Once and Again by Rebecca Serle is filled with nostalgia, regret, and what ifs. The author nails that mix of family drama, bits of magical realism, and romance. The whole “one chance to redo a moment” premise hooked me instantly! I loved the Novak women…they’re complicated, flawed, and so real. Their story is messy and emotional in the best way, with family drama and old heartbreak colliding. The book delivers a gut punch of emotions and was absolutely gorgeous and haunting from start to finish!

While I liked this better than Expiration Dates, it didn’t have quite the same spark that The Dinner List or One Italian Summer did. Lauren’s decision to use her ticket came a bit as a surprise and her “mistake” didn’t feel completely justified. I don’t feel we got enough of her remorse before it moved back to idyllic. This book would’ve benefited by being a bit more fleshed out actually.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Okay it took me a minute to understand the premise of this story but once I got going I was hooked! I just love Rebecca Serle and find all of her stories to be so great. If you've enjoyed her past works, pick this one up!

Lauren can turn back time just once in her life. She moves back to Broad Beach and see her family and her first love. She thinks back on her choices and tries to decide if she should undo her choices.

Interesting plot. Love the concept of choices vs fate. I like the characters a lot. Great book.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I was super excited for this! My first ever Rebecca Serle book!
It was actually quite different from what I was expecting- but I am not disappointed! This entire story is like one huge plot twist and I love it.

What would you do if you had once chance to change the past?
Lauren does.
Every woman in Lauren’s family is granted a ticket at birth. A one time opportunity to undo anything they wish.
With fertility issues, problems in her marriage, and the impending death of a loved one, she has no shortage of things she is desperate to fix. But, she only has one card to play- and one shot at making things right.

I thought this was pretty amazing. I was literally so invested in this story.

This is one of those books where the plot is thickening constantly.
I was surprised at every turn, and very anxious to find out how things would end for Lauren and her family.
I was fully prepared to cry at the end- because I was pretty sure it was going to be devastating no matter what. (To my delight- I did not cry.)

I really love the writing. I know this author is very popular, and I think it is pretty obvious why.
This has all of the intelligence and beauty of classic literature, but with the ease, understandability and plot of a contemporary novel.
Bravo for that.

Pretty incredible this one. I think people will love this.

Thank you to Netgalley, Atria Books and author Rebecca Serle for providing me with the eARC of “Once and Again", in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: March 10th, 2026
*I will be posting this review to goodreads closer the official publication date, as requested by the publisher. I have included the link to my goodreads rating, which will be updated to include the actual review at that time!