Back After This by Linda Holmes
Cecily Foster dreams of hosting her own podcast, and until then, she’s busy keeping everything going as a producer. Relationships are the last thing on her mind – so when her boss pitches a show focusing on Cecily’s dating life, she immediately says no. Unfortunately, the company is in trouble, and her boss needs a hit. Cecily finally agrees to let a relationship coach set her up on 20 blind dates and provide “feedback” (aka criticism). At first it seems fine, but then Cecily keeps running into photographer Will and his rowdy Great Dane. There’s no denying that there’s a connection between Will and Cecily, but is it something more? Now Cecily must choose between trusting the expert or trusting her heart. Author and NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour host Linda Holmes delivers another sweet, funny and relatable modern love story that readers will adore.
Reviewed by Mary Kinser, collection development librarian, Whatcom County Library System
(Originally published in Bellingham Alive August 2025 issue.)