Description:
Sometimes once is not enough…
After twenty-five years of marriage, Faith Wainwright wonders what she’ll do next. Her kids have moved out and sometimes she feels so distant from her husband, Troy.
Right before their anniversary, Troy gives Faith an unexpected gift: a journey through their hometown to reenact all their “firsts.” Their first date. Their first kiss. And especially the first time they made love—only better.
Each stop on their tour becomes an opportunity for Faith and Troy to rediscover how explosive their passion can be. Now Faith knows exactly what she’s going to do—Troy, over and over again.
I came across Mari Carr’s Do Over when I was buying books for a recent trip. Reading the synopsis and because it was a Mari Carr book, I knew I had to read it. You see, my husband and I were heading out on a trip to celebrate our 25th anniversary and this story is about a couple celebrating 25 years and re-discovering each other. While I knew it would be a good read since 
I’ve never read a bad book by this author, I had no idea how hard this book would hit me emotionally. Even if you haven’t been married a long time or have a significant other, anyone who dreams of a lasting relationship will appreciate this book and hopefully learn that long relationships take work, respect, and two partners dedicated to each other no matter what.
Faith Wainwright is suffering from empty next syndrome. Her second child is off to college and she’s feeling at loose ends. She’s lonely and throwing herself a little pity party and thinking that not having their children around hasn’t affected her husband, Troy, at all. Then Troy sets out to remind her how their life together evolved and together they discover each other all over again.
From the first chapter, Mari had me hooked. These characters are so real and their plight so common that is was hard not to fall in love with them and their story. The letters written by Troy to remind Faith of their past were so heartfelt that I cried through each and every one (try being on a crowded airplane and trying to disguise your tears as a cold, it’s not easy). Watching them revive the excitement they once had for each other and realize that they are still those same people is incredibly satisfying and very passionate.
It’s my hope that after reading this review and hopefully this book, it will help someone rediscover their partner. My hubby and I had this same sort of epiphany as Faith and Troy about 3 years ago when our son was in high school. For us the book was Strong, Silent Type by Lorelei James but I have no doubt that had we read this one instead, the result would have been the same. Sometimes, you just need to wake up and realize that you’re in a rut and do something about it. For us, it’s been an amazing few years and I know it will only get better. Thank you Mari, for writing a story about a long term committed couple who still love each other. While I enjoy stories about discovering new love, it’s great to read stories about lasting love.
I’d like to leave you with this quote and if this sounds familiar, please read this book and then take action. You won’t be sorry, I guarantee. “After so long together, their roles had evolved gradually over time until they settled in their now-comfortable pattern. The lust of their honeymoon phase had shifted away from red-hot lovers after the first couple of years. For a few years, it seemed like they were roommates rather than a couple and at times, they’d felt more like coworkers whose job it was to raise two kids. Lately though, they’d simply become best friends.”
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I HAVE TO READ THIS ONE!!! I absolutely love everything by Mari, WMD I can’t wait to get my hands on this one!! Thanks for the review Slick!! 🙂
I loved this book! I think it’s one of Mari’s best to date:)
This is one of my favorite stories of Mari’s. I was fortunate to tell her in person when she came to a book club meeting in Hagerstown. She is a hoot and so personable.
For me this is Mari’s best book. My husband and I talk about this book all the time. It home with us, too and its forever on my keeper shelf. 🙂
Marika
Sounds like another winner for Mari. Thanks for the review Slick! We are not empty nesters yet, but it’s knocking on the door and we’ve recently taken a good look at our relationship now that every waking moment isn’t about them anymore. This books sounds perfect and I’m looking forward to reading it. Love me some Mari!!!!
Wow! I am so please to see so many other people felt the same way about this book. Sometimes when you read a book that is so moving to you, you hope it will move others as well but there’s that little voice inside that tell you it may just be your over emotional self..LOL! Thank you all for commenting especially those of you who’ve read it and feel the same way. For those of you who haven’t read it, you won’t be sorry but keep some tissues near by, you’ll need them!
Thanks for the review!!! I love Mari Carr so I’m sure I’m going to love this one too! My husband and I have been married 29 years without having kids so there’s no empty nest syndrome for us but I’m sure this book will grab me anyway!
Thanks for the wonderful review, Slick! I love Mari’s books and look forward to reading this one!
Mari, you always write a good story. This is one with a HEA at 25 years of marriage. How fun to go back and do all the firsts. Great review
I love Mari Carr’s books. This one has to go on my reading list. I can’t believe I missed it. Thanks for the review.
If the description didn’t tell me that this is a book to read, your review sealed the deal. I will add this book to the top of my wish list. Really great review!
Adding Do Over to my wishlist!
One of the best she’s written! Loved every word from start to finish!
WOW!!! First of all, this review blew me away. Thanks so much to Guilty Pleasures and Slick. My face hurts from smiling. And as if the review weren’t fantastic enough, it’s followed up by all these lovely comments. Not sure what to say. Thank you seems too small. You gals are so good for my soul! xoxoxoxoxo
Wow! What a review for this book. I have read other books by Mari Carr & I know that I’ll enjoy reading this one. Adding it to my TBR list now. Thank goodness for Goodreads. I dont have to write the books down any more.
I am still fairly new to Mari Carr’s books. But I am adding this one to my list of must reads.. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention…
What a great premise to re-do all of their “first”.
I’m thrilled to see so many of you excited about this book! Mari, thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. As readers, we know how busy authors are and the fact that you took time out of your schedule to show your appreciation makes us love you even more!
Ok … I just finished, and to say I’m a mess is an understatement!! I had to keep wiping my eyes to be able to see the iPad. Oh lawd!! Mari you do this to me do often! This is one of the things I love most about your books. They get the heart involved so much!! 🙂
So glad you enjoyed it as much as I did KcLu and I agree Mari always seems to touch my heart with her writing! Thanks for coming back to comment after reading it!!
I love Mari Carr! I have to get this book, it’s sounds like a wonderful read!
Thanks for the great review, Slick!!!!
You are welcome Cec, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. It seems to hit home to a lot of people! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!