4.25 stars

BACK AFTER THIS by Linda Holmes introduces us to the characters of Cecily and Will. Cecily is an editor at a podcast network, and she's hoping to have her own podcast one day after her ex stole her show from her. Cecily's boss Toby comes to her with a new podcast idea that features Cecily working with a dating coach and going on twenty first dates. 

One day Cecily bumps into Will and Buddy. Will was getting a haircut when Buddy, a Great Dane, got loose from the woman who is walking him. Will and eventually Cecily chase Buddy down in an adorable meet cute. 

I LOVED all the behind-the-curtain podcasting talk in this one. As someone who has avidly listened to podcasts for over ten years now, it was an area that I don't really know the business and day-to-day life of. Until now. I relished learning more about podcasting and being a podcaster. I think this novel delves into day-to-day work life the most of any novel I've ever read. 

I was charmed by Cecily and Will. Buddy the Great Dane was amazing. I could see that some readers might want even more Buddy in this novel. 

There was a part about 80% in when Cecily gets an email sent to her in error, and that whole scene (and the scenes that scene prompted) didn't ring accurate for me. As a podcast insider, Cecily understood production and it was about getting "a story." One could argue that maybe it was different once she was the subject, but I don't really buy that. Also, there was a lot of exposition around those scenes that got tedious. I understand it was the necessary third act drama; I just think it could have been written more smoothly. 

All in all, I really liked this novel, just like I've enjoyed Linda Holmes' past two novels. I appreciate that each has been unique, and this one deep dives into podcasting, which I was eager to learn more about.

Publishes February 25, 2025