Back After This

A Novel

By: Linda Holmes

Narrated by: Linda Holmes

From the New York Times bestselling author of Evvie Drake Starts Over and Flying Solo, a podcast producer agrees to host a new series about modern dating—but will the show jeopardize her chance at finding real love?

“Romantic, smart, and exactly the book we all need right now. I adored this.”—Annabel Monaghan, author of Nora Goes Off Script

“You’ll sink into this story and never want it to end.”—Elissa Sussman, author of Funny You Should Ask

Cecily Foster loves to make podcasts. She fiercely protects her colleagues, dearly adores her friends, and never misses dinner with her sister. But after a disastrous relationship with a colleague who stole her heart and her ideas, she’s put romantic love on hold.

When the boss who’s disappointed her again and again finally offers her the chance to host her own show, she wants to be thrilled. But there’s a catch—actually, two catches. First, the show will be about Cecily’s dating life. And second, she has to follow the guidance of influencer and newly minted relationship coach Eliza Cassidy, whose relentlessly upbeat attitude seems ready-made for social media, not real life.

Cecily would rather do anything other than put her singledom on display (ugh) or take advice from the internet (UGH). But when her boss hints that doing the show is the only way to protect a friend’s job, she realizes she has no choice.

To make matters more complicated, once she’s committed to twenty blind dates of Eliza’s choosing, Cecily finds herself unable to stop thinking about Will, a photographer she helped to rescue a very big and very lovable lost dog. Even though there are sparks between the two, Will’s own path is uncertain, and Eliza’s skeptical comments about Cecily’s decision-making aren’t helping. On the one hand, Will seems great. But on the other hand . . . don’t they all?

As Cecily struggles to balance the life she truly desires and the one Eliza wants to create for her, she finds herself at a crossroads. Can Cecily sort through all the advice and find a way to do what she loves without losing herself in the process?

Best cute-meet book ever!

Really enjoyable & I learned so much about recording podcasts. I thot it was so cut & dry. But anyway, the story had so much depth & situations for thought for a book of its type. I was so pleased.
Good story, good narration & ( minimal) sound effects. Likable, very realistic characters. Maybe it’ll be a movie or series???

Not her best

From reading her previous work I know author has a great book in her but this isn’t it.
It’s fine for background listening but characters are thinly drawn and motivations don’t make sense from one moment to the next. The behind the scenes of podcast production was kind of interesting but would have been better if any character had a real love for audio storytelling.

Cozy Rom Com

Such a charming, lighthearted read! 💕 Cecily hasn’t exactly had the best luck finding “the one,” so why not go on 20 dates with 20 different guys—and have it all recorded for her job? Along the way, she not only learns what she truly wants in a partner, but also meets some pretty unforgettable people. And then there’s him… the guy she keeps running into. Fate? I think yes. 🥰

This story was so sweet, funny, and yes—there’s a dog (because honestly, what’s better than that?! 🐾). I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good romance. 💌

Well what do you know about pod casts

So much energy. I just loved this book. Liked the characters and could see them as real people. Eliza the influencer was too real. I feel so sorry for people who have to change every day inbb vs order to stay popular. It must be exhausting.

Always learn to prioritize your desires w/o shame

You must always learn to prioritize your desires without shame.

Cecily Foster is a strong and capable woman who excels in her endeavors. She’s always willing to support her friends and colleagues, but when it comes to her own needs, she’s more easily manipulated.

Her boss, Tobie, wants her to host a podcast and participate in an influencer’s "Guide to Finding Your Match After 20 Blind Dates," where influencer Eliza Cassidy uses her method for finding the perfect match. Cecily agrees, but only on the condition that she can also host a podcast she’s passionate about and that both her and her colleague Julie’s jobs are secure.

After a string of disappointing dates and a constant imbalance between her work and personal life, it seems like things couldn’t get worse for Cecily. But they do: especially when an unexpected new factor, named Will, Will’s dog Buddy, and an email, are about to shake things up.