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Betting on Good
A Kentucky Derby weekend for two couples tests the high-stakes boundaries of friendship and marriage in a witty, winning, and emotional novel by the author of Feels Like Summer.
Amid the heralded springtime traditions and fabulous splendor of the Kentucky Derby, two Boston couples—longtime friends—indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime getaway. The weekend feels like a winner.
It’s a milestone-birthday present for the newly—and reluctantly—turned forty Drew Starling. Her husband, Nate, has spared no expense, despite the mounting gambling debts that Drew knows nothing about. He’s certain that with his lucky charm, Drew, by his side, he can reverse his misfortunes at Churchill Downs. Joining them are friends Leslie and Graham, floundering in a twelve-year marriage that desperately needs a change of scenery, a new spark. Graham especially looks forward to being in the Starlings’ charmed orbit this weekend, though he won’t say why.
When the bourbon begins to flow and the horses thunder down the track, secrets and simmering tensions soon spill. As sure as the bugler’s call and the winner’s purse, the stakes of marriage and friendship on this revelatory weekend have never been so high.
Amid the heralded springtime traditions and fabulous splendor of the Kentucky Derby, two Boston couples—longtime friends—indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime getaway. The weekend feels like a winner.
It’s a milestone-birthday present for the newly—and reluctantly—turned forty Drew Starling. Her husband, Nate, has spared no expense, despite the mounting gambling debts that Drew knows nothing about. He’s certain that with his lucky charm, Drew, by his side, he can reverse his misfortunes at Churchill Downs. Joining them are friends Leslie and Graham, floundering in a twelve-year marriage that desperately needs a change of scenery, a new spark. Graham especially looks forward to being in the Starlings’ charmed orbit this weekend, though he won’t say why.
When the bourbon begins to flow and the horses thunder down the track, secrets and simmering tensions soon spill. As sure as the bugler’s call and the winner’s purse, the stakes of marriage and friendship on this revelatory weekend have never been so high.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2025
1616 people are currently reading
3944 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Francis
17 books339 followersWendy Francis is a former book editor (Houghton Mifflin Co.) and the author of Feels Like Summer, Summertime Guests, Best Behavior, The Summer Sail, The Summer of Good Intentions, and Three Good Things. Her new book, Betting on Good, will be out in May 2025. Her essays have appeared in Good Housekeeping, The Washington Post, YahooParenting, The Huffington Post, and WBUR's Cognoscenti. She lives outside of Boston with her husband and 16-year-old son. For events and updates, check out her webpage at www.facebook.com/wendyfrancisauthor or follow her on Instagram @wendyfrancisauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
April 8, 2025
Normally when I finish a book this fast it's because I LOVED IT. The thing is, this book kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next but it was all just okay.
I really did not like any of the characters and I kind of think I wasn't supposed to but I'm not sure haha.
Anyway, worth reading, doesn't need to be moved to the top of any TBR lists. (mostly I want someone else to read it so I can talk to them about it. I did get it for free as an Amazon first reads)
I really did not like any of the characters and I kind of think I wasn't supposed to but I'm not sure haha.
Anyway, worth reading, doesn't need to be moved to the top of any TBR lists. (mostly I want someone else to read it so I can talk to them about it. I did get it for free as an Amazon first reads)
April 19, 2025
Not sure why it's titled this way, it's not good, and nothing good happens. Selfish, icky people, acting selfish and icky. I keep saying that I need to stop reading these Amazon First Reads freebies, and I think this one finally convinced me that free does not equate with good. Bleh. Stupid. Did I mention nothing good happens? Don't bother.
April 15, 2025
artificial
I wanted this to be more of a fun read, but it felt a bit clunky throughout. The need to drop in Kentucky Derby facts felt like a checklist and the characters never developed in a way that made me actually care about them. In fact, I kept getting them confused all the way through the book. (And having stayed at the lovely Brown Hotel, I cannot imagine anyone eating multiple hot browns over the course of three days 🤪)
I wanted this to be more of a fun read, but it felt a bit clunky throughout. The need to drop in Kentucky Derby facts felt like a checklist and the characters never developed in a way that made me actually care about them. In fact, I kept getting them confused all the way through the book. (And having stayed at the lovely Brown Hotel, I cannot imagine anyone eating multiple hot browns over the course of three days 🤪)
April 12, 2025
don’t ✍️ bring ✍️ a gambling ✍️ addict ✍️ to kentucky ✍️ derby ✍️
April 11, 2025
2.5 stars. Forgettable Amazon first reads but kept me reading. Again, I need a serious book for palette cleansing please.
I could not believe Drew willfully overlooking her villainous husband! He was a drunk, gambling addict, put their family at risk, and she just has a gut feeling that they’ll always be together! Ugh
I could not believe Drew willfully overlooking her villainous husband! He was a drunk, gambling addict, put their family at risk, and she just has a gut feeling that they’ll always be together! Ugh
April 29, 2025
Not so Good
I didn't care about any of the characters, they were all selfish and boring. There was no clear ending no look into the future, no closure of anything. I skimmed through most of it to get to the end only to be sadly disappointed.
I didn't care about any of the characters, they were all selfish and boring. There was no clear ending no look into the future, no closure of anything. I skimmed through most of it to get to the end only to be sadly disappointed.
April 19, 2025
Quick, fun read!
April 29, 2025
Absolutely dreadful
April 6, 2025
I Bet On This Book
I Bet On This Book and won! This was one of the books offered free from Kindle and I’m glad I chose it. The storyline is fun and funny. But there’s much insight included as well. Ever hear of a mid-life crisis? Addictions? Read this book!
I Bet On This Book and won! This was one of the books offered free from Kindle and I’m glad I chose it. The storyline is fun and funny. But there’s much insight included as well. Ever hear of a mid-life crisis? Addictions? Read this book!
April 2, 2025
As a Kentuckian I especially enjoyed this one
4.5
4.5
May 11, 2025
Not sure why I picked this one as my Amazon read since marriage train wrecks is not a go-to genre for me. The writing was compelling, but I just could not get past the irresponsibility of both Nate and Drew in this book. A couple with only $5000 of emergency funds, never mind the secret debts, would pay for a top line tour package for the Derby. It’s not an excuse that Drew is clueless; how is she clueless about her own family finances? I’m sure plenty of people like that exist, but I couldn’t find myself rooting for either of the couples in this book.
May 5, 2025
Mediocre- read for only for theme.
It honestly wasn’t a great Kentucky Derby book to read. The plotline was terrible in my opinion.
It honestly wasn’t a great Kentucky Derby book to read. The plotline was terrible in my opinion.
April 24, 2025
Betting on Good by Wendy Francis was a great read! I was lucky to get a copy before its publication date and was delighted. She masterfully explored the friendship of both couples as well as the issues they were facing in their marriages all set against the backdrop of the Kentucky Derby. Grab a mint julep and a copy of Betting on Good and you’ll be glad you did.
May 22, 2025
Free Amazon download. I enjoyed the story of 2 couples going to the KY derby, that there were so few characters to keep track of, and minimal fluff.
April 15, 2025
Betting on Good is a sure bet!
If you are looking for a beautifully written escape, Betting on Good is a sure bet.
I devoured this juicy tale of friendship, love, and second chances set against the rich, colorful backdrop of the Kentucky Derby. It’s filled with charm, wit, and emotional depth.
This novel follows two couples as they embark on a trip to the Derby—not just for the thrill of the races, but as a journey of rediscovery. With vibrant descriptions and charming characters, the book explores the complexities of long-term relationships, the highs and lows of shared history, and the joy of finding unexpected magic in familiar places.
The setting is as much a character as the people themselves: the mint juleps, the thunder of hooves, the pageantry of Derby hats—it all leaps off the page.
It’s the kind of novel that makes you want to pack your bags, call your closest friends, and chase something unforgettable.
If you are looking for a beautifully written escape, Betting on Good is a sure bet.
I devoured this juicy tale of friendship, love, and second chances set against the rich, colorful backdrop of the Kentucky Derby. It’s filled with charm, wit, and emotional depth.
This novel follows two couples as they embark on a trip to the Derby—not just for the thrill of the races, but as a journey of rediscovery. With vibrant descriptions and charming characters, the book explores the complexities of long-term relationships, the highs and lows of shared history, and the joy of finding unexpected magic in familiar places.
The setting is as much a character as the people themselves: the mint juleps, the thunder of hooves, the pageantry of Derby hats—it all leaps off the page.
It’s the kind of novel that makes you want to pack your bags, call your closest friends, and chase something unforgettable.
April 23, 2025
The story could have used an epilogue - maybe fast forwarding to a year later or something - to show more evolution of the characters. It was just a "meh" ending.
May 18, 2025
Review: Betting on Good by Wendy Francis
🏇 Overview
Wendy Francis’s Betting on Good is a sparkling, emotionally charged novel that pits friendship against desire, loyalty against risk, and the thrill of chance against the weight of consequence. Set against the high-stakes backdrop of the Kentucky Derby weekend, two couples navigate a whirlwind of secrets, temptations, and the fragile boundaries of marriage. Francis delivers a witty, sharply observed tale that balances humor and heartbreak with the precision of a seasoned storyteller.
✨ Key Strengths
🎭 Dynamic Characters – The four leads are vividly drawn, each with layered motivations and vulnerabilities that make their choices compelling.
💘 Tension & Chemistry – Romantic and platonic relationships crackle with authenticity, blending warmth with simmering conflict.
🏟️ Atmospheric Setting – The Derby’s glamour and chaos become a character themselves, heightening the novel’s stakes and energy.
🗝️ Thematic Depth – Explores trust, regret, and the gambles we take—both at the racetrack and in love—with surprising nuance.
⚠️ Considerations
⏳ Pacing – The introspective mid-section slows momentum slightly before the climactic revelations.
🎰 Niche Appeal – Readers seeking heavy drama may find the tone leans more toward breezy sophistication than gritty realism.
⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Voice → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
💞 Emotional Resonance → ★★★★ (4/5)
🎯 Plot Execution → ★★★★ (4/5)
🍸 Dialogue & Wit → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Overall: ★★★★ (4/5)
A high-stakes wager on the human heart—equal parts champagne fizz and whiskey burn.
🎯 Perfect For Readers Who Love
📖 Crazy Rich Asians’ glamour meets Little Fires Everywhere’s relationship tensions
💃 Stories about marriage, friendship, and the secrets we keep
🎩 Witty, character-driven narratives with a touch of escapism
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Wendy Francis for the advance review copy. Betting on Good is a winning trifecta of charm, heart, and irresistible momentum.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; final publication may vary.)
🏇 Overview
Wendy Francis’s Betting on Good is a sparkling, emotionally charged novel that pits friendship against desire, loyalty against risk, and the thrill of chance against the weight of consequence. Set against the high-stakes backdrop of the Kentucky Derby weekend, two couples navigate a whirlwind of secrets, temptations, and the fragile boundaries of marriage. Francis delivers a witty, sharply observed tale that balances humor and heartbreak with the precision of a seasoned storyteller.
✨ Key Strengths
🎭 Dynamic Characters – The four leads are vividly drawn, each with layered motivations and vulnerabilities that make their choices compelling.
💘 Tension & Chemistry – Romantic and platonic relationships crackle with authenticity, blending warmth with simmering conflict.
🏟️ Atmospheric Setting – The Derby’s glamour and chaos become a character themselves, heightening the novel’s stakes and energy.
🗝️ Thematic Depth – Explores trust, regret, and the gambles we take—both at the racetrack and in love—with surprising nuance.
⚠️ Considerations
⏳ Pacing – The introspective mid-section slows momentum slightly before the climactic revelations.
🎰 Niche Appeal – Readers seeking heavy drama may find the tone leans more toward breezy sophistication than gritty realism.
⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Voice → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
💞 Emotional Resonance → ★★★★ (4/5)
🎯 Plot Execution → ★★★★ (4/5)
🍸 Dialogue & Wit → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Overall: ★★★★ (4/5)
A high-stakes wager on the human heart—equal parts champagne fizz and whiskey burn.
🎯 Perfect For Readers Who Love
📖 Crazy Rich Asians’ glamour meets Little Fires Everywhere’s relationship tensions
💃 Stories about marriage, friendship, and the secrets we keep
🎩 Witty, character-driven narratives with a touch of escapism
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Wendy Francis for the advance review copy. Betting on Good is a winning trifecta of charm, heart, and irresistible momentum.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; final publication may vary.)
May 3, 2025
You all know that I am a mood reader, so when I saw this book, Betting on Good by Wendy Francis I thought it would be the perfect read for the Kentucky Derby weekend. I was right. However this is not a book that is only worthwhile this weekend, it is one you will enjoy at any time.
I don’t usually expect much when I pick up these, to me, niche reads to fit my mood or a holiday. They are usually fairly entertaining fluff that is special only in that they tie in to whatever is happening at the moment. I thought this one would be like that. I got SO MUCH MORE! Enough that I will be looking up the author’s backlist and reading more.
This is a story about two couples who take a once in a lifetime trip together to the Kentucky Derby. It is filled with the outlandish hats, mint juleps and horse racing and I loved all of that. But it also got deep into the lives and relationships of these four individuals as couples and friends.
Lives can definitely change at the Derby and this weekend was a pivotal one for Drew and Nate and Leslie and Graham in many ways. I was caught up in the excitement of the races as well as the drama all around.
This book came out this week and I loved so much about it, it had depth and fun. It made me think and smile too. I got it as my choice of an Amazon First Read last month and am so happy with that choice.
I don’t usually expect much when I pick up these, to me, niche reads to fit my mood or a holiday. They are usually fairly entertaining fluff that is special only in that they tie in to whatever is happening at the moment. I thought this one would be like that. I got SO MUCH MORE! Enough that I will be looking up the author’s backlist and reading more.
This is a story about two couples who take a once in a lifetime trip together to the Kentucky Derby. It is filled with the outlandish hats, mint juleps and horse racing and I loved all of that. But it also got deep into the lives and relationships of these four individuals as couples and friends.
Lives can definitely change at the Derby and this weekend was a pivotal one for Drew and Nate and Leslie and Graham in many ways. I was caught up in the excitement of the races as well as the drama all around.
This book came out this week and I loved so much about it, it had depth and fun. It made me think and smile too. I got it as my choice of an Amazon First Read last month and am so happy with that choice.
June 15, 2025
Synopsis: Drew has always wanted to go to the Kentucky Derby. So when her husband springs for a trip for her 40th birthday, Drew is elated. Joined by their close friends, Drew and Nate prepare for the weekend of a lifetime. But growing tensions between the couples threaten to derail the entire weekend and their lives.
Overall: Full disclosure, I googled "kentucky derby romance books" after watching this years' derby, which I watch every year. That's how I found this book. It was different than I expected. It had all the things I wanted: mint juleps, hats, and fashion. But it was so much more than that. I was surprised at the depth of the characters and the very artful way in which Francis crafted the tension within each couple's marriage. I was happily surprised!
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes, especially if you're a fan of the Kentucky Derby!
Overall: Full disclosure, I googled "kentucky derby romance books" after watching this years' derby, which I watch every year. That's how I found this book. It was different than I expected. It had all the things I wanted: mint juleps, hats, and fashion. But it was so much more than that. I was surprised at the depth of the characters and the very artful way in which Francis crafted the tension within each couple's marriage. I was happily surprised!
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes, especially if you're a fan of the Kentucky Derby!
May 26, 2025
This was an Amazon “first reads” freebie, so I went in thinking I would try a chapter and then quit if I hated it. I was surprised that I actually enjoyed it. I know a lot more about Kentucky Derby traditions than I did before, which was next to nothing. This was a light, fluffy, juicy escape into a world of mint juleps, luxury vacations, gambling and marital roller coasters; and it successfully distracted me from house chores that have been nagging at me, for at least one more day. So, win win.
August 17, 2025
This book was good. I learned a bit more about the Kentucky Derby than I knew before and about the traditions kept alive by race goers and horse people. This book centers around two couples who are friends and neighbors, and what happens and what comes to light over their weekend at the Derby. There are quite a few lies and secrets between the two couples, and a few revelations are discovered as well. Overall I liked how the book progressed and how things wrapped up at the end. Not everything turned out great for them, but at least I think the characters grew a little and learned a few things about themselves and each other.
May 9, 2025
Wendy Francis has such a distinct voice in women’s fiction and this one was a hit! I loved the drama, the friendship, the anticipation, and the Kentucky Derby setting! Admittedly, from the upper, upper Midwest, I have next to no knowledge about the derby other than the fact that it’s in Kentucky! Lol. The outfit descriptions were so fun and I will need to google Millionare’s Row just for a visual!
Thanks Wendy for another fun one!
Thanks Wendy for another fun one!
April 25, 2025
I got an advanced copy of “Betting on Good” by Wendy Francis free from Amazon First Reads. I’ve always loved horses and love watching the horse races on tv. When I saw this book was set at Churchill Downs during The Kentucky Derby I knew I had to read it. I’m glad I did! I really enjoyed it a lot.
April 27, 2025
Great read
Such a great story of love, friendships and life. I really enjoyed the Kentucky Derby theme and the difficulties in marriages among friends. A quick, engaging story with believable characters
Such a great story of love, friendships and life. I really enjoyed the Kentucky Derby theme and the difficulties in marriages among friends. A quick, engaging story with believable characters
April 26, 2025
win place show
A great story about winning the right relationship during college, showing up for your spouse - no matter what - and having a place in your heart for your spouse for everything - through good times and bad. I really enjoyed the story.
A great story about winning the right relationship during college, showing up for your spouse - no matter what - and having a place in your heart for your spouse for everything - through good times and bad. I really enjoyed the story.
Read
May 2, 2025A light, appropriate read for the week. But is a little trite.
May 8, 2025
Betting on Good was such a fun read. Loved the characters and the Kentucky Derby setting!
May 27, 2025
3.75⭐️. Loved all the Derby and general Kentucky references 💙
July 8, 2025
A wonderful light read
If you’re looking for a good beach read, try this one. It’s light and airy. Perfect for lying in the sun. You won’t be disappointed!
If you’re looking for a good beach read, try this one. It’s light and airy. Perfect for lying in the sun. You won’t be disappointed!
September 7, 2025
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway and I really liked it! I enjoyed the characters and the plot line kept me interested through the whole book. Thanks for letting me read your book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews