Turning: A Novel

by Wayne Feinstein

Can a lifetime of wrongs be made right?

By almost every measure, Joe Fredericks, a real estate developer in New York City, is at the top. Successful, wealthy, and now the biggest developer in New York, he should feel as strong and solid as a Manhattan skyscraper. But one phone call from his ex-wife and that façade shatters. His college-age son, Steven, is dying of cancer and has forbidden Joe from visiting him in his final days.

Steven’s death exposes how hollow Joe’s life really is. While trying to move forward, Joe can’t help but reflect on his past as waves of memories resurface. As he relives the pivotal moments of his life, can Joe determine what went wrong in time to save his strained relationship with his daughter and Steven’s twin, Laura? And can looking at his life in a new light help Joe find his future path in his career and in love?

PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Genres: New York

272 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2026

Reviews

[Tracy Fox · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads for providing me with this book in the Giveaways. I don't think I was the right audience for this book, as I found the protagonist to be self-absorbed and impervious to change. When I read the blurb about the book, I thought it would be an introspective story of enlightenment after turning your back on your children, but instead it reads as a self-indulgent titan of industry justifying his terrible choices and behavior. Even the main idea of the story- losing a child with whom you were estranged- was left with a few tears and barely any discussion after a few days of self-pity. I was hoping for more.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This was a tough read. The main character is selfish and pretty much abandons his family. The second half of the book he wants to apologize and make amends but really doesn't until the very end, instead he marries another woman and travels to Japan. It seems if you were truly sorry for how you were to your family you would make that your number one priority.

[martyn benny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning by Wayne Feinstein is a moving and deeply reflective novel about loss, redemption, family, and the difficult process of confronting the choices that shape a lifetime.

At the center of the story is Joe Fredericks, a highly successful New York real estate developer whose carefully constructed world begins to unravel after receiving devastating news about his estranged son. What follows is not simply a story of grief, but an emotionally powerful examination of regret, accountability, and the possibility of personal transformation.

Feinstein excels at portraying the contrast between outward success and inner emptiness. Joe has achieved everything society often defines as success wealth, influence, and professional accomplishment yet he discovers that these achievements offer little comfort when faced with fractured family relationships and unresolved emotional wounds. His journey becomes a compelling exploration of what truly matters in life.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its emotional honesty. As Joe revisits pivotal moments from his past, readers are invited to consider how seemingly small decisions can reverberate across decades, affecting relationships, identity, and personal fulfillment. The reflections feel authentic and relatable, making Joe’s struggle both personal and universal.

The family dynamics are particularly well drawn. The tension, heartbreak, and longing that exist between Joe and his children create some of the novel’s most powerful moments. Feinstein handles these relationships with sensitivity, capturing the complexities of love, disappointment, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

What makes Turning especially compelling is its underlying message of hope. While the novel does not shy away from pain or loss, it ultimately suggests that growth remains possible even after profound mistakes. The story explores whether self-awareness, humility, and genuine change can help repair damaged relationships and create a more meaningful future.

Thoughtful, emotionally resonant, and beautifully paced, Turning is a powerful novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven fiction, family dramas, and stories of personal redemption. It is a moving reminder that while we cannot change the past, we can choose how we respond to it.

[Katie Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning is an emotionally rich novel that explores regret, family, forgiveness, and the possibility of personal redemption. Wayne Feinstein crafts a thoughtful story that asks one of life's most difficult questions: can a person truly change after recognizing the cost of the choices they've made?

Joe Fredericks appears to have achieved everything society defines as success. Yet beneath the wealth and professional accomplishments lies a man whose personal relationships have quietly deteriorated over decades. The devastating illness of his son forces him to confront not only his family's pain but also the emotional distance and missed opportunities that shaped his life. Rather than relying on dramatic twists alone, the novel builds its power through introspection, memory, and emotional honesty.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its nuanced portrayal of self-examination. Joe's journey unfolds through reflection as much as action, allowing readers to witness how success without meaningful relationships can leave even the most accomplished life feeling incomplete. His struggle to reconnect with his daughter while making peace with the past gives the story both emotional weight and authenticity.

Throughout the novel, themes of family, grief, forgiveness, ambition, parenthood, loss, reconciliation, identity, redemption, and second chances are woven naturally into a deeply personal narrative. Feinstein reminds readers that while the past cannot be rewritten, the future can still be shaped by courage, humility, and a willingness to change.

Written with compassion and emotional intelligence, Turning is a heartfelt novel that speaks to anyone who has reflected on life's missed opportunities and wondered whether healing remains possible. Wayne Feinstein delivers a moving story that demonstrates true success is ultimately measured not by achievements, but by the relationships we choose to nurture.

[Mary Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

It isn't a mystery why Joe Fredericks, the central character in Turning, Wayne Feinstein’s debut novel, has family problems. He is insensitive, self-centered, and things come far too easy for him. At the same time, I empathized with the frustration and remorse he felt when his dying son refused to have anything to do with him. I also appreciated his determination to change and make things better going forward, and found it surprising, even endearing, that he chose to do so with pen, paper, and time to think. I enjoyed Turning and think Feinstein is a strong, clear writer with a sense of humor who is able to draw readers into the world he creates and provide them with vivid details about the relationships his characters develop, explanations for why they do what they do, and descriptions about the food and beverages they consume along the way. I found Turning to be an impressive first novel and look forward to reading what Wayne Feinstein writes next.

[R J Mckay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.

I felt that the main character, Joe Fredericks, was self-absorbed and egotistical. While he might have made a huge success as a developer in Manhatten, he was a colossal failure as a husband and father. The unexpected death of his son caused him to reflect on his life, but it didn’t seem to bring any remorse.
I found this book to be tragic and sad. Joe couldn’t connect with his family. And he didn’t really seem to want to. His life was his work. He had no qualms about having an affair. It almost seemed like he felt himself to be entitled to this.
I truly didn’t like Joe and felt compassion for his children and wife/ex-wife.

[Jessica Ribeiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced copy received from Goodreads.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Reading it felt like sitting with a friend as they spew out their life story. Though I did not care for all the adultery happening throughout the story, it is something that happens all around us, so I could appreciate the “honesty” that was captured in this tale. Beautiful story of love, bad decisions, family, ambition, loss, regreat and a reflection of main character’s life.
Thank you to Goodreads, the author and publisher for allowing me to read this advance copy of this wonderful novel.

[Donald Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich and fully-developed characters weave through a compelling story of a man's search for redemption after receiving a life-altering phone call from his estranged ex-wife. Reviewing his past life the protagonist looks for answers to understand how his financial success seems empty when compared to his emotional alienation from his daughter. Feinstein covers the pitfalls of ambition and the need for reconciliation in order to achieve a meaningful and fulfilling life. It is a moving novel of love, loss, and redemption.

[Tricia Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Wayne Feinstein's novel, Turning. It starts with a punch that immediately drew me into the story, curious about how the protagonist, Joe Fredericks, would recover from this devastating blow. Step by step, we follow as he navigates the painful steps of repentance. The story was engrossing, and I turned the last page feeling glad I'd made the journey with him and his well-crafted characters. Time for another novel, I'd say? I'd love to read more by this author.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning is a page turner. A book about old regrets and new beginnings. After a heartrending event, the protagonist realizes his successful life has been quite empty. He realizes his excuses have been weak and he deserves what happened. He attempts to change but like all change, one wonders if he has done enough.
The book is entertaining and well written. Looking forward to more by this author.

[Jen N · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a Goodreads giveaway. It took me quite awhile to finish because I just wasn't getting into it. The writing is great, but for me, the cheating, lying, and less-than-desirable family values spoil it. But then again, that is the plot. Recommended for people who enjoy other people's misery.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really hated the MC of this book. I didn’t find him remorseful at all. He really only cared about his own feelings. I can see by the wide variety of ratings/reviews this book elicited a strong reaction from a lot of people, to me that is the mark of a book worth discussing.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fluff story line. I felt like I was reading a Danielle Steel book. I was couldn’t buy into this guy really being remorseful. I was at the airport and it was fine for a 4 hr flight.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾


Expected publication June 9, 2026