I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Next Chapter by Rebecca Ryan Also by this author: My (extra)Ordinary Life
Published by Simon & Schuster UK on 17th July 2025
Genres: Chicklit, Contemporary, Humour, Love & Romance, Women's Literary Fiction
Format: eARC
Source: from Netgalley
Goodreads
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Lily Brown is ready to turn the page and see what adventure awaits . . .
Lily Brown prides herself on her organised, surprise-free life. Whether it's charity yoga for polar bears or crafting a ninety-six-piece balloon arch, Lily always goes the extra mile. But when her adoptive father asks her to reconnect with her birth mother, Lola Starr – a legendary pop punk singer who vanished from fame – Lily decides to venture off the well-trodden path.
With her best friend Seb, Lily tracks Lola to her humble hotel on the beautiful Isle of Skye in Scotland, far from the glamorous life she imagined. Hiding the truth, Lily gets to know Lola and finds a kind, free-spirited woman. If life wasn’t complicated enough – she meets Noah, a charming travel writer on a quest to discover hidden gems.
As Lily takes a chance and embraces new possibilities, she begins to question whether the safe rules she’s built her life around are what she really needs.
I have previously read 2 of Rebecca’s book both of which I enjoyed. I like Rebecca’s writing style and was looking forward to starting this one.
Lily is a classic overthinker. There were many times that her thoughts really were quite exhausting but also very entertaining. Sometimes when she spiraled it would lead to some very funny moments.
Lily and Seb’s friendship is one we can all dream of. It is so rock solid that they can be completely honest with each other. I really loved that.
The romantic interest in this book is almost like a side story for me. The main focus was Lily and Lola’s journeys. Finding out what really happened to Lola and the building of their relationship. Noah however was quite a specimen for a love interest so he was more than welcome.
One other character I have to mention is Harper. I really liked her. I felt for her and her story. She has had a tough time and Rebecca handled this with care and grace.
Overall I found this book to be funny and refreshing. It was not your predictable romcom which while I do love a predictable romcom it was a nice change.
If you need a book for your summer holiday then this is perfect to read by the pool or like me read it here in the UK with the fan on max!
Thank you to Books and the City and Simon and Schuster for my my copy of this book.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2025 Netgalley Challenge
- 2025 Reading Challenge
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