Description

Have you ever wanted to change the past and discover the result of choices not taken? Now, in this brilliantly fun novel of what-ifs, missed chances, and new beginnings, Frankie McKenzie discovers what starting over might bring…

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 what she sees as yet another dud of a first date.

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

And there are so many opportunities! Should she decide to languidly lounge by warm Mexican waters with sexy Raphael? Or say yes to the proposal of earnestly reliable university-sweetheart Toby? Perhaps a worry-free gilded cage with Callum is the solution! Or what about that high-powered media career she thought that she wanted?

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? Which way should she turn? And over and over she asks herself the question…

What would she change if she could begin again?

About the Author

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, she took a career break to travel in Africa and Asia, before landing in Sydney. Six years and one life-affirming breakup later, she returned home and threw herself into online dating in the city.

Helly currently lives in Berkshire with her husband, Chris, their little boys, Arlo and Jack, and their little dog, Milo. Sometimes, she gets their names mixed up. Helly’s previously titles, The Shelf and The Couple were both published by Bonnier Books in the UK, and she was nominated for the Comedy Women in Print Prize 2021 for her debut, The Shelf.

Praise For…

"Acton has written a surprisingly charming story that shows how and what-ifs don't have to pen a person in, and everyone can write the story of their future with every choice they make. A thoughtful exploration of how fear ties people to the past, but shouldn’t, and how small choices can lead to big changes." — Kirkus Reviews

“Readers will draw meaningful lessons from Frankie’s adventures and be endeared to the quirky supporting cast. This is a page-turner.” — Publishers Weekly

"A fantastic book brimming with hope. Helly Acton is the queen of the what-if. I loved Frankie’s story and felt so uplifted when it ended. A true delight." — Lauren Forsythe, author of The Fixer Upper and Dealbreakers

"Bridget Jones meets It's a Wonderful Life in this charming novel about the road not taken...Acton manages to handle Frankie's story with humor and pathos." — Booklist

“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

“Funny and clever. I loved every single line.” — Lucy Vine