction would be. I'm pretty positive Dora could easily be me... or anyone of us us moms.
The faith of the characters comes through subtly, but it's there, but in different ways for each character.
I'm looking forward to what the next story will bring us!
*I received this book from the publisher. This is my personal opinion.
Here you have a middle-aged woman, Faith, who has recently gone through a divorce. Her past comes back to greet her out of the blue in the form of her childhood friend's sister. Her friend, who she never heard from again after her family moved after the best summer of her 10 year old life, has been missing all these years.
We get three different perspectives and while sometimes that can be clunky or hard to follow along, this was done smoothly and it flowed perfectly. What I found especially interesting was getting to know Heather through her chapters. She's the missing friend/daughter. You can't help but love her spunk and curiosity.
I also felt like this author brought 1987 to life through the "past". It was like having deja vu reading those pages and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip down nostalgia lane! If you were around and a teen in those days, you'll enjoy the topics that are brought up.
The author also makes us work for it trying to figure out who might be connected to Heather's disappearance. Dora, Heather's mom, was incredibly relatable! She certainly had me stepping back wondering what my reaction would be. I'm pretty positive Dora could easily be me... or anyone of us us moms.
The faith of the characters comes through subtly, but it's there, but in different ways for each character.
I'm looking forward to what the next story will bring us!
*I received this book from the publisher. This is my personal opinion.
January 23, 2023
I did not want this book to end. However, I'm glad the chapters were short, because by the end of the story, I was crying so hard that I needed the break in the chapters to compose myself.
Goodness. Where to start...
First of all, there's a Charity in the story. Authors, if you want a guaranteed 5 star review from me, put a Charity in your book! 😉
This was also a trip down memory lane for me, as I was exactly 10 years old in 1987, too: squirt, neon clothing, banana seats, that Tupperware with the ridged lids, Love's Baby Soft perfume. Oh yes. Shhh! Don't tell anyone how old I actually am!
Back to the actual review.
Could you imagine your child going missing, and having no idea where she's gone? Could you imagine your friend not answering any of your letters, thinking she's rejected you, but finding out 37 years later that she went missing?
As a mother, as a friend, how would that shape you? I can't fathom not even knowing how to grieve: is she still alive? Has she been dead for all those years? What happened? Where'd she go? Who did it? No closure at all.
This book is phenomenal. I'm not going to say any more about it because I don't want to risk spoilers. But you don't want to miss this one.
However, you might want to make sure your kids are in bed, or you'll find yourself needing to apologize for being so short with them. The tension in the book *may* carry over if a child dares to interrupt your reading...
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.*
Goodness. Where to start...
First of all, there's a Charity in the story. Authors, if you want a guaranteed 5 star review from me, put a Charity in your book! 😉
This was also a trip down memory lane for me, as I was exactly 10 years old in 1987, too: squirt, neon clothing, banana seats, that Tupperware with the ridged lids, Love's Baby Soft perfume. Oh yes. Shhh! Don't tell anyone how old I actually am!
Back to the actual review.
Could you imagine your child going missing, and having no idea where she's gone? Could you imagine your friend not answering any of your letters, thinking she's rejected you, but finding out 37 years later that she went missing?
As a mother, as a friend, how would that shape you? I can't fathom not even knowing how to grieve: is she still alive? Has she been dead for all those years? What happened? Where'd she go? Who did it? No closure at all.
This book is phenomenal. I'm not going to say any more about it because I don't want to risk spoilers. But you don't want to miss this one.
However, you might want to make sure your kids are in bed, or you'll find yourself needing to apologize for being so short with them. The tension in the book *may* carry over if a child dares to interrupt your reading...
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.*
May 5, 2024
This was so, so good! It follows a woman named Faith, who is going through some tough circumstances. She finds out one of her childhood best friends, Heather, went missing not too long after Faith moved away from her, and on the heels of finding out about the disappearance, faith gets asked to help shed light on the disappearance through her popular podcast. She has an opportunity to spend the summer working on her story about the disappearance, in her grandmothers home in Oregon. The home where she was staying when she met not only Heather, but a community of friends who changed her life that summer.
The story also follows Dora. Heathers mother, and a woman who has become hardened through the endless years of not knowing what happened to her daughter. Once the neighborhood mother, she is now buried so deep within her own pain, shes isolated herself from those who want most to help her. When Faith comes back into her life to help find answers about what happened to Heather, Dora finds herself opening up more than she has since the disappearance.
I just LOVED the characters and the relationships that were formed in this book. It's definitely a mystery, but it's also very much about connection and relationships. The faith based threads throughout the book were so well done and fitting in regards to the loss of a child. The ending was well written and the very end!? Ugh. Yes. It put a smile on this readers face. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future!
The story also follows Dora. Heathers mother, and a woman who has become hardened through the endless years of not knowing what happened to her daughter. Once the neighborhood mother, she is now buried so deep within her own pain, shes isolated herself from those who want most to help her. When Faith comes back into her life to help find answers about what happened to Heather, Dora finds herself opening up more than she has since the disappearance.
I just LOVED the characters and the relationships that were formed in this book. It's definitely a mystery, but it's also very much about connection and relationships. The faith based threads throughout the book were so well done and fitting in regards to the loss of a child. The ending was well written and the very end!? Ugh. Yes. It put a smile on this readers face. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future!
February 1, 2023
Enthralling is an apt descriptor for this unputdownable novel. I stayed up until midnight (which might not sound late to you, but I’m of the early to be, early to rise mindset) to finish reading What Happens Next because…well…I needed to know what happened next! And, oh, what an incredibly emotional read! My heart felt like it had been yanked out of my chest and stomped on and then crammed back in — upside down and inside out. 🙂
The story is told from three points of view: Dora (the mother of the missing girl) and Faith (the childhood friend) in present day and from Heather in occasional flashbacks to that fateful summer. They flow together beautifully, building tension and plot while delivering emotional sucker punches left and right.
And there are so many layers to each character, which kept me on tenterhooks as well. I could sympathize with each of them and it was easy to lose myself in the drama unfolding right in front of me. At least, it felt like I was there, living out that long ago summer and this present day one, my heart on my sleeve.
Mesmerizing. Captivating. Unforgettable.
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/02/01/w...
The story is told from three points of view: Dora (the mother of the missing girl) and Faith (the childhood friend) in present day and from Heather in occasional flashbacks to that fateful summer. They flow together beautifully, building tension and plot while delivering emotional sucker punches left and right.
And there are so many layers to each character, which kept me on tenterhooks as well. I could sympathize with each of them and it was easy to lose myself in the drama unfolding right in front of me. At least, it felt like I was there, living out that long ago summer and this present day one, my heart on my sleeve.
Mesmerizing. Captivating. Unforgettable.
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/02/01/w...
February 14, 2023
Despite having several of Christina Suzann Nelson's books on my TBR, What Happens Next is the first book I have read by her. I wish I had started reading her books when I first heard about her.
I have started and deleted lines multiple times, trying to find the right words for this review. What Happens Next is a book that brings out all the emotions!
The story is told from multiple points of view. Dora is the mom of Heather, the girl who went missing 36 years ago. Faith was Heather's best friend when they were ten. She had no idea that Heather went missing after she left her grandmother's house that summer. Heather's point of view is given in flashbacks to that summer.
The characters are multi-faceted, and I appreciated the way the author slowly introduced us to each one, and how she doled out information. Typically, when there are multiple POVs I get lost or feel like I am being jolted out of the story, but that was not the case with What Happens Next. I devoured this book, it was so hard to put down and get anything done.
Even the mystery of what happened to Heather was well written. I kept guessing who could have been involved and was totally thinking someone was involved that wasn't. I was guessing almost until the end.
If you like complex characters, a storyline that will gut you (the grief is strong in this one), and a book that is hard to describe, I highly recommend this one!
Thank you to Bethany House for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have started and deleted lines multiple times, trying to find the right words for this review. What Happens Next is a book that brings out all the emotions!
The story is told from multiple points of view. Dora is the mom of Heather, the girl who went missing 36 years ago. Faith was Heather's best friend when they were ten. She had no idea that Heather went missing after she left her grandmother's house that summer. Heather's point of view is given in flashbacks to that summer.
The characters are multi-faceted, and I appreciated the way the author slowly introduced us to each one, and how she doled out information. Typically, when there are multiple POVs I get lost or feel like I am being jolted out of the story, but that was not the case with What Happens Next. I devoured this book, it was so hard to put down and get anything done.
Even the mystery of what happened to Heather was well written. I kept guessing who could have been involved and was totally thinking someone was involved that wasn't. I was guessing almost until the end.
If you like complex characters, a storyline that will gut you (the grief is strong in this one), and a book that is hard to describe, I highly recommend this one!
Thank you to Bethany House for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 31, 2023
I feel that the less you know about What Happens Next, the better, so I won’t offer a synopsis. But I will tell you it held my attention from beginning to end.
I’ve read one other book by this author, so I had no doubt I’d enjoy it. Just as in the other book, there are three women’s points of view. I love seeing different perspectives, giving me a well-rounded, in-depth story.
Faith, Dora, and Heather are interesting and complex characters, and I had no trouble connecting with each of them—especially Heather. I enjoyed the dual timelines so much, especially the 80s, and the host of memories and nostalgia it brought.
This is a touching story with elements of heartbreak, mystery, grief, friendship and underlying themes of forgiveness and healing. I love a story that makes me feel deeply, and this one certainly did.
First Line: Faith Byrne’s carefully laid plans took advantage of unplanned distractions and skipped tow, never to be seen again.
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Christian Fiction
Author: Christina Suzann Nelson
Page Count: 352
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
I’ve read one other book by this author, so I had no doubt I’d enjoy it. Just as in the other book, there are three women’s points of view. I love seeing different perspectives, giving me a well-rounded, in-depth story.
Faith, Dora, and Heather are interesting and complex characters, and I had no trouble connecting with each of them—especially Heather. I enjoyed the dual timelines so much, especially the 80s, and the host of memories and nostalgia it brought.
This is a touching story with elements of heartbreak, mystery, grief, friendship and underlying themes of forgiveness and healing. I love a story that makes me feel deeply, and this one certainly did.
First Line: Faith Byrne’s carefully laid plans took advantage of unplanned distractions and skipped tow, never to be seen again.
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Christian Fiction
Author: Christina Suzann Nelson
Page Count: 352
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
October 31, 2022
This was a little bit slow-moving for me; I was expecting more domestic suspense than relationship fiction, and I enjoyed some POVs more than others.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2024
Whew! This one definitely makes you feel 'all the feels'.
I was very quickly drawn into the story of Heather's disappearance and the questions that persisted 36 years later. I think the use of 3 points of view helped tell the story in a way that would not have been possible otherwise . . . though Faith was the main character, we needed both Heather's 1986 perspective, as well as her mother Dora's present day thoughts to really understand the layers of what was happening in both time frames beyond Faith's limited view.
As the story played out, my suspicions went in a few directions, but nothing could have prepared me for the ultimate reveal of what happened to Heather and why. I was very grateful for the strong faith element that brought this novel the additional reminders that for followers of Jesus, goodbyes never need be permanent.
4.5 stars
I was very quickly drawn into the story of Heather's disappearance and the questions that persisted 36 years later. I think the use of 3 points of view helped tell the story in a way that would not have been possible otherwise . . . though Faith was the main character, we needed both Heather's 1986 perspective, as well as her mother Dora's present day thoughts to really understand the layers of what was happening in both time frames beyond Faith's limited view.
As the story played out, my suspicions went in a few directions, but nothing could have prepared me for the ultimate reveal of what happened to Heather and why. I was very grateful for the strong faith element that brought this novel the additional reminders that for followers of Jesus, goodbyes never need be permanent.
4.5 stars
March 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The story moves along at a good pace and keeps you wanting to solve the case. The story centers on a woman who does a podcast about people who thrive after tragedy. When her childhood best friend’s sister asks her to investigate and look into the disappearance of her sister and this woman’s best friend, she decides to help. She goes back to the town she lived in when she was in 5th grade and starts digging. The book goes back and forth in time from 30 years before to present and also different characters point of view. It’s easy to follow and flows perfectly. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 9, 2023
Surviving a divorce is something that this main character brings to the table that is not often the first theme of a novel. Solving a mystery involving a missing childhood friend is not either. This book is not really a mystery, but it is. The story has so many twists and turns, you will not want to put it down! Well written with hard truths that you have come to expect from this author.
May 1, 2024
This was such a good read. I was hooked on wanting to see this story come to a conclusion. Such a good read about grief, forgiveness, and how God works through the most awful of circumstances. A book I needed in my life right now. A great read!
February 18, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers for accepting my request to read and review What Happens Next.
Published: 01/17/23
I liked this story. It is the first book by this author for me, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
The podcast aspect dates the book, making it current. The character has a successful podcast, and thus experience. I liked that part of the writing; it gave her a level of maturity. In addition, she was divorced and had two teens. I thought the author wrote these characters well. There was the ex who was argumentative, and again the author did justice to me the reader with this character. I wasn't insulted as I often am in books. The other characters were much like cozy mysteries, all kinds of towns people. All done well.
Midway I noticed praying and no swearing, I was surprised to see this was a Christian mystery/thriller. The prayers are nice, and I liked how the author wrote asking about grace. It has always been an awkward moment in my life. I have gotten -- hang on Mary has to pray (announcements are not necessary folks) to Mary are you okay when I discretely bow my head. (Oh yes.). It's all about style or class?
The mystery itself is clever and involves shady people. There were moments when I was ready to move on, however, I understand that we all read with different real life experiences. I will say it was well-written.
I think it would make a nice car listen and/or nursing home.
Published: 01/17/23
I liked this story. It is the first book by this author for me, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
The podcast aspect dates the book, making it current. The character has a successful podcast, and thus experience. I liked that part of the writing; it gave her a level of maturity. In addition, she was divorced and had two teens. I thought the author wrote these characters well. There was the ex who was argumentative, and again the author did justice to me the reader with this character. I wasn't insulted as I often am in books. The other characters were much like cozy mysteries, all kinds of towns people. All done well.
Midway I noticed praying and no swearing, I was surprised to see this was a Christian mystery/thriller. The prayers are nice, and I liked how the author wrote asking about grace. It has always been an awkward moment in my life. I have gotten -- hang on Mary has to pray (announcements are not necessary folks) to Mary are you okay when I discretely bow my head. (Oh yes.). It's all about style or class?
The mystery itself is clever and involves shady people. There were moments when I was ready to move on, however, I understand that we all read with different real life experiences. I will say it was well-written.
I think it would make a nice car listen and/or nursing home.
January 21, 2024
What Happens Next was heartbreaking and emotional but also so gentle and redemptive.
Heather Crane has been missing for 36 years but no one knows what happened. Faith is a popular podcaster and best friend of Heather’s the summer before Heather went missing. She embarks on a journey to use her platform to uncover the truth.
This story is told through the POV of Faith, Heather’s mom, and Heather (the summer before her disappearance). There was something deep and rich about the way the POV’s and dual-timeline laid out the plot and heart of the story.
The plot held deep mystery. There was a dateline type feel that made me want to flip pages and find out what happened. I loved that. But what I loved even more was the hurt and healing element of the story.
The core theme of this book is loss and grief and I appreciated walking with the characters as they learned from and healed through the experiences they faced.
Favorite quotes:
“Grief is not something you can work your way through step by step. It comes in waves that can’t be tamed by logic.”
“It was up to her to stop the past from making her a victim again.”
Heather Crane has been missing for 36 years but no one knows what happened. Faith is a popular podcaster and best friend of Heather’s the summer before Heather went missing. She embarks on a journey to use her platform to uncover the truth.
This story is told through the POV of Faith, Heather’s mom, and Heather (the summer before her disappearance). There was something deep and rich about the way the POV’s and dual-timeline laid out the plot and heart of the story.
The plot held deep mystery. There was a dateline type feel that made me want to flip pages and find out what happened. I loved that. But what I loved even more was the hurt and healing element of the story.
The core theme of this book is loss and grief and I appreciated walking with the characters as they learned from and healed through the experiences they faced.
Favorite quotes:
“Grief is not something you can work your way through step by step. It comes in waves that can’t be tamed by logic.”
“It was up to her to stop the past from making her a victim again.”
February 2, 2025
I never wanted to put this book down. It was raw, nostalgic, emotional, and yet held traces of light and hope.
It isn’t a light read, so if you’re a very sensitive reader it may not be for you.
I appreciated the faith themes and the character’s growth throughout the book.
As far as mysteries go, it was well-written. I pieced some things together, but there were a few very well-done parts of the puzzle I didn’t have figured out.
It isn’t a light read, so if you’re a very sensitive reader it may not be for you.
I appreciated the faith themes and the character’s growth throughout the book.
As far as mysteries go, it was well-written. I pieced some things together, but there were a few very well-done parts of the puzzle I didn’t have figured out.
June 2, 2024
4.5 stars
January 8, 2023
If I could give a higher rating 5🌟this is the book that would get that.
I have to say this is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. What Happens Next totally drew me in from the first page to the last page. I literally could not put the book down.
The author writes the chapters from the view points of each main character. It took me a minute to get into the flow of this but, once I did…..I couldn’t stop reading!
The story is about Faith who is a podcaster. Her podcasts center around stories from people who have overcome tragic circumstances. Many years ago her best friend, Heather, mysteriously disappeared. Now her sister has contacted Faith to find out what happened to Heather. This is something Faith has never done before. Should she say no or yes? Can she find answers and bring closure to Heather’s family and herself?
There is a wonderful Christian theme intertwined within the story. A beautiful, wholesome story that in the end made me cry.
I was kept guessing to the very end.
I highly recommend this book.
Christina Suzann Nelson is a new author to me. I am already highly anticipating reading her other books. Her writing style is solid and flows smoothly.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have to say this is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. What Happens Next totally drew me in from the first page to the last page. I literally could not put the book down.
The author writes the chapters from the view points of each main character. It took me a minute to get into the flow of this but, once I did…..I couldn’t stop reading!
The story is about Faith who is a podcaster. Her podcasts center around stories from people who have overcome tragic circumstances. Many years ago her best friend, Heather, mysteriously disappeared. Now her sister has contacted Faith to find out what happened to Heather. This is something Faith has never done before. Should she say no or yes? Can she find answers and bring closure to Heather’s family and herself?
There is a wonderful Christian theme intertwined within the story. A beautiful, wholesome story that in the end made me cry.
I was kept guessing to the very end.
I highly recommend this book.
Christina Suzann Nelson is a new author to me. I am already highly anticipating reading her other books. Her writing style is solid and flows smoothly.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 10, 2024
I love a good podcast, my favorites are the true crime ones. So I think this would have been right up my alley for me to listen to. So because of that I enjoyed this book.
Heather, Faith, and Nathan are good friends one summer when Faith and her family move to town. But one night something happens to Heather and 36 years later Faith, a podcaster, is asked to come back and find out "what happens next".
I enjoyed this story very much to where I will look for more books by this author.
Heather, Faith, and Nathan are good friends one summer when Faith and her family move to town. But one night something happens to Heather and 36 years later Faith, a podcaster, is asked to come back and find out "what happens next".
I enjoyed this story very much to where I will look for more books by this author.
Want to read
January 9, 2023Another profoundly moving novel by Christina Suzann Nelson
Writing reviews for Christina Suzann Nelson’s books is tough! Her books are so much more than just the story being told. And putting my thoughts and feelings into words feels so inadequate compared to the depth of the book. As with Christina’s previous books, What Happens Next is a powerful story with so many layers. Layers of heartbreak, mystery, suspense, and guilt. Layers of faith and love and forgiveness.
On the surface, What Happens Next tells the story of former investigative reporter turned popular podcaster, Faith. She is recently divorced and at loose ends when her daughters leave to spend the summer in Hawaii with their father and his new wife. She is asked to bring new light to the disappearance of Heather, the only best friend she ever had, who went missing 36 years ago. She is contacted by Heather’s older sister, Brooke. Only, when Brooke reaches out, it is the first time Faith has heard about the disappearance.
It is also about Heather’s and Brooke’s mother, Dora, who has never let go of the belief that Heather will return, even after all these years. This belief has changed Dora from a loving wife and mother into a woman obsessed by the past. Her obsession has also built a barrier between Dora and her husband and her other two children.
Lastly, the book is about Heather. She is bright and funny and sometimes outspoken. She loves adventures. Ten-year-old Heather and Faith immediately become best friends and are joined on their summer “adventures” by ten-year-old Nathan. Heather takes the reader through that wonderful summer of bike riding, swimming and ice cream in the first person.
As Faith looks into the information about Heather’s disappearance, she encounters the grown-up Nathan, now called Nate. He is the cold-case detective for Heather’s case. The other people in the book are nicely drawn, but never take over the three primary narratives. One thing that I was impressed by is how the author showed that Heather’s disappearance didn’t only affect her family, but all the people within Heather’s neighborhood. It even affected Faith, who had already left town and didn’t even know about it. Faith was profoundly affected by what she thought was Heather’s abandoning their friendship. Though the subject matter is complex and sometimes hard to read, faith and hope do win. And while I don’t think it had what I would call an HEA, it did have resolution. I believe this book would be suitable for teen readers.
I received an eBook review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
Writing reviews for Christina Suzann Nelson’s books is tough! Her books are so much more than just the story being told. And putting my thoughts and feelings into words feels so inadequate compared to the depth of the book. As with Christina’s previous books, What Happens Next is a powerful story with so many layers. Layers of heartbreak, mystery, suspense, and guilt. Layers of faith and love and forgiveness.
On the surface, What Happens Next tells the story of former investigative reporter turned popular podcaster, Faith. She is recently divorced and at loose ends when her daughters leave to spend the summer in Hawaii with their father and his new wife. She is asked to bring new light to the disappearance of Heather, the only best friend she ever had, who went missing 36 years ago. She is contacted by Heather’s older sister, Brooke. Only, when Brooke reaches out, it is the first time Faith has heard about the disappearance.
It is also about Heather’s and Brooke’s mother, Dora, who has never let go of the belief that Heather will return, even after all these years. This belief has changed Dora from a loving wife and mother into a woman obsessed by the past. Her obsession has also built a barrier between Dora and her husband and her other two children.
Lastly, the book is about Heather. She is bright and funny and sometimes outspoken. She loves adventures. Ten-year-old Heather and Faith immediately become best friends and are joined on their summer “adventures” by ten-year-old Nathan. Heather takes the reader through that wonderful summer of bike riding, swimming and ice cream in the first person.
As Faith looks into the information about Heather’s disappearance, she encounters the grown-up Nathan, now called Nate. He is the cold-case detective for Heather’s case. The other people in the book are nicely drawn, but never take over the three primary narratives. One thing that I was impressed by is how the author showed that Heather’s disappearance didn’t only affect her family, but all the people within Heather’s neighborhood. It even affected Faith, who had already left town and didn’t even know about it. Faith was profoundly affected by what she thought was Heather’s abandoning their friendship. Though the subject matter is complex and sometimes hard to read, faith and hope do win. And while I don’t think it had what I would call an HEA, it did have resolution. I believe this book would be suitable for teen readers.
I received an eBook review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
September 18, 2023
So so good!
February 20, 2023
Christina Suzann Nelson does it again! Every book by this author is absolutely incredible.
What Happens Next is equal parts drama and mystery with a rope to the past. Faith is a podcaster who is trying to navigate life post divorce while raising her two girls. Pulled from her life she is asked to investigate the disappearance of a long lost childhood friend.
Let me tell you this book was so hard to put down. Every page drew me deeper into the mystery of what happened to Heather in 1987. And I was wrapped up into each and every characters story. My heart was in knots while reading.
Overall I thought this book was well written, the characters felt real and believable, and the emotion put into this book was immense. The story as a whole was full of meaning and showed the beauty of relationships. I highly recommend this book (in fact I have my book club reading it next!)
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Christina Suzann Nelson and Bethany House for my ARC.
What Happens Next is equal parts drama and mystery with a rope to the past. Faith is a podcaster who is trying to navigate life post divorce while raising her two girls. Pulled from her life she is asked to investigate the disappearance of a long lost childhood friend.
Let me tell you this book was so hard to put down. Every page drew me deeper into the mystery of what happened to Heather in 1987. And I was wrapped up into each and every characters story. My heart was in knots while reading.
Overall I thought this book was well written, the characters felt real and believable, and the emotion put into this book was immense. The story as a whole was full of meaning and showed the beauty of relationships. I highly recommend this book (in fact I have my book club reading it next!)
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Christina Suzann Nelson and Bethany House for my ARC.
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