From an award-winning author, a down on his luck country musician moves back home and rekindles a relationship with his high school sweetheart in this moving novel that’s “not to be missed” (Emily Henry, author of Beach Read and Book Lovers).

Colton Gentry’s music career is riding high, but he’s hurting after his best friend is killed by a mass shooter at a country music festival. One night, with Jim Beam flowing through his veins, Colton stands before a sold-out crowd of country music fans and offers his unfiltered opinion on guns. Immediately, his career and marriage implode.

Colton retreats to his rural Kentucky hometown to hide out,resigned to being a has-been. A chance encounter gives him a second shot at life: a job working at a restaurant with Luann, his first love. Colton Gentry’s Third Act is a reminder that there are next acts in life, no matter how unlikely they may seem.

By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Praise

“Reading Colton Gentry's Third Act feels like sitting down with old friends to your favorite home-cooked meal, reminiscing late into the night and laughing giddily by the time the sun comes up. It's warm and comforting, and brimming with a heady nostalgia that will transport you right back to your own youthful summers and life-changing firsts. A story of love, healing, and second chances that's not to be missed.” —Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read and Book Lovers

“Country music was born to tell stories and so was Jeff Zentner. Colton Gentry's Third Act is fueled by a broken heart, and a determination to heal through hard work, forgiveness, and grit—just like the very best country songs. Keep this one on repeat.” —Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Celebrants

"What a book! A beautiful, hard-earned triumph. Jeff Zentner has delivered a story that is as raw as it is real, with dialogue that sings straight from the pages, and a redemptive love story that will make your heart ache. Charming and defiant, Colton Gentry’s Third Act will strum at your heartstrings as it tells its tale of redemption, transformation, and true love." —Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author of The Paradise Problem

"A timely message set to the timeless tune of a love story, Colton Gentry's Third Act overflows with heart, hope, and the sweetness of relationships that last a lifetime. Get ready to have it stuck in your head like a song." —Mary Laura Philpott, author of Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives

"Colton Gentry's Third Act is a meditative, deeply romantic novel about rebirth and redemption, the guts it takes to strip yourself bare and start over, and the rewards of taking the risk. You'll devour it." —Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, bestselling authors of The Royal We and The Heir Affair

"Readers are going to devour this bighearted story of redemption. Zentner takes on a timely, important issue without ever being didactic. He provides us with characters we can root for, a sexy love story that will keep the pages turning, and delicious prose, whether he's describing the smell of honeysuckle on a summer evening, a mouth-watering meal, or the power of music. Don't miss Colton Gentry's Third Act." —Silas House, author of Southernmost and Poet Laureate of Kentucky

"Like the best country love songs, Colton Gentry's Third Act breaks your heart, stitches it back together, and makes you want to hear the story over and over just to feel something. This is the book Jeff Zentner was born to write."
—Chandler Baker, New York Times bestselling author of Cutting Teeth

“I came out with my heart both shattered and full. Damn it, but this book has it all—an intensely likable character, a heartbreaking story, and achingly beautiful writing.” —Jesse Q. Sutanto, author of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

“Brimming with southern charm and deftly balancing humor with poignancy, Zentner’s story of second (and third) chances is sure to win over readers who love a redemption story.” —Booklist, starred review

Shopping Cart

Newsletter Signup

Praise