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Annie in Retrospect
13 Going on 30
meets Younger in this sexy, time-bending novel about a forty-year-old woman who swaps places with her 25-year-old self in 2008 San Francisco and discovers that the future—and the past—aren’t quite what she'd imagined.
It’s 2008, and Annie Young is a hot mess. Navigating a quarter-life crisis while living it up in San Francisco, she’s juggling unemployment, heartbreak, and changing friendships, all while dreaming of a perfect “married with kids” future that now feels farther away than ever.
But Annie’s life takes a wild turn when, with the help of her grandmother and a magical prayer, she wakes up in 2023 in the body of her older self. She is now Annie Hartman, a forty-year-old wife and stay-at-home mother. This is what she wanted—right?
Meanwhile, forty-year-old Annie, who’s disenchanted with the realities of mid-life, gets the second chance she’s been wishing for when she wakes up in her twenty-five-year-old life and body in 2008. But can she truly embrace the fun of being young again once she’s face to face with the first love who broke her heart and the best friend she knows she’ll lose? Forced to confront her regrets and relive her twenties, knowing what she knows now, will she choose a different path?
It’s 2008, and Annie Young is a hot mess. Navigating a quarter-life crisis while living it up in San Francisco, she’s juggling unemployment, heartbreak, and changing friendships, all while dreaming of a perfect “married with kids” future that now feels farther away than ever.
But Annie’s life takes a wild turn when, with the help of her grandmother and a magical prayer, she wakes up in 2023 in the body of her older self. She is now Annie Hartman, a forty-year-old wife and stay-at-home mother. This is what she wanted—right?
Meanwhile, forty-year-old Annie, who’s disenchanted with the realities of mid-life, gets the second chance she’s been wishing for when she wakes up in her twenty-five-year-old life and body in 2008. But can she truly embrace the fun of being young again once she’s face to face with the first love who broke her heart and the best friend she knows she’ll lose? Forced to confront her regrets and relive her twenties, knowing what she knows now, will she choose a different path?
- GenresSpeculative Fiction
336 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
6 people are currently reading
4037 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Voegele
1 book21 followersKristina Voegele is a professional writer and novelist who explores the many ways women lose themselves in the roles and relationships that shape their lives. Whether through her fiction or essays on personal growth and creativity, her work empowers women to reconnect with the parts of themselves they’ve set aside.
She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and spent over a decade writing for global brands before penning her debut novel, Annie in Retrospect. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she continues to write stories that celebrate resilience, reflection, and growth.
She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and spent over a decade writing for global brands before penning her debut novel, Annie in Retrospect. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she continues to write stories that celebrate resilience, reflection, and growth.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 21, 2025
Meet your next binge read, Annie In Retrospect .
Thank you so much to BookSparks and Kristina Voegele for this gifted advanced reading copy as part of the 2025 Fall Reading Challenge.
If you were given the chance to go back and switch places with the you from 15 years ago, would you do anything differently? What would happen to your future if you changed one minor detail of your past? Would you risk changing everything? Annie is given the chance for a do-over when her 25-year-old and 40-year-old self, switch places. She gets to spend extra time with her friends that she knows is needed, apologize and be apologized to; She gets to go back and have hard conversations and right some wrongs. Going back to her younger self may bring her closure or it may be that she takes this an opportunity to choose a different path to take in life.
I think that most people (especially 40-ish, hi it's me!) think about what they would have done differently in their 20's. I can feel Annie's midlife frustration-I'm sure most of us can for various reasons. We all have regrets, things we wish we could have done better, relationships we would like to fix- but it's scary to think about going back and changing something that would potentially change life today. In real life, would this be something we'd really want to do?
Kristina Voegle delivered readers a wonderful novel with Annie In Retrospect. I loved her writing style and the fact that is such an incredible read, I finished the majority of 314 pages in less than 6 hours.
I'd also like to make one comment on Annie and her first love. Holy heartbreak. The ending of this book had me all in my emotions. I will leave it at this- the closure was heartbreakingly beautiful. 🥹
This is a thought-provoking, beautiful and engaging read that I would highly recommend!
Thank you so much to BookSparks and Kristina Voegele for this gifted advanced reading copy as part of the 2025 Fall Reading Challenge.
If you were given the chance to go back and switch places with the you from 15 years ago, would you do anything differently? What would happen to your future if you changed one minor detail of your past? Would you risk changing everything? Annie is given the chance for a do-over when her 25-year-old and 40-year-old self, switch places. She gets to spend extra time with her friends that she knows is needed, apologize and be apologized to; She gets to go back and have hard conversations and right some wrongs. Going back to her younger self may bring her closure or it may be that she takes this an opportunity to choose a different path to take in life.
I think that most people (especially 40-ish, hi it's me!) think about what they would have done differently in their 20's. I can feel Annie's midlife frustration-I'm sure most of us can for various reasons. We all have regrets, things we wish we could have done better, relationships we would like to fix- but it's scary to think about going back and changing something that would potentially change life today. In real life, would this be something we'd really want to do?
Kristina Voegle delivered readers a wonderful novel with Annie In Retrospect. I loved her writing style and the fact that is such an incredible read, I finished the majority of 314 pages in less than 6 hours.
I'd also like to make one comment on Annie and her first love. Holy heartbreak. The ending of this book had me all in my emotions. I will leave it at this- the closure was heartbreakingly beautiful. 🥹
This is a thought-provoking, beautiful and engaging read that I would highly recommend!
October 9, 2025
“It turns everything gray and after a while you can't even remember what life looked like in color. And even the happy memories are suddenly laced with pain, and it feels like anyone you love is just this potential heartbreak waiting to destroy you.
Like you didn't know how fragile it all is and now you can never unsee it."
Could you imagine swapping bodies with your younger self? This story was so fun to read. I was immediately sucked right in. This story is the definition of, you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. Annie is married to Jake with two kids and is loosing herself by the day. Meanwhile her younger self is fighting with her best friend while going through a bad breakup. Her older self wishes she was younger and her younger self wishes that she was already settled down, married with kids. Her wonderful Nonna gives her a healing prayer and she goes to sleep. When she wakes up, her 2023 self becomes her 2008 self and vice versa.
My heart broke for Annie with the loss of Jo so when she swapped years I was so happy that she could spend time with someone she knew wouldn’t be around for long. Watching Annie stand up to Troy and getting closure was so nice to see. That ending gave me the chills. I also related to Annie in 2023 being a busy mom of two young kids. She was trying to manage everything while loosing a piece of herself in the mix. This story was incredible!
Like you didn't know how fragile it all is and now you can never unsee it."
Could you imagine swapping bodies with your younger self? This story was so fun to read. I was immediately sucked right in. This story is the definition of, you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. Annie is married to Jake with two kids and is loosing herself by the day. Meanwhile her younger self is fighting with her best friend while going through a bad breakup. Her older self wishes she was younger and her younger self wishes that she was already settled down, married with kids. Her wonderful Nonna gives her a healing prayer and she goes to sleep. When she wakes up, her 2023 self becomes her 2008 self and vice versa.
My heart broke for Annie with the loss of Jo so when she swapped years I was so happy that she could spend time with someone she knew wouldn’t be around for long. Watching Annie stand up to Troy and getting closure was so nice to see. That ending gave me the chills. I also related to Annie in 2023 being a busy mom of two young kids. She was trying to manage everything while loosing a piece of herself in the mix. This story was incredible!
October 22, 2025
Thank you Booksparks and Kristina Voegele for the gifted book.
This book was so much fun! I think I really related because I'm close to the same age as Annie in both timelines. I loved the dual timeline and getting to travel back to 2008. It brought back so many memories.
I also could relate to losing someone close to me and understood Annie's struggle of wanting to try to save the person she lost in the past. I also really loved watching past (25 years old) Annie trying to adapt to live in the body of her 40 year old mom bod. There were some laugh out loud moments watching her navigate being a wife and mom in 2025 and learning all of the new technology. There were also so many sweet moments between her and her husband and her friends. Plus the ultimate reminder to live life to your fullest and embrace the small moments.
If you love 13 Going on 30 and women's lit that will give you all the feels then this is the book for you. It is touching, laugh out loud funny, and will give you nostalgia. It's the perfect palette cleanser, and a quick, easy read. The vibes are a little more summery, but I did really enjoy reading it in the Fall (I tend to be a seasonal mood reader).
This book was so much fun! I think I really related because I'm close to the same age as Annie in both timelines. I loved the dual timeline and getting to travel back to 2008. It brought back so many memories.
I also could relate to losing someone close to me and understood Annie's struggle of wanting to try to save the person she lost in the past. I also really loved watching past (25 years old) Annie trying to adapt to live in the body of her 40 year old mom bod. There were some laugh out loud moments watching her navigate being a wife and mom in 2025 and learning all of the new technology. There were also so many sweet moments between her and her husband and her friends. Plus the ultimate reminder to live life to your fullest and embrace the small moments.
If you love 13 Going on 30 and women's lit that will give you all the feels then this is the book for you. It is touching, laugh out loud funny, and will give you nostalgia. It's the perfect palette cleanser, and a quick, easy read. The vibes are a little more summery, but I did really enjoy reading it in the Fall (I tend to be a seasonal mood reader).
November 29, 2025
Whoa, what a heartbreakingly beautiful read! Annie in Retrospect is about discovering yourself through revisiting your past to see if there’s anything left unsaid, undone, or could be/should be tackled differently AND fast-forwarding to what it’s like fifteen years later.
What I love most about this book is how relatable Annie, the female main character, is because what she experienced when she was 25 and is living through at 40 pretty much sum up our lives as well. Like the uncertainty we feel at one point or all the time (*raise hand*) or the friendship/relationship we wish that could foster better, to name a few.
Better yet, even though duo timeline usually isn’t my thing, the one here is so well-written that I find it impossible not to enjoy every second of Annie’s journey.
All in all, I’d HIGHLY RECOMMEND Annie in Retrospect and I’m sure everyone will relive some of the beautiful memories back in the days while navigating life with Annie. Happy reminiscing & living!
***Thanks to the author and BookSparks for my complimentary copy!***
What I love most about this book is how relatable Annie, the female main character, is because what she experienced when she was 25 and is living through at 40 pretty much sum up our lives as well. Like the uncertainty we feel at one point or all the time (*raise hand*) or the friendship/relationship we wish that could foster better, to name a few.
Better yet, even though duo timeline usually isn’t my thing, the one here is so well-written that I find it impossible not to enjoy every second of Annie’s journey.
All in all, I’d HIGHLY RECOMMEND Annie in Retrospect and I’m sure everyone will relive some of the beautiful memories back in the days while navigating life with Annie. Happy reminiscing & living!
***Thanks to the author and BookSparks for my complimentary copy!***
September 2, 2025
Annie was in a rut—in 2008 and in 2023—but her sweet, little Nona had a plan to help her figure out where things went off track. It all started with a prayer... and ended with some time traveling.
The story toggles between Annie’s life in 2008, when she’s single and jobless, and 2023, where she’s a stay-at-home mom with two kids and a husband. Things really get interesting when the two versions of Annie switch bodies: 2023 Annie wakes up in her younger self’s body in 2008, while 2008 Annie suddenly finds herself in the unfamiliar future.
Once 2023 Annie gets her bearings and figures out what’s going on, things go fairly smoothly for her. But poor 2008 Annie? She’s completely thrown. Imagine waking up in an older, unfamiliar body, and expected to care for kids you don’t recognize—and a husband you don’t remember marrying. It made for a great, sometimes chaotic, storyline.
One thing that was a little disturbing to me was how little 2023 Annie seemed to think about her kids when making certain choices in the past. I get that overthinking it might have slowed the story down, and maybe I’m seeing it differently as a newer mom myself, but I couldn't help wondering: what if those choices erased her kids entirely? The thought of potentially losing my son, even hypothetically, would make me question every decision I made.
That said, I really appreciated how the book made me reflect on my own life choices and the path I’ve taken. What if I’d made different decisions? Would I be where I am now? Would things be better than they already are? Would they be worse?
Annie in Retrospect gave me strong 13 Going on 30 vibes, with a hint of 17 Again, and was definitely worth the read.
Thank you Kristina Voegele, SparkPress, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
The story toggles between Annie’s life in 2008, when she’s single and jobless, and 2023, where she’s a stay-at-home mom with two kids and a husband. Things really get interesting when the two versions of Annie switch bodies: 2023 Annie wakes up in her younger self’s body in 2008, while 2008 Annie suddenly finds herself in the unfamiliar future.
Once 2023 Annie gets her bearings and figures out what’s going on, things go fairly smoothly for her. But poor 2008 Annie? She’s completely thrown. Imagine waking up in an older, unfamiliar body, and expected to care for kids you don’t recognize—and a husband you don’t remember marrying. It made for a great, sometimes chaotic, storyline.
One thing that was a little disturbing to me was how little 2023 Annie seemed to think about her kids when making certain choices in the past. I get that overthinking it might have slowed the story down, and maybe I’m seeing it differently as a newer mom myself, but I couldn't help wondering: what if those choices erased her kids entirely? The thought of potentially losing my son, even hypothetically, would make me question every decision I made.
That said, I really appreciated how the book made me reflect on my own life choices and the path I’ve taken. What if I’d made different decisions? Would I be where I am now? Would things be better than they already are? Would they be worse?
Annie in Retrospect gave me strong 13 Going on 30 vibes, with a hint of 17 Again, and was definitely worth the read.
Thank you Kristina Voegele, SparkPress, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
July 1, 2025
This isn't the kind of novel that I usually tend toward, but once I picked it up, I could not put it down. That is barely an exaggeration: including a sleepless 2-4am session, I finished all 314 pages just under 24 hours!
The plot line was certainly what lured me in (40-something mother here, who definitely resonates with Annie's midlife wondering). Who among us has not spent some time contemplating the alternate paths we might have taken in our twenties? But, as I read, I quickly forgot about myself entirely because I cared so much about the characters and *their* specific journeys that were not unfamiliar but were also uniquely their own. They were all flawed and wounded and excellent in familiar ways (ways that let you recognize and connect with them easily);but they were also so vivid and complete that I know these characters will stay with me for a long time.
What struck me most about all of them (both Annies of course, but also the many other folks in their orbits) was the gentle, earnest way they kept trying to show up for each other, to do a little better, to respond with intention rather than to merely react like the animals we are To me, this effort seemed to be at the heart of the novel, to answer the burning question we all seem to have, “What is this life FOR?” The novel isn’t foolish enough to provide an easy answer, but it points toward simply witnessing, listening, and being fully present for everything—even when, especially when, it doesn’t feel like there’s any “magic” happening.
The plot line was certainly what lured me in (40-something mother here, who definitely resonates with Annie's midlife wondering). Who among us has not spent some time contemplating the alternate paths we might have taken in our twenties? But, as I read, I quickly forgot about myself entirely because I cared so much about the characters and *their* specific journeys that were not unfamiliar but were also uniquely their own. They were all flawed and wounded and excellent in familiar ways (ways that let you recognize and connect with them easily);but they were also so vivid and complete that I know these characters will stay with me for a long time.
What struck me most about all of them (both Annies of course, but also the many other folks in their orbits) was the gentle, earnest way they kept trying to show up for each other, to do a little better, to respond with intention rather than to merely react like the animals we are To me, this effort seemed to be at the heart of the novel, to answer the burning question we all seem to have, “What is this life FOR?” The novel isn’t foolish enough to provide an easy answer, but it points toward simply witnessing, listening, and being fully present for everything—even when, especially when, it doesn’t feel like there’s any “magic” happening.
June 29, 2025
25-year-old Annie has reached a crossroads in her life. Let go from her job and broken up with by email, Annie doesn't know what is next in her life but she does know she is very unhappy. In another timeline, 40-year-old Annie is lost. She loves her children and her husband but she feels lost in her body and her role as a mother. In both timelines, she visits her grandmother, who "heals" her using a family recipe/spell/incantation passed down over time. The next day, each Annie wakes up in another version of her - the 25yo in the 40yo body and vice versa.
This is such an interesting idea for a book! Time travel books are pretty common (and I love them!) but I think this is the first body swap book I have read. The question of what you would do if you could live it all again is really fascinating. I also very much enjoyed Annie encountering iPhones and tablets and a French press - it's easy to forget just how much everyday life changed in just 15 years!
However, the problem with this book is that Annie is the least interesting character in the whole novel. Her best friends, her husband, even her daughter, were more engaging than she was. I found myself rushing through the pages Annie spent in her head and then slowing down when she interacted with other people. Which is a pity, because an idea as good as this book has deserves to be fully explored.
Three stars.
This is such an interesting idea for a book! Time travel books are pretty common (and I love them!) but I think this is the first body swap book I have read. The question of what you would do if you could live it all again is really fascinating. I also very much enjoyed Annie encountering iPhones and tablets and a French press - it's easy to forget just how much everyday life changed in just 15 years!
However, the problem with this book is that Annie is the least interesting character in the whole novel. Her best friends, her husband, even her daughter, were more engaging than she was. I found myself rushing through the pages Annie spent in her head and then slowing down when she interacted with other people. Which is a pity, because an idea as good as this book has deserves to be fully explored.
Three stars.
October 6, 2025
I seriously could not put this book down—but I also did not want it to end! It was SO good and so much fun to read. It kept me captivated from start to finish, and the themes have lingered with me long after I finished. It’s one of those rare books that makes you laugh, cry, reminisce, and quietly reflect on your own life in the best way possible.
Through Annie’s time-hopping journey between different versions of herself, the author captures beautiful truths about how we love, grieve, evolve, and forgive ourselves and others over time.
The story reminded me that the narratives we play out—and tell ourselves about why things happened the way they did do not always hold the full truth. It highlighted the importance of vulnerable, heartfelt conversations, living in the present moment, cherishing the people we love, and trusting in divine timing.
I also loved that the story is set in the Bay Area, where I grew up. It definitely took me down memory lane, recalling my early twenties living and working in San Francisco—the moments of feeling lost and heartbroken, yet also so alive. Annie's relationship with her Nonna is adorable, and I really enjoyed her female friendships as well. The love triangle kept me on my toes, torn about who she would ultimately choose until the very end.
Definitely a must-read! 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Through Annie’s time-hopping journey between different versions of herself, the author captures beautiful truths about how we love, grieve, evolve, and forgive ourselves and others over time.
The story reminded me that the narratives we play out—and tell ourselves about why things happened the way they did do not always hold the full truth. It highlighted the importance of vulnerable, heartfelt conversations, living in the present moment, cherishing the people we love, and trusting in divine timing.
I also loved that the story is set in the Bay Area, where I grew up. It definitely took me down memory lane, recalling my early twenties living and working in San Francisco—the moments of feeling lost and heartbroken, yet also so alive. Annie's relationship with her Nonna is adorable, and I really enjoyed her female friendships as well. The love triangle kept me on my toes, torn about who she would ultimately choose until the very end.
Definitely a must-read! 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 7, 2025
at the core of this book is a complex, messy, real human experience that only comes with living.
we pop into Annie's life at two distinct points that bring her to question herself - her desires, needs, dreams, decisions. I'm sure you know what this feels like - i sure do. we follow along as she is guided by her own grounded center. i absolutely loved the communtiy in which she exists. Annie is surrounded by people she loves who love her in both timelines, which ultimately leads to her to recognizing the beauty of life is in the imperfections. it's the journey, as they say.
the gift of this read is that it doesn't prescribe what is right or wrong - it simply poses the question of how to exist as our authentic selves.
the smallest of tw that they portray sex-workers in a less than flattering light but it's really like 2 sentences in the beginning.
obsessed with the relationship between Nonna and Annie. bonus points for all the rom-com city vibes and the magical realism sprinkled throughout.
in a time when we are all so isolated and have been socialized to believe a perfect destination is the purpose of living, this breezy and thoughtful read breaks down those false ideas and invites you to love the entirety of your being and thus the life you're living.
for fans of Xochitl Gonzalez and Jennifer Weiner.
we pop into Annie's life at two distinct points that bring her to question herself - her desires, needs, dreams, decisions. I'm sure you know what this feels like - i sure do. we follow along as she is guided by her own grounded center. i absolutely loved the communtiy in which she exists. Annie is surrounded by people she loves who love her in both timelines, which ultimately leads to her to recognizing the beauty of life is in the imperfections. it's the journey, as they say.
the gift of this read is that it doesn't prescribe what is right or wrong - it simply poses the question of how to exist as our authentic selves.
the smallest of tw that they portray sex-workers in a less than flattering light but it's really like 2 sentences in the beginning.
obsessed with the relationship between Nonna and Annie. bonus points for all the rom-com city vibes and the magical realism sprinkled throughout.
in a time when we are all so isolated and have been socialized to believe a perfect destination is the purpose of living, this breezy and thoughtful read breaks down those false ideas and invites you to love the entirety of your being and thus the life you're living.
for fans of Xochitl Gonzalez and Jennifer Weiner.
October 6, 2025
Put it at the top of your TBR! A fun and heartfelt read for anyone who wonders “what if?” This is all about the part not taken.
I had the pleasure of diving into Annie in Retrospect, and honestly, I couldn't put it down.
This book is a perfectly blended cocktail of sharp wit, unexpected heart, and the kind of messy, relatable self-discovery we all need to read about. Our main character, Annie, is tasked with looking back at her life's defining moments, and the author navigates her journey with such genuine warmth and humor. It’s an absolute masterclass in character development, making Annie feel like the best friend you haven't talked to in years.
It’s not just a memoir of fiction; it's a conversation starter about growth, second chances, and how the moments we think defined us don't always hold the whole story. If you love books that make you laugh out loud on one page and quietly tear up on the next, this is it. I loved the female friendships in this book and bonus points for a Bay Area setting!
Verdict: 5/5 stars. Go buy this book right now. You're going to want to binge this one in a single sitting!
I had the pleasure of diving into Annie in Retrospect, and honestly, I couldn't put it down.
This book is a perfectly blended cocktail of sharp wit, unexpected heart, and the kind of messy, relatable self-discovery we all need to read about. Our main character, Annie, is tasked with looking back at her life's defining moments, and the author navigates her journey with such genuine warmth and humor. It’s an absolute masterclass in character development, making Annie feel like the best friend you haven't talked to in years.
It’s not just a memoir of fiction; it's a conversation starter about growth, second chances, and how the moments we think defined us don't always hold the whole story. If you love books that make you laugh out loud on one page and quietly tear up on the next, this is it. I loved the female friendships in this book and bonus points for a Bay Area setting!
Verdict: 5/5 stars. Go buy this book right now. You're going to want to binge this one in a single sitting!
June 21, 2025
In Annie in Retrospect, Kristina Vogele offers a quietly compelling take on the question many women ask themselves at some point: Is this really the life I wanted? When Annie, a 40-year-old wife and mother, finds herself trading places with her 25-year-old single self, she’s forced to reckon with what she once longed for and what she now takes for granted.
Rather than glorifying the past, the novel explores the tension between wanting to skip ahead and learning to value the messy, beautiful process of becoming. Annie’s journey becomes a gentle reminder that the wisdom we seek is often found only by living fully through our seasons of doubt. One of the book’s most touching insights is that aging, far from being a loss, is a profound privilege.
Though the prose leans simple and accessible, the emotional truths at the heart of this story resonate. Readers who appreciate introspective fiction with a speculative twist similar to The Midnight Library will find this a thoughtful and rewarding read.
Rather than glorifying the past, the novel explores the tension between wanting to skip ahead and learning to value the messy, beautiful process of becoming. Annie’s journey becomes a gentle reminder that the wisdom we seek is often found only by living fully through our seasons of doubt. One of the book’s most touching insights is that aging, far from being a loss, is a profound privilege.
Though the prose leans simple and accessible, the emotional truths at the heart of this story resonate. Readers who appreciate introspective fiction with a speculative twist similar to The Midnight Library will find this a thoughtful and rewarding read.
October 7, 2025
Annie in Retrospect was an incredible read — I couldn’t put it down. I devoured it in just three days, and it’s easily one of the most heartfelt, relatable books I’ve read in a long time.
From Annie’s early twenties to her journey into motherhood, the story captures the raw, beautiful truth of growing up, navigating love and identity, and facing the changing dynamics of marriage and selfhood. It makes you reflect on the choices you’ve made, the lessons you’ve learned, and what you’d tell your younger self if given the chance.
This book made me feel everything — joy, laughter, sadness, and deep connection. I saw so much of myself in Annie’s story, as if parts of my own life were written on those pages.
A five-star, must-read for every woman at any stage of life. You’ll laugh, cry, and finish the book feeling deeply seen. Grab a copy for yourself — and one for your best friend! This is a story that deserves to be shared and would be the perfect book club pick — you will not want this to end! Enjoy!!
From Annie’s early twenties to her journey into motherhood, the story captures the raw, beautiful truth of growing up, navigating love and identity, and facing the changing dynamics of marriage and selfhood. It makes you reflect on the choices you’ve made, the lessons you’ve learned, and what you’d tell your younger self if given the chance.
This book made me feel everything — joy, laughter, sadness, and deep connection. I saw so much of myself in Annie’s story, as if parts of my own life were written on those pages.
A five-star, must-read for every woman at any stage of life. You’ll laugh, cry, and finish the book feeling deeply seen. Grab a copy for yourself — and one for your best friend! This is a story that deserves to be shared and would be the perfect book club pick — you will not want this to end! Enjoy!!
December 10, 2025
A moving, thoughtful debut that I hope might be a win for others too!If 13 Going on 30 and Younger had a beautifully written, time-bending literary child, it would be Kristina Voegele’s Annie in Retrospect, published October 7 💫
Annie Young is forty, exhausted, and quietly unraveling under the weight of motherhood, marriage, and the distance between who she is and who she once hoped to be (hmmm, that feels relatable a smidge). Then, through a magical twist, she wakes up in 2008, inside her twenty-five-year-old self, and suddenly gets the rarest of second chances to relive the choices that shaped her life.
I absolutely loved Kristina Voegele’s writing. Her prose is warm, layered, and so emotionally resonant that I tore through nearly all 314 pages over the weekend. The story feels like both a love letter and a lament to time passing, that feeling of nostalgia for the past and also kind of for what is not meant to be and the enduring recognition that despite that we are where we are right now for a reason.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.25/5)
Annie Young is forty, exhausted, and quietly unraveling under the weight of motherhood, marriage, and the distance between who she is and who she once hoped to be (hmmm, that feels relatable a smidge). Then, through a magical twist, she wakes up in 2008, inside her twenty-five-year-old self, and suddenly gets the rarest of second chances to relive the choices that shaped her life.
I absolutely loved Kristina Voegele’s writing. Her prose is warm, layered, and so emotionally resonant that I tore through nearly all 314 pages over the weekend. The story feels like both a love letter and a lament to time passing, that feeling of nostalgia for the past and also kind of for what is not meant to be and the enduring recognition that despite that we are where we are right now for a reason.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.25/5)
August 19, 2025
I loved this book, I didn't want it to end! I found myself enveloped in Annie's world surrounded by the relationships of friends, boyfriends, family all mixed with the complexity of real life. Although the concept of trading spaces is familiar, Annie time swapping with her 25 and 40 year old self is done with fresh and incredibly relatable vulnerability. I kept finding myself staring off at the ceiling reflecting on my own life, imagining what my younger self would think of me now and wondering if I'd change things if I could go back in time.
This novel folds together a beautiful reflection on self love, the way the relationships in our lives shape who we are, the monotony of motherhood, hilariously relatable moments of being an imperfect person, and steamy scenes you'll be glad to be reading alone.
I highly recommend this book! A perfect entertaining beach read with a surprising depth that lingers and will have you reflecting on your own life in ways you weren't expecting.
This novel folds together a beautiful reflection on self love, the way the relationships in our lives shape who we are, the monotony of motherhood, hilariously relatable moments of being an imperfect person, and steamy scenes you'll be glad to be reading alone.
I highly recommend this book! A perfect entertaining beach read with a surprising depth that lingers and will have you reflecting on your own life in ways you weren't expecting.
October 21, 2025
Thank you to @BookSparks and @KristinaVoegele for the gifted book as part of the 2025 Fall Reading Challenge. #FRC2025 #PracticalBookMagic All opinions are my own.
The moral of this story is be careful what you wish for because you might just get it.
We meet Annie in two timelines: 2008 when she’s single and unemployed and 2023 when she’s married with two kids and is a stay-at-home mom. Both times she’s unsatisfied with her life. Through a bit of magic and a meddling grandmother, the two versions of Annie switch bodies. Chaos ensues.
Annie in both timelines is forced to reckon with her life choices. What if she took a different path? What is she willing to sacrifice? Amidst the chaos, there are deep questions and the author does a good job framing them and presenting alternative paths.
The vibe here is 13 Going on 30 with a bit less focus on the comedic and more emphasis on depth.
The moral of this story is be careful what you wish for because you might just get it.
We meet Annie in two timelines: 2008 when she’s single and unemployed and 2023 when she’s married with two kids and is a stay-at-home mom. Both times she’s unsatisfied with her life. Through a bit of magic and a meddling grandmother, the two versions of Annie switch bodies. Chaos ensues.
Annie in both timelines is forced to reckon with her life choices. What if she took a different path? What is she willing to sacrifice? Amidst the chaos, there are deep questions and the author does a good job framing them and presenting alternative paths.
The vibe here is 13 Going on 30 with a bit less focus on the comedic and more emphasis on depth.
October 14, 2025
Freaky Friday" except you trade places with yourself!
I finished my second book in Book Sparks #FRC2025 #PracticalBookMagic fall reading program, and it was so good! Many thanks to Book Sparks and the author Kristina Voegele for putting 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓 in front of my eyes! I was immediately pulled into Annie's world(s), and I was on pins and needles just waiting to see where, when, and how this switch happens. I was not prepared for how much fun this debut novel would be, but also how personally meaningful it would be. I identified with older Annie and wondered if my 20-something self would choose a different path knowing what I know now. The characters were incredibly real, and I especially loved Nonna.
I definitely recommend checking this one out.
I finished my second book in Book Sparks #FRC2025 #PracticalBookMagic fall reading program, and it was so good! Many thanks to Book Sparks and the author Kristina Voegele for putting 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓 in front of my eyes! I was immediately pulled into Annie's world(s), and I was on pins and needles just waiting to see where, when, and how this switch happens. I was not prepared for how much fun this debut novel would be, but also how personally meaningful it would be. I identified with older Annie and wondered if my 20-something self would choose a different path knowing what I know now. The characters were incredibly real, and I especially loved Nonna.
I definitely recommend checking this one out.
October 20, 2025
2008 Annie swaps bodies with her 2023 older self in this hilarious yet serious take on being careful what you wish for. It gave off 17 Again vibes.
Told from the 2008 and 2023 narratives, Anna juggles between being a carefree 25 year old in a 40 year old body and vice-versa. There were comical moments as she attempts to navigate through both worlds.
I love the author’s storytelling, which will make you reflect on your life choices. There were no gaps and the author didn’t leave any burdens on the reader. The San Francisco setting was perfect.
The plot itself will suck you in and through Annie the author captures the essence of humanity- being present in the moment, forgiveness, grief and love.
If you are a fan of time travel and second chances then you will enjoy this book.
Told from the 2008 and 2023 narratives, Anna juggles between being a carefree 25 year old in a 40 year old body and vice-versa. There were comical moments as she attempts to navigate through both worlds.
I love the author’s storytelling, which will make you reflect on your life choices. There were no gaps and the author didn’t leave any burdens on the reader. The San Francisco setting was perfect.
The plot itself will suck you in and through Annie the author captures the essence of humanity- being present in the moment, forgiveness, grief and love.
If you are a fan of time travel and second chances then you will enjoy this book.
September 21, 2025
I am so glad this book is over. I HATED the main character. She is the worst type of woman. The entire book is based around her missing and obsessing over her first love. It’s set in a dual time line where 2023 Annie travels back in time to 2008, while 2008 Annie travels in the future to 2023. The entire book is about how healing your past can change your future, but it was really just an entire book about her complaining about her life in both time lines. It was a true nightmare to read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.
August 26, 2025
I brought this fun novel with me on a vacation to Maui and read it in two days. I loved it!!! The concept looking at one’s own life at different ages with time travel… facinating and so
FUN. The thoughts it provoked in my own life’s story are what makes this story memorable! What would my 40 something self say/think about/ change, to my 20 something self? I loved Kristina’s captivating way of telling a story that made me feel like I could envision Annie’s whole adventure. This story has stayed in my mind and I hope there is a second novel to continue this journey. Highly recommend!
FUN. The thoughts it provoked in my own life’s story are what makes this story memorable! What would my 40 something self say/think about/ change, to my 20 something self? I loved Kristina’s captivating way of telling a story that made me feel like I could envision Annie’s whole adventure. This story has stayed in my mind and I hope there is a second novel to continue this journey. Highly recommend!
October 5, 2025
I did not want to put this book down but also didn’t want it to end. Annie in Retrospect pulled me in from the very first page. Kristina Voegele has such a gift for capturing emotion that I felt like I was right back in 2008, reliving memories and feelings I hadn’t thought about in years.
As a mother and as a wife who has been with my husband for over 20 years, so many of Annie’s thoughts and experiences felt personal and familiar. This story is honest, heartfelt, and beautifully written. It stayed with me long after I finished reading.
As a mother and as a wife who has been with my husband for over 20 years, so many of Annie’s thoughts and experiences felt personal and familiar. This story is honest, heartfelt, and beautifully written. It stayed with me long after I finished reading.
October 15, 2025
“Jo ran out of the room and came back in with her cheerleading megaphone from college. ‘Attention ladies. I now declare it’s Cozy O’clock. You know what that means! No bras. No shoes. No jewelry. No denim of any kind. I want to see you in your elastic waistbands and back on that couch in record time!’”
Hanging out with Annie throughout the reading is this book was more fun than I can tell you. She’s awkward and indecisive and sweet and so very funny.
This book is sort of a Freaky Friday-ish tale in which Annie swaps places with her younger self and takes a look at what might have been in her life. Will she make changes that alter the trajectory of her life, or will she realize that she’s right where she’s meant to be?
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and loved the 2008 nostalgia as Annie travels back to her earlier life. I also appreciated how this book treated grief and the beauty in how these losses were explored inside these pages.
If you could go back and relive an earlier time in your life, would you do it?
Hanging out with Annie throughout the reading is this book was more fun than I can tell you. She’s awkward and indecisive and sweet and so very funny.
This book is sort of a Freaky Friday-ish tale in which Annie swaps places with her younger self and takes a look at what might have been in her life. Will she make changes that alter the trajectory of her life, or will she realize that she’s right where she’s meant to be?
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and loved the 2008 nostalgia as Annie travels back to her earlier life. I also appreciated how this book treated grief and the beauty in how these losses were explored inside these pages.
If you could go back and relive an earlier time in your life, would you do it?
October 19, 2025
Annie in Retrospect is a delightful, fun, but very self reflective novel. It has elements of nostalgia that will have you contemplating your life choices and thinking about the life you could have had. It's well written and fun to read, but has a gravitas that will ensure it stands the test of time. This book grapples with some much larger themes than your typical "beach read," but that's what makes it so enjoyable. I can't wait for the followup novel.
October 6, 2025
This book drew me into the story while also bringing back many nostalgic memories from my own life. As the story unfolded, I found myself torn over who Annie should end up with, which is the best kind of love triangle. I connected to Annie’s predicament and found Voegele’s writing very engaging. I’m looking forward to her next one!!
November 6, 2025
What a clever premise for a novel. It makes you wonder what the younger you would think of the life you have now. It starts as a rather lighthearted story, but it takes some very poignant turns that I wasn't expecting, and I ended up quite moved. If you've ever wondered about the road not taken, this book will resonate. (Also, everyone should have a Nonna! She was so great!)
October 1, 2025
Thank you Xpresso Book Tours/SparkPress for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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October 28, 2025
I absolutely adored this book! This is definitely my top debut this year and in my top five books of 2025. It’s that good!
I’m a huge fan of dual timelines and coming of age stories—throw in time-bending and I’m hooked. I was invested in Annie’s emotional journey from the beginning and glued to the pages eager to find out which path she chooses. A satisfying and heartwarming read. Highly recommend!
I’m a huge fan of dual timelines and coming of age stories—throw in time-bending and I’m hooked. I was invested in Annie’s emotional journey from the beginning and glued to the pages eager to find out which path she chooses. A satisfying and heartwarming read. Highly recommend!
December 15, 2025
Very cute book about fate and would you change anything if you could go back. The back and forth gave me a headache at first but once I got into the groove I enjoyed the story and how it unfolded. It reminded me a bit of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life”.
August 19, 2025
An emotionally rich, time-twisting page-turner infused with wit and longing. The kind of story that sticks with you, long after you've raced to the end. I highly recommend!
November 14, 2025
thought-provoking "if I'd known then what I know now..."
October 9, 2025
So good, I read it in one day. This resonated personally because I love the SF Bay Area where the story is set. And I love any mention of the Italian culture: Annie's Italian grandmother had great advice -- i.e., a fading romance is like reheated minestrone soup (it won't endure). The deeper themes of being kind to yourself in all stages of life and appreciating each stage as you live it will resonate with readers. Highly recommend.
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