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The Divine Do-over
A past mistake might be their present miracle—if they dare to answer God’s call back to each other.
Gaelle and Josué’s teenage love was passionate, reckless—and ended in heartbreak that left lasting scars. Six years later, they never expected to cross paths again, let alone work in the same local mission's organization.
Time has changed them. So has faith.
As old feelings resurface and faith draws them closer, Gaelle and Josué must confront the past that tore them apart and the calling that might bring them together.
Their love once cost them everything.
Reuniting could cost them even more.
Can two people with a complicated past find healing, or are they chasing a future God never intended?
Gaelle and Josué’s teenage love was passionate, reckless—and ended in heartbreak that left lasting scars. Six years later, they never expected to cross paths again, let alone work in the same local mission's organization.
Time has changed them. So has faith.
As old feelings resurface and faith draws them closer, Gaelle and Josué must confront the past that tore them apart and the calling that might bring them together.
Their love once cost them everything.
Reuniting could cost them even more.
Can two people with a complicated past find healing, or are they chasing a future God never intended?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2025
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 22, 2025
ARC REVIEW
This book centers on two people who walked into love young and due to a miscommunication broke apart and reconnected through Christ. One thing I feel is that if someone is for you , you’ll definitely encounter them again and they did ; both still definitely having feelings for the other. Though her mother didn’t support she stood up for herself after seeking help from God. One thing that would have worked really well would have been definitely more editing; the book had so many plot holes and I was so close to DN’FING. It was really good regardless, I feel it was paced well with them finding Christ and how they acted as teenagers.
This book centers on two people who walked into love young and due to a miscommunication broke apart and reconnected through Christ. One thing I feel is that if someone is for you , you’ll definitely encounter them again and they did ; both still definitely having feelings for the other. Though her mother didn’t support she stood up for herself after seeking help from God. One thing that would have worked really well would have been definitely more editing; the book had so many plot holes and I was so close to DN’FING. It was really good regardless, I feel it was paced well with them finding Christ and how they acted as teenagers.
July 10, 2025
Sana’ Watts delivers a poignant and emotionally immersive coming-of-age Christian romance in The Divine Do-Over. Set against the backdrop of high school halls and Haitian family roots, this story follows Gaelle Louissaint, a quiet teen navigating self-doubt, abandonment, culture shock, and the tentative beauty of first love.
Gaelle’s voice is heartbreakingly honest. From the weight of being overlooked to the sting of her father's betrayal, Watts paints a vivid portrait of a young woman carrying invisible scars. But what makes this story shine is how Gaelle slowly comes into her own—rediscovering joy through her modeling, her best friend Ruthia, and a slow-burning connection with the charming and emotionally intelligent Josué Désulmé.
This is more than just a YA romance. It’s a layered exploration of grief, resilience, parental healing, cultural identity, and the grounding power of faith. The Haitian representation (both cultural and linguistic) adds depth and authenticity, while the romance between Gaelle and Josué is sweet, swoony, and surprisingly mature. Their conversations—especially around trust, physical boundaries, and expectations—felt refreshingly honest for teenage characters.
What truly elevates the story is the message of grace and transformation. Faith is gently but clearly woven throughout, with reflections on identity, people-pleasing, spiritual apathy, and learning to accept God’s love after shame.
Highlights:
Josué is an ideal book boyfriend—vulnerable, respectful, and obsessed in the best way.
The dialogue sparkles with realism and tenderness.
Family dynamics are rich and complicated, especially the bond between Gaelle and her mother.
The faith elements are relatable and avoid preachiness.
The pacing, while introspective at times, lets the emotional beats breathe.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️/5
There’s chemistry and physical affection (lots of kissing), but all scenes are kept PG-13 and framed within conversations about consent and emotional readiness. This is a wholesome yet romantic YA story with strong spiritual undertones.
The Divine Do-Over is perfect for fans of gentle romance, multicultural family dynamics, and faith-based fiction that doesn’t shy away from tough topics. Gaelle’s journey feels like a mirror for anyone learning to trust again—others, themselves, and God. I’d happily recommend this to teen readers and adults alike looking for a heartfelt, redemptive read.
Gaelle’s voice is heartbreakingly honest. From the weight of being overlooked to the sting of her father's betrayal, Watts paints a vivid portrait of a young woman carrying invisible scars. But what makes this story shine is how Gaelle slowly comes into her own—rediscovering joy through her modeling, her best friend Ruthia, and a slow-burning connection with the charming and emotionally intelligent Josué Désulmé.
This is more than just a YA romance. It’s a layered exploration of grief, resilience, parental healing, cultural identity, and the grounding power of faith. The Haitian representation (both cultural and linguistic) adds depth and authenticity, while the romance between Gaelle and Josué is sweet, swoony, and surprisingly mature. Their conversations—especially around trust, physical boundaries, and expectations—felt refreshingly honest for teenage characters.
What truly elevates the story is the message of grace and transformation. Faith is gently but clearly woven throughout, with reflections on identity, people-pleasing, spiritual apathy, and learning to accept God’s love after shame.
Highlights:
Josué is an ideal book boyfriend—vulnerable, respectful, and obsessed in the best way.
The dialogue sparkles with realism and tenderness.
Family dynamics are rich and complicated, especially the bond between Gaelle and her mother.
The faith elements are relatable and avoid preachiness.
The pacing, while introspective at times, lets the emotional beats breathe.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️/5
There’s chemistry and physical affection (lots of kissing), but all scenes are kept PG-13 and framed within conversations about consent and emotional readiness. This is a wholesome yet romantic YA story with strong spiritual undertones.
The Divine Do-Over is perfect for fans of gentle romance, multicultural family dynamics, and faith-based fiction that doesn’t shy away from tough topics. Gaelle’s journey feels like a mirror for anyone learning to trust again—others, themselves, and God. I’d happily recommend this to teen readers and adults alike looking for a heartfelt, redemptive read.
July 20, 2025
The Divine Do-over by Sana' Watts is the second book I have read by this author. I had the opportunity to read The Divine Do-over as an ARC and I was curious and interested in reading other offerings before diving in! Subsequently, I read The Arrangement, a marriage of convenience between two people struggling with their sexual orientations, one party considers themselves to be asexual, while the other is attracted to the same sex. I thought this was a bold take for a Christian-themed storyline. The Divine Do-over has a more conventional trope, former high school sweethearts who reconnect after a few years shaped around forgiveness and contrition. The story is revealed through the insecure eyes of Gaelle Louissaint, as she tries to fit into the world around her and forge lasting relationships. When the handsome Josué enters her orbit, he is suave and always has the right words to say, it is almost as if he is too good to be real, or truthful, OR to have her best interests at heart. When a shocking act of betrayal occurs, this situation only pushes Gaelle further into her shell and she must do much soul searching and soul restructuring to bolster her self-esteem and deepen her sense of self-worth. She achieves her renewed peace by deepening her walk with God and the knowledge of his unconditional love. When she encounters Josué in Seminary school, is there any road to forgiveness for him, is there anything that he can say that will mitigate the damage he has supposedly caused? While there is conflict from the past, Ms. Watts does not let this overshadow the sweet romance of the story and the uplifting message of redemption and second chances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/the-di...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/the-di...
July 18, 2025
Have you ever opened a book and just knew, “I have to read this”? Yeah, The Divine Do-Over is that book! The opening paragraph hooked me immediately — I was glued!
Josue is so smooth with words, I literally had to take pauses whenever I read his lines. I love how honest Gaelle is with her feelings and emotions.
I wasn't expecting the plot twist at all,I guess that's why they are plot twists😂😂😂. Imagine meeting your ex who you had a very messy breakup with in a mission training school, how do you ignore them in a way that pleases the Lord?😂
I wasn't shocked Manman reacted the way she did after she discovered Gaelle and Josue reconnected. I was only surprised that she didn't handle it well as a Christian but as a mother.
I love the spotlight on missionary journey, it helps open my eyes to aspect I have never thought of.
The Divine do over is interesting, entertaining and also educative.
This is a book of hope, grace,second chance at love and rediscovering oneself.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Josue is so smooth with words, I literally had to take pauses whenever I read his lines. I love how honest Gaelle is with her feelings and emotions.
I wasn't expecting the plot twist at all,I guess that's why they are plot twists😂😂😂. Imagine meeting your ex who you had a very messy breakup with in a mission training school, how do you ignore them in a way that pleases the Lord?😂
I wasn't shocked Manman reacted the way she did after she discovered Gaelle and Josue reconnected. I was only surprised that she didn't handle it well as a Christian but as a mother.
I love the spotlight on missionary journey, it helps open my eyes to aspect I have never thought of.
The Divine do over is interesting, entertaining and also educative.
This is a book of hope, grace,second chance at love and rediscovering oneself.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 29, 2025
ARC Reader: I really enjoyed this story. It was real, raw, and shocking. But everything came together in the best way possible.
I love that Watts books always challenge us in someway, shape, or form. And this challenged us in the best way possible. Addressing the silent elephant in many of our lives, people pleasing. I do wish though that this construct was brought up a little earlier in the book. But overall I’m glad that is was addressed because sometimes we unknowingly but others opinions above God’s will.
Gaelle and Josué story shows us that God makes things beautiful in their own timing. And God will orchestrate things in our life so that they align with His will.
I encourage everyone to read this! It may be fiction but you will be thinking about it many days after you have finished.
I love that Watts books always challenge us in someway, shape, or form. And this challenged us in the best way possible. Addressing the silent elephant in many of our lives, people pleasing. I do wish though that this construct was brought up a little earlier in the book. But overall I’m glad that is was addressed because sometimes we unknowingly but others opinions above God’s will.
Gaelle and Josué story shows us that God makes things beautiful in their own timing. And God will orchestrate things in our life so that they align with His will.
I encourage everyone to read this! It may be fiction but you will be thinking about it many days after you have finished.
July 26, 2025
⭐ The Divine Do-Over by Sana Watts
Sometimes, love needs a second try—and a bit of divine guidance.
This heartfelt YA novel follows Gaelle and Josue, two teens torn apart by miscommunication, only to reconnect through their shared faith in Christ. Despite lacking support for their relationship, Gaelle finds the courage to choose love again—grounded in grace and inner strength.
The story’s emotional core shines through. While a touch more editing could have deepened the narrative, it still resonates with charm and conviction. A perfect pick for readers who adore second chances, spiritual journeys, and the sweetness of young love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Sometimes, love needs a second try—and a bit of divine guidance.
This heartfelt YA novel follows Gaelle and Josue, two teens torn apart by miscommunication, only to reconnect through their shared faith in Christ. Despite lacking support for their relationship, Gaelle finds the courage to choose love again—grounded in grace and inner strength.
The story’s emotional core shines through. While a touch more editing could have deepened the narrative, it still resonates with charm and conviction. A perfect pick for readers who adore second chances, spiritual journeys, and the sweetness of young love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
July 21, 2025
A divine do-over indeed. Now that we’re a few books in, I’m really enjoying how Sana’ is tying all stories of the “Hawt Messies” girls together. I’m enjoying reading about each one and how God brings them through their difficult situations and seeing the community each woman has in the Hawt Messies. For this book, I especially enjoyed them talk about idolatry and it had me questioning what the idols are in my life. As a recovering people-pleaser, it was a good reminder that sometimes obeying God is incredibly painful and I must love Him more than the approval of other, even the ones who matter most to me.
July 28, 2025
The Divine Do-Over brought up issues that I've never really considered before but found interesting. The reality of opposition and challenges in missions work, that can be encountered in our Christian walk were very well reflected in Gaelle. I appreciate the resurfacing of past characters and the gang coming together. This book reminded me that God's plan for our lives may not always make sense and it may not always be linear either.
July 24, 2025
This was an engaging read. It kept me interested from the get go. I will read more books by this author. I’m sure others will enjoy it as well.
September 21, 2025
This book genuinely spoke to me. Im definitely reading the other books in the series
August 29, 2025
Book Review
The Divine Do-Over
Author Sana Watts
Teenage love between high schoolers Gaelle and Josue' seemed so right in the beginning. Author Sana' Watts gives us a fairy tale romance filled with flowers, candy and happiness. Romance is seldom so peaceful and he’s too perfect. But Gaelle sees no red flags as she is overwhelmed by feelings, she's too into his conversation, intimacy, and concern. It's too late, Gaelle has fallen in love with him. Could this be a setup? Again, Josue is too perfect!... the lunch dates, their parents meeting, holding hands, and the I love you’s. Watts, pulls us into first time love with emotional consequences…her characters in The Divine Do-Over are undeniable humans with teenage hormones.
Soon, Gaelle learns the bitter truth. She sees naked pictures of their encounter on her locker and Facebook page. Trust turns into fear, and Gaelle doesn't want to ever see Josue' again, he’s expelled from school. Salvation is her rescue as Gaelle, reacaquaints herself with church, she seeks stability as she and her mother Mananam receive salvation. Six years later, she meets and confronts Josue' at Seminary, instead of running away, she decides to listen to his reasons, but finds herself still attracted to him.
Watts delves into forgiveness as Gaelle learns to release the pain of betrayal by allowing Josue' to interact with her at Seminary. The Divine Do-Over, takes us on a journey to trust in the power of second chances, even as those close to us don't want to accept it. This Christian fiction book is needed and I found it wonderful to read. I wouldn't have been so quick to let Josue' back in my heart, because blatant manipulation is an alert of other character flaws. Love outweighs fear and repentant change from a heart that loves the Lord should be forgiven. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Divine Do-Over
Author Sana Watts
Teenage love between high schoolers Gaelle and Josue' seemed so right in the beginning. Author Sana' Watts gives us a fairy tale romance filled with flowers, candy and happiness. Romance is seldom so peaceful and he’s too perfect. But Gaelle sees no red flags as she is overwhelmed by feelings, she's too into his conversation, intimacy, and concern. It's too late, Gaelle has fallen in love with him. Could this be a setup? Again, Josue is too perfect!... the lunch dates, their parents meeting, holding hands, and the I love you’s. Watts, pulls us into first time love with emotional consequences…her characters in The Divine Do-Over are undeniable humans with teenage hormones.
Soon, Gaelle learns the bitter truth. She sees naked pictures of their encounter on her locker and Facebook page. Trust turns into fear, and Gaelle doesn't want to ever see Josue' again, he’s expelled from school. Salvation is her rescue as Gaelle, reacaquaints herself with church, she seeks stability as she and her mother Mananam receive salvation. Six years later, she meets and confronts Josue' at Seminary, instead of running away, she decides to listen to his reasons, but finds herself still attracted to him.
Watts delves into forgiveness as Gaelle learns to release the pain of betrayal by allowing Josue' to interact with her at Seminary. The Divine Do-Over, takes us on a journey to trust in the power of second chances, even as those close to us don't want to accept it. This Christian fiction book is needed and I found it wonderful to read. I wouldn't have been so quick to let Josue' back in my heart, because blatant manipulation is an alert of other character flaws. Love outweighs fear and repentant change from a heart that loves the Lord should be forgiven. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews