Begin Again

by Jamie Cluff

339 pages, Paperback

Published July 28, 2026

Reviews

[Alex | reader_mama]

Thank you to the author for my advanced copy 🥰

June and Cody are currently separated, June coming to terms with the fact that the husband she once knew is no longer there. She makes the difficult decision to put herself and her teenage sons first, and Cody moves out. Throughout the summer, their bond is put to the test, and maybe they realize they can find each other once again.

I LOVE a dual POV story, so getting alternating chapters between Cody and June was such a pleasant surprise when I opened the book. Second chance romance is also becoming a favorite trope of mine, especially as I am into my own second decade of marriage and see how life really can take a toll on a relationship. I enjoyed seeing how June and Cody both worked on themselves, and took the time needed to heal, while also being open to giving their love another chance. There are a few major scenes which may bring up trauma for readers, so please check TWs. These scenes were handled with care and I could tell the author did a lot of research to make the therapy sessions feel authentic. Give this a try if you enjoy second chance romance, mental health representation, dual POV, and summer vibes!

[Erin Anderson]

This was a good sequel to Like We Used To! While I was hoping we would get Dani’s story next, we follow June in Begin Again. I enjoy Jamie’s books because they follow a little older couples, who are parents and have real jobs and real world problems, unlike many of the romance books we read. There is a good combination of past and present story telling, and we also get a good look at some mental health things. Not often do we see a MMC in therapy- where he isn’t trying to sleep with the therapist! Lol. Was it the best thing I’ve ever read… no. But it was a very nice palate cleanser. I love the references to Kansas things, Chiefs and T. Swift (although I’m not a huge Swiftie!).

[Tiffany Broberg]

Hooked me from the first page! I genuinely could not put this one down, just wanting to see what happens with Cody and June. The author strikes a perfect balance between heavy and light: from dealing with the complexities of how thinking and experiences shape relationships to clever dialogue and banter that had me giggling and gasping in delight. I definitely teared up - the characters are so vividly created that they seemed real. (And I also appreciated the author’s note - with this not being my typical preferred genre, I appreciated knowing possible triggers.) I am here for ANYTHING this author writes!!!

[Brittany]

From the very first page, Jamie completely pulled me into this story. She has an incredible gift for bringing every scene to life with such vivid detail that I felt like I was standing right beside the characters, experiencing everything alongside them.
It captivated me from beginning to end and took me on an emotional journey - it is rare for me to feel such genuine emotion and I never tear up (except in this book!). I absolutely cannot wait for her next book to see more from the characters in Pine Grove!

[Reagan McHargue]

ARC Review:

3.5 ⭐️ This book was more my style just felt like it was a little repetitive and redundant with the Rivers and Quinn info. I get that the stories in both books intertwine but let it focus on June and her story. Also the spice scene I felt like was totally off. It seemed really forceful and dark which didn’t fit after the experience with her son and the message of gaining trust back, don’t you feel like he would be gentler and doting? I did like the character development with June and Cody and felt like the story kept me invested more than book #1.

🤬 and 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Hayley Lamoree]

This book pulled me in right away. The witty banter, real-life problems, and friendships are well thought out. I related to this couple and loved the way they worked through things, such relatable couple problems that we can face in a long-term relationship. Seeing a man in therapy was a refreshing take. We also got to see more of the sisters' dynamic, which I adored. Along with the friendships that June makes. I devoured this book in two days. I can't wait to see where we go in Pine Grove next.

[Shelbi Self]

GUYSSSSSS.

The level of care, research, and love that went into this book is so clear in Cody and June’s story. I loved their individual journeys and getting to see some of my Pine Grove favs (hi Dani ILY). I loved seeing a realistic book about a couple not in their 20s - dealing with kids and jobs and rebuilding a relationship. I’ll just be here impatiently waiting for book 3 🎉

Thanks to the author for my advanced copy!

[Sierra Ransom]

ARC review:

Maybe a 3.5⭐️ I did enjoy this storyline more than the first book. I feel like there was a lot of repetition of thoughts and feelings. The word juxtaposition could have became a drinking game in this book. I don’t feel like you need to read the first book first because a lot of what happened is also in this book unless you want more or Quinn and Rivers characters.

[Karen Buckalew]

Loved book #2 in the Pine Grove series.
Nothing better than a romance with characters who are mature enough to communicate. I really enjoyed this second-chance romance. The author balanced grief, pain, and joy as Cody & June grew individually and tried to find their way back to each other. Hoping we get Dani's story next!

[Erin Tingey]

I think it’s safe to say that anything Jamie Cluff writes is a must read for me! I loved June and Cody and was rooting for them both the whole time. The evolution of both characters was so well done.