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In This Life or Another
On the brink of death, a man comes to terms with the life he lived versus the one he never pursued in an emotionally rich novel of parallel lives, redemption, and finding purpose.
On the eve of his sixtieth birthday, mechanic Rusty Wilson takes a bullet to save the patrons of a small-town Colorado diner—and awakens to a strange realm between life and death.
However, he finds that this limbo is not the end. There are still choices to be made and a lifetime to review. Paths open for a man who believes the life he did live was one of disappointments, grief, and devastating family estrangements. Given a chance to experience an alternate reality, Rusty is visited by figures from his past and present, sees what could have been if he had pursued a woman he loved from afar, and confronts a family secret that shaped everything. Now it’s Rusty’s choice: accept the imperfect existence he knew, or the what-if that could still be his.
At the heart of this poignant exploration of mortality, memory, and second chances is the profoundly simple What makes a life truly meaningful?
On the eve of his sixtieth birthday, mechanic Rusty Wilson takes a bullet to save the patrons of a small-town Colorado diner—and awakens to a strange realm between life and death.
However, he finds that this limbo is not the end. There are still choices to be made and a lifetime to review. Paths open for a man who believes the life he did live was one of disappointments, grief, and devastating family estrangements. Given a chance to experience an alternate reality, Rusty is visited by figures from his past and present, sees what could have been if he had pursued a woman he loved from afar, and confronts a family secret that shaped everything. Now it’s Rusty’s choice: accept the imperfect existence he knew, or the what-if that could still be his.
At the heart of this poignant exploration of mortality, memory, and second chances is the profoundly simple What makes a life truly meaningful?
317 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2026
About the author
Melissa Payne
13 books754 followersMelissa Payne is the bestselling author of five novels, including The Wild Road Home and A Light in the Forest. After an early career raising money for nonprofit organizations, Melissa began dreaming about becoming a published author and wrote her first novel. Her stories feature small mountain towns with characters searching for redemption, love, and second chances. They have been three-time Colorado Book Award finalists and Colorado Authors League 2020 and 2023 winners for mainstream fiction. Her upcoming novel, In the Beautiful Dark, will be released April 22, 2025. Melissa lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her husband and three children, a friendly mutt, a very loud cat, and the occasional bear. For more information, visit www.melissapayneauthor.com or find her on Instagram @melissapayne_writes.
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September 10, 2026
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⭐⭐⭐⭐
In This Life or Another
Melissa Payne
Publication Date: September 8th, 2026
Lake Union Publishing
317 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Women's Fiction
This story mixes magical realism with the drama of life’s second chances. The day before his 60th birthday (I just turned 60 six weeks ago!), Rusty takes a bullet during a diner robbery. Instead of dying, he wakes up in a magical world between life and death. Estranged from his family, Rusty has many regrets and "what ifs" to examine. He gets to see the life he would have had if he had gone after the woman he loved, and he learns the truth behind a secret that ruined his family alongside other paths he did not take. Rusty has to face what a sad existence he lived compared to these perfect alternatives, and now he must decide whether to return to his old life with forgiveness or step into an unknown future.
This story asks: what if the most terrible day of your life opened a door to all the different lives you could have had? It was a deeply heartbreaking read, yet poignant and uplifting in equal measure. "What ifs" are always interesting to read about, and family drama and dynamics are my favourite kind of story. I liked that this one had a male protagonist—it was a refreshing point of view, and the added touch of romance was lovely.
The author showed how resilience is needed to heal from the past, especially where trauma is concerned. Rusty was hard to like at the start, but the emotional depth of the story made me see him in a new light. Payne’s ability to create flawed, very human characters makes them feel authentic. I understood that she was trying to show how our choices persist through the years, and the way she balanced out the heart-wrenching moments with hopefulness kept me invested in the outcome.
Even though some of the plot developments were a bit predictable, especially towards the end, I found this read to be empathetic and comforting about finding your way home—wherever or with whomever that may be. Overall, this was a super compelling, character-driven story. I was a big fan.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Goodreads ratings reflect reader demographics and
popular enthusiasm rather than objective literary merit.
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In This Life or Another
Melissa Payne
Publication Date: September 8th, 2026
Lake Union Publishing
317 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Women's Fiction
This story mixes magical realism with the drama of life’s second chances. The day before his 60th birthday (I just turned 60 six weeks ago!), Rusty takes a bullet during a diner robbery. Instead of dying, he wakes up in a magical world between life and death. Estranged from his family, Rusty has many regrets and "what ifs" to examine. He gets to see the life he would have had if he had gone after the woman he loved, and he learns the truth behind a secret that ruined his family alongside other paths he did not take. Rusty has to face what a sad existence he lived compared to these perfect alternatives, and now he must decide whether to return to his old life with forgiveness or step into an unknown future.
This story asks: what if the most terrible day of your life opened a door to all the different lives you could have had? It was a deeply heartbreaking read, yet poignant and uplifting in equal measure. "What ifs" are always interesting to read about, and family drama and dynamics are my favourite kind of story. I liked that this one had a male protagonist—it was a refreshing point of view, and the added touch of romance was lovely.
The author showed how resilience is needed to heal from the past, especially where trauma is concerned. Rusty was hard to like at the start, but the emotional depth of the story made me see him in a new light. Payne’s ability to create flawed, very human characters makes them feel authentic. I understood that she was trying to show how our choices persist through the years, and the way she balanced out the heart-wrenching moments with hopefulness kept me invested in the outcome.
Even though some of the plot developments were a bit predictable, especially towards the end, I found this read to be empathetic and comforting about finding your way home—wherever or with whomever that may be. Overall, this was a super compelling, character-driven story. I was a big fan.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Goodreads ratings reflect reader demographics and
popular enthusiasm rather than objective literary merit.
September 8, 2026
Rusty Wilson is having a strange day. For one thing, he has been shot. For another, he is now speaking to a turtle.
On the day before his sixtieth birthday, the lonely mechanic tries to be a hero by placing himself between a desperate young man with a gun and a woman Rusty has always cared for. He awakens in a surreal space between life and death, where a shelled guide named Ike leads him through the life he lived as well as the life he might have lived.
Rusty’s journey begins with the childhood fire that killed his brother, Gus, and nearly claimed Rusty’s life as well. His brother’s death has shaped nearly every choice Rusty has made since, but revisiting the past allows him to see moments he never fully understood as a grieving child who had been denied the complete truth.
He also witnesses an alternate life in which he followed the path he believed would make his father proud. As one might expect, some parts of this other existence are better and others are worse. What proves most revealing, however, is how Rusty’s understanding of his original life changes once he views it with greater clarity and compassion.
These glimpses are deeply emotional, demonstrating how one seemingly simple moment can alter the trajectory of an entire life. Rusty encounters his late mother, his former boss Pete, and others who have passed in and out of his existence. It is a tremendous amount of grief for one person to confront in quick succession, but Ike provides welcome moments of humor between Rusty’s fragmented and often disorienting journeys through what was and what might have been.
The story recalls It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, and other tales in which a character must examine the meaning of a life from beyond its ordinary boundaries. Yet Rusty’s experiences invite broader questions about how memory, perspective, and the choices we make shape the stories we tell about ourselves. I envisioned the novel as a dreamlike film drifting artistically from one scene to the next, suspended somewhere between waking and sleep.
Paul Bellantoni delivers another emotionally resonant performance, capturing the sorrow, bewilderment, and vulnerability demanded by Rusty’s near-death experience. The movement between Rusty’s original and alternate timelines can occasionally be difficult to follow in the audiobook and may be clearer in print. At the same time, some of that confusion complements the setting: If there is an in-between where someone hovers between life and death, I imagine it might feel much like this perplexing hiatus.
Although I felt certain portions could have been shortened while others might have benefited from further development, the novel’s emotional impact remains. In This Life or Another is a poignant, surreal exploration of grief, regret, sacrifice, and the deceptive simplicity of wondering what might have been. It should appeal to readers who enjoy reflective stories about second chances, alternate lives, and ordinary people discovering the significance of the lives they have led.
In the space between life and death, one man must decide whether to change his life, keep the one he has, or move on to the afterlife as a hero.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
On the day before his sixtieth birthday, the lonely mechanic tries to be a hero by placing himself between a desperate young man with a gun and a woman Rusty has always cared for. He awakens in a surreal space between life and death, where a shelled guide named Ike leads him through the life he lived as well as the life he might have lived.
Rusty’s journey begins with the childhood fire that killed his brother, Gus, and nearly claimed Rusty’s life as well. His brother’s death has shaped nearly every choice Rusty has made since, but revisiting the past allows him to see moments he never fully understood as a grieving child who had been denied the complete truth.
He also witnesses an alternate life in which he followed the path he believed would make his father proud. As one might expect, some parts of this other existence are better and others are worse. What proves most revealing, however, is how Rusty’s understanding of his original life changes once he views it with greater clarity and compassion.
These glimpses are deeply emotional, demonstrating how one seemingly simple moment can alter the trajectory of an entire life. Rusty encounters his late mother, his former boss Pete, and others who have passed in and out of his existence. It is a tremendous amount of grief for one person to confront in quick succession, but Ike provides welcome moments of humor between Rusty’s fragmented and often disorienting journeys through what was and what might have been.
The story recalls It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, and other tales in which a character must examine the meaning of a life from beyond its ordinary boundaries. Yet Rusty’s experiences invite broader questions about how memory, perspective, and the choices we make shape the stories we tell about ourselves. I envisioned the novel as a dreamlike film drifting artistically from one scene to the next, suspended somewhere between waking and sleep.
Paul Bellantoni delivers another emotionally resonant performance, capturing the sorrow, bewilderment, and vulnerability demanded by Rusty’s near-death experience. The movement between Rusty’s original and alternate timelines can occasionally be difficult to follow in the audiobook and may be clearer in print. At the same time, some of that confusion complements the setting: If there is an in-between where someone hovers between life and death, I imagine it might feel much like this perplexing hiatus.
Although I felt certain portions could have been shortened while others might have benefited from further development, the novel’s emotional impact remains. In This Life or Another is a poignant, surreal exploration of grief, regret, sacrifice, and the deceptive simplicity of wondering what might have been. It should appeal to readers who enjoy reflective stories about second chances, alternate lives, and ordinary people discovering the significance of the lives they have led.
In the space between life and death, one man must decide whether to change his life, keep the one he has, or move on to the afterlife as a hero.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The description sounded sooo good, so I had to get it! A man is in between life and death and his life flashes before his eyes with a lot of regrets.
I think this subject is familiar to a lot of people as lots of people have what-ifs and regrets that they wonder about. Are they doing enough in life? Should they have taken a different path?
I think this book shows that even if you took a different path, it doesn’t necessarily mean you would be happier. Some parts of your life might be better, but some might be worse. There is no perfect path in life.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but the 2nd half felt repetitive and slow. Really great concept that got me thinking about life and my own choices though. I also really loved the turtle. 3.5 rounded up.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I think this subject is familiar to a lot of people as lots of people have what-ifs and regrets that they wonder about. Are they doing enough in life? Should they have taken a different path?
I think this book shows that even if you took a different path, it doesn’t necessarily mean you would be happier. Some parts of your life might be better, but some might be worse. There is no perfect path in life.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but the 2nd half felt repetitive and slow. Really great concept that got me thinking about life and my own choices though. I also really loved the turtle. 3.5 rounded up.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2026
The night before his 60th birthday, Rusty awakens on the floor of the Salt Lick diner to a talking turtle named Ike - the one he rescued on the highway just a little while ago. Rusty was shot trying to protect the people in the restaurant- and is now stuck in a realm between the living and the dead. Ike tells Rusty he’s a hero and when Rusty says he’d like to move on, Ike tells him there’s still choices to make and things to review. He’s in the “in-between.”
Rusty goes on a journey of revisiting memories, events, people and feelings of his past, stuck in the diner with Ike the talking turtle in the in-between. Soon others from his life begin to visit him in the diner and he’s presented visions of what his life could have been if he made different choices. But is that life really better than the one he lived?
In This Life or Another is a window into a man being forced to confront all of the beautiful and painful moments of his life and decisions he made, as he searches for resolution, truth and acceptance in the life he’s lived.
The concept of this story urged me to pick it up and Melissa Payne really executed it beautifully. She weaves a tapestry of emotions - fears, regrets, grief, love, and choices into a poignant journey of a man’s examination of his life.
Rusty goes on a journey of revisiting memories, events, people and feelings of his past, stuck in the diner with Ike the talking turtle in the in-between. Soon others from his life begin to visit him in the diner and he’s presented visions of what his life could have been if he made different choices. But is that life really better than the one he lived?
In This Life or Another is a window into a man being forced to confront all of the beautiful and painful moments of his life and decisions he made, as he searches for resolution, truth and acceptance in the life he’s lived.
The concept of this story urged me to pick it up and Melissa Payne really executed it beautifully. She weaves a tapestry of emotions - fears, regrets, grief, love, and choices into a poignant journey of a man’s examination of his life.
September 15, 2026
A little magic, a lot of heart.
Mix a little magical realism, a touch of The Midnight Library, and a whole lot of heart, and you get Melissa Payne’s latest novel, set in a small town amidst a cast of irresistible characters.
Front and center is Rusty Wilson, a kind, salt-of-the-earth man who has spent his life trying to live up to expectations - his own and those of the people around him. When one heroic act puts his life in danger, he finds himself in a strange space between life and death, where he is forced to confront the trajectory of his life and the roads not taken. What follows is a journey through Rusty’s past and present, as well as an alternate reality in which he made very different choices.
The small-town setting works incredibly well and exudes plenty of charm and nostalgia, while Rusty’s character development is nicely done. The real standouts, however, are the side characters - especially Ike 🐢, who absolutely stole the show for me. Payne has created a wonderfully eclectic cast of people who make this little community feel like a place you could actually wander into and never quite want to leave.
The plot moves quite a bit between Rusty’s past, his present (much of which is spent in that in-between realm), and his alternate life. I enjoyed all three threads, but I did find myself wishing for a little less back-and-forth, particularly during the first two-thirds of the book. Spending more time in each storyline before jumping to the next would have allowed the narrative to flow more naturally and made it easier to settle into the emotional moments.
The novel also feels familiar at times, and some of the developments are fairly predictable. But ultimately, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Payne’s strength lies less in surprising the reader than in telling a compassionate, emotionally resonant story about ordinary people and the choices that shape their lives.
In This Life or Another is a story about second, third, and twentieth chances; about regrets and acts of kindness, loss and forgiveness, and the countless little decisions that make up a life. It’s a novel full of heart, populated by unforgettable characters, and a lovely reminder that while there is no such thing as a life without regrets, the life we have can still be a meaningful one.
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
„In This Life or Another“ was published on September 8, 2026, and is available now.
Mix a little magical realism, a touch of The Midnight Library, and a whole lot of heart, and you get Melissa Payne’s latest novel, set in a small town amidst a cast of irresistible characters.
Front and center is Rusty Wilson, a kind, salt-of-the-earth man who has spent his life trying to live up to expectations - his own and those of the people around him. When one heroic act puts his life in danger, he finds himself in a strange space between life and death, where he is forced to confront the trajectory of his life and the roads not taken. What follows is a journey through Rusty’s past and present, as well as an alternate reality in which he made very different choices.
The small-town setting works incredibly well and exudes plenty of charm and nostalgia, while Rusty’s character development is nicely done. The real standouts, however, are the side characters - especially Ike 🐢, who absolutely stole the show for me. Payne has created a wonderfully eclectic cast of people who make this little community feel like a place you could actually wander into and never quite want to leave.
The plot moves quite a bit between Rusty’s past, his present (much of which is spent in that in-between realm), and his alternate life. I enjoyed all three threads, but I did find myself wishing for a little less back-and-forth, particularly during the first two-thirds of the book. Spending more time in each storyline before jumping to the next would have allowed the narrative to flow more naturally and made it easier to settle into the emotional moments.
The novel also feels familiar at times, and some of the developments are fairly predictable. But ultimately, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Payne’s strength lies less in surprising the reader than in telling a compassionate, emotionally resonant story about ordinary people and the choices that shape their lives.
In This Life or Another is a story about second, third, and twentieth chances; about regrets and acts of kindness, loss and forgiveness, and the countless little decisions that make up a life. It’s a novel full of heart, populated by unforgettable characters, and a lovely reminder that while there is no such thing as a life without regrets, the life we have can still be a meaningful one.
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
„In This Life or Another“ was published on September 8, 2026, and is available now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book Title: In This Life or Another
Author: Melissa Payne
Publishers: Lake Union Publishing + Brilliance Audio
Pub Date: September 8, 2026
Dates Listened: August 31, 2026 – September 2, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: I have been reading Melissa Payne since her debut novel, and it has been such a fun experience seeing the way she has progressed as a writer. Once again, she brought us something fresh and interesting with In This Life or Another, and I loved this take on the idea of humans leading parallel lives. You get thrown into the action right from the start, and I thought it was great that we got to learn about Rusty through his conversations in the in-between, as well as the various paths his life would have taken had he made different decisions. Sometimes it was a frustrating experience, which made it entirely relatable at the same time. I sure have wondered what if at times, and this was a beautiful way to explore that idea through fiction. I teared up multiple times, and my heart was filled to the brim at the end. This will take you on an emotional journey that is 100% worth the ride.
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: Paul Bellantoni did an incredible job narrating the audio, and I’m certain that he elevated my experience with the book. His different voices for all the characters, including Ike the turtle, were spot on, and he made listening a true joy. There were times I had a harder time hearing him, so I had to turn the volume up, then down, but I am chalking that up to it being an ALC as opposed to the finished version. That being said, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all, and even if the finished version were like that, I would still listen to it again and again. 🥰
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🚫
I received a complimentary copy of this book as well as an advanced listening copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author: Melissa Payne
Publishers: Lake Union Publishing + Brilliance Audio
Pub Date: September 8, 2026
Dates Listened: August 31, 2026 – September 2, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: I have been reading Melissa Payne since her debut novel, and it has been such a fun experience seeing the way she has progressed as a writer. Once again, she brought us something fresh and interesting with In This Life or Another, and I loved this take on the idea of humans leading parallel lives. You get thrown into the action right from the start, and I thought it was great that we got to learn about Rusty through his conversations in the in-between, as well as the various paths his life would have taken had he made different decisions. Sometimes it was a frustrating experience, which made it entirely relatable at the same time. I sure have wondered what if at times, and this was a beautiful way to explore that idea through fiction. I teared up multiple times, and my heart was filled to the brim at the end. This will take you on an emotional journey that is 100% worth the ride.
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: Paul Bellantoni did an incredible job narrating the audio, and I’m certain that he elevated my experience with the book. His different voices for all the characters, including Ike the turtle, were spot on, and he made listening a true joy. There were times I had a harder time hearing him, so I had to turn the volume up, then down, but I am chalking that up to it being an ALC as opposed to the finished version. That being said, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all, and even if the finished version were like that, I would still listen to it again and again. 🥰
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🚫
I received a complimentary copy of this book as well as an advanced listening copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 26, 2026
This is my very first book by Melissa Payne and I devoured it !!!! It’s an emotional story about a mechanic, Rusty, on the eve of his 60th birthday who takes a bullet to save others in the diner BUT he comes to terms with life he lived versus another life IF he lived it a different way. I loved all the characters and everything about this book. I can’t wait to read more books by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release. To be published September 8, 2026.
September 15, 2026
This book hit me in a much more emotional place than I was expecting.
At its heart, In This Life or Another is about all of those “what ifs” we carry with us. What if I had made a different choice? What if I had taken another path? What if I could go back and change the moments I regret? Rusty is forced to look at the life he lived, the people he loved, the people he lost, and all the choices that brought him to where he is. And some of those moments absolutely hurt.
What I loved most was the reminder that we can spend so much time mourning the life we think we should have lived that we fail to see the meaning in the life we actually have. Sometimes the smallest choices, the quietest acts of love, and the moments we don't even realize matter can leave the biggest impact.
There were parts that moved a little slower for me, which is ultimately what kept this from being a five-star read, but emotionally? This one landed. By the end, I wasn't just thinking about Rusty's choices—I was thinking about my own.
A beautiful, bittersweet story about grief, regret, second chances, family, and what it really means to have lived a life that mattered.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Solid 4 stars.
This is one of those books that makes you close it and sit with your own life for a minute. ❤️
At its heart, In This Life or Another is about all of those “what ifs” we carry with us. What if I had made a different choice? What if I had taken another path? What if I could go back and change the moments I regret? Rusty is forced to look at the life he lived, the people he loved, the people he lost, and all the choices that brought him to where he is. And some of those moments absolutely hurt.
What I loved most was the reminder that we can spend so much time mourning the life we think we should have lived that we fail to see the meaning in the life we actually have. Sometimes the smallest choices, the quietest acts of love, and the moments we don't even realize matter can leave the biggest impact.
There were parts that moved a little slower for me, which is ultimately what kept this from being a five-star read, but emotionally? This one landed. By the end, I wasn't just thinking about Rusty's choices—I was thinking about my own.
A beautiful, bittersweet story about grief, regret, second chances, family, and what it really means to have lived a life that mattered.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Solid 4 stars.
This is one of those books that makes you close it and sit with your own life for a minute. ❤️
September 12, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Melissa Payne for the ARC of In This Life or Another!
This is available now!
What a surprising and wonderful story! This book follows Rusty, who finds himself caught between life and death after an accident. Told across multiple timelines and universes, Rusty reflects on a life he feels didn’t live up to his own expectations. He’s divorced, his business is failing, he’s experienced loss, and he carries strained relationships with both his loved ones and his father.
Alongside a turtle he picked up before his accident, Rusty journeys through his memories and explores where things may have gone wrong. An alternate universe shows him a different path of one where he may have been more successful from the outside, but was he actually a better person?
I really loved the way this story explored perspective and how easily we can judge our lives based on one version of the story. The portrayal of grief was especially beautiful. The story shows how differently people cope with loss and how grief can affect not only the person experiencing it, but everyone around them.
I also loved the exploration of parent-child relationships and how easily children can internalize their parents’ words and actions, carrying those insecurities into adulthood without realizing how much they may have become like the people who shaped them.
This is a slower-paced story, but it was exactly the genre change I needed. I thought the way everything came together at the end was incredibly well done.
This is available now!
What a surprising and wonderful story! This book follows Rusty, who finds himself caught between life and death after an accident. Told across multiple timelines and universes, Rusty reflects on a life he feels didn’t live up to his own expectations. He’s divorced, his business is failing, he’s experienced loss, and he carries strained relationships with both his loved ones and his father.
Alongside a turtle he picked up before his accident, Rusty journeys through his memories and explores where things may have gone wrong. An alternate universe shows him a different path of one where he may have been more successful from the outside, but was he actually a better person?
I really loved the way this story explored perspective and how easily we can judge our lives based on one version of the story. The portrayal of grief was especially beautiful. The story shows how differently people cope with loss and how grief can affect not only the person experiencing it, but everyone around them.
I also loved the exploration of parent-child relationships and how easily children can internalize their parents’ words and actions, carrying those insecurities into adulthood without realizing how much they may have become like the people who shaped them.
This is a slower-paced story, but it was exactly the genre change I needed. I thought the way everything came together at the end was incredibly well done.
September 19, 2026
If someone told me that I had read a book about a talking turtle who is guiding a man (who has been shot) through a recap of his life, I would deny reading that book. But, I happened, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable story.
Marty gets shot, the night before his 60th birthday. Marty has not lived a happy life, he lost his brother at a very young age and he feels he has not lived up to his father's expectations. He is a man with very low self-esteem. As Marty is hovering between life and death, a talking turtle named Ike guides him through what his life could have been. Ike is significant, it is not random. It is a variation of the theme of It's A Wonderful Life.
Even though this all sounds a little strange, it actually works. The reader visits Marty at different stages of what his life could have been. Marty starts out quite gruff, grumpy and unlikable but turns out to be a good person. Ike is a very honest and blunt turtle.
Towards the end, the story is a little over the top. A few too many coincidences. But, I can accept that, as it ends as a “feel good” story. In these tense times, it is a good armchair getaway.
I was originally drawn to this book by another reviewer whose reading tastes are similar to mine. But, as soon as I saw the cover, I knew I had to read it. I often judge a book by its cover and so far that has worked out for me.
September 13, 2026
{3.5 stars}
Thanks Lake Union Publishing for gifted access via NetGalley. All opinions below are my own.
This was a story in the vein of A Christmas Carol or It's a Wonderful Life, Rusty has a moment where his life splits into before and after and he is shown what his life would have been like if he had made different choices. We come to find out he's had many moments where everything could have been different. A childhood trauma really framed his whole life, throughout many losses and life choices, he questions everything and thinks maybe his life would have been better with a different set of choices.
I liked a lot about this story. Rusty was very likable and his choices one way or the other actually made him even more likable. I liked the structure of the in between with Ike, the turtle, and the alternate Rusty's. I think the way it was building I expected more of a reveal or a twist or a revelation in the end than what we got. It was still a good story if you like a bit of introspection but for me there wasn't the moment of intergalactic oneness that I hoped for in the end.
Thanks Lake Union Publishing for gifted access via NetGalley. All opinions below are my own.
This was a story in the vein of A Christmas Carol or It's a Wonderful Life, Rusty has a moment where his life splits into before and after and he is shown what his life would have been like if he had made different choices. We come to find out he's had many moments where everything could have been different. A childhood trauma really framed his whole life, throughout many losses and life choices, he questions everything and thinks maybe his life would have been better with a different set of choices.
I liked a lot about this story. Rusty was very likable and his choices one way or the other actually made him even more likable. I liked the structure of the in between with Ike, the turtle, and the alternate Rusty's. I think the way it was building I expected more of a reveal or a twist or a revelation in the end than what we got. It was still a good story if you like a bit of introspection but for me there wasn't the moment of intergalactic oneness that I hoped for in the end.
September 8, 2026
4.5⭐️ but rounded up here because it deserves it!
This one takes you on a thought-provoking journey, and I really enjoyed the ride!
When Rusty is on the brink of death after taking a bullet to save the other patrons in a diner, he finds himself in a strange purgatory where he’s forced to face the life he lived, the decisions he made, and an alternate reality where different choices could have changed everything.
I really hope this book gets the hype it deserves. It’s a beautiful, well-written story that explores choices, consequences, and acceptance, with everything coming full circle in the end. This would make such a great book club pick because there’s so much to unpack and discuss. My biggest takeaway was that sometimes everything happens the way it’s supposed to—and the hardest part is learning to accept it.
🎧 Paul Bellantoni does a fantastic job with the narration, bringing all the emotion and depth of the story to life.
Thought-provoking, emotional, and one that will leave you thinking about it after it’s over.
This one takes you on a thought-provoking journey, and I really enjoyed the ride!
When Rusty is on the brink of death after taking a bullet to save the other patrons in a diner, he finds himself in a strange purgatory where he’s forced to face the life he lived, the decisions he made, and an alternate reality where different choices could have changed everything.
I really hope this book gets the hype it deserves. It’s a beautiful, well-written story that explores choices, consequences, and acceptance, with everything coming full circle in the end. This would make such a great book club pick because there’s so much to unpack and discuss. My biggest takeaway was that sometimes everything happens the way it’s supposed to—and the hardest part is learning to accept it.
🎧 Paul Bellantoni does a fantastic job with the narration, bringing all the emotion and depth of the story to life.
Thought-provoking, emotional, and one that will leave you thinking about it after it’s over.
September 7, 2026
Ike is hands-down the best character in this book. And I have an Uncle Rusty, so naturally that’s who I pictured as the main character the entire time!
The premise—dying or almost dying and getting the chance to see the “what ifs” of your life—isn’t exactly a new one, but this was still an enjoyable and emotional take on the idea. What really stood out to me was the exploration of grief and the ways it can shape your life, your choices, and your relationships.
I’ve enjoyed this author’s books in the past, and this one was another good one. Heartwarming, emotional, and ultimately a lovely read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. Publication date: September 8, 2026.
The premise—dying or almost dying and getting the chance to see the “what ifs” of your life—isn’t exactly a new one, but this was still an enjoyable and emotional take on the idea. What really stood out to me was the exploration of grief and the ways it can shape your life, your choices, and your relationships.
I’ve enjoyed this author’s books in the past, and this one was another good one. Heartwarming, emotional, and ultimately a lovely read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. Publication date: September 8, 2026.
September 6, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. I devoured this in one sitting started it late at night and couldn’t put it down. This is my first book by this Author and she did not disappoint. This was such a great storyline Rusty was forced to confront his demons and all his beautiful memories. This is such a heartfelt book that makes you feel all the emotions. Such a great read!!
“On the brink of death, a man comes to terms with the life he lived versus the one he never pursued in an emotionally rich novel of parallel lives, redemption, and finding purpose.”
“On the brink of death, a man comes to terms with the life he lived versus the one he never pursued in an emotionally rich novel of parallel lives, redemption, and finding purpose.”
September 23, 2026
What a great read!
I had a little difficulty getting into this book at the start, but SO glad I kept going. The concept is intriguing, bizarre, thought provoking, and humorous all rolled into one. It had me wondering for many chapters just how it would end, no spoilers here.
Payne is a masterful writer. This book of hers will no doubt make many readers take serious stock. This reader is starting that journey right now.
I had a little difficulty getting into this book at the start, but SO glad I kept going. The concept is intriguing, bizarre, thought provoking, and humorous all rolled into one. It had me wondering for many chapters just how it would end, no spoilers here.
Payne is a masterful writer. This book of hers will no doubt make many readers take serious stock. This reader is starting that journey right now.
August 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC (Advanced Listener Copy). As always, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Tropes: Second Chances • Older Protagonists (50s–60s)
Format: Non-Linear • Single POV
Listening Speed: 1.25x
Length: 9 hrs. 43 mins.
Content Warnings: Child Loss • Parent Loss • Divorce • Gun Violence • Grief
I’m giving this book 4.5 stars because it was such a sweet, feel-good story about second chances, the choices we make, and all the what-ifs life can bring.
Paul Bellantoni did a great job as the narrator. I really enjoyed how he gave each character a distinct voice, which made it easy to follow who was speaking without ever feeling confusing. His narration also fit the tone of the story really well and made the listening experience even more enjoyable.
The story follows Rusty, who, just hours before turning 60, gets shot while trying to stop a robbery at Yvonne’s café. Earlier that day, Rusty had found a letter his father had written to his deceased brother, Gus, and it reopened a wound he had carried his entire life. Rusty has always felt like his father wished Gus had survived instead of him. After all, Gus saved Rusty from a fire when Rusty was just a toddler, sacrificing his own life in the process.
Because Rusty was only two when Gus died, he has just one short memory of his brother and he has spent much of his life carrying guilt and resentment surrounding his death because how does he not remember the person who saved him and how can he live a life worthy of his brother giving his life up for him.
On the day everything changes, Rusty also saves a turtle, Ike, who is crossing the road. He tucks Ike into his shirt pocket and heads to Yvonne’s café, where he’s finally planning to ask her out. But before he can get the words out, the café is held up at gunpoint. Rusty tries to stop the robbery and is shot instead.
When Rusty wakes up in the in-between, he discovers that Ike the turtle can now talk, apparently hear his thoughts, and is a hilariously witty little thing.😂 From there, we travel back through different stages of Rusty’s life as he gets the chance to see how things might have turned out if he had made different choices or taken different paths.
I absolutely loved Ike! He was full of wisdom, and honestly, he reminded me so much of Marcellus from Remarkably Bright Creatures. 🐢❤️
As Rusty moves through the in-between, he begins to realize that so many of the things he believed about his life and the people he loved weren’t necessarily true. He gets the opportunity to see his life from a completely different perspective and, in doing so, learns to appreciate himself, accept who he is, and understand his father in a way he never could before.
I really loved the message that sometimes all it takes is looking at our lives through a different lens to realize that the story we’ve been telling ourselves may not be the whole story.
Rusty gets a second chance; not just at life, but at forgiveness, love, family, and himself. And at 61 years old, he finally gets his happily ever after. 🥹❤️
Favorite Quote:
“Grief can make you uproot yourself or dig your roots in deeper.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC (Advanced Listener Copy). As always, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Tropes: Second Chances • Older Protagonists (50s–60s)
Format: Non-Linear • Single POV
Listening Speed: 1.25x
Length: 9 hrs. 43 mins.
Content Warnings: Child Loss • Parent Loss • Divorce • Gun Violence • Grief
I’m giving this book 4.5 stars because it was such a sweet, feel-good story about second chances, the choices we make, and all the what-ifs life can bring.
Paul Bellantoni did a great job as the narrator. I really enjoyed how he gave each character a distinct voice, which made it easy to follow who was speaking without ever feeling confusing. His narration also fit the tone of the story really well and made the listening experience even more enjoyable.
The story follows Rusty, who, just hours before turning 60, gets shot while trying to stop a robbery at Yvonne’s café. Earlier that day, Rusty had found a letter his father had written to his deceased brother, Gus, and it reopened a wound he had carried his entire life. Rusty has always felt like his father wished Gus had survived instead of him. After all, Gus saved Rusty from a fire when Rusty was just a toddler, sacrificing his own life in the process.
Because Rusty was only two when Gus died, he has just one short memory of his brother and he has spent much of his life carrying guilt and resentment surrounding his death because how does he not remember the person who saved him and how can he live a life worthy of his brother giving his life up for him.
On the day everything changes, Rusty also saves a turtle, Ike, who is crossing the road. He tucks Ike into his shirt pocket and heads to Yvonne’s café, where he’s finally planning to ask her out. But before he can get the words out, the café is held up at gunpoint. Rusty tries to stop the robbery and is shot instead.
When Rusty wakes up in the in-between, he discovers that Ike the turtle can now talk, apparently hear his thoughts, and is a hilariously witty little thing.😂 From there, we travel back through different stages of Rusty’s life as he gets the chance to see how things might have turned out if he had made different choices or taken different paths.
I absolutely loved Ike! He was full of wisdom, and honestly, he reminded me so much of Marcellus from Remarkably Bright Creatures. 🐢❤️
As Rusty moves through the in-between, he begins to realize that so many of the things he believed about his life and the people he loved weren’t necessarily true. He gets the opportunity to see his life from a completely different perspective and, in doing so, learns to appreciate himself, accept who he is, and understand his father in a way he never could before.
I really loved the message that sometimes all it takes is looking at our lives through a different lens to realize that the story we’ve been telling ourselves may not be the whole story.
Rusty gets a second chance; not just at life, but at forgiveness, love, family, and himself. And at 61 years old, he finally gets his happily ever after. 🥹❤️
Favorite Quote:
“Grief can make you uproot yourself or dig your roots in deeper.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC (Advanced Listener Copy). As always, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I have read Melissa's book The Night of Many Endings, which I enjoyed but it did have a few flaws, for me. So I had a sort of idea what to expect.
This has 50 chapters, which makes roughly 6 pages a chapter. I prefer short, snappy chapters so this appealed to me
This had great promise. It reminded me of the books by Becky Hunter and Kirsty Greenwood (authors I love) - this idea of there being something after death, in some sort of magical way.
It didn't quite have the depth of emotion I wanted, like some of it felt very surface level.
Did I connect to Rusty? I'm not sure. I didn't dislike him but equally I wasn't completely taken with him but he was interesting to read. I liked him more as we went along and you saw his survivor's guilt (no spoilers here) and his desire to help others and the love he has.
There is this turtle, sort of, sidekick, which was rather strange and I couldn't decide if it was funny and whimsical or distracting.
It starts off strong and I think the ending is good, but it does slow down towards the halfway point and you end up rushing through to try and find the excitement of the start. Yet, having said that, it doesn't actually slow it down too much, so the pacing overall wasn't too bad.
It flits between the "now" which is actually the "in-between" stage, the time leading up to the event, and Rusty's childhood. Now, I like multiple timeline stories but I know some people can struggle, but I think it worked here.
It's a good book and gives you something to think about. Most of us will at some point wonder if we're doing the right thing, if your life would be better or worse if you had made a different decision at any point.
I also liked this exploration of how your life doesn't just affect your life. That you may find yourself ordinary but you might be the most important person in so many other's peoples lives.
It's a story of loss and grief, fear and love, second changes and regrets and desires, forgiveness and dreams. It was a lovely book to lose myself in.
It's a quick book to read, an easy book to read and enjoyable. But it was lacking the emotional depth I thought it would have given the premise.
It had everything I wanted from it...just at a lesser extent to what I needed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I have read Melissa's book The Night of Many Endings, which I enjoyed but it did have a few flaws, for me. So I had a sort of idea what to expect.
This has 50 chapters, which makes roughly 6 pages a chapter. I prefer short, snappy chapters so this appealed to me
This had great promise. It reminded me of the books by Becky Hunter and Kirsty Greenwood (authors I love) - this idea of there being something after death, in some sort of magical way.
It didn't quite have the depth of emotion I wanted, like some of it felt very surface level.
Did I connect to Rusty? I'm not sure. I didn't dislike him but equally I wasn't completely taken with him but he was interesting to read. I liked him more as we went along and you saw his survivor's guilt (no spoilers here) and his desire to help others and the love he has.
There is this turtle, sort of, sidekick, which was rather strange and I couldn't decide if it was funny and whimsical or distracting.
It starts off strong and I think the ending is good, but it does slow down towards the halfway point and you end up rushing through to try and find the excitement of the start. Yet, having said that, it doesn't actually slow it down too much, so the pacing overall wasn't too bad.
It flits between the "now" which is actually the "in-between" stage, the time leading up to the event, and Rusty's childhood. Now, I like multiple timeline stories but I know some people can struggle, but I think it worked here.
It's a good book and gives you something to think about. Most of us will at some point wonder if we're doing the right thing, if your life would be better or worse if you had made a different decision at any point.
I also liked this exploration of how your life doesn't just affect your life. That you may find yourself ordinary but you might be the most important person in so many other's peoples lives.
It's a story of loss and grief, fear and love, second changes and regrets and desires, forgiveness and dreams. It was a lovely book to lose myself in.
It's a quick book to read, an easy book to read and enjoyable. But it was lacking the emotional depth I thought it would have given the premise.
It had everything I wanted from it...just at a lesser extent to what I needed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of In This Life or Another by Melissa Payne.
This book completely swept me away. Emotional, reflective, and ultimately hopeful, In This Life or Another is the kind of story that lingers long after the final page. Melissa Payne takes a familiar “what if?” premise and turns it into something deeply human and unforgettable.
Rusty is such a beautifully written character. Carrying the weight of survivor’s guilt after losing his brother Gus in a fire as a child, he spends his entire life believing he was supposed to do something extraordinary to justify surviving. Watching him revisit the moments, relationships, regrets, and missed opportunities that shaped him was heartbreaking in the best way. His struggles with his failed marriage, strained relationship with his father, unrealized dreams, and quiet longing for connection all felt painfully real and relatable.
What I loved most was how the story explored the ripple effects of a life. Rusty may not see himself as extraordinary, but through every memory and every interaction, we begin to understand just how deeply he impacted the people around him. The book asks such a powerful question: would we truly choose another life if we were given the chance, or do we simply need to learn how to see meaning in the one we already lived?
The in-between setting was incredibly creative, and honestly, Ike the turtle completely stole my heart. He brought such warmth and gentle humor to an otherwise emotional story. The shifting timelines and reflections on alternate possibilities made the novel feel dreamlike and philosophical in a way that really worked for me. By the end, everything came together so beautifully and emotionally that I was tearing up.
This story is full of grief, love, regret, forgiveness, and second chances, but underneath all of it is such a compassionate message about being human. It reminded me a little of It’s a Wonderful Life in the way it examines the value of an ordinary life and the unseen ways we matter to others.
If you enjoy introspective, emotional fiction about life’s purpose, family, redemption, and the paths we take, this is absolutely worth reading. Melissa Payne wrote something truly special here.
This book completely swept me away. Emotional, reflective, and ultimately hopeful, In This Life or Another is the kind of story that lingers long after the final page. Melissa Payne takes a familiar “what if?” premise and turns it into something deeply human and unforgettable.
Rusty is such a beautifully written character. Carrying the weight of survivor’s guilt after losing his brother Gus in a fire as a child, he spends his entire life believing he was supposed to do something extraordinary to justify surviving. Watching him revisit the moments, relationships, regrets, and missed opportunities that shaped him was heartbreaking in the best way. His struggles with his failed marriage, strained relationship with his father, unrealized dreams, and quiet longing for connection all felt painfully real and relatable.
What I loved most was how the story explored the ripple effects of a life. Rusty may not see himself as extraordinary, but through every memory and every interaction, we begin to understand just how deeply he impacted the people around him. The book asks such a powerful question: would we truly choose another life if we were given the chance, or do we simply need to learn how to see meaning in the one we already lived?
The in-between setting was incredibly creative, and honestly, Ike the turtle completely stole my heart. He brought such warmth and gentle humor to an otherwise emotional story. The shifting timelines and reflections on alternate possibilities made the novel feel dreamlike and philosophical in a way that really worked for me. By the end, everything came together so beautifully and emotionally that I was tearing up.
This story is full of grief, love, regret, forgiveness, and second chances, but underneath all of it is such a compassionate message about being human. It reminded me a little of It’s a Wonderful Life in the way it examines the value of an ordinary life and the unseen ways we matter to others.
If you enjoy introspective, emotional fiction about life’s purpose, family, redemption, and the paths we take, this is absolutely worth reading. Melissa Payne wrote something truly special here.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc! 🐢
okay so we are deep in the post-midnight-library literary fiction landscape and you know what? i'm not mad about it. the "man reviews his life on the brink of death and considers the path not taken" subgenre has gotten genuinely crowded but melissa payne understood the assignment.
the structure is the move here. payne writes memory the way memory actually works — not chronologically, but associatively. rusty's past and his current limbo state weave in and out of each other in a way that mimics how the brain actually surfaces things, and it's the kind of structural choice that could easily flop in less careful hands. it doesn't. it works. you have to trust the author to pull you through it, but the trust is rewarded.
things that absolutely WORKED:
- the opening. rusty takes a bullet at a colorado diner on the eve of his 60th. you're hooked. the stakes are immediate
- the ending. without spoiling: it asks the philosophical question without flattening it into a tidy answer. i respect that deeply
- THE TURTLE. i need to talk about the turtle. whimsy in literary fiction about mortality is SO risky and payne pulls it off without undercutting any of the emotional weight. that turtle is doing tonal work. i loved it
- rusty himself — a sixty-year-old small-town mechanic carrying decades of grief and family estrangement is exactly the kind of protagonist this subgenre needs more of. not every meditation on a life lived has to be set in a london bookshop
the one star i'm withholding:
the middle dips. i hate to say it but it dips. there's a stretch where the alternate-reality conceit becomes visible as machinery — you can feel the architecture under the emotion in a way you can't at the start or finish. it recovers but i did feel that lull.
still: strong bookends, gorgeous structural mimicry of memory, a protagonist who earns the philosophical weight he's carrying, and a TURTLE. if you cried at the midnight library and you're looking for something in the same emotional family but a little more grounded in working-class american specificity, please pick this up.
payne is one to watch.
okay so we are deep in the post-midnight-library literary fiction landscape and you know what? i'm not mad about it. the "man reviews his life on the brink of death and considers the path not taken" subgenre has gotten genuinely crowded but melissa payne understood the assignment.
the structure is the move here. payne writes memory the way memory actually works — not chronologically, but associatively. rusty's past and his current limbo state weave in and out of each other in a way that mimics how the brain actually surfaces things, and it's the kind of structural choice that could easily flop in less careful hands. it doesn't. it works. you have to trust the author to pull you through it, but the trust is rewarded.
things that absolutely WORKED:
- the opening. rusty takes a bullet at a colorado diner on the eve of his 60th. you're hooked. the stakes are immediate
- the ending. without spoiling: it asks the philosophical question without flattening it into a tidy answer. i respect that deeply
- THE TURTLE. i need to talk about the turtle. whimsy in literary fiction about mortality is SO risky and payne pulls it off without undercutting any of the emotional weight. that turtle is doing tonal work. i loved it
- rusty himself — a sixty-year-old small-town mechanic carrying decades of grief and family estrangement is exactly the kind of protagonist this subgenre needs more of. not every meditation on a life lived has to be set in a london bookshop
the one star i'm withholding:
the middle dips. i hate to say it but it dips. there's a stretch where the alternate-reality conceit becomes visible as machinery — you can feel the architecture under the emotion in a way you can't at the start or finish. it recovers but i did feel that lull.
still: strong bookends, gorgeous structural mimicry of memory, a protagonist who earns the philosophical weight he's carrying, and a TURTLE. if you cried at the midnight library and you're looking for something in the same emotional family but a little more grounded in working-class american specificity, please pick this up.
payne is one to watch.
September 30, 2026
This book really surprised me! I knew it had magical realism, but I didn’t expect such a powerful, thought-provoking story about grief, regret, forgiveness, and all those "what if" moments we carry with us.
When Rusty turns 60, he gets shot while trying to save people during a diner shooting. Instead of waking up in a hospital, he finds himself somewhere between life and death. One of my favorite parts is that his guide through this strange experience is a TALKING TURTLE he rescued earlier.
Rusty gets a chance to look back at his life and think about how things could have turned out if he had made different choices. He carries a lot of pain, regret, and resentment, and believes his life might have been better if he had chosen differently. But as he explores both his real life and the lives he could have lived, he starts to see that a different path doesn’t always mean a happier ending.
I really enjoyed watching everything slowly come together. Seeing Rusty’s relationships unfold, uncovering family secrets, and watching him face what he had hidden for years made the story very moving for me. Some moments made me stop and think about my own life and how small choices can change our path.
Paul Bellantoni did a great job bringing Rusty’s story to life. His narration really captured the emotion and heart of the story, and I found myself completely drawn into Rusty’s journey.
This book made me think about life, forgiveness, second chances, and accepting the choices we’ve made. It reminded me that we often spend so much time thinking about what could have been that we forget to appreciate the life we have now.
Sweet, emotional, thoughtful, and uplifting. I’m really glad I read this book.
Thank you so much to @getredpr for the free copy and to @brilliancepublishing for the complimentary ALC!
When Rusty turns 60, he gets shot while trying to save people during a diner shooting. Instead of waking up in a hospital, he finds himself somewhere between life and death. One of my favorite parts is that his guide through this strange experience is a TALKING TURTLE he rescued earlier.
Rusty gets a chance to look back at his life and think about how things could have turned out if he had made different choices. He carries a lot of pain, regret, and resentment, and believes his life might have been better if he had chosen differently. But as he explores both his real life and the lives he could have lived, he starts to see that a different path doesn’t always mean a happier ending.
I really enjoyed watching everything slowly come together. Seeing Rusty’s relationships unfold, uncovering family secrets, and watching him face what he had hidden for years made the story very moving for me. Some moments made me stop and think about my own life and how small choices can change our path.
Paul Bellantoni did a great job bringing Rusty’s story to life. His narration really captured the emotion and heart of the story, and I found myself completely drawn into Rusty’s journey.
This book made me think about life, forgiveness, second chances, and accepting the choices we’ve made. It reminded me that we often spend so much time thinking about what could have been that we forget to appreciate the life we have now.
Sweet, emotional, thoughtful, and uplifting. I’m really glad I read this book.
Thank you so much to @getredpr for the free copy and to @brilliancepublishing for the complimentary ALC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In the story, we follow Rusty during his late 50s. Rusty has done a lot of reflection on if he’s made the right choices during his life. One day while traveling in the car with his dad, they spot a hitchhiker and realized that they recognize him. They ask him if he needs a ride anywhere and he says to the train station because he’s ready to leave the small town. But he has a pregnant wife. Rusty and his dad tried to convince him to stay but failed to do so. Later in the story while Rusty is dining at his favorite local diner, the hitchhiker comes inside. Immediately Rusty can tell something is wrong and that is when the hitchhiker ends up, pulling out a weapon. Rusty immediately takes action and tries to save his friends’s life. He ends up getting shot and when he comes to, he realizes that he’s no longer alive or dead. But rather he stuck in the in-between. This is when he realizes that a turtle he tried to save earlier in the story is still with him and now can speak. During his time in the in-between Rusty gets to visit past situations that have been a part of his life. He even gets to reflect on how things could’ve been had he made different choices. I feel like this book is a great reminder that our choices need to be very intentional because they can change the entire trajectory of our life. And we ultimately don’t get a second chance at doing life. This book made me cry numerous times while reading it. I truly felt Rusty‘s grief and felt like I was a part of this story. If you like a book with magic realism, dealing with trauma, and a book that will have you reflecting on your own choices then I highly recommend this story. This book will be releasing on September 8 so definitely be on the lookout!
September 8, 2026
Melissa Payne has written a beautiful story here and I'm so thankful to have read it.
When Rusty Wilson is shot while playing the hero on the night before his 60th birthday, he finds himself in the "in-between" where he's given the chance to see how his life might have played out if he'd made different choices. It's a familiar storyline, and yet it unfolds in such a unique way that it feels fresh.
Rusty isn't always likable, especially in his "Other Rusty" timeline, but his character illustrates so clearly the impact that our childhoods and upbringing can impact who we become -- for better or for worse. And Ike the turtle absolutely steals the show! The way Rusty's life (and his alternate timeline) unfolded for us during his time in the "in-between" was a powerful and emotional journey.
I especially loved how the author created a story that reminded me that sometimes we make the biggest positive ripples with the smallest acts of kindness. That the regrets we have may not be worth holding on to. That we don't have to live big, flashy lives or change the world to be a hero for someone we encounter. And that we may never see the positive outcome of those small actions, but they'll be there just the same.
This is a complex, emotional and creative story about the choices we make, the paths we take and how we feel about it all at the end of our lives. I'm so glad I picked this book up and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
4⭐️/5
Read if you like:
💫 Alternate timelines
💫 Speculative fiction
💫 Emotional depth
💫 The Midnight Library and similar stories
💫 Complex family dynamics
Thank you to Netgalley, Lake Union and the author for gifted access to an early digital copy of this title, All opinions are my own.
💫
When Rusty Wilson is shot while playing the hero on the night before his 60th birthday, he finds himself in the "in-between" where he's given the chance to see how his life might have played out if he'd made different choices. It's a familiar storyline, and yet it unfolds in such a unique way that it feels fresh.
Rusty isn't always likable, especially in his "Other Rusty" timeline, but his character illustrates so clearly the impact that our childhoods and upbringing can impact who we become -- for better or for worse. And Ike the turtle absolutely steals the show! The way Rusty's life (and his alternate timeline) unfolded for us during his time in the "in-between" was a powerful and emotional journey.
I especially loved how the author created a story that reminded me that sometimes we make the biggest positive ripples with the smallest acts of kindness. That the regrets we have may not be worth holding on to. That we don't have to live big, flashy lives or change the world to be a hero for someone we encounter. And that we may never see the positive outcome of those small actions, but they'll be there just the same.
This is a complex, emotional and creative story about the choices we make, the paths we take and how we feel about it all at the end of our lives. I'm so glad I picked this book up and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
4⭐️/5
Read if you like:
💫 Alternate timelines
💫 Speculative fiction
💫 Emotional depth
💫 The Midnight Library and similar stories
💫 Complex family dynamics
Thank you to Netgalley, Lake Union and the author for gifted access to an early digital copy of this title, All opinions are my own.
💫
Review of advance copy
What if you were given the chance to look back at your life and see where your choices might have taken you?
On the eve of his 60th birthday, Rusty is at the diner when an act of heroism means he takes a bullet to save the other patrons. The next thing he knows, he’s somewhere between life and death, and being greeted by a talking turtle, called Ike.
As Rusty tries to make sense of what has happened, Ike takes him back through the defining moments of his life, asking him to consider the choices he made, the paths he didn't take, and the question we might all ask ourselves at some point: Did I live a meaningful life?
I enjoyed the way this story reminded me of A Christmas Carol, with Rusty revisiting moments from his past and seeing them through the eyes of hindsight. The short chapters move between Rusty at different ages, from childhood through adulthood, then back to the diner called ‘the in-between.’
Then we meet ‘the other Rusty’ and get to see another version of how his life might have unfolded.
So much of Rusty’s life was defined by the tragedy of his brothers death. And yet through these visits, Rusty gets to discover if making different choices means he would have found greater happiness or lived a more meaningful life.
Sometimes, we spend so much time wondering what if? that we forget to appreciate the life we actually chose.
A thoughtful, imaginative story about choices, regrets, happiness and what it really means to live a life that matters.
Thanks to GetRedPr for my copy of this ARC.
On the eve of his 60th birthday, Rusty is at the diner when an act of heroism means he takes a bullet to save the other patrons. The next thing he knows, he’s somewhere between life and death, and being greeted by a talking turtle, called Ike.
As Rusty tries to make sense of what has happened, Ike takes him back through the defining moments of his life, asking him to consider the choices he made, the paths he didn't take, and the question we might all ask ourselves at some point: Did I live a meaningful life?
I enjoyed the way this story reminded me of A Christmas Carol, with Rusty revisiting moments from his past and seeing them through the eyes of hindsight. The short chapters move between Rusty at different ages, from childhood through adulthood, then back to the diner called ‘the in-between.’
Then we meet ‘the other Rusty’ and get to see another version of how his life might have unfolded.
So much of Rusty’s life was defined by the tragedy of his brothers death. And yet through these visits, Rusty gets to discover if making different choices means he would have found greater happiness or lived a more meaningful life.
Sometimes, we spend so much time wondering what if? that we forget to appreciate the life we actually chose.
A thoughtful, imaginative story about choices, regrets, happiness and what it really means to live a life that matters.
Thanks to GetRedPr for my copy of this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Rusty is about to turn the big six-o and on the even of his birthday as he is getting ready to enjoy a meal at one of his favorite diners, a kid decides to make a bad decision and Rusty is either there are the right place and at the right time or the wrong place at the wrong time. He has lived his life in the shadow of his brother who died in a fire when they were children. His father has always thought Rusty could do better, for Gus. Be better, for Gus and Rusty has carried that his whole life. After finding a letter his father wrote to Gus, he realizes just how his father has felt all of these decades, or does he? After being shot, Rusty is stuck in the in-between where he is not dead yet his life is hanging in the balance. Often they say your life flashing before your eyes on the brink of death and Rusty is back to visiting various parts of his life. The good, the bad, the what if's and as he visits each event he comes to different realizations about his life. Is this always what he was meant to do, is this the big thing that will redeem what happened that night of the fire, his life being taken for someone else being saved? I really enjoyed this novel, I wasn't sure about Ike at first but I really ended up enjoying his part of the story. This is definitely a read for anyone who wants a Jiminy Cricket and A Christmas Carol vibe like read. Thank you to the author and publisher for the complementary novel and to Get Red PR for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**3.75 stars rounded up for me.
Thank you for the early read on this story!
In This Life or Another by Melissa Payne is one of those quieter, more reflective reads that leans heavily into the “what ifs” of life.
The story follows Rusty as he exists in that in-between space—somewhere between life and death—looking back on choices, paths not taken, and the weight of regret. It’s an interesting premise that makes you pause and think about your own life and how differently things could have unfolded.
One of the more unique elements for me was the turtle that shows up as a kind of guide. It adds a slightly quirky, almost symbolic layer to the story and brings in moments of perspective that break up the heavier introspection.
Overall, I did enjoy it. It’s thoughtful and has a steady, contemplative tone throughout. That said, the pacing does slow down quite a bit as it goes on, and some of the reflections start to feel a little repetitive.
This isn’t a big, emotionally intense read—it’s more about reflection than reaction. If you’re in the mood for something slower that makes you think about choices, regrets, and the different paths life can take, it’s worth picking up.
Thank you for the early read on this story!
In This Life or Another by Melissa Payne is one of those quieter, more reflective reads that leans heavily into the “what ifs” of life.
The story follows Rusty as he exists in that in-between space—somewhere between life and death—looking back on choices, paths not taken, and the weight of regret. It’s an interesting premise that makes you pause and think about your own life and how differently things could have unfolded.
One of the more unique elements for me was the turtle that shows up as a kind of guide. It adds a slightly quirky, almost symbolic layer to the story and brings in moments of perspective that break up the heavier introspection.
Overall, I did enjoy it. It’s thoughtful and has a steady, contemplative tone throughout. That said, the pacing does slow down quite a bit as it goes on, and some of the reflections start to feel a little repetitive.
This isn’t a big, emotionally intense read—it’s more about reflection than reaction. If you’re in the mood for something slower that makes you think about choices, regrets, and the different paths life can take, it’s worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐️ Melissa Payne’s In This Life or Another is a poignant exploration of redemption, grief, and the weight of our what-ifs. On the eve of his 60th birthday, mechanic Rusty Wilson’s life is cut short by a bullet, putting him in a limbo between life and death. This in-between serves as a cosmic mirror, forcing Rusty and the reader to confront the choices that define a legacy.
The narrative structure mimics the fractured nature of memory, jumping between Rusty’s past and his current state of suspension. While this concept is fascinating, the execution felt a bit uneven for me. The story opens with an incredible hook and concludes with a deeply moving, beautiful ending, but the middle sections occasionally felt repetitive, causing the pacing to drag.
Despite the mid-book slump, the themes of finding purpose and seeking a do-over are handled with great sensitivity. I especially appreciated the book club questions at the end; they dig deep into the plot and challenge you to look at your own life and the paths not taken.
Ultimately, it’s a thought-provoking read that lingers after the final page, even if the journey there was a little slow at times.
Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The narrative structure mimics the fractured nature of memory, jumping between Rusty’s past and his current state of suspension. While this concept is fascinating, the execution felt a bit uneven for me. The story opens with an incredible hook and concludes with a deeply moving, beautiful ending, but the middle sections occasionally felt repetitive, causing the pacing to drag.
Despite the mid-book slump, the themes of finding purpose and seeking a do-over are handled with great sensitivity. I especially appreciated the book club questions at the end; they dig deep into the plot and challenge you to look at your own life and the paths not taken.
Ultimately, it’s a thought-provoking read that lingers after the final page, even if the journey there was a little slow at times.
Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In This Life or Another by Melissa Payne is a compelling and thought-provoking read that explores how a single traumatic event can shape the course of a life in unexpected ways. The premise is engaging, and Payne does a strong job drawing the reader into the emotional weight of the story while exploring themes of memory, consequence, and perspective.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is how it challenges your assumptions. Just when you think you understand the facts surrounding the central event, the narrative begins to unravel those certainties, revealing that what seemed clear may not have been entirely accurate. This layered approach keeps the story engaging and adds depth to the reading experience.
That said, the ending leans a bit into confusion. The shifting understanding of events, while thematically interesting, made it necessary to go back and re-examine earlier parts of the book to ensure nothing was missed. For some readers, this may add intrigue, but for others, it may feel slightly disorienting.
Overall, this is a strong and enjoyable novel with an intriguing concept and emotional depth. While the ending keeps it from being a full five-star read, it is still a memorable and worthwhile story.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is how it challenges your assumptions. Just when you think you understand the facts surrounding the central event, the narrative begins to unravel those certainties, revealing that what seemed clear may not have been entirely accurate. This layered approach keeps the story engaging and adds depth to the reading experience.
That said, the ending leans a bit into confusion. The shifting understanding of events, while thematically interesting, made it necessary to go back and re-examine earlier parts of the book to ensure nothing was missed. For some readers, this may add intrigue, but for others, it may feel slightly disorienting.
Overall, this is a strong and enjoyable novel with an intriguing concept and emotional depth. While the ending keeps it from being a full five-star read, it is still a memorable and worthwhile story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I fell in love with Melissa Payne’s writing when I read The Wild Road Home, so I was excited to pick up In This Life or Another. In a similar tone, this is what I would consider a comfort read. The main character, Rusty, is involved in an incident that leaves him teetering on the edge of life. The entire book takes place during this in-between time, as he looks back at the life he lived and the life he could have had. He gets to explore parallel lives and see them from a different perspective as he moves between different times, memories, and dreams.
I’ve always enjoyed stories that explore alternate timelines and parallel worlds because they really make you think. Most of us have wondered, “What if…?” This story explores what might happen if those alternate possibilities actually played out.
I also had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook, narrated by Paul Bellantoni, which was a wonderful way to experience this story. His voice was so comforting, and he did a great job bringing the characters and story to life. He was a great storyteller and really captured the tone of the book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Brilliance Audio for the advance copies!
I’ve always enjoyed stories that explore alternate timelines and parallel worlds because they really make you think. Most of us have wondered, “What if…?” This story explores what might happen if those alternate possibilities actually played out.
I also had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook, narrated by Paul Bellantoni, which was a wonderful way to experience this story. His voice was so comforting, and he did a great job bringing the characters and story to life. He was a great storyteller and really captured the tone of the book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Brilliance Audio for the advance copies!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one had a really strong start for me. The premise pulled me in right away—this idea of being stuck between life and death, forced to look at the choices you made versus the ones you didn’t. It had that reflective, emotional depth I usually love, especially with the themes of regret, second chances, and what actually makes a life meaningful.
Rusty as a character worked. He felt real in that quiet, worn-down way, and I liked how the story unpacked his past piece by piece. There were moments that hit—especially around family and missed opportunities—that made me pause a little.
But somewhere in the second half, it lost momentum. It started to feel repetitive, like it was circling the same emotional points without really pushing deeper or giving me anything new. By the end, I was waiting for it to fully land… and it just didn’t quite get there.
I will say—the turtle character? Unexpected highlight. Added a little bit of personality and lightness that the story needed.
Overall, I liked the concept more than the execution. It had the bones of something really powerful, but I wanted more depth and a stronger payoff at the end.
Rusty as a character worked. He felt real in that quiet, worn-down way, and I liked how the story unpacked his past piece by piece. There were moments that hit—especially around family and missed opportunities—that made me pause a little.
But somewhere in the second half, it lost momentum. It started to feel repetitive, like it was circling the same emotional points without really pushing deeper or giving me anything new. By the end, I was waiting for it to fully land… and it just didn’t quite get there.
I will say—the turtle character? Unexpected highlight. Added a little bit of personality and lightness that the story needed.
Overall, I liked the concept more than the execution. It had the bones of something really powerful, but I wanted more depth and a stronger payoff at the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. This story follows Rusty who is at a diner meeting his dad, Walt, for dinner. Unfortunately, Rusty gets shot and goes to the in between. While there Rusty interacts with Ike, a turtle, and other important people in his life. As he revisits key moments/memories of his life from the loss of his brother, his parents, his marriage, loss of his daughter, his career, and his friendships, we see Rusty get clarity and start to see certain events from a new perspective. As Rusty works through the good and bad of his life, Rusty grows and start to realize what and who is important to him. I really enjoyed this read as it was fast paced and heartwarming. I loved seeing how one little moment could change the timeline/perspective and how this Rusty learned and grew from these moments. I really liked Rusty's relationships with his family and friends, saw how each helped /shaped him, and reflected his strength and kindness. This book was full of heart, hope, and emotional grit. I can't wait to see what Melissa Payne writes next. :)
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