The Next Thing You Know: A Novel

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Description

When Nova Husson, an end-of-life doula, meets Mayson Shaylor, everything she knows is cast into doubt. Committed to a world and profession that allows the elderly to bow out gracefully, taking on a younger man's case is unique, and tragic. Not to mention the fact that the once beloved singer-songwriter now must hang up his guitar for good, after a debilitating degenerative disease takes away the use of his hands. He's determined that there is no future for him, while she's determined to make him see there's life, even as death approaches. But Nova also holds powerful secrets of her own. An emotional, powerful journey that asks the biggest of questions about life, death, and love, The Next Thing You Know is a timeless story of love, loss, and how through the deepest bonds of connection, we can heal.

Reviews

"Uplifting, hopeful, and full of wisdom about surviving loss, embracing life, and offering and accepting forgiveness." --Bestselling author Barbara Claypole White

"Jessica Strawser does it again--first-rate storytelling, a fresh, unique premise, and a didn't-see-that-coming twist, resulting in a book that's unputdownable! Strawser spins a wise, thought-provoking story that crackles with tension and intrigue. Perfect for book clubs, The Next Thing You Know will have you pondering end-of-life issues, and guessing the final, shocking twist." --Lori Nelson Spielman, internationally bestselling author of The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany

"A breathtaking, emotional, and compelling novel, The Next Thing You Know is a poignant look at love and hope, and the importance of living every moment with no regrets. Unflinching and unforgettable, this one will crack your heart open and slowly stitch it back together." --Christina McDonald, bestselling author of The Night Olivia Fell

"A magical tale of love and loss...bittersweet yet ultimately comforting." --Publishers Weekly

"An emotional, powerful, and page-turning read." -- Megan Collins, author of The Family Plot

"[A] deft exploration of connection, death and grief." - E! News

"This novel is brave and affecting, and should come with a box of tissues." - BookTrib

"Grab the tissues." - People

Author Bio

JESSICA STRAWSER is the author of the book club favorites Almost Missed You, Not That I Could Tell (a Book of the Month selection), Forget You Know Me, and A Million Reasons Why. She is Editor-at-Large for Writer's Digest, and her work has appeared in The New York Times' Modern Love, Publishers Weekly, and other fine venues. She lives with her husband and two children in Cincinnati.