I Thought It Would Be Better than This Audiobook By Jessica N. Turner cover art

I Thought It Would Be Better than This

Rise from Disappointment, Regain Control, and Rebuild a Life You Love

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I Thought It Would Be Better than This

By: Jessica N. Turner
Narrated by: Jessica N. Turner
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About this listen

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.

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

©2025 Jessica N. Turner (P)2025 Worthy Books
Christian Living Christianity Grief & Loss Personal Development Personal Success Spiritual Growth Marriage Heartfelt
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This book is gorgeous and soft. Such heartbreak and healing. True integrity from the author. A gentle story and guide for navigating life after disappointment

Must read for women

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We all struggle at one time or another with the "what if" syndromes of life. It is natural. It matters not if you are going through a divorce, in a slump, or trying to help a friend - this book will give you some tips and insight on how you can push through hard times OR help a friend/family member in their time of struggles. 5 stars!

A must for anyone at any age!

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Loved how relatable this book is and shows what strength we possess! Uplifting and healing!

Authentic feelings

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Having followed Jessica Turner's journey on Instagram for years, witnessing her life unfold in its raw and relatable beauty, I eagerly anticipated the release of her book, "I Thought It Would Be Better Than This." I felt connected to her online presence, drawn in by her honest reflections and the glimpses she shared of triumphs and struggles. Having listened to the last words, this book has not only met my expectations but has profoundly encouraged and challenged me in ways I hadn't fully anticipated.

What strikes you immediately about "I Thought It Would Be Better Than This" is Jessica's unwavering authenticity. There's a vulnerability woven into every word, a sense that she's genuinely laying bare her heart and experiences without pretense. Watching her story unfold on Instagram offered snapshots, but the book provides a rich and nuanced tapestry, allowing us to understand the deeper currents that have shaped her life.
Beyond her honesty, Jessica bleeds empathy. Her ability to articulate her own pain while holding space for the complexities and potential pain of others is truly remarkable. When she delves into her story of trauma, it's handled with such care and concern, not just for herself but for all those involved. This is not a narrative of blame but a testament to the human capacity for hurt and healing.

What resonates most profoundly is the overarching message of hope that permeates the book. Despite the problematic terrain she navigates, Jessica is a powerful reminder that moving forward is always possible. She doesn't shy away from the messiness of life, the moments when our expectations fall drastically short. Still, she beautifully illuminates the opportunities within those moments – the chance to start over, rebuild, and discover a new path forward.

"I Thought It Would Be Better Than This" is more than just a memoir; it's an invitation to embrace vulnerability, extend compassion, and hold onto hope even when circumstances feel overwhelmingly bleak. This book offers a deeper understanding and a richer connection for those who have followed Jessica's journey online. For those new to her story, it's a powerful and moving testament to the resilience of the human spirit. I walked away from this book feeling seen, encouraged, and with a renewed sense of possibility. It's a book that will undoubtedly stay with me for a long time.

Better than expected (and I had high expectations)

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There were some challenging exercises in this book that made me pause and wonder if I really needed to continue. The kind of exercises that hook you in, and yet challenge you where you want to push back, all at the same time. I am so glad I stuck with the listen and finished the book. Her calm voice, her honest reflections, her examples of what it means to be a good friend, and her stories that are so relatable filled my commute to/from work, and made me keep thinking about her wisdom throughout the day. I don’t reread/relisten to books, but this book will be on repeat. So much good stuff, you can’t possibly get it all solidified in the first time. Thank you for your words and your passion, Jessica.

Honest advice

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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 the book and am now listening through and hearing it in Jessica's voice is so impactful, so transparent. The bonus conversation with Angie Smith is so incredible as well. This book is a great read and a great listen!

Hearing in the author's own voice is so moving

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This book contained the acknowledgement of the pain and the hope for the future that I think we all need in difficult situations that make us feel like our lives have been upended. Jessica’s voice is gentle and calming, her story is both devastating and hopeful, and I appreciate the few years of wisdom and perspective she worked for before writing this. Highly suggest to anyone who needs to feel seen or would benefit from some tools while navigating a difficult season.

Captures the brutality and the hope of pain well

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