What Next brings us flying back into Carly Coopers life. Its like catching up with old friends when you read the books about her and her escapades. I loved both the previous stories What If? and What Now?

If you haven't read them yet then I personally suggest you get your hands on them first. You can't just jump in on the third installment 🤷‍♀️ you need to get to know these characters and find out what has happened to them during their lives.

The opening chapter to What Next? Sets the scene perfectly and all those memories of the past two books come flooding back, and you remember that you're in for a cracking read.

I love all the characters in this series, and in each book we are still discovering new things about them. The one thing that is solid and is a constant theme that threads throughout is friendship.

Shari Low has a gift of being able to make you laugh out loud one minute and then bring you to earth with a bump and give you all the feels and emotions.

Trust me that you'll definitely want to read this book. If you haven't read the first two, then what are you waiting for? Go binge read them now. And, if you know all about Carly and her friends then you need to know What Next?

What If? And What Now? are previous novels written by Shari Low and this one catches up with the characters from those books, but can be read as a standalone too. The books follow a group of five friends over the years – Carly, Carol, Kate, Jess and Sarah.
What Next? begins at the end of 2021 with Carly in a Los Angeles jail cell!
Carly Morton is a writer, mum to Mac (19) and Benny (17) by ex-husband Mark Barwick, and she is now married to Sam (actor turned film producer).
Kate Smith is Carly’s friend and neighbour, she is married to architect Bruce, with three kids in their twenties (Tallulah, Cameron and Zoe).
Carol is married to Carly’s brother Callum Cooper and is also her long-time friend. Carol and Callum have twin daughters Charlotte and Antonia (20).
Jess Latham is Carly’s friend, lives with her boyfriend Arnie, and has a son at Uni (Josh).
The other major character in the book is the brilliant Val Murray. She is Carly’s aunt, in her sixties and married to Don.
The chapters are written in the first person from the viewpoints of Carly, Val, Carol and Jess. These are very well written characters and each one has a distinctive voice, so the reader can easily follow who is talking.
The main body of the story is based in the United States. Val, Carly and Carol fly there – Carly to see her husband, Val to try to complete her Bucket List. This is a lovely idea and I really enjoyed following her antics.
There are themes of friendship and family in the book. Alongside a great deal of humour, there are many serious issues explored too including loss, illness, ageing, infidelity and controlling partners.
It is written in an informal, chatty style, and there are so many clever and laugh-out-loud funny bits, which I especially enjoyed. I also loved the strong female characters, especially as the main friends are all around my age (in their fifties) with grown up kids, so I could relate to some of the things they had to deal with. The book is very well written and I love Val, she’s one of my favourite fictional characters I have discovered in a long time, she’s hilarious, so straight-talking!
This is the first of Shari Low’s books I have read, but I’ll be reading more in the future!
9 out of 10

https://www.netgalley.co.uk/member/book/250260/review#

I love Shari’s books and I really enjoyed the previous two books in this series: What if? And What Now? So I was over the moon to find out there was a third coming. These books do work better if read in order as it helps you get a real sense of the characters’ backgrounds and how strong they are as a group of friends however, this also works as a stand alone quite well as enough is explained to make the book really enjoyable. But, why wouldn’t you want to devour this whole, wonderful series?
So Carly is finally moving to LA to live with her husband Sam when Aunt Val decides to tag along to complete her bucket list that she wrote with her late friend. Best friend and sister-in-law Carol tags along too and Jessie already lives over there so it’s shenanigans galore. But, something is off with all 4 women. Can they help each other to figure out what is wrong and overcome it?
I adore these women. I want to be part of their group. I love each and every one of them and they steal my heart every single time I come across them. I could read about them all day long and never tire of their antics, heartaches and adventures. I love how the women each tell their own stories though multi-narration and that we really get a feel for their thoughts as well as their actions but also see how it looks to the other girls.
Val is an absolute national treasure. She has such a heart of gold and is very spirited but her chapters are heart-breaking and show a different side to her. She is hilarious on Rodeo Drive and I loved her in Vegas. I wanted to give her such a high five.
Carly is still as crazy as ever and so down to Earth. She is such a witty character and I love her relationship with Sam. I cannot stop giggling at rainbow pants. But. Will she settle into her new life in LA?
Jessie is broken hearted and not her usual feisty self. I couldn’t wait to get to the bottom of this one and find out what was actually going on.
Carol was the one I felt most sorry for. Everyone else was having a rough time too however they knew why. Carol didn’t, and couldn’t, understand her feelings or where they were coming from and as she had them, she also then experienced so much guilt around them.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster and will take you on such a journey of friendship, love, laughter and tears. It’s sad in places but also uplifting and celebrates so much about life. It’s full of awesome, relatable characters.
I cannot recommend this enough.

It's clear from the heartwarming nature of this story that these characters are special to the author. I love the beautifully flawed quality of the characters that make them so relatable. Carly and her friends are off on a road trip with Aunty Val. This bucket list adventure has many surprises, but the strength of the friendship and familial connections are at its heart.

I love the characters, the often hilarious things that happen to them and the poignant moments that make it authentic. I enjoyed every moment, and I hope it won't be their last adventure together.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.

We begin this next instalment of the What series at Carly’s bon voyage party. The party is gatecrashed by Carly’s auntie Val who wishes to honour her late best friend Josie by completing their bucket list. But she doesn’t want to do it alone. She enlists the help of Carly, Carol and Jess who all are happy to participate in Val‘s grand schemes.

Each of these women are hiding a secret and during their trip need to work out if they want to return to the status quo or tell their truths.

As I have said every time I read a new Shari Low novel I absolutely adore it. Heartwarming,page turning, laugh out loud, yet heartbreaking. I loved every word.

I think I probably write this in every review I do of a Shari Low book but I absolutely adore this woman’s books!! I don’t know if it’s the Scottish slant in them or not but to coin a phrase they are ‘pure dead brilliant’! Honestly I don’t think I have ever laughed out loud as much as I do when reading her books and I cannot recommend all of her books enough.

This is the third book in the series with Carly and her friends although some of the characters do feature in other books written by the author. In this instalment of their lives,

Carly is happily married to her beau Sam Morton whom she first met in her twenties while living abroad. He is now a Hollywood actor turned producer who is based in USA and now Carly is leaving her home, her friends and her two teenage boys to move to his mansion in the sunshine, a move that anyone would be happy to make so why isn’t she? When her Aunt Val and her sister-in-law announce that they are coming with her for the first few weeks of her stay it eases her into the move a little. However, that is before she hears a bit about just what Aunt Val has planned for their trip. It transpires that her dearly departed best friend (whom I adored in earlier books) and her made a bucket list of things they wanted to do in America based on movies they had watched. This makes for a very funny and sometimes emotional storyline - there are definitely lots of proper laugh out loud moments!

I absolutely adore Carly and her friends and have loved see them ‘grow up’ over the course of the books - they are all such a good fit for one another (I know that they aren’t real but I like to think that somewhere there is a group of friends just like them). And everyone in Scotland (and perhaps further afield) has an Aunt or knows someone just like Aunt Val. What a character - you can’t help but love her despite her getting into the most terrible situations and having no filter!

I honestly cannot recommend this book (or any other by Shari Low) highly enough. I am insanely jealous of people who have never read her books and now get to do so for the very first time. You will not be disappointed.

I cannot wait to read the next book that Shari Low writes!

As always with Shari Low, brilliant. I loved having the girls back to see their next adventure and if this is the end; I’ll miss them! Full of love, laughed and joy.

Before I even get into the actual story, I have to say the thing I loved the most, was the character breakdown at the very beginning. Shari Low, you are brilliant for putting in a succinct description of each character. It did two things beautifully. First, it brought me up to speed quickly. It gave me all the important information I would need when reading this book. Second, it left me excited to find out more. She could have over done this part by including too much information or referencing her previous works all of the time. Luckily she did not. I was able to dive into the story and if need be, look back for clarification. Every author who writes a sequel or series moving forward needs to do this!

Now on to the actual book. This was a cute story. I enjoyed reading about these quirky women who while well into adulthood, do not have it all together. I especially loved the fact that real problems were addressed. I’m sure everyone can relate to at least one of their hardships.

What Now? is a beautiful testament that when life gets complicated all you need is your FRAMILY by your side.

Thank you to NetGalley.com and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback!

WHAT NEXT by SHARI LOW.

This book picks up with characters we have met previously in, What If? and What Now? But could be read easily as a stand alone story, although I would recommend reading all three books in order, quite simply because they are fab!

After the death of her best friend Josie, Val is left with their joint bucket list.
Feisty Val decides it’s time to head off to America to fulfil their shared dreams. She ropes in her niece Carly and two of Carly’s best friends, Jess and Carol, to join her for the trip.
The four women set off together, and get into all sorts of mischief and have some crazy adventures along the way.
As they tick off items on the bucket list and enjoy their travels, the women all have their own issues to work through.

I loved this book from page one. Shari writes some endearing characters who all fit together perfectly.
This story is laugh out loud funny as well as touching and sweet. There are some serious issues in this book, but they are handled with sensitivity and care.
Over all, you will be left full of the feels by the end of this warm, feel good and utterly charming read.

Five gorgeous, feel good stars from me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Released on, 13/4/22 in all formats.

With thanks to #Netgalley and #Boldwood for a digital ARC of # WhatNext? By #ShariLow.

There were too many characters so at times it was hard to keep up with everything. I did not enjoy this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

A fabulous read that I just couldn’t put down. Will recommend to others. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book.

What Next? is the third book in a series by Shari Low that explores friendship. The first two, What If? and What Now? are available now but it is not necessary to read the books in order. Amzon.com calls What Next? ‘brand new laugh-out-loud novel by #1 bestseller Shari Low’. The book is out on today and is 315 pages long. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, I’ve toured with What Now? and this new book, What Next?. After reading What Now? I was thrilled to read What Next? because I enjoy reading about these ladies.

I could not agree more with Amazon.com’s description of this book. It is a hilarious story about friendship and what friends will do to help each other. There are many funny scenes such as running into the ocean Baywatch style and imitating Pretty Woman at high end stores. I loved these characters especially Val. She is full of life and so funny. She does what she wants. The group dynamic is something special. They will do anything to protect each other and support each other 100%. This is a funny, feel good book that will take you away for a few hours.

Once again, I inhaled this book in a single sitting. It was totally immersive, and I simply couldn’t walk away from the compelling story. Shari Low creates fabulous characters that work perfectly as part of a group or as the lead.
In spite of this, I particularly took to Carly; her relationship with her new husband, Sam, sounded virtually perfect, except for the minor geographical issue. I’m not sure how I would feel in a similar situation but would hope my partner would be as understanding.
Val was a breath of fresh air, her desire to complete her bucket list, in memory of her friend Josie, was the source of some moments of great hilarity. Thank goodness what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
The other difficult decision in the book related to Jess and her engagement to Arnie. Here Shari Low, once again, examines the dangers of not being able to openly communicate with your partner. What looked like a classic case of disloyalty turned out to be much more complicated and the resulting effects almost devastating.
Having read this wonderful book, I am tempted to dig out the previous instalments so that I can follow the full story. I will have to wait a while, though, because this is a story that has stayed with me.

Another laugh out loud adventure from Shari Low!

Thank you for NetGalley for sending mw this ARC. When I saw Shari Low was writing another story of Carly and her friends lives. I knew I had to read it. Carly and Sam have found their happily ever after if this move to LA doesn’t break them apart. Carol, always effortlessly perfect is finally starting to feel the strain of years of putting on a smiling face. Jess, after years of one night stands has finally found the one, but will he be the one to marry or the one to break her heart? And Val? She’s facing down her hardest time yet, even harder now that Josie’s no longer by her side. When she wraps the girls into completing her and Josie’s bucket list hijinks, hilarity and heartbreak are sure to ensue

DNF at 23%
Disgusting language and too many characters to wrap my head around. I didn't think many of the scenes were really necessary the way they were written.

Three friends plus one of their aunts do the inevitable and go around America to fulfill said aunt's deceased friend's bucket list. (Hahah did you get that?) Ok first off i didn't know this was like the third book to a series of sorts. So i went in feeling abit lost with a whole lot that has happened prior. But just based on this one alone, it is a fun-filled Thelma and Louise version of some ladies going on a road trip, getting into some shenanigans. Lots of laughs, lots of tears. I would probably rate it higher if i read the previous books cause somehow i couldn't relate much to the characters. It is still ok to be read as a standalone i guess but i believe you can indulge in the book more if you feel the characters from the get go.

I love this group of friends and I love Shari Low and this is another brilliant novel. Perfect as a stand-alone but even better if you have read the other two. I loved the story from the different perspectives. Val is an amazing character and she shines just as well without Josie, her usual sidekick. All 4 characters are completing an American bucket list and all of them are hiding a secret which is causing them to get tangled in knots. The trip provides the unraveling.
Highly recommend
(I’m really hoping there is going to be a series featuring the next generation too!)

Two weeks, four friends and one big bucket list of secrets to unravel…Beautifully written, with such heart. Not only did it make me cry, it made me see the world in a different way. A beautiful and delightful book to read, one I really just wanted to spend my time reading and savoring the experience.

Laugh out loud funny moments throughout this book. An absolute tonic.
The opening scene had me hooked and then it was one hilarious adventure after the other for these four women 'of a certain age'. I could so identify with the menopause issues raised in the book, being of that 'certain age' myself and in that regard, Shari has done a really good job of raising symptom awareness as well as highlighting the code for women requiring help from domestic abuse. Serious topics dealt with sensitively without altering the fun tone of the book.
Although I hadn't read the earlier two books in the series, Shari did an excellent job catching new readers up with the cast of characters, so it can easily be read as a stand alone, however, I'm now hooked on this gang of friends and will be reading the What if and What Now books just as soon as I can. I think every woman would love to have a gang of pals like this to journey through life with and those that do are very lucky indeed.

Having read a few of this author's books now, I have to say this one is one of my favourites - well, so far!

It starts with a bucket list that Val and her friend Josie had thought up. Now that Josie has passed on, Val decides it's time to get something done about this list. You soon get to realise that Val is incorrigible and so she sort of organises and hi-jacks her nieces and they all go off to America to tick off the items.

The three nieces, Carly, Carol and Jess are, well sort of stuck in their lives or have something going on with them. It gives the 4 women a chance to not only kick back and have some fun but to assess.

This is a fabulous book and I have to say Val is such an amazing character. She is one of those characters who is the cornerstone of the story. While she is loud, bright and a real hoot, she also has another softer and hugely caring side. She is also a dangerous woman to go out anywhere with as she will definitely lead you astray, this makes for some hilarious and raucous moments in the story.

Each of the women has something they need to deal with, none of them is upfront about it. They need a trigger for the secret to be released. So while this trip is for the purpose of fulfilling a friend's wish, it is also about discovering what needs to change for each of them.

The author has got the balance spot on with this story mixing humour with worries about life, health and family. There are changes and challenges and some wonderful moments that just make you feel that you are not alone in the world. Life for the women has been portrayed very differently for each one, and this was a great way of seeing different perspectives on life and how success is seen or happiness is measured.

This is a fabulous read, it is heartwarming and yeah there was a couple of moments when I had a lump in my throat. Ideal for readers of contemporary fiction, life, family and friendship. A gorgeous read and one I would definitely recommend.