38 year old McKenna is on the cusp of becoming a senior partner at her prestigious NYC law firm, a goal for which she's worked her entire adult life, when she's suddenly accused of embezzling $300K and asked to take a leave of absence. She heads home to her family in North Carolina, and finds herself falling hard for her high school rival Henry, now a famous filmmaker. However, McKenna is so embarrassed by the charges against her that she doesn't tell Henry or her family the real reason she's home and on leave - and this is where the book lost me. When she was first accused, why didn't she try to figure out what was going on, instead of just running away with her tail between her legs? And why was she embarrassed by the charges when she knew she was innocent? McKenna was also pretty selfish and terrible to her family, so I found it hard to really like her, or even believe that she was in her late 30s (where I'd expect her to be a lot more mature). Overall, this was a cute premise, but the writing of McKenna just made it fall a bit flat for me.

Even though there isn't a specific time setting, this feels like a Christmas read to me. A lawyer from the big city is forced to move back to her home town, reconnecting with a high school friend who's now very successful. I mean, the story plays like a movie.

I really liked the family setting. McKenna hasn't been home for years, reacquainting herself with her sisters, nieces and nephews, and even some family history.

I also particularly like how McKenna and her sisters get in that teenage mindset again, when McKenna realises she has a crush on Henry. They're all giddy, and ridiculous. But they have matured since then, and the connection feels genuine, though at times a bit fast.

As for the reason why McKenna had to leave, I found it a bit hard to believe that a lawyer accused of embezzlement would travel back home and do nothing. She is focused on no one finding out what is happening in New York, and we all know the lying will come back to haunt her.

So I enjoyed reading it, really liked the family dynamic, and the romance was cute. The characters could have been fleshed out a little bit more, and at times things moved really fast, but I still finished the book with a big smile on my face.

*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I have really enjoyed Bethany Turner's previous stories. They are filled with wit and laughter, which is what I was expecting in The Do-Over. I didn't even read the synopsis because I was that sure I would like it.

I did enjoy the overall plot - the situation with McKenna being falsely accused and going back home to try to figure out her life. The reunion between her and Henry was cute - the way she was so caught off guard by him and how he responded to her. I also loved Jared, her brother-in-law, and the way he treated his wife and McKenna.

I was disappointed, however, with a few things.

First of all, I felt that prologue was boring and it took a few chapters to catch my attention. Perhaps this was due to my expectations that it would have the comedic timing of Wooing Cadie McCaffrey.

I felt that McKenna was self-centered and I didn't care that much for her throughout most of the story. She did have a heart change but I didn't love her so much that I really cared by the time it happened…

The romance seemed quite sudden and superficial. Henry's part appeared mostly to be based on his major crush from high school. On McKenna's part, it seemed based on her loving his documentaries and the fact he was handsome and wore his clothes well.

There were some funny characters, Jared for one, but I didn't see the kind of humor I expected. Though the story was clean, there was nothing in it to hint that it is Christian fiction, as with her previous books.

There were a lot of cultural references that went over my head, so perhaps I would have laughed more if I had understood them. It seemed like the story was mostly somewhat serious.

I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

I really never thought I could love some one as much as I love Will Whitaker.

Then I met Henry Blumenthal.

Turns out, I was wrong.

Thank you, Bethany Turner.

I received an advance copy from the publisher. But I'm telling you, this is my own, honest opinion.

Ahhh! Loved this new Bethany Turner book!! I'm pretty sure I have a bit of a crush on Henry at this point as well. :) Great job! Can't wait for the next Turner Title!! xo

Oh yeah!! This checked off everything I look for in a book. Was not disappointed. Really enjoyed this book. I will read more from this author.

A charming romantic comedy about life's detours and redirections.

McKenna Keaton's life is upended when she finds herself suspended from her job, under suspicion of embezzling funds. She finds herself returning to her hometown just in time for her sister's wedding and re-evaluating her life, as well as reconnecting with a high school acquaintance.

A delightful clean romantic comedy, with an engaging plot that pulled me in quickly. McKenna is a focused lawyer, she has spent her whole life working to make her dreams a reality. I loved getting to know McKenna's family and how they welcome her back into their lives without hesitation, and I liked how her sisters support her through the ups and downs, cheering for her no matter what. Her brother-in-laws are pretty awesome too!

Henry is charming, nerdy, brilliant, and a little socially awkward which only adds to his appeal. I loved how is all in from the beginning and makes it clear that he is there for her, and it was understandable that considering their timeline that at times he was unsure where he stood.

Overall, a fun read with well developed characters, I loved the relationship that McKenna has with her sisters, and the apt pop culture references. An enjoyable romantic comedy that would make a phenomenal movie!

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

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

McKenna Keaton is very good at her job, and she's proud to say she's never let the idea of falling in love get in the way of her career. Except... when her career catches a snag and she's put on a leave of absence, she escapes home to her family and has no idea what to do with herself. Her brother-in-law suggests an outing, and Hank Blume, the famous documentary producer, is there. Turns out, he's actually Henry Blumenthal, from McKenna's competitive high school past. Strange because she can't seem to remember being this attracted to him back then...

This is a slow burn, and once it starts to kick up, there's CONFLICT. Seriously, it's like a cold shower. I'm not a huge fan of slow burns, but the immediate conflict made me angry - possibly showing my investment, but also, how dare those characters miscommunicate!

I did like McKenna though. There are some twists, and a grand romantic gesture, which were lovely. I suppose this wasn't my favorite but I did still like it.

Loved this book!! It's a fun read that hooks you on the first and will keep you turning the pages. If you enjoy a well written rom-com, you don't want to miss this book! This is an absolute wonderful read!
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really like Bethany Turner’s books, so I was looking forward to this one. She has a way of writing rom-coms that are funny and feel real but also aren’t overloaded with sex and swearing. But I was disappointed with this one. The major hinge on which the plot needed to hold together didn’t strike me as believable. Some other minor issues also stretched the believability too much. I nearly gave up but read on. I enjoyed the denouement but hadn’t entered into the story fully because that part of my brain was going, um, no.

What I liked - the protagonist and her love interest. How she grew as a character in the film with her interactions with family especially. The happy ending.
What I didn’t like - the unbelievable plot at a certain point

Fans of Bethany Turner will likely dig right in to her latest release, The Do-Over. A psuedo-enemies-to-more trope with Turner's trademark pop culture references and style. My personal preference is third person POV and prologues tend to throw me off (usually skimmable). I prefer to jump into the action/present-- that said, this novel is written in Turner's typical style. .

This reminded me of a Hallmark movie and not necessarily in a good way. McKenna gets let go from her company for supposed embezzlement. This is where the book lost me because as an attorney - why wouldn't she fight it harder since she knew it was a lie. The romance with Henry was ok - totally expected as in any standard romance. I give this book 2.5 stars.

I really really enjoyed this. I read the whole book in a few days.
It has family drama, self-growth, first loves, back to home romance with lots of comedy. This is the type of contemporary romance novel that I like. With strong female characters who can hold their ground - Erica you queen.
Mckenna- our mc- for some reason, she was my least favorite character. I liked her, just didn't love her as much as I loved Erica/Henry/Jared/Taylor. It felt like the love connection she felt was rushed. Almost instant. Like the fact that she acknowledged what she was feeling but it just happened too fast for me.

As with all of Ms. Turner’s books, I loved this latest release which was funny and romantic, but also thought provoking! I loved the storyline of someone who is progressing through their life plan to have life essentially put a halt to that. Then, the leading female has to discover if the trajectory of her life is actually going in the direction that she wants it to. This book helps show that it is okay to reevaluate life and decide to go in a new direction when opportunities present itself. I really enjoyed the romantic side to this story along with the humor of course! I highly recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

I loved this cover, it’s one of the reasons why I wanted to read. This book is super cute. Both main characters are easy to like. The flirting everything I loves it

Bethany Turner has a way with words. Her heroines are always someone we can relate to. They fall (often literally), they get back up and try again. They question themselves and their relationships. All with humor, often in a self deprecating way. But goodness. Doesn’t that give us a lot of laughs?

A really good story line, I could relate to McKenna and why she didn’t want her family to know what was going on. Sure, she shouldn’t have lied to them but she was dealing with inner issues. And then there’s Henry. Successful, handsome Henry. What a conundrum that created! Well developed characters that you can understand, a clean romance, The Do-Over has something for everyone!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

This is a most pleasant, refreshing, delightful story! I don't think I've laughed out loud so many times when reading a book.

McKenna Keaton has had goals her entire life and worked hard at attaining them. Now finally, as she is called into a meeting with the partners in the prestigious law firm in New York where her goal as a junior partner is to be named a senior partner. She is certain she is finally about to reach that next step in her illustrious career. What a shock instead to be given a forced unpaid leave while they investigate the embezzlement of more than $300,000. She is the prime suspect and in total shock.

McKenna subleases her apartment, packs her bags and goes home to Durham, North Carolina, however, doesn't reveal the real reason she came home. Her younger sister is getting married and she's just in time for her engagement party. Although she is 38, she's never been intested in dating much, her main goal being to climb the corporate ladder, however, through a set of unforeseen circumstances she is face-to-face with her old high school rival for valedictorian, the once shy and nerdy, Henry Blumenthal, the now well-known, extremely handsome documrntarian who is known as Hank Blume. He is Durham's "golden boy."

The Keaton family is a busy group, however they embrace McKenna returning home. Although there is much going on, this story moves right along. The delightful cast of characters bring fun and warmth to this sweet story. I could barely put this book down as I was swept away in the comings and goings of this charming family.

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

Cute romance book about realizing there is more to life than a singular career focus. I liked Henry and wish there was more of him. McKenna was fine except in how she treated Taylor, and the resolution in the book felt a bit rushed.

McKenna Keaton love NYC she is a driven lawyer. She is working toward being named a partner in her firm. She is called to a meeting thinking this is it! She is instead accused of stealing from the law firm. She is put on suspension. She goes home to Durham, NC with only her sister Erica knowing why she has come home. While home her brother-in-law mentions their high school friend Henry Blumenthal is in town. McKenna goes with Jared to meet Henry who is now famous Hank Blume. It seems that they always had crushes on each other in high school. When McKenna goes with Hank to NYC for a fund raiser she runs into her bosses. The one that she thought was her friend lets her know she has been found guilty after an audit.
McKenna leaves NYC and Hank behind and returns home to get her act together. She leaves Hank wondering what is going on with her.
Can McKenna start her life over and will Hank be a part of it? I really liked the story line in this book. It was a little long in some places, but over all a good story.

This was a cute rom-com/chick lot about a woman whose crush from the past lands in her life when everything is falling apart. It was fun and light, and really funny! I really enjoy books by this author. This book would make a perfect beach read! I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.