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Try, Try Again
Powerful and rich, Wall Street financial wizard Conor Bradstreet had it all until his son's death showed him otherwise. A decade older and wiser, Conor now faces the final step in his healing - making peace with his ex-wife. Peace with Conor is the last thing on Alicia Bradstreet's mind. Losing her son took more than her heart, it darkened her soul. But with their daughter's engagement to a single father comes the expectation of harmony. Can Alicia move beyond her anger... and Conor beyond his guilt... to Try, Try Again? Join award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne as she spins a journey of faith, hope and love in her typical heart-touching style, a path that winds around the honor of a derelict former cop, a small child who misses her mother and a dog just aching for a second chance... much like his new owners.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2013
102 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Logan Herne
137 books504 followersMulti-published, award-winning, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of being a published author and having the time of her life doing it. Born to a poor family in Rochester, NY, Ruthy draws on her early years and her many years of dealing with today's young families and businesses to create beautiful, heartfelt small-town stories of faith, hope and love... while adopting her favorite non-Scripture quotes "Plenty of time for rest in the grave" (Ben Franklin) and "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." (Eleanor Roosevelt) and one can always depend on Yoda "There is no try. There is do or do not." Succinct... and true. :) She loves chatting with readers on facebook at Ruth Logan Herne or follow Ruthy on Twitter, visit her website or stop by Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com) or pop by the Yankee Belle Cafe where Ruthy and several lovely authors share recipes, facts, photos and just plain old life! (www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 16, 2020
Cheating husband story, yet the husband is much more likable. Which isn’t horrible, but not necessarily expected. After the death of their son and his cheating ruined their marriage, he was on the verge of completely giving up, a la George Bailey and a guardian angel named Sarge saves his life. Eight years later he’s a much better person, but the ex-wife is still angry and bitter. It’s well written, but missing something, we read between the lines about who they were and the devastation of losing their son, but you never truly feel their emotions.
It’s somewhat faith based and I did like that it’s Catholic, probably because so many Christian stories are evangelical based, this was out of the ordinary.
It’s somewhat faith based and I did like that it’s Catholic, probably because so many Christian stories are evangelical based, this was out of the ordinary.
May 19, 2020
The guy is likable and the wife is a harpy with a reason. Is this a modern take on Its a wonderful Life ?
March 11, 2020
I read this on #KindleUnlimited
June 3, 2015
You know when you can’t decide whether to give a book four or five stars and really wish you could give it 4 ½. This is one of those times.
Conor Bradstreet is finishing work with one thing on his mind: suicide. It’s Christmas Eve, and all he wants to do is take a flying leap off a bridge and disappear in the swirling waters below. Out of nowhere comes a guy asking for a match and asking if he has any children. After all, it will be those children who get the call on Christmas Day from the police saying there was a body fished out of the water. Conor stiffens but starts revealing little pieces of his life to the older man before he decides not to jump. Instead the man helps him realize that all the stuff he thought was weighing him down, like a brilliant legal financial mind, can be put to good use.
Fast forward eight years, Conor’s daughter Kim is getting married and urges her divorced parents to put aside their differences to plan a great wedding. Conor is more than willing to try, but Alicia is hesitant, dwelling on what motivated the divorce: the loss of their son to cancer and Conor’s cheating on her.
I loved this book, and it’s difficult sometimes to give something you love only four stars, but as much as I loved the It’s a Wonderful Life parallels and most of the characters, I had a hard time with the heroine, Alicia. Ms. Herne does such a great job showing Alicia’s character that it was difficult to like Alicia with her tough skin and unforgiving attitude. I loved Conor and Grayce and both Sarges. I liked the handyman and Sandy. But Alicia was so hard to like. (Slight spoiler) Especially toward the end with her after dinner decision to leave.
I really liked this book, and I highly recommend it. It’s such an enjoyable read, blending the right amount of pathos with laughter. It brought out emotions and pulled at my heartstrings. The only drawback for me was Alicia.
Inspirational Romance: Appropriate for all romance reading audiences.
Conor Bradstreet is finishing work with one thing on his mind: suicide. It’s Christmas Eve, and all he wants to do is take a flying leap off a bridge and disappear in the swirling waters below. Out of nowhere comes a guy asking for a match and asking if he has any children. After all, it will be those children who get the call on Christmas Day from the police saying there was a body fished out of the water. Conor stiffens but starts revealing little pieces of his life to the older man before he decides not to jump. Instead the man helps him realize that all the stuff he thought was weighing him down, like a brilliant legal financial mind, can be put to good use.
Fast forward eight years, Conor’s daughter Kim is getting married and urges her divorced parents to put aside their differences to plan a great wedding. Conor is more than willing to try, but Alicia is hesitant, dwelling on what motivated the divorce: the loss of their son to cancer and Conor’s cheating on her.
I loved this book, and it’s difficult sometimes to give something you love only four stars, but as much as I loved the It’s a Wonderful Life parallels and most of the characters, I had a hard time with the heroine, Alicia. Ms. Herne does such a great job showing Alicia’s character that it was difficult to like Alicia with her tough skin and unforgiving attitude. I loved Conor and Grayce and both Sarges. I liked the handyman and Sandy. But Alicia was so hard to like. (Slight spoiler) Especially toward the end with her after dinner decision to leave.
I really liked this book, and I highly recommend it. It’s such an enjoyable read, blending the right amount of pathos with laughter. It brought out emotions and pulled at my heartstrings. The only drawback for me was Alicia.
Inspirational Romance: Appropriate for all romance reading audiences.
August 16, 2013
This was the best book by this author I've ever read. Not what I was expecting at all and a beautiful redemptive tale with something in it for everyone.
September 2, 2016
Enjoyable book
A very enjoyable and entertaining book. I have never read one that is centered on a divorced couple possibly getting back together.
A very enjoyable and entertaining book. I have never read one that is centered on a divorced couple possibly getting back together.
May 21, 2023
Another good read by Ruth. I laughed numerous times. Conor is a funny guy. The novel takes us thru the dark days of the family, recalling their great loss, and how Alicia got stuck. Being stuck was not a good thing, she became bitter and grouchy about life in general and specifically Conor. Conor has changed his life and recognizes he still love his ex-wife, and loves her dearly. He’s an outstanding and very wealthy businessman, great dad, upstanding charitable man, loving grandpa. He’s beloved by all except Alicia. What can he do to change the great gulf that’s departing him from his one and only love? Will she even try to like him, or will she forever be held captive in her vault of bitterness?
July 15, 2018
Try again
A beautiful love story which kept me going. I went thru many a Kleenex while reading Truly a wonderful story
A beautiful love story which kept me going. I went thru many a Kleenex while reading Truly a wonderful story
May 8, 2018
Alicia and Conor
This was a great book about the aftermath of tragedy a nd healing relationships. Alicia and Conor lose a son and their marriage.
This was a great book about the aftermath of tragedy a nd healing relationships. Alicia and Conor lose a son and their marriage.
September 13, 2018
A beautiful romance about second chances. Highly recommended!
January 22, 2021
Good
this book is one where a man who made mistakes in his marriage worked hard at changing and helping his ex wife and children but she refused to except it.
this book is one where a man who made mistakes in his marriage worked hard at changing and helping his ex wife and children but she refused to except it.
August 14, 2025
Christmas love
I liked reading a bit of a twisty grinch book with sprinkles of the Spirit. It was enjoyable and loving.
I liked reading a bit of a twisty grinch book with sprinkles of the Spirit. It was enjoyable and loving.
September 3, 2013
I didn’t know what to expect when I started to read Try Try Again. I had wanted to read this author’s books for a long time based on recommendations and blog interaction, but wasn’t sure what I would find. I’m sorry I waited this long. Ruth Logan Herne is a fantastic romance author and I can’t wait to read everything I can find with her byline.
Try Try Again is not your typical romance but more of the second-chance category. So appealing to not always have the young romantics as the hero/heroine. And what depth of character! Conor and Alicia were both so well done. I feel like they’re old friends. I also loved the fact that the majority of the book is from Conor’s point of view. He is such an awesome heroine. The reader will fall in love with him from the first page.
Alicia is the heroine you love to hate – then suddenly you just love her. Her personality is fabulous. Kim and Addie are fun characters, Grayce is adorable, but my absolute favorite is Foster. Love than houseman!
Ruth’s unique blend or humor, light sarcasm and drama make Try Try Again a book you might try and try again to put down but it won’t work. You’ll continually crave the next page as you work your way through the obstacles surrounding Conor and Alicia. You’ll cheer them on ever hoping for but never sure of a happily-ever-after ending.
Are the odds against Conor and Alicia too high? Is what they once had irretrievable? Has too much pain and misunderstanding passed between them? Pick up a copy of Try Try Again. You won’t be putting it down anytime soon.
Try Try Again is not your typical romance but more of the second-chance category. So appealing to not always have the young romantics as the hero/heroine. And what depth of character! Conor and Alicia were both so well done. I feel like they’re old friends. I also loved the fact that the majority of the book is from Conor’s point of view. He is such an awesome heroine. The reader will fall in love with him from the first page.
Alicia is the heroine you love to hate – then suddenly you just love her. Her personality is fabulous. Kim and Addie are fun characters, Grayce is adorable, but my absolute favorite is Foster. Love than houseman!
Ruth’s unique blend or humor, light sarcasm and drama make Try Try Again a book you might try and try again to put down but it won’t work. You’ll continually crave the next page as you work your way through the obstacles surrounding Conor and Alicia. You’ll cheer them on ever hoping for but never sure of a happily-ever-after ending.
Are the odds against Conor and Alicia too high? Is what they once had irretrievable? Has too much pain and misunderstanding passed between them? Pick up a copy of Try Try Again. You won’t be putting it down anytime soon.
June 1, 2016
This story has been compared to It’s A Wonderful Life . . . and in my opinion, it’s every bit as good a story! It will grab you right at the start — and it won’t let go until the very end!
Conor Bradstreet wants nothing more than to make up for his past . . . but can he?
Ruth Logan Herne does a wonderful job creating entertaining characters. Alicia is one you won’t easily forget — she is so determined to hold on to her pain, she has no idea how others view her. I admit, it wasn’t easy reading; I didn’t think she would ever let go. But it was most definitely realistic. I could picture her angst and her determination to not forgive — or forget — the past.
If you’re in the mood for a contemporary romance with tons of emotions, grab a copy of Try, Try Again (available in digital format).
Happy Reading!!!
August 19, 2013
I do love second chance romances and this one was a good one. I personally liked the depth of character displayed in Conor. The death of his son had pushed him to commit suicide, luckily he was stopped in the nick of time. The story unfolds around his life after his suicide attempt and how he attempts to strengthen the familial bonds between his daughters and eventually, his ex-wife. The only aspect of the book that irked me came in the form of Alicia. All she did was complain and blame Conor for her unhappiness. True, Conor was not the best husband but he had been trying to make amends for almost a decade!! The characters were well-developed and the romance was believable enough. I'm a sucker for forgiveness and happily ever afters.
September 14, 2016
When my sister first told me how this book began I knew how much I wanted to read it. I still remember the story really well despite forgetting the characters names. I love the writing and storyline but..
-There were several sexual references that made me feel uncomfortable. Lots of focus on looks, although there is depth into relationships.
-It is more Catholic faith, so no salvation message, and only there during the bad times.
I enjoyed this enough that I think I'd love reading another by this author :)
-There were several sexual references that made me feel uncomfortable. Lots of focus on looks, although there is depth into relationships.
-It is more Catholic faith, so no salvation message, and only there during the bad times.
I enjoyed this enough that I think I'd love reading another by this author :)
November 24, 2016
Another great read......
I loved this book and the story. I hear hated when it was done. The story was a study in human behavior and selfish insecurities. The characters were so real that I wanted to Google them. I loved Sarge at the bridge and the influence he had on Conner. Again Ruth Logan Herne has bested herself in writing another exceptional book. Thanks Ruthy
I loved this book and the story. I hear hated when it was done. The story was a study in human behavior and selfish insecurities. The characters were so real that I wanted to Google them. I loved Sarge at the bridge and the influence he had on Conner. Again Ruth Logan Herne has bested herself in writing another exceptional book. Thanks Ruthy
August 23, 2013
I loved this book and found myself reaching for Kleenex several times. The characters were heartwarming and true. The story was gritty, loving, and full of the conflict and resolution with real life circumstances.
November 7, 2013
God is using this writing to enlarge our hearts to include the homeless, work toward forgiveness, bless others with finances, and reach for love.
June 13, 2014
Great book
The story might be a little predictable, but I loved every minute of it. The closer I got to the end, the more I couldn't put it down.
The story might be a little predictable, but I loved every minute of it. The closer I got to the end, the more I couldn't put it down.
September 11, 2014
Good story, well developed characters. Descriptive. I could imagine the store, houses, neighborhoods and bridge. Very well done.
October 25, 2014
Amazing
a must read. wonderful story terrific characters I laughed and cried, this so very well written. I plan to read many more by miss Herne.
a must read. wonderful story terrific characters I laughed and cried, this so very well written. I plan to read many more by miss Herne.
March 6, 2015
Another enjoyable book from Ms Herne - not as good as Running on Empty IMO probably somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for this one.
October 6, 2015
A nice, easy read with a couple of unexpected turns to the story. Enjoyed the main character and I was happy with the way the story unfolded. I will read this author again.
January 31, 2014
Very well-written, developed characters, hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews