Encore: The Best Is Yet to Come is a thoughtful and timely relationship book for anyone navigating love, dating and intimacy after 40. Written by Susannah Schofield OBE and Johnny Nelson MBE, the book brings together two distinct voices to address the questions that often surface after heartbreak, divorce or a significant life change. Published by Perkins Press on September 10, 2026, it is now available in Kindle and paperback editions on Amazon.
From the first pages, the book feels less like a manual and more like a candid conversation between trusted friends. Instead of offering one-size-fits-all answers, it invites readers to reflect on their own experiences while considering two very different perspectives. The result is a compassionate, practical and often humorous exploration of emotional vulnerability, confidence and the courage to begin again.
What is Encore: The Best Is Yet to Come?
At its core, the book is organised around fourteen essential questions about dating, sex, desire, confidence, heartbreak and emotional readiness. Susannah and Johnny respond to each question separately, sharing perspectives shaped by their own life experiences. This structure allows readers to compare and contrast viewpoints, which makes the content feel broader and more inclusive than a typical single-author relationship guide.
Also worth a look: An Chéad Nollaig Review: A Mythic Christmas Quest and A Bitcoin Love Story Review: Romance Meets Financial Literacy.
The authors do not shy away from the complexities of relationships in midlife. They discuss family responsibilities, established routines, previous relationships and changing expectations with a refreshing openness. The conversations are grounded in real-world concerns, and the inclusion of psychological case studies adds a layer of practical insight that helps explain emotions such as hesitation, reduced confidence, fear of repeating past patterns and uncertainty about returning to dating.
What stands out
A dual-voice format that expands perspective
The decision to have two authors answer every question separately is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Susannah brings her entrepreneurial and community-building perspective, informed by her work with Noir, the members’ club for people exploring dating and intimacy during the second half of life. Johnny, meanwhile, brings the discipline and public-facing resilience of a world-class athlete, along with his own honest reflections on mental health and personal experience.
Psychological case studies add practical depth
Each chapter is supported by illustrative case studies that ground the conversations in relatable scenarios. These are not dry clinical examples but vivid, human stories that mirror the emotional challenges readers may be facing. They help normalise the experience of feeling hesitant or unconfident, while gently encouraging readers to consider what they truly want from a relationship now.
Honest conversations about real-life concerns
The book does not sugar-coat the difficulties of dating after 40, but it also refuses to frame them as insurmountable. It acknowledges that wanting connection, intimacy and a fresh beginning is completely valid, regardless of age or past experiences. The tone is both encouraging and realistic, making the guidance feel genuinely applicable.
Who it’s for
Encore: The Best Is Yet to Come is ideal for anyone who is thinking about dating after 40 or reflecting on love following a major life change. Readers who have experienced divorce, the end of a long-term relationship, or simply a shift in personal circumstances will find familiar ground here. The question-and-response format makes it easy to dip into specific chapters, while the overall arc supports a more complete journey of self-discovery.
The book is also valuable for people who are not currently dating but are rebuilding confidence or deciding whether they are ready to meet someone new. Because the authors come from such different backgrounds, the book manages to speak to a wide audience. Whether a reader relates more to Susannah’s community-focused perspective or Johnny’s story of discipline and renewal, there is something to take away.
What makes it worth considering
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is the credibility of its authors. Susannah Schofield OBE has built Noir around the very questions the book explores, turning private uncertainties into community conversations. Johnny Nelson MBE, as the longest-reigning WBO cruiserweight world champion, brings a unique voice that will resonate with readers who appreciate directness and authenticity. Their combined experience covers both emotional depth and hard-won resilience.
The book also stands out for its structure. Fourteen questions provide a natural rhythm, and the alternating answers ensure that no single perspective dominates. This makes it a great choice for book clubs, couples reading together, or individuals who want a guided yet flexible approach to reflecting on their own relationship goals. Readers will likely finish each section with a clearer sense of their own feelings, rather than simply having been told what to do.
Verdict
Encore: The Best Is Yet to Come succeeds in filling a genuine gap in relationship literature aimed at people in midlife and beyond. It is honest, warm and psychologically informed, without ever feeling clinical or preachy. For anyone who has wondered whether love, intimacy and a fresh start are still possible after 40, this book offers a resounding and encouraging yes.
Frequently asked questions
It is a relationship book for people exploring dating and intimacy after 40, structured around fourteen questions on love, sex, confidence, and emotional readiness.
The book is written by Susannah Schofield OBE, founder of the Noir members' club, and Johnny Nelson MBE, the longest-reigning WBO cruiserweight world champion and Sky Sports Boxing broadcaster.
The book uses a question-and-response format, with each author answering the same fourteen questions separately, followed by psychological case studies that add context.
Encore: The Best Is Yet to Come was published by Perkins Press on September 10, 2026.
The book is available in Kindle and paperback editions on Amazon, and additional resources can be found on the official website explore-noir.com.
While the focus is on dating after 40, the themes of rebuilding confidence, navigating change, and emotional readiness can resonate with readers at any stage of life.
