Begin Again: The most relatable book of 2023

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The Good Place meets Sliding Doors, Begin Again is an uplifting novel about life's what if's, missed chances and new beginnings.

Despite living firmly in her comfort zone, Frankie McKenzie feels unsettled. She can't help feeling something's missing. Is it a home to call her own Travel A more rewarding job A relationship Before she can work it out, she dies in a freak kebab-related accident after yet another dud of a first date.

But life isn't over for Frankie. Instead, she is offered a second chance: Frankie can revisit key moments from her past to see if different choices will lead her away from that fateful takeaway and on to the fulfilling life she's always dreamt of.

Soon, Frankie will see what her life would have been if only she'd caught that one-way flight, accepted the marriage proposal or attended the intimidating job interview. Will she finally find her Mr Right Or discover she already had

What would you change if you could begin again

Praise for Helly Acton:

'A romcom with a difference' Sarra Manning

'Genius, funny and thought-provoking. 5 stars' Carrie Hope Fletcher

'Warm, witty and thought-provoking' Abbie Greaves

'A fresh, funny, razor-sharp take on society's views of relationships. It's feminist, it's provocative and a total joy to read' Hannah Tovey

'Helly's writing is filled with such humour and warmth, it makes me laugh and think whilst seamlessly tackling complex ideas about modern society. What a triumph!' Abigail Mann

'Funny and clever. I loved every single line' Lucy Vine

Reviews

'Smart, funny and thought-provoking. I loved it. If you've ever wondered if you made the right choices in life, then this is the book for you' - Nicola Gill

'The dream book for anyone who has ever wondered 'what if'. . . so basically all of us I had so much fun joining Frankie as she revisited the big decisions of her life. Gorgeous concept and a joy to read' - Hannah Doyle

' I LOVED Begin Again. It is sharp and funny and bright, without losing any of the emotional depth and so profound! Thoroughly enjoyable, uplifting and perceptive. I inhaled it. Joyful!' - Tracy Rees

'Great characters, humour galore, profound insights and warm emotion' - Tracy Rees

'Helly Acton has done it again! She is the queen of a good concept and this is no different. Begin Again is addictive, entertaining, and genuinely funny. I absolutely loved it!' - Abigail Mann

Author Bio

Helly Acton is a copywriter from London with past lives in Zimbabwe, the Middle East and Australia. She studied Law at King's College London before following a more creative path into advertising. At 26, Helly took a career break to travel in Africa and Asia, before landing in Sydney. Six years and one life-affirming break up later, she returned home and threw herself into online dating in the city. Helly uses this experience as a single woman in her early thirties - torn between settling down and savouring her independence - as a source of inspiration.

Helly currently lives in Berkshire with her husband, Chris, their two young boys, Arlo and Jack and their little dog, Milo. Sometimes, she gets their names mixed up.