Once in a Lifetime

by Kathryn R. Biel

Ten years ago, the Sassy Cats were at the top of the charts until Callie Smalls walked away to pursue her career in fashion and television. The other four members—Angie, Tabitha, Mandy, and Daphne—were left to fend for themselves and continue on with their lives.
That is, until the day when Callie decides to book a gig for the group at a major music festival, without talking to her former band mates. Scattered across the country, at different points in life, can they rekindle the magic in the music?
A soccer mom who's husband doesn't know about her past. A fading star, sacrificing all to stay in the spotlight just one second more. A party girl, challenged with her most important role yet. A tiger mom, fighting for her son. A desperate woman, unhappy and alone.
A lot can change in the course of a decade. Will it be harmony or hatred for the Sassy Cats?

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Friendship, Coming Of Age

324 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2019

About the author

Kathryn R. Biel writes low-to-no spice contemporary romance, rom-com, sports romance, and women’s fiction full of humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books balance the drama and challenges of real life with witty banter, strong heroines, and swoony cinnamon-roll heroes. Whether she’s writing laugh-out-loud romantic comedies, emotional women’s fiction, or heartfelt sports romances, Kathryn delivers stories where resilience, love, and laughter take center stage.


Kathryn is the author of more than 20 books, including the award-winning Live for This, Made for Me, and The UnBRCAble Women Series (Ready for Whatever, Seize the Day, and Underneath It All).

Reviews

[Arielle Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kathryn's writing style and this novel is no exception.

Kathryn brings us a story of five very different women that came together as young women to form a band called the Sassy Cats. It's been ten years since they broke up and they were together for seven years. There’s lots of drama, heartbreak, betrayal, talent, and a bit of chaos when they consider getting back together. Main themes in the novel include friendship and being true to yourself, working towards your goals, self-reflection, overcoming betrayal, overcoming issues that life throws your way, and stepping up to the plate when things don't go as expected.

I liked how some characters from previous novels were written into the story, but not in such a way that you’re confused if you didn’t read the other novels, and also wouldn’t ruin reading the other novels after the fact if you did miss them.

This was a fun novel filled with humor, drama, and a cast of lovable and hilarious characters. Kathryn Biel hit all the right notes with Once in a Lifetime! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and can't wait to read more from the author!

[Michele Vagianelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another awesome book from Kathryn Biel! Once I started reading I couldn't put this one down. I always feel her characters are so easy to relate to. You can easily see yourself in anyone of the Sassy Cats. Once in a Lifetime makes you think can you ever really go back to what you had before? It was great to see Callie Smalls in another one of Ms. Biel's books. I love how she ties some of the books together but doesn't leave you in the dark if this is your first one. Can't wait to see what she comes out with next!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are few things I enjoy more than a great chick lit book. I consider them my guilty pleasure and now I have a new author to sneak away from life with. I love seeing the humor and fierce emotions and honesty that good girlfriends can have and that's why I jumped at the chance to read ONCE IN A LIFETIME by Kathryn Biel. This novel follows five women who formed a girl band in their late teens/early twenties called Sassy Cats. Now, nearly a decade after their band fell apart, they find themselves booked for a music festival and they have to try and rekindle their youth and connection when none of them have talked in years. Throw in the things that happen in life like kids and marriages and aging out of careers and you have a very colorful group of characters with quite a journey in front of them.

I love books like these. I appreciated the colorful language in the book, the portrayals of each of the five band members, the humor that they found themselves in, and also the tearful and emotional moments they encountered. Though told through five different POVs throughout the book, you quickly establish the characters on their own and each one is definitely developed. I look forward to reading more of Biel's works, especially Made for Me which is referenced often in this novel. If you are looking for a solid chick lit and women's fiction book that helps you remember how you can be young at heart no matter what has aged you, you will thoroughly enjoy this story. 4.5 stars.

I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

[Aida Alberto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced review copy of this book from The Great Thoughts Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own. This is my first book by this author but it won't be my last. Very good book with characters you can relate to. Pick it up if you haven't read it yet.

[SandraBarg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good Book

I really enjoyed all of the characters and their stories. I loved the premise for this book. Chick Lit at it's finest!

[Jenny Beattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book about five women who used to be in a successful band but they’ve since gone on to have completely different lives. The opportunity of a one off concert brings them back together. I’d be happy to read a follow up to this book.

[Chick Lit Shop · Rating 5 out of 5]

#5Stars A+++

I'm a big fan of Kathryn Kopach Biel's Made For Me series (which is a fun Project Runway-type show based series) and I'm finally catching up with the rest of her books! Just finished Once in a Lifetime! Totally awesome!!! Ms. Biel has a way of just enveloping you in a totally engrossing, fun, light-hearted read that just takes you away from your real life and lets you dream what it would be like to live your childhood (and grown-up) fantasies - life (career), love and happiness! I hope there's a sequel, because I feel like this book ended on a possible cliffhanger! *chanting* Book 2, Book 2, Book 2!!! :) #5Stars A+++.

You'll fall in love with these characters and want to know more! How the author managed to come up with 5 different main characters and their unique voices and all their supporting character casts; it's just amazing! One tiny caveat, I wish there was a list at the beginning of the book of the cast, because it can take up to 25% of the book before the cast is familiar to you enough to follow each story line just by their names. It's like going to a fabulous party mixer and meeting 30 uber-awesome people and hearing all their life-stories all at once!

Thanks, Ms. Biel, for writing such a fun, wonderful light-hearted, "sassy," read!!! Now on to the next book - the latest in the Made For Me series - Queen of Hearts!

P.S.: If you love this book, I'd recommend Tracie Banister, Meredith Schorr, Stacey Wiedower, Barbara Valentin, Geralyn Corcillo, and Whitney Dineen! Hollywood / TV show / social media romcoms and chick-lit are the best!!! :) :) :)

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Closer to 2-1/2 stars. I don’t reach much “chick-lit” but the plot description seemed interesting. The Sassy Cats, a girl group who broke up 10 years earlier, reunite after one of the members, who wants a return to the public eye, signs them up for a music festival. There was way too much angst between one of the women, Angie, and Sergei, her dance partner on a TV show that sounds like Dancing With The Stars. He does choreography for the reunion concert, so there’s no getting away from him and Angie’s strife. I would have enjoyed more info about the group’s history than this book offers. Parts of the chapters are written from the perspective of different group members. It got a little repetitive after the characters were established. Basically a light read. The ending was mostly predictable.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a Lifetime
: Kathryn R. Biel

The Sassy Cats split ten years back, when they were at the top. Each of the five girls went on to live their own lives. Now a one time reunion concert is sprung on them. Each woman has history, current situations, and it's questionable if the reunion will happen. This was a great listen. I couldn't stop listening.



The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. : Lisa Beacom gave each character their own voice and emotions. It was very easy listening!



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Melissa Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! One of my favorites of all time!

[Jill Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Little Story

I like how it was told from many viewspoints. A fast read. Cute story with a nice ending. I liked the characters interactions.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters were great fun but it all ended up feeling like a setup to a series - which it is.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story & Narration🎧📚🎧Mesmerizing!

Once in a Lifetime
By: Kathryn R. Biel
Narrated by: Lisa Beacom

I enjoyed this book immensely, it is well written with interesting storylines that grabbed my attention right from the start and held it straight to the end. The Sassy Cats was an all girl band who broke up 10 years ago, each member went their own separate way. When one member, Callie, takes it upon herself to book the band for a reunion for a big music show. She needs to get everyone on board quickly, which is easier said than done, it has been ten years and they all fell out of touch. Some of the members are resistant they do no want to revisit that time of their life. But Callie manages to get them all to agree. I liked how we get each band members point of view, we see where life lead them and what their current situation is as well as views into their past. Callie Smalls is a reality TV show host for “Made for Me” her goes is to become a fashion designer. She is bossy and thinks she runs the show but no worries others put her in her place. Angie is also in the business, she is a dancer in a reality show with her partner Sergei, which is added drama to her situation. Tabitha is more of a glam society girl, she is the mom of a new born so her life is forever changing. Dauen-phen aka Daphne is married, she and her husband Jerry have a son with Autism, they are a great team and doing the best for their son. Mandy is married with three kids, a daughter and twin sons, her husband Myles is a jerk and flies off the handle when he learns she hid her past rom him, never telling him about her time in the band. There is a lot of history between Mandy and Dauen so their situation is even more complex. There are some great secondary characters in the book as well. I liked how everything plays out in this book, the story is uniquely told and plotted, all the pieces fall together leading up to what may be a phenomenal reunion wonder or a phenomenal disaster. I know I am late to the party and that this book is several years old but I hope the author is not finished with these characters yet, would love to hear more about them, especially Mandy. Kathryn R. Biel, thank you for this great novel.

I listened to the Audible edition, Lisa Beacom is a fabulously talented narrator and voice artist. She brings these characters to life, humanizes them, giving each their own distinct voice making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. Her portrayal of the characters is spot on, she takes each role and makes it her own. grasping their persona as well as all their emotions which is reflected in her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this fabulous listen🎧

[Samantha March · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read from Kathryn R Biel in the past, and her books have always been such fun to read. I was so intrigued by the premise of Once In a Lifetime – a former girl group reuniting for a reunion concert. Um, yes please! The Sassy Cats is made up of Callie, Angie, Tabitha, Mandy and Daphne, and ten years after their breakup, each women has changed – and not all for the better. Readers get an insight to each character, their life currently, and how they decided to live post stardom. The women are not necessarily close after putting away their microphones, but all agree – if somewhat hesitantly – to do the reunion show. And that’s when things start to unravel.
Once in a Lifetime read pretty quickly, not only because of the fast moving storyline, but because it was simply fun to read. I did enjoy getting to know each of the characters, though some were more likeable than the others, and the build up to the end was rising with each chapter. Because there are five main characters and each one needed to tell their story, I found myself wanting just a little bit more from each one, or a little more back story explained throughout, but I understand having that many characters with fun stories means shortening up here and there. Still a very solid and fun chick lit book, that kept me invested throughout the story. Kathryn R Biel is a talented writer that I would recommend for chick lit fans.
Reviewed for Reader’s Favorite

[Beverly Diehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loosely modeled on The Spice Girls, this is a fun and heart-warming novel of how the five women of the uber-popular group The Sassy Cats find their way back together again, after a ten year hiatus, and why this is good for them.

Disclaimer: I'm acquainted with the author via social media.

Not having grown up a fan of most "manufactured" musical groups, I was surprised by how quickly I became invested in the stories. Each Sassy Cat had her own story, her own wounds and wishes, her own personality, but of course, the five stories overlapped, especially as the date approached for their big reunion show. As a writer myself, I was super-impressed with how skillfully that was done. One character was black, one Asian, one lesbian, but that didn't particularly make a significant difference in how they were portrayed. There was more focus on the motherhood of three of the women, one having very recently given birth. There was a bit of weight loss talk that made me slightly uncomfortable, but that IS a reality in performing arts, the expectation to present as a certain size/shape, and it was handled with sensitivity.

The ending is not a cliffhanger - but it was mostly happy, and very realistic in that not all the problems and interpersonal conflicts the women faced on their journey to the big show were neatly resolved.

If you were a fan of girl groups, or even if you weren't, I think you'll really enjoy these tails, er, tales, of the Sassy Cats. I certainly did.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once in a Lifetime is an interesting look at how being famous can change your outlook on life. The 5 Sassy Cats were all young when they were touring and living the famous life. Now they are grown up with families, lives, and careers that do not include singing or performing. I thought it was very interesting to see how different their lives have become and how when they come together they have to work hard to get what they want.

I loved that each chapter had the points of views of all 5 ladies. Each Sassy Cat had her own perception of what was happening due to the circumstances of her life. Yet, together they were going to make it work. I could feel that each lady wants to be successful, that each lady was searching for what their future would hold, and that each lady wanted to find that fun, easy, friendship that was once there.

Kathryn Biel is talented in her writing. Her characters are realistic and easy to relate to, the storyline always pulls me in, and I am always thrilled when she releases a new book. I would recommend picking up your own copy of Once in a Lifetime and enjoying a fun story about 5 ladies who use to be best friends coming back together to find their futures.

Thank you Kathryn Biel for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once in a Lifetime by Kathryn Biel is based on a former pop group Sassy Cats. The members included Callie (who walked away from it all), Amanda, Tabitha, Angie, and Daphnie. Callie surprises the girls by booking a once in a lifetime show at a music festival without telling the girls she did so until after all the paperwork was signed and it was a done deal so no one could back out. The story picks up after the deal has been made and shows where their lives are now and how the comeback show has an effect on each one of them.

I enjoyed the story for its simplicity and kept me wanting to read more. It was the first book that I have read by Biel and it won't be the last one.

I only had a couple of issues with the story which is why I didn't give it for stars. I kept hoping that she would have showed some time in the past instead of telling about it. I would have liked to read the fallout between the girls instead of hearing what happened.

I wish there was also more interaction with Ben and Amanda. It was hyped up throughout the book and kind of a flat ending.

Overall it was enjoyable would be a book to recommend to someone who enjoys celebrity-based books like this one.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Once in a Lifetime" tapped into this 90s girl's love for girl power pop music.

The five women of the Sassy Cats are thrust back together through Callie, the bitchy mean girl of the group who broke them up in the first place and didn't think to call the other four women before signing them up for a reunion show at a huge music festival. All hell breaks loose as Tabitha, the flighty soon-to-be single mother; Angie, the reality show dancer; Daphne, the woman with a darling husband and a special needs son; and Mandy, the wife, and mother of three who chose to forget her Sassy Cat past when the band broke up.

Author Kathryn R. Biel packs in friendship and relationship busting drama and sexual tension that will make the hair on your arm stand on end in a fast-paced five perspective novel that I just couldn't put down. I found myself sneaking in a few Kindle pages at any opportunity over the weekend and finished it in less than 24 hours, while on a weekend away with my husband. Like I said - I just couldn't put it down!

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Not quite as light and "fluffy" as I expected, but I really should know by now that Kathryn R. Biel never makes it easy for her characters.

So we get to witness the nitty-gritty, all the blood, sweat and tears - right alongside the humor and friendship - it takes to make the reunion of the Sassy Cats happen.

Once again I am blown away by the author's skill to create so realistic and relatable* characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed tagging along through all the ups and downs to a very satisfying ending.

* except for Callie - I still think she's sort-of horrible... Sorry! :-s

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admit I had to make a "cheat sheet" of all 5 characters to keep them straight. I liked that each one was coming from a different place and had different struggles to overcome. I think we all have several personas in side that make up our one self. And because of this I could identify with each character. I think all ended up where they needed to be and having their group back together is the glue that they each needed.

[Leslie Erkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super entertaining easy read. It’s like Josie & the pussy cats meshed with the spice girls.
You have 5 POV and in the beginning it was a little hard to keep track of whom was whom… but got easier after you got to know their personalities.
It dragged just a bit in the middle, but still kept me turning the pages.
I would loved more of this actually. Like a series featuring each woman. Can we make that happen?

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written from the perspective of each of the five Sassy Cats, "Once in a Lifetime" traces the lives of each of the members from the breakup of the group to the reunion.

Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Heather]

This book looks at the life of the host from the Made for Me TV show. This was a more difficult book for me to get into because of the completely unlikeable main character.

I also wasn't a fan of some of the romance here. It seemed very forced. The relationship was argumentative and somehow that was supposed to clue us all in that they loved each other. Not a story line that I'm very fond of.

The relationship that I did like was the mother of the autistic child. She had to let go of her attempts to control the situation and accept help from her husband. That felt very realistic to me. This review was originally posted on Based On A True Story

[Kirsten Carlyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved listening to the audio version of this book. It is a fun, appealing, girly story about a girl band reunion. The characters come from different walks of life and are very relatable. The narrator told the story well. I will look out for more by this author! 😊

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loosely modeled on The Spice Girls, this is a fun and heart-warming novel of how the five women of the uber-popular group The Sassy Cats find their way back together again. Perfect chick-lit. I hope there’s a sequel!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original plot

This book had a truly original plot. I did struggle a bit in the beginning trying to acclimate to give different characters switching their storyline. I'm so glad I stayed with it because the book was really enjoyable.

[Mary Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very entertaining story about the entertainment business. Five different personalities make for a decent story.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

What a great book about friendships and how they can withstand setbacks. Story flowed easily through the different point of views of the characters.

[Meaghan Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every minute. So fun. A fast read, that wants you to keep turning the pages

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5stars
A quite fun story of friendships. A pop group that ends up trying to get back together, but their past problems get in the way .
An enjoyable listen.
The narration was good,