Is it fate? 

This was an okay read. I finished it but didn’t quite get the normal excitement that I usually get when I read a Mary Monroe novel. The story is told from Vanessa Hayes’s point of view. The story seemed more of a high level overview than an in-depth get to know the characters that I am use to when reading the author’s writing style. 

I enjoyed seeing Vanessa, a single 32 year old woman enjoying her life and taking care of herself and helping her family. Her long time dream of going to Paris is halted when her passport didn’t arrive in time for her scheduled trip during Christmas. Because of the mishap with the postal service, it turns out she’ll receive another once in a lifetime opportunity. Unfortunately after Vanessa’s trip has been cancelled Judith Ann Guthrie knocks on Vanessa’s door to deliver the delayed passport. Here’s where things got strange for me, but who am I to say it could very well be divine intervention. Vanessa Googles Judith and gives her a call. The phone rung six times before Judith answered. For some reason Vanessa is eager to meet with Judith again. Judith invites a stranger to come to her home. While there the ladies have a bonding moment as well as Vanessa meeting Ronald, Judith’s brother who is in need of a kidney.

I enjoyed the good hearted unselfishness on Vanessa’s part. She’s a lovely soul and she deserves to have someone just as loving. The story is a little easy to predict. I enjoyed how the author made me wonder and work for the ending. I knew there was going to be a happy ending but it wasn’t as instant as I thought. Here comes fate again. What are the chances of Vanessa and Ronald showing up at the same theater, to watch the same movie at the same time? 

There were minor details that didn’t make this book a great read. I wasn’t able to connect with the characters. As I mentioned Vanessa has a loving personality but her life was just not that interesting to me. The book tells a lot about her with her family and friends and maybe it was the lack of drama that made the story bland. It’s not a holiday story but it is heartwarming and a story about family, unexpected friendship and helping others.

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.

I normally love Mary 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.

I was very disappointed in this book from all aspects-poor character development, a choppy st0ryline that didn't make sense a number of times and no real Christmas content, even thought it sells itself as a Christmas novel.

A heartwarming, light read with so much going on.
A story about family, friendship and helping others.
A unexpected friendship will change lives forever.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

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!

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.

Mary Monroe writes beautiful holiday stories which bring out the best in humanity.  Once in a Lifetime shares the story of one woman who misses an opportunity to travel one Christmas and the family she meets as a result that will change her life forever.

Vanessa Hayes is a woman who enjoys her work and her many friends and family.  She loves a traditional Christmas, but this year she’s set on finally fulfilling a lifelong goal - to spend Christmas in Paris.  When her passport gets lost in the mail and she cannot get a replacement in time for her flight, she cancels her trip.  Set to make the best of the holiday season, she promises herself that she will get there one day.

Shortly before Christmas, she has a knock at her door from Judith, a stranger who has been out of town and who inadvertently received her passport.  The two women find themselves with a lot in common and enjoy each other’s company.  On a visit to Judith’s home, she meets her brother who is very ill and in need of a kidney transplant.  Before long, Vanessa realizes that fate may have played a role in why she couldn’t make it to Paris this year.

The news these days is full of stories that can impact mental health.  This book is such a wholesome, joyful read that it helps to diminish some of the anxiety many of us are experiencing during these difficult times.  Yes, the book is predictable, but it doesn’t matter.  The story is refreshing and one I looked forward to sitting down to read.

Vanessa’s character was well developed and the reader gets to know the giving person that she is.  The other characters were all likeable but always felt a bit on the periphery of Vanessa’s story.  Having said that, there is a key element in her parent’s story that provides a good foundation for the choices Vanessa eventually makes.

A christmas story that screams: "Everything happens for a reason. You must believe"!
Vanessa can not imagine that she is going to France!

Oh wait! No she isn't!
The postal service has lost her passport and she is unable to get another until way passed her Christmas trip.
She cancels her special pilgrimage.
The women who does finds Vanessa's mail in her own box,is finally able to return it to Vanessa in person.
Judith seems to need Vanessa and Vanessa feels a closeness to this new friend.
Judith has a serious family situation and time is of the essence.
Vanessa realizes that perhaps she can give her new friend a special gift in return.
It is a selfless, beautiful present that is unbelievable!
Could it be possible that Vanessa and was not meant to go to France, but meant to be here for this family?

I loved this novel!
It will make you feel warm, happy, and full of genuine Christmas spirit!

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.

How old is the author? Healthy people who are less than 70 do not live in retirement homes. dnf this is just ridiculous.

Vanessa Hayes has had a long time dream to spend Christmas in Paris! Her plans are made and she will finally fulfill her dream. When her passport gets lost and not enough time to get a new one she must cancel her trip. Judith Guthrie is taking care of her brother who must have a transplant to survive. When she gets Vanessa’s passport in her mail she decides to deliver it in person. As she knows she must be waiting for it. They seem to hit it off immediately and their friendship changes their lives forever.

Thanks to Mary Monroe and Kensington Books!

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.

I really enjoyed this story. As the story begins Vanessa is going to travel to Paris for Christmas, she is waiting on her passport that gets lost in the mail. She has to cancel her trip so she can get her money back. Several weeks later a lady name Judith who lives across town brings her lost mail, her passport but it is too late for her trip. Now see what happens after this. This begins a really good story. A VERY GOOD READ.

I received an advance copy of, Once in a Lifetime, by Mary Monroe. This is a good Christmas story, about taking chances and ripple affects.

This book was sent to me on Kindle by Netgalley for review. It is a book of heartwarming events that lead to an ending that is unusual at times…Chance…luck…friendship…romance…health problems…organ transplants…this book has so many different themes that I can’t determine one. The story moves quickly, and the protagonist makes decisions that others might need months to do…it is somewhat unbelievable…yet it could happen…maybe it has…try this one for a quick read…

I love reading books by Mary Monroe. You never know what to expect from them. I loved this one, although I was a little sad there wasn't enough drama in it, but giving away your kidney to someone is pretty admirable. I thought this book was heartwarming and good. I myself hope to travel to Paris someday . I am grateful that netgalley let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas in Paris. What a dream. This is a lovely, heartwarming story about the gift of kindness. I enjoyed it.