My pockets are empty, I don't own a thing: THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW.

The Next Thing You Know by Jessica Strawser
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Nova Huston is an end-of-life doula, whose job is helping terminally ill people make peace with death. She works with Kelly, who is more focused on checklists and routine, but Nova is free-spirited and takes on all types of clients, young and old. When Mason Shaylor shows up at their business, Nova does not recognize him as a famous singer-songwriter, but simply a man who needs her help. His condition means he can no longer play guitar--the one thing he loves. Mason is a reluctant client at best. But soon he and Nova realize they have a connection--will it be enough to help Mason?

This was a different sort of book. It was very sad and emotional, which makes sense for a book about an end-of-life doula. There's some focus on Nova's boss, Kelly and her tween daughter, Willow. And of course, much of the story centers on Nova and Mason.

I felt very up and down in liking this tale. It was good, and interesting, but somehow never felt quite fully developed. Honestly Mason and Nova were frustrating in a lot of their actions, as was Kelly. Some of my favorite characters were Nova's clients, such as the older, spunky Glenna. The book is dramatic, sometimes overly so, with a bit of pontificating from Nova and Mason. And, once things come to a head, everything ends rather quickly.

Overall, this is a touching tale, but a little uneven with some frustrating characters. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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