Begin Again

“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

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.