As a big fan of second chance romance and the married couple trope, this one worked for me. I loved seeing the flaws and struggles of a couple after they'd gotten together and rooting for them to figure things out. I'll admit the pacing felt a little off for me, as it took a long time to see some character growth/shifts, but they were worth the wait. The main character was a little hard to connect to for a while, as her survival techniques made her feel a little cold (which she is also accused of in the book) but I initially struggled with that. And having lived through the intense postpartum period, I appreciated seeing that chaotic, good, hard season represented in a story. Overall, I enjoyed this one though.

What would you do if you had the chance for a do-over with respect to certain key elements of your life? Audrey is about to find out...

A time-slip story that gives a dissatisfied wife and mother of 2 the opportunity to turn back time and see where things went wrong with her life and marriage, this is an enjoyable, somewhat reflective read. It gets 3.5 stars.

Laura Barrow’s newest contemporary women’s fiction about the struggles in a marriage and how perspective is gained, is a must-read. Accompanied by her hallmark wit and keen metaphors, Barrow lays out a flawed marriage and adds the tender perspective of the effect on the children when the strained relationship breaks. Protagonist Audrey juggles work and school obligations plus the role of main caregiver while her musician-husband Travis, though present, is not much of a participant. The plot thickens and they are both put to a huge test when she is injured. With its added exploration of the bounds of friendship, self-advocacy, a beloved dog, plus a heart touching epilogue, this book has all of the things. Fans of Emily Henry, Camille Pagan, and Julia London will enjoy reading. Great for book clubs too!

Barrow has crafted a voice that transforms domestic fiction into something approaching the mythic—proving that the most ordinary marriages contain their own time-travel narratives, their own opportunities for miraculous revision, their own questions about whether love represents obstacle or key to authentic fulfillment.

This is a great story that made me think about my own relationships. It's a look at marriage, motherhood, friendship, and personal growth. I enjoyed it a lot. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

The Marriage slip was a do-over for Audrey who is having problems in her marriage. She takes a tumble down the stairs and wakes up 5 years in the past when things were good in her marriage. This was a well written book and a real take on relationships. This was a great second chance romance!

I really enjoyed this book!! The Marriage Slip explores a crumbling marriage that gets an unexpected do-over. I was initially drawn in by the plot and intriguing time-travel element (who doesn't want a chance to go back and redo their life with the benefit of hindsight?!), but then I really enjoyed all the insights about motherhood, equal partnership, and how to find the magic in our ordinary lives. The characters feel very realistic and well-rounded; it's hard not to sympathize with both Audrey and Travis, flaws and all. I also loved the dog character who plays a prominent role in the book :)

Interesting story! Lots of emotions and a very interesting take on relationships. The time lapse was a fun twist to this story and I’m glad the author didn’t drag that out for too long. I liked this book!

This was different than the usual genre I read but the time travel to her past intrigued me. I don't want to cry but it's leaning towards tear-jerker.

More in-depth review to come.

This was a great read I read it fairly quickly because it was a page turner for me and awesome I felt like it was a family marriage type read stuff that people go through

Laura Barrow’s *The Marriage Slip* offers a deeply emotional and engaging journey that touches on themes of love, regret, and the hope for second chances—particularly resonant for those who enjoy pondering “what if” scenarios. At the heart of the story is Audrey, a dedicated real estate agent and mother who finds herself at a crossroads in her marriage. After a fall down the stairs, she mysteriously transports five years into the past, presenting her with an unexpected opportunity to reconsider her life choices.

This premise beautifully intertwines the elements of wish-fulfillment with real-life complexities. Barrow skillfully uses the time-slip to delve into profound emotions like trust, forgiveness, and the journey toward self-discovery. As Audrey revisits the joys and challenges of early motherhood, alongside her loving dog Willow, the emotional stakes become even more palpable and relatable.

It’s important to acknowledge that Audrey and Travis, despite their struggles, are portrayed with authenticity. Their communication challenges can be exasperating at times, prompting a desire for them to take a step back and truly understand each other. Yet, this very messiness makes them feel real and relatable. They are flawed and their journey is not always straightforward, but their growth throughout the story is ultimately rewarding. Lexie, with her vibrant personality, brings a chaotic energy that is impossible to overlook and adds another layer to the narrative.

While *The Marriage Slip* may not be without its imperfections, it effectively balances emotional depth with romantic tension. It thoughtfully examines the influence we have over our lives and poses the question of whether we might choose differently if given the chance to rewrite our stories.

**Perfect for fans of**: *The Midnight Library*, *Maybe in Another Life*, and domestic fiction infused with a touch of magical realism.

Barrow's third novel gave me such strong "Sliding Door" vibes (a favorite movie!) that I devoured the book. It's been quite a few years since I had young kiddos, but boy it was easy to slip back into the struggles of being a new mom to an infant AND a toddler. Sleepless nights, around the clock feedings, still trying to heal from the delivery, and managing an testy husband who also isn't getting much sleep. Never an easy time, yet so very precious. Also, I'm a huge fan of second chance love stories. Brava, Laura Barrow. Brava!