Published by She Writes PressDate Published: 28 May, 2019
Pages: 256
Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Purchase: Amazon
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Jess Lawson, a forty-five-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 with-out Jess—her world quickly crumbles. Amid their acrimonious divorce, revelations about Arthur's infidelity come to light; and at work, instead of the revitalized ca-reer 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.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.
My Thoughts
I don’t read many women’s fiction novels, but when I do, I want it to be one just like this. Maren Cooper is a new to me author, but she has amazing talent and really sucked me into the story. When I started this book, it was 6pm. By the time I finished and looked up, it was 2am. I read it one sitting! It was THAT addicting. I couldn’t believe that this was her debut novel. Her writing style is amazing and it felt like she was a seasoned author.
I loved the way Cooper portrayed Jess Lawson. Her emotions jumped off the page, and into my heart, allowing me to feel everything she did. Seeing Jess go through the hurt and confusion of her husband leaving, of picking up the pieces and moving on, really hit home with me, from my own personal experiences. I love when a book does that!
Cooper did a wonderful job with this one, if you ask me. It’s raw. It’s emotional. It’s real. Real life circumstances. True to life characters. Vivid details and a whopper of a message! If you are looking for your better next in life, I suggest you grab this 4 star novel up now and see just how Jess Lawson found hers. Great job on an amazing, beautifully written and emotionally moving novel, Maren Cooper! I am looking forward to another one just like it!
About Maren Cooper
Maren Cooper grew up in the Midwest and now resides in Minnesota. During her long career as a health services executive during a time of continuous change, she led a number of organizations to respond to the challenges of new competitive business models, required operating system improvements and the search for optimal governance structures. Through it all, Maren was a keen observer of the range of coping mechanisms people call upon when their known world is upset and the consequences of choices made in the board room have a direct impact on patient care, professional careers and the families of all involved.
A life-long reader, she recently discovered the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis, began taking classes and slowly unearthed the aspiring writer beneath. A Better Next is her debut novel.
She writes best on the North Shore of Lake Superior where she retreats frequently to hike, watch the deer devour her hostas and needlepoint.
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