Wooing Cadie McCaffrey

Author: Bethany Turner
Genre: Contemporary Romance

After four years with her boyfriend, Cadie McCaffrey is thinking of ending things. Convinced Will doesn't love her in the "forever" way she loves him, Cadie believes it's time for her to let him go before life passes her by. When a misunderstanding leads to a mistake, leaving her hurt, disappointed, and full of regret, she finally sends him packing. 

But for Will, the end of their relationship is only the beginning of his quest to figure out how to be the man Cadie wanted him to be. With the dubious guidance of his former pro-athlete work friends and tactics drawn from Cadie's favorite romantic comedies, Will attempts to win her back. It's a foolproof plan. What could possibly go wrong?

---

Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

When I pick up a Bethany Turner book, I know I’m in for a treat and a rollicking good time. She has the most delightful sense of humor and creates fantastic, realistic, endearing characters that make you want to be best friends with them. Cadie and Will are such fun—from the hilarious meet-cute to the break-up and on to the wooing, they kept me laughing and sometimes wanting to knock their heads together. Turner isn’t afraid to tackle some of the messy, gritty, tough parts of life, but she also turns them into learning experiences. I loved the tender message of forgiving others and also forgiving yourself, which is sometimes even harder to do.

Will is such a swoon-worthy hero, but he doesn’t have a clue when it comes to wooing his girlfriend back. Everything seems to backfire on him, even when he’s trying so hard to get Cadie back. Why can’t things work out like they do in the movies? (Speaking of movies, the references are fun and add charm to the book). Will just won’t quit trying though, which frustrates Cadie to no end. “How am I supposed to move past him if he won’t get out of the way?” I must admit I spent a lot of time wishing they would just communicate with each other. Of course, that would have destroyed a lot of the story line and made it into a novella.

For a refreshing, fun, romantic (yet angsty) read, grab this book! It’s one for the keeper shelf. I’m already looking forward to more from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell Publishers. All opinions are my own.

---

---

Reviewer: Susan Poll

This is the memorable and lovable story of Will and Cadie as they stumble through love.

This author nailed the quirks and misunderstandings that couples go through, also, the spiritual and moral fight as you date someone. I was cringing at the mistakes each was making and the consequences of their actions. True to gritty reality of life as fallible humans, this was a warm and cozy page-turning read. I adored the pop culture references and how they fit in. The snappy dialog between characters was refreshing! This felt like I was reading about friends or people I knew. The author knows how to make you feel a part of the story instantly.  Bookshelf keeper!

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group.

---

---

Reviewer: Abigail Thomas

There is no doubt that Bethany Turner knows her romantic comedies. Not only has she scattered them throughout her novel, she has created one of her very own. A true Rom-Com itself, Turner’s book is set in iconic NYC and comes complete with laughter, sweet moments, and characters you want to slap for wasting precious time by not communicating.

What places Wooing Cadie McCaffrey above the movies we watch is the Spirit-filled messages that come from even the most unlikely of characters. Though slow in maturation, these words of wisdom reveal the struggles that Cadie is facing, struggles she herself may not have realized. All throughout the story, Cadie is questioning whether Will loves her enough, loves her as much as she loves him. Was their relationship a waste of time because it was leading nowhere?

As the story continues to unfold, its evidenced that the relationship Cadie has with her parents, especially her mom, is a strenuous one. Will she ever be good enough for her mother? 

At first, all I could think about was how I’d never felt the need to be perfect for my dad, but for my mom I’d never really believed anything less was acceptable.

And if less that perfect wasn’t acceptable, I had certainly never been acceptable. (pg. 251)

What Cadie struggles with throughout the entire novel is the feeling of being loved and accepted. She makes assumptions that may or may not be true, but she doesn’t have the fortitude to find out. She chooses to believe what seems easiest for her, including a revelation her mother brings to the table near the book's end.

In Cadie’s struggle against a sin she had committed, her mother reveals a hidden truth that had been hiding inside Cadie even after her confession to God:

“You asked for forgiveness and you got it. That’s the end of the sentence. It’s just not the end of the story, and I think that’s where you’re struggling. God erased it. It’s gone. Can you say the same?” (pg. 253)

Wooing Cadie McCaffrey goes beyond the typical Rom-Com that many of us are so used to. It delves into the struggles that many may face instead of brushing them off and moving on. It’s a story of love, revelation, and self-acceptance, and I would recommend it to anyone who could use a light, messy comedy with a deeper message.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group.

---

---

Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner is a laugh out loud, quirky book.

Cadie McCaffrey works in New York for American Sports Network in the department that has more to do with number crunching than sports. Will is the new wonder boy after breaking a huge story in his job as a researcher. The book centers around what is happening after they have been dating for four years. Cadie keeps hoping Will will pop the question. An event threatens to end their relationship. This is the story of how they try to work back towards a happily ever after. 

Bethany Turner came on the scene last year with The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck. Cadie McCaffrey has her signature wit and style. The author is not afraid to portray real and flawed characters, nor is she afraid to show how Christians sin and work though to repentance but she does it with comedy and flair. 

For the romantic soul who loves Rom Coms, this book is just the ticket with all the pop culture and movie references. It will bring back memories of all our favorites. And the sports references make it all the more entertaining. What could be funnier than the two big jock supporting characters Ellis and Kevin as they go all out for Will and watch romantic movies! 

For an extremely funny and nostalgic read— pick this book up today! 

*A copy of this book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews.  I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

---