I am delighted to be featuring Helly Acton's latest novel, Begin Again on the blog today. It was published by Zaffre on 6th July.
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
My Thoughts
This is one of those rare gems that makes you think and entertains you at the same time. Frankie knows that there is something missing in her life and as you are taken back through moments when she made decisions, you get to consider whether the grass is always greener. Full of humour, you get to see Frankie and her friends under different circumstances and at different times in their lives. You get to see how friendships are both reinforced and strained. The warmth in their friendships is always there as Frankie has to reassess what is important to her and ultimately, what matters in life.
This is clever writing. You are able to suspend belief and go with its central premise ( no spoilers). You also find yourself reconsidering and wondering whether what you most desire is actually going to be as you would expect. If you want a fun read which is thought provoking, takes a look at people's life choices and throws them in the air, this is just up your street.
In short: a romcom with a bite
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, 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.
You can follow Helly here: Website | Twitter
Book link: Amazon UK
Thanks to Helly Acton, Zaffre and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
Check out the rest of the tour!
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