I Thought It Would Be Better than This by Jessica N Turner is part memoir and part self-help. I have enjoyed Jessica’s other books and enjoy for her on social media, so I was looking forward to this book. My favorite parts were when she focused on her story and what she learned from her own experiences. The exercises and “you” focused parts didn’t resonate with me, though they are well-written. I’m sure it will be just what some people need. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book is really powerful on two levels. My first read-through was focused on Jessica’s story and the grief she experienced when life didn’t turn out as she expected. It’s a compelling memoir and story. But then, I re-read it slowly and took time with each chapter to process the disappointments and grief in my own life. Each chapter focuses on helpful tools to aid in discovering what’s really going on under the surface and then really practical tips to move through the pain to growth and healing. This could take months to apply all that this book included! The author has done a lot of really hard work in her healing and growth and generously shared all she’s learned with the reader. I highly recommend this for an interesting narrative and also a helpful resource for those who are disappointed with where they find themselves (hint: everyone!)

I love following Jessica on social media, and her story is beautiful and vulnerable. The writing style was just okay. She relies heavily on analogies and illustrations, and I thought sometimes they seemed forced or overdone. But the memoir sections and self-reflections are spectacular.

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I Thought It Would Be Better Than This
Author: Jessica N. Turner
Source: NetGalley
Publication Date: April 8, 2025
 
What would you do if your beloved husband of 16 years and father to your three children admitted he was gay? The author lays out a well-developed plan charting a new life plan and moving forward into a new life. Her story is not unusual, and I was interested in hearing how she dealt with a difficult situation for a much-loved husband. I believe he did the right thing in coming out because it allowed the author to chart a new life for her family while acknowledging the grieving process. This book, though, would be helpful to anyone dealing with an uncertain future and life changes. I would think that all of us, be it death, divorce, loss of job, etc., will face a rough spot in our future. It’s helpful to have someone who has met a challenge and come out on the other side. A quick read that includes detailed notes and a reading group guide.
 
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I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.

This is relatable to anyone who has gone through disappointments and grief—so, everyone. Through Jessica's honest writing and vulnerability she provides a ton of tools and resources to help you move forward.

Thank you, NetGalley and Worthy Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is classic Jessica Turner -- warm, real, honest, vulnerable, and action-oriented! The title alone is completely relatable to... everyone (likely) but it's her encouragement to be courageous and to build a new and richer life in the face of disappointment that shines bright. Maybe a smidge too much focus on finding a new boyfriend/love but still an honest and heartfelt story, definitely worth reading. Thanks so the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this advanced copy and the opportunity to share my thoughts.

This is the first book I’ve read by Jessica Turner. I was immediately sucked in and read it in one sitting. This is a great book where Jessica is transparent and open about her life. I love how the author is so honest and provides a lot of encouragement throughout the book. This is a great book about healing and moving forward.

I thought it would be better than this.

The title immediately attracted me to this book, as I’m sure most people have related to this phrase at one point or another. Jessica Turner begins with her own personal experience that caused her stop and say aloud “I thought it would be better than this.” While everyone’s “I thought would be better than this” moment no doubt differs, the sentiment remains the same, and Turner’s experiences remind us that it is okay to experience disappointment over the life you expected to live. Some of the most important takeaways from this book are, It is okay to feel how you feel, but you have to acknowledge it. Put words to your feelings, talk about how you’re feeling, consider what is making you feel like this. It might feel impossible to imagine moving forward in times of despair, but allow the smoke to settle, and allow yourself to make a plan to move forward. Part of Turner’s plan to move forward and heal involves forgiveness and how holding resentment only causes harm to yourself. I had to pick and choose which parts of this I resonated with, as I am not ready or willing to forgive the person in life that comes to my mind, however, she provides great information on how to stop blaming, and forgive YOURSELF as well. This part struck a nerve because so often I find that I insult myself for tolerating what I have in the past, and saying I was suffering from“dumb bitchitis”. I’m sure self deprecating jokes are a way many of us cope with trauma, however they’re ultimately not helpful and you have to forgive yourself to move forward. This book is loaded with analogies that at times can seem excessive, and there are *a lot* of mentions about the author’s husband coming out, which I understand is the reason the story came to be, but at times it distracts the reader from the actual point of the story. This book is equal parts memoir, and equal parts self help. It truly covers so many different topics and while the target audience is women in their 30s+, so much of this advice is ESSENTIAL for younger women. There are a few religious references throughout, but not in excess, and the chapter on religion is skip-able. Overall, “I thought it would be better than this” was a very inspiring read, and something that would have been life changing to me had I found it around the time of my divorce. I would recommend this to any and every woman.

Thank you so much Net Galley for the ARC of this book, I look forward to publication day!

I appreciate the opportunity to have been given an early copy of this book thanks to Net Galley. A long time follower of Jessica Turner, I was so thrilled to hear she wrote a new book, I Thought It Would Be Better Than This. She explored disappointment and loss in this book that is part memoir and part self-help. Jessica shares about her surprising divorce when her husband came out as gay. Jessica and Matthew navigated this mutually difficult revelation with grace and transparency. I really appreciated Jessica’s practical suggestions and advice for walking through loss, challenge and change, but also loved her own memoir moments the best. Her writing style is straightforward, but warm and most importantly, her ideas are applicable no matter the situation that one is facing. I am thankful for Jessica’s bravery to write this book and for the impact it will have on others walking similar paths.

Have you ever found yourself in a place of unexpected disappointment? Of course, we all have, but that doesn't make such experiences easy. How shall we proceed? Upon the demise of her sixteen-year marriage author Jessica N. Turner found herself bogged down with grief, disorientation, and a profound sense of loss. This book is birthed out of her journey towards not just healing but also a rich and fulfilling life in the unexpected "after." Jessica candidly and gently shares the loss of her marriage. She also shares a myriad of tips and the tools she utilized to find her authentic self once and for all. While some of the methods she describes do point to a certain level of financial privilege, the concepts here are useful to virtually anyone who finds themselves in all manner of disappointing situations. Jessica reminds us that even in disappointment, we are the authors of our own stories and can find wholeness when we take the reigns of our lives.

I enjoyed reading Jessica Turner's previous books and was excited for the chance to read her newest one. I appreciate her honesty and vulnerability in sharing her family's story. It is easy to read and thoughtful, and I would recommend it to my friends.

When Jessica Turner's husband came out as gay, her world was turned upside down. From personal to professional relationships, her world was no longer as she had planned. In this book, part memoir and part advice, Jessica gives practical thoughts and resources to deal with disappointment when life doesn't turned out as expected. This would also be a great resource for someone experiencing unexpected change or someone who is coming to terms with a life that isn't turning out like they expected or wanted.

Having followed Jessica Turner on Instagram for many years, I've been excited about this book for a while now! "I Thought It Would Be Better Than This: Rise From Disappointment, Regain Control, and Rebuild a Life You Love" tells the story of Turner's dissolution of her marriage after her husband confessed that he's gay. Turner, in her usual transparent and encouraging voice, encourages her readers to travel through their disappointments and say, "this happened to me, and . . ." rather than just saying, "this happened to me." We all have moments in our lives where we are absolutely stunned and don't know what to do, and Turner asserts that we should make the best imperfect choice available to us right now. She quotes fellow author Jeanne Stevens when she says, "Worry is simply living in a not yet that is worse than your now."

When going through difficult times, Turner implores her readers not to hide from the grief we're going through. She asserts that we believe the following lies about grief: it has an end point, it's too much for others, and it should be hidden. She further gives her readers several strategies to use when navigating grief. I really appreciate how approachable and loving Turner is in her writing, and think so many people will be blessed and encouraged by this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.