I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman pushes herself to experience more of life after the sudden loss of her mother in author Caitlin Forbes’s “What Comes Next.”
The Synopsis
An empowering and heartfelt novel about the complexities of family, the power of sisterhood, and the bravery it takes to choose happiness when all seems lost.
“My life is perfectly fine.”
Alex has pretended this for years―despite an emotionally absent father, a best friend drifting away, and a floundering dog-training business. At least Alex has her sister, Meredith, a driven polar opposite. But both their lives are upended when their estranged mother dies of a genetic condition that the sisters have a fifty-fifty chance of inheriting. For Alex, a world without her mother is uncomfortable. But a world without Meredith is unthinkable.
Alex suggests a pact to which Meredith tentatively agrees: In three months they’ll get tested. Until then they go after everything they’ve ever wanted. Alex is finally stepping out of her comfort zone and opening herself up to new relationships. Or maybe reconnecting with an old one. Nathan, a boy who once broke her heart, needs a trainer for his mixed-breed rescue. Alex can’t resist.
As sparks rekindle, and time passes much too quickly, Alex discovers more about herself, her sister, and her mother than she ever imagined. And that everything in life―especially happiness―comes with a risk worth taking.
The Review
What a heartfelt and emotional read. The author finds such a delicate yet perfect balance between exploring the grieving process, the intricacies of relationships, and the power of self-discovery. The juxtaposition of animal care with the protagonist’s life, especially with Remy and the frequency of animal abandonment due to past trauma, making it difficult to train or home them, mirrors the protagonist’s own abandonment issues and really speaks volumes throughout this story.
Yet it was the relationship between Alex and Meredith that really stood out to the reader. The way they learned to lean on one another in the absence of their parents, the loss they share, and the shock of a shared illness lingering as a possibility is something that felt so relatable as someone who inherited several ailments and the dangers that come with genetic diseases. The author artfully navigates these troubled waters by exploring the path to finding hope again in a person’s life amidst the trauma.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Caitlin Forbes’s “What Comes Next” is a must-read women’s fiction-meets-family-drama novel. The imagery and atmosphere the author brought to life on the page, along with the compelling blend of emotional storytelling and hopeful tones, will keep readers engaged until the book’s final chapters. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Caitlin Forbes is a Maine-based author who writes stories that explore the messiness of relationships—from sisterhood to romance to the tricky relationship we have with ourselves. When not writing, you can find her chasing after her toddler (or her dog) and exploring small-town New England life.
You can follow the author at:
https://www.caitlinforbesauthor.com/
https://www.instagram.com/caitlin_forbes_author/
Blog Tour Calendar
December 8 @ The Muffin
Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the launch of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
December 9 @ Kaecey McCormick’s blog
Join Kaecey’s blog for a guest post from Caitlin Forbes about why she writes and what inspires her.
https://www.kaeceymccormick.com/blog
December 11 @ Knotty Needle
Judy shares her thoughts about What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.
https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/
December 12 @ CC King’s blog
Stop by Caitrin’s blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes on the struggle and process of publishing a debut novel.
https://www.caitrincking.com/blog
December 15 @ Sarandipity’s
Visit Sara’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.
https://sarandipitys.com/blog/
December 18 @ Knotty Needle
Stop by Judy’s blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her own dog rescue story.
https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/
December 19 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff
Stop by Nicole’s Substack for a contribution from Caitlin Forbes.
https://nicolepyles.substack.com
December 20 @ A Wonderful World of Books
Visit Joy’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.
https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/
December 20 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog
Visit Anthony’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.
https://authoranthonyavina.com/category/blog-tours/
December 21 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie’s blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes about the importance of fiction, particularly book club fiction, in this crazy time.
December 23 @ What Is That Book About?
Visit Michelle’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.
https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com/
December 26 @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.
https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog
December 28 @ StoreyBook Reviews
Stop by Leslie’s blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes on why she included dogs in her book What Comes Next.
https://storeybookreviews.com/
January 2 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff
Stop by Nicole’s Substack for a feature of What Comes Next in her weekly newsletter.
https://nicolepyles.substack.com
January 3 @ Seaside Book Nook
Visit Jilleen’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.
http://www.seasidebooknook.com/
January 4 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog
Stop by Anthony’s blog for his review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.
https://authoranthonyavina.com/category/blog-tours/
January 8 @ Writer Advice
Visit B. Lynn Goodwin’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.
January 9 @ Writer Advice
Stop by B. Lynn Goodwin’s blog for a guest post by author Caitlin Forbes about the question of inheritance – of what we inherit versus what we get to choose.
January 10 @ Just Katherine
Stop by Katherine’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. You’ll also have a chance to read her response to our tour-themed prompt about whether if she had an incurable condition and if she would want to find out.
https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/
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