What happens when an author dies before finishing a beloved series? *ahem, Martin* In the case of an uproariously popular children’s fantasy series by Helen Longacre, she left that monumental task to her mystery-writer husband, Whit, who, for the record, has no idea where to even start.
This is a story about the kind of displacement that happens when you lose something you love. Something you thought you’d have for a lot longer than you did. The publisher is on a major deadline (which, wtf fictional publisher), but they have to concede to the last wishes of Helen, who wanted her precious story to be left in the hands of the man who didn’t even really read the books. Not because he was a bad husband. Because marriage doesn’t have to be everything for every person. They shared a love for writing, not a passion for writing the same thing.
I liked the straight-forwardness of the prose and Whit’s attitude. He is who he is, and though he tells a few fibs to get the agents and editors off his back, he’s a very honest person, and that gets him far. The woman he ends up asking for help has her own story, and a past that won’t stop haunting her.
In some ways, this story felt refreshing. While it has common elements of things I’ve loved before, it felt like something entirely new. The voice was direct, with lots of personality. The characters were well formed, intelligent, and trying their best, and the premise itself lends itself to the kind of deep grief that if we haven’t felt ourselves, can at least vividly imagine and empathize with.
Through the grief is healing and the remembering of good memories and trying to live up to being the person someone once thought you could be. Through the healing, comes a different kind of new beginning. A continuation of a story after a mid-point plot twist.
I adored this book. And I will keep my eye out for more from this phenomenal debut author. Congratulations, Andrew. This book is perfectly special.
Also, the narrators were top-notch and brought this story to life in a beautiful way. James Fouhey, especially, I felt brought the exactly right voice for Whit’s character.
Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Details
Title::How the Story Goes
Author::Andrew Forrester
Genre::Contemporary Romance
Publisher::Avon
Length:: 368 pages
Published::May 5th, 2026
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars
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Where You’re Planted | Melanie Sweeney
Thank You for Listening | Julia Whelan
The Last Love Note | Emma Grey
Promise Me Sunshine | Cara Bastone
