Twenty Something Else

by Stephanie Mack, Christine Lakin (Narrator)

On the eve of her fortieth birthday, a woman wakes up from a pickleball accident with the unexpected chance to relive her twenties in this sparkling novel from a fresh, new voice.

Sutton Layne is almost-forty and fabulous, with a happy marriage, three beautiful children, and a successful interior design business. But there’s plenty of chaos behind the scenes of early midlife. Her preteen son is going off the rails, her husband is bailing on the party he was supposed to throw her, and that thriving business? If she can’t land her next big client, it might all come crashing down. Then a surprise DM from someone in her past sends her spiraling into what-ifs. What if she settled down too young? Walked away from her big break? Never had her great adventure?

Despite her simmering mini-crisis, Sutton can’t wait for the birthday luncheon and pickleball tournament her friends have planned in her honor. But when an accident on the court knocks her out cold, she wakes up somewhere else . . . and is offered the chance to do it all over again. She can revisit her twenties―out of order and on her own terms. And this time around, anything cities, careers, friendships. Even love.

From star-studded Hollywood nights to the jungles of Nicaragua, from the heat of Coachella to the snowy summit of the Matterhorn, Sutton chases the life she fears she might have missed, with unexpected results.

With a wink to the classic It’s a Wonderful Life, Twenty Something Else is a witty, wistful journey through the dreams we outgrow, the life choices that shape us, and the surprising detours that can lead us home.

Clean and wholesome women’s fiction with themes of second chances, identity, friendship, and love Perfect for fans of Katherine Center, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and Courtney Walsh Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Time Travel, Contemporary

Audible Audio

Expected publication June 9, 2026

About the author

Stephanie Mack is an author with a passion for storytelling—on the page, on the mic, and beyond. Her novels blend women's fiction and romantic elements with meaningful insights for readers navigating the complexities of modern life. Stephanie lives in Orange County, California, with her husband, three daughters, and beloved mini Bernedoodle.

Let's Connect!

Email: stephanie@stephaniemack.com

Instagram: @stephanienmack

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephanienicolemack

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanienmack/

www.stephaniemack.com

Reviews

[Samantha | samanthakreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this one and thought the premise sounded fun, with a bit of 13 Going on 30 vibes, perfect for spring and summer.

Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work for me and felt a bit superficial and surface-level.

Some things rubbed me the wrong way. I thought the angel and second chance from God were a bit odd, and the interactions with men in the past timeline didn't quite sit right with me.

I got what the book’s message was trying to do, which is why I kept reading rather than DNF. It was hard to connect with a story about an FMC who had a great life yet was so unhappy and focused on the what-ifs. Within the story, there is a focus on appearance, including comments on beauty, looking young, and pop culture references to be relevant.

I've read and loved quite a few Tyndale books, and for me, this didn't quite feel like a book typically published by this company.

I thought the writing was good and enjoyed the narrator for the audiobook. The author is talented, and I would definitely try another one of her books in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale for the complimentary ARC/ALC copies. All thoughts are 100% my own.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•

{𝑻𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒍𝒔𝒆}

🩷 Release Date: June 9, 2026 🩷
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The premise of this book sounded incredibly intriguing to me—especially considering it was published by one of my favorite publishers—so I decided to give it a shot. Sadly, though, this story was not quite what I was hoping to find when I signed up for this ARC. While the pacing was very well done, and it kept my interest—for the most part—there were just too many aspects to the story that rubbed me the wrong way.

My number one complaint with this story is the way the second chance was presented as being a gift from God, presented by a redheaded angel. I personally feel like if you’re gonna include a unique storyline—such as going back in time—in a book, then don’t try to make it sound like God was giving the opportunity because we are only given one chance at life—unless you count recovering from a freak accident or such like as a second chance. I realize it’s simply a fictional story, but it just felt wrong (and weird) to present it this way—especially with the whole angel thing too.

Secondly, why was Sutton so unhappy with her life, but so unwilling to make the changes needed? That’s completely on her, and if she wants to make her life different or better, that’s also totally up to her to make those changes. None of this complaining about her family and husband and the way her life ended up. She chose to get married at twenty-two, which honestly isn’t even that young, and now she has a beautiful family. But she’s hounded by the thoughts of “what-if” and, therefore, goes on this whole journey to discover that—guess what—she actually does love her life.

It felt very icky that Sutton was carrying on with other men the way she was when she went back in time. I know in that timeline she wasn’t married yet, but she still was technically married, and it just felt so wrong to me. But if she was going to act as though she wasn’t married, why the cob did she keep insisting, in her mind, that she was x amount of years older than these men—since she was technically forty? She was only in her twenties in those timelines. Like, make it make sense!

With all that being said, would I recommend this book to other readers? Honestly…I’m not sure. I can recognize what this book was trying to teach, but I really didn’t appreciate the way it was brought about. I wasn’t able to enjoy it because of my concerns, but I don’t think they’ll be an overly big issue for everyone else. So if none of my concerns bother you, then go for it and see what you think of this story!
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I received a complimentary arc from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you wish you could go back in time to your younger self and possibly make some changes? I love time travel books and sometimes I wish I could!

Twenty Something Else by Stephanie Mack was a sharp thought-provoking book as readers journey with Sutton Layne as she travels back into her twenties on her 40th birthday. Our milestone birthdays can hit differently so I can see where Sutton had some struggles with that age.

As the book begins, life is stressful with her family and Sutton is facing her "big" birthday coming up. On the big day, Sutton plays in a pickle-ball tournament and luncheon in her honor for her special birthday. She gets hit by the ball which knocks her out. . .and she takes a trip back to her twenties, with an angel guiding her way. She goes back with the knowledge that things could be different this time. She works as an up-and-coming actress, teaches pre-school in Nicaragua, and attends Coachella. She has the chance to see how different relationships would have played out. She has to ask herself, does she really want the life she has now?

Twenty Something Else is one of my favorite reads this year. I thought this time travel book was well done and well thought out. I liked how Sutton learned and grew through the experiences. I could also imagine, as a middle-aged woman myself, how I would also look at my young body and marvel at how well it works and looks, which Sutton did. Another thing she marveled at was the changes in phone/internet usage through the years. So much of her thoughts and actions were realistic within the magic of the book to me. I think there were ways we all would act and reflect on these things to a degree if we were in her position. There is also some humor and I liked that. I think the ending was well done but I don't want to share any spoilers. I enjoyed Twenty Something Else and appreciate the way it made me think and reflect on my own life.

I received an advanced E-copy of this book through NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions are my own.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

As her fortieth birthday approaches, Sutton Layne is plagued by a subtle dread about the struggles of parenting teenagers, an aging body, and a disconnected marriage. A freak accident throws her into an alternate world where she gets to live out a number of what-might-have-been scenarios.

I loved a lot about this book. It was refreshing to read about a main character in her upper 30s, even as she came to grips with no longer being a "spring chicken." I enjoyed the reflective nature of the narrative, which looked honestly at regrets and the need to accept your past. There were subtle faith elements, the strongest of which handled effects of purity culture really well in my opinion. Last but not least, I think it showed a realistic portrayal of marriage over the long haul.

I have two main issues with the book. First, the middle dragged a bit. There were some storylines as she revisited her twenties that I felt could have been consolidated or at least shortened a bit. Second, (*tiny spoiler alert*) though I appreciated her realisation of contentment in her actual life, I would have loved to see a bit more hope through God's sovereignty discussed, rather than just happiness in her family.

This was a thought-provoking and tender story of learning to love the life you have, with some coming-of-age and magical realism themes mixed in. I would recommend for fans of The Midnight Library and The Good Part.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Tyndale House for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Madi unruh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh

First of all what a creative concept

I laughed, I teared up multiple times.

This will be one I think about for a long time ❤️

[Chelsea Crosswait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the ARC of Twenty Something Else! This book was so sweet to me. I loved the Christian themes woven throughout, even though I didn’t completely agree with the way some of them were portrayed. I moved through the story quickly and really appreciated the heart behind it. It’s emotional and thought-provoking, yet still easy to digest and simply enjoy. I’d definitely recommend this book & I look forward to reading more from Stephanie Mack!

[Allison Sanden · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining book about celebrating life while taking one back to moments of “what if’s”. Fast paced with moments of laughter and fun. If you’re in midlife or even younger this is a fun read that would yield some great discussion with friends!! Audio is fantastic!

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Tyndale House for this advanced audio copy.

If you could go back and live your life all over again would you make the same choices?

39 year old Sutton is on the eve of celebrating her milestone birthday of turning 40. She’s a millennial mom who was married at 22 and had kids by 26. She’s starting to question her life choices and if they really were wonderful ones then why is she feeling so weary and worn at this stage of her life?

She makes a birthday wish to be young again. “Not to merely feel loved, happy and free but to embody those definitions”.

You may have to suspend your belief as this is a time-traveling book complete with its own guide/angel very much like Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Sutton goes on a journey to discover “what might have been after all?”

Twenty-Something Else was fun and relatable. It’s full of wisdom and beautiful messages as well as tackles the weight of the “what ifs” we all carry. I loved the New York speech near the end- it gave me all the feels!There were so many memorable nuggets of wisdom and truth scattered throughout this book that made it such a heart warming read for me.

If you like time-travel books definitely give this a read!

[M.L. Sizemore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a lot of funny and deeply relatable moments about being in your 40s, raising kids, and reflecting on the choices that shape your life. I especially enjoyed the current-event references, which made the story feel contemporary and authentic. The audiobook narrator was excellent and added warmth and personality to the experience.
One of the strongest elements of the novel was its exploration of revisiting the past and imagining how differently we might handle pivotal moments with the wisdom and perspective we have now. I really connected with the narrator’s thoughts about lost love, wondering “what if,” and questioning whether you’re on the right path in life. Those emotions felt honest and recognizable, making the character easy to relate to.
I didn’t realize going in that this was a Christian novel, and I probably would not have picked it up had I known. While I don’t mind religious themes in books, it’s not typically what I gravitate toward. To the author’s credit, the messaging wasn’t overwhelmingly preachy at first, but as the story progressed, the religious overtones became much more prominent. Eventually, it began to feel like the biblical connections and lessons were taking priority over the actual plot.
There were still several standout moments I genuinely loved. The conversation between the narrator and her mother about her favorite age — and thanking her for loving her through every phase of life — was especially touching. And the line, “I almost got a boob job once,” completely caught me off guard and made me laugh out loud.
That said, the overall plot felt fairly predictable from the beginning. There wasn’t much mystery about where the story was headed, so the emotional journey sometimes felt less compelling because the ending seemed obvious early on. Around the 60% mark, I found myself losing interest, and if this hadn’t been an ARC, I likely would have stopped reading.
Overall, I think readers who enjoy gentle, faith-based women’s fiction with humor, family reflections, and a calm emotional journey will probably appreciate this book more than I did. The writing itself is solid, and there are meaningful, heartfelt moments throughout — I just wish the plot had been stronger and the religious messaging a bit more balanced

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Tyndale for the audiobook in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

First off, a small disclaimer: I am NOT even a tiny bit religious and most of the books I review are focused on the opposite of church, purity culture, and angels, so this book is out of my normal review wheelhouse. This book is unapologetically Christian.

Twenty Something Else takes the magical time travel trope and adds an angelic twist. Sutton gets hit in the head with a pickleball on the eve of her 40th birthday and wakes up in her twenties in California. I really enjoyed the moments with her friends, the romantic moments, and the early 00s nostalgia. The book manages to pepper in a lot of pop culture along with a lot of her faith.

The book cover, the writing style, and the audio narration were all really well done. I recommend this book to Christian readers and women’s fiction readers (especially women born in the mid 80s.)

[kenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for granting me free access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own*

Twenty Something Else by Stephanie Mack
3/5 Stars - Good
Read March 2026

Twenty Something Else is a unique read about self-discovering and living in the present (after, of course, visiting the past 😉)

Positive messages: 4/5
The main character has the chance to relive her life and choose the paths not taken. Older and wiser, she is able to encourage others in the way they should go. On her journey, she learns the importance of forgiveness, honesty, and friendship. She navigates difficult situations with confidence. Main themes include letting go of past hurts and living in the present—no regrets.

Characters
Positive role models: 3/5
Sutton, the main character, is relatable and motherly. The difference between her 20-year-old self and her 40-year-old self is drastic, but she still values the same things and wants to believe the best in others. Readers will root for her through it all.
Reid, Sutton’s husband, is supportive of her dreams and ideations. He’s a solid guy, and I loved him from the start.
Max, Sutton’s 13-year-old son…acts like a typical 13-year-old boy: yells “I have you” to his mom, leaves without saying goodbye, sneaks iPad time and *mild spoiler*makes himself a secret YouTube account...is your mind blown? I didn’t think so 😆
Maisy and Malone, Sutton’s twin daughters, are absolutely adorable and I loved them from the start. I could imagine their sweet singing voices as I read this book.
Quinn, a fun yet serious ER doc, is Sutton’s childhood best friend. She’s there for her no matter what. Her relationship with her husband, Alan, is complicated (readers assume that it was resolved later through time travel and words of advice while in previous lives), but she loves her daughter, Cat.
Sierra is another one of Sutton’s close friends. They talk about everything from parenting to good food. Her son, Crew, is close friends with Max. When she travels to the past, Sutton learns that her life as a young adult wasn’t easy from issues with drugs to unwanted pregnancies. It is unclear if this was just in “that life” or if it was in Sutton’s “real life”
Camilla, a friend of Sierra, Quinn, and Sutton, is the sweetest person ever. She’s constantly full of energy and love and is always there for her friends.
Colton and Ellie are some of Sutton’s co-workers in her “real life.”
Parker and Charlie are some of Sutton’s love interests/friends from her “other life.” Both are genuinely caring. Parker is a flirty yet sincere underwear model with hope for a job as an investor. Charlie is six years older than Sutton (at the time they meet). He is still healing from a broken relationship, and Sutton helps him.
Holden (least favorite character!) is a player. He sleeps with Sutton, promising to marry her, and then ghosts her. She finds him with another blonde a little bit later, and he doesn’t even apologize. Until, that is, a few years later when he comes and sincerely says he is sorry that he hurt her. He seems changed. She gives him another chance…but some people never change. So yes, I hated him.
*Please note that not all characters are listed*

Drinking, Drugs, and Smoking: 2/5
Characters drink at parties (sometimes to the point of drunkenness). Sutton finds one of her friends doing drugs (in another life) and encourages her to become sober.

Language: 0/5
None present (one thing I love about Stephanie’s books 🎉)

Violence, Gore, and Scariness: 1/5
A character gets hit in the face with a pickleball (swelling/pain is mentioned, but no serious injury). It is mentioned that a side character died in a character accident.

Sex, Romance, and Nudity: 2.5/5
Married couples flirt with each other. Some innuendo. Characters kiss. A main character talks about losing her virginity at a young age to the man who broke her heart. In Hollywood, a character refuses to sleep with a man, even if it is the way to get the part.

What You Should Know:
- - -pre-read- - -
I must say, I’m partial to this author (love her fun personality, writing style, and BLOG) so when I just found out I was approved for this book…let’s just say I may have gasped and grinned from ear-to-ear. If it lets down…I will be disappointed. But I’m hoping it doesn’t. In this life, that’s all that I can do for now: hope and pray 😊🤞
- - -post-read- - -
Well, this was certainly a read! My review is going to be all over the place, but that’s simply because this book was ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE.
**mild spoilers**THE PLOT: Sutton made a wish (when blowing out her candle on her birthday cake) to be young again. When she was knocked out (by a pickleball 🤪), she went to an unknown, mysterious, dream-like place. Balloons were set in front of her, each having a symbol and an age. There was an ‘angel’ of some sort who explained the rules: pop a balloon and you will go to that year of your life. Hold the pickleball for twenty seconds to come back. The quest will be over…?
…So from the start it was a little confusing and definitely a bit out-there 🤣
This was even before she went to the different parts of her life and said/did all sorts of things, some impacting her future and others…not…?
It was weird…unique…confusing…all the feels. There were positive messages, though, and the characters were sweet. I connected with some of them more than others.
I’m honestly not sure what to rate this one. It was well-written, but very confusing for me personally. I think it’s impossible for a time travel plot to be cohesive, though, so…🤷‍♀️I mean, it could’ve been a lot worse.
Overall…3 stars…? Not my fav, but not bad either. Stephanie Mack’s plots are always unique, and I do appreciate that. It’s hard to come up with an original read nowadays, so props to her 👏This was a fun (and odd, might I add) idea. Fully support.
Thanks again to the publisher for this incredible opportunity. Despite my critiques, I did enjoy this one. I admit—I may have giggled 🤷‍♀️😉
As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this book or any others that I have rated/reviewed, feel free to reach out to me in the comments section below this review or through my profile. 💗

Age Range Recommendation: 14+ A Fiction
TRIGGER WARNINGS/MATURE CONTENT: SEXUAL ASSAULT, BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS, MISCARRIAGE (SIDE CHARACTER), DRINKING/DRUGS, LOSS OF LOVED ONE(S)

*I AM NOT PERMITTED TO SHARE QUOTES UNTIL ARCHIVE DATE*

[Elizabeth Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books by Stephanie Mack! There’s something especially compelling about a novel that dares to ask the question most of us have wondered: What if I had chosen differently? In Twenty Something Else, Stephanie Mack takes that familiar midlife wondering and gives it a playful, magical realism twist—sending her almost-forty heroine back through the landscape of her twenties in a way that is both disorienting and enlightening.

Sutton Layne appears to have built, at first glance, a beautiful life: a stable marriage, three children, and a successful career. But the cracks are there, recognizable to anyone standing in that early midlife moment where everything feels both full and fragile. When a freak pickleball accident opens the door to revisiting her past—out of order and with new awareness—the story leans into a premise that is undeniably tricky. It's hard to go back in time, and then forward a little, and then back even further. It's hard to keep straight who would know what at which point. So, the reader has to be willing to put aside some skepticism.

But if you’re willing to enter that imaginative space, the reward is a novel that is far less about mechanics than it is about meaning.

What Mack does particularly well is anchor the story in emotional truth. Sutton’s reflections—on her younger self, her body, her ambitions, her relationships—feel honest in a way that cuts through the high-concept structure. There is a gentle but persistent challenge to the instinct to romanticize the past. The “what-ifs” may occasionally stretch plausibility, but the feelings beneath them rarely do.

The novel also opens up thoughtful terrain around culture and identity: the shifting norms of technology, the subtle pressures of vanity, and the deeper question of what makes a friendship—or a life—endure. There is an especially nuanced thread exploring purity culture and faith. These elements are present but not heavy-handed, woven quietly into Sutton’s journey rather than driving it, allowing space for reflection rather than prescription.

At its core, though, this is a marriage story—and that’s where Mack’s strengths shine most clearly. Sutton’s relationship with her husband is not idealized. It is lived-in, occasionally strained, and deeply recognizable. The possibility of “falling in love again” is handled not through grand gestures, but through the slow realization of what has always been there, waiting to be seen more clearly.

Twenty Something Else is ultimately a tender, introspective novel about learning to live forward instead of backward. It invites readers to consider the lives they didn’t choose—but then gently, persuasively, leads them back to the one they did, with a renewed sense of gratitude and clarity. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Crystal Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a novel that feels both entirely fresh and deeply familiar—one that makes you laugh, pause, and quietly reexamine your own life—this is it.

Twenty Something Else is more than a clever premise. It’s a mirror. One that reflects the quiet, often unspoken questions so many women carry: Did I choose right? What did I miss? Who would I be if I had done it differently? Through Sutton Layne, we don’t just explore those questions—we live them.

What makes this story exceptional is how grounded it feels, even within its imaginative framework. Sutton is not a caricature of midlife crisis; she is layered, raw, and deeply relatable. The tension between gratitude and restlessness is handled with precision. You feel her love for her life… and her curiosity about the ones she didn’t choose. That duality is where the book shines.

The narrative moves with ease—effortless, engaging, and emotionally intelligent. It takes you from glamorous highs to introspective lows without ever losing its footing. And while the concept could easily become indulgent or overly sentimental, it never does. Instead, it lands somewhere far more powerful: honest.

What stayed with me most wasn’t just the creativity of revisiting past paths—it was the quiet, steady reminder woven throughout: the life in front of us, the people we love, the moments we often rush past… they are the point. Regret doesn’t lead anywhere meaningful. Presence does.

I laughed. I teared up more than once. And I found myself thinking long after I turned the final page.

This is the kind of book you recommend immediately—to friends, to book clubs, to anyone who has ever wondered if there was more, or different, or better. It’s thought-provoking without being heavy, insightful without being preachy, and incredibly easy to read while still leaving a lasting impact.

If you’re looking for something you haven’t read before, something that makes you feel seen in both the beautiful and the mundane, something that gently shifts your perspective back to what matters most—read this.

You won’t just enjoy it. You’ll carry it with you.

[Vicie L. Moran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC—always grateful for an early peek 📚✨

20-Something Else opens with a delightfully unhinged premise: a pickleball accident sends a deeply dissatisfied 40-something woman spiraling back into pivotal moments of her 20s. What unfolds is part Time Traveler’s Wife, part reflective life do-over, as she revisits old versions of herself—offering wisdom, questioning choices, and slowly realizing her future wasn’t the disappointment she thought it was. The friendships were a standout—those soul-deep, laugh-until-you-cry relationships that anchor her through every version of herself and remind her who she really is.

The absolute cutest thread, though? Her frantic, almost desperate mission to find her husband during each trip back. Every voyage becomes a mad dash to locate him, to make sure their love still exists in every timeline. And then—the shocker—when she finally finds him engaged to someone else. Cue heartbreak. Cue panic. Cue the moment he runs after her, convinced he knows her deep down in his bones, even when he can’t explain how. That scene? Easily the emotional high point of the book and the reason I kept turning pages.

She begins the story unhappy with everything—her marriage, her kids, her body, her Botox, her life—but through these time jumps she rediscovers her confidence, her career, and the pride she ultimately feels in the life she built, even when motherhood is exhausting and imperfect. The pacing worked well, but the faith-based elements—God, church, and a red-haired angel offering second chances—felt unevenly introduced. I kept wishing the spiritual foundation had been clearer upfront so those moments felt more intentional and grounded.

Overall, it’s a heartfelt, friendship-forward, romantic, and reflective story with some genuinely beautiful moments—but it just didn’t fully land for me. A thoughtful 3-star read that had flashes of magic, even if it didn’t completely stick the landing.

[Emma Hazeldean · Rating 3 out of 5]

* Thank you so much to Tyndale and Netgalley for the ARC!*

Whilst the premise: a time-traveling almost-forty-year-old, felt very unbelievable, there were parts of this novel that made it worth suspending my disbelief. In many ways I could relate with Sutton, our protagonist. I also married and had children young and at 41 I'm not going to pretend I haven't wondered where alternate paths could have taken me, outside of marriage and motherhood. I love that this book explores the different paths, relationship and friendship possibilities, and ultimately bring Sutton to the realisation that she actually wouldn't change anything at all. I did also like the way faith was woven throughout.

A couple of gripes: the emphasis placed on the outward appearance of everyone. EVERYONE without exception, is movie-star gorgeous, including Sutton's grandma, who's compared to Audrey Hepburn. It's jarring and a bit gag-worthy. Also, everyone is very wealthy and, particularly at the beginning of the book I spent a lot of time rolling my eyes and kind of disliking Sutton's shallowness. Maybe this was intentional, to show some kind of internal transformation? But other than her deciding in the end that, maybe botox just wasn't for her, I'm not sure it landed all that well. It was just a bit icky in terms of white privilege - even when her and Quinn were 'doing it tough' in LA, they still had a perfectly furnished apartment and designer handbags.
The 'lessons' she was learning along the way just felt quite heavy handed - they could have been a lot more subtle and they might have had a bit more impact.

Aside from these, I think I just enjoyed it because it was relatable, and fun to imagine myself in all of the different shoes I could have worn in my own 'sliding doors' moments of life. And, it was lighthearted and easy to read and overall fairly enjoyable.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book strongly captured that familiar “wait…is this adulthood?” feeling. It speaks to the season of life where you have checked the boxes you believed you were supposed to check, yet still feel unsettled. As a working mom who raised five wonderful humans and who still feels like I am figuring things out, I connected with the pressure the story places on having life mapped out and neatly planned. Stephanie Mack’s writing is approachable and easy to sink into.

That said, this was a mixed reading experience overall. While the premise is engaging, the story takes time to fully settle into itself, and my engagement fluctuated as a result. The pacing is uneven. The middle portion lingers longer than necessary, causing the narrative to lose momentum, while other moments that deserved deeper exploration moved too quickly. Several plot threads were introduced with promise but not developed as fully as they could have been, leaving parts of the story feeling underexplored.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was a notable strength of the experience. Her performance added nuance to the characters and helped maintain momentum during slower sections. Emotional scenes were handled effectively, and the dialogue felt natural and engaging through her delivery.


Overall, this is a solid, character‑driven novel with humor and heart that did not fully come together at the level I hoped for. Readers who enjoy reflective stories centered on personal growth and evolving relationships will likely appreciate it more than I did. While it is not a standout favorite for me, it was still a worthwhile experience.

★★★1/2

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put, this book was truly unlike anything I've read in a very long time, maybe ever. In some ways, this story brought to mind a reverse 13 Going on 30 or a modern take on It's a Wonderful Life, yet it was also completely unique as well. We meet Sutton as she's about to turn 40 and questioning the choices she's made in her life. After a pickleball accident, she finds herself presented with a unique opportunity: a chance to go back and relive her 20s, but with different choices made. As someone who is just a little younger than Sutton (38 going on 39 in a few months), I loved the nostalgia that this book made me feel with its mentions of the changes in technology, pop culture references and such. I didn't always agree with all of Sutton's choices as she traveled back to these moments, but I did enjoy going along for the journey. That being said, I could see where this one might not be everyone's cup of tea with its unique way of taking on time travel and the need to suspend some belief to really enjoy the story. Personally though, I really enjoyed this one. It was fun, yes, but it also had some great messages that I think will have many readers reflecting on their own lives and marriages. This is the first book I have read from this author, and I find myself looking forward to reading more.

Twenty Something Else is a Chistian women's fiction novel with some romance. There are only kisses on the page, but there are discussions of intimacy both inside and outside of marriage (to include some mention of purity culture, which I thought was handled really well).

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Megan Toofan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance listening copy of Twenty Something Else from the author as part of the street team. This is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this one! I loved the concept of exploring what I believe is a very natural curiosity and question that comes up at different stages in our lives about our choices and paths not taken. The time-slip element was a fun and interesting way for Sutton to reflect on her life, and I loved getting glimpses of different paths she could have taken. There were moments that genuinely made me laugh, and others that were more emotional as she revisited experiences she either missed out on or sees differently with the perspective of being older.

Sutton is a thoughtful and caring character, and I appreciated how she shows up for the people around her in each version of her life. There is a strong element of friendship in this book, spanning decades, that was really heartfelt.

I did find myself wanting a bit more depth in certain areas, particularly around some character motivations and resolutions. One element I wished had been explored further was the idea that with every path we choose, we inevitably close the door on others and with that, comes some loss. While Sutton gets to experience different possibilities, those weren’t truly part of her lived reality, and I would have loved to see more reflection on that and acknowledgement of the wins and losses that come with choices.

I highly recommend this on audio. The narrator was SO good and brought Sutton to life!

[Lyon.Brit.andthebookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Report: Twenty Something Else by Stephanie Mack

On the eve of her 40th birthday Sutton Layne is juggling the beautiful chaos of early midlife…a struggling business…a son testing boundaries…a husband dropping the ball and a surprise DM that stirs up all the what ifs. But after a pickleball accident knocks her out cold…she wakes up with the chance to revisit her twenties…out of order & on her own terms.

With a Sliding Doors meets It’s a Wonderful Life vibe Twenty Something Else is nostalgic and so perfectly written for the millennial girlies…which feels especially fitting since I stepped into my 40th year myself🥹💛

As a longtime Stephanie Mack fan (from When We Blinked to Suing Cinderella and now her first traditional release!) this one felt like such a full circle moment. Her voice is still sharp and heartfelt but there’s a depth here that really lingered. The questions about…

⏰timing
💖ambition
🌼motherhood
📖and the lives we think we might have missed?

So relatable.

And I have to say…the conversations between mothers…daughters and grandmothers had me pausing with my whole heart full. Those were the moments that truly stayed with me🤍

Thank you Tyndale House Audiobooks for the ALC

Releases 6/9

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[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
0 Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Clean)
4 Audio 🎧🎧🎧 (Solo)

Contains magical realism.

First off, the book cover is GORGEOUS. The premise was very interesting, writing is easy to slip into and I understand what the overall message was supposed to convey. UNFORTUNATELY I absolutely detest the cheating trope. And I’m sorry but even though the guardian angel said it doesn’t count as cheating because it’s a different time line and she’s “supposed to explore different possibilities”, it’s still very much cheating (both emotional, and physically going on dates and making out with a man that isn’t her husband).

Many story lines were brought up not fully explored. The faith elements were strangely brought up and so conflicting with her actions and follow up decisions. Her problems didn’t feel like real problems and it was all internal (her husband is by her own omission perfect and sweet just that they needed to sit down and have a conversation). She acknowledged that she knew of the gross stuff happening with producers in Hollywood and was still shocked about the stuff happening.

I just really wish there was no cheating (emotional or otherwise) OR at least that she would have felt guilty and repenting about it.

Thank you to NetGally and Tyndale for the ALC copy. All my thoughts are my own and completely honest.

[Kelly van den Brink | Life Between Chapters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale House Audiobooks for the ALC—these are my honest thoughts.

This book was an easy 6⭐️ read for me. I absolutely loved it!
Twenty Something Else by Stephanie Mack hooked me right away. I’m a sucker for the “what could have been” / second chance trope, and this one did it so well. The whole idea of going back and revisiting your twenties could’ve felt gimmicky, but it actually felt really meaningful and fresh.
Sutton was such a relatable main character. I felt so invested in her journey and all the different versions of her life she got to experience. It wasn’t about changing the past, it was about figuring out who she really is and what actually matters, which I loved.
This book really hits that bittersweet feeling of looking back on your twenties: the messiness, the growth, the mistakes, the love, all of it. It honestly made me reflect on my own life and how even the smallest decisions can shape everything.
It had such a good balance too: funny, emotional, and super thought-provoking without ever feeling heavy. I laughed, I teared up, and it definitely made me think.

If you’ve ever wondered “what if I chose differently?” or thought about the road not taken, this book will hit you right in the feels.

Highly recommend, especially on audio!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m between 4 and 5 stars!

This time-travel story felt both imaginative and surprisingly grounding! The plot is thoughtfully crafted, but what really stood out was how it nudged me to pause and reflect on my own life along the way. The main character’s journey is full of growth, and her reactions feel authentic—even within the magical realism. (Which, when done right like this, is one of my favorite things to read.)

There’s a great balance of tone here, too. The humor is sprinkled in naturally and lands at just the right moments, without taking away from the more heartfelt, emotional beats. Those quieter moments really shine, especially with the faith-based themes subtly threaded throughout the story, adding depth without feeling heavy-handed.

The audiobook experience elevated it even more—Christine Lakin brings Sutton to life in such a vivid, engaging way. Her narration feels intentional, expressive, and completely immersive.

By the end of the story, everything comes together in a way that feels both satisfying and earned. Overall, this was a heartfelt, funny, and memorable read that will stick with me!

** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **

[Mandy Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I felt every. single. page. of this book. We won’t talk about the number of times I cried while reading this.

As a 45 year old wife and mom, I have, on more than one occasion, wondered what life would have been like had I not married at 21, or if I had taken a different career path, or even not moved in high school and stayed with my best friend and finished my last year there. This book let me explore that from a fictional point of view.

At the stage of life I am in (the 40’s) we spend a lot of time self-reflecting and continually figuring out our identity. My life paralleled a lot of Sutton’s (the main character). She married at 22 and had her kids at 26 and 29. I married at 21 and had mine at 24 and 28. I totally related to her struggles with her job and marriage. I almost felt like this book was speaking directly to me.

As a Christian I appreciated Stephanie incorporating her faith and how it shapes us and how it direct our lives. It’s SO refreshing to read a book (and from an author) who isn’t afraid to weave this in unapologetically.

This is one I am definitely recommending to all of my friends. I appreciate Stephanie, NetGalley, and Tyndale House Publishing for allowing me have an advanced copy to read and review!

[Andrea Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I have a new favorite book! As a recent 40 year old, I related to so many aspects of this character it was scary! What is it about 40 that makes us turn introspective and reflect on all of our life choices? I also have always loved the concept that we have versions of ourselves from every age living inside us at the present.

The narrator brings this story to life perfectly!

When I began this book, I worried it would come across as preachy- "Be grateful for what you have" but nothing could have been further from the truth. The Christian truths are perfectly placed and interwoven into the overall story in an organic way.

I felt like I was hanging out with an old friend each time I read any of this. As someone who feels about her friends the same way the main character does, I loved how her core friends were present at every life option she experienced. I loved all of the nostalgic references. I also loved that her experience did change the outcome of her present (trying not to give away too much here.) I can't wait to read more by this author. I've told all of my friends this is a must-read!

*Thank you for choosing me as an ARC for this book!

[Crystal books_inthewild · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a refreshing take on the “what if I could go back?” story. I loved it!

Sutton, on the edge of forty, gets the chance to revisit her twenties, but not in a linear way. She chooses specific moments to return to, which made the story feel really engaging and kept me so curious about what she would explore next and why.

What stood out most to me was the faith representation. Sutton is a Christian, and we see her live that out in a way that feels genuine and grounded. It is not perfect or preachy. It shows the ups, the doubts, the mistakes, and the quiet reflection. That kind of portrayal feels meaningful and honest.

The story also balances fun, travel, and deeper reflection really well. From big, adventurous moments to quieter realizations, it explores identity, friendship, marriage, motherhood, and the paths we take. I loved how it ultimately points back to appreciating the life you have, while still honoring the curiosity about the roads not taken.

A thoughtful, unique spin on a familiar trope with heart, faith, and plenty to reflect on. I will definitely recommend this one- and hope to read more by Stephanie Mack! ❤️

[Szilvi_Tamas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this book really excited because the concept sounded so intriguing—a 40-year-old mother, Sutton, gets a chance from an angel to go back in time and make different choices.

However, I struggled to connect with Sutton as a character. Her life at 40 didn’t seem all that bad, yet she was so focused on wanting to be young again and relive her twenties. Honestly, there were more pressing issues in her present life—like her son openly saying he hates her. Instead of confronting that and having a serious conversation, she seemed more concerned thinking about her old crash contacting her on Facebook.

I do understand the message the book was trying to convey. Sutton’s journey ultimately leads her to realize what truly matters, and there is a meaningful takeaway about appreciating the life you have.
Overall, a great premise with an important message, but the main character and the way the story developed made it hard for me to fully enjoy.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[terezija ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book’s premise and found myself especially drawn to our main character, Sutton. She was compelling from the start, and I felt genuinely invested in her journey. The pacing worked really well for me too — it kept me engaged without ever feeling rushed or dragging.
The main (and honestly only) reason I’m settling on 4 stars is because I wasn’t particularly fond of the Christian references that were sprinkled throughout the book.
They felt somewhat random at times and, for me personally, took away from Sutton’s character arc. I saw her as a strong, capable woman whose growth and accomplishments stood firmly on their own, so having much of that attributed to God felt a bit disappointing and unnecessary.
That said, the book carries a powerful message about loss. It explores a question most of us have asked ourselves at some point: if we had the chance to go back in time, what would we change?
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an early copy of the audiobook — the narrator was fantastic and truly elevated the experience.

[Kristen Lothian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the idea of this book. The concept of getting a second chance to revisit your twenties and make different choices is so intriguing, and I went in expecting an emotional, thought-provoking journey. There were definitely moments where the message about appreciating the life you have came through, and I could see what the author was trying to do. But overall, it just didn’t fully land for me.

As a mom, I had a really hard time connecting with Sutton. The idea of wanting to explore a completely different life, even temporarily, felt unrealistic to me because there is zero part of me that would ever consider a version of life without my kids. That disconnect made it difficult to stay invested in her choices and her journey. While I appreciated the underlying themes of gratitude and self-reflection, the execution and main character just didn’t resonate, which ultimately took away from what could have been a really powerful story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of the audiobook.

[Abigail Arnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

From the very first chapter, this book completely pulled me in—it gave all the 13 going on 30 vibes, and I was here for it. This story really resonated with me. It made me reflect on those “what if” moments- what life might look like if I had made different choices.

The main character was incredibly likable, and the narrator truly brought her to life in a way that felt authentic and engaging. I especially appreciate that, even while wondering about alternative paths, she never tore down her husband. Instead, she continued to recognize and honor that he was a good man, which added a lot of depth and maturity to the story.

I initially picked this book up because of its beautiful cover, but found so much more—a wholesome, nostalgic story with meaningful religious elements thoughtful woven throughout. I absolutely adored it!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy. All opinions are my own.

I really liked the concept of Twenty Something Else. Being in my 40s, I’ve definitely had those thoughts of what it would be like to go back to my 20s or even just look the way I did back then. While reading, I kept picturing myself at that age and trying to remember what I was doing in that season of life, which made it feel really relatable.
I liked this book, but I wouldn’t say I loved it. I honestly think it had more potential, and I kept wanting it to go a little deeper with such a fun idea.
The one thing that didn’t really sit right with me was how much drinking and talking about drinking there was. I know that won’t bother everyone, but it stood out to me more than I would have liked.
Overall, I still enjoyed it, mostly because the whole idea of getting a chance to revisit that younger version of yourself is something I think a lot of us in our 40s can connect with.