This was just what I needed. After feeling stuck in a rut, this story filled with witty 1 liners but also wisdom on life is what you make it.

I reviewed this title as part of my monthly reading wrap up on my YouTube channel. The review can be found here https://youtu.be/WDcq0SiodNI?si=zNfxkfnWrKhih8ln

A fantastic, captivating read that I just couldn’t put down. I read it almost in one sitting and I adored it from the first to last page. Have recommended it to colleagues for a fantastic read!

I will forever have Helly Acton as a "go to" author- just like her other successes, this was captivating.

It's so common to get caught up in the what ifs, so for a book to be written on that premise? Genius.

I felt the woes, understood her termoil and loved the ultimate journey of self discovery.

I soaked in every second and came away looking at my own life differently.
I loved it.

I enjoyed this, good characters, wonderful writing and captivating, filled with humour. Give it a read.

Begin Again is an uplifting book about missed chances and new beginnings so it was really great to read it as we head into spring and a new season approaches. I really rooted for the character of Frankie and wanted to see how her story developed.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy.

Loved this book. Whilst it appears like an easy holiday read, I loved the thought provoking storyline. I couldn’t put it down. I have read her first novel and then this one so need to do her second. Keep them coming!

I enjoyed this book, it was heartwarming, ‘feel good’ fun read. Loved the friendship and family dynamics, the plot was well delivered

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. I've enjoyed previous books by Acton, so was pleased to be offered an ARC of this. It did not disappoint. The concept was fantastic. I enjoyed the story and was invested in the characters.

I absolutely loved this book. I’m not usually a lover of the time travel trope however it really worked well with this book. I liked the main character and I was fully invested in what would happen to her. It was both funny and thought provoking and a breath of fresh air..

Begin Again - Helly Acton

Such a great idea for a book, it felt very refreshing and new. Brilliant characters, loved Frankie, and the theory that the grass is always greener. This book was filled with great humour and lots of little jokes which made it extra enjoyable. Overall I found it a good little read with lots of food for thought and time for reflection. Many thanks Netgalley, Bonnier Books UK and Zaffre for this e-arc in return for my honest thoughts and opinions.

This is one of those rare gems that makes you think and entertains you at the same time. Frankie knows that there is something missing in her life and as you are taken back through moments when she made decisions, you get to consider whether the grass is always greener. Full of humour, you get to see Frankie and her friends under different circumstances and at different times in their lives. You get to see how friendships are both reinforced and strained. The warmth in their friendships is always there as Frankie has to reassess what is important to her and ultimately, what matters in life.

This is clever writing. You are able to suspend belief and go with its central premise ( no spoilers). You also find yourself reconsidering and wondering whether what you most desire is actually going to be as you would expect. If you want a fun read which is thought provoking, takes a look at people's life choices and throws them in the air, this is just up your street.

In short: a romcom with a bite

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

This is the second book from this author that I've read and I absolutely loved this in it's entirety!

I felt Frankie was one of us, one of the gang and weirdly didn't see the encounter on the date at the start of the book being something huge, but I liked that. As when the dude turned up later I was thrilled for her and relived she had a second chance.

I absolutely loved all the revisiting of previous situations, the errors, the wondering, I wish we all had this chance! The author wrote this beautifully for us, it was clever and I can really see this is a movie or series.

Honestly, well done, it was just modern, ingenious and hilarious!

After reading and loving Hellys previous books, I was really excited to read this one.
Frankie dies by slipping on a kebab on her birthday, but she doesn't necessarily die, she has the chance to visit past events to see if she wouldn't have done something differently.
Unfortunately, I struggled to get in to this one, I found Frankie a tough character to warm to.
An interesting concept as per all her books and clever to write.

I have loved Helly Acton's previous books, loved her twist on modern romance books. They were always a little deeper, a little weirder.
Begin Again is a really enjoyable book. Frankie is a really fun and relatable character and I love how her priorities never waver as she navigates the different life paths, she always wants to prioritize her friends and family (to a fault, because she needs to prioritise herself more).
My issue with this book is...I feel like I've read it recently? It felt like a funner, more upbeat version of the MIdnight Library. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this MORE than MIdnight LIbrary, but I just couldn't shake the feeling that I have read this before.

This book is fab! Definitely very sliding doors and I loved it. Fell in love with the characters and felt like they were my own family and friends. Made me wonder what my 5 life defining moments are. Will definitely be recommending and can’t wait to read more of her work

A story about what life could have been for the main character of the book if she had taken different paths.

Loved this! When Frankie's life takes a wrong turn on her birthday, she's allowed to review her life and explore what might have happened if she'd made different choices at several crossroads moments in her past. We're catapulted through 'fame', 'fortune' and two other potential routes her life could have taken, until she's forced to choose which life she'd like to go back to. With shades of 'It's a Wonderful Life', Begin Again is heartwarming and entertaining in equal measure.

This story was a breath of fresh air after reading some heavy thrillers this month. I gobbled frankies story up. After reading and loving Helly Actions two previous books I knew Begin again would not disappoint. If you love the good place and the midnight library pick this up.