The Next Breath

An Angsty and Uplifting Love Story

By: Laurel Osterkamp

Narrated by: Claire Duncan

The "HEARTBREAKING & HEART-WARMING" Novel by NUMBER ONE Amazon-Bestselling Author Laurel Osterkamp

Three broken hearts. Two loves of a lifetime. One unforgettable romance that will "WRENCH YOU FROM THE INSIDE OUT."

Ten years ago, Robin found true love with Jed, but then she lost him. But when Nick enters her life, she starts to believe in second chances. Yet, as she reluctantly agrees to star in the play Jed wrote for her before his death, Robin must reconcile with old wounds and long-buried emotions. As Jed's ghost lingers in her dreams, Robin navigates through heartbreak, loss, and the overwhelming fear of moving on.

Can she find the strength to leave Jed in the past and embrace a future filled with hope and love?

©2024 Laurel Osterkamp (P)2024 Laurel Osterkamp

Critic reviews

"Sincere storytelling and heartfelt revelations will lull readers and then wrench them from the inside out...a love story you won't be able to forget."--Indies Today

"A captivating tale of love, loss, and self-discovery...with heartfelt moments and gripping revelations."--The Book Commentary

A real tearjerker!

If you're an audiophile, you'll love this book - especially if you love a good old-fashioned tearjerker, just in time for Valentine's Day.

You'll definitely want a big ol' box of tissues nearby while you listen to this one. If you've never really figured out audiobooks, I always like to engage in a hobby, driving, or cleaning while I listen - it makes both the other task AND the torture of waiting for the story to progress go faster. I don't mean the book was slow, just that sometimes you just need to know what is going to happen - this was one of those times!

The performer, Claire Duncan, absolutely brought the story to life. The reader can make or break the story. Sometimes, if they're good, you don't even notice them, or they enhance the story tenfold. Ms. Duncan was somewhere in between. I'm so glad to have listened to the story in audio format.

The concept of the tale was so interesting, a love triangle, but with one member already gone, removed from the equation. As we learn more about the relationship between Robin and Jed, the more he haunts and threatens her current relationship with Nick. The quintessential example of the "perfect" dead partner that the new partner can't live up to the memory of, it seems. But, of course, you'll have to read the story yourself to see if everything is as it seems.

I saw lovely aspects and flaws in all three points of the triangle, which worked to make the story more beautiful and more tragic all in one. It really was as heartbreaking and heartwarming as promised. And, in some ways, I was left a little uncertain how to feel in the end. This might be one that warrants a second read/listen before all the dust on my heart really settles.

"Death hasn't stopped me from loving you."

I lost a boyfriend suddenly in 2013 and the way this book was written I had all of the feels. There were times I had to put it down because of how real many moments felt. From trying to be strong and not cry to having no control. To feeling the guilt and fear of moving on and forgetting the memories of those we love.
*
This story is beautiful and heartbreaking. It flips between the year 2000 and 2013; the past with Robin and Jed and the current with Robin and Nick. Before Jed passed he wrote a play, The Next Breath, a play for Robin to star in. Nick struggles with feeling like he is competing against a ghost because of this play. This causes a riff in their relationship and Robin continues to tries to show him that it is not true.
*
I secretly LOVE the Flash Dance girl as a runner myself

A story of healing

 Robin is on a journey moving forward while reminiscing about the past. This was a very heartfelt and introspective time in life for Robin. It’s such an amazing story of how grief can change your perspective and how you handle things afterwards. It’s a love story, but more so it’s a story about moving forward in life and giving yourself permission to be happy.