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Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman
A blindsided soon-to-be divorcée rediscovers herself in this witty, celebratory novel about a hard-fought comeback by the authors of The Better Half.
Two decades have passed since Callie Kingman begrudgingly followed her husband, Thomas, across the country in pursuit of his career at the expense of her own. Today, Callie is an empty nester with no job prospects, a declining mother, and a spouse who announces his intention to leave her—in Sacramento, the dullest city in America. His parting “It’s not me, it’s you.”
Taking to bed, Callie relies on delivery for food, her neighbor for booze, and her college best friend for commiseration. When an overdue annual exam leads to a health scare, Callie is forced to contend with her fractured and unfulfilled life by revisiting the vibrant, indomitable woman she used to be.
From her idyllic years at Princeton and an extraordinary first love to the pressures all women face to strive, serve, and be sexy as hell, once again she’s face-to-face with it all. Callie is running for her life, determined to forge a path ahead that is better than the one she’s leaving behind.
Two decades have passed since Callie Kingman begrudgingly followed her husband, Thomas, across the country in pursuit of his career at the expense of her own. Today, Callie is an empty nester with no job prospects, a declining mother, and a spouse who announces his intention to leave her—in Sacramento, the dullest city in America. His parting “It’s not me, it’s you.”
Taking to bed, Callie relies on delivery for food, her neighbor for booze, and her college best friend for commiseration. When an overdue annual exam leads to a health scare, Callie is forced to contend with her fractured and unfulfilled life by revisiting the vibrant, indomitable woman she used to be.
From her idyllic years at Princeton and an extraordinary first love to the pressures all women face to strive, serve, and be sexy as hell, once again she’s face-to-face with it all. Callie is running for her life, determined to forge a path ahead that is better than the one she’s leaving behind.
304 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2025
247 people are currently reading
4316 people want to read
About the author
Alli Frank
5 books158 followersThe robustness of a farm girl, the honed sophistication of a city woman, a dash of Jewish chutzpah, and a heaping cup of endurance athlete and voila, you have Alli Frank. Alli was raised in Yakima, WA, the only child of two parents who instilled in her that hard work coupled with a resilient spirit will take you where you want to go. So up some of the highest mountains Alli climbed, down insanely steep terrain she skied and across long swathes of land she ran. To pay for all this adventure, Alli has worked in education for over 20 years in San Francisco and Seattle - from an overcrowded, cacophonous public high school to a pristine private girl's school. She has been a teacher, curriculum leader, coach, college counselor, assistant head, private school co-founder, sometimes pastor, often mayor, and de facto parent therapist. A graduate of Cornell and Stanford Universities, Alli can still be found with her nose deep in a book or hunkered down at the movies, never one to miss a great story. Alli lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband, two daughters and terribly cute mini-Bernedoodle. When she needs good food (cause she can't really cook) she turns to her co-author Asha Youmans.
(source: Amazon)
(source: Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
November 3, 2025
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The Book Review Crew Blog
3.5 Stars
I have never read a book by this duo before, and this was getting some great reviews, so I thought I'd take a chance. This is about the titular character Callie Kingman. Her twenty-year marriage falls apart, and she has a health scare. Callie decides she can be like the woman she once was, before moving to Sacramento and giving up her job for her husband.
I liked the idea of this book so much. I have been in Callie's shoes. This story was heartbreaking, real, and oh so funny at times as well. That is the story's main strength: Callie herself and how relatable she is. She had a hard time believing in herself or that she was deserving of the good things in life. She is trying to live up to the expectations of others in both her family life and at her job. I felt what Callie was feeling and was cheering her on. The authors do a great job balancing the funny moments with the seriousness of being a mom, working full-time and going through a divorce. Callie was very brave trying to start over. And even though the plot was predictable, I enjoyed being on Callie's journey until I didn't.
The biggest problem I had with this book is a bit of a spoiler. I am just going to say that meeting up with her old boyfriend, Porter, and forgiving him for what he did all those years ago made me angry. I hated the ending with a passion, so I am taking half a star off and rounding down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
3.5 Stars
I have never read a book by this duo before, and this was getting some great reviews, so I thought I'd take a chance. This is about the titular character Callie Kingman. Her twenty-year marriage falls apart, and she has a health scare. Callie decides she can be like the woman she once was, before moving to Sacramento and giving up her job for her husband.
I liked the idea of this book so much. I have been in Callie's shoes. This story was heartbreaking, real, and oh so funny at times as well. That is the story's main strength: Callie herself and how relatable she is. She had a hard time believing in herself or that she was deserving of the good things in life. She is trying to live up to the expectations of others in both her family life and at her job. I felt what Callie was feeling and was cheering her on. The authors do a great job balancing the funny moments with the seriousness of being a mom, working full-time and going through a divorce. Callie was very brave trying to start over. And even though the plot was predictable, I enjoyed being on Callie's journey until I didn't.
The biggest problem I had with this book is a bit of a spoiler. I am just going to say that meeting up with her old boyfriend, Porter, and forgiving him for what he did all those years ago made me angry. I hated the ending with a passion, so I am taking half a star off and rounding down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
December 27, 2025
(4.25 stars)
Thank you to the authors, Booked With The Emilys, and the publishers for my advance copies of the paperback, ebook and audiobook of Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman!
This is my first book by the writing duo of Alli Frank and Asha Youmans, and based on this one, I’ll be looking into their backlist.
Run For Your Life features a 50-something-year-old woman, Callie, who is blindsided by her husband, who comes home from a work trip to tell her he’s leaving her and, by the way, he has a new baby on the way! “It’s you, not me.” (I could not stand Thomas and couldn’t figure out what drew Callie to him at all!) Callie had given up her promising TV journalism career (unwilliingly) to move from New York City to Sacramento, California, for her husband’s career. He promised her it would only be for a year or two, but it turned into decades. She is frustrated and lost and resentful. The story focuses on Callie’s efforts to pick herself up and move on - which entails not just thinking about working again, but also taking better care of herself, after a long-overdue health checkup. The story bounces between the current day in Sacramento, and Callie’s second-act efforts, and her backstory which concentrates on her college years at Princeton University, from 1989 to 1993. I totally enjoyed the scene involving Callie’s mother on move-in day! We see Callie meet her best friend Quinn and her first love, Porter. As a former resident of Princeton (I was a “townie”), I loved all the local details that brought back so many memories of my decades there. Eventually we find out what happened and why Callie and Porter didn’t wind up together after college. I wasn’t sold on Porter, even though Callie considered him the love of her life. Without giving away spoilers, I was disappointed in his actions and his excuses for his behavior didn’t cut it with me.
I have to say I much preferred the parts of the story that focused on Callie’s reinvention of herself. I totally bonded with her over her efforts to get herself in shape by starting to run and then joining a running club, both experiences I shared with Callie. (I often refer to myself as an “adult onset runner.”) Over the course of the book, she learns to love herself again, all while dealing with a mother with the beginnings of dementia and two young adult children, a true Gen X “sandwich generation” scenario.
Bahni Turpin does a great job with the audiobook, although I wasn’t sure at first if she was the right narrator for this one. Her narration grew on me, however.
As the authors point out in their Acknowledgments, “…this book is not a romance or a rom-com. It is a LOVE story…Love of hometown. Familial love. Love of camaraderie and life-long friendships. Intimate love. And most importantly, self-love.”
Thank you to the authors, Booked With The Emilys, and the publishers for my advance copies of the paperback, ebook and audiobook of Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman!
This is my first book by the writing duo of Alli Frank and Asha Youmans, and based on this one, I’ll be looking into their backlist.
Run For Your Life features a 50-something-year-old woman, Callie, who is blindsided by her husband, who comes home from a work trip to tell her he’s leaving her and, by the way, he has a new baby on the way! “It’s you, not me.” (I could not stand Thomas and couldn’t figure out what drew Callie to him at all!) Callie had given up her promising TV journalism career (unwilliingly) to move from New York City to Sacramento, California, for her husband’s career. He promised her it would only be for a year or two, but it turned into decades. She is frustrated and lost and resentful. The story focuses on Callie’s efforts to pick herself up and move on - which entails not just thinking about working again, but also taking better care of herself, after a long-overdue health checkup. The story bounces between the current day in Sacramento, and Callie’s second-act efforts, and her backstory which concentrates on her college years at Princeton University, from 1989 to 1993. I totally enjoyed the scene involving Callie’s mother on move-in day! We see Callie meet her best friend Quinn and her first love, Porter. As a former resident of Princeton (I was a “townie”), I loved all the local details that brought back so many memories of my decades there. Eventually we find out what happened and why Callie and Porter didn’t wind up together after college. I wasn’t sold on Porter, even though Callie considered him the love of her life. Without giving away spoilers, I was disappointed in his actions and his excuses for his behavior didn’t cut it with me.
I have to say I much preferred the parts of the story that focused on Callie’s reinvention of herself. I totally bonded with her over her efforts to get herself in shape by starting to run and then joining a running club, both experiences I shared with Callie. (I often refer to myself as an “adult onset runner.”) Over the course of the book, she learns to love herself again, all while dealing with a mother with the beginnings of dementia and two young adult children, a true Gen X “sandwich generation” scenario.
Bahni Turpin does a great job with the audiobook, although I wasn’t sure at first if she was the right narrator for this one. Her narration grew on me, however.
As the authors point out in their Acknowledgments, “…this book is not a romance or a rom-com. It is a LOVE story…Love of hometown. Familial love. Love of camaraderie and life-long friendships. Intimate love. And most importantly, self-love.”
December 11, 2025
Wow.
Being in my mid 40s a lot of what Callie goes through is both empowering and positively horrifying.
I could not imagine dealing with what she did, let alone in such a class act way.
Well done Callie!
I highly enjoyed that the story is unveiled in 2 timelines (past & present) coming to an intersection in the end.
Callie is a fabulous character and you will be rooting for her to come out on top.
I loved this book and am so excited to have gotten an early copy!
Much love to Booked with the Emilys, Brilliance Publishing, NetGalley and of course the authors, Alli Frank & Asha Youmans. I am excited they have a backlist I can dig into next.
Being in my mid 40s a lot of what Callie goes through is both empowering and positively horrifying.
I could not imagine dealing with what she did, let alone in such a class act way.
Well done Callie!
I highly enjoyed that the story is unveiled in 2 timelines (past & present) coming to an intersection in the end.
Callie is a fabulous character and you will be rooting for her to come out on top.
I loved this book and am so excited to have gotten an early copy!
Much love to Booked with the Emilys, Brilliance Publishing, NetGalley and of course the authors, Alli Frank & Asha Youmans. I am excited they have a backlist I can dig into next.
January 17, 2026
I am very glad that I read this lovely story. For me, it just kept getting better and better as it went along, leading to, for me, a strong, satisfying ending.
I loved Callie, the relatable Gen X, 50-something-plus main character as she deals with her self-doubt and fears after her husband leaves her for a younger woman. All this while supporting her mother, who has dementia, and emotionally being there for her young adult sons.
Told in dual-timelines, the story traces Callie’s life from her college days, when she met the love of her life, to the present day. This is a collaborative writing effort by two authors and I couldn’t tell who wrote what parts. Great writing partnership!
The authors explore love in all its forms: familial, parental, friendship, romantic love, and, most importantly, self-love. I enjoyed seeing Callie’s growth as a young woman full of hope to an older woman who feels unseen and rudderless, as she re-discovers herself, both professionally and personally, comes to terms with her past, and creates a hopeful path forward on her own terms. Callie has some great female friends and I loved how these women held each other up and cheered each other on. I can relate to this so much.
This book was relatable (I am also Gen X), funny, and warm-hearted, So happy to have read it!
Thanks for having me on tour Kate Rocks Book Tour and for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
I loved Callie, the relatable Gen X, 50-something-plus main character as she deals with her self-doubt and fears after her husband leaves her for a younger woman. All this while supporting her mother, who has dementia, and emotionally being there for her young adult sons.
Told in dual-timelines, the story traces Callie’s life from her college days, when she met the love of her life, to the present day. This is a collaborative writing effort by two authors and I couldn’t tell who wrote what parts. Great writing partnership!
The authors explore love in all its forms: familial, parental, friendship, romantic love, and, most importantly, self-love. I enjoyed seeing Callie’s growth as a young woman full of hope to an older woman who feels unseen and rudderless, as she re-discovers herself, both professionally and personally, comes to terms with her past, and creates a hopeful path forward on her own terms. Callie has some great female friends and I loved how these women held each other up and cheered each other on. I can relate to this so much.
This book was relatable (I am also Gen X), funny, and warm-hearted, So happy to have read it!
Thanks for having me on tour Kate Rocks Book Tour and for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
January 9, 2026
This book was so much fun! I could see myself in Callie, I feel her "growing pains" so much. This was so much more than a romance, it was journey in self discovery. I loved the dual timeline, the humor, and the friendships.
October 21, 2025
ARC review:
Book out December 30, 2025
—
This one... this one was so much more than I expected...
—
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
—
I was expecting it to be a cheesy, happy ending kind of book, as it's not what I usually read... but let me tell you - i think everyone, every woman needs to read this.
Especially as it's not your typical 20 year old FMC. This one is dedicated to my Gen X friends.
We follow Callie Kingman, a soon to be divorced 50 year old mum of two. She moved her life from New York to California for her (soon to be ex) husband for what she thought would be a short time. 20+ years later, still in California and her life shatters. Or so she thought. 🫢
This book is written in present, but has a few chapters going back 30 years, to Callie's college life at Princeton.
We get to know her college love life, her family life, the struggles, caring for sick family member, and the friendship! Oh the friendship!
She has a best friend named Quinn, and I think we all need a friend like her. The overall support is just *chefs kiss.*
—
I really really really recommend this book.
It might even be one of the best i've read this year.
Thanks to Montlake and Netgalley for the ARC.
Book out December 30, 2025
—
This one... this one was so much more than I expected...
—
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
—
I was expecting it to be a cheesy, happy ending kind of book, as it's not what I usually read... but let me tell you - i think everyone, every woman needs to read this.
Especially as it's not your typical 20 year old FMC. This one is dedicated to my Gen X friends.
We follow Callie Kingman, a soon to be divorced 50 year old mum of two. She moved her life from New York to California for her (soon to be ex) husband for what she thought would be a short time. 20+ years later, still in California and her life shatters. Or so she thought. 🫢
This book is written in present, but has a few chapters going back 30 years, to Callie's college life at Princeton.
We get to know her college love life, her family life, the struggles, caring for sick family member, and the friendship! Oh the friendship!
She has a best friend named Quinn, and I think we all need a friend like her. The overall support is just *chefs kiss.*
—
I really really really recommend this book.
It might even be one of the best i've read this year.
Thanks to Montlake and Netgalley for the ARC.
January 8, 2026
Book Title: Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman
Authors: Alli Frank & Asha Youmans
Publishers: Montlake/Brilliance Audio
Publication Date: December 30, 2025
Currently Available on KU? ✅
Audiobook? ✅
Narrator: Bahni Turpin
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: I have loved every single book I’ve read by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans, and Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman is no exception. I could have stayed in Callie’s universe forever and I loved the characters so much!
🧺 𝚁𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚖 𝙼𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜: In the acknowledgements, the authors note that this is not a romance, but a love story and I wholeheartedly agree with that. They focus on many different types of love, and it was relatable on many levels despite me not being a Gen X like the characters are. This also happens to be this duo’s first book with a dual timeline and man did they pull it off! I loved the focus on Callie and Preston while they were at university, as well as the present timeline where Callie is blindsided with a divorce and picks up running. This an emotional one with utterly hilarious moments that made me burst out laughing at some of the most inopportune times. 🤣
🎧 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: Bahni Turpin was one of my favorite narrators for the longest time, but lately her narration has been a bit off for me. However, it was mostly perfect throughout this novel, and it made me so happy! Her tone and voice changes for various characters are always top notch, and I was pleased with her narration for the majority of the audiobook. I will say I might find the choice of narrator a bit strange for this one, and I was almost done with the book when I had a wait, what? moment. I think I might know why but I’m curious about what made the author’s still pick Turpin.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman is a downright fabulous read, and I don’t even have the words to give justice to how much I fell in love with the book and all of its characters. The drama, the friendship, I was here for all of it and I highly recommend this to readers looking for something other than your conventional romance novel.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 👟🏈🎓💻📱
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌶️
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Authors: Alli Frank & Asha Youmans
Publishers: Montlake/Brilliance Audio
Publication Date: December 30, 2025
Currently Available on KU? ✅
Audiobook? ✅
Narrator: Bahni Turpin
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: I have loved every single book I’ve read by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans, and Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman is no exception. I could have stayed in Callie’s universe forever and I loved the characters so much!
🧺 𝚁𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚖 𝙼𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜: In the acknowledgements, the authors note that this is not a romance, but a love story and I wholeheartedly agree with that. They focus on many different types of love, and it was relatable on many levels despite me not being a Gen X like the characters are. This also happens to be this duo’s first book with a dual timeline and man did they pull it off! I loved the focus on Callie and Preston while they were at university, as well as the present timeline where Callie is blindsided with a divorce and picks up running. This an emotional one with utterly hilarious moments that made me burst out laughing at some of the most inopportune times. 🤣
🎧 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: Bahni Turpin was one of my favorite narrators for the longest time, but lately her narration has been a bit off for me. However, it was mostly perfect throughout this novel, and it made me so happy! Her tone and voice changes for various characters are always top notch, and I was pleased with her narration for the majority of the audiobook. I will say I might find the choice of narrator a bit strange for this one, and I was almost done with the book when I had a wait, what? moment. I think I might know why but I’m curious about what made the author’s still pick Turpin.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman is a downright fabulous read, and I don’t even have the words to give justice to how much I fell in love with the book and all of its characters. The drama, the friendship, I was here for all of it and I highly recommend this to readers looking for something other than your conventional romance novel.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 👟🏈🎓💻📱
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌶️
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 29, 2025
This was a sharp novel that blended tension, humor, and heart in a way that kept me interested all the way through. The story carried an acerbic wit that consistently landed, balancing darker moments with humor that was so good. I especially appreciated the exploration and representation of older women—competent, complicated, and unapologetically themselves—which added freshness to the story.
The audiobook experience truly elevated the novel. Bahni Turpin’s narration was phenomenal, as always. She brought nuance, pacing, and emotional clarity to every scene, proving once again that her audiobooks always take the story up a level. Her performance made the characters feel fully realized. She is outstanding.
Overall, this was a smart, easy listen with strong and memorable characters, and standout narration that made it well worth the time.
Thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.
The audiobook experience truly elevated the novel. Bahni Turpin’s narration was phenomenal, as always. She brought nuance, pacing, and emotional clarity to every scene, proving once again that her audiobooks always take the story up a level. Her performance made the characters feel fully realized. She is outstanding.
Overall, this was a smart, easy listen with strong and memorable characters, and standout narration that made it well worth the time.
Thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.
January 10, 2026
Run for Your Life Callie Kingman is a recently released contemporary novel that really hits the spot! I found this book to be very influential because it brings out the message that you can make changes in your life no matter how old you are and reinventing yourself doesn't have to be a bad thing. Overall I enjoyed this book very much!
We are introduced to Callie whose life is pretty much going downhill in her 40's. After being married for so many years her husband has decided to leave her. After a phase of depression she decides to take the bull by the horns and reinvent herself. Overall her characterization was very spot on and inspirational!
We are introduced to Callie whose life is pretty much going downhill in her 40's. After being married for so many years her husband has decided to leave her. After a phase of depression she decides to take the bull by the horns and reinvent herself. Overall her characterization was very spot on and inspirational!
January 13, 2026
This book was such a heartfelt, uplifting surprise. Callie’s midlife reset felt incredibly real — messy, funny, and deeply relatable. It kept me company on a restless when my worries took over but this kept me afloat.
Watching Callie reclaim her health, find confidence through running, and build a new circle of friends was genuinely inspiring. I loved how she finally put herself first after years of showing up for everyone else and it gave me hope that I can do the same.
The dual timeline added so much depth, especially revisiting her college years and first love, which made her present-day choices even more meaningful. Equal parts emotional and hopeful, this story is a reminder that second chances and new beginnings can happen at any age — and sometimes they start with one small step forward. 💛
Thank you Alli Frank, Asha Youmans and Netgalley for this ALC.
Watching Callie reclaim her health, find confidence through running, and build a new circle of friends was genuinely inspiring. I loved how she finally put herself first after years of showing up for everyone else and it gave me hope that I can do the same.
The dual timeline added so much depth, especially revisiting her college years and first love, which made her present-day choices even more meaningful. Equal parts emotional and hopeful, this story is a reminder that second chances and new beginnings can happen at any age — and sometimes they start with one small step forward. 💛
Thank you Alli Frank, Asha Youmans and Netgalley for this ALC.
December 30, 2025
DNF @ 34%
Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman was not what it was marketed as, and I could not continue.
The summary states that Callie’s husband leaves her for another woman while she faces a health scare. What is not disclosed is that this “health scare” is framed around weight gain over two years, with a heavy, ongoing focus on food, bodies, running, and exercise. As someone in eating disorder recovery, this combination of fatphobia and exercise centered “fixing” was unexpectedly triggering and impossible for me to read through.
Beyond that, the book minimizes preferred pronouns, objectifies nearly every man Callie encounters (including one who appears barely legal), and treats smoking casually through repeated justifications. There is also an uncomfortable disconnect between Callie being described as extremely white ("so white she makes glue look tanned") and being voiced by a clearly BIPOC narrator.
Bahni Turpin is a good narrator, but she could not overcome the content issues here.
Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman was not what it was marketed as, and I could not continue.
The summary states that Callie’s husband leaves her for another woman while she faces a health scare. What is not disclosed is that this “health scare” is framed around weight gain over two years, with a heavy, ongoing focus on food, bodies, running, and exercise. As someone in eating disorder recovery, this combination of fatphobia and exercise centered “fixing” was unexpectedly triggering and impossible for me to read through.
Beyond that, the book minimizes preferred pronouns, objectifies nearly every man Callie encounters (including one who appears barely legal), and treats smoking casually through repeated justifications. There is also an uncomfortable disconnect between Callie being described as extremely white ("so white she makes glue look tanned") and being voiced by a clearly BIPOC narrator.
Bahni Turpin is a good narrator, but she could not overcome the content issues here.
September 5, 2025
This book was a huge comfort to the heart. It was realistic, sincere, funny, and touching…
Watching Callie take back control of her life was very inspiring! Her reality, although difficult at first (Thomas, we all hate you), was soothing to follow. Even though I’m not at her stage of life, it made me think that no matter what happens, if I ever hit a low point, I can find the strength to overcome it too.
One of my favorite characters was Quinn. She’s that friend everyone dreams of having in their life. Despite the distance, the way she was always there for Callie was both moving and heartwarming.
Callie’s mom was also such a precious gem in this book. Dementia or early cognitive decline is a hard subject to talk about, even though it’s something many people around Callie’s age often experience with loved ones. I really appreciated how there was a bit of humor woven into the topic. It brought a small but meaningful touch of light.
I also loved the ending! I loved the authors’ decision not to have Callie stay in California just to be with Porter. I appreciated that she chose herself first, after all those years of living only for her family.
This book was a true gem and I’d definitely reread it a second time! I highly recommend it to everyone!
Watching Callie take back control of her life was very inspiring! Her reality, although difficult at first (Thomas, we all hate you), was soothing to follow. Even though I’m not at her stage of life, it made me think that no matter what happens, if I ever hit a low point, I can find the strength to overcome it too.
One of my favorite characters was Quinn. She’s that friend everyone dreams of having in their life. Despite the distance, the way she was always there for Callie was both moving and heartwarming.
Callie’s mom was also such a precious gem in this book. Dementia or early cognitive decline is a hard subject to talk about, even though it’s something many people around Callie’s age often experience with loved ones. I really appreciated how there was a bit of humor woven into the topic. It brought a small but meaningful touch of light.
I also loved the ending! I loved the authors’ decision not to have Callie stay in California just to be with Porter. I appreciated that she chose herself first, after all those years of living only for her family.
This book was a true gem and I’d definitely reread it a second time! I highly recommend it to everyone!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2025
No. I don’t like when characters, especially male characters are forgiven for being selfish jackasses. Porter’s tired I’m black and your white excuse for abandoning Callie holds no water whatsoever. If you care so much about living your life no upsetting the limited world view of your simpleton parents, don’t date a white woman. But to string her a long on half promised and deceit for 3 years is a terrible thing to do and makes you a horrible person. And no amount of him saying he was a man stuck between two world with change my mind about that. Men love to posit their selfishness as a hero’s journey if choosing themselves above all else. But you hurting everyone i. your life is not without consequences. You don’t get to come back into someone’s life after three decades and act like the choices you made were noble. The end between them where they are basically back together is not at all deserved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2026
4⭐️ Not my usual read, and I wasn’t mad at it. Really enjoyed the self discovery elements with a dash of midlife crisis. Especially in a health sense as I too am working on that this year. Running isn’t for me but it is such a wonderful hobby for so many and there is a huge community ready to run with you. Love that community being highlighted. The narration from Bahni Turpin was a solid 4.5⭐️. She really made Callie come alive and helped me connect with a character I wouldn’t ordinarily.
Synopsis: What’s your comeback story?
Two decades have passed since Callie Kingman begrudgingly followed her husband, Thomas, across the country in pursuit of his career at the expense of her own. Today, Callie is an empty nester with no job prospects, a declining mother, and a spouse who announces his intention to leave her—in Sacramento, the dullest city in America. His parting potshot: “It’s not me, it’s you.”
Taking to bed, Callie relies on delivery for food, her neighbor for booze, and her college best friend for commiseration. When an overdue annual exam leads to a health scare, Callie is forced to contend with her fractured and unfulfilled life by revisiting the vibrant, indomitable woman she used to be.
From her idyllic years at Princeton and an extraordinary first love to the pressures all women face to strive, serve, and be sexy as hell, once again she’s face-to-face with it all. Callie is running for her life, determined to forge a path ahead that is better than the one she’s leaving behind.
Thank you so much for including me in this tour @bookedwiththeemilys and @alliandasha. Also for the #gifted copies through @netgalley with @amazonpublishing @brilliancepublishing
Synopsis: What’s your comeback story?
Two decades have passed since Callie Kingman begrudgingly followed her husband, Thomas, across the country in pursuit of his career at the expense of her own. Today, Callie is an empty nester with no job prospects, a declining mother, and a spouse who announces his intention to leave her—in Sacramento, the dullest city in America. His parting potshot: “It’s not me, it’s you.”
Taking to bed, Callie relies on delivery for food, her neighbor for booze, and her college best friend for commiseration. When an overdue annual exam leads to a health scare, Callie is forced to contend with her fractured and unfulfilled life by revisiting the vibrant, indomitable woman she used to be.
From her idyllic years at Princeton and an extraordinary first love to the pressures all women face to strive, serve, and be sexy as hell, once again she’s face-to-face with it all. Callie is running for her life, determined to forge a path ahead that is better than the one she’s leaving behind.
Thank you so much for including me in this tour @bookedwiththeemilys and @alliandasha. Also for the #gifted copies through @netgalley with @amazonpublishing @brilliancepublishing
January 14, 2026
Rating: 4.25/5
Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys @amazonpublishing @brilliancepublishing for the #gifted copies of this book.
"...and I dimmed my own light rather than embracing the unexpectedly beautiful life in front of me."
My Thoughts: As a stay-at-home wife and mother who is approaching 40, I can relate to Callie in that I'm wondering where my true purpose and calling are in life at the moment. Though I love being home with my boys, I’ve been trying to figure out what I want out of life as Dani—the woman, not just the mom.
Callie, in her fifties, found herself in a situation she never dreamed of- divorced and with her boys in college. After a scare at the doctor's and a wedding where she will see her ex in the near future, Callie is on a mission to find her happiness in life again. Enter the run club- though Callie stumbled her way into this group, they saved her life.
From getting her health back on track, Callie figures out what she wants most out of the rest of her life. Love is a central theme throughout this story, from first love and friendship to self-love and second chances. Finally, the flashback chapters were perfectly woven throughout to showcase Callie's younger years in college.
🎧Bahni Turpin did a phenomenal job bringing this beautiful story to life.
What You'll Find:
🦋A blind-sided divorcee rediscovers herself
🏁She’s not at a crossroads - she’s back at the starting line
🔂Second chances
💕First loves reunited
💖First love, last love
💫Coming back to who you truly are
Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys @amazonpublishing @brilliancepublishing for the #gifted copies of this book.
"...and I dimmed my own light rather than embracing the unexpectedly beautiful life in front of me."
My Thoughts: As a stay-at-home wife and mother who is approaching 40, I can relate to Callie in that I'm wondering where my true purpose and calling are in life at the moment. Though I love being home with my boys, I’ve been trying to figure out what I want out of life as Dani—the woman, not just the mom.
Callie, in her fifties, found herself in a situation she never dreamed of- divorced and with her boys in college. After a scare at the doctor's and a wedding where she will see her ex in the near future, Callie is on a mission to find her happiness in life again. Enter the run club- though Callie stumbled her way into this group, they saved her life.
From getting her health back on track, Callie figures out what she wants most out of the rest of her life. Love is a central theme throughout this story, from first love and friendship to self-love and second chances. Finally, the flashback chapters were perfectly woven throughout to showcase Callie's younger years in college.
🎧Bahni Turpin did a phenomenal job bringing this beautiful story to life.
What You'll Find:
🦋A blind-sided divorcee rediscovers herself
🏁She’s not at a crossroads - she’s back at the starting line
🔂Second chances
💕First loves reunited
💖First love, last love
💫Coming back to who you truly are
December 28, 2025
About half of this book is set in the present day, when middle aged mother of two grown sons is abruptly left by her husband, and then told my her doctor that she needs to lose weight, prompting both decisions about what she wants to do with her life, plus taking up running and joining a running club. The other part of the book in randomly alternating chapters follows Callie through college at Princeton and her relationship with her first love Porter.
For me, the two halves of this book did not really gel well. First, I liked the modern day midlife story much more than the past storyline in which I found young Callie a bit annoying and oblivious to the complications of an interracial and inter-class relationship. Second, especially since we learn early on that the young guy leading the running club has the same last name as Porter it seemed obvious that this was not going to be some kind of older lady younger man story, but rather a second chance love story - and yet Callie does not encounter Porter again until 70% through the book! Just felt a little strange to me. It was pretty cute overall though.
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-ARC (out 12/30/25).
For me, the two halves of this book did not really gel well. First, I liked the modern day midlife story much more than the past storyline in which I found young Callie a bit annoying and oblivious to the complications of an interracial and inter-class relationship. Second, especially since we learn early on that the young guy leading the running club has the same last name as Porter it seemed obvious that this was not going to be some kind of older lady younger man story, but rather a second chance love story - and yet Callie does not encounter Porter again until 70% through the book! Just felt a little strange to me. It was pretty cute overall though.
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-ARC (out 12/30/25).
December 29, 2025
Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman by Alli Frank & Asha Youmans. Thanks to @katerockbooktours for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Callie followed her husband at the expense of her career two decades ago. Now they have an empty nest and her husband has left for a younger woman. At the same time an overdue health exam scares her into revisiting who she is and who she was.
I really appreciated this second coming of age story. I like midlife characters who redefine themselves. It gives me hope that growing old isn’t too bad! Callie has so much support; her sons, her friends, and some new folks she meets as well. As it’s said in the afterword, while not a romance, this story is about love!
“.. if you were that good in your twenties, I can only imagine how fabulous you are in your fifties.”
Read if you like:
-Women redefining themselves
-Middle aged characters on a mission
-Friendship stories
-Dual timelines
Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman comes out 12/30.
Callie followed her husband at the expense of her career two decades ago. Now they have an empty nest and her husband has left for a younger woman. At the same time an overdue health exam scares her into revisiting who she is and who she was.
I really appreciated this second coming of age story. I like midlife characters who redefine themselves. It gives me hope that growing old isn’t too bad! Callie has so much support; her sons, her friends, and some new folks she meets as well. As it’s said in the afterword, while not a romance, this story is about love!
“.. if you were that good in your twenties, I can only imagine how fabulous you are in your fifties.”
Read if you like:
-Women redefining themselves
-Middle aged characters on a mission
-Friendship stories
-Dual timelines
Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman comes out 12/30.
January 6, 2026
“Don’t let the hustle and bustle wear away your smile. You’ve dug deep to get that back, so don’t go giving it away at the first sign of stress.”
As much as I absolutely looved the love story that this is, it is Callie’s decision to choose herself first that had me cheering for her. I generally always am happy with a second chance romance in the fictional world but the fact that Callie stood up for herself and reclaimed the life that she might have always had made the eventual love story sweeter than it could have been.
“And Callie, the world is waiting to have you back in it.”
Another major aspect of this one that I truly appreciate is the accurate portrayal of female friendships. No, we do not tear each other down. Quite the opposite, in fact. Seeing Quinn, Lisa, Maureen, and Daphne in Callie’s corner through everything has been absolutely heartwarming.
As much as I absolutely looved the love story that this is, it is Callie’s decision to choose herself first that had me cheering for her. I generally always am happy with a second chance romance in the fictional world but the fact that Callie stood up for herself and reclaimed the life that she might have always had made the eventual love story sweeter than it could have been.
“And Callie, the world is waiting to have you back in it.”
Another major aspect of this one that I truly appreciate is the accurate portrayal of female friendships. No, we do not tear each other down. Quite the opposite, in fact. Seeing Quinn, Lisa, Maureen, and Daphne in Callie’s corner through everything has been absolutely heartwarming.
January 10, 2026
Life smacks Callie Kingman in the face one spring day - her husband tells her that he’s leaving her for another woman, and her physician tells her that she’s in much worse health than she believed. After bedrotting for one month and a chance encounter with a young runner, she takes the first small steps to reclaiming her health, and her pre-mother-and-wife identity. When she’s confronted with her first love after he disappeared close to thirty years ago, will she be swayed to ease back into her old ways?
I really liked Callie! She’s about ten years older than I am, but I think any woman who has been divorced or struggled with their identity postpartum (and beyond) will be able to relate to aspects of her journey. I listened to the audiobook and it took me awhile to get used to the narrator, but it’s also available as an e-book on KU. I would definitely recommend the book as it’s an inspiring story!
I really liked Callie! She’s about ten years older than I am, but I think any woman who has been divorced or struggled with their identity postpartum (and beyond) will be able to relate to aspects of her journey. I listened to the audiobook and it took me awhile to get used to the narrator, but it’s also available as an e-book on KU. I would definitely recommend the book as it’s an inspiring story!
January 8, 2026
4.5
This book is not typically something that I would read but I am so glad that I did!
I loved how just honest the text was in life and how real it was. There was no sugar-coating it was real and raw. I am a little young for Gen X but I could still relate to a lot of the book.
being a mom, I too often lose myself within caring for a toddler and trying to have a career, and like Callie, my doctor ha. s told me my bloodwork has been off.
Reading this book has given me a boost to get back to myself and that it truly is "better last than never"
This book is not typically something that I would read but I am so glad that I did!
I loved how just honest the text was in life and how real it was. There was no sugar-coating it was real and raw. I am a little young for Gen X but I could still relate to a lot of the book.
being a mom, I too often lose myself within caring for a toddler and trying to have a career, and like Callie, my doctor ha. s told me my bloodwork has been off.
Reading this book has given me a boost to get back to myself and that it truly is "better last than never"
January 6, 2026
I read this book in one sitting - staying up past my bedtime to finish it.
This is not a typical romance in that any love story is truly secondary to the plot and the coming into herself story that this.
The FMC is relatable to many of us in similar age group. However, she wasn’t painted as a damsel in distress. She had her share of issues but she shook herself off to recapture her power.
The story covers deep issues but is also full of humor and displays the positives of female friendships.
Overal, I adored this lovely story and look forward to reading others by this author duo.
This is not a typical romance in that any love story is truly secondary to the plot and the coming into herself story that this.
The FMC is relatable to many of us in similar age group. However, she wasn’t painted as a damsel in distress. She had her share of issues but she shook herself off to recapture her power.
The story covers deep issues but is also full of humor and displays the positives of female friendships.
Overal, I adored this lovely story and look forward to reading others by this author duo.
January 11, 2026
In the acknowledgments, the authors write “this isn’t simply a rom-com or a romance novel, but a love story. One of romantic love. Familial love. The love of friends.” I couldn’t agree more.
I was surprised by a book I didn’t initially have on my reading list. I loved the way the authors wrote this love story. It didn’t feel cheesy or forced; it felt authentic. This book was funny and really enjoyable.
I was surprised by a book I didn’t initially have on my reading list. I loved the way the authors wrote this love story. It didn’t feel cheesy or forced; it felt authentic. This book was funny and really enjoyable.
January 12, 2026
There were many things I enjoyed about Callie's story. I was rooting for her the whole time. Even though she was written to be an extremely intelligent Princeton and Columbia graduate, she had many faults which she owned up to and embraced. I loved that she was portrayed as a real woman in her fifties facing a turning point in her life.
The friendships throughout the book, especially those of her two best friends, were authentic and endearing- Really a highlight of the book.
It was dual-timeline, and my favorite was the storytelling of Callie's college years.
I really loved this character and how she fought to find herself again. This book will make you want to join a running club and remember what your dreams were when you were young, free, and passionate about life.
The friendships throughout the book, especially those of her two best friends, were authentic and endearing- Really a highlight of the book.
It was dual-timeline, and my favorite was the storytelling of Callie's college years.
I really loved this character and how she fought to find herself again. This book will make you want to join a running club and remember what your dreams were when you were young, free, and passionate about life.
January 12, 2026
This was a great read!! To be honest, I went in worried it might lean too heavily into clichés or feel silly, but it never did. Instead, it was heartfelt, thoughtful, and quietly empowering. I loved being alongside Callie as she reclaimed pieces of herself she had buried for years, and it was impossible not to root for her.
That said, I strongly recommend reading this one in print or ebook. I had all three formats and the audio was, unfortunately, awful. I listened here and there only because I didn’t want to put the book down, but the narration really detracted from the experience.
That said, I strongly recommend reading this one in print or ebook. I had all three formats and the audio was, unfortunately, awful. I listened here and there only because I didn’t want to put the book down, but the narration really detracted from the experience.
December 5, 2025
Pre-order this now if you want a book that’s a “a soul-affirming love song to Gen X women.” This witty, celebratory novel tells the story of a blindsided soon-to-be divorcée who rediscovers herself. I'm always here for a hard-fought comeback, and Callie Kingman delivers. The dual-timeline story includes some fun flashbacks to college in the 90's, and you'll love them even more if you went to Princeton. It's fun and smart, and would be the perfect post-holiday read.
November 3, 2025
Short Synopsis:
Callie Kingman moved to Sacramento, a city she’s never loved, twenty years ago with her husband. Now, with her kids grown, her mother battling dementia, and her marriage falling apart, she’s suddenly facing life on her own. When her doctor urges her to take her health seriously, and she nearly runs over a young man one morning, an unexpected friendship (and his running club) help Callie rediscover herself and redefine what happiness looks like in this next chapter of her life.
My Thoughts:
What a lovely novel. I adored how the “love story” here isn’t just about romance (though yes, there’s some of that too), but about self-love and friendship too.
The flashback chapters? Perfection. There’s something so tender about young love, and I couldn’t stop reading to see how it all unraveled….plus, there’s a certain twist that had me 😭.
I especially appreciated the focus on health, aging, and how relatable Callie felt. This story beautifully captures the messiness and magic of second acts.
What You’ll Find:
📚 Dual timelines
🌅 Second acts & second chances
💌 First love, last love
👟 FMC in her 50s
🎸 A love letter to Gen X women
Callie Kingman moved to Sacramento, a city she’s never loved, twenty years ago with her husband. Now, with her kids grown, her mother battling dementia, and her marriage falling apart, she’s suddenly facing life on her own. When her doctor urges her to take her health seriously, and she nearly runs over a young man one morning, an unexpected friendship (and his running club) help Callie rediscover herself and redefine what happiness looks like in this next chapter of her life.
My Thoughts:
What a lovely novel. I adored how the “love story” here isn’t just about romance (though yes, there’s some of that too), but about self-love and friendship too.
The flashback chapters? Perfection. There’s something so tender about young love, and I couldn’t stop reading to see how it all unraveled….plus, there’s a certain twist that had me 😭.
I especially appreciated the focus on health, aging, and how relatable Callie felt. This story beautifully captures the messiness and magic of second acts.
What You’ll Find:
📚 Dual timelines
🌅 Second acts & second chances
💌 First love, last love
👟 FMC in her 50s
🎸 A love letter to Gen X women
December 14, 2025
3.5
The story centers on a woman in her 50s, newly divorced after dedicating her life to her husband and putting her dreams on hold, only to be replaced by a younger woman. Adding to her pain, the love of her life disappeared without a trace during college, leaving her with years of self-doubt.
The novel is a beautiful portrayal of her journey of self-discovery. Callie's wit and humor were a great way to balance out the heavier themes of feeling abandoned after a tough divorce. The story's timeline, which switched between the present and her college days, kept me hooked
Come back to your Review on the pub date, Dec 30 2025, to post to retailers.
The story centers on a woman in her 50s, newly divorced after dedicating her life to her husband and putting her dreams on hold, only to be replaced by a younger woman. Adding to her pain, the love of her life disappeared without a trace during college, leaving her with years of self-doubt.
The novel is a beautiful portrayal of her journey of self-discovery. Callie's wit and humor were a great way to balance out the heavier themes of feeling abandoned after a tough divorce. The story's timeline, which switched between the present and her college days, kept me hooked
Come back to your Review on the pub date, Dec 30 2025, to post to retailers.
September 9, 2025
I am evolving beyond a wife and a mother. I am becoming a woman who stands on her own
Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman follows the main character after her husband of 25 years leaves her for a younger woman. Although Callie had uprooted her life years prior for her Thomas, giving up on her dreams and herself entirely, her husband thought she had let herself go, cheated on her with a younger woman, and then divorced her and moved to London. After going through the shock, Callie decides she is going to turn her life around and focus on herself - she takes up hobbies, tries to control her eating habits and makes new friends.
After weeks of new friends and self-love, an old, long-gone love comes back into Callie's life and turns everything around.
The book is enjoyable and so easy to read; some parts are even funny. You get to know Callie as she rediscovers herself, but you also get to know her 20-year-old college version, and you get to see and understand why she slowly became less interested in herself. I loved Callie's journey of self-discovery, understanding that life does not end at 50, and that she could be more than a mother and a wife. Her new and old friendships are very wholesome and seem to be one of the main focuses of the book.
With all of that said, I had some issues with the book.
In all, this is a fun read if you’re looking for something humorous and easy to read, as long as you’re not like me and can get past Porter’s red flags.
Thank you @netgalley for the ARC!
Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman follows the main character after her husband of 25 years leaves her for a younger woman. Although Callie had uprooted her life years prior for her Thomas, giving up on her dreams and herself entirely, her husband thought she had let herself go, cheated on her with a younger woman, and then divorced her and moved to London. After going through the shock, Callie decides she is going to turn her life around and focus on herself - she takes up hobbies, tries to control her eating habits and makes new friends.
After weeks of new friends and self-love, an old, long-gone love comes back into Callie's life and turns everything around.
The book is enjoyable and so easy to read; some parts are even funny. You get to know Callie as she rediscovers herself, but you also get to know her 20-year-old college version, and you get to see and understand why she slowly became less interested in herself. I loved Callie's journey of self-discovery, understanding that life does not end at 50, and that she could be more than a mother and a wife. Her new and old friendships are very wholesome and seem to be one of the main focuses of the book.
With all of that said, I had some issues with the book.
In all, this is a fun read if you’re looking for something humorous and easy to read, as long as you’re not like me and can get past Porter’s red flags.
Thank you @netgalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alli Frank and Asha Youmans’ Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman is the kind of book that makes you laugh, wince, nod aggressively, and then pause mid-page to stare into the middle distance and rethink a few life choices.
Thank you to NetGalley, the authors, Booked with the Emilys, and Brilliance Audio for my gifted ARC and ALC.
I went in expecting a cozy, witty midlife reset story and what I got was something far richer and more honest. Callie Kingman is an empty nester, a woman who followed the plan, supported the career, raised the kids, moved to the city she never loved, and told herself she’d circle back to her own dreams someday. As someone who actually lives in the Sacramento area, I loved seeing my own city woven into the story—it made everything feel even more grounded and personal. Then her husband announces he’s leaving her and caps it off with the audacity of “It’s not me, it’s you.” Reader, I nearly threw my book. And yet, somehow, I was laughing two pages later.
What makes this story work so well is Callie herself. She’s self-deprecating without being pitiful, sharp without being cruel, and deeply human in ways that feel uncomfortably familiar. She spirals. She hides. She wallows. She orders delivery and avoids mirrors. And then, slowly, reluctantly, she starts showing up again. Not because she suddenly believes in herself, but because life gives her no other choice. That felt real.
The dual timeline structure adds depth rather than distraction. The Princeton years are soaked in nostalgia, first love intensity, and the kind of certainty you only have when you’re young and wrong. Watching past Callie alongside present Callie made the emotional beats land harder, especially as we see exactly what she gave up, piece by piece, without ever formally deciding to do so. The past isn’t romanticized, but it is tender, and it adds important context to the woman Callie became.
The running storyline surprised me the most. I expected it to be symbolic and a little cheesy. Instead, it’s awkward, humbling, sometimes funny, and often uncomfortable in the best way. This isn’t a glow-up montage. It’s five-minute runs, sore muscles, self-consciousness, and showing up even when you don’t want to. The metaphor works because the effort is messy and unglamorous, just like rebuilding a life.
The friendships absolutely shine. Both the long-standing and newly formed relationships feel earned and essential. These women are opinionated, loyal, occasionally annoying, and exactly what Callie needs even when she doesn’t want to hear it. There’s a lot of warmth here, and it never drifts into saccharine territory.
The romance element will definitely divide readers, and I understand why. It’s complicated, unresolved, and emotionally loaded. But I appreciated that the book never lets romance overshadow the real core of the story. This isn’t about being rescued or redeemed by love. It’s about accountability, choice, and whether growth actually sticks when tested.
The audiobook experience deserves special mention. Bahni Turpin delivers a performance that feels intimate and emotionally precise. Her pacing, tone, and subtle humor elevate the text and make Callie’s internal monologue feel like a conversation rather than a performance. I switched between audio and ebook, and both formats worked beautifully, but the audio especially brought the humor and vulnerability to life.
One quote I highlighted immediately because it perfectly captures the heart of this book:
“I am evolving beyond a wife and a mother. I am becoming a woman who stands on her own.”
That line lingers. This is a story about midlife not as an ending, but as a reckoning. About realizing that time has passed and deciding what to do with what’s left. It’s funny, uncomfortable, affirming, and quietly empowering without ever slipping into preachy territory.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5 stars)
#RunForYourLifeCallieKingman #AlliFrank #AshaYoumans #WomensFiction #GeneralFiction #GenXReads #MidlifeReinvention #BookReview #Audiobooks #AudiobookReview #NetGalley #ARCReview #ALC #BookedWithTheEmilys
January 6, 2026
Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans is a story of new beginnings, second acts, self discovery, and learning how to love ourselves.
Callie Kingman learns that her husband is leaving her for another woman and job in London. She also is told by her doctor to focus more on her health. Callie is in her 50s, and she takes the opportunity to create a new path, a new way forward for herself. Callie defies expectations about new beginnings in her 50s. She writes her own narrative.
This story shows how human Callie is. Callie unapologetically shares how she feels as she’s trying to start again.
I enjoyed how this story celebrates the power of friendships among women and forging new connections. Callie’s running group is her support system. Her new friends are supportive, honest, and have a great sense of humor. They keep Callie grounded but are also cheering her on.
Callie's joining her running club also represents that to achieve the goals we have, have new beginnings, and find fresh starts, it all begins with a single step. We get to set the pace. We get to set the timelines to achieve our goals and dreams and to continue to learn about ourselves.
The story flows well between past and present as we learn more about Callie’s experiences in college. It helps us to understand more about her time at Princeton and her relationship with Porter. It’s key to understanding why Porter left graduation weekend and the impact that had on Callie. An impact that was lasting. She did not understand at the time why he left. I thought it was powerfully described as “agonizing self speculation.” She thought about what she did wrong. It affected how she thought about relationships since then.
I enjoyed seeing the parallels to Porter and Callie’s story with the Odyssey and that of Odysseus and Penelope. It connects to Porter’s passion for the classics and poetry, but we see in this story that they are learning about themselves again when they reunite. In the Odyssey, Penelope is shocked after seeing her husband after 20 years apart. It’s almost like she doesn’t recognize him, but at the same time she does. When they reunite, they get to know each other again. Her feelings never wavered. Neither did Porter’s feelings. Callie has a similar reaction when seeing Porter again.
This story - in addition to being one of discovery and second acts - rekindles Callie’s senses of hope and optimism.
Thank you to Alli Frank, Asha Youmans, Booked With the Emilys, and Brilliance Audio for the gifted digital and audio copies of the book and the opportunities to read and review the book and be a part of the virtual book tour! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
Bahni Turpin is an excellent narrator of the audiobook! She brings all the characters to life.
Congratulations, Alli and Asha, on your 5th book! I look forward to reading your other books as well!
Callie Kingman learns that her husband is leaving her for another woman and job in London. She also is told by her doctor to focus more on her health. Callie is in her 50s, and she takes the opportunity to create a new path, a new way forward for herself. Callie defies expectations about new beginnings in her 50s. She writes her own narrative.
This story shows how human Callie is. Callie unapologetically shares how she feels as she’s trying to start again.
I enjoyed how this story celebrates the power of friendships among women and forging new connections. Callie’s running group is her support system. Her new friends are supportive, honest, and have a great sense of humor. They keep Callie grounded but are also cheering her on.
Callie's joining her running club also represents that to achieve the goals we have, have new beginnings, and find fresh starts, it all begins with a single step. We get to set the pace. We get to set the timelines to achieve our goals and dreams and to continue to learn about ourselves.
The story flows well between past and present as we learn more about Callie’s experiences in college. It helps us to understand more about her time at Princeton and her relationship with Porter. It’s key to understanding why Porter left graduation weekend and the impact that had on Callie. An impact that was lasting. She did not understand at the time why he left. I thought it was powerfully described as “agonizing self speculation.” She thought about what she did wrong. It affected how she thought about relationships since then.
I enjoyed seeing the parallels to Porter and Callie’s story with the Odyssey and that of Odysseus and Penelope. It connects to Porter’s passion for the classics and poetry, but we see in this story that they are learning about themselves again when they reunite. In the Odyssey, Penelope is shocked after seeing her husband after 20 years apart. It’s almost like she doesn’t recognize him, but at the same time she does. When they reunite, they get to know each other again. Her feelings never wavered. Neither did Porter’s feelings. Callie has a similar reaction when seeing Porter again.
This story - in addition to being one of discovery and second acts - rekindles Callie’s senses of hope and optimism.
Thank you to Alli Frank, Asha Youmans, Booked With the Emilys, and Brilliance Audio for the gifted digital and audio copies of the book and the opportunities to read and review the book and be a part of the virtual book tour! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
Bahni Turpin is an excellent narrator of the audiobook! She brings all the characters to life.
Congratulations, Alli and Asha, on your 5th book! I look forward to reading your other books as well!
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