I love anything by Bethany Turner. She writes rom com books but clean. This was the first one I read in the series. It says it is book 3 but it reads like stand alone. I'll have to read the other to later to see if I should have before this one. I live small town romance books and that's what this one is. I love the writing style and how she describes things. I felt like I was there in the town.

3.75 ☆ Another Character-Driven Adelaide Springs Romance

I enjoyed returning to Adelaide Springs for Wes and Addie's story, but suggest you read "Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other" and "Cole and Laila Are Just Friends" before you read this one as there are many references in this book to these other novels.

First off, I'm a fan of Bethany Turner's quirky novels. Her writing style is open and friendly. She's great communicating banter and dialogue, and her stories are character-driven (although it seems lots of things happened to the characters in this story to affect the paths they'd walk, although it's ultimately driven by them... if that makes sense). Anyway, I enjoy her writing.

Wes and Addie's second chance romance was similar to most other second chance romances, yet was also different. Over 20 years had passed since their almost-marriage, so they'd lived a lot of life... but they'd also lived very "above average" lives. Nothing was ho-hum average about these two country kids.

I enjoyed the dynamic between them, including the stark contrast between them as young people and now. If nothing else was evident, they had matured in several areas.

There is, however, one particular shift which this book seems to have made from Ms Turner's previous books: its worldview. This book felt more "General Market" and less "Christian worldview", which would be fine if it was a true standalone... but it's not. This is part of a series and this book in particular needs those earliest books to explain its history.

Anyway, back to the shift in worldview. Some were breadcrumb hints about one character's "dating" history and others were a large part of the plotline. It's fine to "open a can of worms", but not to add any crumb of explanation as to where the characters stood? Or the purpose other than a plot device that is a bit of a trigger point within the Christian community... it feels like it would've been better to address it.

NB I received an ARC of this novel.

This was a fantastic story with ... (hold your breath) ... mature characters ... gasp! Mature as in - not in their 20s, or even 30s, but in their 40s!

As a mature reader myself, ahem, I maintain that the book publishing world would do itself a great service to it and the readers if more romances with older characters were published. Gen X readers would pay big money for .... I digress.

The story itself had it's moments of sadness. Being in their 40s our main couple have been through many ups and downs in their lives apart. So to see them "maturely" discuss the past, the present and the future was interesting.

I thought the pacing of the book was appropriate and my only issue is some sentences would abruptly divert to other topics.

Nonetheless, this would be a fun summer read for those who like second chance stories.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an e-copy of WES AND ADDIE HAD THEIR CHANCE to review.

I rate WES AND ADDIE HAD THEIR CHANCE five out of five stars.

I really wanted to enjoy Wes and Addie Had Their Chance. The premise—a second-chance romance layered with history, regrets, and the promise of renewal—had so much potential. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t land for me.

The novel opened with a dense rush of backstory that felt more like an information dump than an invitation into the characters' world. The paragraphs were heavy and voicey in a way that made it difficult to connect, and I found myself disoriented rather than intrigued.

Addie’s internal monologue often felt rambling and emotionally scattered, which made it hard to track her growth or root for her journey. Wes didn’t help matters—his passivity, indecision, and lack of ownership over his choices left me wondering what foundation this romance was meant to stand on. Ultimately, neither lead worked for me, and that made it hard to invest in the heart of their story.

However, the supporting cast was a bright spot. I really liked Sebastian (I'll check out his story), and Laila and Cole brought welcome energy to the narrative. Jo’s warm, mother-hen presence was charming, and Addie’s father, Doc, stood out as one of the few grounded, emotionally resonant characters. His protective love for his daughter felt real.

I kept reading, hoping to find my rhythm with this story, but I couldn’t get there. The emotional stakes never pulled me in the way I hoped they would in a second-chance romance.

While this one didn’t work for me, fans of reflective, slow-paced love stories with a focus on internal musings may still find something to appreciate here.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

When her life crashes and burns, Addie Atwater-Elwyn hightails it home to the tiny mountain town of Adelaide Springs, Colorado to pick up the pieces. Then Wesley Hobbes, childhood sweetheart who left her at the altar, comes into town. Will they get their second chance or is it too late for them?

We're back in this tiny town this time to see Wes and Addie find their back to being on good terms. Twenty years is a long time to bury the hatchet and this had all the awkwardness as Wes even tried to reconcile with their friend group.

Both of them had secrets which kept me interested as they explored a new dynamic in their relationship. It was all amazing, emotional at times and humorous as well. This is definitely my favourite of the three books.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It's out now!

Rating: 5⭐
Steam level: 1🌶️ Kissing only

3.75

This review was a long time coming. So long that it was like three books in one. It was one of those times when you start reading and they give just way too much off-handed backstory about a minor character that you just know there were books before this one. And you know how I feel about book order… Maybe that made me a bit jaded.

Anyway, I can’t say that this was my favorite, thugh I had to laugh at one of the very first pages when Addie starts talking about The Verve, or was it The Verve Pipe (so true!)? This series is full of references for those of us growing up in the 90s and it’s one of the best parts about it. The plot did seem a little too easy in ways. Plus, you don’t know what the best answer is and there are some real life challenges at play. Maybe not so much the part about finding out your father is a major political figure who gets you into Yale when you thought community college was a step too far for your potential though.

Having lived in DC for a long time, some of it had me laughing in a sad way and some had me impressed that some homework was done. I wish Brynn and Sebastian were in this one and I wish there was a little more in the middle, but if you read the series, you’re obviously not gonna stop now and I wouldn’t keep you from it. If you like a romcom like this, start with Brynn and Sebastian and you’ll know whether you want to keep going.

Thank you to Bethany Turner, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book for my unbiased review.

#WesandAddieHadTheirChance #NetGalley #bookreview #ADHDreader #BethanyTurner #AdelaideSprings #romcom #ThomasNelsonFiction #childhoodsweethearts

Cute second chance romance
This was a cute second chance romance in a cozy Colorado town I've grown to enjoy. The political angle was an interesting addition. Although this is the third book in a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I would rate this PG for kissing, themes of alcoholism and forgiveness.

I mainly read open door romance books and wasn't aware that Wes and Addie Had Their Chance was a clean romance. With that said, I really enjoyed my first book by Bethany Turner and I definitely look forward to reading more by her in the future. Yes, this is the 3rd book in the Adelaide Springs series but it can be read as a stand alone. I loved that both MC's were in their early 40's and knew they had a lot of history to unpack with each other. Both being widowed and having a professional lifestyle where they needed to keep secrets from most of the world and those closest to them I liked how even after 20+ years of not being in each other's lives Wes and Addie still had a deep connection to one another. This was a really enjoyable second chance/small town romance. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for my honest review.

What can I say beyond Bethany Turner is a superb writer? Every one of her books will entertain. She weaves the story in such a way and with just the right amount of comedy that its a thing of beauty.

I loved the reconciling journey Addie and Wes travel. I loved the healing, the understanding, and the forgiveness.

There are no swears or alcohol and level 1 kisses only. Dual POV. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators were wonderful.

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

4.5 I loved this. Not only did Wes and Addie find their way back to each other but they found their friends again and repaired those relationships that meant so much when they were younger.

I absolutely loved reading this series and this story is fantastic. I loved Wes and Addie’s story. They were childhood best friends and then sweethearts. When they were supposed to get married at 18, he disappeared. They married other people and their spouses die bringing them back to Adelaide Springs, a town that sounds fun to visit. Wes had a lot of apologies to make to the town for leaving and never returning. I loved how Wes and Addie had the connection from long ago, the fun banter they had with each other. I loved the updates on the friends from the other books, I enjoyed seeing how their lives were going and how they still supported each other. This is an absolutely delightful story that drew me in from the beginning so much I didn’t want to put it down, there were some twists and turns I didn’t expect which is always fun in a story, great book that I highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this copy of this story, the review in only my opinion.

The cover caught my eye on this one and it was my first Bethany Turner book! I absolutely adored this read from start to finish and I’ll be back for more!

What you will find with Wes and Addie is a little sass, a lot of healing, some reflection, a serving of secrets, and of course a second chance romance! Throw in the small town vibes and forced proximity and you have the perfect read. Some of Addie’s inner spiraling drug out a tad for my taste, but over all this book had everything I was looking for included an unexpected reveal. I recommend adding it to your TBR!

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

This is the third and last book in the Adelaide Springs Love Stories clean fiction series. Each can easily be read as a standalone. There are many funny and light-hearted moments, a caring community, and unique friendships.

As with the first two, I found myself enjoying the second half but not the first. I’m not into the pop-culture aspect and I didn’t find Wes’s first marriage believable or appropriate. Therefore, my review is in the middle at 3.25 stars. I really enjoyed the standalone books (that came before this series) a lot more.

*** I’d like to thank Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for an advanced copy of the e-book and the audio. My honest review is in my own words.

I feel so conflicted about this one. On one hand, I absolutely loved the narrators here. I thought they did a good job bringing the characters to life, particularly Patrick Zeller who narrated the MMC. I also really enjoy a story with adult characters, because these characters had full lives, careers, and a backstory. They also had both done a lot of introspection, so weren't in that 20-something haze of bad decisions that somehow just work out into finding the absolute love of your life. It is also always nice to read characters closer to my own age. I enjoyed the jokes, and I thought the writing was good and the story flowed easily. I read and listened to this in an afternoon.

On the other hand, this story and it's plot (18 year old's try to get married, MMC leaves FMC at the altar, both get remarried and both become widowed, one is trying to become the president and the other is ex-CIA recovering alcoholic, fall back in love in a 3 day whirlwind trip) is just... a lot. It was very hard for me to suspend disbelief that these characters would ever get back together. I also did not like the nods to Christianity, and I didn't realize this would have religious undertones.

I would definitely try stories by Bethany Turner again. This had a lot to like and a lot I didn't mesh with. 3 stars.

Wes and Addie Had Their Chance by Bethany Turner pulled me in from chapter one and completely hooked me until I finished.
A sweet, light-hearted romance. That I simply couldn’t get enough of.
The character development was extremely satisfying and the story so vivid, she truly does an incredible job at bringing her characters to life. They just jump off the pages.
They are truly memorable characters and unforgettable story.
The writing is witty and engaging. And I’d expect nothing less coming from Turner.
I just love her writing style. It’s fun and welcoming.

Second chance romance for small town teens who once fell in love and then fell out? My cup of tea.

Except this did not work for me.

After Wes leaves Addie at the altar, they don’t see each other for two decades. But once Addie returns home, her husband dead and her CIA career over, she also runs into recently widowed Wes. And he’s ready to run for president. Fate has brought them back together.

Except, no.

I had so much trouble with so many aspects of this one. Gaslighting, alcohol abuse, anticlimactic excuses, and an unlikable main character? I probably should have DNFed.

There will surely be an audience for this one, but it wasn’t me.

This is part of the series that other charters are in but you don’t necessarily have to read the other books . Although they are mentioned quite frequently and you might be lost if you don’t read read them . I like Wes and Addie’s story but my favorites is Brynn and Sebastian hate each other . Bethany adds humor in her books and she loves to add pop stars and movie stars too. This wasn’t my favorite book but it was good

WES AND ADDIE HAD THEIR CHANCE is a small town second chance romance. The MCs were childhood sweethearts whose relationship ended when Wes left 18-year-old Addie at the altar. They haven’t spoken since.

More than two decades later Addie returns to her small Colorado hometown after the mysterious death of her husband and the end of her illustrious CIA career. She’s there to pick up the pieces of her shattered life; never expecting one of those pieces to be Wes, the man who deserted her and broke her heart. Wes has been busy in his time away from Adelaide. Married and now widowed, he is a United States senator eying a run for president. What will happen now that fate has brought them back together?

Let’s be real here. Decades of no contact after ghosting the bride on her wedding day and you want me to believe she’s going to forgive him after a half hearted “I’m sorry” and some lame explanation as to why he hightailed it out of town? I’m sorry, I’m not buying it. And let me tell you, the explanation is anticlimactic and felt a bit like gaslighting to me. Other than that and the fact that I didn’t really like the characters (maybe it’s an aversion to politicians in general), this book was fine.

I alternated between the digital and audio versions of this book and found myself speeding up the audio because I did not find the MMC’s narrator appealing. Again, perhaps it’s the politics thing.

Ultimately this book was a bit of a miss for me, but hardcore second chance romance fans may find it more appealing. I did like a few of the side characters because they were not falling under that slick politician spell.

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

This second-chance romance is heartfelt and emotional, with more depth than a typical love story. I appreciated that the author explored real, complicated feelings—it gave the story a genuine, grounded feel.

The story started strong and had me hooked early on, but I found myself wanting a bit more as it went on. The romance lacked some spark, and the pace slowed at times. This one leans more emotional than swoony—more heartache than butterflies. If you enjoy second-chance romances with personal depth and a hopeful ending, this one is worth checking out.


Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and author Bethany turner for the eARC of “Wes and Addie Had Their Chance”. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Publication date: July 15th, 2025
Reviewed on Goodreads: July 18th, 2025

I would give this 3.5 stars.
You might really enjoy this if you like:
- Second chance romance
- Small town romance

Addie is back in her hometown, reconnecting with old friends, following the death of her husband.
Who she doesn’t expect to reconnect with is Wes.
Wes and Addie grew up together and fell in love. That is, until he left her at the alter and skipped town when they were 18.
She must now find out how much people can really change. Is it possible that the man standing in front of her now, is completely different from the man that shattered her all those years ago? Or will Wes take this opportunity to hurt her all over again?

This was a pretty nice, enjoyable story.
The plot and the characters were developed quite well, and I thought things remained interesting throughout the entire book.
Addie’s father was my absolute favorite! Seeing how much he cared about Addie, and how heartbroken he was over what happened to her was so sweet and really heartwarming.

This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. However, I do think it would be useful to read the other books. There are a lot of side characters here that you will get much more background on if you do.

The romance here was good, and I ended up liking Addie and Wes together more than I initially thought I would.
I was skeptical of Wes at first, and I honestly wasn’t sure how things were going to turn out- but I ended up satisfied by the ending.
I also liked the political theme.
It was enough to make the story interesting, without being too much. It did not overpower the romance or take away from Addie’s role in the story.

I found the writing style a little bit difficult to follow.
It was like dual point-of-view sometimes, but third person at other times, with flashbacks from the past sprinkled in throughout- but without clear separation of then vs now.
It got somewhat confusing at times, and I had to put some extra focus into understanding what exactly was going on at a given point.
I was not super bothered by it though, and it didn’t really take away from the enjoyability of the story for me.

There was one small thing that stood out to me as something I did not love, which was offensive remarks towards people’s appearance very early on in the story.
Especially given the fact that it was in regard to aspects of people’s appearance that are fully out of their control, such as skin conditions and hair loss.
I just found it to be a bit distasteful.
Stories are read by an array of individuals, and while you cannot possibly, please everyone, I think it is always a good idea to stray away from implying that certain things make people “ugly” and/or less desirable.

Overall, the story itself was quite good, just flawed in a few small ways!