Begin Again: A Novel

Written by Helly Acton

Narrated by Emma Sidi

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?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Apr 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9780063345379

Helly Acton

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 Cape Town 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.

Reviews for Begin Again

[misha · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it. What a beautiful reminder to live life to the fullest

[Loni · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book, not a romance but funny and deep. Love the reader.

[Ying · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful book and lovely narration too! An amazing twist on the “what ifs” theme.. it’s led to me to have reflection and insights about my choices. Light, fun book that’s easy to get through and stays with you long after.
What “begin again” moments are sprinkled in this journey of life for us all? ;)

[emreddydesigns · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a refreshing take on the age old question… “what if I …. “ we all make decisions at crossroads in our lives that make you us wonder what if I chose wrong… Frankie gets the chance to see what if I choose the other path… it was entertaining to see all the different outcomes of Frankie’s life.