Once in a Lifetime

by Mary Monroe

Beloved, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe delivers a hopeful and heartwarming story about an impossible Christmas dream, an unexpected act of goodwill—and a surprising chain of events that could gift joy far beyond the holiday season…


Free-spirited, living on the fly, Vanessa Hayes is still always down for traditional family holiday fun—until now. She’s making her oft-delayed wish finally come Christmas in Paris, the glittering City of Lights. But when her passport gets delayed, it's too late for Vanessa to rebook. Now it looks like the Yuletide she longs for won't happen. Until a stranger suddenly enters her life, and changes it forever…

Overwhelmed by responsibility, Judith Guthrie is too busy worrying about her seriously ill brother to have time to celebrate. She's taken a leave from her teaching job to care for him as he's on the waiting list for a life-giving transplant. A trip to France is a kind of happiness she can't imagine. But when she accidentally receives Vanessa's passport, Judith can't resist delivering it in person so Vanessa will at least have her holiday dream. She can’t anticipate that her small gesture will result in a series of big choices, big miracles, and lifelong rewards that all will be thankful for over many Christmases to come...

Genres: Fiction, Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Audiobook, Womens Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published September 28, 2021

About the author

I am the third child of Alabama sharecroppers and the first and only member of my family to finish high school. I never attended college or any writing classes. I taught myself how to write and started writing short stories around age four. I spent the first part of my life in Alabama and Ohio and moved to Richmond, California in 1973. I have lived in Oakland since 1984.

My first novel THE UPPER ROOM was published by St. Martin's Press in 1985 and was widely reviewed throughout the U.S. and in Great Britain. An excerpt is included in Terry McMillan's anthology BREAKING ICE. I endured fifteen years and hundreds of more rejection letters before I landed a contract for my second novel, GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. It was published in October 2000 by Kensington Books. GOD DON'T PLAY is my seventh novel to be published, and it landed me a spot on the prestigious New York Times Bestsellers list for the first time! My eighth novel, "BORROW TROUBLE," was released December 2006. My ninth novel, DELIVER ME FROM EVIL, was released September 2007 and my tenth novel, SHE HAD IT COMING, was released in September 2008, and my eleventh novel THE COMPANY WE KEEP, will be released March 2009.

I won the Oakland Pen Award for Best Fiction of the Year in 2001 for GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. I won the Best Southern Author Award for GONNA LAY DOWN MY BURDENS, in 2004.

I am divorced, I love to travel, I love to mingle with other authors, and I love to read anything by Ernest Gaines, Stephen King, Alice Walker, and James Patterson. I still write seven days a week and I get most of my ideas from current events, the people around me, but most of my material is autobiographical.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once in a Lifetime by Mary Monroe is a contemporary romance novella that takes place during the Christmas holiday season. Of course being novella length the story does move at a fast pace.

Vanessa Hayes loves to travel and had dreamed of one day spending Christmas in Paris and thought that this would finally be the year that she made that dream come true. Unfortunately for Vanessa her passport seems to be lost in the mail and a replacement wouldn’t be able to arrive in time so she ends up canceling her trip.

After Vanessa cancels the trip to Paris she gets a visit from Judith Guthrie who lives across town and had been away herself when Vanessa’s mail had accidently been delivered to her home. Vanessa learns that Judith has been dealing with a lot in her life and she and Vanessa quickly become friends.

Once in a Lifetime by Mary Monroe is a feel good, heartwarming Christmas story. The problem that I found with this one that brought my rating down to a it was “ok” rating of three stars was most undoubtedly the length to this one. The was little to no depth to the characters or story with it being on fast forward to get the story out in a short amount of time. I would have liked a bit more to it personally to become completely engaged but it was a alright quick read for me.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an uplifting novella that is a perfect read for the Christmas Season.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy Melody Carlson books let me recommend this book to you.
This book takes place at Christmas time but is not your typical glitz and glamour,wrapping presents type of book. This book covers a more serious subject.
A woman plans a trip abroad but her passport she ordered hasn't been received in time for the trip so she has to cancel it.
Turns out her passport is delivered to another address across town and she becomes friends with the woman it was delivered to.
Knowing her new friend leads to a self discovery of what is actually important at Christmas time and all year round. There is no greater gift than the selfless gift of life.
Highly recommended!

Pub Date 28 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Coffee&Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

I normally love Mary's work, but this read like a rough first draft. No magic, no craft, little depth, irritating dialog and a super flat, predictable storyline. It IS a quick read but doesn't have the usual touch.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read a feel good book, this is it! Vanessa is hoping to go to Paris but her passport doesn’t show up so she has to cancel her trip. Judith finds Vanessa’s passport in her mailbox and brings it over. Vanessa and Judith become friends and Vanessa finds out Judith’s brother needs a kidney transplant. My own sister got a kidney transplant 19 years ago and I remember I got tested but was not a match. I really enjoyed this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

[Tiffany Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I said at 42% in that I thought the main character was a tad naïve, and I am so glad that I continued reading. Most Christmas themed books are quite sappy, however Once in a Lifetime took me by surprise. Vanessa is the type of person we all aspire to be - one lives life on her own terms, is selfless, and is simply a truly good person whom everyone loves. I felt as if Ms. Monroe took a bit of a risk with a more serious storyline and it paid off. If you are looking for a holiday book with a bit of substance, then I recommend this one!

[Danita White · Rating 2 out of 5]

Normally I like her books, but this one was not it. Plain storyline, no excitement, etc. Had to stop reading after chapter 14.

[Angel (Bookn.All.Night) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard one to rate. I love Christmas and most especially books to do with or focused on Christmas. This one really isn't that depiste being marketed as such. While the underlying story is one of hope, courage, selflessness and love, for me it falls flat.

This has major Hallmark vibes (which I love). As with most books of this type it is predictable, but that wasn't an issue for me. It's not often when I wish a book was longer, but for this one I do. There isn't enough development with either the characters or their relationships. It feels rushed and hastily put together. Also, for adult fiction, this one reads very young.

Overall, this is a sweet story and a very quick read. This is the first time I've read this author and I enjoyed this one enough that I would definitely read them again.

I sincerely appreciate the publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once in a Lifetime by Mary Monroe explores the power of fate and faith. Monroe has penned a poignant tale about the value and power of human empathy. The story is well-written but somewhat predictable. The overall essence of the story and the message are inspiring, but the book is slow in areas. The ultimate triumph of the human spirit is amplified by the Christmas spirit in this seasonal tale.

I’m on the fence about this novel. Overall, I enjoyed the book and rate it 3 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to readers who enjoy women’s fiction.

My thanks to Kensington Books, Dafina, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[JayBee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe in both love and fate, however this novella was inconceivable, unbelievable and on top of everything else, predictable. No one that I know meets someone for the FIRST time and within a few weeks, offers a vital organ.

If Ms. Monroe added a little "spice" to this novella with some "passion" then I may have been able to award "4" stars, but there were no fireworks or intimate moments between the main characters.

I generally really enjoy Mary Monroe's novels and novella, however this lackluster holiday novella was slightly disappointing.

[Mikaela (Booklover1974) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this in a Goodreads give away.

I have never read anything else by this author and I can say for certain I won't do it again.

There was no substance in the characters, they were one dimensional, and to be honest, boring. This book was not for me.

I feel bad for giving this a bad review but I also want to be honest.

[Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read about helping others, family, love and friendship! Beautiful story with lots going on. Absolutely adore Vanessa and Ronald and their amazing story! Love a feel good romance and this definitely brought that.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice holiday read.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those who like a quick, predictable, sweet, heartwarming, rated G novel, "Once in a Lifetime," by Mary Monroe, would be a good choice for you. It was a bit too tame and totally predictable for my taste, but I do enjoy a good, happy ending, and I got that, but I knew I would. I prefer to hope for it, but not know, until the end, that I will get it.
Vanessa's passport is lost in the mail, having been delivered to the wrong home, so she had to cancel a longed for trip to Paris. Her mother insists that everything happens for a reason and Vanessa comes to believe her mother just might be right when the woman (Judith) who received the passport by mistake, shows up at Vanessa's door with it. A friendship develops, and Vanessa comes to meet Judith's brother, Ronald, who is only 30, but is losing his fight with kidney disease, and there do not seem to be any suitable matches in living donors for a kidney transplant, which is his only hope to survive. If you watch Hallmark movies, you can pretty much surmise what will happen here, every step of the way.
What I did like was how supportive Vanessa's family, coworkers, and friends all were of her decision, (which you have probably figured out by now). She was surrounded by so many good, loving, wonderful human beings, and she deserved every ounce of the love she felt coming from them all.
For me, the level of writing seemed to be geared at a 15 year old reader, though this is an adult novel. It was a cup of cocoa rather than something more exciting and dimensional in flavor, but sometimes, there is nothing wrong with a cup of cocoa. I won't rush to read any of the other novels by Mary Monroe, but I am sure she has her following. I just like a more sophisticated style of writing and a more realistic recounting of how adults speak and relate. It was if there were a glow around all these angelic people! If that sounds good to you, then read this one!

[Nancy barrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is quick read but I found it rather irritating. Not much development of the characters, seems like they were all glossed over. Items in some of the scenes contradict each other.

[Misse Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Monroe’s latest holiday novella is such a heartwarming piece. I loved her last one, The Gift Of Family and so when I heard about Once in a Lifetime I had to get my hands on a copy. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a copy of this ARC, in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure to read this in advance of the holiday season.

If you want a feel good story that evokes holiday cheer and the warm and fuzzies, this is one you’ll enjoy!

In Once In A Lifetime we meet Vanessa Hayes who seemingly is content with the direction that she’s going in. She has a good education, great job, a nice apartment in Northern California, and a host of family and friends that she enjoys. She’s travelled quite a bit and has a very short bucket list: marriage, children and a nice home. At present, however, her one plan is to spend a week of Christmas in Paris. Until now, she’s had no luck. Family and friends have cancelled in the past and she’s finally a month out from the trip when she realizes her passport has been lost and she will not have enough time to send for another. She sadly has to cancel the trip.

Judith Ann Guthrie-Starks had had it rough the past couple of years. After her brother’s health deteriorates, she has him come to live with her. As he waits for a transplant (so far unsuccessfully) and Judith scrambles to keep everything together, she has what appears to be a chance encounter with Vanessa that will change the course of their lives forever. Begging the question: is their meeting an accident or does everything happen for a reason?

This was such a beautiful story about family, love, friendship and the power of faith. Kudos to Monroe for delivering such a good, solid read.

[January · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once in a Lifetime by Mary Monroe
111-page Kindle Ebook

Genre: Fiction, Holiday > Christmas (I disagree), Romance (not really)

Featuring: November 2014, San Jose, California; Paris, France; Givers, Organ, Damage, Family, Discussion Questions

Rating as a movie: PG

My rating: ⭐️⭐️📬✈️

My thoughts: This cover was very misleading. It's not a Christmas story nor is it a romance, and there's not much traveling, so I immediately was disappointed once I realized the plot. It was predictable but really could have used a Hallmark Makeover to add some excitement. Overall it had flat, one-dimensional characters and the story itself is quite dull and features a serious topic that is not handled well at all. There was nothing heartwarming about this story and I'm a pretty empathetic person but I had a hard time getting emotionally involved in this story because it lacked emotion. There was a lot of telling and little showing. Overall it was quite boring and too long for what occurred. The table of contents says there's a teaser chapter after the discussion questions, but there was nothing other than a booklist.

Recommend to others: No. Save yourself, this isn't it.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

ONCE IN A LIFETIME is a quick, entertaining Christmas novella. Still single and in her mid-thirties, Vanessa Hayes has decided to make her life as exciting and positive as possible. That's why she's turned all invitations to spend the holidays with her married siblings or friends and instead opt for a trip to Paris. But her passport does not arrive in time and she must make the decision to cancel the trip. When she learns the reason for its late arrival, her mother reminds her that nothing hapeens accidentally.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a Christmas book but a very hopeful, positive book. This is more about organ donation than Christmas in Paris. It was different from what I expected but a sweet read nonetheless.

[Wg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blah

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew she could write something I enjoyed!!!!!!

[Rosie Trzewik · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of a selfless act, family, good friends and love. Vanessa finally after years will finally have her dream of spending Christmas in Paris come true! The only hold up is her passport still hasn’t arrived, even though it was mailed over a week ago. Waiting till the last possible minute she cancels her trip so not to lose her money. A few days later a stranger rings her doorbell. Judith was out of town and received Vanessa mail her missing passport. Strange thing is she lives across town. The two became friends and Vanessa learns of Judith brother Ronald being very ill, he needs a liver transplant.
The story is very predictable. What was of interest the steps in becoming a donor.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story about a young woman who accidentally meets a stranger and not only becomes his altruistic kidney transplant donor but then marries him.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite thr seriousness of the subject this book did not hold my interest due to cardboard cookie cutter characters that I could just not relate to.

[Arthur]

DNF This reads like a rough draft, as if the story itself is out of breath.

[Mariah Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a feel good story that warms the heart but suffers from being too short. There are so many characters that it feels confusing sometimes keeping them straight because there is not time for deep character development. There is also a lot of time covered in this book so sometimes there is just a huge jump in time that feels like it would have benefited from being fleshed out a little. All in all if you need a short read to perk you up this book is a good option but if you are looking for a great holiday story I don't think this will meet your needs.

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.

[Robert White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Publisher and Net Galley for this ARC copy. Vanessa Hayes is a Career women who don't need a man at first she is all about work until her mail goes to wrong Address. This was a different read by Author Mary Monroe but I love the change with this Novel. My favorites were Ronald and Vanessa parents and Homer was a real Bug Boo I did not care for him. Christmas in Paris wow I imagine it's so Beautiful. This story show you there is more to life than material things this was a enjoyably read.

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The protagonist in this book, Vanessa, is a lively young woman planning a solo trip to Paris at Christmas. A delay in receiving her passport results in the trip being cancelled, but when the passport is belatedly delivered by a woman named Judith whose brother is seriously ill and in need of a kidney transplant, Vanessa finds a friend and a different perspective on life.

Not my style of book, I'm afraid, but I read it for book club and finished it because it was a quick read. I found the plot a bit trite, and the writing (primarily dialogue) stilted.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book jackets from this author seem to pull me in. The good news was that this book was a really quick, light read, probably because it was too short. The story had so much potential, but it felt forced and rushed. I would have liked more details about the relationships and less about who Vanessa called every time she made a decision. The epilogue felt unnecessary and fell really flat as an ending for the book.

[Adventuresofabusymom.com · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young lady meets a woman who’s brother needs a kidney donor. She ends up deciding to donate hers. Will the friendship continue after the surgery or will it continue on?
Good story but ended abruptly.