Book Review: Back After This by Linda Holmes – Love, Podcasts, and Second Chances

Back After This follows Cecily Foster as she navigates twenty blind dates for her new podcast while falling for another.

Summary:

Cecily Foster, a longtime podcast producer, finally gets the chance to host her own show, but there’s a catch: the show will focus on her dating life, and she’ll be mentored by famed dating coach Eliza Cassidy. Reluctant to put her personal life on display—especially after a disastrous work-romance mix in the past—Cecily agrees only to protect her mentee’s job. Things get even more complicated when Cecily feels a spark with Will, a charming photographer she meets by chance, but Eliza forbids her from pursuing him, believing he’s no better than her exes. Torn between following Eliza’s guidance and trusting her own instincts, Cecily must navigate her public and private romantic journeys to discover if lasting love is truly within reach.

My Thoughts:

Linda Holmes has done it again! Back After This is my second read by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a heartwarming and often funny story about Cecily Foster, a passionate podcaster whose career and love life were both upended when a former colleague and boyfriend stole not only her heart but also her ideas. Still raw from that betrayal, Cecily has sworn off romance—until her boss offers her the chance to host her own show.

The catch? The show will document Cecily’s dating life, with guidance from Eliza Cassidy, an upbeat influencer and self-proclaimed relationship coach whose social media perfection seems completely at odds with real life. Cecily is understandably hesitant, but when she realizes the opportunity could protect a close friend’s job, she reluctantly agrees to go on twenty blind dates—all broadcast to the world.

Things get even more complicated when Cecily repeatedly crosses paths with Will, a charming man she first meets while helping him catch a runaway Great Dane. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but Eliza’s constant commentary makes Cecily question if Will is the “right” kind of successful partner. As Cecily navigates the blind dates and her growing feelings for Will, she’s forced to decide whether to follow Eliza’s advice or trust her own instincts.

I loved every moment of this book. It’s the perfect blend of humour and emotional depth, with some laugh-out-loud scenes balanced by touching moments of self-discovery. Cecily’s personal growth over the course of the story felt authentic and satisfying. The romance with Will was sweet and believable, and even though the book gets a little steamy at times, those parts were easy to skip without missing any of the story’s flow.

Final Thoughts:

Back After This is a funny, heartfelt read about trusting yourself, embracing vulnerability, and finding love on your own terms.

A Similar Book I’ve Reviewed:

The Ex-Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon