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The Do-Over
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.
As she waits out the results of the investigation and wonders if her literal life is hanging in the balance, McKenna debates her future and questions her past. She might survive it all in one piece—but a new love and a newly-examined life might be the only things that can save her.
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.
As she waits out the results of the investigation and wonders if her literal life is hanging in the balance, McKenna debates her future and questions her past. She might survive it all in one piece—but a new love and a newly-examined life might be the only things that can save her.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2022
About the author
Bethany Turner
11 books1,238 followersBethany Turner has been writing since the second grade, when she won her first writing award for explaining why, if she could have lunch with any person throughout history, she would choose John Stamos. She stands by this decision. Bethany now writes pop culture–infused rom-coms for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight. She lives in Southwest Colorado with her husband, whom she met in the nineties in a chat room called Disco Inferno. As sketchy as it sounds, it worked out pretty well in this case, and they are now the proud parents of two grown sons. Connect with Bethany at seebethanywrite.com or across social media @seebethanywrite, where she clings to the eternal dream that John Stamos will someday send her a friend request. Text her any time at (970) 387-7811!
Learn more at seebethanywrite.com.
Learn more at seebethanywrite.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 537 reviews
June 14, 2022
Self growth- friendship- family drama with sweet not enemies but teenage rivalries to lovers troupe: easy to read and enjoy combination- highly recommended for rainy days who needs urgent support of feel good and pocketful of sunshine kind of heartwarming reading journey!
After my way too much wordy opening, I’d like to introduce the main characters and plot of the story to discuss what I truly like about this book and what parts held me back to give more stars:
McKenna in 38, an ambitious senior partner of high-end law firm, working so hard to climb corporate ladders. Her mapped out future plans are derailed by accusations about embezzling 300K! Oops! Now she’s suspended and she decides to go back to North Carolina to spend time with her family till the conclusion of investigation process!
Of course she’s too embarrassed to come clean the main reason of her sudden visit. Only her older sister knows why she returned back.
She doesn’t only reconnect with her family, at first night she bumps into her old high school rival Henry who turns out as a successful documentary maker. Henry had a huge crush on her during the school years and now it’s obvious old flames are about to rekindle!
I mostly enjoy the personal growth and family reunion parts of the book. Romance parts were a little rushed and instant. I didn’t get impressed or wasn’t blown away by the high chemistry of the main couple. McKenna ruined their connection by keeping secrets and of course the revelations about sub-plot: embezzlement are semi satisfying and rushed just like the romance parts!
But this was still emotional, sweet contemporary, family, self discovery read. So I’m rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4 dysfunctional family, second chances, motivational stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson-Fiction for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
After my way too much wordy opening, I’d like to introduce the main characters and plot of the story to discuss what I truly like about this book and what parts held me back to give more stars:
McKenna in 38, an ambitious senior partner of high-end law firm, working so hard to climb corporate ladders. Her mapped out future plans are derailed by accusations about embezzling 300K! Oops! Now she’s suspended and she decides to go back to North Carolina to spend time with her family till the conclusion of investigation process!
Of course she’s too embarrassed to come clean the main reason of her sudden visit. Only her older sister knows why she returned back.
She doesn’t only reconnect with her family, at first night she bumps into her old high school rival Henry who turns out as a successful documentary maker. Henry had a huge crush on her during the school years and now it’s obvious old flames are about to rekindle!
I mostly enjoy the personal growth and family reunion parts of the book. Romance parts were a little rushed and instant. I didn’t get impressed or wasn’t blown away by the high chemistry of the main couple. McKenna ruined their connection by keeping secrets and of course the revelations about sub-plot: embezzlement are semi satisfying and rushed just like the romance parts!
But this was still emotional, sweet contemporary, family, self discovery read. So I’m rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4 dysfunctional family, second chances, motivational stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson-Fiction for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
March 1, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
Bethany Turner writes banter very well. I always enjoy her characters and the way they talk to each other. This book had some fun banter between many of the characters and I adored that.
Attorney McKenna has been accused of embezzlement right when she thought she would be getting promoted to senior partner in her law firm. Embarrassed and on leave during the investigation, she tells no one except for her older sister and returns to her parents' home to save money. She reconnects with her high school friend Henry, who she now discovers is an award winning documentary producer. As Henry does some research into McKenna's family tree, the two begin to fall for each other. Can their relationship survive the secrets McKenna is keeping?
I loved the romance angle and I actually also enjoyed their investigation into the mystery of one of McKenna's ancestors. I didn't care for all of the secrets. I know, the plot wouldn't have existed without them, but it truly frustrated me that McKenna was SO smart and driven and yet she didn't open up to her family and to Hank. I was also annoyed that it took her so long to stand up for herself with her job when she knew she had done nothing wrong. She should have hired her own attorney right away!
Overall though, this is a sweet, light romance that will entertain and bring a smile to the reader's face. It's a fun second chance romance with a bit of humor, a loving family, and some witty banter to keep the story moving along.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Bethany Turner writes banter very well. I always enjoy her characters and the way they talk to each other. This book had some fun banter between many of the characters and I adored that.
Attorney McKenna has been accused of embezzlement right when she thought she would be getting promoted to senior partner in her law firm. Embarrassed and on leave during the investigation, she tells no one except for her older sister and returns to her parents' home to save money. She reconnects with her high school friend Henry, who she now discovers is an award winning documentary producer. As Henry does some research into McKenna's family tree, the two begin to fall for each other. Can their relationship survive the secrets McKenna is keeping?
I loved the romance angle and I actually also enjoyed their investigation into the mystery of one of McKenna's ancestors. I didn't care for all of the secrets. I know, the plot wouldn't have existed without them, but it truly frustrated me that McKenna was SO smart and driven and yet she didn't open up to her family and to Hank. I was also annoyed that it took her so long to stand up for herself with her job when she knew she had done nothing wrong. She should have hired her own attorney right away!
Overall though, this is a sweet, light romance that will entertain and bring a smile to the reader's face. It's a fun second chance romance with a bit of humor, a loving family, and some witty banter to keep the story moving along.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
November 16, 2021
⭐ 2.5
Occasionally cute and charming, but also lacking in many aspects. I liked the premise of this book and I liked Henry. But there were many things I thought could have been better. And I really didn’t like McKenna.
If you want to see my more in depth review, you can check it out on my book blog NovelOnMyMind.
A huge thank you to Thomas Nelson-Fiction and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Do-Over by Bethany Turner in exchange for an honest review.
Occasionally cute and charming, but also lacking in many aspects. I liked the premise of this book and I liked Henry. But there were many things I thought could have been better. And I really didn’t like McKenna.
If you want to see my more in depth review, you can check it out on my book blog NovelOnMyMind.
A huge thank you to Thomas Nelson-Fiction and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Do-Over by Bethany Turner in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2022
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
I don't even know what to say about this one. I saw that I am not an outlier though on Goodreads. I wanted to like this one, but I could not get into the main character (McKenna) at all. There's a lot going on with this character and she doesn't look the greatest through this whole book. It also didn't help that once again we have people acting like if you have a career that means you can't be happy without being in love and having kids. Please stop writing romance novels featuring career women who are adamant they don't want kids who then go well now love has come to me so kids sound great. If I met the love of my life tomorrow, I am still not having kids. That's okay. And honestly the flow of the book was all over the place. I think this takes place over 10 months to a year? I don't know I lost track of the time shifts through the book. And lastly, Turner including that the hero (Henry) made a documentary about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and how wonderful they are and blah blah blah kept making me laugh. Not in a good way.
"The Do-Over" follows McKenna Keaton, a lawyer at a prestigious law firm in New York. McKenna thinks that the senior partners at her firm are about to make her an offer, but when she is accused of embezzling funds, she is escorted out of the firm and doesn't know what to do. Her younger sister's engagement party is in a few weeks so she decides to return to North Carolina to see her family, but keeps to herself, outside of her older sister Erica and her husband Jared, what really went on in New York. Blah blah blah plot, she runs into a guy who was her "competition" in high school, Henry who has now become a world famous documentary director.
The book starts off with a summary of the Keaton family when McKenna, her parents, and her sister Erica all moved to New York so that McKenna's mom could follow her dreams of being in a Broadway show. Things change for them though when McKenna's mom gets pregnant with her sister Taylor. The family then moves to North Carolina which apparently was a fate worse than death. McKenna was focused though on being a lawyer and moving back to New York which she sees as her "home." And maybe I could have bought any of that if we got any sense that Erica did anything besides going to work or had any friends. Seriously. McKenna had no friends outside of her sister Erica and her husband in this one. It was weird. And her blaming her sister Taylor and just being a jerk to her through most of the book was not an entertaining read.
I wish that I could have liked McKenna more, but her lying to mostly everyone and then deciding that she has to be with Henry but doesn't get how love works made me exhausted. This woman is in her mid thirties, why she is portrayed as clueless about human emotions was baffling. And I hated how everyone kept giving her a pass on things. I guess I am a career woman, I own my own home, have no urge to ever give birth, and though I think it would occasionally be nice to have someone to cuddle with on a couch, I don't go around cursing being single. I read a great article the other day about being black and single and it spoke to me so well. I have interests, hobbies, and great friends that are ride or die. Anyway, back to the book.
I just didn't get McKenna because if you are going to have someone who stays away from her family/home for 3 years, have it be because she's living a great life. And that was not the case at all. It was just so weird how this was written.
Henry. No. I don't know what else to say besides that. I just felt like he was cheekbones, dimples, and teal eyes. Guess how many times his teal eyes are brought up? I still couldn't tell you anything about him outside of that. Oh, I did think that teal would be a pretty color for my outdoor pillows this summer, so thank you Henry for that.
The other characters are not very well developed. There are hints here and there with Erica and Taylor, but Turner rushes through the moments too fast to just get to everyone's alright. I was interested in their stories, and wish that they had been there besides giving McKenna advice (Erica) and being a thorn in her side (Taylor).
The writing was repetitive after a while. The overall plot (such as it was) gets lost and then found and then lost again. I don't know if we were supposed to care about the embezzling or what, but it gets picked up and dropped throughout the book. I also don't see or get how McKenna is such a great lawyer. We get zero scenes of her doing it and why she even loves it. The flow also needed some work. Probably because I was reading an ARC, the story felt choppy at times and a few times the words got broken in weird places so I think that's why the flow didn't' work for me.
There is a HEA which is good for a romance. But I just wasn't invested in it as I usually am when I am reading a can't put down romance novel.
I don't even know what to say about this one. I saw that I am not an outlier though on Goodreads. I wanted to like this one, but I could not get into the main character (McKenna) at all. There's a lot going on with this character and she doesn't look the greatest through this whole book. It also didn't help that once again we have people acting like if you have a career that means you can't be happy without being in love and having kids. Please stop writing romance novels featuring career women who are adamant they don't want kids who then go well now love has come to me so kids sound great. If I met the love of my life tomorrow, I am still not having kids. That's okay. And honestly the flow of the book was all over the place. I think this takes place over 10 months to a year? I don't know I lost track of the time shifts through the book. And lastly, Turner including that the hero (Henry) made a documentary about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and how wonderful they are and blah blah blah kept making me laugh. Not in a good way.
"The Do-Over" follows McKenna Keaton, a lawyer at a prestigious law firm in New York. McKenna thinks that the senior partners at her firm are about to make her an offer, but when she is accused of embezzling funds, she is escorted out of the firm and doesn't know what to do. Her younger sister's engagement party is in a few weeks so she decides to return to North Carolina to see her family, but keeps to herself, outside of her older sister Erica and her husband Jared, what really went on in New York. Blah blah blah plot, she runs into a guy who was her "competition" in high school, Henry who has now become a world famous documentary director.
The book starts off with a summary of the Keaton family when McKenna, her parents, and her sister Erica all moved to New York so that McKenna's mom could follow her dreams of being in a Broadway show. Things change for them though when McKenna's mom gets pregnant with her sister Taylor. The family then moves to North Carolina which apparently was a fate worse than death. McKenna was focused though on being a lawyer and moving back to New York which she sees as her "home." And maybe I could have bought any of that if we got any sense that Erica did anything besides going to work or had any friends. Seriously. McKenna had no friends outside of her sister Erica and her husband in this one. It was weird. And her blaming her sister Taylor and just being a jerk to her through most of the book was not an entertaining read.
I wish that I could have liked McKenna more, but her lying to mostly everyone and then deciding that she has to be with Henry but doesn't get how love works made me exhausted. This woman is in her mid thirties, why she is portrayed as clueless about human emotions was baffling. And I hated how everyone kept giving her a pass on things. I guess I am a career woman, I own my own home, have no urge to ever give birth, and though I think it would occasionally be nice to have someone to cuddle with on a couch, I don't go around cursing being single. I read a great article the other day about being black and single and it spoke to me so well. I have interests, hobbies, and great friends that are ride or die. Anyway, back to the book.
I just didn't get McKenna because if you are going to have someone who stays away from her family/home for 3 years, have it be because she's living a great life. And that was not the case at all. It was just so weird how this was written.
Henry. No. I don't know what else to say besides that. I just felt like he was cheekbones, dimples, and teal eyes. Guess how many times his teal eyes are brought up? I still couldn't tell you anything about him outside of that. Oh, I did think that teal would be a pretty color for my outdoor pillows this summer, so thank you Henry for that.
The other characters are not very well developed. There are hints here and there with Erica and Taylor, but Turner rushes through the moments too fast to just get to everyone's alright. I was interested in their stories, and wish that they had been there besides giving McKenna advice (Erica) and being a thorn in her side (Taylor).
The writing was repetitive after a while. The overall plot (such as it was) gets lost and then found and then lost again. I don't know if we were supposed to care about the embezzling or what, but it gets picked up and dropped throughout the book. I also don't see or get how McKenna is such a great lawyer. We get zero scenes of her doing it and why she even loves it. The flow also needed some work. Probably because I was reading an ARC, the story felt choppy at times and a few times the words got broken in weird places so I think that's why the flow didn't' work for me.
There is a HEA which is good for a romance. But I just wasn't invested in it as I usually am when I am reading a can't put down romance novel.
March 18, 2022
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.
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.
March 29, 2022
Yeah, okay…it turns out I do, in fact, really like this book. Whew! But I’m not awarding my 5 stars just to the book itself, but rather Talon David’s audiobook performance. Wowsers. If you listen to the audiobook, please know that nearly every breath, every emphasis, every pause, every weakness and strength of a character’s voice, and every sarcastic, joyous, or hesitant tone is how I heard it in my head as I was writing. I don’t know how she does that, but that’s twice now. (Talon narrated my 2021 release, Plot Twist, as well.) Of all of Talon’s character portrayals, I believe McKenna’s mom, Annie Keaton, is my favorite. She perfectly captured the warmth and spunk that I saw in her. Thank you, Talon, for the amazing care you took with these characters I love so much!
March 27, 2022
I read this book in a day. I haven't had or made time to do that in too long. But today I did. It was perfection. I loved every page. Maybe because as an attorney, I could relate to the heroine McKenna and her drive to prove herself and charge hard after her dream. Maybe because I needed a book that was light and romantic, yet layered with heart. For whatever reason, I enjoyed every page and wish there had been more. In my book, that's the perfect recipe for a romantic comedy.
March 12, 2022
2.5★s
The Do-Over is the fifth stand-alone novel by American author Bethany Turner. Up-and-coming New York City attorney, McKenna Keaton was meeting with the board of Wallis, Monroe and Burkhead, expecting a promotion to senior partner, so the accusation of embezzlement from the partner with whom she’d worked most closely, and even harboured ideas of marrying, is a huge shock.
Forced to take unpaid leave while an investigation is conducted, McKenna sublets her Upper West Side brownstone apartment and goes home to her family in Durham, North Carolina. Erica, the sister she’s closest to, is the only one who knows the story; everyone else thinks she’s taking a well-earned break to attend her younger sister, Taylor’s engagement.
When she attends a function with her brother-in-law and encounters Henry Blumenthal, her academic rival at high school, she’s not prepared for the shy, nerdy boy to have morphed into the confident, urbane documentary maker now famous for his prolific work, Hank Blume. Not is she expecting the instant attraction, apparently reciprocated.
Henry’s interest in her father Scott’s family genealogy project uncovers a disturbing trend with the unmarried female members of the family. But then he proposes to include her family tree in his latest project, and suggests that McKenna helps him with the research. McKenna can’t resist.
Turner’s protagonist is not particularly likeable: a thirty-eight-year-old woman who often acts like she’s sixteen, she is so focussed on her career, she has not even visited her incredibly supportive family in three years, and she effortlessly throws out thoughtless remarks that wound the younger sister who clearly idolises her. Keeping her work situation from her loving family? Makes no sense at all.
Her attitude to relationships is rather cold and calculating: “her prospective ideal mate based on his LinkedIn account more than the consideration of any human emotions.”
In a story that is 95% romance and 5% intrigue, the revelation of the embezzler is no surprise; it’s a sweet but very predictable love story that drags a little towards the end. But don your disbelief suspenders: McKenna is supposedly a very smart junior partner in a prestigious law form who trusts an internal investigation to clear her name, and doesn’t bother with representation? Cue eye roll.
Does she get her ducks in a row and act to prove her innocence? Not really. Does she redeem herself with her family? Eventually, when she’s pulled up by others for her attitude. It’s Henry and McKenna’s family who save this from a lower rating.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction
The Do-Over is the fifth stand-alone novel by American author Bethany Turner. Up-and-coming New York City attorney, McKenna Keaton was meeting with the board of Wallis, Monroe and Burkhead, expecting a promotion to senior partner, so the accusation of embezzlement from the partner with whom she’d worked most closely, and even harboured ideas of marrying, is a huge shock.
Forced to take unpaid leave while an investigation is conducted, McKenna sublets her Upper West Side brownstone apartment and goes home to her family in Durham, North Carolina. Erica, the sister she’s closest to, is the only one who knows the story; everyone else thinks she’s taking a well-earned break to attend her younger sister, Taylor’s engagement.
When she attends a function with her brother-in-law and encounters Henry Blumenthal, her academic rival at high school, she’s not prepared for the shy, nerdy boy to have morphed into the confident, urbane documentary maker now famous for his prolific work, Hank Blume. Not is she expecting the instant attraction, apparently reciprocated.
Henry’s interest in her father Scott’s family genealogy project uncovers a disturbing trend with the unmarried female members of the family. But then he proposes to include her family tree in his latest project, and suggests that McKenna helps him with the research. McKenna can’t resist.
Turner’s protagonist is not particularly likeable: a thirty-eight-year-old woman who often acts like she’s sixteen, she is so focussed on her career, she has not even visited her incredibly supportive family in three years, and she effortlessly throws out thoughtless remarks that wound the younger sister who clearly idolises her. Keeping her work situation from her loving family? Makes no sense at all.
Her attitude to relationships is rather cold and calculating: “her prospective ideal mate based on his LinkedIn account more than the consideration of any human emotions.”
In a story that is 95% romance and 5% intrigue, the revelation of the embezzler is no surprise; it’s a sweet but very predictable love story that drags a little towards the end. But don your disbelief suspenders: McKenna is supposedly a very smart junior partner in a prestigious law form who trusts an internal investigation to clear her name, and doesn’t bother with representation? Cue eye roll.
Does she get her ducks in a row and act to prove her innocence? Not really. Does she redeem herself with her family? Eventually, when she’s pulled up by others for her attitude. It’s Henry and McKenna’s family who save this from a lower rating.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction
March 31, 2022
The Do-Over is Bethany turner at her finest with 90s nostalgia added to the mix. Not to mention a romance so swoony, you'll be thinking of it long after its finest.
March 18, 2022
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 sister and her younger sister. 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 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.
Thank you Netgalley & Thomas Nelson for the ARC
Thank you Netgalley & Thomas Nelson for the ARC
June 27, 2022
Alright...well this is a hard one to rate....I thought this was a Christian romance, but clearly I was mistaken. Don't get me wrong it's a clean romance but there is nothing Christian about it. I don't think there was any mention of God or any faith elements at all in this book.....so that was disappointing...BUT having said that it was a cute story and I enjoyed it aside from the few references to drinking and a couple other things that I really didn't think were necessary...
Now as it goes with any book that isn't Christian the person ends up turning their life around, or having a happy ending and it's all very self-centered/ man- centered instead of God-centered. Which kind of leaves me with bad taste in my mouth because God is Sovereign and in control of all things whether you want to accept that or reject it is up to you but it's still the truth....so if you leave God out of the transformation it is a little lack-luster for me, the redemption story isn't really redemption or transformation the person are still worldly, nothing related to their eternal soul has changed only their present circumstance......So this is why I am having a hard time finding a rating....probably more of a 3.5. It was a fun, clean, romance just not exactly what I was expecting.
Now as it goes with any book that isn't Christian the person ends up turning their life around, or having a happy ending and it's all very self-centered/ man- centered instead of God-centered. Which kind of leaves me with bad taste in my mouth because God is Sovereign and in control of all things whether you want to accept that or reject it is up to you but it's still the truth....so if you leave God out of the transformation it is a little lack-luster for me, the redemption story isn't really redemption or transformation the person are still worldly, nothing related to their eternal soul has changed only their present circumstance......So this is why I am having a hard time finding a rating....probably more of a 3.5. It was a fun, clean, romance just not exactly what I was expecting.
December 1, 2021
Turner tells a fun romance of teenage rivals meeting as adults in The Do-Over. McKenna is all set with her presentation to the senior partners and the board on why she should be made a senior partner too. But when she walks into the meeting, she finds it's only the partners and she's not there to present, but is being accused of embezzlement and is being put in leave while the auditors investigate. She decides to go home to North Carolina to spend time with her family while this is all sorted out. While there, she reconnects with a high school friend who just happens to be the producer/director of her favorite documentaries, but because of a name change, she had no idea it was him!
I never fully connected with this one. Henry was great but McKenna was obnoxious. She ignores her family (and everything else) for her job for years and years until she's in trouble at work. Then, other than her older sister, she lies to everyone about what's happening, even though none of it is her fault. I also found it hard to believe that a high powered lawyer would just sit by without getting legal council while she's being accused. Also, the little sister. I totally get how she would dislike her as a kid but come on. She's got to realize how unfair and unreasonable that is as an adult.
I never fully connected with this one. Henry was great but McKenna was obnoxious. She ignores her family (and everything else) for her job for years and years until she's in trouble at work. Then, other than her older sister, she lies to everyone about what's happening, even though none of it is her fault. I also found it hard to believe that a high powered lawyer would just sit by without getting legal council while she's being accused. Also, the little sister. I totally get how she would dislike her as a kid but come on. She's got to realize how unfair and unreasonable that is as an adult.
March 19, 2022
This book had it all for me: a heroine returning to her hometown, mending family relationships, a sweet romance, and even a smidge of mystery. I simply adored the unexpectedness of this story!
Wrongly accused of embezzlement, lawyer McKenna heads home to Durham, North Carolina until the investigation is complete. Preferring order and structure in her life, McKenna is absolutely certain she is not looking for love, believing it will only stand in the way of her goals. Although fiercely independent, I'll admit McKenna is quite abrasive and insensitive at times, but I really loved the realness to her character and journey of admitting her mistakes.
Crossing paths with Henry, former classmate and now famous documentarian, I loved their fumbling attraction, leading McKenna to question the what ifs beyond her orderly life. As Henry is working on his next documentary, the adventure of digging into family history and uncovering an untold story was so fun. This was a really comforting read and I can't wait for more from Bethany Turner!
Wrongly accused of embezzlement, lawyer McKenna heads home to Durham, North Carolina until the investigation is complete. Preferring order and structure in her life, McKenna is absolutely certain she is not looking for love, believing it will only stand in the way of her goals. Although fiercely independent, I'll admit McKenna is quite abrasive and insensitive at times, but I really loved the realness to her character and journey of admitting her mistakes.
Crossing paths with Henry, former classmate and now famous documentarian, I loved their fumbling attraction, leading McKenna to question the what ifs beyond her orderly life. As Henry is working on his next documentary, the adventure of digging into family history and uncovering an untold story was so fun. This was a really comforting read and I can't wait for more from Bethany Turner!
November 8, 2021
I have read all of Bethany Turner's Rom Coms and without a doubt, I think this one is her best.
The character development was extremely satisfying and the story so vivid, it was like watching a movie unfold in my head, but better because I could read McKenna's mind (well, read her point of view, the same thing).
As always, I cleared my schedule and read this book from cover to cover. What a delight. Honestly, Bethany Turner just keeps getting better and better and she has really leaned into her voice in this one. And it's magnificent. Loved it! Preorder it now, like RIGHT NOW!
I recieved a copy on NET GALLEY and my opinion is my own
The character development was extremely satisfying and the story so vivid, it was like watching a movie unfold in my head, but better because I could read McKenna's mind (well, read her point of view, the same thing).
As always, I cleared my schedule and read this book from cover to cover. What a delight. Honestly, Bethany Turner just keeps getting better and better and she has really leaned into her voice in this one. And it's magnificent. Loved it! Preorder it now, like RIGHT NOW!
I recieved a copy on NET GALLEY and my opinion is my own
June 21, 2022
Cute rom-com!
Favorite parts:
- Narrator: Talon David (same as Meet Me in the Margins)
- Mystery from McKenna's family tree
- Epilogue
Favorite parts:
- Narrator: Talon David (same as Meet Me in the Margins)
- Mystery from McKenna's family tree
- Epilogue
February 13, 2023
I love a good career-driven woman forced to reassess her life choices story, throw in some childhood friends to lovers, small town romance and I was sold for this latest book by Bethany Turner. Great on audio and perfect for fans of books like The Christmas wish by Lindsey Kelk. This one has been on my shelf for a while thanks largely to the gorgeous cover and I'm happy to report it did not disappoint!
Steam level: kissing only
Steam level: kissing only
November 11, 2021
I have very mixed feelings about this book. At first I was honestly a bit bored and considering DNFing, but then Henry showed up and he (after a slightly rough start that had a reasonable explanation) was pretty wonderful and I found myself enjoying the story for a little bit. But then things went awry again and I was back to were I started. It did end on a good note though which was something. So yeah, mixed feelings is the best I can give you.
McKenna was a bit of a hard heroine to get behind, at almost 40 years old she had ignored basically all forms of relationship, family, friends, romance, for the sake of her job. And only when that job was threatened did she seem to have any care for her family. She had a very me-focused outlook, from resenting her sister for being born and ruining the life she was living, to always choosing work over family. And that made her hard to like honestly. Then she went from the “I’m happy with my life and don’t need a man” mentality to basically acting like a middle schooler with a crush when Henry entered the scene which made me eye roll all over the place. And to top it all off the excessive lying/half truths she told to everyone except one sister really got on my nerves. Especially since I didn’t understand why she felt like she had to lie since she knew she was being wrongly accused. So yeah, I wasn’t a big McKenna fan but I definitely was a Henry fan. I always love a quiet hero and Henry was that but it was mixed with a confidence in who he was and his abilities that was honestly attractive. I think he could have done better than McKenna but he was smitten and there was no changing his mind.
I did want more from the romance side of things, it felt like there was a heavy reliance on their high school friendship and they only had a handful of moments together before there was making out and thoughts of being in love. They had some great scenes together and I wish we could have had more of that and less of McKenna’s existential crisis. In the end it felt more like women’s lit with some romance thrown in than the rom-com I was expecting.
A lot of the issues I had may just be my issues and Henry definitely helps cover any faults so this could still be the book for you, it just wasn’t really for me.
McKenna was a bit of a hard heroine to get behind, at almost 40 years old she had ignored basically all forms of relationship, family, friends, romance, for the sake of her job. And only when that job was threatened did she seem to have any care for her family. She had a very me-focused outlook, from resenting her sister for being born and ruining the life she was living, to always choosing work over family. And that made her hard to like honestly. Then she went from the “I’m happy with my life and don’t need a man” mentality to basically acting like a middle schooler with a crush when Henry entered the scene which made me eye roll all over the place. And to top it all off the excessive lying/half truths she told to everyone except one sister really got on my nerves. Especially since I didn’t understand why she felt like she had to lie since she knew she was being wrongly accused. So yeah, I wasn’t a big McKenna fan but I definitely was a Henry fan. I always love a quiet hero and Henry was that but it was mixed with a confidence in who he was and his abilities that was honestly attractive. I think he could have done better than McKenna but he was smitten and there was no changing his mind.
I did want more from the romance side of things, it felt like there was a heavy reliance on their high school friendship and they only had a handful of moments together before there was making out and thoughts of being in love. They had some great scenes together and I wish we could have had more of that and less of McKenna’s existential crisis. In the end it felt more like women’s lit with some romance thrown in than the rom-com I was expecting.
A lot of the issues I had may just be my issues and Henry definitely helps cover any faults so this could still be the book for you, it just wasn’t really for me.
November 11, 2021
This could not be any more adorable and I loved it!
McKenna thinks she's getting a promotion but her life is thrown in chaos when she's accused of embezzlement. She goes home from NY to NC under the excuse of going to her younger sister's engagement party when she's actually forced to take a leave of absence.
Being back in her hometown with her family awakens a whole new set of feelings, especially when she reconnects with an old friend from high school who's now famous.
The slow burn reawakening of McKenna and Henry's former/not-so-former crushes on each other was simply delicious and a treat to read.
McKenna's family and the other secondary characters were perfectly complimentary, and the mystery of who the real criminal is added to the story's appeal.
The ending was so, so cute!
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
McKenna thinks she's getting a promotion but her life is thrown in chaos when she's accused of embezzlement. She goes home from NY to NC under the excuse of going to her younger sister's engagement party when she's actually forced to take a leave of absence.
Being back in her hometown with her family awakens a whole new set of feelings, especially when she reconnects with an old friend from high school who's now famous.
The slow burn reawakening of McKenna and Henry's former/not-so-former crushes on each other was simply delicious and a treat to read.
McKenna's family and the other secondary characters were perfectly complimentary, and the mystery of who the real criminal is added to the story's appeal.
The ending was so, so cute!
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
March 9, 2022
The synopsis of The Do-Over by Bethany Turner sounded really interesting and since I enjoyed Plot Twist by the same author, I was excited to give this one a try.
At first, I felt like it was going to be a great read. I liked how the story started and I thought that McKenna and Henry had good chemistry. I also enjoyed the humor and a lot of the pop culture references, even though I felt there were a tad too many. Sadly, the negatives outweighed the positives for me. I wanted more page time with our main characters. I also didn’t like how McKenna lied to her family about why she was home. I did not see a downside for her to tell them the truth about what was going on with her job. I also struggled to fully connect with McKenna. While this was not the story for me, I’m sure many will enjoy it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This was a clean read even though it is published by Thomas Nelson.
At first, I felt like it was going to be a great read. I liked how the story started and I thought that McKenna and Henry had good chemistry. I also enjoyed the humor and a lot of the pop culture references, even though I felt there were a tad too many. Sadly, the negatives outweighed the positives for me. I wanted more page time with our main characters. I also didn’t like how McKenna lied to her family about why she was home. I did not see a downside for her to tell them the truth about what was going on with her job. I also struggled to fully connect with McKenna. While this was not the story for me, I’m sure many will enjoy it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This was a clean read even though it is published by Thomas Nelson.
May 20, 2022
Bethany Turner has done it again! I positively loved this book! I was hooked from the very first chapter and couldn't stop listening until I reached the end. I love her quick and witty dialogue and the hilarious pop culture references. There were many times when I laughed out loud and I adored the characters. The story also kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering how it would all turn out in the end. If you enjoy a wonderful rom-com, this book is for you! I highly recommend!
March 27, 2022
Bethany Turner just has such a great voice. She sounds so natural, like writing comes second nature to her, which makes her books so easy to read. Like you’re sitting down with a best friend to catch up complete with inside jokes that only a long history together can bring. I’ll read anything she writes.
January 2, 2023
I’ve loved all of Bethany Turner’s books, but I think this is my new favorite. I’ll admit, I wasn’t a big fan of McKenna at first, but as the story unfolded, I came to understand her more. This is a great story about realizing maybe the life you’ve always dreamed of isn’t the right dream. And the ending is absolute perfection.
June 30, 2022
Sometimes you just need a book like this…
When things are not going well, you need a book you can believe that dreams come true, good conquers all and junk like that. This is one of those.
When things are not going well, you need a book you can believe that dreams come true, good conquers all and junk like that. This is one of those.
August 8, 2022
I could not finish. McKenna is really unlikable. She was supposed to have given up her whole life for career, yet when its threatened, she just meekly walks away? Does not get legal counsel of her own? Her romantic moments are painfully juvenile. She treats her family disdainfully. Not a winner.
March 15, 2022
McKenna has only wanted one thing out of life, to succeed. So when she is railroaded at her law firm, just when she was sure she was making partner, she has the chance to go home and reconnect with her family that she left behind. Since she has been so busy, she didn't realize how much time had passed and how much her family actually missed her. Her little sister is getting married and McKenna is nearing the big 40. She takes the chance to go out one night with her sister's husband and friend, Jared. He is friends with a documentarian from their high school and there is a big showing, McKenna follows all of Hank Blume's documentaries, but didn't know it was her old friend Henry from school. Not only has he made a name for himself, he has also gotten HOT.
I liked watching Henry with McKenna, it was obvious that he was smitten with her from the get go, most lilkely from a crush that still held on from high school. What I didn't love was McKenna and her oblivousness to most things in life. I did feel that I knew what was happening at her law firm way before the reveal and I had a lot of secondhand embarassment for her, especially where her boss was concerned. I just felt like it might have been how someone would handle things at a younger age but not how someone that age would. She seemed a little too self absorbed, even if she didn't mean to. As the book went on, I did enjoy her more. She did start to open up, but it did take a while. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Thomas Newton, Netgalley and Bethany Turner for an early copy.
I liked watching Henry with McKenna, it was obvious that he was smitten with her from the get go, most lilkely from a crush that still held on from high school. What I didn't love was McKenna and her oblivousness to most things in life. I did feel that I knew what was happening at her law firm way before the reveal and I had a lot of secondhand embarassment for her, especially where her boss was concerned. I just felt like it might have been how someone would handle things at a younger age but not how someone that age would. She seemed a little too self absorbed, even if she didn't mean to. As the book went on, I did enjoy her more. She did start to open up, but it did take a while. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Thomas Newton, Netgalley and Bethany Turner for an early copy.
April 17, 2022
A cute charming book! Very light and just a make you feel good type. What I particularly loved was that it takes place in Durham, NC! My hometown! I loved how Turner got all the NC "stuff" right, including calling the airport RDU (*Ahem* Hallmark channel please take note it is NOT Durham international Airport AND Raleigh-Durham is not a city, we have Raleigh AND Durham. )Turner also did something awesome for "Durham Culture" Durham is home to Duke (boo!) -The blue devils, you know where Coach K is the basketball coach and the "Princeton of the South" but Turner incorporated 3 other great universities, UNC, NCSU (Go Pack!) and most importantly NCCU!! w2go!
Okay So yay!
Now the story was super cute and cheery. What I loved about it was it was a classic boy next door type romance with a bit of celebrity edge. This book has all the laughs, love story and "mystery" woven in. Each of the characters I truly felt like were friends. At times I felt sorry for Taylor-the younger sister--McKenna was a bit of a workaholic, but clearly it was her identity was in her job....
the story comes full circle and by the end of it you just are beaming.
I read a bunch of thrillers so this was a wonderful refreshing book!
I highly recommend!
It was also clean so audiences of all ages can read it :)
I will be reading more by Bethany Turner for sure!!
Okay So yay!
Now the story was super cute and cheery. What I loved about it was it was a classic boy next door type romance with a bit of celebrity edge. This book has all the laughs, love story and "mystery" woven in. Each of the characters I truly felt like were friends. At times I felt sorry for Taylor-the younger sister--McKenna was a bit of a workaholic, but clearly it was her identity was in her job....
the story comes full circle and by the end of it you just are beaming.
I read a bunch of thrillers so this was a wonderful refreshing book!
I highly recommend!
It was also clean so audiences of all ages can read it :)
I will be reading more by Bethany Turner for sure!!
January 11, 2022
Sigh. Henry Blumenthal. What more can I say? I suppose that's a bit sparse for a genuine review, so I'll elaborate. Bethany Turner earned my admiration when she wrote The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck. I've read each of her subsequent novels as quickly as possible. Her clever wit and unique author voice really shine in The Do-Over. The heroine is accused of a crime she didn't commit, forcing her to return home and examine the relationships she's neglected, as well as her career aspirations and the roles women play in modern society. Turner's ability to send her characters into their own personal worst case scenarios makes for a compelling reading experience.
Like I said, Henry Blumenthal is a delightful hero and quite possibly one of my new favorite book boyfriends. The Do-Over is smart, charming and compulsively readable. Well done, Bethany!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions shared here are my own.
Like I said, Henry Blumenthal is a delightful hero and quite possibly one of my new favorite book boyfriends. The Do-Over is smart, charming and compulsively readable. Well done, Bethany!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions shared here are my own.
June 2, 2023
A fluffy read.
An exasperatingly immature 40 yr old main character.
Really. Mackenna was not my favorite heroine. She isn’t even one of my least favorites. She was the type that prides herself on not being dramatic: but she’s just that. She does have some character growth.
Her love interest, Henry, was way more my speed. Seemed like a down to earth and realistic type of fellow.
The tiny little side plot about Mackenna’s mysterious relative Marilla was the most interesting part of the book actually.
There was one too many loonnnggg make out scenes for my taste. But otherwise it was clean.
Despite an annoying MC, the family dynamics and occasional funny moments kept me reading until the end.
An exasperatingly immature 40 yr old main character.
Really. Mackenna was not my favorite heroine. She isn’t even one of my least favorites. She was the type that prides herself on not being dramatic: but she’s just that. She does have some character growth.
Her love interest, Henry, was way more my speed. Seemed like a down to earth and realistic type of fellow.
The tiny little side plot about Mackenna’s mysterious relative Marilla was the most interesting part of the book actually.
There was one too many loonnnggg make out scenes for my taste. But otherwise it was clean.
Despite an annoying MC, the family dynamics and occasional funny moments kept me reading until the end.
Read
June 15, 2022I'm always game for a Bethany Turner novel. She writes the very best summer reads and The Do-Over was no exception. In fact, it may be my favorite of hers yet!
February 28, 2022
4.5 stars! i liked this one a lot and will definitely be buying my own copy!!
McKenna Keaton has always known what she’s wanted and has the brain to get there. As she’s on the track to becoming a senior partner at a prestigious New York law firm, she’s accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from her firm.
While the investigation continues, she’s forced to sublet her perfect apartment on the Upper West Side and go back down to where all of family resides in Durham, North Carolina. Luckily, her little sister’s engagement party is timed perfectly and she has an excuse to be there despite having missed Christmas the last two years. It’s in Durham that McKenna bumps into Henry Blumenthal, an old high school classmate and friends who’s turned into a famous documentarian, who’s in town for his new film.
When Henry unearths a seemingly disturbing curse of McKenna’s ancestors, she begins to worry if she’s next. Worrying about that, her job and lying to her family and dealing with her feelings for Henry, she’s trying her very best to keep her cool and figuring out what’s next for her and the plan for her life that she thought was set in stone.
📚
this book was amazing and i really enjoyed reading it!! the prologue immediately had me. it was whimsical and detailed and set such a great foundation for the book and i feel often time prologues don’t do that too much. although it’s usually hard for me to be into workaholic leads, mckenna was a great character with nice development through the book. it was as much fiction as it was romance and sometimes i find that balance hard for authors, Bethany Turner wrote it in a way that i enjoyed and was interested in. Turner wrote about all the interesting details. where some authors get caught up in the boring details, Turner kept the pace easy and interesting.
henry was an absolute dreamboat and even i found myself swooning! i haven’t swooned for a fictional love interest in awhile and henry was just perfect honestly. he and mckenna are just such nerds and i was absolutely obsessed with them.
the character development for mckenna was interesting in all terms of her life as a lawyer, as a sister and as a love interest. i find with romances that sometimes they lack that development for characters and i was happy to see mckenna through all of it. her family was such a great supporting cast and henry was a great love interest. i just adored this book and i can’t wait to physically hold it in my hands.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
McKenna Keaton has always known what she’s wanted and has the brain to get there. As she’s on the track to becoming a senior partner at a prestigious New York law firm, she’s accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from her firm.
While the investigation continues, she’s forced to sublet her perfect apartment on the Upper West Side and go back down to where all of family resides in Durham, North Carolina. Luckily, her little sister’s engagement party is timed perfectly and she has an excuse to be there despite having missed Christmas the last two years. It’s in Durham that McKenna bumps into Henry Blumenthal, an old high school classmate and friends who’s turned into a famous documentarian, who’s in town for his new film.
When Henry unearths a seemingly disturbing curse of McKenna’s ancestors, she begins to worry if she’s next. Worrying about that, her job and lying to her family and dealing with her feelings for Henry, she’s trying her very best to keep her cool and figuring out what’s next for her and the plan for her life that she thought was set in stone.
📚
this book was amazing and i really enjoyed reading it!! the prologue immediately had me. it was whimsical and detailed and set such a great foundation for the book and i feel often time prologues don’t do that too much. although it’s usually hard for me to be into workaholic leads, mckenna was a great character with nice development through the book. it was as much fiction as it was romance and sometimes i find that balance hard for authors, Bethany Turner wrote it in a way that i enjoyed and was interested in. Turner wrote about all the interesting details. where some authors get caught up in the boring details, Turner kept the pace easy and interesting.
henry was an absolute dreamboat and even i found myself swooning! i haven’t swooned for a fictional love interest in awhile and henry was just perfect honestly. he and mckenna are just such nerds and i was absolutely obsessed with them.
the character development for mckenna was interesting in all terms of her life as a lawyer, as a sister and as a love interest. i find with romances that sometimes they lack that development for characters and i was happy to see mckenna through all of it. her family was such a great supporting cast and henry was a great love interest. i just adored this book and i can’t wait to physically hold it in my hands.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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