The Do-Over
by Bethany Turner
Rating: 4.5/5

“You know . . . You probably won’t actually die if you’re not married by forty.”

Wow. Bethany Turner does it again! I can't believe I devoured this book and read it in one day. I couldn't stop LOL.

First, the cover is stunning. I LOVE the cover. It is eye catching and beautiful with whimsy.
Second, Henry Blumenthal is my favorite. He is smart and artistic. I fell in love with him as McKenna was re-falling in love with him. The author is so good with her characters and the chemistry between him and McKenna was well written and believable.
Third, I loved all of the pop culture references that the author always incorporates. She is so creative in the way she weaves them throughout the story in such unique ways that make you laugh and sigh. She has a true gift that I've come to expect in her stories but I feel like this one goes above and beyond.
Fourth, the author really puts you inside McKenna's head and it can get intense but it's so worth it. I sort of wish she did dual POVs so I could get inside Henry's head too.

Highly recommend if you enjoy a swoon worthy hero and a fiercely independent heroine on a journey back to each other.

PG-13.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

This book started off slow for me and unfortunately didn’t really pick up steam. I loved that McKenna’s character was portrayed in her late 30’s, but sometimes her actions made it hard to believe that she was an educated, mature woman. I really enjoyed Henry’s character as well as the genealogy aspect and family history mystery mixed into the storyline. I liked how McKenna eventually found her way, but it felt like it too her an unrealistically long time to get there.

I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book has perfectly captured how I feel about Central Park! I had just been talking about it with friends and then I read the scene in here and just wow.

Wow.

I loved everything about this and it kept getting better as I went through it. The characters are delightfully flawed humans. They acknowledge their flaws and don't apologize for being exactly who they are. There are things to connect with in each of them but I feel more of a kinship with Mckenna. I've had several different careers and Bethany illustrated that feeling of being uprooted brilliantly.

The romance is also quite masterfully done. I don't often find such a light touch that works well but this does. It actually heightened the tension and not typically romantic moments while still leaving space for the rest of Mckenna's story. I really appreciated the balance here.

I didn't want to finish this because I could've happily spent two more weeks with Henry and Mckenna and the whole family. This story is poignant and funny, heartbreaking and uplifting. It's a rollercoaster of feelings and it's absolutely worth the ride.

I struggled to get through this book for one simple reason: I didn't like the main character. I didn't enjoy the way she was written, and while I understand the character is extremely career-driven, she just came off as unlikable to me. Yes, she gets called out for it but after awhile it's just a little to much.

Her family is supportive and enjoyable characters, and the plot points were decent.

3/5-

So this book had SO MUCH POTENTIAL to be a five star read, but it fell short for me in having great themes but all of them weren’t spread throughout the entire book. I love Henry’s character, the mystery behind the story of McKenna’s ancestor and her travel to the United States, the family curse, and her mysterious career with accusations of embezzlement. I loved the last half of the book because everything picked up quickly, but the ending just seemed super spread up and brief. Also, Henry was so swoon worthy but the romance aspect of the story was very insta love with no spice.

Brief Plot: when McKenna has to return to her home town pending an investigation of embezzlement through her company, she runs into high school friend, Henry. As they get back into talking, they also start to dive into McKenna’s dad’s ancestory work, and a possible family curse and mystery.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an eARC copy of The Do-Over by Bethany Turner in exchange for my honest review!

The Do-Over is a first-rate story. I hesitate to call it a romance because there's not a lot of typical romance-type stuff going on here. Not a lot of dating, pining, kissing, or sex. The stuff that is going on, however, more than makes up for it.

McKenna Keaton's family is full of love--romantic and otherwise. That is where the love lies in this novel. When McKenna reconnects with Henry, she really has to start re-examining who she thinks she is, who she thinks other people are, and what she truly wants out of her life.

The fact that McKenna is 38 makes this such a welcome book to read. She's a mature woman who doesn't have it all figured out, but the fact that she is close to 40 means she has had a long time to think about it. It makes for a compelling story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I'm so glad I had the chance to read this book!

The Do-Over by Bethany Turner is the perfect romcom in absolutely every way. I think that I have read every book that this author has written and loved many of them. This book is her best work yet. The characters were so fun and had such interesting stories-- I think this book needs a sequel with the story of one of the other characters! This book is the perfect combination of serious issues, good romance, and pure fun. Readers of clean romance will adore this book. This is a book that I was sad to finish and immediately wanted to begin reading again. I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I love Bethany Turner’s writing style, it’s fun but always has more depth then you think there will be.

McKenna is dealing with a major issues and she is so closed off from her family and keeps others away from her. She made me mad the way she treated Taylor at first.

Henry had me melting from our first meeting of him. I wondered how he would break through McKenna’s tough exterior but I believed he would somehow.

Overall a very good read.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This is a fun romance that I really enjoyed reading. I loved the chemistry between McKenna and Henry. Imagine if the nerdiest guy in your high school grew up to be good looking, well known and respected! He’s now a famous documentary filmmaker (think Ken Burns).

McKenna’s father spends his free time on family genealogy, and Henry is extremely interested in one of McKenna’s ancestors, a woman who appeared to have travelled from Ireland to NY’s Ellis Island several times but never got off the ship. Henry decides to make the woman part of his next documentary, which means that he and McKenna will be spending lots of time together.

I loved watching the progress of their relationship as it goes from childhood friends to adult lovers. I thought the genealogy was really interesting as well. I recommend this book, 4 stars.

Synopsis:
“When McKenna Keaton walks into the boardroom of Wallis, Monroe, and Burkhead, she expects to be named senior partner. Instead, she learns she’s being investigated for embezzlement. To wait out her unpaid leave, McKenna sublets her Upper West Side apartment and goes home to Durham, North Carolina, to save money. Saving face is going to be another thing entirely, but she assumes her problems will blow over soon.

While living in her childhood hometown, McKenna learns about a family curse that—if real rather than imagined—could suggest she has less than a year to live. This information is troubling (of course!), but it’s the reunion with former classmate Henry—Durham’s favorite son—that flips her world upside down. Henry is now a celebrated documentarian, back in town to premiere his latest masterpiece. Vulnerable to (and desperately needing) a distraction as her life falls apart, McKenna begins seeing the shy nerd from high school in a whole new light.”

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The book started off strong for me and at first I liked the inner commentary but it lost me along the way. There was a lot going on in the book and I wish there was more time spent in different places. I wanted to connect more with the characters, I wanted McKenna to be nicer to her younger sister and I wanted more McKenna and Henry now in present time. I am glad where McKenna's journey led her - and I definitely was surprised at what happened with the firm at the end - but I wish it didn't take so long for her to soften.

The Do-Over takes some favorite tropes and gives them a refresher course. Books often show the main character questioning their career choices. In this situation, McKenna is basically married to her career until the day she is betrayed by her firm. Left feeling disillusioned and confused about her life choices, she returns home to be with her family in preparation for her younger sister's wedding. Embarrassed by the false accusations she's facing, McKenna isn't completely truthful with them about her job and reasons for being there. Regardless, the time she spends with them is priceless. She realizes how much she's missed out on over the years.

While back home in Durham, McKenna runs into an old high school friend, Henry, who was also somewhat of a rival. He's definitely changed since high school. There's a lot about him that surprises her. But can two workaholics make a relationship work?

I really enjoyed this book. It was a heartwarming story about family and romantic relationships. . There were some different facets to this plot that gave it an original feel. The most important takeaway from the story is that you should always take time to know what is really important in life. Don't get caught up by things that seem important - - find out what really is and make it your priority.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for an advanced copy of The Do Over by Bethany Turner.

This sounded like a fun romantic comedy but unfortunately this book was a miss for me. I just couldn't find McKenna likable and didn't understand why she didn't do more about trying to clear her name. She is a high powered lawyer?? Henry was okay and I liked him the most of any character.

Overall it was just a meh book with a very unlikable main character.

"It's been a long time, McKenna, but I remember your hopes and dreams and what you were working toward. I remember what mattered to you, and I remember how determined you were to make it happen."

This book is for anyone who is nearing (or just past) forty who wonders whatever happened to their dreams and plans. Anyone who has ever wondered how life kept moving while they seemed to be standing still will appreciate this one as well. For those who appreciate a "later on" romance, they will love this book.

McKenna has plans to be partner in the law firm where she has slaved away since college. But then she is accused of fraud. Suddenly she finds herself stuck back in her hometown. Will this prove to be a curse or a blessing?

There are many elements and layers that make this a great book. Sisterhood is an important component as McKenna comes to realize that perhaps she did not fully appreciate her siblings, especially one of them. Family genealogy adds an interesting component. So do the scenes in New York City. High school classmates twenty years later also adds an unexpected layer. And like all of her books, there are definitely some pop culture references.

Some of Bethany Turner's books contain a faith element. This one does not, but I think that was fine for this particular plot. This one did contain the right amount of introspection which added depth to what could have been shallow.

For all of McKenna's adult life, she has been pushed toward marriage. So when she finds herself interested in someone, she is quite surprised. The love story parts were definitely sweet, and I really liked how both characters thought through what they really wanted. This book had ALL of the feels for me. In fact, I think this might be my favorite book by Turner along with Cadie!

My favorite parts about this one actually ended up being the parts that included the family. This book celebrates how those we love make such a difference in our lives. The best scene is probably in the epilogue when the blessing seems to come full circle.

I did download a copy of this book through NetGalley. I wanted to review this book. All opinions are my own.

Wow, all I can say is, this story blew me away! Keep the tissues close by as you are reading THE DO-OVER by Bethany Turner. She will have your emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to McKenna and Henry after so much heartache! Will McKenna ever be able to explain to Henry why she is on leave from her job at a prestigious law firm in New York City? McKenna Keaton is an exceptional lawyer who has known where her life was going to go exactly since she was seven years old. What an awesome story. All of Bethany’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again.



THE DO-OVER is all about family, ugh, her little sister drove me nuts, dealing with the past and trying to find your happily ever after. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. Henry tries so hard to be the man McKenna deserves, but he just can’t seem to get it quite right. Men!! It was so much fun watching these two dance around each other and their feelings. You will find yourself shaking your head at McKenna screaming “open your eyes! How can you not see what is going on.” At least that’s what happened to me! THE DO-OVER is a heart tugging story that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to put down! You also won’t be able to stop yourself from laughing at Henry and Jared and their manly thoughts!


THE DO-OVER is without a doubt one of my top funniest books I’ve read in 2022 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. My heart broke for McKenna when Henry cuts her loose. Bethany Turner sure can hook the reader with her romance! I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. I have one of her older books to read and that brings me so much joy and happiness to know it is waiting for me!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

So the book started off really well with McKenna explaining the background of her family and the very different dynamics she shares with her older and younger sisters. I'm going to be honest about the fact that I didn't understand McKenna and her actions at all. Her character was supposed to be of an independent woman who was approaching her 40's instead we got a closed off, stupid and judgemental FMC who I wish would get off her high and mighty horse for once. Seriously, half her problems would've been solved if she just talked to the people around her and didn't hide some pretty big things from them. The way she always condemned her little sister when all her sister wanted was to get to know her and form a good bond with her was so annoying. Her sister describes her perfectly by saying this- “Sometimes I think you just spend so much time convincing yourself that no one could ever understand you that you occasionally lose sight of trying to understand other people." And it felt like Hery was just there as a prop. All we knew about him was that he's some sort of a hotshot filmmaker and is ridiculously good looking. Both the main characters were bland and lacked depth, the plot was nothing special. I was more interested in McKenna's older sister Erica and her husband Jared's story than the MC's. I'm sorry but this was a complete waste of my time. I didn't like it as much as I thought I would.

Thank you Netgalley & Thomas Nelson for the ARC

If you have read any of Turner's books prior, you know several things: 1. There will be many pop culture references in the story. 2. More than likely, there will be fun musical references 3. Since this one is set partially in New York, there *will* be great references to cool NY landmarks, restaurants and the Statue of Liberty is bound to appear someplace.

Turner delivers another fun rom-com with memorable characters. Laughter, frustration with the behavior of said characters (sometimes), a beautiful backdrop and some fun Savage Garden references..all to the backdrop of a lifelong rivalry between frenemies...it's worth your time!

While you don't always root for McKenna, who can be a bit self-absorbed (but aren't we all, sometimes?) and her zany family/circle of friends, by the end of the book, you will understand a bit more about who she actually is and what she's truly afraid of the most--being alone.

I was an early reader, thanks to Thomas Nelson and #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I love a good Bethany Turner rom-com, and The Do-Over was just the fun read I needed! Her writing is the perfect blend of witty humor, clever dialogue, and charming characters. I found myself rooting for McKenna from the first page, and I love that her family is such an integral part of the story. Her relationships with her sisters add plenty of depth and heart! Henry is the perfect hero for her: a high school rival all grown up, with the ability to make her question everything she thought she knew about how her life would go. Their sweet romance, sprinkled with plenty of twists and funny moments, makes for a delightful story from beginning to end. I highly recommend The Do-Over to readers who enjoy authors like Melissa Ferguson and Jenny B. Jones!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A very sweet, charming, adorable romance about two teenage rivals turned lovers. Everything you could want in a romance and easy to read! Love the cover - it’s perfect for spring!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The first half of the book was really hard for me to get into because I didn’t connect with the main character. She’s a very career driven woman and I love being a stay at home mom. I also really enjoy books that include male and female main characters’ points of view but this one is all from the woman’s. But I really enjoyed the way the events and the ending played out. I definitely recommend this book!

Goodness, The Do Over was a delightful romp through two hearts as they take on New York.

As you’d expect from a Bethany Turner story, the cast of characters transport readers quickly and entertain them thoroughly. McKenna is a lawyer in her late thirties. She’s on the cusp of having everything she ever dreamed, until everything got stripped away. Then, while she waited to rebuild her life, her dream changed. And suddenly, McKenna’s completely at a loss. How does a person fight for a future she can’t understand.

Meanwhile, the very swoony, workaholic Henry is started to run into McKenna, only to have the massive crush from high school roar back into life, having taken some mighty growth hormones.

And now we’re off. Having read everything Bethany Turner has published, I can claim some knowledge of her skills and one of her greatest is to switch between comedy and heartfelt emotion in the blink of an eye. The Do Over is no exception. I went from chuckling to holding my breath and then sighing with alarming speed.

If you like a brilliant rom-com, stemming from a novel idea, set in engaging locations, then this is surely a must buy. I received a copy from Netgalley and my opinions are fully my own.

The Do Over
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