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Twice in a Lifetime
The Time Traveler's Wife meets Oona Out of Order in this imaginative and moving debut novel of a love more powerful than time.
Isla has fled the city for small-town Missouri in the wake of a painful and exhausting year. With her chronic anxiety at a fever pitch, the last thing she expects is to meet a genuine romantic prospect. And she doesn’t. But she does get a text from a man who seems to think he’s her husband. Obviously, a wrong number—except when she points this out, the mystery texter sends back a picture. Of them—on their wedding day.
Isla cautiously starts up a texting relationship with her maybe-hoax, maybe-husband Ewan, who claims to be reaching out from a few years into the future. Ewan knows Isla incredibly well, and seems to love her exactly as she is, which she can hardly fathom. But he’s also grieving, because in the future, he and Isla are no longer together.
Ewan is texting back through time to save her from a fate he is unwilling to share—and all she can do to prevent that fate is to learn to be happy, now, in the body she has, with the mind she has. The only trouble is the steps she takes in that direction might be steps away from a future with Ewan.
Melissa Baron’s time-crossed romance features a quintessentially endearing and brave protagonist, and an engrossing plot that will keep you turning pages until its breathtaking finish.
Isla has fled the city for small-town Missouri in the wake of a painful and exhausting year. With her chronic anxiety at a fever pitch, the last thing she expects is to meet a genuine romantic prospect. And she doesn’t. But she does get a text from a man who seems to think he’s her husband. Obviously, a wrong number—except when she points this out, the mystery texter sends back a picture. Of them—on their wedding day.
Isla cautiously starts up a texting relationship with her maybe-hoax, maybe-husband Ewan, who claims to be reaching out from a few years into the future. Ewan knows Isla incredibly well, and seems to love her exactly as she is, which she can hardly fathom. But he’s also grieving, because in the future, he and Isla are no longer together.
Ewan is texting back through time to save her from a fate he is unwilling to share—and all she can do to prevent that fate is to learn to be happy, now, in the body she has, with the mind she has. The only trouble is the steps she takes in that direction might be steps away from a future with Ewan.
Melissa Baron’s time-crossed romance features a quintessentially endearing and brave protagonist, and an engrossing plot that will keep you turning pages until its breathtaking finish.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2022
170 people are currently reading
10531 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Baron
2 books117 followersMelissa Baron is a copywriter and technical writer from Chicago. She holds a B.A. in English and is a Denver Publishing Institute graduate. She regularly contributes to Book Riot and works as a book staffer at the annual Heartland Fall Forum. In her spare time, she likes to travel with her fiancé and play with their two cats, Denali and Mango. Twice in a Lifetime is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 735 reviews
February 1, 2023
Well, I have to admit after reading the smart blurb which attracted my attention instantly and the lovely cover, I was expecting to read something sci-fi Groundhog meets Back to the Future kind of my entertaining, brain numbing romance!
But this is so much more! Firstly this is not lighthearted, sweet, swoon romance! You get to wear big girl’s pants and prepare yourself to get extremely disturbed because there are so many heavy stuff you have to absorb during your reading journey including mental health issues, death, grieving, suicide, depression, anxiety disorder, TBI, parental abuse, bullying, insecurities.
The opening was so great! Can you imagine you get a text from a mystery guy who knows everything about you and he insists he is your future husband! And the guy is freaking hot! How can you know it? Well, he also sends you wedding picture as a proof he’s not part of a pyramid scheme ! How this is possible? And why you’re not still together, if you’re match made in heaven.
That’s what happened to Isla, 29, moving to a cottage in small town of Missouri, after losing her mother yo big C.
She’s suffering from anxiety disorder, panic attacks, having an estranged relationship with her workaholic and selfish father who never supported her. Only her friend Willow can understand what she’s been through.
She slowly adapts in her new life, less demanding job as graphic designer, befriending her new colleagues, doing her best to get out her shell to socialize even though it makes her scare too much!
But the text messages she gets Ewan/ Obi Wan Kenobi ( just a nick name, this charming husband is Korean, keeping his last name secret and he definitely doesn’t have a show on Disney plus) make her more confused. Because she realizes she starts falling in love with a man coming from future and when she gets the real reason why they are not together, she wants to curse her luck nonstop!
But what if there’s a chance, they can change their future in expanse of forgetting each other.
Could they have a second chance for happiness?
Well, I have to say, at the last third something unexpected happened and I screamed a lot. It was something so earth shattering but the author’s sharp wit to wrap things up adroitly make me admire her writing skills!
I love the ending!
Normally I was thinking to give this book four stars! At the beginning, the triggering subjects in the story affected me a lot.
I even thought to stop reading but then the characters and their intense love story grew on me! Ewan is definitely lovely than Mr. McGregor. He was patient, caring, sweet. I love to see the adventure of Isla’s self growth. And the last twists were way too much intelligent! So I rounded up 4.5 stars to 5 a true drama/ smart time travel story stars!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
But this is so much more! Firstly this is not lighthearted, sweet, swoon romance! You get to wear big girl’s pants and prepare yourself to get extremely disturbed because there are so many heavy stuff you have to absorb during your reading journey including mental health issues, death, grieving, suicide, depression, anxiety disorder, TBI, parental abuse, bullying, insecurities.
The opening was so great! Can you imagine you get a text from a mystery guy who knows everything about you and he insists he is your future husband! And the guy is freaking hot! How can you know it? Well, he also sends you wedding picture as a proof he’s not part of a pyramid scheme ! How this is possible? And why you’re not still together, if you’re match made in heaven.
That’s what happened to Isla, 29, moving to a cottage in small town of Missouri, after losing her mother yo big C.
She’s suffering from anxiety disorder, panic attacks, having an estranged relationship with her workaholic and selfish father who never supported her. Only her friend Willow can understand what she’s been through.
She slowly adapts in her new life, less demanding job as graphic designer, befriending her new colleagues, doing her best to get out her shell to socialize even though it makes her scare too much!
But the text messages she gets Ewan/ Obi Wan Kenobi ( just a nick name, this charming husband is Korean, keeping his last name secret and he definitely doesn’t have a show on Disney plus) make her more confused. Because she realizes she starts falling in love with a man coming from future and when she gets the real reason why they are not together, she wants to curse her luck nonstop!
But what if there’s a chance, they can change their future in expanse of forgetting each other.
Could they have a second chance for happiness?
Well, I have to say, at the last third something unexpected happened and I screamed a lot. It was something so earth shattering but the author’s sharp wit to wrap things up adroitly make me admire her writing skills!
I love the ending!
Normally I was thinking to give this book four stars! At the beginning, the triggering subjects in the story affected me a lot.
I even thought to stop reading but then the characters and their intense love story grew on me! Ewan is definitely lovely than Mr. McGregor. He was patient, caring, sweet. I love to see the adventure of Isla’s self growth. And the last twists were way too much intelligent! So I rounded up 4.5 stars to 5 a true drama/ smart time travel story stars!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
December 9, 2022
In a Nutshell: Had loads of potential, but works only to some extent. Somewhat repetitive. Unlike what the cover suggests, it is not a plain romance but is quite intense on the emotions.
Story Synopsis:
Where the book worked for me:
😍 This is the first time I am reading a book where the lead character has chronic anxiety issues. The depiction seemed true to life, and the challenges of being a panic attack sufferer come out very clearly. Isla’s growth over the pages is also nicely depicted.
😍 I appreciate how the plot made optimal use of its location without making it forced. Missouri’s local life and attractions have a pride of place in the story.
😍 Ewan is of Korean heritage, and this is woven wonderfully into the storyline without going into stereotypes. It’s not representation for the sake of representation, and at the same time, it doesn’t hammer you with Korean trivia just to emphasize on his background. I loved how natural it felt.
😍 The conversations between Isla and Ewan are quite interesting at times. There is emotion as well as humour in their dialogues.
Where the book left me with mixed feelings:
😐 I don’t know what to feel about the ending. In many ways, I knew it was coming, but I didn’t like the way it came. It was somewhat bittersweet but still good.
😐 The cover and the blurb made me feel like I would be reading some kind of a second-chance time-crossed romance. There’s second chance, but not the way you would imagine. The timeslip elements are far and few between. Also, the story is very heavy on the feelings. I was hoping for a light read, but that didn’t happen. At the same time, I did like the serious focus on anxiety attacks and the difficulty of life choices.
😐 What genre is this? Romance? Self-acceptance? Mental health? Fantasy? It has bits of all and yet does complete justice to none. It isn’t a straightforward love story, and yet in many ways, it is just a love story. I enjoyed this mishmash and at the same time, was befuddled by its intent.
😐 For a change, the blurb is well written. It reveals just what you need to know about the story without going into any spoilers. Unfortunately, this also means that when the story changes direction after the events mentioned in the blurb, I felt somewhat short-changed.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
😒 A great part of the book feels repetitive. Ewan especially seems to have only one main role to play: counselling Isla, either through an anxiety attack or through a stressful family situation, or through a life-saving choice. Isla herself swings from confident to unsure, though this is partly because of her mental health issues. But her constant to-and-fro gets tedious after a while. Also, her reaction when future-Ewan first sends her the text was not convincing.
😒 Is it possible for a character to be too perfect? I would have loved seeing at least some negatives in Ewan. He was too good to be true, which would have been (somewhat) tolerable in a romcom but not in a serious dramatic book. It kills the realism.
😒 The perspective changes between the two characters aren’t always smooth. The narrative voice shifts randomly from Isla to Ewan and back, especially in the second half.
😒 A significant chunk of the book is nothing but conversations between Ewan and Isla. (And the conversations were mostly about what I mentioned in the first point of this section.) As such, sometimes, I felt like I had read nothing even after reading a lot.
😒 The pacing of the book is quite erratic. It starts slow, then goes into a nice steady pace, and then becomes slow again, and so on and so forth until the end.
All in all, this is a debut work that had great potential to be a memorable read. The basic premise is interesting, and Isla’s health condition was the perfect add-on to the plot. However, the repetitious writing and the almost-instant connection between the leads was not something I enjoyed. At the same time, I do see the underlying beauty of the story. It will work for a certain kind of reader, but not for someone as cynical as I am. It was a decent read for me but not memorable.
2.75 stars.
My thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the DRC of “Twice in a Lifetime”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
Isla, who is almost thirty, has not had a great year. Her mother died a few months ago, and this, coupled with intense work pressure, intensified Isla’s anxiety attacks. Hoping that a change might help matters, she moves to a new cottage in small-town Missouri. One day, she gets a text from an unknown number. This turns out to be from a man named Ewan, who claims that he is her husband, and is texting her to save her from some dire fate in the future. But Isla doesn’t even know any Ewan, forget about being married to one. Is this Ewan some stalker, or is there some other explanation to this bizarre experience?
The book is written in a limited third person narration from Isla’s and Ewan’s perspectives.
Where the book worked for me:
😍 This is the first time I am reading a book where the lead character has chronic anxiety issues. The depiction seemed true to life, and the challenges of being a panic attack sufferer come out very clearly. Isla’s growth over the pages is also nicely depicted.
😍 I appreciate how the plot made optimal use of its location without making it forced. Missouri’s local life and attractions have a pride of place in the story.
😍 Ewan is of Korean heritage, and this is woven wonderfully into the storyline without going into stereotypes. It’s not representation for the sake of representation, and at the same time, it doesn’t hammer you with Korean trivia just to emphasize on his background. I loved how natural it felt.
😍 The conversations between Isla and Ewan are quite interesting at times. There is emotion as well as humour in their dialogues.
Where the book left me with mixed feelings:
😐 I don’t know what to feel about the ending. In many ways, I knew it was coming, but I didn’t like the way it came. It was somewhat bittersweet but still good.
😐 The cover and the blurb made me feel like I would be reading some kind of a second-chance time-crossed romance. There’s second chance, but not the way you would imagine. The timeslip elements are far and few between. Also, the story is very heavy on the feelings. I was hoping for a light read, but that didn’t happen. At the same time, I did like the serious focus on anxiety attacks and the difficulty of life choices.
😐 What genre is this? Romance? Self-acceptance? Mental health? Fantasy? It has bits of all and yet does complete justice to none. It isn’t a straightforward love story, and yet in many ways, it is just a love story. I enjoyed this mishmash and at the same time, was befuddled by its intent.
😐 For a change, the blurb is well written. It reveals just what you need to know about the story without going into any spoilers. Unfortunately, this also means that when the story changes direction after the events mentioned in the blurb, I felt somewhat short-changed.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
😒 A great part of the book feels repetitive. Ewan especially seems to have only one main role to play: counselling Isla, either through an anxiety attack or through a stressful family situation, or through a life-saving choice. Isla herself swings from confident to unsure, though this is partly because of her mental health issues. But her constant to-and-fro gets tedious after a while. Also, her reaction when future-Ewan first sends her the text was not convincing.
😒 Is it possible for a character to be too perfect? I would have loved seeing at least some negatives in Ewan. He was too good to be true, which would have been (somewhat) tolerable in a romcom but not in a serious dramatic book. It kills the realism.
😒 The perspective changes between the two characters aren’t always smooth. The narrative voice shifts randomly from Isla to Ewan and back, especially in the second half.
😒 A significant chunk of the book is nothing but conversations between Ewan and Isla. (And the conversations were mostly about what I mentioned in the first point of this section.) As such, sometimes, I felt like I had read nothing even after reading a lot.
😒 The pacing of the book is quite erratic. It starts slow, then goes into a nice steady pace, and then becomes slow again, and so on and so forth until the end.
All in all, this is a debut work that had great potential to be a memorable read. The basic premise is interesting, and Isla’s health condition was the perfect add-on to the plot. However, the repetitious writing and the almost-instant connection between the leads was not something I enjoyed. At the same time, I do see the underlying beauty of the story. It will work for a certain kind of reader, but not for someone as cynical as I am. It was a decent read for me but not memorable.
2.75 stars.
My thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the DRC of “Twice in a Lifetime”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
January 1, 2024
Did you love the movie "The Lake House" as much as I did? Captivated by the efforts of both characters to reach backward or forward in time to prevent suffering for the other? Then you will also appreciate this new release where Isla and Ewan connect via cell phone to future and past timelines in a "magic cottage." I loved the setting in St. Louis and Hannibal, Missouri. Isla and Ewan are a couple you genuinely like and want to root for. Isla suffers from anxiety and we get a front row seat to her therapy and coping techniques. It is a thrill for the reader to see her grow as a character. I also loved the fact that Ewan has Pachinko by Min Jin Lee in his suitcase on a trip. Also, the descriptions of Isla's art are lush and inviting. Overall, an entertaining and informative read. The steam level was a bit higher than I prefer and at times the plot seemed to stall in the first half, so rounding up from 3.5.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2023
"Twice in a Lifetime" by Melissa Baron is This Authors' Debut Novel!
Isla has left the fast pace of living and working in Chicago for a quieter, slower lifestyle in small town Missouri. With constant concerns of anxiety and panic attacks, along with the recent death of her mother, she's looking for a change after a year that was painful and exhausting. A small cottage in the county sounds just about perfect to Isla!
Out of the blue, Isla receives texts from a number she doesn't recognize, belonging to a man named Ewan who claims to be her husband. He texts a pic of them together on their wedding day as proof.
Isla is shocked! Who is this guy? And, what is he up to...
From the synopsis, I was excited to start listening to the ALC, but immediately discover it's not what I had expected. The narrator, Megan Tusing, uses voicing that gives this audiobook a whimsical feel and sound. This creates confusion about the genre, causes distraction to the story, and becomes the main reason I had trouble connecting with both the story and the main characters.
As I continued to listen, I became confused as to whether this was a Fantasy (because of the voicing), a Time-Slip story, or Romance Fiction. The flow of the story was interrupted several times as it went in different directions and struggled to find its identity. It felt overloaded, unfocused, and repetitive.
I didn't feel a connectivity to the main characters of Isla and Ewan. On the cusp of turning thirty, Isla exhibits a lack of maturity that's hard to overlook and Ewan seems too good to be true. The "insta-love" relationship that develops between them feels completely unbelievable and bleeds over to their character development as the main characters holding down this story.
With that said, what I did enjoy about this story was the focus on Isla's mental health and how sensitively these topics are handled within the storyline. It felt like the one "constant" and it's what rescues this story for me.
This debut novel has great potential but falls short for me in audiobook voicing, genre clarity, and character connectivity. However, the inclusion of the mental health topics elevated this story and increased my rating by a half star. 2.5 stars rounded up!
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Melissa Baron for an ALC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
Isla has left the fast pace of living and working in Chicago for a quieter, slower lifestyle in small town Missouri. With constant concerns of anxiety and panic attacks, along with the recent death of her mother, she's looking for a change after a year that was painful and exhausting. A small cottage in the county sounds just about perfect to Isla!
Out of the blue, Isla receives texts from a number she doesn't recognize, belonging to a man named Ewan who claims to be her husband. He texts a pic of them together on their wedding day as proof.
Isla is shocked! Who is this guy? And, what is he up to...
From the synopsis, I was excited to start listening to the ALC, but immediately discover it's not what I had expected. The narrator, Megan Tusing, uses voicing that gives this audiobook a whimsical feel and sound. This creates confusion about the genre, causes distraction to the story, and becomes the main reason I had trouble connecting with both the story and the main characters.
As I continued to listen, I became confused as to whether this was a Fantasy (because of the voicing), a Time-Slip story, or Romance Fiction. The flow of the story was interrupted several times as it went in different directions and struggled to find its identity. It felt overloaded, unfocused, and repetitive.
I didn't feel a connectivity to the main characters of Isla and Ewan. On the cusp of turning thirty, Isla exhibits a lack of maturity that's hard to overlook and Ewan seems too good to be true. The "insta-love" relationship that develops between them feels completely unbelievable and bleeds over to their character development as the main characters holding down this story.
With that said, what I did enjoy about this story was the focus on Isla's mental health and how sensitively these topics are handled within the storyline. It felt like the one "constant" and it's what rescues this story for me.
This debut novel has great potential but falls short for me in audiobook voicing, genre clarity, and character connectivity. However, the inclusion of the mental health topics elevated this story and increased my rating by a half star. 2.5 stars rounded up!
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Melissa Baron for an ALC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
October 13, 2024
4 stars - one of the better romances that I've read all year. The time loop part was well-done & not too much. Loved both the AAPI & MidWestern representation. A couple of spicy scenes, but they weren't too long & were easy to skim through. I did not mind the heavy focus on mental health either, but that, childhood trauma & self-harm would be TW's. Very quick & engaging, I really liked it a lot.
December 30, 2022
I saw this one quite a bit on my IG feed recently, and although not a holiday book, it really fits nicely with the themes of the holiday season. This is a very uplifting story about the lengths we would go to for the people we love most. It’s about coping with life’s tragedies and how to find our way back from them. And at the core of the story, it is about the ultimate power of love.
I have absolutely fallen in love with the time loop trope, however this one offers a unique twist. I loved both of our MCs and the way they approached this unusual situation. The entire book kept me engaged from start to finish. Also of note, I listened to this on audio and Megan Tusing did a phenomenal job at bringing this story to life.
Read if you like:
•romance with depth
•time loop trope
•heartwarming stories
•unique plot lines
•emily stone
I cannot recommend this unique book enough. If you are looking for something with a lot of heart, but are over the holiday reads, give this one a try.
I have absolutely fallen in love with the time loop trope, however this one offers a unique twist. I loved both of our MCs and the way they approached this unusual situation. The entire book kept me engaged from start to finish. Also of note, I listened to this on audio and Megan Tusing did a phenomenal job at bringing this story to life.
Read if you like:
•romance with depth
•time loop trope
•heartwarming stories
•unique plot lines
•emily stone
I cannot recommend this unique book enough. If you are looking for something with a lot of heart, but are over the holiday reads, give this one a try.
December 14, 2022
It’s hard to write a review of this book without spoilers, but here goes. (The publisher’s blurb already gives a lot away!) Isla has some major issues: anxiety, depression, grief over her mother’s death, to name a few big ones. I really liked how the author described Isla’s anxiety and panic attacks. Very sympathetic/empathetic. You will be surprised that this is Baron’s debut novel.
To make a new start, Isla moves away from Chicago to the St. Louis, Missouri area, renting a lovely cottage in the countryside. One day she gets a mysterious text from someone who says he’s her husband - or used to be her husband, as he’s texting her from some time in the near future! Ewan’s trying to help her, so that she can avoid something terrible. Ewan was a fabulous character, but just a little too perfect: gorgeous, kind, a wonderful son and grandson, etc. No one is that amazing. I wish the author had given him just a little imperfection of some sort.
So suspend your disbelief and dive into this lovely book!
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook is narrated beautifully by Megan Tusing.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook and to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
To make a new start, Isla moves away from Chicago to the St. Louis, Missouri area, renting a lovely cottage in the countryside. One day she gets a mysterious text from someone who says he’s her husband - or used to be her husband, as he’s texting her from some time in the near future! Ewan’s trying to help her, so that she can avoid something terrible. Ewan was a fabulous character, but just a little too perfect: gorgeous, kind, a wonderful son and grandson, etc. No one is that amazing. I wish the author had given him just a little imperfection of some sort.
So suspend your disbelief and dive into this lovely book!
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook is narrated beautifully by Megan Tusing.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook and to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 24, 2022
Rating: 2.5 stars
Trigger Warnings: Death, Suicide
Review:
Unfortunately, this did not work for me. While the book was technically well-written, it did not resonate with me in either an emotional or romantic way.
HOWEVER, if you were a fan of Matt Haig's The Midnight Library, you will probably love this book!
What I liked about the book:
1. Our main character, Isla, provides a good representation of living with anxiety and depression, showing some of the little things that us people inflicted with these tend to do and think that would never cross others’ minds. I appreciated this.
I also appreciated the moments of growth we did see, though they were too far into the story for my taste. I’m basically a child. I need bits of payoff throughout, even if they’re really small, not just a payoff at the end after I’ve lost interest.
2. I enjoyed Ewan’s humor. It was sarcastic, but in a gentle way, if that makes sense. I also enjoyed his constant highlighting to Isla that she wouldn’t think the things she thinks about herself about a friend, so she needed to be kinder to herself. That hit home for me.
3. I enjoyed seeing a couple of random chapters from "current" Ewan's POV. I wish there were more of these.
What could have been better:
1. While I liked the representation of someone struggling with anxiety and depression, I felt like too much of the book, especially in the first half, was focused on this in an unsatisfactory way. Reading emotions and tough subject matter is not a problem for me, if the execution is there. Instead of feeling emotionally drained and like soul sisters with our MC, I unfortunately left feeling exhausted and unsatisfied, which only further adds to my own emotional baggage. That’s not what I’m looking for when I try to escape within a book.
2. The weak relationship on the pages couldn’t bring me out of the funk the book placed me in. While I enjoyed our MCs well enough, I didn’t really enjoy them together. I didn’t see how the love grew there, nor did I like what the author did to Ewan. The author seesawed with my patience and the book irrevocable crashed down for me.
3. I just felt something was missing throughout the whole book. I felt pivotal parts of what could have been a heart wrenching story were not traversed, and, as a result, left me wanting.
Ultimately, what caused me to rate a 2.5 versus a 3 was that the book was marked solely with the genre "romance", but there was a lack of romantic connection for me. I definitely did not see that as the main theme, nor did I feel it hit the points I would hope a romance would.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and Melissa Baron for the opportunity to read this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Trigger Warnings: Death, Suicide
Review:
Unfortunately, this did not work for me. While the book was technically well-written, it did not resonate with me in either an emotional or romantic way.
HOWEVER, if you were a fan of Matt Haig's The Midnight Library, you will probably love this book!
What I liked about the book:
1. Our main character, Isla, provides a good representation of living with anxiety and depression, showing some of the little things that us people inflicted with these tend to do and think that would never cross others’ minds. I appreciated this.
I also appreciated the moments of growth we did see, though they were too far into the story for my taste. I’m basically a child. I need bits of payoff throughout, even if they’re really small, not just a payoff at the end after I’ve lost interest.
2. I enjoyed Ewan’s humor. It was sarcastic, but in a gentle way, if that makes sense. I also enjoyed his constant highlighting to Isla that she wouldn’t think the things she thinks about herself about a friend, so she needed to be kinder to herself. That hit home for me.
3. I enjoyed seeing a couple of random chapters from "current" Ewan's POV. I wish there were more of these.
What could have been better:
1. While I liked the representation of someone struggling with anxiety and depression, I felt like too much of the book, especially in the first half, was focused on this in an unsatisfactory way. Reading emotions and tough subject matter is not a problem for me, if the execution is there. Instead of feeling emotionally drained and like soul sisters with our MC, I unfortunately left feeling exhausted and unsatisfied, which only further adds to my own emotional baggage. That’s not what I’m looking for when I try to escape within a book.
2. The weak relationship on the pages couldn’t bring me out of the funk the book placed me in. While I enjoyed our MCs well enough, I didn’t really enjoy them together. I didn’t see how the love grew there, nor did I like what the author did to Ewan. The author seesawed with my patience and the book irrevocable crashed down for me.
3. I just felt something was missing throughout the whole book. I felt pivotal parts of what could have been a heart wrenching story were not traversed, and, as a result, left me wanting.
Ultimately, what caused me to rate a 2.5 versus a 3 was that the book was marked solely with the genre "romance", but there was a lack of romantic connection for me. I definitely did not see that as the main theme, nor did I feel it hit the points I would hope a romance would.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and Melissa Baron for the opportunity to read this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
January 25, 2023
Wow! What an incredibly tragic love story with a happily-ever-after that made me burst with relief.
Isla receives a text from Ewan, a man living in the future claiming to be her husband. But in his timeline, Isla is no longer with him—and he's desperate to save their relationship from following the same path.
Through unexplained magic, it's a mission attempting to manipulate fate. Prepare to have your heart continually ripped out and pieced back together again.
This is a heavy, heavy read, I must warn you.
Ultimately, it's about Isla living with depression and anxiety. I applaud the raw way mental health was threaded into the story, focusing not on a cure for Isla but her learning to coexist with her emotions and thoughts. I wanted to squeeze her into the biggest hug. Ewan was such a gem in her life.
I mean this in the best way, but I felt like my brain was going to explode piecing the timelines together. It was so well done. Grab your tissues and give this one a try!
(heat level: open door, mild details)
Isla receives a text from Ewan, a man living in the future claiming to be her husband. But in his timeline, Isla is no longer with him—and he's desperate to save their relationship from following the same path.
Through unexplained magic, it's a mission attempting to manipulate fate. Prepare to have your heart continually ripped out and pieced back together again.
This is a heavy, heavy read, I must warn you.
Ultimately, it's about Isla living with depression and anxiety. I applaud the raw way mental health was threaded into the story, focusing not on a cure for Isla but her learning to coexist with her emotions and thoughts. I wanted to squeeze her into the biggest hug. Ewan was such a gem in her life.
I mean this in the best way, but I felt like my brain was going to explode piecing the timelines together. It was so well done. Grab your tissues and give this one a try!
(heat level: open door, mild details)
December 8, 2022
I am not a sap. If you asked me even a few weeks ago, I would have told you that the only genre I actively avoid is romance - because my heart is cold and dead and I find no solace in the happiness of others.
Kidding, of course. Sort of.
I cried throughout this entire book. I can't think of any other book that has ever affected me like this one. As a chronic anxiety sufferer myself, Isla's experiences with this were so authentic to my own that I felt naked. I don't know that this would impact others who don't deal with chronic anxiety quite so profoundly, but I'd still highly, highly recommend picking it up. This was exquisitely written, the romance is beautiful and the story is masterfully crafted.
The romance between Isla and Ewan is very much of the quiet, slow burn variety. It made my heart hurt in a way that the romances in other books rarely do. Love is not in the grand declarations or dramatic demonstrations, but in the little things. When, in the beginning, Ewan pleads with Isla to keep talking to him and encourages her to do little things for herself, to make her happy, because he knows she needs the push. That's love. Without venturing into spoiler territory, it was hard for Isla to establish their relationship in real life. It was the most I ever related to a character - I felt her anxiety because I know how I'd feel in her shoes, but I was rooting for her to get her happily ever after with my whole (now warm and alive) heart.
This was just wonderful. I hope that everyone takes the time to read this one and I'll be keeping an eye out for anything this author publishes in the future.
Kidding, of course. Sort of.
I cried throughout this entire book. I can't think of any other book that has ever affected me like this one. As a chronic anxiety sufferer myself, Isla's experiences with this were so authentic to my own that I felt naked. I don't know that this would impact others who don't deal with chronic anxiety quite so profoundly, but I'd still highly, highly recommend picking it up. This was exquisitely written, the romance is beautiful and the story is masterfully crafted.
The romance between Isla and Ewan is very much of the quiet, slow burn variety. It made my heart hurt in a way that the romances in other books rarely do. Love is not in the grand declarations or dramatic demonstrations, but in the little things. When, in the beginning, Ewan pleads with Isla to keep talking to him and encourages her to do little things for herself, to make her happy, because he knows she needs the push. That's love. Without venturing into spoiler territory, it was hard for Isla to establish their relationship in real life. It was the most I ever related to a character - I felt her anxiety because I know how I'd feel in her shoes, but I was rooting for her to get her happily ever after with my whole (now warm and alive) heart.
This was just wonderful. I hope that everyone takes the time to read this one and I'll be keeping an eye out for anything this author publishes in the future.
March 15, 2023
HOLY CRAP!! HOLY CRAP!! HOLY CRAP!!!
This book broke me and I loved every second of it!!!
I was shocked to learn this was Melissa Baron debut novel… and quite sad if I am being honest. I was prepared to go full obsession and read everything. If this book does not explode in popularity, I will be shocked and disappointed!!
This gut-wrenchingly beautiful story follows Isla and Ewan through time (literally), tackling difficult topics with care.
This is one story I would recommend going into blind. The less you know beforehand the better the book is. I think I honestly cried through 70% of it. It’s so beautifully written.
Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press for blessing me with the best book of 2022!!! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book broke me and I loved every second of it!!!
I was shocked to learn this was Melissa Baron debut novel… and quite sad if I am being honest. I was prepared to go full obsession and read everything. If this book does not explode in popularity, I will be shocked and disappointed!!
This gut-wrenchingly beautiful story follows Isla and Ewan through time (literally), tackling difficult topics with care.
This is one story I would recommend going into blind. The less you know beforehand the better the book is. I think I honestly cried through 70% of it. It’s so beautifully written.
Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press for blessing me with the best book of 2022!!! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 6, 2023
This is such a sad book. About love and loss and finding the will to live through depression and anxiety. It's tough, the MC is so sad and so lonely. Her finding a support system and friends and to try to find the fun in the mundane was tough to get through. This was just a tough read. The cover looked light and sweet and I thought it'd be a sweet romance but it's a heavy read.
November 22, 2022
Twice In A Lifetime is the first novel by American author, Melissa Baron. Not long after graphic designer Isla Abbott has quit Chicago for a quiet cottage just outside St Louis, she receives a text from a number she doesn’t recognise: “It hasn’t been the same without you, Buttercup.” Clearly a mis-send, not intended for her.
But when she replies, the sender insists his message is for Isla Abbott, and he seems to know way too much about her. Is she being catfished? Numerous messages and a few photos later, and this man, Ewan, is claiming he’s her husband. And the wedding photo sure looks genuine, too real to be a grandiose hoax.
Is it perhaps her own delusion? She’s just barely controlling her chronic anxiety, depression and the panic attacks that have plagued her much of her life, recently exacerbated by work stress and a crippling bereavement.
It takes a while for Ewan to convince Isla that he is the husband of a future Isla and when he does, it becomes clear that they are no longer together. Gradually, Ewan reveals the reason, and what he believes she must do to avoid the future he’s living. But if she manages that, does it cut him out of her future?
Much more cannot be said without spoilers, but it’s true there are elements of The Time Traveller’s Wife within the plot. And if some facets of the plot feel a tiny bit predictable, there are also shocks and surprises, enough to require the tissues at a certain point. The time-travel aspect is approached with a minimum of confusion or overcomplication and the resolution is very satisfying.
Baron’s characters are appealing for all their very human flaws. Her depiction of depression, anxiety and panic attacks is very realistic, so much so that it does drag down the mood in the first third of the story somewhat, but readers who persist are rewarded with a wonderful love story featuring a protagonist who manages to gain strength and self-confidence, one who eventually learns that she has found friends who believe she’s worthy of the support and love they freely offer. This is an outstanding debut novel and Baron’s next work will be eagerly anticipated.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Alcove Press.
But when she replies, the sender insists his message is for Isla Abbott, and he seems to know way too much about her. Is she being catfished? Numerous messages and a few photos later, and this man, Ewan, is claiming he’s her husband. And the wedding photo sure looks genuine, too real to be a grandiose hoax.
Is it perhaps her own delusion? She’s just barely controlling her chronic anxiety, depression and the panic attacks that have plagued her much of her life, recently exacerbated by work stress and a crippling bereavement.
It takes a while for Ewan to convince Isla that he is the husband of a future Isla and when he does, it becomes clear that they are no longer together. Gradually, Ewan reveals the reason, and what he believes she must do to avoid the future he’s living. But if she manages that, does it cut him out of her future?
Much more cannot be said without spoilers, but it’s true there are elements of The Time Traveller’s Wife within the plot. And if some facets of the plot feel a tiny bit predictable, there are also shocks and surprises, enough to require the tissues at a certain point. The time-travel aspect is approached with a minimum of confusion or overcomplication and the resolution is very satisfying.
Baron’s characters are appealing for all their very human flaws. Her depiction of depression, anxiety and panic attacks is very realistic, so much so that it does drag down the mood in the first third of the story somewhat, but readers who persist are rewarded with a wonderful love story featuring a protagonist who manages to gain strength and self-confidence, one who eventually learns that she has found friends who believe she’s worthy of the support and love they freely offer. This is an outstanding debut novel and Baron’s next work will be eagerly anticipated.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Alcove Press.
November 26, 2022
My mind has been twisted a couple times by time travel novels and movies but the trope can get worn out too. I’m happy to say this falls in the first category and gave my mind a nice tickle. It was a cute and tragic romance where each person is trying to spare the other.
🌀Synopsis
Isla leaves the big city, and her anxiety, to escape to Minneapolis. She gets a text from someone who claims to be her husband, but she isn’t married. As she gets to know Ewan she realizes he’s telling her about their future.
He helps her avoid a tragedy that would ultimately end her life but that also means they couldn’t meet in the same way. Instead Isla must find a way to make her own path to Ewan and find their relationship. When he’s saving her life it ends up costing him his. Now she needs to figure out how to contact him from the past to fix it.
🌀Synopsis
Isla leaves the big city, and her anxiety, to escape to Minneapolis. She gets a text from someone who claims to be her husband, but she isn’t married. As she gets to know Ewan she realizes he’s telling her about their future.
He helps her avoid a tragedy that would ultimately end her life but that also means they couldn’t meet in the same way. Instead Isla must find a way to make her own path to Ewan and find their relationship. When he’s saving her life it ends up costing him his. Now she needs to figure out how to contact him from the past to fix it.
December 27, 2022
I thought I had finalized my 2022 top picks for Chick Lit Central, but then Melissa Baron delivered this incredible gem of a novel and it usurped one of my choices (I moved that one to the list at my personal blog though). I cannot even begin to describe how amazing this story is and all the feels I got from it. It reminded me of The Lake House (movie starring Keanu Reeves) and I do agree with the comparison to The Time Traveler's Wife. There was also a Midnight Library vibe at times.
All I can tell you is that this is a must-read. And Ewan is now my book boyfriend. So swoon-worthy! Isla is a very relatable and lovable protagonist, as well. I really liked the focus on mental health, anxiety, and self-care. The dialogue and descriptions were so incredible and kept the story flowing. There were even some funny moments throughout. I really liked the supporting characters too (except one who was a bit of a minor character overall).
Like with most time travel books, my biggest issue is the way the time travel situation works. Some things got confusing after a bit but I can't explain why as to not spoil the story. However, this clearly did not ruin the overall effect and you do need some suspension of disbelief anyway.
Just read this book and thank me when you're done! It's like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket and you'll want to sigh and hug it often.
Movie casting suggestions:
All I can tell you is that this is a must-read. And Ewan is now my book boyfriend. So swoon-worthy! Isla is a very relatable and lovable protagonist, as well. I really liked the focus on mental health, anxiety, and self-care. The dialogue and descriptions were so incredible and kept the story flowing. There were even some funny moments throughout. I really liked the supporting characters too (except one who was a bit of a minor character overall).
Like with most time travel books, my biggest issue is the way the time travel situation works. Some things got confusing after a bit but I can't explain why as to not spoil the story. However, this clearly did not ruin the overall effect and you do need some suspension of disbelief anyway.
Just read this book and thank me when you're done! It's like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket and you'll want to sigh and hug it often.
Movie casting suggestions:
Isla: Alia Shawkat
Ewan: Henry Golding
Willow: Humberly González
Eleanor: Justine Lupe
Janelle: Barrett Doss
Tae: Jake Choi
Jun-su: Eugene Lee Yang
Arnold: Matthew Glave
January 31, 2023
This was the first book I read by this author - I found out about this book from the Aardvark bookclub. This was a decent read for me, but I thought it was going to have a bit more time travel. It was compared to Oona out of Order, but it missed that mark for me.
Hear more of my thoughts WITH NO SPOILERS in my reading vlog: https://youtu.be/12pdrl6gwas
Hear more of my thoughts WITH NO SPOILERS in my reading vlog: https://youtu.be/12pdrl6gwas
December 30, 2023
Update:
I was looking back at all the Aardvark Book Club picks that I have read, and I highly recommend this one. It is so underrated and no one talks about it, but I feel like a lot of people would like it especially those who liked In Five Years by Rebecca Serle and Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler.
Original Review:
Wow, this was an amazing women's fiction story. Time traveling but without the repetitiveness. There was a bit in the middle that was slightly dull, but the rest was very intriguing! I was at the edge of my seat, biting my nails during the last 50 pages or so.
⚠️The TW are listed at the beginning of the book.⚠️
I was looking back at all the Aardvark Book Club picks that I have read, and I highly recommend this one. It is so underrated and no one talks about it, but I feel like a lot of people would like it especially those who liked In Five Years by Rebecca Serle and Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler.
Original Review:
Wow, this was an amazing women's fiction story. Time traveling but without the repetitiveness. There was a bit in the middle that was slightly dull, but the rest was very intriguing! I was at the edge of my seat, biting my nails during the last 50 pages or so.
⚠️The TW are listed at the beginning of the book.⚠️
January 19, 2023
This time slip story has a little bit of a vibe of the Sandra Bullock Lake House movie, a bit of The Butterfly Effect, and situations that show that changing the future has consequences.
There are also themes of depression and TBI.
It is well narrated and I liked the conclusion.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
There are also themes of depression and TBI.
It is well narrated and I liked the conclusion.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
December 19, 2022
A really strong and impactful debut novel. I’m not always a fan of the time traveling trope, but the execution of this was great and the mental health representation was top notch. Isla gets a text from a mysterious person claiming to be her husband, and he’s texting her from some time in the near future. Alternating between dual timelines, Isla has the opportunity to change the course of her life and prevent a tragedy from occurring. The only problem is that saving herself may cost her husband his. This was great on audio, and I highly reccomend for fans of Merideth Alone and Oona Out of Order.
Read if you like:
-Sliding door trope
-Emotional romances
-Mental Health rep
-Unexpected twists
Read if you like:
-Sliding door trope
-Emotional romances
-Mental Health rep
-Unexpected twists
February 7, 2023
I stumbled upon this book from the library. It was cute but nothing memorable.
December 14, 2022
HOLY CRAP!! HOLY CRAP!!! HOLY CRAP!!
This book broke me! AMAZING!!
Review will be up as soon as I recover.
—————————
Ok… I have pieced myself back together.
This book broke me and I loved every second of it!!
I was shocked to learn this was Melissa Baron debut novel… and quite sad if I am being honest. I was prepared to go full obsession and read everything. If this book does not explode in popularity, I will be shocked and disappointed!!
This gut-wrenchingly beautiful story follows Isla and Ewan through time (literally), tackling difficult topics with care.
This is one story I would recommend going into blind. The less you know beforehand the better the book is. I think I honestly cried through 70% of it. It’s so beautifully written.
Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press for blessing me with the best book of 2022!!! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book broke me! AMAZING!!
Review will be up as soon as I recover.
—————————
Ok… I have pieced myself back together.
This book broke me and I loved every second of it!!
I was shocked to learn this was Melissa Baron debut novel… and quite sad if I am being honest. I was prepared to go full obsession and read everything. If this book does not explode in popularity, I will be shocked and disappointed!!
This gut-wrenchingly beautiful story follows Isla and Ewan through time (literally), tackling difficult topics with care.
This is one story I would recommend going into blind. The less you know beforehand the better the book is. I think I honestly cried through 70% of it. It’s so beautifully written.
Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press for blessing me with the best book of 2022!!! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 9, 2023
This was fine. I don't have much to say about it. I never really formed an emotional attachment to the characters, but it was a good enough time while reading.
This is a speculative romance where the main character (Isla, just had to look it up) has recently relocated to St. Louis from Chicago after the death of her mother, and she starts getting text messages from a man who says he is her husband . . . from the future. DUN DUN DUN. Only, where is future Isla? It's pretty obvious even when the narrative is trying to conceal it from us, but . She and the dude get to know each other, and he's determined to save her life, even if it means he won't ever meet her and the life as they knew it will never happen.
I take it back, I do have something to say, and that is the use of time travel mechanics in this book was not great. Apparently there is no multiverse here, first of all. And I know you're just supposed to go with it when stuff like this happens in romances (I never complained about it in Landline, for example) but I think because the book itself wasn't really doing much for me, the other stuff stood out more. And that this would happen was never explained to my satisfaction, and the woo woo handwaving didn't emotionally connect for me.
I neither recommend avoidance of consumption of this book. If it sounds interesting to you, go for it! I think it might just have been the wrong book for me as a reader.
This is a speculative romance where the main character (Isla, just had to look it up) has recently relocated to St. Louis from Chicago after the death of her mother, and she starts getting text messages from a man who says he is her husband . . . from the future. DUN DUN DUN. Only, where is future Isla? It's pretty obvious even when the narrative is trying to conceal it from us, but . She and the dude get to know each other, and he's determined to save her life, even if it means he won't ever meet her and the life as they knew it will never happen.
I take it back, I do have something to say, and that is the use of time travel mechanics in this book was not great. Apparently there is no multiverse here, first of all. And I know you're just supposed to go with it when stuff like this happens in romances (I never complained about it in Landline, for example) but I think because the book itself wasn't really doing much for me, the other stuff stood out more. And that this would happen was never explained to my satisfaction, and the woo woo handwaving didn't emotionally connect for me.
I neither recommend avoidance of consumption of this book. If it sounds interesting to you, go for it! I think it might just have been the wrong book for me as a reader.
September 16, 2023
Diversity checklist strikes at 45%. Exit time 🪂
Ewan's good friend, a guy named Tae, has a bedroom that is now his (Tae's) boyfriend's studio space 🙄
Ewan's good friend, a guy named Tae, has a bedroom that is now his (Tae's) boyfriend's studio space 🙄
June 23, 2022
Isla has moved to small town Missouri, needing a break from the busy city life, with her chronic anxiety. The one day, she receives a text message from a man claiming to be her husband and a fabulous adventure unfolds with this man who seems to know so much about her, including things she has never shared.
This one is best described as a time travelling romance. I do love a little time travel or sliding doors approach in a novel and this kept me guessing. My only warning, is from the synopsis you may expect a lighthearted rom-com and it did canvass some serious topics. Overall it was such an enjoyable novel with some unexpected twists.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this gifted review copy.
This one is best described as a time travelling romance. I do love a little time travel or sliding doors approach in a novel and this kept me guessing. My only warning, is from the synopsis you may expect a lighthearted rom-com and it did canvass some serious topics. Overall it was such an enjoyable novel with some unexpected twists.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this gifted review copy.
December 31, 2022
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Alcove press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Twice in a Lifetime is available now to pick up!
I really enjoyed this one - I thought it was a bit slow moving at the start, and I kept thinking…..how on earth are you going to show that love via “text messages from beyond” between Isla and Ewan, but once they meet in person and Isla changes the timeline, this one really picks up and gets going. I will say, the best part for me of this one was the ending and how Isla learns to live with the choices made in these timelines and how everything ends up wrapping up. If you don’t love a touch of magical realism in your fiction, or multiple timelines (although this one is not the traditional past/present dual timeline, it almost has a few going simultaneously if that makes sense), this one might not be the one for you. Overall I thought this was a great read to close out 2022 with. Happy New Year reading friends!
Thank you again to NetGalley and Alcove press for this advance copy.
I really enjoyed this one - I thought it was a bit slow moving at the start, and I kept thinking…..how on earth are you going to show that love via “text messages from beyond” between Isla and Ewan, but once they meet in person and Isla changes the timeline, this one really picks up and gets going. I will say, the best part for me of this one was the ending and how Isla learns to live with the choices made in these timelines and how everything ends up wrapping up. If you don’t love a touch of magical realism in your fiction, or multiple timelines (although this one is not the traditional past/present dual timeline, it almost has a few going simultaneously if that makes sense), this one might not be the one for you. Overall I thought this was a great read to close out 2022 with. Happy New Year reading friends!
Thank you again to NetGalley and Alcove press for this advance copy.
October 8, 2022
“Okay, she typed. Okay, weirdo, I’ll humor you.”
Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5+ stars (5 stars aren’t enough)
Spicy Meter: 4 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses and describes car accidents, suicide, and physical therapy. Describes panic attacks. Has explicit sexual content.
“Twice in a Lifetime” follows Isla, an insecure graphic designer that, due to her struggles with generalized anxiety disorder, decides to leave Chicago for rural Missouri. All is well until, one day, she receives a text message from her non-existing husband(?). Isla knows she’s not married but Ewan assures her he is actually texting from the future, in hopes to change their fate. Isla, naturally, doesn’t believe him—until he send her an all-too-real picture of them on their wedding day. In this novel, you’ll get butterflies and heartbreak tied with a pretty little ribbon. Isla’s and Ewan’s story is as unique as it get.
I had not give a book 5+ stars in quite some time, but this book is taking that cake. “Twice in a Lifetime” has been one of my favorite reads this year. With distinct characters and a beautiful setting, sometimes the time traveling aspects of this book weren’t even the most unique part. I fell in love with Isla and Ewan and the love so pure they had for each other—even breaking through timelines.
This fast-paced read delivers on all fronts: it’s steamy and hot, it’s heartfelt, it deals with difficult and uncomfortable topics, it’s sweet, (oh, and did I mention that it’s steamy and hot?). There was a lot of character development, a lot of sincere communication between the characters. You could clearly see how they fell for each other. It truly made me believe in soulmates and that, perhaps, I’ve found the Ewan to my Isla as well.
I would highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a unique, fantastically romance. When reading the description, you might think it’ll be like “Landline” by Rainbow Rowell (which I rated at 3 stars last year), but it couldn’t be further from it.
“Twice in a Lifetime” would be the perfect holiday gift this season. Definitely add it to your cart if you’d like a fast-paced novel that’s more than just a steamy love story.
ARC provided by NetGalley and Alcove Press in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: December 6, 2022
“One of these days, she’d learned to get comfortable with good things happening to her as well as bad things. One day, her heart and her mind might be able to tell the difference between the two.”
Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5+ stars (5 stars aren’t enough)
Spicy Meter: 4 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses and describes car accidents, suicide, and physical therapy. Describes panic attacks. Has explicit sexual content.
“Twice in a Lifetime” follows Isla, an insecure graphic designer that, due to her struggles with generalized anxiety disorder, decides to leave Chicago for rural Missouri. All is well until, one day, she receives a text message from her non-existing husband(?). Isla knows she’s not married but Ewan assures her he is actually texting from the future, in hopes to change their fate. Isla, naturally, doesn’t believe him—until he send her an all-too-real picture of them on their wedding day. In this novel, you’ll get butterflies and heartbreak tied with a pretty little ribbon. Isla’s and Ewan’s story is as unique as it get.
I had not give a book 5+ stars in quite some time, but this book is taking that cake. “Twice in a Lifetime” has been one of my favorite reads this year. With distinct characters and a beautiful setting, sometimes the time traveling aspects of this book weren’t even the most unique part. I fell in love with Isla and Ewan and the love so pure they had for each other—even breaking through timelines.
This fast-paced read delivers on all fronts: it’s steamy and hot, it’s heartfelt, it deals with difficult and uncomfortable topics, it’s sweet, (oh, and did I mention that it’s steamy and hot?). There was a lot of character development, a lot of sincere communication between the characters. You could clearly see how they fell for each other. It truly made me believe in soulmates and that, perhaps, I’ve found the Ewan to my Isla as well.
I would highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a unique, fantastically romance. When reading the description, you might think it’ll be like “Landline” by Rainbow Rowell (which I rated at 3 stars last year), but it couldn’t be further from it.
“Twice in a Lifetime” would be the perfect holiday gift this season. Definitely add it to your cart if you’d like a fast-paced novel that’s more than just a steamy love story.
ARC provided by NetGalley and Alcove Press in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: December 6, 2022
“One of these days, she’d learned to get comfortable with good things happening to her as well as bad things. One day, her heart and her mind might be able to tell the difference between the two.”
June 19, 2025
This is a heartbreaking and life affirming story. You think you’re going into a sweet time warp story, but there is so much more depth to it.
Isla deals with crippling anxiety and depression. After her mother dies of cancer, she uproots herself from Chicago to the St. Louis area for a new start. As explained in the blurb, she receives a mysterious text from someone named Ewan claiming to be her husband. He even has proof. But he’s from the future. He’s trying to help her both with her anxiety and mental health issues and to prevent a tragedy in her life. I can’t go into any more detail without giving away spoilers.
Isla and Ewan are extraordinary characters and wonderfully portrayed. The first part of the book is told from Isla‘s point of view, and then after a certain event, you start to get only Ewan‘s point of view, and eventually the points of view alternate within chapters, which is very satisfying. Isla and Ewan’s love story is poignant and beautiful. I loved seeing the growth in Isla’s character, as she took more and more control over her life and stood up for herself with everyone. There is one point in the story where You. Will. Be. Gutted. And there is another point where you will just hold your breath and cross your fingers.
The tensions and emotions in the story are perfectly timed. The book is well paced and beautifully written. This book was so much more than I expected, and in a good way. I want to read more by this author. An absolute recommend.
Isla deals with crippling anxiety and depression. After her mother dies of cancer, she uproots herself from Chicago to the St. Louis area for a new start. As explained in the blurb, she receives a mysterious text from someone named Ewan claiming to be her husband. He even has proof. But he’s from the future. He’s trying to help her both with her anxiety and mental health issues and to prevent a tragedy in her life. I can’t go into any more detail without giving away spoilers.
Isla and Ewan are extraordinary characters and wonderfully portrayed. The first part of the book is told from Isla‘s point of view, and then after a certain event, you start to get only Ewan‘s point of view, and eventually the points of view alternate within chapters, which is very satisfying. Isla and Ewan’s love story is poignant and beautiful. I loved seeing the growth in Isla’s character, as she took more and more control over her life and stood up for herself with everyone. There is one point in the story where You. Will. Be. Gutted. And there is another point where you will just hold your breath and cross your fingers.
The tensions and emotions in the story are perfectly timed. The book is well paced and beautifully written. This book was so much more than I expected, and in a good way. I want to read more by this author. An absolute recommend.
January 8, 2023
10 stars WOW. Obsessed.
First of all, I love this cover.
This one also had me at romance with a time travel element. I did not expect the emotional heartbreak that this one brought to the table, though, but I am not mad about it.
As most of you know, it takes a LOT for a story to make me cry, and this one definitely did.
The mental health representation was insanely perfect and delicately handled while also being raw and real. Gah, I wanted to reach through the pages and hug the shit out of Isla so much!! And damn the connection between Isla and Ewan made me all squishy inside. Everyone should have a Ewan Park in their lives.
It should also be noted that this author has such a beautiful writing style that flowed like butter with descriptions and every thought and word written with purpose, leaving no detail open.
That is all I will say. Just do yourself a favor and make sure you read this book asap. I can't recommend enough.
This book is a NEW favorite, and I'm still so shocked that this is a debut novel!
I hope she writes more books. I will read anything she writes again.
*TW* suicide and mental health talk is heavy
First of all, I love this cover.
This one also had me at romance with a time travel element. I did not expect the emotional heartbreak that this one brought to the table, though, but I am not mad about it.
As most of you know, it takes a LOT for a story to make me cry, and this one definitely did.
The mental health representation was insanely perfect and delicately handled while also being raw and real. Gah, I wanted to reach through the pages and hug the shit out of Isla so much!! And damn the connection between Isla and Ewan made me all squishy inside. Everyone should have a Ewan Park in their lives.
It should also be noted that this author has such a beautiful writing style that flowed like butter with descriptions and every thought and word written with purpose, leaving no detail open.
That is all I will say. Just do yourself a favor and make sure you read this book asap. I can't recommend enough.
This book is a NEW favorite, and I'm still so shocked that this is a debut novel!
I hope she writes more books. I will read anything she writes again.
*TW* suicide and mental health talk is heavy
January 8, 2023
Oona Out of Order and The Time Traveler’s Wife are two of my favorites so I knew I would love this book. Isla recently moved to a small town in Missouri. One day she receives a text message from a man claiming to be her husband from three years in the future. She thinks it’s a hoax but Ewan seems to know everything about her. Then he sends a photograph of them on their wedding day. Isla suffers from chronic anxiety, which is crippling at times. Ewan tells her they’re not together in the future but can that be changed?This book was much darker and more emotional than I thought it was going to be which I loved. Please check trigger warnings if you need to prior to reading. It’s a very heavy read. I recommend this for readers who enjoy a little magical realism in their romance, time travel/time loop stories, grief stories, and mental health rep. I loved seeing Isla’s character development. Ewan was very swoon worthy. I was rooting for them the entire book and on the edge of my seat. This is a great debut novel from Baron and I’m excited to see what she does next. Thank you to the author, Netgalley, and Dreamscape Media for an advanced audiobook.
November 18, 2022
This time twist romance was a bit of a mind f*ck and at times hard to follow but the overall message of mental health and finding ways to love yourself despite the challenges life throws you was top notch.
Isla has battled depression and anxiety from a young age, dealing with suicidal ideation among other things. When she gets a surprise text out of the blue from a man claiming to be her husband from the future, she starts to rethink her life choices.
This book kept me on my toes, wondering how things would work out. The multiple timelines were a bit difficult to keep straight but I still really enjoyed how much this book made me think and empathize with anyone who has suffered from traumatic brain injuries and chronic pain.
Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of books like Meredith alone or Oona out of order. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Isla has battled depression and anxiety from a young age, dealing with suicidal ideation among other things. When she gets a surprise text out of the blue from a man claiming to be her husband from the future, she starts to rethink her life choices.
This book kept me on my toes, wondering how things would work out. The multiple timelines were a bit difficult to keep straight but I still really enjoyed how much this book made me think and empathize with anyone who has suffered from traumatic brain injuries and chronic pain.
Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of books like Meredith alone or Oona out of order. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
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