I received a free copy of, This One Life, by Amanda Prowse, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Its always hard to put ourselves first, specially when family demand they come first. Madeleine is finally in a place she wants to be, but then her mom needs her,does she really want to be pulled back into the family fold. Going back and forth was a little confusing, a nice read though.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC

I'M SO HAPPY FOR THIS ARC! I simply love Amanda Prowse and her books! She never fails to write heart-clenching stories. She writes such good relationships, not only romantic but familiar. Whenever you read one of her books you know you'll be on an emotional roller coaster. This was nothing different. Deep-felt, fleshed out characters and packed with emotions. Loved every second of it.

Wow, what an incredible read this was. I was captivated from the beginning, completely taken in by the mesmerising characters and addictive plot. From the blurb I was not too sure how the plot was going to unfold so I started this with an open mind and found myself surprised by the plot direction and the complexity of the plot. There is a lot more to this book than I imagined and it made for enticing reading.
Without spoiling it, this plot is incredibly emotional, full of sadness, love and most of all hope. This read has an important message running throughout and it was conveyed beautifully. All of this was improved by the wonderful, realistic characters that Prowse has created. 'This One Life' is a remarkable, special read that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance copy.

Usually an Amanda Prowse read is quite emotional. Not this one. I found the main character Madeleine so irritating and unlikeable that I just didn’t care what happened to her. It was readable but not my favourite by her.

3.5 Stars

I really enjoy Amanda Prowse's books. Picking up the Pieces, Very Very Lucky and All Good Things were either a four or five star read for me. This book sends the message you only get one life so live it the way that makes you happiest. I like the way the author got the message across without being preachy.

Madeline was a character that was really hard for me to like and I understood what the author was trying to do, not everyone indeed wants to live a traditional life and women are often scorned for not wanting it but sometimes life has other ideas and throws a monkey wrench into our best-laid plans. I also felt this was a book about motherhood and all its inclinations but mostly mother-daughter relationships The one Madeline has with her own mom is complicated beyond measure even though Madeline has an expensive apartment, a great job in the big city, and will be trying to get her own business off the ground in the near future she has a lot of growing up to do and I enjoyed being on that Journey with her. As she grew up she grew on me. What feels right for one person isn't always right for another.

While this isn't my favourite book by the author, I was very pleased with the story's ending and that she didn't fall into the trap of the happily-ever-after nuclear family...I was so here for it. The epilogue was a tad predictable but I'm glad Madeline wisened up and decided to earn her place in her special family.

I have mixed feeling about this novel. The writing is well-crafted, and the storyline is emotionally evocative. However, the protagonist is portrayed as selfish and lacking any flexibility in seeing anyone else’s viewpoint but her own. I had difficulty relating to her and found her unlikeable. I almost quit reading at the halfway point but set it aside for a few days and was able to finish. I am glad I did as there was a major shift that, and while it felt rushed, ended the story on a positive note.

This is a story that explores a complex character blinded by her own ambition and ignorant to the impact her attitudes and behaviors on those she loves. In her attempts to rise above her working-class parents, she creates a persona that matches her vision of success at the expense of authenticity and intimacy. The dysfunctional relationship with her mother added to the angst. Her redeeming quality is her insight in seeking therapy for her own discontent, which leads to a breakthrough.

Overall, this was not an enjoyable read and I cannot give it a strong recommendation.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

This was a bit of slow starter for me but gradually it gripped me.
Edith-Madeline (Madeline) grew up in a humble household but she wanted more.
As she progresses, she puts her previous life on the back burner, rarely visiting her past and trying to live the highlife, full filling her dream job.
But an incident accurs and Madeline has to accept the past and try to move forward.
Amanda has written in a way that you may well despise Madeline and her snobby attitude.

This One Life is a reflection on ambition and what happens when life derails your ambition. Madeleine has spent her professional career trying to rise up from the humble background to get the "fancy pants" life she feels like she would prefer. But life never fully goes the way we fully intend. When life interrupts her quest for perfection, she starts to feel a pull back to those humble roots and the people she left behind. I did really enjoy Madeleine; it would be so easy for her to be unlikeable, but I felt a kinship and recognition with her and her desires, and the author was careful not to make her a villain of her own tricky story. I enjoyed this story of friendship, career, family and all the choices we have to make to make each one count.

Madeline is striving for the perfect life, one very different than her upbringing. She unexpectedly becomes pregnant and makes choices that she feels will be best for her. Living life on the outskirts of her daughter, her family and friends. As she is about to leave for the US, her mom falls ill, and she comes back in contact with her estranged best friend. We have just one life to live, sometimes we don't see it, but hopefully we eventually come around to realize that it isn't perfect, but it is short.
A truly heartfelt story that is a definite must read. I was given an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Great book. I would read another book this author. Great plot development and good characters. I could Not put this book down

Madeline has what looks like a fantastic life until something from her past catches up with her. This is a very emotional story, exactly as I expected from this author with fabulous characters

Prowse really made me think about my choices as a woman with This One Life. I enjoyed this title more than others that she has written. I think I related to it better. It was entertaining and something I want to discuss with friends when they have the chance to read it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Well as usual Amanda has done it again, a beautiful story with wonderful characters that will stay in my heart for always, loved every page, didn't want it to end

At the start, it looks like Madeline has the perfect life but as the story continues, her past catches up and we get the full picture and it’s not that ideal, it’s a charming emotional story that will have you reaching out for tissues in places and smiling in others. . A perfect book for a rainy day where you can keep reading to the end.

Women’s fiction and romance readers will love This One Life. This was such a wonderful heartwarming story that will forever be in your heart.

This story gave me all the feels and even brought me to tears at times. I loved all the twists and suspense. Definitely a 5-star read!

This is such a good book! It was cute and cozy, and reminded me of people in my life, so it was a nice read! I also felt like I connected with the main character, and I really enjoyed the writing style and the pace of this book. It kept me entertained and it was a quick read because it was very enjoyable throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and especially the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review of the book!!

Okay I absolutely fell in love with this main character and her sweet story! It was just such a great story of her journey and all that she experienced. What a fantastic book! Highly recommend.

This One Life by A. Prowse, published by Lake Union Publishing, is a full length, stand alone novel, that gripped me, had me in suspense, had me shed one tear or two, gives all the feels.
A story that will stay with me. A story full of twists and unexpected turns that leave the reader guessing till the last chapter.
Blurb: After years now Madeleine’s life is very nearly perfect. She’s about to move to LA to pursue her dream job—and there’s a new man on the scene too. But then her mother falls ill, pulling her back to the world she’s tried to leave behind, her past shows.

I feel like with this book I am reading my life story. I am behind excited for this book to reach others as well . I hope they will find the same comfort I did when reading this and now they are not alone when faced with this situation