A fresh start in a new place is always full of surprises…

After two back-to-back life-changing events, first-grade teacher Katie McGrath leaves 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 truly feel like herself.

She’ll need to dig deep to find the courage to try again—in life and in love—but with some help from her neighbor Sam Youngblood and his adorable twin daughters, her future is looking brighter than she dared imagine.

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Possible Trigger Warning: mention of drug abuse and school violence, not the main story, but if these might be a trigger for you, just be aware

NetGalley ARC

Title:  The Next Best Day
Series:
Author:  Sharon Sala
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  November 8, 2022
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating:  4.5

The beginning of The Next Best Day could be taken from any news headline, anywhere across the country, a big city, or a small town.  It has, sadly, become our reality.  This story hits the reader with a deeply emotional look at what brought Katie to this smaller town, how even after these events, she’s still learning to cope and go about her daily life without constant fear.  While I love this author’s work which is full to the brim with healing eventually, this introduction will be heart-wrenching for many, and perhaps triggering for others.

Katie has settled into a much smaller town, keeping to herself, and teaching her students.  She’s trying to be more open, less fearful like she once was, but it’s an everyday battle.  She’s enjoying the mischievous antics of the neighbor’s twin daughters, never realizing how much these sweet little ones would help her heal.

Sam’s wife died giving birth to his most precious gift, his twin daughters, Evie and Beth.  And though life has been hectic, he wouldn’t trade it for anything.  He’s devoted himself to his daughters, but he’s also beginning to feel ready to face life beyond being a single father.  His neighbor has obviously gone through some hard times.  It’s his job to notice little things, and she gives off the sense that she’s seen too much, and been hurt too deeply but is bravely pushing onwards.

I enjoyed Katie and Sam’s story.  They’ve each been hurt in some of the deepest ways possible and have come out the other side as survivors.  I liked them and adored the twins so much.  I really didn’t like Mark’s side story.  He should have been a one-and-done for his actions.  I, frankly, skimmed through any on-page time that Mark had.  In all, this is one of those stories that will linger on after the final page.  I’d definitely recommend it.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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