Once in a Lifetime: Do you really only get one shot at love?

by Chrissie Manby

The new hilariously funny summer romance from the bestselling author of SEVEN SUNNY DAYS.'A warm-hearted romance which will keep a smile on your face long after you finish reading.' S Magazine, Sunday Express*****Do you really only have one shot at loveTwenty two years ago Dani Parker had grand plans for her life. Now, she's a single mother in quaint Newbay working at the hotel where she got her first ever job. When she bumps into ex-boyfriend Nat, she wonders if this might be the start of something not-quite-new. Until his fiance walks through the door . . .Dani's daughter Flossie is sixteen - so of course she knows best, about everything. And her new boyfriend Jed is all she could ever want in a man . . . rightFlossie's widowed grandma Jane firmly believes that lightning never strikes twice. So when she finds herself frequenting Bill's pet shop, she refuses to believe that the L-word has anything to do with it.In a confusion of cakes, elopements and naughty puppies, will the three women discover that 'once in a lifetime' isn't quite as rare as they thought*****Readers can't stop praising Once in a is a feel good summer read that is a lot of fun, and definitely had me smiling. I also found the pages were turning faster than I wanted, and ran out of book to read far too soon!' Amazon Reviewer'A must read' Amazon Reviewer'What a great book' Amazon Reviewer'Very heartwarming and didn't want to put it down. All about once in a lifetime happening twice in your life and just brilliant from the first page' Amazon Reviewer'Right from the beginning she set her standard high and has never failed to maintain this. 5 stars from me!' Amazon Reviewer'A simply brilliant read and highly recommend - you will be laughing for sure.' Amazon Reviewer'Another lovely Chrissie Manby novel! Always fun to read' Amazon Reviewer

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 18, 2014

About the author

This author has also released books under the name Chris Manby

Reviews

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Chrissie Manby at her best, writing about a multi generational family in a realistic and funny way!

There is long lost love, teenage love, love of a pet dog (with a ridiculous name), family love - you could say the book is about love!

Dani hasn't seen Nat since she was 16, and now he is back in Newbay with a girlfriend and Dani has a teenage daughter herself now, yet there are plenty of reminiscing as the two try to continue moving on with their chosen paths in life.

Life for all of Dani's family changes when Jezza enters it, from then on he is the centre of attention from all angles and is one of my favourite characters. He is instrumental in most of the elements of the book whether you would expect it or not.

I loved meeting Dani's family and thoroughly enjoyed being back in Newbay, which is now becoming a familiar setting for fans of Chrissie Manby, even if the books are all standalone.

This is a feel good summer read that is a lot of fun, and definitely had me smiling. I also found the pages were turning faster than I wanted, and ran out of book to read far too soon! Easily one of my favourite books from the author since the series about the Benson family!

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Stacey Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did enjoy but felt like I knew what was coming so kind of spoilt the read for me

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Once in a Lifetime" we're back in Newbay but this time with a new set of characters, although some of the characters from the previous book enter the scenes as well, right, Nurse van Niekerk? Dani is a pastry chef at a hotel in her hometown and lives together with her teenage daughter Flossie and her mum Jane. Everything works well, that is until Flossie meets Jed, who buys her a very mischievous dog for her birthday and Dani's boyfriend from over twenty years, Nat, comes back to the town, bringing a young and high - maintenance girlfriend in tow. As the story unfolds, we follow the three different, yet in some ways such similar, women - will they get their second chances at love? Can they all find they happily - ever - after?

As a huge fan of Chrissie Manby I'm always looking forward to her new releases. I think that what makes her books - also "Once in a Lifetime" - so exceptional is the fact that they are so close to life with their believable plots and that you can't help but immediately fell for the characters. Her writing style is so chatty and easy to follow, and the mix of happy and sad is perfectly balanced.
You could easily relate to all the characters, and I especially adored the way the author has so brilliantly captured how it is to be a) the very strong willed teenage with so many strong opinions and her only right and knowing everything better and b) mum to this teenager, how much you must just cope with and that you have to have skills of the best bomb disposal expert to know when to press the button and when to just let it go. Brilliantly captured and so true to life! There were many twists and turns in this novel, many of them caused by the lovely Jeremy Corbyn, aka Jezza. I still can't imagine how he looked like, this mix of breeds was just unbelievable but he was a very exceptional and very accident - prone dog. He actually mostly just stole the show and it felt as if it's a story about him as he does things that you wouldn't expect him to, but well, it was love at the first sight and there wouldn't be this book without Jezza. And Nurse van Niekerk.

I also loved the way the story was constructed and that Dani's relationship with her teenage daughter and her new puppy were the real centre of attention, whereas the romance aspect felt a little in the background. But it was great, it was a story with such a reality feeling to it that upping the romance more would make it - in my eyes at least - too much fairy - tale - ish and too forced. You're really in good hands here, guys, Chrissie Manby truly knows how to balance all the elements of her story to make it unputdownable read with difference. I think it's a real gift to be able to write such books, that centres around normal families, in such an engaging way.

This book is another winner from Chrissie Manby. I thought I'm not going to overcome my grief that there isn't to be any Proper Family anymore, but the author creates new characters that I immediately fell in love with. They're all so relatable to and so easy to like, probably because they're just so normal and genuine. It was a heart - warming story about a multi - generational family, about long lost love and regrets, about new love that you can experience no matter how old you are, even if you're not looking for it, a great read about once in a lifetime happening twice and exploit it, about second chances and relationships, drawn in such forthcoming, inviting way. Absolutely feel - good, beautifully mixing humour with poignant moments and you could actually feel the heart and the soul of the author in every single word. Highly recommended!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Beverly Li · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d love the book even more if it wasn’t so long winded. I was expecting to read about how the ladies in the book lived out their love life when given a second chance, as hinted in the synopsis on the back cover. But I was disappointed when the author only began the ‘second chance’ on the very last page of the book. Nevertheless, I appreciate that the author kept the content PG13!

[Deyara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Quick read. Dani a bit annoying.

[Mélyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tedious wedding planning would normally bore me and the Flossie plotline was easily predictable, but the adorable puppies made up for all the flaws.

[Angela Gradidge · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an excellent read, I have recommended this book to my daughter who like me reads a lot of books

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and found the plot easy-going. The three protagonists – Dani, Jane and Flossie – represent three generations trying to find love. Whilst it was predictable in places, it was a satisfying read with a satisfying ending.

Dani is a likeable character. Living with her Mum and daughter, she regrets having never moved away from her seaside town of Newbay in Devon. The seaside doesn’t feature too much in this novel (I do seem to be drawn to coastal stories for some reason!), as we learn how Dani still works in the hotel kitchens that she started out at as a teenager. As her former flame returns to her life, old memories rekindle old feelings and it is interesting how Manby connects all three generations and their love lives. True, you can see how the plot will develop but it is that well-known heart-warming feeling that keeps this novel an enjoyable read. Dani’s desperation at keeping her daughter on track and her need to be two parents instead of one is admirable and readers can get a sense of her frustrations as Flossie continues to try and lead a successfully independent life, even if she is only sixteen. You recognise Flossie’s typical rebellious nature as expected when growing up and when the “big reveal” comes at the end with the true story between Dani and Nat, you see how alike mother and daughter really are.

Some parts of the novel felt like they were just an over-used cliche. The dog training school and the nurse leading it came across as tired – predictable and with a leading character that was obvious and unfunny. I think this is what weakened the plot for me.

I found that I could not give this the full five star rating for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, it just didn’t come across as very funny. This was something that popped up on several reviews and I was looking forward to reading a funny, summer read. True, there are moments where you have an inward chuckle, but this is definitely not side splitting. Light-hearted yes, it’s not a novel for humour. Secondly, I do not feel this novel will have much longevity and will eventually lose relevance to readers. Some of the “pop culture” references will easily age and even calling the family dog Jeremy Corban has a limited shelf life. It makes me feel that this is a current read and one that might not withstand the test of time.

An enjoyable read about love and the chance to find true love a second time around. Not quite a “coming of age” novel, it was pleasant, engaging and with a satisfying conclusion.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this until the ending, it was very rushed and disappointing.

[Harry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Dani a lot, and felt bad for her in the beginning by how others treated her initially about getting Jezza, it felt like the adults were being unnecessarily unreasonable although I did come to enjoy the scenes of friendship between her and the kitchen staff. I wasn’t a big fan of Jed and was hoping very early on that he wouldn’t stay in the picture as he was just disrespectful at times to Dani and Jane.

The plot points of the book were very obvious and a bit silly at times but I think that was intentional, and it is a testament that the journey is still exciting and interesting even if we almost certainly know the destination. I loved the whole journey down to Gretna Green to help Flossie and appreciated that Dani and Nat’s interactions never crossed the line and I loved all the support that Nat was able to give Flossie.

Jane’s relationship was also very well done, her backstory with Tom was very much appreciated and it gave great context into her nervousness about pursuing a relationship again but I also enjoyed that she was able to find friendship through the sponsored dog walk. I imagine being a widow can be very lonely and while Jane had Dani and Flossie it’s good that she was able to expand her social circle and her future with Bill was left open ended.

Ultimately I wasn’t sure to begin with if this book was going to be for me and I’m not the target audience I did enjoy it, I do feel the plot was mapped out very early on and a bit contrived but I found a deep care for each character and was able to get a good understanding of their personalities and wanted to root for them

Rating - 7/10

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book and worth far more than the five stars I gave it. It's full of romance summer fun with great characters and a laugh out loud book. Very heartwarming and didn't want to put it down. All about once in a lifetime happening twice in your life and just brilliant from the first page such an easy read.
Dani Parker had grand things she wanted to do with her life but things change as at 22 she became pregnant and had to move in with her mother and continue working at the local hotel where she had her first job. She met Nat years ago and fell in love but things soon changed and they evaded up going their own ways and when she's at work one day he turns up and she wonders if she can pick up where she left off with him but then she realises he has a fiancée. Dani has a daughter who is no sixteen and she knows best for everything and when she meets Jed she thinks he's the one and she keeps making the same mistakes but she's sure he's the one. Jane Dani's mum has been a widow for 15 years and she keeps visiting the pet shop and can she really find love again or not. Can all three of them be happy and find romance and there is one very naughty puppy in this story that really makes you laugh with what it does.
A simply brilliant read and highly recommend you will be laughing for sure.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - what can I say. I couldn't put this book down - I enjoyed every minute of it and if I could give it more that 5 stars I would have. Such a lovely easy and relaxing read and really funny in places.

It has great characters that you can easily relate to (especially the strong willed teenage daughter). The story is all about the possibility of that "once in a lifetime" happening twice in your life.

Dani Parker had big plans for her life after uni but things changed with a sudden pregnancy and having to move in with her mother and having to work at the local hotel where she had had her first job. She met the gorgeous Nat at work (at the hotel) years ago and fell in love but things changed and they ended up going their separate ways.

One day she's at work and Nat surprisingly turns up out of the blue and she starts to wonder if she can pick up where she left off with him until she realises he has a fiancée.

Dani's daughter is a very strong willed sixteen year old who knows best about everything and when she meets Jed she believes that he is the one and provides her mum and Nan with lots of dramas.

Dani's mum has been a widow for 15 years and starts to visit the local pet shop more regularly now that they have a cheeky puppy and she starts to wonder if she really can find love again.

I highly recommend this book to everyone and thank Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an impartial review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a massive Chrissie Manby fan and really looked forward to reading this book. Dani Parker is a single Mum, living with her Mother and Daughter Flossie. Dani has been working at the same hotel since she left school, and that is when she met Nat, her first love. 22 year later she bumps into her ex-boyfriend, but he is due to marry the very high-maintenance Lola. As the story unfolds we follow all 3 women and their love lives, to see if they get a second chance at love. There are many funny moments, most of which seem to involve the adorable puppy Jeremy Corben, who has come into their lives with a bang. The story is what I have come to expect from Chrissie, it has a believable plot which is funny and sad in all the right places, and you just really like the main characters. It’s a fantastic read which I found hard to put down. This one factor which makes Chrissie such a great author is that she has never written a rubbish book. Right from the beginning she set her standard high and has never failed to maintain this. 5 stars from me!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read – and loved – all Chrissie Manby’s books, and ‘Once in a Lifetime’ didn’t disappoint.

It was great to be back in a familiar setting, Newbay, once again, but meeting different people. This time, the story focusses on Dani and Nat, but with fabulous appearances from Dani’s daughter Flossie, mother Jane, godmother Sarah, and a mischievous pooch called Jezza (short for Jeremy Corbyn!). Dani and Nat were sweethearts twenty years ago, split up (for reasons which become known later on in the book) and didn’t see each other again until the day Nat walked into the hotel where Dani is the pastry chef.

There were some twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting, and all the characters were included in the ending. I literally had a hard job putting this book down in order to sleep at night, and I finished it in record time.

Another bestseller-to-be from Chrissie, and one that I’d highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

[Helen Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but I have given it four stars rather than five because I think the romance levels could have been upped a bit. I felt the book was more about Dani's relationship with her puppy, as well as her daughter, with less emphasis on her love life. Perhaps that was intentional. I just would have liked to have a grander finale than there was - it was very subtle. I liked all the characters. The doggy element was brilliant. Being a dog owner myself I could well imagine all the antics of Jezza!

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chrissie you do it again. This book is swoon worthy. It is fun, funny, sweet, endearing, lovely, wonderful and oh so very romantic. I absolutely loved this book from the start to the finish. You always know you are in good hands with a Chrissie Manby book. This book left me with a massive smile on my face and feeling like I had just been giving a big warm hug. This book is absolutely delightful and practically perfect for this summers glorious weather. No matter where you reading it. Make sure it is on your tbr pile this summer.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! A tale of three generations interwoven together into a heart warming, puppytastic tale. Dani, Flossie and Jane along with Jeremy Corben looking for love even if they didn’t know it. The appearance of some old characters is an enjoyable facet of this story. Believable characters and engaging plot lines make this a must read. Chick lit at its finest.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely story by Chrissie Manby about old love, teenage love, rekindled love and new love. Oh and dog walking!

This is a great, light, summer read. Put your feet up, get a nice long drink, sit back and enjoy.

Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet novel, with several love interests. Dani, her daughter and mother, all of whom enjoy romance. Dani bumps into her old love, her daughter finds her first love and her Mother is not looking for love after the loss of her great love. The novel is nice and easy and will be a joy for anyone experiencing any of these loves.

[Louise Bookmac82 Mackin · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I've recently started reading Chrissie Manby's books again, after reading quite a few of them when I was younger and they are still as good now as they were then.
Very light hearted, easy reads, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

[PrettyFlamingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging story told in a delightfully straightforward fashion and which featured one of my very favourite songs of all time.

Dani's approaching 40 but still lives at home with her widowed mum, Jane, and 16 year old daughter Flossie. She's never left the seaside town she grew up in and still works in the town's poshest hotel as a patisserie chef, where she met the love of her life 22 years ago. When both Dani's ex-boyfriend Nat and a dog named Jeremy Corbyn come into her life, her world changes totally and it's a really fun-filled journey for us readers. There are serious elements to the story, and one or two strands that are on the predictable side, but they are done skilfully. And, the author saves the reveal of Dani's background to the end and it worked perfectly. She and Flossie had far more in common than Flossie could ever have imagined, and

Though - me being picky and probably boring here! - the story was set in 1996 and features a scene in a club where people are dancing to the Macarena "the runaway hit from three summers before" and I know it was in the charts at my cousin's 18th birthday party and she was born in 1978. I'm sounding like Gary Davies here talking about proofreaders - sometimes [they] just didn't get it right. Ignore that, and you have a fantastically entertaining, touching and fun read.

Jezza is the standout character for sure. The ending is perfect. Thoroughly enjoyed it, great entertainment.

[Sheerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5

[Lyndsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

finished this in one sitting on holiday. perfect holiday read

[Treena Beavers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read packed with Great characters.
A nice mix of absolute chaos and sweet heart melting moments.

[Iona Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sweet, enjoyable romance.

[Gina Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! A heart-warming, highly enjoyable tale. Loved it!

[Sian Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice predictable love story, easy to read and enjoy.

[Jodie Portugal · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duC4p...
My honest review
Part of the #6M60Books

[Jenna Coyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my top chick lit authors and read in one day

[Millie Moo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely easy read