This is the literary equivalent of Groundhog Day and I really enjoyed it. I liked the way we got to know the various characters and their motivations and what’s going on in their lives as the book unfolds. This has been a masterclass in plotting so as to only reveal and intrigue the reader enough to want to keep going. Well done Cesca Major.

Unfortunately for me, I found myself in Groundhog Day. It just kept happening, and I found myself a little bored by the book.

Emma’s life has so many parallels for us working mums… and unfortunately I found the constant loop of the book repetitive and unfulfilling. There were instances where I thought how a situation might play out differently - and it was interesting to second guess how it was going to all pan out differently from the previous incarnations of the day.

Overall a 3* read.

Really enjoyed this book, having loved Groundhog Day, the movie….I wasn’t sure a similar idea would work in a book…but it does! I found the characters believable and pretty much read the whole book in one sitting.
Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy.

Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major

I received an E-Arc in exchange for a honest review via NetGalley and the publishers, Harper Collins.

Blurb:

Even the greatest love stories end. But what if this one didn’t have to?

Emma is having the worst day of her life. Frustrating. Chaotic. And the only person who could make it better is gone by the end of the day.

Yet even worse than all of that: Emma keeps waking up to the same day, over and over again.

But what if it’s a sign things could be different? Can Emma change the heartbreaking ending to this love story?

My Thoughts:

Once again, I went into this book blind - only briefly looking at the cover and scanning over the blurb.

It seems 2023 is the year I read books with some sort of time travel esque / time hopping sense to them. In this meta verse, it seems I’m living out my days reading the same thing over and over. Luckily, Major’s effort is an interesting and engaging read throughout.

Major’s debut is a story of a woman spinning too many plates and how this leads to an unexpected and tragic event. It’s a surprising read, with plenty of twists and turns throughout and a real reminder that — even though the world is fast paced — taking time to slow down and spend time with those closest is essential.

A sad and moving Groundhog Day love story. The day being repeated is the anniversary of when Dan and Emma, a mid-life married couple, met and the day that Dan died. There is resolution at the end as Emma learns to live in the present and pay attention to what is happening in the lives of the people around her. The narrative is punctuated with Dan’s letters over the years, which all add to the emotional impact of the storytelling.

With thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an opportunity to read a copy in advance of publication.

Maybe Next Time has been a fabulous book to end my March reading with - it is funny, relatable, heart-breaking and reminds you to cherish what is truly important in your life.

The premise of waking up to re-live the same day, time after time, has been written about before, but Cesca Major handles it with such flair and emotional intelligence, that I was totally gripped to the page and engrossed in Emma and Dan's story.

We see the course of the couple's relationship told through a series of annual love letters - such a smart way of telling the story, where you can see the changes in how they are with one another . From the overwhelming intensity of their love at first (and how they met in the first place - co cute!) and then settling into a more sedate pace of life as they quit their travel plans and become parents; moving ten years on where they instinctively know the personal details that keep them together, and the habits that threaten to tear them apart.

Emma and Dan have both fallen into patterns of negative behaviour with each other that are so common, I recognised loads of them in myself (and am probably doing some of them right now...) but is it too late to steer their marriage back onto track?

When Emma wakes up on the same morning again, she slowly realises that there may be time to change the outcome of where this is going - but is it going to be enough?

'Maybe Next Time' is one of those stories that makes you want to phone everyone you know and tell them you love them, to hug your kids and your cat, and to stop wasting time on sweating the small stuff. Impressive!

Thank you to netgalley for this book in return for an honest review.

A simple story, giving someone the opportunity to change the little things they feel they did wrong in a day, and make the day perfect. Isn't that everyone's dream?

This book was just beautifully heartbreaking. Emma is going through a groundhog day, losing her husband at the same time every night despite what she tries.
After going off the rails, she decides to make every day count instead, using knowledge to make each day better.
Listening to Emma try to make things better was a great storyline, but adding in the letters from Dan just made the book what it is for me. The truth in the letters, detailing issues as well as happiness is what every relationship needs.
And that final letter - just wow! It made me cry and smile all at once. That's the type of letter you expect to find after a death and it truly touched me.
Overall, I really loved reading this book, so much so that I finished it in a few hours!

Maybe Next Time is the sort of novel that you'll want to curl up on the sofa with and devour in one sitting.

Emma and Dan are a couple that are easy to relate to, get along with, get frustrated with. They are by now means perfect, but they can teach us a lot.

Every year on the anniversary of their first meeting the couple write each other letters. Through these we get to see the reality of their relationship, it's ups and downs - the same as any couple.

Emma is BUSY, and keen to stress that she hasn't forgotten their anniversary, or written the note in a hurry when Dan has nipped to the loo on that fateful day at the beginning of the novel. She forgets that Dan knows her.

Inside and Out...

For better, for worse.

For richer, for poorer

In sickness and in health

To love and to cherish

Until death us do part.

When tragedy strikes Emma doesn't have time to think 'what if' - that is until she wakes up the next day, with her husband beside her, and the same date on the calendar as the day before.

And so begins Emma's 'groundhog day (meets Us)' journey of discovery, about herself, her husband, her children and her chaotic job and social life.

This is a beautifully written, and at times emotional novel. And the ending? Well you'll have to read it for yourself to find out!

I raced through this is one sitting. A wonderful novel with a beautiful opening, intricate middle and thought provoking ending. I loved it.

I've been a fan of Major since I read her book The Thin Place a couple of years ago and although I prefer that genre, this was a lovely foray into the romance genre. Sometimes with this genre the plot or characters are trite and conversation doesn't flow realistically but this novel really does seem realistic which makes me laugh because the premise is kooky and fun!

Think Groundhog Day mixed with One Day and you'll have this novel where we meet Emma and Dan who have been together for a while, have two preteen children but something bad happens one evening, so can Emma prevent it happening again? From their first anniversary, they decide to write letters to each other each year so we read their past and some of their problems, which I thought made perfect sense. You don't have a huge sense of who Dan is unless you read the letters but their 'cute meet' is very cute and I loved the references to those knitted boobies that midwives and health visitors pop out when they try to teach about latch!

Not my usual genre but like the great Sophie Cousens, I make an exception because they're brilliant writers and the premise is interesting ☺️

Happy publication day!! I have heard that this has been optioned with Hello Sunshine for TV which I think will be excellent; it's very cinematic I think 😀

A phenomenal read one of my favourite books already this year!
Although I've read a few "Groundhog Day/Sliding Doors"-esque books, this is definitely different and set up in a way that makes you emotionally attached and questioning everything about your own life and priorities. It is heartfelt and heartbreaking,with so many layers interwoven examining the pressures women especially are under and the things that steal our time and attention away from what really matters! Brilliantly done and a book I'm going to be telling everyone to read.

What wouldn’t anyone give to revisit some days and act differently? This was the situation Emma found herself in, except it was the same day over and over. Emma had been stressed, over worked and had little time for herself or her family. Now she has the chance to redress her lifestyle. The reader gets glimpses of the life Emma and Dan had before, through yearly letters written by Dan. I know repetition is part of the story but it just got too much for me and I found myself skimming through some parts. I know other readers really enjoyed it though, but it wasn’t for me. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own,

I want to start by saying I’m pleased to be sharing this review on publication day. Maybe Next Time is a truly gorgeous story that simply made me ugly cry. Thankfully I finished reading this beautiful tale in the comfort of my own bed. I read many a passage on a bus or train so that could have been embarrassing to say the least.

Emma and Dan are couple goals BUT that does not mean life is easy and that they are perfect. Far from it. Their story is beautiful, heartbreaking and heartwarming. It was just what I needed to get a bit of perspective on life. The Groundhog Day troupe is a new one that’s come up a bit but what Cesca has done is add a gorgeous spin. Not only does Emma go through her same Monday for what seems like an eternity. It’s a Dateaversy for her and Dan and a tradition they have always had is to write letters to each other.

This aspect filled my heart although the letters weren’t always what you expected them to be. I loved the rawness from them both but what spoke to me in volumes was the love.

Emma can’t imagine life without Dan until that becomes a potential reality. I absolutely loved the being in the moment and creating memories. Emma will make you laugh out loud with some of the things she gets up to. But she will also have you crying like a baby. There’s so much I want to say and so much I cannot say. What I will say is Emma and Dan taught me to be in the moment more. Even when you’re sad there are always snippets of lovely and I’ve needed that more than most right now. We all have troubles that’s what life is all about but it’s how we handle them that matter.

A gorgeous Groundhog Day novel that will pick you up and spit you out in the greatest of ways. So many supporting characters that deserve a mention but I don’t want to give too much away. This story has made me question aspects of my life in the best way and to honour publication day, I am only looking at the good and what I can change and not what I cannot.

Cesca you have floored me once again and given me a book boyfriend and couple goals in one hit. You’ll forever be a go to author for me, this baby is special

Circumstances beyond my control meant I could only read this book in small doses, and I'm really sorry for that. This is the kind of book you curl up with on a rainy day and let yourself sink into the writing; it's the kind of book you read all at once and emerge from slowly, blinking and unsure. It's that kind of good.

Cesca is able to draw characters who are simultaneously really annoying and completely understandable. Emma's constant need to be dealing with something other than what was in front of her made me want to shout at her - but we've all done it, haven't we? It's so easy now to get caught up in everything the world seems to need from us, and forget about the people near us. After all, they'll always be near us, won't they? It's not a new message, but Cesca has made it so beautiful and amazing.

I love the letters, too; they're so raw and real, some of them painful but all of them heartfelt and amazing, working really well to build a picture of a man we never otherwise see except through Emma's (increasingly frazzled) point of view. The changes Emma goes through are wonderful, as well; from searching for answer, to guilt, depression, and finally starting to work to make the best of it. It's a wonderful protrayal.

Buy this, block off some time, get your favourite drink and curl up. You won't regret it.

Cesca Major is a new author to me and I was thrilled to be given a copy to read and review via Netgalley.

Maybe Next Time is a beautifully written and compelling story with a Groundhog Day trope. Its emotional, humourous and thought provoking in equal measures.

I really connected with Emma and Dan as characters and enjoyed that Emma's chapters were punctuated by Dan's letter chapters. I actually think Dan's letters gave us more of an insight into their relationship over the years.

I wasn't expecting the reveal when it came and think I actually gasped out loud. This is definitely a book to read in one sitting.

The message I'm taking away is it's OK not to be too accessible, to everyone, and trying to meet the demands and keep everyone happy. It's impossible and will leave you burnt out. What is important is family, they should take president over all else.

I’d describe this book as realistic fiction. The author has done an amazing job of creating imaginary characters and situations that depict the world and society. The characters focus on themes of growing, self-discovery and confronting personal and social problems.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words some text written has been typed in red and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

Wow, just wow. Maybe Next Time is definitely my favourite book of the year, and is a contender for best book of all time. I'm not usually one for emotional reads, especially when the characters have similar situations to my own, but that went completely out of the window with this one. I just could not put it down.

Maybe Next Time takes the Groundhog Day scenario and really turns it on it's head. What if the day you were having ended in the worst way possible, and then you had to do it all again? What can you learn and what can you do differently next time?

The book has some really powerful messages, that will resonate with a lot of people. Being present with friends and family, not sacrificing your life for work and appreciating what you do have are just a few of them, and they will get you deep in your head and your heart.

Beautiful and poignant, a new classic.

A beautiful yet heartbreaking book with relatable characters and a storyline that is captivating. Once I started this book ot was hard to put down. The Groundhog Day theme was excellently done and even with all the repetition it was not boring at all. As the day is repeated the reader is pulled deeper into Emma's world and the emotions brought on by the events at the end of the day become stronger.
I loved the message that this book conveys in remembering to enjoy the little things in life and to not get overwhelmed by the things that take you farther away from the people and things that truly matter in your life. Live each day like your or your loved one's last day.
Cesca Major's writing is superb. She pulls you into Emma's world with her words and makes you feel all of the emotions that are brought on by the events in her day. The ending is open to interpretation and seemed to be the perfect way to end the book.
This would make a fabulous book club pick!
I highly recommend this truly moving book. I am grateful to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this simply wonderful book in exchange for my honest review.

I read this all in one day which should tell you all you need to know about the book. Simply wonderful!

Oh Emma! She’s so busy with work, constantly checking her phone for WhatsApp messages, emails and texts that she’s forgotten about what’s most important in her life – her husband and family. She’s someone that I think many women will identify with. She’s trying to do it all, working incredibly hard and worrying that she’s not getting anything right. At times I found her lack of attention to her family so frustrating and I think that’s because I see a bit of myself (and my phone) in Emma. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the pings, beeps and buzzes and miss what’s actually happening in front of you.

I adored Dan’s anniversary letters. They were so romantic and honest, letting us see just what a lovely man he is, as well as giving us insight into Dan and Emma’s lives over the years and how they have both changed. We clearly see that it hasn’t all been plain sailing and that their relationship, like many, has had its fair share of ups and downs.

The book has a Groundhog Day, what if type of storyline. I love this kind of thing, imagining what might have been, how things could have been different if you did just one little thing different. It makes you consider what would you personally do differently if you had the chance? Would it change things or would everything still turn out the same way? By reliving this day over and over, Emma learns so much about herself and others around her, things she hadn’t had time to notice before. She learns what really matters and what is important to her. My heart broke for her having to go through the same day again and again knowing how it would always end.

As a bit of an aside, I loved the little nod to the author’s alter egos as Emma recommended her books to another character! 😆

I adored this book from the beginning till the end and couldn’t put it down. It’s beautifully written, emotional, heart-stopping and utterly addictive. A triumph from Cesca Major which will have you reaching for the hankies. And the ending? Well, I’m not going to tell of course, but it’s just perfect!

4.75 🌟

Oof this one floored me! A poignant sliding doors/groundhog day/time loop romantic drama, I really enjoyed this story about super busy Emma who gets stuck living the same day on repeat; Interspersed with letters written by her husband Dan throughout their years together. I found this story to be super relatable with regards to trying to find the balance of modern day family life. It is beautifully written, full of emotion and actually quite thought provoking. What would you do if you had to live the same day over and over knowing it ends the same way?

An almost perfect read but I wanted an ending that has more answers. A bonus point for the brilliant reference to Cesca's alternate pen names and other books though, such a great detail!

With thanks to William Morrow/Netgalley for the ARC.