This was a novel I was highly anticipating. Unfortunately for me there was too much round about conversations, no real action or events, and I ended up DNFing this one

This second chance romance really packed an emotional punch. I loved that the main characters were older and that they had had relationships in between their first and their rekindling. I found it to be way more high stakes than a traditional romance. Even though the plot was a little far fetched it still seemed to be grounded in reality. I really enjoyed this one.

The MMC’s late wife was a lesbian. He married her knowing this to benefit both their careers. For a Christian book I would expect the author to stick to Biblical truths. Instead the author made it seem like the late wife being a lesbian was no big deal. She made the town seem small minded because they wouldn’t have accepted her. There was no mention of the wife needing to repent or about homosexuality being a sin. Disappointed.

What a great series this has been and this book, Wes and Addie Had Their Chance, capped it off with flying colors! Wesley Hobbes, one of the title characters, is making his first appearance in the series in this book. He became a social pariah to the town of Adelaide Springs when he left Addie, his fiancee and the town darling, at the altar (literally) and left town without a word of explanation or apology when they were both eighteen years old. Twenty years later after both Wes and Addie had had successful careers and marriages, they returned to Adelaide Springs following the death of their spouses and met face to face unexpectedly once again. Neither expected what followed. After all, they had already had their chance. I couldn’t put this book down. It was filled with surprises and heartbreak and hope and and romance. It made me laugh with its witty, snarky banter and cry at the tender parts. It showed that love makes forgiveness and redemption possible. I loved every minute of it! Highly recommend! This book could be read and enjoyed as a standalone but I think you will enjoy it more if you start at the beginning of the series since most of the previous characters make appearances in this series finale. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

2.75⭐️ rounded up.
This one just wasn’t my cup of tea. I had a hard time getting into it and it started off with a series of so many depressing events. Some parts felt a little confusing, and others the writing felt a little disjointed. It is 3rd in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone, so maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first 2 first. I think the idea was nice, I just couldn’t get into it. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.

I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest review. Unfortunately this book was a DNF for me, I don’t tend to do this often but I just did not feel like picking up the book, I had no motivation. I also found that the characters were portrayed in a childish way when they are in there 40s, I just didn’t feel connected to them in any way. I think part of this was due to the fact that there were previous books in the series in which other characters would have been introduced and I have not read these, nor was I aware of them so I missed backgrounds, especially with other characters who just felt dumped in. I really wish I loved this as the premise really jumped out to me and had me interested, but unfortunately it was not meant to be.

This book was a lovely change compared to most other romance books that are popular at the moment.
Wes and Addie had their shot at a small town romance back when they were teens, and when that ended abruptly, Addie was heartbroken.
This book focused on lost love, second chances, and finding out that sometimes it's worth learning both sides of the story.

"I have loved you since before I any idea what love was."

This is a heartwarming second chance romance, but it's also so much more.

The complicated history between Wes and Addie provided an opportunity for character growth and an emotional journey, which the author beautifully portrayed. Their story is full of heart, humor, witty banter, genuine moments, and truly relatable characters you will be rooting for.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wes and Addie Had Their Chance is such a unique and clever story. Bethany Turner has a way of creating characters that feel real and relatable, and this book was no exception. I absolutely fell in love with Wes and Addie—their chemistry, their history, and the tension between them kept me hooked from start to finish.

But what surprised me most was how much I cared about the entire town. Every side character felt like someone I wanted to know more about, which made the small-town setting feel warm and alive. By the time I reached the final page, I genuinely wished I could spend more time in their world.

If you enjoy second-chance romances, small-town charm, and characters you can’t help but root for, this one is definitely worth picking up. I’m grateful to have received an early copy, and I’ll absolutely be recommending this book to others!

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Bethany Turner for this e-ARC! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I usually enjoy a good second-chance romance, and I went into Wes and Addie Had Their Chance hoping for a heartfelt, emotionally rich story of two people finding their way back to each other. Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me.

While the premise had promise, I struggled to connect with either Wes or Addie on a deeper level. Both characters felt emotionally distant, almost like I was watching their story unfold behind a pane of glass rather than being invited into it. Their internal worlds never fully opened up, which made it hard to care much about whether they ended up together—or even about them individually.

I appreciated the concept of rekindling a love that once was, but the execution lacked spark. The chemistry between the leads was too muted to be convincing. Their interactions didn’t carry the weight or tension that makes second-chance love stories sing, and I found myself wanting more depth, more passion, something to root for.

This wasn’t a bad book—it was just disappointingly forgettable. Wes and Addie may have had their chance, but I’m not convinced they made the most of it.

Wes and Addie had their chance more than twenty years ago, and he blew it when he left her at the altar. Since then, she's loved again, married and lost another good man, and now she's back in Adelaide Springs. But even their home town, which has no time for the man who deserted her, can't escape him now that he's running for president and on the news everywhere - not that it bothers here; she doesn't feel anything any more. When he turns up in Adelaide Springs looking for Sebastian, though, neither she nor anyone else can escape him, and suddenly she's feeling things she'd thought left behind long ago. But he's heading for a job she wouldn't touch with a barge pole and she's long since moved on - right?

Another great read in the series, though a complete standalone story (though if you've read previous books you'll enjoy seeing more of Cole and Laila in particular). Wes is a mess despite his expertise in presenting a put-together appearance, and Addie is just as bad in her own way. But somehow, putting them together and in a situation where they have a chance to talk things through, and face up to things they've buried, gradually helps piece them together a bit. It's a joy to watch, though the road is rather rocky, and it's also great to see old Adelaide Springs friends. I particularly loved one scene with Addie and Cole, with the comment (summarised): "we loved you too much to gossip about you, so I don't know what Laila and Wes thought about it, but I'll bet you never saw any of us drink in front of you again" - and that's love in action. A heart-warming and inspiring read - recommended.

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

Wes and Addie Had Their Chance promised a juicy second-chance romance and on paper, it sounded like a political thriller met a deeply personal comeback story which my inner drama-lover was absolutely ready for.

The concept definitely had its moments. The audacity of Wes showing up again after leaving Addie at the altar twenty years prior especially as a beloved senator, set up a fantastic initial tension. And Addie's CIA background, now in tatters hinted at layers of intrigue that could have been truly compelling. You wanted to know why he left and how on earth they could possibly get past that.

However, despite all that dramatic potential, the book struggled to truly deliver. The monumental hurdle of a two-decade-old altar-leaving felt almost too big to convincingly overcome and the reasons behind it, once revealed didn't quite land with the emotional punch needed to justify such a long-standing wound. The characters, despite their intriguing backstories, sometimes felt more like plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals making it hard to truly invest in their rekindled flame.

Ultimately, Wes and Addie Had Their Chance had a killer premise that unfortunately, didn't quite stick the landing. It left me feeling like their "chance" might have been better left in the past.

(Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own)

This was a classic second chance romance with a presidential twist! It was cute, but felt a little long to me. The characters being over the age of 40 was a pleasant surprise!

Overall, this book wasn’t for me! I didn’t connect to the story…but that’s not to say that others won’t! There were many raw, sweet, and vulnerable moments that were really important to the story and the characters! I appreciated some of the humor and dialogue among the characters, especially the heavy topics that were handled so well!

If I'm completely honest this wasn't my favorite book in the Colorado Adelaide Springs series but it was still a decent second chance, dual POV, small town romance between a divorced US Presidential candidate and a recovering alcoholic widow ex CIA analyst. Okay on audio, this book just didn't give me the feels like I was hoping for. Overall just an okay read. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

"Wes and Addie Had Their Chance" delivers a compelling second-chance romance interwoven with political intrigue that sets it apart from typical offerings in the genre. The story follows former high school sweethearts Wes and Addie, whose relationship ended devastatingly when he left her at the altar years earlier.
When Addie returns home from Washington D.C. after a distinguished CIA career and the mysterious loss of her husband, she's seeking stability and healing. Instead, she finds her world turned upside down once again when Wes reappears in town—now being considered as a presidential candidate. The collision of their personal history with high-stakes political drama creates an intriguing backdrop that feels fresh and original.
The novel's strongest asset is its gripping first half, which masterfully builds tension and mystery. I found myself completely invested, eagerly piecing together the puzzle of what really happened between these characters and the circumstances surrounding Addie's husband's death. The author skillfully plants clues and maintains suspense that kept me turning pages.
Unfortunately, the revelations don't quite live up to the anticipation they create. After such careful buildup, the answers feel somewhat anticlimactic, lacking the impact I expected from the mystery's resolution. The story's conclusion also feels rushed, not fully satisfying the emotional investment the earlier chapters had earned.
Despite these shortcomings, the novel succeeds in creating an original premise with well-developed characters facing complex situations. It's a solid read that came tantalizingly close to greatness—the kind of book that showcases an author's potential while leaving you eager to see what they'll accomplish next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I would definitely read this author again and recommend it to others looking for romance with a political twist.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Wes and Addie Had Their Chance" by Bethany Turner is an absolutely spectacular rom-com that had me laughing, swooning, and rooting for the characters from start to finish. Set in a charming small town, this delightful second chance romance is infused with wit, heartfelt moments, and a wonderful journey of self-discovery.

Wes and Addie's dynamic is electric, filled with hilarious banter and undeniable chemistry that leaps off the pages. Bethany Turner has a knack for creating relatable, lovable characters who feel like old friends. Their story is not just about rekindling a past romance but also about personal growth and finding themselves amidst the chaos of life and love.

As part of a series, "Wes and Addie Had Their Chance" seamlessly ties into a larger world without losing its standalone appeal. The small-town setting adds warmth and charm, making it impossible not to fall in love with both the town and its quirky inhabitants.

If you're a fan of laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt romance, and characters who steal your heart, this book is a must-read. Bethany Turner has once again delivered a story that’s both entertaining and emotionally satisfying. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment of the series! Great for book club discussions.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Bethany Turner for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

If you've read the first two books in this series of interconnected standalones- you're ready for this one. The illusive Wes AND Addie get their story! And boy is it a story! I do think this would read perfectly fine as a standalone- but in the prior two books our setting, Adelaide Springs, is almost its own character and that carries into this book but isn't as prominent. From having read the first two- I didn't need more charm from the town- it's already in my heart and brain!

In this story- we do a LOT of wading through grief, addiction, life's woulda coulda shoulda's, AND the "well, we didn't and this is our story."

It's not a spoiler to share this really- but I LOVE how Addie found TRUE love in Joel after Wes left her at the altar. And nowhere in this story does the author make any effort to make Joel be any type of placeholder for Wes & Addie's second chance. No ma'am and sir- Joel and Addie's love is honored and appreciated- and Wes does NOT try to take that away. I find in many second chance widowed stories we are given some ick reason why that marriage or partnership was "bad" and that does NOT happen here. Even Wes' prior marriage was unconventional but not BAD.

This is a political story as our MMC is a front runner for President. But the politics are very neutral. Really the only issue we hear him talk about at all is campaign reform. Outside of that we have the typical pushy campaign manager AND Wes' estranged Governor of Connecticut father that comes back into the picture after 18 years.

The resolution left me with some questions. But maybe if we ask Bethany nicely she'll give us a bonus epilogue???

Wes and Addie Had Their Chance is the third book in a series set in Adelaide Springs. This story is a second chance romance shedding light on two characters that we have heard about in the previous two books, but finally get to know what happened to them after they left their hometown. This story is much heavier than the other books, and it should be mentioned that topics such as death and grief, cancer, and addiction are central to both main characters' life experiences.

Wes and Addie were childhood sweethearts who were supposed to get married before going off to college, but in an shocking turn of events Addie is stood up by Wes and leaves Addie scrambling to come to terms with being left alone on their wedding day.

Fast forward several years, and Addie becomes a successful CIA intelligence agent. She eventually finds the love of her life, marries, and is living a happy and successful life. Then the unthinkable happens and her husband dies. Addie goes through a dark time in her life, and moves home to Adelaide Springs to live with her father and leave the terrible memories of her life in DC behind her.

Wes left Adelaide Springs to get to know his father, and under his tutelage, became a beloved US senator. Wes married another woman who also left Adelaide Springs and together they had aspirations to become a power couple, and eventually white house bound. Wes’s wife becomes sick and eventually passes away due to her illness.

Addie and Wes suddenly are thrown back together when Wes flies back to Adelaide Springs and Addie ends up driving him to his accommodations. Addie wants nothing to do with the man who stood her up on their wedding day so long ago, but Wes is willing to do what it takes to get Addie to take a second chance with him.

Bethany Turner takes us on an emotional journey through both Addie and Wes’s lives. Both characters start off young and inexperienced, and both walk through moments of greatness and moments of heavy trials. I loved Addie’s self awareness and determination to become a better person, and open herself to forgiveness and closure. I appreciated Wes’s journey of separating his life goals from what people think he should be and figuring out what he wanted to be for himself. I was so happy to see characters from the previous books, and some unexpected but satisfying conclusions.

If you enjoy second chance romance, deep and reflective characters, small town settings, life long friendships, and messy but real people, this book will leave you happy to have spent time in Adelaide Springs.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Addie and Wes found their young love die when Wes leaves her at the alter. Now, years later, they've both lived full lives. And as Wes heads towards the White House, he comes back to his hometown to try to find who he once was only to find Addie instead.

This was a good second chance romance! Here's what I liked:

Second chances: this was the ultimate second chance romance. Addie and Wes's relationship really crashed and burned in such a harsh way that you want to see what happens when they see each other again. And it really is for the first time twenty odd years later. They are completely different people.

The humor: This was so funny. I loved the dry humor or both Addie and Wes. Their dialogue is written to perfection.

The town: This is my first book by Turner and I saw that this has other books in this small town. I can't wait to pick them up now. This town has all of the hallmarks of a small-town with quirky characters and local haunts that you eat to go to.

All in all, this was such a good romance!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!