Twice in a Lifetime

by Briana J Newstead, Connor Swindells (Narrator), Shalom Brune-Franklin (Narrator)

Narrated by Connor Swindells (Sex Education) and Shalom Brune-Franklin (Baby Reindeer) comes a heart-wrenching story of love and loss from debut author, Briana J Newstead.

Two hearts scarred by loss. One unexpected love that could heal them both.

Jo Savvides hasn't touched a guitar since the tragic accident five years ago that left her reeling with survivor's guilt.

Caleb Evans carries a heartbreak so deep he's vowed never to fall in love again.

When fate brings them together on a world concert tour, neither is prepared for what follows.

Caleb runs a tight ship as the workaholic tour manager. There isn't room in his life—or his business—for Jo's impulsive nature. But when their guitarist drops out mid-tour and Jo is the only one who can keep the rhythm of the band, an unexpected bond is forged.

With Caleb's steady support, Jo slowly rediscovers her talent and begins to feel alive for the first time in years. Yet while Caleb can start to hear the music of his heart, he doesn't want to listen—he knows how this song ends.

As these two begin to fall for each other, they must decide whether they're brave enough to accept their connection. Because allowing someone in means letting go of the past.

Set against the backdrop of a European summer, Twice in a Lifetime is a deeply moving testament to the healing power of love and music, and the courage it takes to choose life after loss.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Grief, Book Club, Emotional, Slow Burn, Australia

Audible Audio

Published September 11, 2025

About the author

Briana J. Newstead is an Australian author living in London. She writes emotional, character-driven love stories with a quiet focus on timing, identity, and the small moments that can alter a life. Originally from Melbourne, she moved to the UK at nineteen, and her fiction draws on her love of music and travel. Her debut novel, Twice in a Lifetime, explores the enduring pull of first love and the courage it takes to begin again.

Reviews

[Jo Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

An audible original that was a hit! There is singing, but it fit the story and was actually really nice!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely, poignant debut! This story is heart-swooping, heartrending, and healing in equal measures. The slow-burn romance is impeccable, with the tension growing as taut as guitar strings. The travel is a vivid escape that immerses you like music. And, in fact, the power of music lies at the heart of this novel, along with the power of love.

The audio narrators are also wonderful, and do justice to Newstead's beautiful, nuanced prose and three-dimensional characters. And it was a treat for listeners to experience a snippet of real music toward the end, bringing the lyrics to life!

My only complaint is that when I tried to listen to this with a 30-minute timer before going to bed, I COULD NOT fall asleep. I kept extending the timer multiple times because the story was too engaging, and I ended up staying awake until like 2 a.m.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had great potential and yet, I did not like it. I did listen to this in the car on a trip and found myself tuning it out. It has a lot of repetition in it, if it had not repeated things over and over it would have been easier to like, but it made it too long and boring. It really was a great idea gone flat.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really precious. I loved it. The backstories, the tension, the friendships…adorable…briefly spicy.

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two hearts scarred by loss. One unexpected love that could heal them both.

Jo Savvides hasn't touched a guitar since the tragic accident five years ago that left her reeling with survivor's guilt.

Caleb Evans carries a heartbreak so deep he's vowed never to fall in love again.

When fate brings them together on a world concert tour, neither is prepared for what follows.
This is at times heart wrenching 💔 especially Caleb's backstory.
The narration was spot on.
Topics covered: survivor's guilt, death of a loved one.
Whereas their pasts are tragic, their story is warm once they rediscover each other. Unfortunately, scarred by their pasts they might let love slip them by again.
A true romance with the right amount of angst and extensive back stories for both.
I got this as a free Audible listen, and am so pleased I listened to it.
Kerry Kennedy Author

[Katy Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t really do reviews because I find it incredibly difficult to verbalise how a book/film/gig made me feel in the moment. My responses usually range from “it was okay” to “it was amazing”.

To say Twice in a Lifetime falls into the “it was amazing” category would be an understatement. What a beautiful book. I connected with this one on a level that I haven’t experienced before. The love story unfolds in a glorious slow burn, both yearning for something they can’t admit sort of way and does so so gently it will make your heart ache for them. But more than that, this is a love story to music and musicians. To the way music gets into your soul and under your skin. To the way it permeates your life. Briana brings life on the road into full Technicolor with every chapter. Weaving in small details that breathe authenticity into every word. The journey through distinctly described European cities, from hotel to tour bus to hotel is evocatively painted. And then there’s Caleb and Jo. And their unspoken understanding of each other and the grief they’ve experienced. Briana handles this deftly and with nuance in a way that really spoke to me.

Briana’s skilful storytelling is brought to life with exceptional narration from Connor Swindells and Shalom Brun-Franklin - who were both perfectly cast.

I can’t recommend this highly enough.

[Christina Boirie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a book that makes you smile! Heartfelt and far from spicy but just super deep and meaningful. Enjoyed it

[Speedy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved loved this book, the characters chemistry was off the charts. Will definitely be looking out of more books written by this author.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible love story, full of past tragedies, personal growth and healing, and heart-wrenching emotions set against the gorgeous backdrop of a European concert tour. The author's gorgeous words are brought to life by two wonderful narrators and the original song? Utter perfection. This was a treat from start to finish!

[lyd☼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this story simply made my smile!! it tugged on my heart strings in all the right ways - slow burn, frenemies to lovers, second chance romance.. it was done beautifully. loved it!

[C.B. London · Rating 5 out of 5]

This shining debut from Briana J Newstead resonates with deeply emotional themes of learning to live again after loss, and healing through connection. Her immersive storytelling and beautiful character development take the reader on an epic journey with Caleb and Jo, both dealing with hidden wounds, and both drawn to helping the other. With no shortage of light-hearted moments, this character-driven story will pluck at your heartstrings and pull you under in the very best way, leaving you with joy, hope, and with a reaffirmed belief in the power of love. I can’t wait for more from this promising new author!

[Katie Given · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was heavy and sweet. Two people who'd lost themselves in grief after loss help each other find their way back to themselves.

It would be so nice to have Crete as a backup plan when I get sick of life. 🤣

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible debut! Twice in a Lifetime was such a refreshing read in the romance genre. The characters were flawed but deeply relatable, and the romance unfolded at a snappy & steady pace that was so immersive I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. Themes of grief and displacement from home were conveyed with such sophistication -- Jo’s guardedness and eventual ability to open up to Caleb, along with Caleb’s acceptance of his past and his ability to move forward, genuinely brought me to tears at the end. I also loved the insights into the music industry, the backdrop of the tour, and the way music was woven in as an essential part of the characters’ healing process. I can’t wait to see what Briana writes next!

[Erin Aledo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story with beautiful love. I truly enjoyed both Caleb and Jo. They were flawed and relatable and lovable.

[Sami Danley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet romance. Enemies to lovers with a grief twist. I loved that liking each other took time. I'm glad this novel didn't end when they first get together with a happily ever after. The way it actually ended was highly satisfying.

[Anne Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, kinda boring

[Erin Hermes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very slow paced. I found it boring. The narraters made it worse.

[Tammy-Rose Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alc Review _ adpr

Twice in a lifetime by @brianajn.books

@novel.tours thanks you for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook, it was sensational and heartbreaking.

Beautiful character art by @emcaysea

This was a gut wrenching story of Caleb and Jo carrying around heartbreak 💔 and guilt about what they have both lost 5 years ago. Different events but same level off loss, grief and survivors guilt. And undeserving of love. Not living but their both mutely going through life in a motion.

When their paths and world collide it, creates a friendship of wanting to slowly opening up what they went through more Jo than Caleb.

For Jo, Caleb brings her back her joy and the spark of feeling like she can breath again even through the pain and terror of panic attacks. He gives her the things she craves the most having someone who sees her, supporting her with trying to relearn to love her music, as it's in her veins, who she is. And it's beautiful to see. ( I loved her singing and them both in the rain its two of my many favourite moments)

For Caleb, he needed Jo to make him realise that his too scared to want to love again. And he feels like it would be a betrayal of having a second chance at love when his beloved fiancé passed away. He carries so much guilt about past mistakes and he doesn't want to replace her or forget her.

Not knowing that you can have many different types of love in your life and that doesn't diminish any other persons love you shared and it don't disappear. It becomes apart of you.

James and Bri are my favourite and sweet couple. And are hilarious. But also just everything.

Thanks you, it's a exemplary story. The Narrators bought it to life and it in my heart.

[the honeyed library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I genuinely loved this audiobook, and I don’t say that. It’s not our usual predictable romance; it feels deeper, with more emotional depth.

First of all, the narrators? Absolutely perfect pair. Connor Swindells and Shalom Brune-Franklin bring so much life into the story that it doesn’t even feel like we're listening to a book, it feels like you’re living it. Their voices carry the pain, the silence, the tension, and the soft moments so beautifully that it makes everything hit quite harder.

The story itself is emotional, yet quietly intense. Both Jo and Caleb carrying heavy pasts, and with each interaction we can feel the weight of the moment. Watching Jo slowly reconnect with music and herself is so damn touching, while Caleb’s emotional walls add this constant push and pull that kept me hooked. It’s the kind of story that feels sickeningly tender but also a little terrifying, because love always means risking everything, again and again if we have to.

And a European summer tour just adds that perfect dreamy yet bittersweet vibe that definitely matches this summer season. Trust me, this is something you need to listen to over this summer. I was so hooked, I ended up staying up the whole night just listening, unable to pause it at all.

It’s emotional, comforting, and beautiful in all the best ways possible.

[Christine Letizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twice in a Lifetime was a romantic adventure I didn't want to end. Newstead gives us insight into the world of touring musicians in this beautiful romance between a tour manager and a lost musician who are both scarred by grief.

Caleb and Jo give us an intimate view of the challenges of surviving loss and having to live as a survivor. Both of their stories wend their way into your heart and their journey across Europe and toward each other was so inspiring and moving.

I haven't listened to an audio book in a few years, but this book is a wonderful one to experience off the page. The narrators were perfectly cast. Their voices seem to cherish and give life to Newstead's impeccable prose. And the song at the end was a lovely bonus.

Twice in a Lifetime was a delectable treat of a story. I looked forward to listening every day, not wanting the book to end. Highly recommend this for both romance and music lovers!

[Alannah Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twice in a Lifetime by Briana J Newstead is a heartfelt and easy read that explores second chances, timing and the idea of love finding its way back when you least expect it. The premise is engaging and there are moments that genuinely tug at the emotions, particularly in the way the characters reflect on past choices and missed opportunities.

That said, while the story is enjoyable, it didn’t fully live up to its potential for me. Some parts felt a little predictable, and I found myself wanting more depth in the character development, especially when it came to the emotional transitions. A few plot points also felt slightly rushed, which made it harder to fully invest in the outcomes.

Overall, this is a pleasant and comforting romance that will appeal to readers who enjoy reflective, second-chance love stories. While it didn’t completely sweep me away, it was still a solid and enjoyable read.

[Claire Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twice in a Lifetime is a story of loss, heartache, guilt and anger. But it’s also a story about friendship, self-discovery and learning to love again.

This tour came at the perfect time as well, as I was in hospital after surgery and really couldn’t focus on reading, or holding up a book!

Jo used to be a musician and Caleb is a tour manager. Their paths weren’t meant to cross, they weren’t really ready for their paths to cross, but what happens when they do changes both Jo and Caleb in ways they didn’t expect.

Both of them struggle with their emotions, and what should be an simple work-relationship becomes a complicated, misunderstood sort-of friendship between the two. Neither Jo or Caleb are willing to admit they might have caught feelings, causing tensions to rise and the rest of the band to voice their opinions.

Jo is desperate to play music again. Caleb wants to see if he can ever fall in love. But they both need a little push in the right direction as their stubbornness stops them going after what they really want.

Touring across Europe for the summer, we follow Jo, Caleb and the band as they embrace the magic of music, friendship, love and fun.

This story is perfect for the lovers of grumpy x sunshine, one bed (sort of), slow burn vibes.

Thank you Hollie and Briana for having me on the tour! @novel.tours @brianajn.books 💞

[Christie Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes great love does come around twice in a lifetime.

What a stunning debut from Briana J. Newstead. This epic, character-driven love story will destroy your heart before Newstead expertly puts it back together. Jo and Caleb have deep wounds from past trauma, along with impenetrable walls of armor, but slowly, they begin to chip away at each other's defenses and heal themselves in the process. On top of this beautiful love story, the writing is breathtakingly lyrical. Newstead immerses the reader in the midst of a European concert tour, with vivid descriptions at every turn. And thanks to the magic of Audible Originals, we get to hear the music. This love story was truly brilliant and I cannot wait to see what Briana does next.

[Joanna HL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to Twice in a Lifetime as an audiobook and really enjoyed it. It’s told through multiple POVs and both narrators for the FMC and MMC were great and engaging, it made it really easy to listen to and feel connected to the characters.

The story is heartfelt in that quiet, healing way. There’s a slow-burn romance with lots of friendship, separate yearning, and real personal growth on both sides. I loved getting to know their backstories too, they added so much depth and made everything feel more meaningful. The whole love after loss theme really landed for me, especially those hidden wounds the characters are carrying.

It made me chuckle in places, gave me strong frenemies to lovers and second chance romance vibes, and was just a genuinely lovely listen overall. Easy to follow, emotional without being heavy, and perfect if you want something comforting with a bit of heart. Plus there's some music and singing through it which is always fun!

[Josh Thomson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly I found this book absolutely dull, if I was the kinda person who could DNF and get a good sleep it would of been in that pile but I have the need to finish a book much to my annoyance 🥲😅 I didnt find the relationship between the two main characters healthy and find them very toxic it’s as if they are just trauma bonding and the relationship is very bio polar one minute it’s aww I don’t want to be with her and the next he’s running to the next room to console her and make her feel safe I mean wtf pick a lane and stay in it; also the females voice started to grind my gears which just added to my annoyance

[Klarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was definitely one of the better Audible Original books I've listened to.
I appreciated that it was a romance with a little more depth and even length. I'm a sucker for the cliche romances and this one still follows, but it didn't feel quite the same to me. maybe part of that was the length (11 hours vs. 6-7 for most of them)
I also like the characters and their chemistry a lot. and for a first novel, I thought this was very well done!

Spice level - I say steamy rather than spicy. one scene that is semi-explicit.
language - several F-words and other langage but did not feel overwhelming

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something I particularly loved about Twice in a Lifetime was that music is at the very heart of it. Right beside the messy, deep, emotional character dynamics and edge-of-my-seat will they or won't they tension is a beautifully written exploration of rediscovering a passion for music and what music means to the characters involved. The book unfolds like the best song or album and is the kind of story that you will feel deep in your bones.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

The MLI doesn't deserve happiness and needs therapy. The FLI needed better friends. Also what happened to the brother/sister relationship that was somehow shifted after the incident? This was the only love story that I was horrified to see play out and was hoping they'd break up. The MLI never apologized for his actions even though he knew he was being awful, the closet we got was "do you forgive me?" Bruh what?

[M.J. Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, funny, heartbreaking, sexy…I can’t say enough wonderful things about Twice In A Lifetime. Briana is such a talented writer: her prose is lyrical, her characters feel like friends, and the story stays with you long after the book ends. I’m officially a fan girl and can’t wait to see what she writes next!

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5- I didn’t love this but it was decent. A heavy story about grief that overtakes life. I think I wanted more lighthearted and this was just really heavy a lot of the time which wasn’t doing it for me. I didn’t really care for the romance and am not sure I believed it but the grief plot and themes were strong and poignant