What do you think?
Rate this book
Twenty Something Else: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26On 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
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
Audible Audio
Expected publication June 1, 2026
101 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Mack
3 books100 followersStephanie 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
Let's Connect!
Email: stephanie@stephaniemack.com
Instagram: @stephanienmack
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephanienicolemack
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanienmack/
www.stephaniemack.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 27, 2025
•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•
{𝑻𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒍𝒔𝒆}
🩷 Release Date: June 9, 2026 🩷
.
.
.
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!
.
.
.
I received a complimentary arc from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
{𝑻𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒍𝒔𝒆}
🩷 Release Date: June 9, 2026 🩷
.
.
.
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!
.
.
.
I received a complimentary arc from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
October 17, 2025
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!!
November 30, 2025
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.
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.
November 29, 2025
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!
December 17, 2025
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.
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.
November 25, 2025
* 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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2026
What an exceptional story. On the brink of turning forty, Sutton—like so many of us—begins questioning whether the choices she’s made were the right ones. Then, after an unexpected pickleball to the face, she’s given the chance to see what life might have looked like if she’d chosen differently.
As an older woman, this story hit me right in the feels. I absolutely loved the direction the author took, exploring the tender, universal “what ifs” we all carry. Sutton is relatable and down-to-earth, grounded by faith and perseverance, which made her journey even more meaningful. This book truly made me reflect on my own life and feel grateful for how things turned out—even in spite of the opportunities I once thought I missed.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale for the complimentary ARC. I truly appreciate it.
As an older woman, this story hit me right in the feels. I absolutely loved the direction the author took, exploring the tender, universal “what ifs” we all carry. Sutton is relatable and down-to-earth, grounded by faith and perseverance, which made her journey even more meaningful. This book truly made me reflect on my own life and feel grateful for how things turned out—even in spite of the opportunities I once thought I missed.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale for the complimentary ARC. I truly appreciate it.
December 3, 2025
As her fourth decade approaches its end, a woman who appears to have it all is all too aware that appearances can be deceptive. So when an unexpected accident appears to offer an unimaginable opportunity, she faces some challenging questions.
And in the process, the reader is invited to consider that eternal question: if you had your life to live all over again, would you make the same choices?
This is an entertaining and relatable novel, and it gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
And in the process, the reader is invited to consider that eternal question: if you had your life to live all over again, would you make the same choices?
This is an entertaining and relatable novel, and it gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
November 21, 2025
Twenty Something Else by new to me author Stephanie Mack, published by Tyndale House Publishers is a women's fiction romance.
Sutton is a fourty-ish, married mother of three and everything is just fab. After an accident she wakes up and got the chance to re-visit her twenties, get a do-over.
Twenty Something Else is a witty and fun read with some lengths written by a passsionate storyteller. A preppy and upbeat story, 3.75 stars.
Sutton is a fourty-ish, married mother of three and everything is just fab. After an accident she wakes up and got the chance to re-visit her twenties, get a do-over.
Twenty Something Else is a witty and fun read with some lengths written by a passsionate storyteller. A preppy and upbeat story, 3.75 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4⭐ Twenty Something Else by Stephen Mack is about Sutton, a 40 ish year old mother of 3 who wakes up one morning and is suddenly in her 20s and is able to redo different things that occurred in her life. This book is funny and a true page turner! Highly recommend!
Thank you Netgalley and Tyndal House Publishing for the ARC opportunity this book will be published June 9th 2026!
Thank you Netgalley and Tyndal House Publishing for the ARC opportunity this book will be published June 9th 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I liked the pace of the book. And in some aspects it shows us what ifs can’t lead our life story for future.
It was a light read and keeps me interested while reading.
It was a light read and keeps me interested while reading.
December 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinion.
This book combines God, faith, love, friendships and second chances.
Our FMC, Sutton, is almost forty, married with three kids, with a husband she adores and a thriving business — but after a surprise DM from someone in her past sends her spiraling into what-ifs, she begins to ask herself: what if she settled down too young? Walked away from her big break? Never had her great adventure?
The fact that this book combines faith is just amazing. God is all-knowing; He knows every single thing. You might be having regrets, but be rest assured that you are on the right path!
The book further emphasized the importance of gratitude, be thankful. It might seem ordinary or small, but be grateful.
It was slow to get into, but I loved the message it passed across.
Thank you for the e-ARC.
This book combines God, faith, love, friendships and second chances.
Our FMC, Sutton, is almost forty, married with three kids, with a husband she adores and a thriving business — but after a surprise DM from someone in her past sends her spiraling into what-ifs, she begins to ask herself: what if she settled down too young? Walked away from her big break? Never had her great adventure?
The fact that this book combines faith is just amazing. God is all-knowing; He knows every single thing. You might be having regrets, but be rest assured that you are on the right path!
The book further emphasized the importance of gratitude, be thankful. It might seem ordinary or small, but be grateful.
It was slow to get into, but I loved the message it passed across.
Thank you for the e-ARC.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews