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. It felt a bit superficial and surface-level.

Some things rubbed me the wrong way. I thought the angel and second chance from God were odd, and the interactions with men in the past timeline didn't sit right with me, impacting my ability to enjoy the story.

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 enjoyed the narrator of the audiobook, and I would try another one of Stephanie's 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

[Abby | Life Giving Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale Publishing for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

With her 40th birthday quickly approaching, Sutton Layne, who is happily married with three children and a successful career, has a bit of a mid-life crisis when she receives a text from a college ex-boyfriend that causes her to reflect on how her life could have turned out differently. What if she hadn't gotten married at twenty-two? What if she hadn't had children at twenty-six? When Sutton is injured during a pickleball game at her 40th birthday party, she is given the opportunity to return to her twenties and experience the life she could have had if she'd made different choices.

Honestly, I'm not sure exactly how to rate this book. I can see why it would appeal to certain audiences. I think most people have at some point thought back on their lives and wondered how things could have been different if other choices had been made. However, this book didn't quite hit the mark for me.

I found it odd that an angel was supposedly sent by God to guide Sutton to revisit past times in her life and make different choices. The relationships she pursued with men when she went back in time also didn't sit well with me, considering that she was still married in her true life. While yes, the story did explain that she technically wasn't married in the past, Sutton repeatedly acknowledged she was, in reality, a forty-year-old married woman. I would have felt differently had she simply seen what her life could have been, but she was actively making these decisions. It just felt strange that this was supposed to be a second chance from God.

I did appreciate that she was given the opportunity to learn to value all she had in her life with her husband and children, and I did enjoy the ending. I also respect any author who chooses to write a book that is clean in regards to language and spice. I'm sure there are many readers who will love this fun, light-hearted story about second chances, but it wasn't a favorite for me.

Content considerations:
-Language: none
-Spice: Some kissing
-Mention of death in car accident, not descriptive

[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.)

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sutton lives a privileged life. Gorgeous, successful husband, 3 kids in private school and her own budding interior design business. It’s easy to think “how could she be unhappy” but the reality of life is that no matter your circumstances, we can all lose sight of how good we really have it. It’s easy to focus on the negatives and to get bogged down in the minutia of our day to day lives, especially as the years roll on.

So when she gets the chance to revisit her 20’s and explore alternative realities that never played out in her current life, we get to go on that journey of discovery with her.

I found this book entertaining and so many of the “I’m turning forty” mid-life crisis moments to be really relatable. Who are we still, deep inside, when we’re not mom or wife? Have the choices we’ve made in our lives been the right ones?

If you loved 13 going on thirty or freaky Friday, you’ll love the heart and joyride of this book. The entire time I imagined Sutton as Elle Woods, if Elle was an almost 40, married mom in the middle of a pre-birthday life crisis.

Thanks for the ARC and chance to read this early!

[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*

[Ava Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some things, I'm starting to realize, we can learn only one way. Through.

Four stars!!

Twenty Something Else had some of my favorite tropes, the coolest storyline, and such a pretty cover!

As Sutton, on the brink of turning 40, reflects on her past 39 years, she is presented with an opportunity to revisit her 20s with the wisdom she has in the present. She returns to 20-year-old Sutton, taking a break from her stagnant marriage, irritated kids, and ache of the loss of one of her friends, and gets to explore her past circumstances: a toxic relationship, the college scene, a chance at acting, and the development of her close friendships. However, as she dives deeper into her 20s, she begins to realize how much she misses her family. But the only way she can get back to them is to come to the true conclusion that the life she currently lives is better than any alternate path she could have taken.

Sutton has the chance to see what could have been. How does it compare to what God gave her?

How can I forget something I can't remember?

This book was absolutely gripping in a contemporary sort of way. Sutton was not only constantly faced with the conflict of jumping into a scenario with no prior knowledge, but she also had to completely reevaluate her vocabulary and habits being that she traveled back in time. There were a lot of references to present pop culture, which I know not everyone appreciates, but I personally enjoyed it and thought that it totally added to the story (Benson Boone, Britney Spears, 2020 toilet paper, etc).

Sutton had the chance to go back and pursue relationships that she wouldn't have gotten to pursue otherwise, which taught her a lot about herself and also about her contentment in her present marriage. At first, I was a little wary about the fact that she was dating so many people in these situations, but she never truly fell in love with them, which I think the author handled well in order to protect the importance of marriage and dating. Instead, it pointed back to her love for her present-day husband.

"In the February when I'm thirty-six years old, and news breaks out of a mysterious virus detected in Asia..." he parrots.
"Buy toilet paper," I say. "Buy lots--and lots--of toilet paper."

The author also incorporated incredible Christian themes without being preachy. She touched on purity and redemption, the power of friendship, loving people well, the importance of church, and the goodness of God's plan.

There were some great role model characters in this story, and Sutton truly had amazing sidekicks who helped her navigate something so insane.

"But you choose your path. You trust God to direct it. Then you celebrate wins. Mourn the heartaches. And you love your people enough to let them keep dreaming forever."

I would recommend this to older teenagers and adults enjoy the show The Way Home and who love:
- hollywood settings
- country club moms
- time travel
- sweet friendships
- chasing down a cheating boyfriend at coachella
- sorority scenes

"It's almost like you have amnesia."
Astute, dear Rachel. Impressive.

Content to note:
Twenty Something Else is a Christian novel, and all topics below are handled well. However, for younger audiences or those sensitive to these topics, here are the content warnings.
- alcohol, intoxicated characters, and mild substance use
- occasional sexual references
- attempted sexual assault, though it remains implied, and nothing really happens
- romance, not beyond kissing

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[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.

[Lila'sbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐ (round down for goodreads)

🥎🎈🎂🥎🎈🎂🥎🎈🎂🥎🎈🎂🥎🎈🎂🥎🎈🎂🥎🎈🎂🥎

Thank you NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this audiobook book!
Unfortunately, this book wasn't really for me. It's a good book, don't get me wrong, but it just didn't hit right for me.

This book follows Sutton on the eve of her 40th birthday where she gets knocked out in a pickleball accident. Instead of waking up on the pickleball court, Sutton is given the chance to relive her 20s (which is what she wished for earlier that day) but this time, she doesn't meet her husband at 21 years old and, by default, doesn't have her kids.

The premise of this is quite creative and interesting. It definitely left me wanting to find out more about how Sutton would relive her 20s. Sadly, it was executed in a way that I was super obsessed with.

Because this is a Christian book, it was said that God is the one who sent Sutton back in time and an angel was Sutton's vaguely-helpful guide. Now, I believe that if God wanted to, He could do that because He is all powerful, however, the whole situation didn't really seem in line with God's character. This was especially apparent in how Sutton was told by the angel that she is fine to date and explore other relationships while reliving her 20s. I understand that Sutton wasn't technically married in this timeline, however she was still the same person and I just don't feel like God would completely disregard Sutton's marriage based off of how marriage is talked about in God's Word. That's just my personal opinion and you're free to disagree, however that whole situation rubbed me the wrong way.

Another thing that I wasn't crazy about is how Sutton was so dissatisfied with her life and marriage at 40 when she had a good life and the power to repair her marriage if she wanted to. Maybe I just don't understand though because my life doesn't look like that. Also there was too many pop culture references.

I know I said some negative things about this book but I did enjoy parts of it. However, it wasn't for me overall. Maybe if you relate to Sutton and her situation you would enjoy this book better than I did. Regardless, I can't say I really recommend this book.

🥎🎈🎂🥎🎈🎂🥎🎈🎂🥎🎈🎂🥎🎈🎂🥎🎈🎂🥎🎈🎂🥎

Recommended age: 15+ due to some topics discussed that were more on the adult side.


I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are 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.

[Rachel Trout · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏓Pickleball, Pink, and Poignancy💖

I requested this book on Netgalley because I'm a chronic definitely-judges-books-by-their-covers person, and this one was even more lovely on the inside than the cover was!

At first it seemed like this was going to have a Thirteen Going on Thirty feel to it, but it was actually more comparable to It's a Wonderful Life. The story was perfectly paced, with an immersive setting and stunning attention to detail. I enjoyed each part of the book on its own and how each moved the overall story forward.

In the first bit of the book, I wasn't sure if I liked the MC, Sutton. She is days away from turning 40, and in a bit of a crisis about it. At first I found myself judging her perceived selfishness, but as I kept reading, I found myself relating to her more and more. By the middle of the book, her alternate experiences had me tearing up; by the end I was full-on crying.

Stephanie has woven in words so many elements of aging, the passing of time, and the overall female experience that so many of us feel, but can never quite express. This book isn't just about the discontent Sutton feels with her marriage and family, but also about all of the parents, grandparents, and friends who do life along side us. This story beautifully portrays the treasure of those relationships as well as their impact on our sense of self.

Some reviewers don't appreciate that God was an element in this story when He doesn't "work that way" in giving us a chance to relive or do over, but that is the beauty of fiction. It offers us the opportunity to flesh out the what-ifs, and (hopefully) gain the perspective that Sutton does: that life truly is a wonderful gift from God.

Thank you Stephanie Mack for such a bright and beautiful, fun yet poignant story.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. The opinions expressed above are completely my own.

[Courtney (lostintheliterature) · Rating 5 out of 5]

•Vibe: multi dimensions x time travel x second chance life
•Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book!! I had never heard of Stephanie Mack before this, but I want to read everything she puts out from now on! This was like my dream in book format 😂 I often think about if I could go back to my younger years with the knowledge and character what would I change and do differently? There were so many nostalgic moments in here for millennials — the clothing, the music, the lifestyle. And I know we all look back and we realize we were so harsh on our younger selves when we could have been gentler and more loving, or we didn’t realize what we had and now it’s not the same. This book brings up all the feelings. Stephanie Mack also did a great job threading God and a Christian lifestyle into this without it sounding like everything we’ve already heard; it was refreshing and grace filled. I would definitely recommend!

•Snapshot: Sutton is almost forty. Somewhere along the way her marriage began feeling stagnant, her relationship with her three teenaged kids became disconnected, her career as an interior designer started going down hill and losing money while trying to stay relevant next to younger competition. She’s tired, she’s unhappy, and she just wishes she could be young again. And she gets her wish. After a pickleball accident on the eve of her 40th birthday, she wakes up in a room in the in between and is given the chance to revisit any year in her twenties in any order. She can visit each year for as long as she wants, and then return to the room. If she decides she prefers that life to her current one then she can stay and live out the rest of her years in that dimension. However, she can only return to present time, her husband, and 3 kids if she is absolutely certain with her mind, heart, and soul that her old life is in fact what she wants.

•Narration: Christine Lakin 💯
•Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up

[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.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this story. A thirty-nine-year-old woman, on the verge of turning forty, begins questioning whether she moved too quickly through life in her twenties. After an accident at her birthday pickleball tournament, she’s given the chance to relive that decade. It sounded like such a fun and thought-provoking read. There are times I find I often think back to my twenties and what significant events were taking place in my life during this time.

Unfortunately, the execution didn’t fully work for me. The story moved very slowly at times, and the transitions between scenes often felt choppy. I found myself rereading several sections because I was confused about what was happening or how we got from one moment to the next.

I also struggled with the FMC and her unhappiness with her life. While I understand and appreciate stories that explore regret and dissatisfaction, I felt frustrated that she rarely took initiative to create change for herself. Personal growth usually requires action, and I wanted to see more effort from her rather than waiting for life to magically improve. I was also unsure how I felt about the “second chance” being framed as a gift from God, as that aspect felt a little unclear and underdeveloped to me.

Going in, I was hoping for more 13 Going on 30 vibes, but I personally didn’t get that feeling from the story.

That said, I can still see this book resonating with other readers, especially those who enjoy reflective women’s fiction with faith-based themes. It just wasn’t quite my cup of tea.

Thank you to NetGalley, Stephanie Mack, and Tyndale House Publishers for the ARC. All thoughts 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!

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Twenty Something Else, a fun contemporary fiction novel with magical realism and time travel story elements. Sutton lives in Newport Beach, California, and she’s only days away from her dreaded fortieth birthday. She married young, had children young, and wishes she was young again.

When Sutton is knocked out cold during a pickleball game, she’s transported to an alternate version of her life and has the opportunity to relive her twenties. The catch is her husband and children don’t exist as she navigates different stages in her twenty something life.

I loved journeying with Sutton and discovering how she handled tricky and unexpected situations with the benefit of future knowledge and wisdom from her life experiences. There were consequences for her decisions, both good and bad, depending on her choices. The big question she’s facing is how can she find her way home and what will her old life look like when she returns.

Sutton’s faith is challenged when she’s forced to deal with situations that wouldn’t have taken place if she’d met and married her husband in her early twenties. The story explores forgiveness themes, the importance of truth, and letting go of bitterness.

I recommend Twenty Something Else to contemporary fiction readers who like women’s friendship and magical realism stories with time travel, second chances, romantic elements, drama, and strong faith themes.

Many thanks to Tyndale and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Daily devoted drops are what make love into an ocean."

This is my first book by Stephanie Mack and I am completely hooked. Sutton's funny, self-deprecating, self-aware, dramatic first person voice was the perfect vehicle for this poignant time-traveling journey. As a mom, wife, daughter, and a professional, I understood Sutton at her core and deeply appreciated her struggles, hopes, dreams and soul-stirring questions. As Sutton travelled through snippets of her twenties, I wondered with her what I would have done differently. I loved how Sutton was the same loyal, kind, wholesome, resilient, creative, effervescent person throughout the book. Her ability to forgive, improvise, and connect with people astounded me. I also loved the secondary characters I met along the way, especially Parker and Charlie. Her best friend Quinn was a solid rock Sutton needed through these time jumps.
The busyness, the monotony, and pressures of every day life can dull us to the blessings and dreams around us and I am incredibly thankful for this book and for Sutton's reminder to keep working at our relationships and speak our gratitude daily while supporting and shooting for those dreams.

It's a well-written women's fiction that will have you thinking long after you've put the book down. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers via Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[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!