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.

This is a beautiful Christmas story of a generous heart and love. After years of delays, Vanessa is heading to Paris for Christmas. When her passport is delivered to the wrong address she meets Judith. Judith is busy this holiday season trying to find an organ transplant for her sick brother. The women connect and soon Vanessa is getting tested to become a donator. The story is the true meaning of selflessness. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A short holiday feelgood novella that proves that sometimes people come in your life for a divine purpose and that things happen to us for a reason. I was surprised, but pleasantly at the way the story went, and It was such a great story that was very enjoyable.

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.

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.

Once in a Lifetime is a holiday novella centered around faith and family. Vanessa is a hardworking executive assistant set to go to Paris when her passport is lost. Fate steps in and the woman who received her passport, Judith, is in need of her own Christmas miracle. The story centers around Vanessa's family and church life and new beginnings. It was a quick read, predictable but a nice holiday story.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Vanessa and Judith would never have met were it not for an act of kindness by Judith that reverberates through both their lives. Vanessa's passport was lost in the mail and she had to cancel her much longed for and anticipated trip to Paris. Then one day,Judith appears on her doorstep- she got the passport in her own mail. The two women bond and then, Vanessa gives an incredible gift. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a heart warmer with a positive outlook that might be just the thing to cheer you up
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I instantly connected to this feel good story set at Christmas time. Central to the story is the support of family and friends. Yes it might be predictable but that’s fine by me. It’s a story full of the type of people who restore your faith in humanity. Vanessa Hayes has an unfortunate event occur and from there the story takes off. Once she decides to take a huge step her life changes and you are left with contentment. Organ donation is at the core and shedding light on this important decision can make the difference in someone’s life. A great way to escape the Christmas rush. Thank you #NetGalley #OnceInALifetime for the ARC.

This was my first book by Mary Monroe and unfortunately it didn't quite hit the standards I had set for this one. This book had all the makings of a wonderful story and it was very high on my want to read list. However, I didn't find the execution well done. I wasn't a huge fan of the writing. I was rather bored through most of the story. While I liked the concept, this issue negated my liking of it some.

Once in a Lifetimr by Mary Monroe was a great read. I spotlighted it as book of the day on my social media platforms, and I included it in a monthly roundup of new releases on my Black Fiction Addiction blog.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Dafina for my copy of Once in a Lifetime by Mary Monroe in exchange for an honest review. It published September 28, 2021.
Once again Mary Monroe does it! I just love her Christmas books and this was a sweet one. I enjoyed the way the story progressed and that not a lot of time wasted on unnecessary details.
I enjoyed the relationships and the closeness of Vanessa and her family. Overall it was a very enjoyable book!

When I think of literary fiction, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and can satisfies just about every reader's heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day.

This is a feel good Christmas romance. I read a lot of mystery books and this was a refreshing change of pace for me. This story is about love,family,friendships, and helping others

A fair 3.8/5 star book.
We get to meet a lovely lady called Vanessa, V. V comes from a caring family, they all have their own unique lives which keeps V on her toes too. What I found more charming was V’s contented life travelling solo and independently anywhere in the world just to enjoy the experience. V owns her own money and is financially self sufficient and selfless so yes some people may take advantage of her kindness. Great story, that starts with losing her passport, which prevents her going on holiday over Christmas. #Romance #Life threatening conditions #family #Friendships #relationships.

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.

I'm afraid this book just wasn't for me. The writing didn't keep me interested at all. The writing just made a book, not something that you wouldn't be able to put down and it felt like the writing was immature....not that of an advanced writer. The subject of the book was a good idea. But it would have been more enjoyable if the writing was more experienced.

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.

Thank you NetGalley, Mary Monroe and Kensington Books for the copy of Once in a Lifetime. This is my personal review.
Vanessa has lived her life doing as she wanted to do but she always makes time for family traditions. She was now going to do who she has always wanted to do is spend Christmas in Paris. Her plans are set, and she is ready to except for one small issue she had renewed her passport and it was not back to her yet. Little did she realize that the late delivery of her passport would forever change her life.
Judith is a hard-working loving sister who has put her life on hold taking care of her brother who is seriously ill and waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
When Vanessa’s passport was delivered to Judith neither woman realized what Judith bringing the passport to Vanessa would do to change their lives.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

Once in a Lifetime is an emotional holiday tale of family, friendship, and love. It reinforces the saying we’ve often heard, “everything happens for a reason.”

I was charmed and moved by this story, where Vanessa. who was very much living her own life until a minor snag happened with her passport, finds herself meeting another woman, Judith, who was the accidental recipient of said passport. While that could easily have been a one-off with an exchange of “thank yous,” I love that Vanessa showed her openness by wanting to know more about Judith, and ended up becoming the kidney donor for her ill brother, Ronald, which is not something just anyone would do, especially for someone who’s essentially a stranger.

And while the romance is by no means the most prominent part, as Vanessa bonds with both Judith and Ronald pretty much equally, I felt the transition from becoming friends where one donated a kidney to the other early on to developing a romantic bond was well done, and showed that they’re not just connected by that experience, but by their growing feelings for each other during the time that has passed.

This is a sweet, heartwarming read that would make a perfect addition to your holiday reading, especially if you like relatively lighthearted contemporary/women’s fiction that touches on tough topics.

A heartfelt read that really makes you feel good. In this book Vanessa was going to Paris until her passport didn't come in time. THis led her to meet awoman and to give her the best gift anyone could receive. It makes you think about how you can help others, and it is fitting that it is areound the holidays. I recommend this book to everyone.

** I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review **