What's not to like? A book that takes place in my home state, mature characters and a second chance at love. Can Charlie and Vivian rekindle their relationship after forty years apart? How have they changed so they don't repeat the same mistakes? This was another comfortable read from Nickolas Butler. Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks and the author for a copy to read and review.

The title says it all because it's 40 years. When Charles and Vi VL.A.N we're married and then divorced. Charles wanted to get back with her so he moved back to wisconsin. This.
Was really interesting because they really did love each other.But they were different people when they were younger. It was nice to see when people are older and they get back together and try to make a new friendship for new romance. Charles.
Worked on the railroads and he really had no friends, so he decided to move back.To his uncle's farm Charles's contact number through a facebook app. D I v l a n responded so they met up one night. He had a drinking problem.And this is what led to their divorce. She remarried and had her a girl named Melissa.And had two grandchildren. It was very hard for her because he became disabled through an accident. Then when he died she was all alone with her daughter and her grandchildren Before he died melissa used to take care of him because her mother had to work. Things were hard for melissa as well but she like charles. Charles was a very interesting character because he tried to change and tried to become a better. She had another daughter named jessica and this is a surprise we'll find out at the end of the book. I love this love story because it went very slow and beautifully written.How he expressed his love. F o r e V I v l a n. She was a fighter because she always was giving him a hard time. There's so many different aspects of this book. As you read it, you realize how complicated life can become. But sometimes in the end, you can all get back together.

Forty years. That's how long Charlie and Vivian have been divorced. Unexpectedly, Charlie contacts Vivian. He wants her back and now all he has to do is to convince her he is now a better man. Can he do it and will she believe him?
Beautifully crafted, A Forty Year Old Kiss is a heartfelt tale about the possibility of second chances. Filled with deep emotions and memorable moments, this is a story well worth reading. The characters are believable, and their stories are compelling. Told with sensitivity and candor, A Forty Year Old Kiss is a memorable story. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A new author for me. This is my first book to read by this author and I will be looking for more...

A quote from this book:
"There were only so many years when a child believed in magic, and that was something. Something precious, really. To still believe in magic."
I love this quote. So many parents forget this one. Let your babies stay babies as long as they can. The world is too cruel for them to act grown. Let them enjoy not having worries. <3

This story was so good. So deep and light at the same time. How to deal with a lost love... Forty years later.

Charlie and Vivian were once married. Very much in love. Then they weren't. They moved on. Away from each other. New lives. But Charlie never forgot Viv. His Viv. He knew he was the one that caused her so much pain and unhappiness. What he wouldn't do to rectify that. Yes it's taken him forty years but that kind of made it the more romantic. They are both in their sixties and living their own lives. Charlie will do whatever it takes to win back Viv's love...

Vivian is living with her daughter and two granddaughters. She takes care of the girls while her daughter works. She doesn't have much but it's her life. She never dreamed that Charlie would come back into her life and she's not so sure she wants him too. It wasn't that great the first time around. He hurt her. Broke her heart. But should she give him a chance? Her daughter and granddaughter's think she should.

This book takes you deep into their lives. How things were. What broke them apart. How they meet again. What Charlie is willing to do to prove his love. And to kiss her again. He thinks she is the most beautiful woman alive. If that's not true love what is? He has made money over the years and wants more than anything to take care of Viv. To help her. But she doesn't really want his money. She just wants to be loved. Can they find that again after forty years? Will that Forty Year Kill be rekindled?

I loved this book so much. I loved Charlie and Vivian. They both are so likable and so perfect for each other. I rooted all the way for them. Even when some secrets were revealed I rooted for love to win. But did it?....

Thank you #NetGalley, #Sourcebooks, #SourcebooksLandmarkm for this book.

@bookmarked | #gifted Though Nickolas Butler has written a number of books, I’ve only read one prior to 𝗔 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗬 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗞𝗜𝗦𝗦, publishing today. That book was 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘨𝘶𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 and I absolutely loved it. I was excited to find Butler’s new book was also a more mature love story, and eagerly awaited reading it.⁣
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This is the story of a long divorced couple who until shortly before the story begins had been fully out of touch with one and other. After a four year marriage, Charlie and Vivian divorced for several reasons, including that Charlie was an alcoholic, bringing too many highs and lows to their young marriage. After 40 years, Charlie gets in touch with Vivian again with the hope of rekindling their romance. The time apart has been good to him, though the drinking never stopped. Vivian had a rougher go, but has a wonderful daughter and 2 granddaughters she adores.⁣
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Sadly for me, this romance just felt too unreal for a lot of different reasons. Chief among those was the way alcoholism was depicted. I don’t want to give away much, but generally, I thought it was treated much too lightly. I’ve known alcoholics well, and recovery is just plain difficult…really really difficult and I never felt like Butler dealt with that, instead he more or less glossed over it. That, combined with too many eyeroll-worthy moments made 𝘈 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘒𝘪𝘴𝘴 a love story I just couldn’t believe in.

Forty years after divorcing, Charlie reaches out to his ex-wife Vivian hoping to rekindle their relationship. This is a total feel good book about love, second chances, redemption and joy. Once I started it, I had to finish it. It's wonderful to have a love story that involves mature adults dealing with their shared history, what has made them the adults they are and the hopefulness that doesn't evaporate with the added years.

I struggled for much of this story because I really couldn’t see a redemption arc for Charlie. He destroyed their marriage with his drinking, disregard and callousness, yet forty years after his and Vivian’s divorce and now very comfortably retired, he’s still drinking and being less than forthcoming. I also didn’t see the appeal of Vivian. She’s a very poor woman who has been beaten down by life, but who pours all of her love and attention into her daughter and granddaughters. She leads a very insular life, and understandably, has trust issues with men. So, it was difficult for me to cheer for the rekindling of their relationship.

Having said this, it was very life-affirming to see two people in their 60s realize that they’ve grown up a lot in forty years and that loneliness (even when surrounded by people) and forgiveness are choices. They can choose to let past hurts and mistakes keep them from moving forward, or they can acknowledge the hurt, forgive each other, and embrace a new life together. Butler intentionally chose dual narration which was a wise decision because it gave clearer insight into Charlie and Vivian’s insecurities, regrets, and secrets. I still don’t understand why Charlie never told Vivian where his money came from, especially since she had such a problem with him spending it on her and because he had shared the truth with her daughter, Melissa. Finally, I also didn’t like the choice to limit punctuation. I’m a grammar snob, so it was difficult, at times, to distinguish what was dialogue without the use of quotation marks. A minor quibble, but one that took me out of the story more than once.

I recommend this to readers who are looking for a mature, closed door romance and women’s fiction. Yes, it’s written by a man, but not from the male gaze, in my opinion.

Sadly, I don’t think this book was for me. I didn’t feel very connected to the characters and the writing style didn’t draw me in. I liked the idea of the story more than the actual story.

Nickolas Butler delivers a slow-burning, deeply reflective story about love, regret, and the passage of time. If you’ve ever wondered what could have been—or if old flames ever truly fade—this book will hit you right in the nostalgia.

This is the kind of book that makes you want to call an old friend, pour a drink, and stare wistfully into the sunset. If you love wistful, tender storytelling with heart, this one’s worth the listen.

A slow burn-second chance romance…..can love be found once again? A love that was lost forty years ago?
I loved Vivian and Charlie…..getting to know them from the beginning of their friendship/marriage to their divorce and 40 years later to their reunion.
The story is sweet and so very nostalgic. Very slow burn which I can appreciate to some degree. But, I feel a bit more romance/spice would have made the story more relatable to me.
All in all, a beautiful story of true love, accepting forgiveness and finding redemption.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Can a couple who crashed and burned 40 years ago rekindle their romance? What if there are secrets that have been buried in just as much time?

Vivian is meeting her ex-husband, Charlie, on a date for the first time in forty years. They had a great love that lasted four years, but Charlie's alcoholism broke them up. A lot has happened since then, they have gone through marriages, financial struggles, but they never could get the other out of their minds.

Their date goes perfectly, and they become like two puzzle pieces fitting together again. But how will Charlie react when Vivian's secret is finally revealed?

This is a beautiful story about second chances, struggles, and dealing with alcoholism. It proves that sometimes first loves never quite leave us.

Lots of thoughts and feelings about this book. They ranged from “I don’t think I can finish this”, “I have to finish this” and at times somewhere in between. This is a story about people. Regular people who are all living their lives and dealing with the consequences of their choices, relationships and everything that has gotten them to where they are and figuring out where and how to move forward. Can they let go of their past hurts and experiences and take a chance on new love, a new path and let happiness in? It’s a slow story, but a slice of life that leads to a very sweet place.

I loved this book. By turns romantic and clear-eyed realistic, A FORTY YEAR KISS by Nickolas Butler is the story of a couple who ended their marriage after four years and then reunite 40 years later to share the lives they've lived and the people they have been and rediscover themselves in one another. Butler has written a.heart-breaking and warming, beautifully written tribute to love, the people we can be, and the power of story to change lives through Charlie and Vivian's reunion. This is a make-believe story that I want to be true with all my heart. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

This book had so much potential. Charlie and Viv divorced 40 years ago. After he retired Charlie moved back to Wisconsin, hoping to reunite with Viv, who he has never stopped loving. His farm is 70 miles away from where Vivian lives with her daughter, Melissa, a single mother and Vivian helps care for her two granddaughters.

I didn't care for the writing, and it made me feel a distance from the characters. A lot of the book was conversation, so I also felt a lack of character development. I don't think I really liked anyone. Charlie is trying his darndest to help Viv who doesn't have a lot of money. Viv seems to run hot and cold. I understand her being wary of Charlie. Even though she never stopped loving him she needs to know that he has changed. She wants to be loved and taken care of but when Charlie does things for her, she feels smothered. At first Melissa was really awful to him but she had her problems too.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with a digital copy.

A forty year kiss is a comfort read for the winter. Charlie and Vivian are two 60-something’s who had a brief marriage, but after 4 years parted ways. Vivian remarried and started a family, while Charlie battled alcoholism.

The two reunite 40 years later and try to come to terms with past mistakes and mane up for lost time. Like butlers other novels, this takes place in the Midwest and the small town mid western atmosphere permeates throughout. Butlers love for this region resonates in his writing.

I did enjoy seeing the 60 year olds front and center as protagonists who still had interest and passions. I did find it somewhat schmaltzy though, and admit I did not enjoy this as much as I did shotgun love songs. However, it is a confirming palette cleanser between reads and will have many readers charmed no doubt.

Thanks to the publisher for providing the arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. .

This is the story of Charlie and Vivian, who married young and divorced after only 4 years, with each going his/her separate ways. Forty years later, Vivian is a widow, who has taken in her daughter Melissa and her two grandchildren. Charlie, who has recently retired, travels to the small Wisconsin town where Vivian lives and hopes to reconnect with his “first love.” Although the storyline is definitely a charming and interesting one, the novel as a whole is too much of a slow burn for me. And, the lack of quotation marks to indicate dialogue was truly annoying. All in all, though, this was a good and interesting read.

A Forty Year Kiss is a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter day. Charlie returns to Wisconsin forty years after his divorce from Vivian hoping to rekindle their love after inheriting a farm he plans to fix up. Vivian never left the town where they’d lived. She remarried, cared for her husband until he died, and had a daughter she now lives with while babysitting her granddaughters. She also has a secret. Charlie drinks too much, but when he’s with Vivian he yearns to quit. This is an old-fashioned, Kent Haruf-style, upper Midwest love story about good people trying to do the right thing.

Butler is masterful in the art of portraying older characters without stereotyping them. Charlie and Vivian are in their sixties and Butler shows them as complete beings not out-of-touch, old fogies. Fans of Lyle and Peg Hovde, the wonderful couple in Butler’s magnificent Little Faith will find the same type of normal Midwestern characters simply trying to do the right thing and live their lives with honor in Charlie and Vivian.

Charlie found Vivian on Facebook. He signed up just to find her. They’d messaged back and forth and talked on the phone a few times. Now, here he was sitting in the Tomahawk Room on Bridge Street in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin waiting for her to walk through the door.

She walked in. “He was just standing there like a boy. Like a boy grinning on his birthday, or Christmas morning. And now she focused on the images of only a few moments ago. The man waving. She realized that it must have been him. She must have seen him waving, and then standing up from his stool and then sitting back down. Then awkwardly rushing to the door. And now here they were. Standing within inches of one another. As close as they had been in forty years, all of this she processed very quickly, and yet, she still could not believe it. That it was happening. That he was here, standing in front of her, smiling expectantly. He looked extremely happy to see her, his cheeks red with what looked like joy.”

They greeted each other, ordered wine, and talked for a while.
“Now, he turned to her, their knees practically touching, a faint electricity there, or magnetism, between them, and he said, Vivian, listen to me—I’m sorry if I wasted those years of your life. I’ve been thinking a lot about who I was back then and the mistakes I made. But I loved you very much and I’m sorry I was a bad husband.

She stared at him, at this new Charlie. . .”

Thus begins a tale of imperfect people trying to find happiness. What more could you want in a novel?

Summing it Up: Read A Forty Year Kiss to enjoy a novel that’s as much an ode to the Midwest as it is a celebration of second-chance love and becoming the person you were meant to be. Nickolas Butler is unusual in that he treats his characters fairly. He shows them completely without making excuses for their behaviors or trying to portray them as more than they’re capable of being. That makes them real which makes his novels feel a part of you.

Caveat: I met Nickolas Butler when his first novel debuted and reconnected with him when he participated in the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book and again when he stayed as a guest at the Good Hart Artist Residency while finishing the final draft of a previous book. He’s one of the good guys and his writing exemplifies that.

Rating: 5 Stars

Publication Date: February 4, 2024

Categories: Fiction, Five Stars, Grandma’s Pot Roast, Book Club

Author Website: https://nickolasbutler.com/

Author Interview: https://chireviewofbooks.com/2025/02/04/a-forty-year-kiss/

What Others are Saying:

Book Reporter: https://www.bookreporter.com/reviews/a-forty-year-kiss/about

“This charming and empathetic portrayal of the Midwest and its denizens explores late-in-life romance, the pangs of regret, and the possibility of renewal no matter how much time has passed.” —Booklist

“The novel is beautiful and full of complex characters. It is a love story, not only between Charlie and Vivian but also between the novel and the Midwest, as the characters journey between Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Spooner, WI, along with Minneapolis and Chicago. Fans of Butler and of romance will be delighted with this novel.” —Library Journal

“A big-hearted, comforting novel about second chances—at love, at recovery, at forgiveness and redemption. Butler treats all his characters with dignity and affection. When we die, we’d all be lucky to come back as a character in a Nickolas Butler novel.” —Ash Davidson, author of Damnation Spring

“Life-affirming and straight up beautiful. Will stole the good fire in your chest, I absolutely loved it. A must-read.” Matthew Quick, author of The Silver Linings Playbook

“Thank you, Nickolas Butler, for writing a love story that feels so powerfully real, a story that captures the hope, grace, and joy of new love—but also the mistakes, scar tissue, and regret of past love. It’s a wonder to behold, a novel. Capable of such breadth. This is the kind of book that makes me a better human.” —Nathan Hill, author of The Nix and Wellness

This heartwarming and uplifting novel explores the transformative power of second chances, love, and the enduring bonds of relationships. It delves into the complexities of human connection, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to find hope and happiness even in the face of adversity. With richly drawn characters and a compelling storyline, this book will resonate with readers who appreciate stories that celebrate the beauty of life and the importance of cherishing the moments that matter most.

The novel's exploration of second chances will appeal to readers who believe in the possibility of redemption and the power of forgiveness. It highlights the importance of learning from past mistakes and embracing new opportunities for growth and happiness. The theme of love is woven throughout the narrative, showcasing its ability to heal, inspire, and bring people together in unexpected ways. The enduring bonds of relationships are also explored, emphasizing the significance of family, friendship, and community in shaping our lives and providing us with unwavering support.

This book is a perfect fit for fans of sentimental and feel-good stories that celebrate the beauty of human connection. Its heartwarming message and relatable characters will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired, reminding them of the importance of cherishing the relationships that bring meaning and joy to their lives.

Nickolas Butler's latest exquisite tale, A FORTY YEAR KISS, is utterly captivating! It's never too late for love & second chances —lyrical & big-hearted, from lost love, forgiveness, hope & redemption. I loved it!—a perfect literary Valentine read.

A compelling small-town love story. A couple who met up again forty years after their divorce. There is a lot of hurt, mistrust, and living in between. Will they make it the second time around? Their moving, emotional journey will surely resonate with readers.

About...

Charlie and Vivian divorced after four years of marriage. There were too many problems. Charlie drank too much, and they both went on to live their lives.

Forty years later, Charlie returns to Wisconsin and knows he wants to rekindle his relationship with the one love. Even though he married twice after. He wants to try to pick up the broken pieces.

They have had other relationships, regrets, secrets, mistakes, and baggage; they are set in their ways and from different economic backgrounds.

Charlie is an alcoholic with a vast wine collection and has just taken over a large farm. He wants Vivian to be a part of his life. He has done very well for himself at age 64, retired from the railroad, and has stock in Apple. So, financially, he can help Vivian. He is a giving man and has the best of heart.

On the other hand, Vivian barely gets by and lives with her daughter and two children by different men. They struggle financially. She shops at Walmart and thrift shops.

While she enjoys the attention and the lavish dinners, she is also guarded and has her pride. She does not make it easy for Charlie to return to her life. He still must make changes for them to try again. Is he up for the challenge?

In addition, Vivian has a big secret that could also affect their relationship. This secret, when revealed, adds a layer of complexity to their journey, making the story even more compelling.

My thoughts...

I loved A FORTY YEAR KISS! and the reveal was unexpected. I am not typically a romance reader; however, I adore literary fiction and late-in-life stories of redemption.

Being older with so many regrets and life takes work, and it was refreshing to hear from Charlie and Vivian's perspectives. Their growth and resilience will inspire you.

Your heart will break and be put back together before the end. I loved reading the inspiration behind the story from the author, Nickolas Butler. He drew from his observations, which added a personal touch to the narrative.

A FORTY YEAR KISS is a profoundly moving, transcending, beautifully written, uplifting story of love, family, second chances, forgiveness, wisdom, kindness, and redemption.

My first book by the author, and I was highly impressed. I cannot wait to read his backlist and upcoming works. His storytelling is truly admirable.

Audiobook...

I had the privilege of reading the e-book and listening to the audiobook narrated by the talented Richard Poe, elevating the novel and capturing its compelling characters and raw emotions, making the story come alive. I was hooked from the beginning. I highly recommend the audiobook, and it is perfect for Valentine's.

Recs...

A FORTY YEAR KISS is for fans of the author, Richard Paul Evans, Nicholas Sparks, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Tim Johnston, Allen Eskens, Charles Martin, Jo Jo Moyes, Viola Shipman, Fredrik Backman, Ken Jaworowski, and Ethan Joella. (all favorites).

If you enjoyed it, I recommend Only After We Met (audio fantastic) by Alice Keelen, narrated by Gail Shalan and Benjamin Crow. It is about a younger couple who had many issues and came back together after a world of hurt, addiction, struggles, and wisdom.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Recorded Books via NetGalley for an advanced review and listening copy—and the introduction to this talented author!

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Feb 4, 2025
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** spoiler alert ** Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for providing me not one, but two ways to enjoy this story! This is my first by this author.

I loved the premise of this book. Long lost loves and second chances. Charlie and Vivian married way too young. Charlie's drinking got in the way and they divorced just 4 years later. Life went on very differently for them (as we see in flashbacks). He never stopped thinking about her despite remarrying a rebound. And after some soul searching, 40 years later, he decides to make contact with her again.

The story is set in Wisconsin. Vivian has had quite the hardship life. She's now a single grandmother, supporting her daughter while her daughter is also single, trying to keep a job to support her child. I won't go into too many details, other than to say, Butler does a fantastic job going back and forth with them together and separately, to get us to the present time. It is a slow burn, though, and not much exciting happens -- but that's also OK because it's more real life.

Two things threw me for a loop, though:
1, There were no quotation marks used. That threw me for a huge loop. I've never encountered that and found I wasn't able to follow along as well. So I requested the audiobook to go along with the e-ARC.
2, There is a scene early on, when Charlie goes all in and kisses Vivian - but it's almost immediately after reconnecting! I get if you've missed someone so much that you're about to burst, but it felt very rushed and if I'm being honest, I felt icky about it as Vivian wasn't quite there yet. (I get that's a me thing.)

Other than that, I found the relevant topics woven in, refreshing! TW for alcoholism, abortion, special needs adoption. I'd be willing to explore more from this author!