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The Next Chapter: Making Peace with Hard Memories, Finding Hope All Around Me, and Clearing Space for Good Things to Come
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
New York Timesbestselling author and country music superstar Jana Kramer reveals how she said goodbye, started again, moved on, and trusted God after her marriage came to a sudden end.
The Next Chapter is Jana Kramer’s intimate and moving account about setting her life back on the right path after her sudden divorce. Chronicling the year that follows, Jana relives personal stories of early traumas and past relationships, and with raw honesty she shares topics dear to her heart and music, including hearing God, loving oneself, navigating setbacks, female friendships, grief, and motherhood.
As she grapples with questions such Am I doing this right? Is this the truest truth? Is there more to life than this? she finds and tells a story of freedom and redemption. Relatable to anyone who has walked a road of change, heartbreak, or grief, readers will be encouraged by the wisdom Jana finds in that distinct and critical transition from chaos to clarity, as she plants seeds for her future to begin the next chapter of her life.
Personal and profound,The Next Chapteris about being truly alone for the first time, and the road traveled from heartbreak, pain, and anger to forgiveness, confidence, and peace.
New York Timesbestselling author and country music superstar Jana Kramer reveals how she said goodbye, started again, moved on, and trusted God after her marriage came to a sudden end.
The Next Chapter is Jana Kramer’s intimate and moving account about setting her life back on the right path after her sudden divorce. Chronicling the year that follows, Jana relives personal stories of early traumas and past relationships, and with raw honesty she shares topics dear to her heart and music, including hearing God, loving oneself, navigating setbacks, female friendships, grief, and motherhood.
As she grapples with questions such Am I doing this right? Is this the truest truth? Is there more to life than this? she finds and tells a story of freedom and redemption. Relatable to anyone who has walked a road of change, heartbreak, or grief, readers will be encouraged by the wisdom Jana finds in that distinct and critical transition from chaos to clarity, as she plants seeds for her future to begin the next chapter of her life.
Personal and profound,The Next Chapteris about being truly alone for the first time, and the road traveled from heartbreak, pain, and anger to forgiveness, confidence, and peace.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2023
177 people are currently reading
2384 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
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July 15, 2023i’m here for the tea tbh
November 19, 2023
My distaste for the book is partly on me. I assumed this was a memoir of Jana’s life. I did not know this was ONLY about her divorce and the year after.
Now for the part that’s her fault � Jana starts the book by insisting this isn’t a self help, it’s not her preaching to others what to do, and this is simply her story. That’s false. It’s allllll her preaching and portraying self help.
Now for the part that’s her fault � Jana starts the book by insisting this isn’t a self help, it’s not her preaching to others what to do, and this is simply her story. That’s false. It’s allllll her preaching and portraying self help.
May 8, 2024
I shelved this as a memoir but to be entirely honest, it wasn’t exactly that. It was anecdotal, for sure. But it definitely was more of an advice book. Like: this is what happened to me, here’s what I learned from that, and here’s what advice I would give in that situation. I can’t relate to a lot of her experiences, but I think it’s safe to say that everyone struggles in some way or another at some point in their lives when it comes to relationships. I will definitely take away “don’t go to the grocery store when you’re hungry� in a context of relationships. If I am “hungry� for a relationship (or let’s be honest, the ATTENTION of a relationship), that is exactly when I don’t need to be “grocery shopping� for one. 🤌🏻
If you’re going into this book thinking it’s a memoir, change your expectations hahah cause that’s what I had to do FAST.
If you’re going into this book thinking it’s a memoir, change your expectations hahah cause that’s what I had to do FAST.
February 4, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ Love how open Jana is. She makes this an easy listen.
November 17, 2023
Listened. I should start off by saying I had no idea who she was or anything about her when I started this. The audio itself was done by the author and was good. The content..meh. The best parts were points she shared that she learned from her therapist. Definitely not a scripturally sound book. She throws in a verse at the start of each chapter but there isn't any depth to the actual content if that's what you're looking for. Also, a LOT of instagrammable phrases used. Kind of like a very watered down more of a train wreck Lysa Terkeurst book. Language.
December 4, 2023
A useful little book of inspirational advice about moving on after divorce (or a break-up), learning to forgive, loving yourself, learning how to co-parent with grace and much more. While there was a lot of Christian Bible quotes and talk of God throughout, this was still a deeply personal look at Jana's life and the lessons she's learned through therapy and hard times. Good on audio read by the author herself.
September 26, 2024
I love me some a Jana Kramer. Make no mistake there. I very much feel like this was a book she was meant to write. It was vulnerable and made you feel extremely close to her, like you knew her. It was a solid book, one I think she can look back on and be proud of.
October 14, 2023
I have loved and followed Jana since her OTH days. I love her music and all the movies she plays in.
I read Jana & Mike's first book, The Good Fight, when it came out. I really rooted for them to make it, although if I'm being honest, I felt like it wouldn't last. I don't want to make my review negative towards either side, so I will leave it at that.
This book, however, is Jana showing us how far she has come in the last few years since her divorce and the healing journey that she's been on to get to a healthy and happy place. She deserves all the happiness in the world. She deserves to be loved unconditionally. She deserves to be treated with respect. Her children deserve a happy, healthy, and loving home. They deserve happy & healthy parents, even if that means that their family isn't under the same room.
I understand why Jana stayed for so long, but I'm proud of her for recognizing when enough was enough and it was time to end things. She truly deserves so much better.
I'm glad she found Allan, and I pray they have a lifetime of happiness. I can't wait to watch as Jana and Allan welcome their new baby boy, become a family of five with an upcoming wedding in 2024.
Jana knows her worth now, and I truly pray she never forgets it.
Thank you, Netgalley and HarperCollins, for the e-ARC. all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read Jana & Mike's first book, The Good Fight, when it came out. I really rooted for them to make it, although if I'm being honest, I felt like it wouldn't last. I don't want to make my review negative towards either side, so I will leave it at that.
This book, however, is Jana showing us how far she has come in the last few years since her divorce and the healing journey that she's been on to get to a healthy and happy place. She deserves all the happiness in the world. She deserves to be loved unconditionally. She deserves to be treated with respect. Her children deserve a happy, healthy, and loving home. They deserve happy & healthy parents, even if that means that their family isn't under the same room.
I understand why Jana stayed for so long, but I'm proud of her for recognizing when enough was enough and it was time to end things. She truly deserves so much better.
I'm glad she found Allan, and I pray they have a lifetime of happiness. I can't wait to watch as Jana and Allan welcome their new baby boy, become a family of five with an upcoming wedding in 2024.
Jana knows her worth now, and I truly pray she never forgets it.
Thank you, Netgalley and HarperCollins, for the e-ARC. all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 26, 2024
There were some really great topics of conversation in here, and some things that I think I could use to help me through different pieces of my own life. I listened to the audiobook, which was read by Jana, and I think that adds an extra level to the book because you hear it in her voice. She had some great quotes, and put some things in a perspective that I wouldn't have done prior to reading this (ex. don't grocery shop when you're hungry - if you know you know). Her stories about her relationships and even her childhood are heartbreaking though.
It did get a little preachy/religious for me at times, but honestly, that's more of a personal thing than a dig. It was really nice to hear that she is working on herself and bettering herself. I have not read her first book and don't plan to for several reasons, but I honestly think this one is worth a read.
Lots of trigger warnings though re abuse and toxic relationships!
It did get a little preachy/religious for me at times, but honestly, that's more of a personal thing than a dig. It was really nice to hear that she is working on herself and bettering herself. I have not read her first book and don't plan to for several reasons, but I honestly think this one is worth a read.
Lots of trigger warnings though re abuse and toxic relationships!
March 14, 2025
Normally I don't like Christian themed books. They usually fall a little flat for me. However, I felt like Jana was super honest and vulnerable about her struggles both in life and with God. I found her to be very motivating and uplifting.
March 5, 2024
Too repetitive!! I finished it to say I finished it. Some good takeaways hidden in there, but very circular in nature - felt like it was never going to end.
November 17, 2023
Before reading this book, I took this picture with a pillow that said grateful. Little did I know, how grateful I would be for this one. I’ve been a huge Jana Kramer fan for years. I read her first book with her ex husband and throughly enjoyed it and felt I learned a lot about relationships. When I found out she was coming out with a book about her life post divorce and how she overcame those past hurts, I knew I had to read it ASAP. Her strength, determination, real-ness and vulnerability were amazing. I ate this book up. I felt like I learned so much and as you can see below I pulled multiple quotes to share. If you find yourself going through something and need a kick start for therapy (I started after reading this) or just doing something for yourself, this book is it! Jana’s journey to being free just might teach you something too. The line I will not forget, is “Don’t just choose joy� chase it, and find it.� Thank you having the courage to share your story Jana! 5/5
“It was time to stop pouring concrete over cracks and dig myself up at the root.�
“Everything in life is a chapter. Only God knows what the next chapter is going to be, but wherever you are at its just a season. And a beautifully unknown season and chapter is awaiting you next. Every day you have the chance to wake up and live differ-ently. The unknown is scary, especially if you're still questioning which route to take. Trust me, once you make that leap, you will be okay. You get to choose the path you go on. And once you choose, don't walk. Run.�
“What's done is done. But what isn't done is mine and yours to choose and create anew. You get to create your own life story.�
“I believe surrendering to the acceptance of where you are whether happy or sad is a step in the right direction. A step towards healing.�
“I've been learning to trust my instincts and my heart. I've been learning to love myself first. People are going to make their choices no matter what I say or what I do, so what I did or do next comes from me. Seeing the gift in all the pain has helped me begin to forgive.�
“It was time to stop pouring concrete over cracks and dig myself up at the root.�
“Everything in life is a chapter. Only God knows what the next chapter is going to be, but wherever you are at its just a season. And a beautifully unknown season and chapter is awaiting you next. Every day you have the chance to wake up and live differ-ently. The unknown is scary, especially if you're still questioning which route to take. Trust me, once you make that leap, you will be okay. You get to choose the path you go on. And once you choose, don't walk. Run.�
“What's done is done. But what isn't done is mine and yours to choose and create anew. You get to create your own life story.�
“I believe surrendering to the acceptance of where you are whether happy or sad is a step in the right direction. A step towards healing.�
“I've been learning to trust my instincts and my heart. I've been learning to love myself first. People are going to make their choices no matter what I say or what I do, so what I did or do next comes from me. Seeing the gift in all the pain has helped me begin to forgive.�
October 27, 2023
If you like Jana and have been following her journey you will love this book!
Read
March 19, 2024The Next Chapter is a book written after Jana Kramer gets divorced. This book walks through the year after and the emotions that come along with each month or spring. I really enjoyed that part of it as I think the seasons really play a part in mental health and the outlook on life (at least they do for me).
She tries to address some really hard questions throughout the book. Am I doing the right thing? Why did/do I let things like this happen to me repeatedly? Can I break out of the cycle? Do I deserve to be happy? Will I ever be able to find that happiness with myself and not as a result of a man?
Having recently gone through a divorce, I respect the way she wrote this book. This isn't a "you should do this to be happy". It is so much more a of "this is what I did and this is what worked and didn't for me".
I think the biggest message to come out of this book is to forget yourself, have confidence in your actions and emotions and remember that you are never alone because you always have God with you.
She tries to address some really hard questions throughout the book. Am I doing the right thing? Why did/do I let things like this happen to me repeatedly? Can I break out of the cycle? Do I deserve to be happy? Will I ever be able to find that happiness with myself and not as a result of a man?
Having recently gone through a divorce, I respect the way she wrote this book. This isn't a "you should do this to be happy". It is so much more a of "this is what I did and this is what worked and didn't for me".
I think the biggest message to come out of this book is to forget yourself, have confidence in your actions and emotions and remember that you are never alone because you always have God with you.
Read
October 10, 2023I can only imagine how hard this book was to put out after the previous one being written with her ex and knowing that even though there was advice in that book, it didn’t work out for them. I appreciate Jana’s vulnerability in this book, especially when it comes to addressing the previous book. It can be hard to be honest and heal and move on, but it seems like Jana is well on her way to a more healthy path for her and her kids!
M fav quote: “you were not the same person a year ago. You were not the same person as six months ago. Everything in life is just that . . . A chapter.� I think most people can resonate with that & this is the message that will stick with me after reading this one!
Thank you NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review.
M fav quote: “you were not the same person a year ago. You were not the same person as six months ago. Everything in life is just that . . . A chapter.� I think most people can resonate with that & this is the message that will stick with me after reading this one!
Thank you NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2024
I received this book as a Christmas gift from a member of my tribe. She thought I could use the message. At the time, I didn’t have the strength to read it yet. Now 3 months later and 6 months into one of the most trying times of my entire life I finally found the strength to read it. Reading Jana’s experience that practically mirrored mine made me realize I was not alone and I will survive. Anyone who is going through a divorce, leaving an abusive relationship, whatever it is needs to read this!!
“You can be happy again, and you will be damn proud of the person you become when you finally turn the page.�
“You can be happy again, and you will be damn proud of the person you become when you finally turn the page.�
March 9, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve followed Jana Kramer through her careers of acting on One Tree Hill &Hallmark movies then followed her singing career. You obviously hear details from tabloids that you’re never sure can be trusted. It was interesting hearing her side of the story.
* She’s been through a lot of abusive relationships in her time ¬ getting the love she deserves. Which was really sad to hear. She does take responsibility for her actions in those relationships as well which is refreshing. Obviously not the physical abuse part.
* There were things she addressed about not leaving abusive relationships or tolerating things you know you shouldn’t. I don’t know what that’s like personally. I truly feel I know what I deserve &what I bring to a relationship. I have standards that need to be met &respected for me to do that in return. But if you are someone that has struggled with that, she definitely brings a lot of points to light &gives another perspective.
* She talks about finding &growing her relationship with God. Working on her mental health, anxiety, &depression. She talks about how important it is to love &respect yourself before you can truly love others.
* Her narration was great! She’s well spoken &easy on the ears.
* This was a quick &easy read to get a bit of tea on her recent divorce. I wish her the best!
Themes:
* God
* Cheating
* Domestic violence
* Depression/Anxiety
* Marriage difficulties
* She’s been through a lot of abusive relationships in her time ¬ getting the love she deserves. Which was really sad to hear. She does take responsibility for her actions in those relationships as well which is refreshing. Obviously not the physical abuse part.
* There were things she addressed about not leaving abusive relationships or tolerating things you know you shouldn’t. I don’t know what that’s like personally. I truly feel I know what I deserve &what I bring to a relationship. I have standards that need to be met &respected for me to do that in return. But if you are someone that has struggled with that, she definitely brings a lot of points to light &gives another perspective.
* She talks about finding &growing her relationship with God. Working on her mental health, anxiety, &depression. She talks about how important it is to love &respect yourself before you can truly love others.
* Her narration was great! She’s well spoken &easy on the ears.
* This was a quick &easy read to get a bit of tea on her recent divorce. I wish her the best!
Themes:
* God
* Cheating
* Domestic violence
* Depression/Anxiety
* Marriage difficulties
February 3, 2024
I’m a loyal Jana Kramer follower since OTH so I was excited to read her solo book. I read her last book with her ex before they split and TBH I could smell BS (on his end). It was great to hear her voice through this book. I felt like a cheerleader. Hard to rate a book that’s a “self-help� book, but I give it 3 stars because I love Jana so much.
Read
March 2, 2024Listened to the audiobook. I’ve always been a Jana Kramer fan since OTH, I’m so happy she’s in a healthy and loving relationship now. It’s not easy leaving a toxic situation and I admire her growth over the years, especially since her divorce - big🖕🏼to Mike Caussin
April 2, 2024
Gosh she’s been through a lot.
She shares a lot of what she’s learned and how truly we can suck at living what we learn.
She shares a lot of what she’s learned and how truly we can suck at living what we learn.
Read
May 2, 2025Was expecting more memoir and less “give yourself to god� so unfortunately this was a quick DNF
June 15, 2024
This book gave me so so much more than I expected. I highly recommend it, loved it!
December 12, 2023
Very faith heavy but had some good life reminders
January 10, 2024
Title:
The Next Chapter: Making Peace with Hard Memories, Finding Hope All Around Me, and Clearing Space for Good Things to Come
Author: Jana Kramer
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 2.00
Pub Date: October 24, 2023
T H R E E � W O R D S
Personal � Preachy � Repetitive
📖 S Y N O P S I S
The Next Chapter is Jana Kramer’s account about setting her life back on the right path after her sudden divorce. Chronicling the year that follows, Jana relives personal stories of early traumas and past relationships, and with raw honesty she shares topics dear to her heart and music, including hearing God, loving oneself, navigating setbacks, female friendships, grief, and motherhood.
💭 T H O U G H T S
One Tree Hill was one of my favourite shows throughout my teenage and early adulthood years. So when I saw Jana's latest book, I thought to myself, sure, why not? Well, my first red flag should have been the unnecessarily long title. And the second, should have been the bible verses at the start of each section. On the whole this book just did not work for me.
The Next Chapter is more self-help than memoir. Yes, it details her perspective on what led to her very public and messy divorce. But she also gets overly preachy, where she is dishing self-help and toxic positivity. I found myself speeding it up to simply get through it. It's also very faith oriented, and that's fine, but honestly, it just wasn't for me.
If this is something you think you'd enjoy, I definitely recommend the audio route, as it is read by the author herself. There were a few good life reminders, but overall, I was hugely disappointed with this book, and likely wouldn't read anything else she publishes.
📚 R E C O M M E N D � T O
� Jana Kramer followers
⚠️ CW: domestic abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, violence, toxic relationship, infidelity, divorce, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks/disorders, grief, pandemic/epidemic
Author: Jana Kramer
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 2.00
Pub Date: October 24, 2023
T H R E E � W O R D S
Personal � Preachy � Repetitive
📖 S Y N O P S I S
The Next Chapter is Jana Kramer’s account about setting her life back on the right path after her sudden divorce. Chronicling the year that follows, Jana relives personal stories of early traumas and past relationships, and with raw honesty she shares topics dear to her heart and music, including hearing God, loving oneself, navigating setbacks, female friendships, grief, and motherhood.
💭 T H O U G H T S
One Tree Hill was one of my favourite shows throughout my teenage and early adulthood years. So when I saw Jana's latest book, I thought to myself, sure, why not? Well, my first red flag should have been the unnecessarily long title. And the second, should have been the bible verses at the start of each section. On the whole this book just did not work for me.
The Next Chapter is more self-help than memoir. Yes, it details her perspective on what led to her very public and messy divorce. But she also gets overly preachy, where she is dishing self-help and toxic positivity. I found myself speeding it up to simply get through it. It's also very faith oriented, and that's fine, but honestly, it just wasn't for me.
If this is something you think you'd enjoy, I definitely recommend the audio route, as it is read by the author herself. There were a few good life reminders, but overall, I was hugely disappointed with this book, and likely wouldn't read anything else she publishes.
📚 R E C O M M E N D � T O
� Jana Kramer followers
⚠️ CW: domestic abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, violence, toxic relationship, infidelity, divorce, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks/disorders, grief, pandemic/epidemic
March 13, 2024
Should’ve believed the back of the book when it said this is not a tell-all. Missed the mark for me, but must’ve taken courage to write so good for her.
February 17, 2024
Read this as a placeholder as I’m waiting on some other audiobook holds to come available. I don’t know this gal well, but after reading the sophomoric “love yourself� chitchat a million different ways in this book I looked Jana Kramer up online. This whole book is about her addiction to men’s approval and wanting to shed it after a gnarly divorce and another failed relationship soon after it. And according to her IG she’s already engaged to a new guy AND has given birth to a kid with him? (All of which is totally fine, I just find it kinda confusing based on the overall theme of this whole book�?)
Writing wasn’t great. Overall message was good, although I’m sad it took her until 40 to realize it. I wish her luck with her current guy.
Writing wasn’t great. Overall message was good, although I’m sad it took her until 40 to realize it. I wish her luck with her current guy.
December 27, 2023
I was under the impression this was a memoir but it read much more like a self help book. Really confused when she kept referring to “years after my divorce� when it’s barely been 2 years (to the point I ended up googling to make sure the time line I remembered was correct). Also referring to her ex as “My Ex� seemed disingenuous given she named other exes and she had coauthored a book with him�. So not hard for even someone who didn’t know who he was to figure it out. Ended up skimming because I couldn’t finish it fast enough.
December 23, 2023
*Listened to the Audiobook*
Going in, I thought it would be more of a memoir. It wasn’t. It full of cliches Instagram quotes, Bible verses, and preachy self-help advice. I struggled through the repetitiveness and cringey reflections, and truthfully only finished it because I was listening to it at the gym, lol.
Not worth your time. There’s no juicy celebrity memoir gossip in here. Just Pinterest quotes packaged in a variety of repeated phrasing. Boring.
Going in, I thought it would be more of a memoir. It wasn’t. It full of cliches Instagram quotes, Bible verses, and preachy self-help advice. I struggled through the repetitiveness and cringey reflections, and truthfully only finished it because I was listening to it at the gym, lol.
Not worth your time. There’s no juicy celebrity memoir gossip in here. Just Pinterest quotes packaged in a variety of repeated phrasing. Boring.
December 23, 2023
I don’t typically rate or review memoirs but I’ve been a fan of Jana of years. I met her recently at her book signing for this book and she was a doll! This book focuses on her divorcie and the year afterwards but it’s a powerful read for anyone on a self help or healing journey.
February 27, 2024
I love Jana Kramer! Easy to read and relatable!
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