A Better Next: A Novel

By: Maren Cooper

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Jess Lawson, a 45-year-old healthcare consultant, wife, and mother of two, has spent most of her adulthood fostering the illusion of having a perfect life. Her impending empty-nest syndrome as her youngest child prepares to start college is troubling enough, but when her doctor husband, Arthur, announces his intention to take a prestigious new job on the other side of the country - and relocate without Jess - her world quickly crumbles.

Amid their acrimonious divorce, revelations about Arthur's infidelity come to light; and at work, instead of the revitalized career Jess is hoping for, she uncovers surprising financial corruption that threatens a scandal for her client - and the well-being of the many unsuspecting patients and physicians they serve. Ultimately, this superwoman is forced to acknowledge that her put-together veneer can't hold up under the weight of these new burdens. She also, however, refuses to wallow in victimhood. So what now?

A smart, relatable story for every woman who’s gone bold to sort out her next chapter, A Better Next shows how - with a little soul searching and a supportive circle of friends and colleagues - it’s possible to redefine happiness and establish a liberating, new normal at any stage of life.

©2019 She Writes Press (P)2019 Lynn Abrahamsen/Maren Cooper

Engrossing and very realistic

Maren Cooer captured the struggles of women in marriages that offer security without true intimacy. On the outside everything looks good and even fools Jess Lawson who is living it until...this is an excellent listen and one feels connected to her struggles and triumphs, both to understand the end of her marriage and work betrayals but also to empower herself in new ways; not just for success but for revitalization. The supporting characters were realistic, flawed and very likable.

Inspirational, Relatable and Engaging

What a great read any time of the year! An engaging story about the modern career woman who is also a dedicated wife and mother. This book does an amazing job depicting the high points and pitfalls that come with the territory of juggling it all - through the good times and bad. Though Jess's world is rocked when Arthur announces his infidelity, she uses her inner strength while leaning on her amazing core group of girlfriends and the love from her children to get through it. Jess and her friends demonstrate how you can get through any curve ball in life by focusing on staying active, staying busy and leaning on those who love you to get through it. I personally love books that break through gender stereotypes and this book does it for me - the female lead and her friends are ambitious, bold, tough when needed, while also being empathetic and caring. I also loved the relationship among the girlfriends - so fun and relatable. The core message, however, is the cherry on top of this excellent story in that you are in control of your life and have the power to turn it any way you wish - no matter what. Inspiring - highly recommend!

Why did she write this?

Right to the end I was waiting for some plot to develop....really don't bother starting this