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I Thought It Would Be Better Than This: Rise From Disappointment, Regain Control, and Rebuild a Life You Love Hardcover – April 8, 2025

4.7 out of 5 stars 59 ratings

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“This book will change your life! If you're wrestling with disappointment, heartache, or the curveballs life throws at you, Jessica Turner's story will speak right to your soul.”
- Mel Robbins, bestselling author and host of The Mel Robbins Podcast


Learn how to recover from life’s disappointments and rebuild a life you love. 

What happens when you look at your life and think, I thought it would be better than this? You know you can’t stay where you are, but have no idea what to do next. 

When Jessica N. Turner, a mom of three, lost her 16-year-marriage after her husband came out as gay, her life shattered. With grit and determination, she picked up the pieces, chose hope and courageously rebuilt a beautiful next chapter.  

During this process, Jessica discovered universal tools that can support you, no matter what you’re facing. Using thoughtful reflections and exercises, vulnerable storytelling, and practical takeaways, Jessica will help you: 

   ·Evaluate your disappointments, heartaches, and unmet expectations so that you can move forward in healing.
   ·Talk candidly about your feelings to forge healthier and more meaningful relationships.
   ·Practice forgiveness and empathy for yourself and others so that you live with more love and less pain.
   ·Regain control over the parts of life where you have agency instead of passively waiting for things to happen to you.
   ·Discover creative practices to cultivate daily satisfaction and contentment.
   · Learn to love yourself and the characteristics that make you unique so that you can be more confident and content.

I Thought It Would Be Better Than This is a manifesto of hope that will empower you to transform your circumstances and move forward with intention and purpose. 

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From the Publisher

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learn how to recover from life's disappointments

Transform your circumstances and move forward with intention

learn to love yourself

Perfect for Book clubs and women's groups

Editorial Reviews

Review

“I Thought It Would Be Better Than This offers the calm, gentle wisdom we seek in quiet times. You’ll learn to name your experiences and disappointments, grieve them, and find actional steps forward to heal and move on, empowered and clear.”―Tia Levings, Author of A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy

“A beautiful, honest, and practical guide for anyone who has found themselves facing unexpected hardships. Jessica’s story and hard-won wisdom lets us know we aren’t alone and leaves us with hope that even the most challenging things in life can lead us to beauty. A-must read.”―
Libby Ward, Digital Creator (@LibbyWard) and Mental Health Advocate

"This beautiful book shows readers how, even in our darkest moments, there is hope for making it through and an opportunity for a transformative new beginning. I’ve seen firsthand how my friend Jessica lives with grace and resilience. Her journey is a reminder that we can reclaim our story and rediscover the beauty of our lives. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is ready to create beauty from the ashes and begin living their fullest lives."―
Mallory Ervin, Bestselling Author of Living Fully

“Turner knows the brutal heartbreak of unexpected loss and calls upon the reader to keep going, encouraging them to manage expectations, call deep on courage, and to risk embracing change even when it means moving closer to the pain inevitably found inside transformation. This book is a must read for everyone who has experienced loss and wondered ‘what in the world do I do now?"―
Meghan Riordan Jarvis, LICSW and Author of Can Anyone Tell Me? Essential Questions about Grief and Loss

"One of the fundamental questions of life: how do we make new lives when the lives we planned on—and loved--are no longer an option? This book is required reading for any of us who have found ourselves asking that question, and Jessica is an honest, wise, endearing guide through the wilderness."―
Shauna Niequist, New York Times bestselling author Present Over Perfect

"If you feel like your loss is too hard, too different, or too big, Jessica Turner is a kind companion. Her advice is hard-won and lived in, blending personal story with practical tools. For anyone in a dark tunnel who can't yet see a light, this book is a candle—a reminder that hope is always an option and redemption may be closer than you think."―
Emily P. Freeman, New York Times bestselling author of How to Walk into a Room

“Jessica vulnerably offers a personal but universal guide to navigating life’s most painful realities. Both poignant and practical, this beautiful book will help heal your broken heart.”―
Katherine Wolf, Author of Hope Heals, Suffer Strong, and Treasures in the Dark

"
I Thought It Would Be Better Than This offers strategies to improve your life, no matter what your individual circumstances are. Part memoir, part personal improvement guidebook, Turner takes readers on a journey through some of her most difficult moments, demonstrating how she overcame obstacles in spite of everything that was working against her. This book is a must-have for people navigating personal and professional transitions."―Amy Shoenthal, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Setback Cycle

“A beautiful, tender invitation to explore the universal experience of grief and disappointment. In this validating, courageous book, you’ll find your own story reflected and the courage to move from sorrow to strength. If you’ve ever wondered how to make sense of loss, or if the weight of grief can ever be lifted, this book will remind you that you are not alone—and that redemption isn’t just a possibility, it’s a path we can all walk.”―
Ashley LeMieux, National bestselling author, top podcast host of Healing Her, and MS in mental health and wellness

"Kind and reassuring... A solid self-help book that will be helpful to people in crisis and looking for direction."―
Library Journal

About the Author

Jessica N. Turner has spent the last two decades as a content creator and tastemaker for busy moms looking for hacks to live life with more intention and less stress. Additionally, Jessica is an award- winning content strategist and marketing professional. She speaks at events nationwide on a variety of topics including work- life balance, grief and disappointment, and social media best practices. She is also the author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You and Stretched Too Thin: How Working Moms Can Lose the Guilt, Work Smarter, and Thrive. She has been featured in numerous media outlets including the Today show, the Tamron Hall Show, O, the Oprah Magazine, People magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Time.com, Inc.com, and more. Jessica lives with her three children in Nashville, Tennessee. Connect with her on Instagram @JessicaNTurner.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Worthy Books (April 8, 2025)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1546006710
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1546006718
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.35 x 0.81 x 9.35 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 59 ratings

About the author

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Jessica N. Turner
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Jessica N. Turner is the author of Stretched Too Thin and The Fringe Hours. She is also an award-winning marketing executive and the founder of the popular lifestyle blog The Mom Creative (www.themomcreative.com). An award-winning marketing professional and speaker, Turner has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The Today Show, O Magazine, Hallmark Home and Family, Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, and Inc.com. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
59 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book valuable for its life-changing advice and insights. They appreciate its genuineness and vulnerability, with one customer describing it as a compelling memoir.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

18 customers mention "Advice"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book empowering and insightful, with one customer noting how the author effectively relates the content to other situations.

"This book feels like a little memoir, but more about practical and real advice for moving your life forward in the face of disappointment...." Read more

"...Instead, she generously shares what’s worked for her, offers incredibly helpful resources, and reminds us that there’s no one-size-fits-all fix...." Read more

"...It is a book filled with hope and encouragement...." Read more

"What a unique book. Jessica weaves her own story with research, advice from experts, data from studies, and exercises you can do in your town time..." Read more

4 customers mention "Authenticity"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the authenticity of the book.

"...I so appreciate her honesty and genuineness that is evident throughout this book!" Read more

"Jessica is so down to earth and authentic. Her wise words can be applied to a variety of situations...." Read more

"...Turner is an influencer and her ability to write and share openly and honestly are just indicative of her heart for her others." Read more

"Real and practical advice..." Read more

4 customers mention "Vulnerability"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's vulnerability, with one noting its integrity and another describing it as brave.

"...Jessica Turner writes with such honesty, warmth, and integrity—you can truly feel that she’s poured her heart and soul into these pages...." Read more

"...I applaud Jessica's vulnerability, candor, and tenderness as she shares the most vulnerable parts of her life in hopes that she can help others..." Read more

"...We all have disappointments in life and she is vulnerable and transparent in her journey...." Read more

"Brave and Encouraging..." Read more

Like having a deep conversation with a supportive friend!
5 out of 5 stars
Like having a deep conversation with a supportive friend!
I am so grateful the author has shared her story in this beautiful book, in the hopes of helping others experiencing disappointment and grief in their lives. I highly recommend!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2025
    This book feels like a little memoir, but more about practical and real advice for moving your life forward in the face of disappointment. This is a great book to share with someone who might be going through a difficult season. I’ve been through difficult seasons in the past and come out on the other side. But I’ve also thought recently about how my life hasn’t gone as I assumed it would. I never had any solid plans for how I wanted my life to look, but at the same time I’m not disappointed with where I am.

    The one personal thing that still stands out for me that I need to move forward with is what does the rest of my work career look like? I left education over 2 years ago after over 20 years of experience. I hit a day where I admitted out loud that I hated going to school every day and I needed to get out. I was able to get a job adjacent to my field, and while it was the next place I needed to be (slower and less frustrating), and was needed in this season of life (recovering from burnout and a dog with medical issues), I want more. But what does more look like? I plan to use what Jessica has shared to think about that “next and more”.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2025
    Reading I Thought It Would Be Better Than This felt like sitting down for a heart-to-heart with a trusted friend. Jessica Turner writes with such honesty, warmth, and integrity—you can truly feel that she’s poured her heart and soul into these pages.

    What I loved most is that she doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. Instead, she generously shares what’s worked for her, offers incredibly helpful resources, and reminds us that there’s no one-size-fits-all fix. It’s refreshing and empowering.

    This book is a beautiful companion for anyone navigating disappointment or feeling stuck. It’s a guide for reclaiming joy, finding your footing again, and building a life you love—with grace and self-compassion.

    Highly recommend for anyone who needs encouragement and real talk, all wrapped up in love.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2025
    Jessica uses her own heartbreak and life experiences to share how she not only walked through pain but found herself in the process. It is a book filled with hope and encouragement. While I haven't been through a divorse, I have been through many seasons wondering why things had to be so hard. Jessica has clearly done some of the hard work necessary to process these types of situations but then also gives advice on what worked for her. If you find yourself in a place where you wonder why things have ended up the way they have and you want some practical tips on moving forward, this book is for you. Her chapter on forgiveness and grief were specifically impactful. I read through it so fast that I need to go back and process it slowly! I have also started to listen to the audio book that I purchased that is read in her own voice! If you are familiar with Jessica, her personality shines through the audio version and brings another level of connection and transparency when you hear it. I so appreciate her honesty and genuineness that is evident throughout this book!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2025
    What a unique book. Jessica weaves her own story with research, advice from experts, data from studies, and exercises you can do in your town time to process grief over thinking "I thought it would be better than this." I don't think there is anyone around who hasn't uttered that phrase, or knows someone close to them who has. She cites her sources and brings receipts, all of which can point you to further resources for exploring, grief, trauma, and recovery. I know I will spend time reading the work of the authors she mentions,, and I feel like I have more tools in my toolbox now after reading this book. I applaud Jessica's vulnerability, candor, and tenderness as she shares the most vulnerable parts of her life in hopes that she can help others survive and thrive after thinking "I thought it would be better than this."
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2025
    I started following Jessica Turner just before she announced her divorce and when my marriage was being to fall apart. Over the past few years I found so much encouragement from her vulnerability in watching her work through the aftermath of divorce.

    In this book, “I Thought it Would Be Better Than This,” Jessica goes through the journey of her healing so that those who are going through hard things (not just divorce) can learn from her story.

    Some parts of it encouraged me because I saw some of my growth reflected back at me. Other parts gave me new ideas and encouragement to keep moving forward on my journey.

    Jessica’s voice is calming, her narrative style is like being with a friend. This is not a difficult read, it is not going to be life shattering, most likely, but you will learn and be encouraged by her. It’s an excellent read if you have something in your life that had lead you through grief of some sort (and who hasn’t??).
    2 people found this helpful
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