What would happen if you were given the chance to do it all again? Would you take it and would you change things?

Let's meet Emma the leading lady in this story. Emma wakes up one regular Monday morning. Thinking it's business as usual. The usual things in life are happening, her phone is constantly pinging, she's running late for meetings, she's forgotten it's her and her husband's date day and everything is going a little bit Pete tong. Before she realises what is going on she is having an argument with her husband and the next thing she knows he has left then house and then bam he is dead.

However the next day she wakes up it is the same Monday, her husband is still alive and she has the day to do all over again.

Omg this book, this gorgeously heartbreaking book. It tells you to be present, to remember the important things, to take time for family and love and never take your life for granted.

I cried. And I feel in love with this book. Do yourself a favour and don't miss it.

✨If you had the chance to do it again, what would you change?✨

When Emma wakes up on a regular Monday morning, it's business as usual. Her phone is going off non stop, she has meetings, she's forgotten it's her and her husband's dateaversary and by the time she remembers later that day, it's too late. She gets into an argument with her husband, Dan, he leaves the house in frustration and the-

He's dead.

She wakes up the next day. Dan is there. He's alive. It's Monday all over again.

What worked for me:
✨I absolutely loved the message Cesca Major is sharing with her readers through this book. Slow down. Be present. Family. Thats all that matters. So many of us go through the day to day, prioritising work, colleagues and deadlines over the people who need us the most. And why?
✨The plot twist - it was bloody good. That's all I'll say 🤐

I have mixed feelings about:
✨The ending. 83.5% of me loved the ending but the other 16.5% wishes I got more answers. I probably just really need to talk to someone about it.

I'm not a fan of your average cliched romance story but this was not that at all. It was sad, poignant and has left me with something to think about.

Maybe Next Time is one of those books that hooks you, pulls you in, and leaves you with a tear-stained face by the time you reach the last page. It’s hopeful, heartbreaking, and utterly addictive.

Maybe Next Time is the story of Emma and Dan, and a seemingly ordinary day that changes their lives. Borrowing the well-known premise from Groundhog Day, Emma keeps reliving this life-changing day over and over, never able to move on and always forced to play out the hours as if they were scripted especially for her. As the days go on, she uncovers things about herself and her family that change her life, and maybe she’ll learn how to really live rather than just exist in a whirlwind of work and to-do lists.

I loved everything about this book, from the premise and the characters, to the author’s captivating writing and the insight into the world of publishing. I also liked the use of letters and memories as a way to get to know Emma and Dan; their love story is normal and everyday, but to them it’s like a magic only they’ve experienced. It’s a really lovely portrayal of a relationship and its many ups and downs, with a sneaky little twist that, as per usual, I never saw coming.

Maybe Next Time is absolutely worth all the hype it’s been getting, and it’s prompted me to seek out other books by Cesca Major (writing under two pseudonyms). I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys life-affirming, character-driven fiction, but just make sure you’ve got a box of tissues ready before you start. You’ll thank me later.

4.5/5.

I loved this one. It was a unique take on the groundhog day premise. The dateaversary, the letters, the trials and tribulations we go through in everyday life thoughtfully put together in this beautifully written story. The ending will have you ugly crying.

Well I genuinely don't know where to start, I'm absolutely gutted I've finished this wonderful read, a beautiful story with some lovely heartwarming characters, it was a gorgeous read just gorgeous

I’m an absolute sucker for anything with a time loop, time travel, anything that messes with time at all really, so when I read the blurb of this book, I knew I wanted to read it.

The story follows Emma, on 3rd December, the anniversary of when she and her husband, Dan, had their first date. They have a tradition of writing each other a letter on that date every year but this year, as with the year before, Emma hasn’t written her letter yet, and flies through her day, bogged down with work commitments in a job she isn’t sure she wants anymore, problems at home and extra curricular activities she doesn’t like but has nonetheless committed to. After tragedy strikes, Emma finds herself waking up to relive the day all over again.

The story is told from Emma’s point of view but interspersed with Dan’s yearly letters which paint the picture of them as a couple and the events that have led to where they are today.

A lot of this really hit home for me. I could easily identify with Emma. I’m a working mother too, married as she is and with a never ending to do list to make sure we’re all where we need to be and have everything we need. It’s so easy to get caught up in the logistics of our busy lives and forget to appreciate the people around us.

In this busy modern world, we’re all trying to do so much. We all have so many hats to wear, Mother, Sister, Friend, Colleague, Wife…..on and on we go, throwing one hat off to put on another and get all the tasks done that come with each one.

It really made me think about the time we have and how quickly it goes. Like Emma realises as the book progresses, our time is precious and goes by so quickly, I don’t want to look back and just see a blur of what our lives were like.

So, that got a bit deep fast didn’t it?? Back to the book.

It’s funny in places, and downright heartbreaking in places. I bloody loved it and I’ve already started recommending it to people. Do yourself a favour and get a copy.

This book surprised me in all the best ways. Usually I avoid books that contain the Groundhog Day/re-living the same day plots because I find them boring but when I read the blurb something drawn me to this book. I very quickly began to love this story and learning about Emma’s and Dans relationship (I especially loved reading the letters). Even though Emma is re-living the same day (their anniversary) i never found myself getting bored, I was hooked to see how each day played out when she made changes. I will say this book is sad but it’s also beautiful and how at the end she spends the day getting to know and spending more time with her husband and children instead of being busy with work every hour. I really enjoyed this book which was a massive surprise but I’m so glad I read this.

I (wrongly) assumed that I could guess where this was going. I thought it was a simple story of: main character must relive her day until she realises what is really important to her in life. But, it wasn't that, it was so much more romantic, and telling of what our lives have become. Emma's life is dominated by work, whatsapp and the constant ping of her mobile phone. So much so, she has rejected everything which really matters to her - something which is made blindingly obvious when she is forced to relive the day over and over again.

It's the sort of story which makes you want to say, I love you, to everyone you care about the most in your life,

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC.

Many thanks to the publishing team for my digital copy for review
I loved this book from start to finish!
It was sad and made me cry but written beautifully that it wraps you up and takes you away. It really highlights how we can get so carried away with the world that we loose sight of the important and small things in life which we later start to regret. The repetitive timeline was done so well that you start to navigate what the message is.
I have just ordered a PB copy of this book because it will stay with me for a while!

I didn't initially love the concept of this book. Groundhog Day, notwithstanding, it felt like something I'd read before. I didn't initially feel drawn into the story; her life was busy, but the story was busy too - I felt like I was living her crazy life, which, given I live my own crazy life, felt like a little too much. I wanted more escapism up front.. Because of the same day being repeated, there were too many elements that felt repetitious to maintain my interest. But around the half way mark I found myself feeling more absorbed. I read it fast. It flowed. While the various repetitions of his death felt confusing at times, the take away of the story, the ultimate message, and the heartfelt delivery made it a very worthwhile read. Readers will love this book. This book deserves its place on your Kindle or on your shelf. It will find a place in your heart.

This book really will break your heart, a lot!

It is however fabulously written and heartfelt. I love the letters from Dan over the years as Emma continues to live the day over and over and how she finds herself.

You’ll need lots of tissues and tea to make it through this story but it really does make you think about priorities!

Refreshing take on a "Groundhog Day" style novel, and a realistic look at marriage, and the rise and fall of family life.

I was hooked on this book, eager to see how and if Emma could turn her life around. The yearly letters from Dan throughout the story are a nice touch, it was funny and heart-breaking at times to read more about their life together over the years and how they continue to grow.

Cesca Major is another author to add to my list!


Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC!

I have been blown away by this Groundhog Day, bookish themed, family based romance book, which is a beautifully written masterpiece - and despite it being a Groundhog Day theme, the story doesn't feel repetitive or boring - in fact, I couldn't put the book down!

As a literary agent Emma describes a manuscript which perfectly encapsulates this book in having 'that great mix of the dark, alongside the humourous and, despite the subject matter being pretty devastating, it contained wonderfully poignant moments'

The characters are likeable and relatable - I immediately empathised with Emma, having myself at times been that overworked, over extended, over promised and under-delivering person, who feels pulled in all directions, overwhelmed and feeling guilty for neglecting important things. And this book really does make you FEEL. There were several hilarious moments which had me laughing out loud, and other moments when I felt dreadfully sad, or reflective. I can't remember reading a book which made me reflect on my own life and choices so much, with some parts particularly resonating:

'it made me realise how much time I've wasted on the wrong things and the wrong people'

'When had I lost that appreciation of the smaller things? '

'leaping ahead on the To-Do List in my head rather than pausing to look around, to feel, to taste, to smell: to live'

Like Emma, I couldn't imagine what would happen to break the Groundhog Day cycle - but OMG that END - and just WHAT a way to end a book - I'm speechless - I don't know if I love it or hate it .... but I can't imagine another ending either ....it's perfect!

This book reminds me why I love reading - if only all books could be as good as this one. I can't thank NetGallery and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction enough for allowing me to get a copy of this book - it's a story which will stay with me for a long time, with morals I hope not to forget. I can't recommend it enough - I'm sad my review doesn't do the book justice - it's out March 7, 2023.

I requested this off NetGalley after Sarah Turner / The UnMumsy Mum recommended it and was excited to receive an ARC. However having recently read another ‘Groundhog Day’ referenced book, I was nervous it was going to be a bit ‘samey’ – but I need not have been concerned. It’s not often I dish out 5 stars on NetGalley – but this is definitely one of those times, for a completely unique book.

The first 25% is ‘the day’ in question – and Emma is a typical multi tasking working Mum – and it is written so very, very well. The juggle of husband, kids, work, friends, volunteering – not necessarily in that order – is ever consuming, and feels so like my life. Trying to be everything to everyone, but feeling like you’re not quite getting anything right! I don’t feel I’ve ever read another book that so perfectly captures the manic Mum vibe.

‘The day’ is also Emma and her husband Dan’s anniversary of meeting – and they have a tradition of writing to each other on that day – which only adds to Emma’s stress levels.

Initially the day has a tragic ending – again incredibly well written and very moving. But when Emma wakes up the next morning, she’s gone back in time by 24 hours, much to her utter confusion. Emma then gets to live the day again – and sees what she can – or can’t – change. However, by bedtime the tragic ending has happened again,

Thus starts the Groundhog Day scenario.

Each re-start to the day is separated by one of Dan’s historic anniversary letters – which means you get to learn lots of the back story of Emma and Dan’s relationship, marriage, kids, family connections etc. Dan had a very different ‘voice’ to Emma – another example of the excellent writing (I’m sounding like a bit of a fangirl, aren’t I?!)

As the different days pan out, Emma deals with the situation in different ways – which were interesting to read – and did make me think, what would I do?

The book feels fresh and up to date – with the use of WhatsApp groups and such like – and I love that I noticed the sneaky Easter Egg, where Emma is giving someone a pile of audio books – and one of them is a book Cesca Major wrote under a pseudonym – I very much enjoyed that!

I’m not going to ruin the end – strictly a spoiler free zone – but I LOVED it. I thought the ending was perfectly done.

I know it’s only February – but I feel this will definitely be up there as one of my books of 2023 come December.

A massive thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC – and Cesca Major for such an wonderful book. It’s out in March – and I would highly recommend you pre order it now ready for Easter long weekend!

This book had me in tears, what an emotional read, don't get me started on the ending! Just wonderful.
Thank you to the publishers Harper Collins and Netgalley for the e-arc.

As posted by another reviewer, this has been billed as Groundhog Day meets One Day, so I figured I'd also give it a try.

A touch of deja vu played out several times, and a series of anniversary letters makes an interesting read. One overworked mother, a husband with a troubled past, and two teenage children are the family grouping. It’s a thought provoking novel with a strong love theme. An enjoyable read, although a bit repetitive. I quite liked the concept, but this novel just missed the mark as a page turner.

My thanks to NetGalley, and the publishers Harper Collins, for this ARC eBook.

I loved this book, I raced through it hoping and waiting for a happy ending. I felt for Emma, she sounded so lovely, kind, and overwhelmed balancing work life, love and all the extra commitments she can never say no to, but never having enough time and focus for her family and husband. The letters that are written at different stages of their lives throughout are an insight into her and Dan’s relationship and family throughout the years.

I found the book emotionally hard to read at times, it broke my heart, time and time and again and made me cry.

A must read

The theme is not new (although it's definitely one of my favourites), but the story is beautifully written, emotional, compelling, in many ways relatable and simply wonderful. I warmed to it instantly and enjoyed every single page, heart twisting, soul thinking until the very end (the only possible ending. Brilliant).
It's going straight into my top ten reads for 2023 and it'll stay there.
This is the first book by Cesca Major that I read, but it won't be the last.
Thank you to Harper Collins, UK, the author and NetGalley for providing an early copy.

This is a book that makes you evaluate your choices and prioritise what you really love.

Some people are critical that the story can be repetitive but I didn't find this although the first time we live through the day I was impatient to get to the events that we have already read in the prologue as I knew what the outcome was, however every other day I was eager to see what how it would play out.

Just be warned - read this with a box of tissues near by!

Aww such an emotional book that really pulls at your heartstrings. Thanks for the opportunity to read & review this book.