First, I must mention the built-in humor that just makes Sharon Sala one of my favorite authors when I am looking for a good strong story filled with warmth. I am always charmed by books penned by this amazing author. And THE NEXT BEST DAY is an example of why that is. Sharon Sala includes a few items my children call Easter eggs, when spotted, it’s guaranteed to make you smile.

THE NEXT BEST DAY leading character Katie moves from Albuquerque to a very small town in Tennessee. Katie needs to restart her life. Something she has done several times. As a child in the foster system, moving was quite usual. Once she aged out, Katie learned to manage her own life quite successfully landing a teaching job that she loved and excelled at. Until that fateful day.

Here’s where Sharon Sala brings heart rendering current events into THE NEXT BEST DAY and the life of Katie. As a first-grade teacher, Katie faced one of the tragically repeated threats, an armed intruder in her school. She survived. Several other folks did not. But no one came away unscathed. Now Katie must figure out how to manage her new normal, which is challenging. Perhaps living in a smaller town life will be calmer, more serene, and less threatening. Then Katie can once again find her laughter.

The supporting cast in THE NEXT BEST DAY is quintessential Sharon Sala and amazing. Every scene in THE NEXT BEST DAY is well thought out and important. Sharon Sala doesn’t suffer fools. If it’s part of the story, it is valuable. Learning to live in a small town, meeting all sorts of characters, and finally winding up once again as a first-grade teacher is part of Katie’s personal challenge. Learning to trust is still another bump in the road.

THE NEXT BEST DAY is a story about looking to the future and Sharon Sala provides some of the best dialog that paves the way to a heartwarming, inciteful and caring tale. As always, my review is purposely vague regarding the plot. The joy of discovery is left to the reader and their imagination. Suffice it to say THE NEXT BEST DAY could just be my favorite Sharon Sala story. Her books always leave an impression, and it’s hard not to enjoy your brief visit with some fabulous characters.