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A Lifetime in 30 Days
When a woman embarks on the next phase of her life, it’s all she can do not to break under pressure in a smart, cheeky, and bighearted novel about moving on by the author of The After Party.
Savannah Carlson has one month before she hits the big four-oh. With her best friends, Jamaica and Ronni, she’s making every weekend toward that milestone count—party-wise. Vanna’s plans go awry when her shady, no-good, unreliable, estranged husband, Caleb, dies in a boating accident. The real sucker punch lands when Vanna is arrested for embezzlement at his funeral. Her man certainly is the gift that keeps on giving.
Talk about mixed emotions. Grief over good years wasted with the wrong man. Rage at her vindictive mother-in-law. Fear of that unjust felony hanging over her head. And even some bliss given her long-simmering attraction to an old acquaintance that’s coming to a sweet boil. Amid the chaos, Vanna refuses to spiral. She has her faith, her cheerleading, gun-toting Granny, and her besties to help her through the most trying times of her life.
Freakin’ forty and still fly? Vanna has to believe in that now more than ever.
Savannah Carlson has one month before she hits the big four-oh. With her best friends, Jamaica and Ronni, she’s making every weekend toward that milestone count—party-wise. Vanna’s plans go awry when her shady, no-good, unreliable, estranged husband, Caleb, dies in a boating accident. The real sucker punch lands when Vanna is arrested for embezzlement at his funeral. Her man certainly is the gift that keeps on giving.
Talk about mixed emotions. Grief over good years wasted with the wrong man. Rage at her vindictive mother-in-law. Fear of that unjust felony hanging over her head. And even some bliss given her long-simmering attraction to an old acquaintance that’s coming to a sweet boil. Amid the chaos, Vanna refuses to spiral. She has her faith, her cheerleading, gun-toting Granny, and her besties to help her through the most trying times of her life.
Freakin’ forty and still fly? Vanna has to believe in that now more than ever.
267 pages, Paperback
Published December 24, 2024
380 people are currently reading
4404 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Arthur
185 books919 followersAC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
December 23, 2024
A lifetime in 30 Days by A C Arthur
Contemporary chick lit with romance. Own voices.
Savannah Carlson is celebrating her upcoming 40th birthday all month long. She has weekend plans set up to include her two best friends Jamaica and Ronni. She even has a theme: Freakin’ forty and still fly.
Just before her celebrations are supposed to start, she’s called to identify the body or her long estranged husband. As the police investigate the accidental death, Vanna is arrested for embezzlement during his funeral. She knows she’s innocent and her friends are standing by her, but the police need more than just her word.
Vanna is struggling with mixed emotions over why she didn't divorce the man years ago, the nasty mother-in-law that never liked her, fear over the felony charges on her record, and even a case of attraction over one of the old friends from college that reconnects at the funeral. She’s strong. She has her friends and her Granny. She’s going to get over this bump in the road, celebrate her birthday and prove she’s fabulous.
Forty is not going to get her down. I loved Vanna’s confidence in her skills and self. I don’t think she needed to argue and shout so much standing up for herself. She’s proud and independent and insists again and again that she doesn’t need help. Often shouting. Sometimes it’s ok to accept help.
There is a lot of culturally slanted slang in this text. Unfortunately most of it threw me out of the story.
I liked knowing Aden’s feelings up front. He is very clear in what he wants and that’s he’s not wasting anymore time.
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary chick lit with romance. Own voices.
Savannah Carlson is celebrating her upcoming 40th birthday all month long. She has weekend plans set up to include her two best friends Jamaica and Ronni. She even has a theme: Freakin’ forty and still fly.
Just before her celebrations are supposed to start, she’s called to identify the body or her long estranged husband. As the police investigate the accidental death, Vanna is arrested for embezzlement during his funeral. She knows she’s innocent and her friends are standing by her, but the police need more than just her word.
Vanna is struggling with mixed emotions over why she didn't divorce the man years ago, the nasty mother-in-law that never liked her, fear over the felony charges on her record, and even a case of attraction over one of the old friends from college that reconnects at the funeral. She’s strong. She has her friends and her Granny. She’s going to get over this bump in the road, celebrate her birthday and prove she’s fabulous.
Forty is not going to get her down. I loved Vanna’s confidence in her skills and self. I don’t think she needed to argue and shout so much standing up for herself. She’s proud and independent and insists again and again that she doesn’t need help. Often shouting. Sometimes it’s ok to accept help.
There is a lot of culturally slanted slang in this text. Unfortunately most of it threw me out of the story.
I liked knowing Aden’s feelings up front. He is very clear in what he wants and that’s he’s not wasting anymore time.
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
February 9, 2025
I would like to thank NetGalley, A.C. Arthur and Montlake for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
3⭐ - this story follows 39 year old Savannah who's separated from her husband for 5 years. Just before her 40th birthday, her estranged husband dies in a boating accident. Luckily Savannah can rely on her friends Jamaica and Ronnie, by making plans for the weekend before Savannah's big 40.
During her husband Caleb's funeral, Savannah gets arrested for embezzlement - even after his death Caleb's the gift that keeps on giving. Did Savannah waste the best years of her life on Caleb?
I loved the humor in the story, however some decisions Savannah made and the way she acts doesn't really fit a 40 year old. Overall it's a cute story.
3⭐ - this story follows 39 year old Savannah who's separated from her husband for 5 years. Just before her 40th birthday, her estranged husband dies in a boating accident. Luckily Savannah can rely on her friends Jamaica and Ronnie, by making plans for the weekend before Savannah's big 40.
During her husband Caleb's funeral, Savannah gets arrested for embezzlement - even after his death Caleb's the gift that keeps on giving. Did Savannah waste the best years of her life on Caleb?
I loved the humor in the story, however some decisions Savannah made and the way she acts doesn't really fit a 40 year old. Overall it's a cute story.
November 9, 2024
Everything I loved about this book was all due to Aden. It seems Vanna did everything she could to discourage his interest, but Aden saw through her and frankly just wanted her so much he was willing to walk through fire for her. I adore heroes like this. I did not adore Vanna for what she put him through, and yet I still found that I liked her. I can understand when life throws everything at you and what it takes to not only fight through it, but also how discouraging it can be. It's easy to believe you just aren't meant to have good in y0ur life. She was a very strong woman, but she had to be to survive life. I wanted to cry for Vanna when she finally got her reward through Aden.
August 21, 2024
I'm not sure what I was looking for when I started this book, but I don't think I found it.
I found the idea of the book quite intriguing- a 39-year old woman ready to put her past behind her once and for all by going all out in celebrating the big 4 O with her best friends. Until her past hits her in the face in the form of a dead body and a lawsuit. I also enjoyed the vivid portrayals of the people closest to her. The characters were vibrant and full of life. But the enjoyment of the book stopped there.
I found the writing to be far too simple and far too descriptive at times. This book could easily be half its length if you remove all the unnecessary details that don't contribute anything but a higher word count. It just felt like I was getting bombarded with random niche details for no good purpose. The main character was also hard to emotionally connect with, partly because of where the story picks up from. Despite the pity we're meant to cultivate towards her, I found it hard to admire her determination to always keep going. Constant repetitions of her horrible past and the ever constant pep talks plus the affirmation cards... it was all too much for me. The character voice also felt far from unique besides from a few mannerisms; it felt like she could be a typical high-school girl and I wouldn't even know the difference.
How on earth is this woman turning 40 in a month? I'm no ageist but freakin' forty and still fly... really??
All in all a good idea for a book carried out with poor execution.
(Thanks to the publisher for the copy)
I found the idea of the book quite intriguing- a 39-year old woman ready to put her past behind her once and for all by going all out in celebrating the big 4 O with her best friends. Until her past hits her in the face in the form of a dead body and a lawsuit. I also enjoyed the vivid portrayals of the people closest to her. The characters were vibrant and full of life. But the enjoyment of the book stopped there.
I found the writing to be far too simple and far too descriptive at times. This book could easily be half its length if you remove all the unnecessary details that don't contribute anything but a higher word count. It just felt like I was getting bombarded with random niche details for no good purpose. The main character was also hard to emotionally connect with, partly because of where the story picks up from. Despite the pity we're meant to cultivate towards her, I found it hard to admire her determination to always keep going. Constant repetitions of her horrible past and the ever constant pep talks plus the affirmation cards... it was all too much for me. The character voice also felt far from unique besides from a few mannerisms; it felt like she could be a typical high-school girl and I wouldn't even know the difference.
How on earth is this woman turning 40 in a month? I'm no ageist but freakin' forty and still fly... really??
All in all a good idea for a book carried out with poor execution.
(Thanks to the publisher for the copy)
December 27, 2024
What is scarier...facing 40 or facing a murder charge? One might say it's a toss up but for Savannah they both are reality.
This was one of those moments where I really needed the main character to catch a break. Thankfully A.C. decided to have mercy on her and provide her with Andrei who happened to be the sexy saving grace Vannah needed. He definitely seemed too good to be true but who questions the water mirage while in the desert? Not me. I can tell you I wouldn't be able to keep my sanity if detectives were pinning my husband's death on me, someone broken into my house while I was in it and I had to face my abandonment issues all in 30 days. This book is the definition of being place on God's strongest soldier list.
For my first A.C. Arthur book, it was a solid read. My favorite character was her spitfire Granny; if she could have her own adventures I'd read it.
This was one of those moments where I really needed the main character to catch a break. Thankfully A.C. decided to have mercy on her and provide her with Andrei who happened to be the sexy saving grace Vannah needed. He definitely seemed too good to be true but who questions the water mirage while in the desert? Not me. I can tell you I wouldn't be able to keep my sanity if detectives were pinning my husband's death on me, someone broken into my house while I was in it and I had to face my abandonment issues all in 30 days. This book is the definition of being place on God's strongest soldier list.
For my first A.C. Arthur book, it was a solid read. My favorite character was her spitfire Granny; if she could have her own adventures I'd read it.
August 26, 2024
Vanna is 39 years old - separated, but not divorced - and getting ready for her FFSF (freakin forty and still fly) birthday month celebration. Things turn sour when her not-yet-ex-husband is found dead and she gets arrested for embezzlement and we get to see how she navigates the 30 days before the big 4 0 navigating this unexpected mess.
As a 39 year old, with about 30 days to go to my 40th birthday i was getting ready to enjoy some light hearted fun. but, boy… this book did bot deliver for me.
i could not relate to the female lead. for the life of me, I've never met a 40 year old that behaves in this way. 20 year olds? Sure! early 30s? Maybe!
Vanna’s character is what I describe as an aggressive feminist who will walk all over men in an effort to defend her independence, pride and general sense of entitlement, while playing victim #1 and taking zero responsibility for her life. Reading about all her hardship and injustice got old real fast, especially since her coping mechanism usually entailed gathering more women around her, shopping, partying and lamenting about why her amazing FFSF month is being spoiled, but her ex-husband’s death, her bitchy MIL, the embezzlement charges. Her new love-interest turns out to be a rich doormat with never ending patience for her aggressive bullshit, that keeps dropping everything to save her.
I honestly just could not with this book!!
2 stars for a generally good premise and interesting side characters.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#ALifetimein30Days #NetGalley
As a 39 year old, with about 30 days to go to my 40th birthday i was getting ready to enjoy some light hearted fun. but, boy… this book did bot deliver for me.
i could not relate to the female lead. for the life of me, I've never met a 40 year old that behaves in this way. 20 year olds? Sure! early 30s? Maybe!
Vanna’s character is what I describe as an aggressive feminist who will walk all over men in an effort to defend her independence, pride and general sense of entitlement, while playing victim #1 and taking zero responsibility for her life. Reading about all her hardship and injustice got old real fast, especially since her coping mechanism usually entailed gathering more women around her, shopping, partying and lamenting about why her amazing FFSF month is being spoiled, but her ex-husband’s death, her bitchy MIL, the embezzlement charges. Her new love-interest turns out to be a rich doormat with never ending patience for her aggressive bullshit, that keeps dropping everything to save her.
I honestly just could not with this book!!
2 stars for a generally good premise and interesting side characters.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#ALifetimein30Days #NetGalley
December 22, 2024
This was my first book by A.C. Arthur and sadly it just wasn't for me. Not a straight up romance or women's fiction story, it revolves around Savannah (Vanna), a Southern Black woman charged with burying her estranged dead husband.
While home she also gets a second chance with Aiden, a college crush who helps her with a court case she's involved in. It was all way too dramatic with a lot going on and though the narration by Wesleigh Siobhan (a new to me narrator) was really strong, it didn't make up for the chaos of the story. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
While home she also gets a second chance with Aiden, a college crush who helps her with a court case she's involved in. It was all way too dramatic with a lot going on and though the narration by Wesleigh Siobhan (a new to me narrator) was really strong, it didn't make up for the chaos of the story. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 6, 2025
3.5⭐
Savannah (Vanna) has to navigate planning the funeral of her estranged husband, who did not make the last bit of their marriage enjoyable before the split, while also interacting with her aggravating mother-in-law. That whole experience was tiring, then soon as you think Vanna would be able to catch a break she is arrested for embezzlement. Aden was being so giving. Was it simply his nature, because of his interest in Vanna, or his thinking that Vanna needs a break, who knows. It could be a combination of all three, but I do know Vanna kept a mental checklist for his acts of kindness yet no simple thank you was extended until close to the end of the book.
Savannah (Vanna) has to navigate planning the funeral of her estranged husband, who did not make the last bit of their marriage enjoyable before the split, while also interacting with her aggravating mother-in-law. That whole experience was tiring, then soon as you think Vanna would be able to catch a break she is arrested for embezzlement. Aden was being so giving. Was it simply his nature, because of his interest in Vanna, or his thinking that Vanna needs a break, who knows. It could be a combination of all three, but I do know Vanna kept a mental checklist for his acts of kindness yet no simple thank you was extended until close to the end of the book.
January 1, 2025
A Lifetime in 30 days is an understatement, Vanna went through a whole lot and held her head high through it all and prevailed in the end, despite all her estranged husband and mother in law put her through.
This was a great story I really enjoyed it. My favorite character was Granny and she was no joke at all. Wesleigh Siobhan really brought these characters to life and off the page. I felt every emotion that was on these pages. Great job to the author and the narrator.
This was a great story I really enjoyed it. My favorite character was Granny and she was no joke at all. Wesleigh Siobhan really brought these characters to life and off the page. I felt every emotion that was on these pages. Great job to the author and the narrator.
January 20, 2025
10/10 narration. The distinct voices and personalities in each voice was top notch.
Savanna is gearing up to start her month long 40th birthday celebration, where she is finally going all out and making memories with her favorite friends.
Unfortunately, her estranged no good husband (who she never manged to divorce 5 years ago), winds up dead and it appears that she is being implicated in whatever nonsense he had been doing before he died.
While the fun and chaos starts, a former (very attractive) college friend Aiden shows up and is very determined to have a second chance with Savannah, now that her husband is out of the picture.
I did enjoy the story and the various personalities in this book. A story that is at the heart - a journey of self discovery, and appreciation for what/who you have - mixed in with some mystery and drama.
The mystery and resolution were very interesting and well done. There were some very genuine moments. I was flabbergasted. And Granny is just flat out crazy (and hilarious). Lol
Little spoilers:
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*
*
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I think my biggest problem was Aiden. He was wonderful-ly pushy. I know Savannah was closed off because of her past experiences, and was firmly independent - but she brings up a few times that he keeps fixing everything for her, and he does get pushy to advance the relationship - and she lets him for the most part. She does fight back some, which I appreciated. Also, his big revelation about how her ex, Caleb was in college...and how they knew how he was and SAID NOTHING to her...ouch.
He basically blamed her for not seeing it and that was harsh.
Savanna is gearing up to start her month long 40th birthday celebration, where she is finally going all out and making memories with her favorite friends.
Unfortunately, her estranged no good husband (who she never manged to divorce 5 years ago), winds up dead and it appears that she is being implicated in whatever nonsense he had been doing before he died.
While the fun and chaos starts, a former (very attractive) college friend Aiden shows up and is very determined to have a second chance with Savannah, now that her husband is out of the picture.
I did enjoy the story and the various personalities in this book. A story that is at the heart - a journey of self discovery, and appreciation for what/who you have - mixed in with some mystery and drama.
The mystery and resolution were very interesting and well done. There were some very genuine moments. I was flabbergasted. And Granny is just flat out crazy (and hilarious). Lol
Little spoilers:
*
*
*
*
*
I think my biggest problem was Aiden. He was wonderful-ly pushy. I know Savannah was closed off because of her past experiences, and was firmly independent - but she brings up a few times that he keeps fixing everything for her, and he does get pushy to advance the relationship - and she lets him for the most part. She does fight back some, which I appreciated. Also, his big revelation about how her ex, Caleb was in college...and how they knew how he was and SAID NOTHING to her...ouch.
He basically blamed her for not seeing it and that was harsh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2025
I would like to thank AC Arthur for an ARC book! Poor Savannah had a difficulty life starting from childhood. I’m that glad she had so much self confidence. The love between her and her grandmother was awesome. A few times her friend Jamaica was annoying to me. Read this book you will not be disappointed. This author had been one of my favorites since I read the first Donavan book.
January 10, 2025
This book was slow and not engaging for me. Without the audiobook I probably wouldn’t have finished it. The mystery in the book was stagnant and didn’t go anywhere.
January 21, 2025
Okay let me say this I am not sure how I found this book but AMAZING!!
Sorry it is long but sat down at the computer and just needed to be honest about this book I have not been able to put it down I have read it from Kindle Unlimited in 24 hours.
I have never loved a main character more!!! I might not be black but I relate with her so much from the way that she feels about her body to the first interactions with Aden (about the gym and eating better). The book as a whole is well written and it truly helps you look at things differently. That is coming from a human who at one point in her life feels just like Vanna that we was unlovable.
The ending I never saw coming really the crazy lady I feel like the only way it would have been more relatable to my life if she had been white. Seriously!! It is always the moms that are crazy and boy moms are sometimes the worst!
I am happy to see that she gets to open up and accepts her happily ever after!!
So let me just say this I understand the need for ARC readers however, when I came to look at reviews to see if Aden was in fact behind all of it and he was setting her up (yes I did just want to look and see if someone had actually said it) I was floored with the lack luster reviews. I know that this book is amazing have already sent to some of my friends and they are loving it too. However my friends are black women and the slang is not lost on us.
I would say that if you grew up around the black community (like myself) or are black human than this is an author you will need to have in your reading list.
Sorry it is long but sat down at the computer and just needed to be honest about this book I have not been able to put it down I have read it from Kindle Unlimited in 24 hours.
I have never loved a main character more!!! I might not be black but I relate with her so much from the way that she feels about her body to the first interactions with Aden (about the gym and eating better). The book as a whole is well written and it truly helps you look at things differently. That is coming from a human who at one point in her life feels just like Vanna that we was unlovable.
The ending I never saw coming really the crazy lady I feel like the only way it would have been more relatable to my life if she had been white. Seriously!! It is always the moms that are crazy and boy moms are sometimes the worst!
I am happy to see that she gets to open up and accepts her happily ever after!!
So let me just say this I understand the need for ARC readers however, when I came to look at reviews to see if Aden was in fact behind all of it and he was setting her up (yes I did just want to look and see if someone had actually said it) I was floored with the lack luster reviews. I know that this book is amazing have already sent to some of my friends and they are loving it too. However my friends are black women and the slang is not lost on us.
I would say that if you grew up around the black community (like myself) or are black human than this is an author you will need to have in your reading list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
It was a cute story but for a 39 year old some of her decisions weren’t realistic. It was funny, though. I received this in a Goodreads giveaway.
January 16, 2025
A lifetime in 30 days
This was such a good book from beginning to end. I enjoyed the main characters and the side characters. Savannah was the definition of a woman who was so used to handling things on her own and not knowing how to recognize when someone was providing her a soft place to land. Aden was definitely that soft place for her and he was determined to show her and give her all the love she deserved. This man stepped up for her time and time again without even being asked and I loved that for Savannah. She deserved to have that especially after having to deal with so much turmoil throughout her life.
I loved Vanna’s best friends and Granny. They did not play about Vanna and vice versa. Granny reminded me of Madea and kept me laughing. There was a point that I wanted to smack Jamaica because she made Vanna start to doubt Aden when there was nothing that he had done to warrant that doubt. As her best friend, I felt Jamaica should have only voiced her far fetched theory only if she had concrete proof that Aden was involved in framing Vanna otherwise her theory was no better than the evidence the police had against Vanna. I was glad that Aden stood his ground and didn’t decide to cut ties, which would have been so easy to do after such an unfounded and insulting assumption about him, especially with everything he had done for Vanna to help her through her ordeal.
All in all, I was happy to see Savannah and Aden get their happily ever after because they deserved it and each other. Savannah is definitely strong because I’m not sure I would have been able to endure what she did in this 30 days let alone the hand that life had dealt her.
This was such a good book from beginning to end. I enjoyed the main characters and the side characters. Savannah was the definition of a woman who was so used to handling things on her own and not knowing how to recognize when someone was providing her a soft place to land. Aden was definitely that soft place for her and he was determined to show her and give her all the love she deserved. This man stepped up for her time and time again without even being asked and I loved that for Savannah. She deserved to have that especially after having to deal with so much turmoil throughout her life.
I loved Vanna’s best friends and Granny. They did not play about Vanna and vice versa. Granny reminded me of Madea and kept me laughing. There was a point that I wanted to smack Jamaica because she made Vanna start to doubt Aden when there was nothing that he had done to warrant that doubt. As her best friend, I felt Jamaica should have only voiced her far fetched theory only if she had concrete proof that Aden was involved in framing Vanna otherwise her theory was no better than the evidence the police had against Vanna. I was glad that Aden stood his ground and didn’t decide to cut ties, which would have been so easy to do after such an unfounded and insulting assumption about him, especially with everything he had done for Vanna to help her through her ordeal.
All in all, I was happy to see Savannah and Aden get their happily ever after because they deserved it and each other. Savannah is definitely strong because I’m not sure I would have been able to endure what she did in this 30 days let alone the hand that life had dealt her.
January 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this free read in exchange for an honest review.
Turning 40 was supposed to be a fun, empowering step forward. Instead, Savannah feels her life crumbling around her as she’s forced to identify the body of her estranged husband, deal with her toxic mother-in-law, and face potential criminal charges for embezzling money she didn’t even know existed.
To make matters worse, her friends bail on her 40th weekend bash, the embezzlement accusation turns into a murder investigation, and Savannah finally meets a man she hopes she can trust, only to discover he might be a creepy stalker responsible for all her recent troubles.
Savannah was written as a strong woman of color, which I always love to see, but she definitely held her walls up a little too high. I understand not being able to trust easily, but the way she found reasons to make molehills into mountains made me feel like she was manipulating herself and creating unnecessary drama.
Despite disliking her attitude about certain events, it’s actually what makes her more real. When you overcome battles, you’re never perfect moving forward. Perfect characters create those “feel good” moments as you read, but A.C. Arthur forced me to see Savannah as a complicated, real, flawed human who was responding to high stress situations significantly better than I would have.
A Lifetime in 30 Days gets 3/5 stars for originality, realistic and lovable characters, and entertainment value. It didn’t quite make it to that fourth star because it isn’t a title I would want to pick up for a reread. It was enjoyable in the moment, though.
Turning 40 was supposed to be a fun, empowering step forward. Instead, Savannah feels her life crumbling around her as she’s forced to identify the body of her estranged husband, deal with her toxic mother-in-law, and face potential criminal charges for embezzling money she didn’t even know existed.
To make matters worse, her friends bail on her 40th weekend bash, the embezzlement accusation turns into a murder investigation, and Savannah finally meets a man she hopes she can trust, only to discover he might be a creepy stalker responsible for all her recent troubles.
Savannah was written as a strong woman of color, which I always love to see, but she definitely held her walls up a little too high. I understand not being able to trust easily, but the way she found reasons to make molehills into mountains made me feel like she was manipulating herself and creating unnecessary drama.
Despite disliking her attitude about certain events, it’s actually what makes her more real. When you overcome battles, you’re never perfect moving forward. Perfect characters create those “feel good” moments as you read, but A.C. Arthur forced me to see Savannah as a complicated, real, flawed human who was responding to high stress situations significantly better than I would have.
A Lifetime in 30 Days gets 3/5 stars for originality, realistic and lovable characters, and entertainment value. It didn’t quite make it to that fourth star because it isn’t a title I would want to pick up for a reread. It was enjoyable in the moment, though.
October 18, 2024
This isn't your typical romance story. Our main character, Savannah, is approaching her 40th birthday, and she is ready to make some changes in her life. She's decided this is the perfect time to start going after what she wants and decides she's going to make herself a priority. She's planned a month full of weekend celebrations with her two closest friends. Her plans quickly get derailed when her estranged husband turns up dead and she gets arrested minutes after the funeral ends.
I really liked the idea of this story, it's very unique and I dont think I've read anything quite like it before. The writing was okay. It was a little too wordy for me, and I glossed over a lot of the paragraphs of details that weren't necessary and added nothing to the story. There were also quite a few phrases and slang that I was unfamiliar with. I am not from an urban area, so that could be the reason why.
I was not a fan of Savannah. She seemed to always be aiming for an argument. Her inner thoughts were kind of rude most of the time. I understand she's a strong, independent woman, but girl needed to give it a rest. The other characters were okay. I liked Aden, but he was kind of a doormat when it came to Savannah. There wasn't really much depth to their relationship or much depth to any of the other characters.
This book wasn't my cup of tea, but the story and the idea behind it weren't terrible.
Thanks to Montlake & NetGalley for providing this book for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really liked the idea of this story, it's very unique and I dont think I've read anything quite like it before. The writing was okay. It was a little too wordy for me, and I glossed over a lot of the paragraphs of details that weren't necessary and added nothing to the story. There were also quite a few phrases and slang that I was unfamiliar with. I am not from an urban area, so that could be the reason why.
I was not a fan of Savannah. She seemed to always be aiming for an argument. Her inner thoughts were kind of rude most of the time. I understand she's a strong, independent woman, but girl needed to give it a rest. The other characters were okay. I liked Aden, but he was kind of a doormat when it came to Savannah. There wasn't really much depth to their relationship or much depth to any of the other characters.
This book wasn't my cup of tea, but the story and the idea behind it weren't terrible.
Thanks to Montlake & NetGalley for providing this book for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 30, 2024
A Lifetime in 30 days is a novel by Ac Arthur and I enjoyed reading this story. Savannah Carlson wanted to go all out for her 40th birthday and decided to celebrate all month by doing something every weekend with her best friends. Well, all does not go according to plan when Savannah learns her estranged husband Caleb is found dead and she has the responsibility to plan his funeral and burial. To make matters worse, she is then arrested for embezzlement. Vanna can’t seem to catch a break, however there is a light at the tunnel, when an old college classmate Aiden Granger, one of Caleb’s fraternity brothers shows up to express his condolences and finally “shoot his shot”. Is Vanna ready for all Aiden wants to offer? Are his feelings sincere or does he have a motive?
Ms. Arthur does a great job with character development in that readers see how Vanna’s past and relationship with her mom shaped her concept of how she approached life, relationships and marriage. She was determined to make it on her own and not depend on anyone. Her independence and argumentative nature impact on her blooming relationship with Aiden. Aiden is a type A personality and has always had feelings for Vanna and wants to help her. Vanna has a good support system in her friends and grandmother, but she must learn that it is okay to sometimes lean on others for support.
The storyline flowed and loved Vanna’s Granny, Jamaica, Ronni and Aiden! Would definitely recommend this one!
Note: I received an advance copy from Netgalley
Ms. Arthur does a great job with character development in that readers see how Vanna’s past and relationship with her mom shaped her concept of how she approached life, relationships and marriage. She was determined to make it on her own and not depend on anyone. Her independence and argumentative nature impact on her blooming relationship with Aiden. Aiden is a type A personality and has always had feelings for Vanna and wants to help her. Vanna has a good support system in her friends and grandmother, but she must learn that it is okay to sometimes lean on others for support.
The storyline flowed and loved Vanna’s Granny, Jamaica, Ronni and Aiden! Would definitely recommend this one!
Note: I received an advance copy from Netgalley
November 4, 2024
We first meet Vanna as she identifies her estranged husband’s dead body. The husband she had been separated from for 5yrs but hadn’t yet divorced, though they were effectively living completely separate lives. Vanna is in the middle of celebrating her FFSF (Freakin Forty and Still Fly) bday month, and reacts to the death as if it’s simply an inconvenience to her bday plans. All Vanna wanted was to celebrate turning 40, begin proceedings for her divorce, and start her new life but now she has all of this other stuff on her plate. Immediately after the funeral, Vanna finds herself arrested for something she had no idea her ex involved her in. But was it really him or is someone else out to get some kind of revenge and frame Vanna?
Vanna was a character that was kind of hard to root for. I definitely sympathized with her reasoning for leaving Caleb. She has a great support system and she is a smart independent woman but it was extremely frustrating how dumb she was acting. She constantly chose to look away from glaring red flags or to avoid thinking about things that needed immediate attention. I kind of wanted to shake some sense into her and make her realize the seriousness of what was occurring in her life.
Overall, 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3. It was a short and okay read but not one that will stick with me.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance e-copy in exchange for an honest review!
Vanna was a character that was kind of hard to root for. I definitely sympathized with her reasoning for leaving Caleb. She has a great support system and she is a smart independent woman but it was extremely frustrating how dumb she was acting. She constantly chose to look away from glaring red flags or to avoid thinking about things that needed immediate attention. I kind of wanted to shake some sense into her and make her realize the seriousness of what was occurring in her life.
Overall, 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3. It was a short and okay read but not one that will stick with me.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance e-copy in exchange for an honest review!
November 10, 2024
Vanna is going to be 40 in one month, and she wants to change, so she decided she is going to celebrate every weekend until her birthday. A lot happens in the 30 days, and we see the transformation in her. She has felt like she has been drowning most of her life, and just focused on being in survival mode. During the 30 days of celebrating with her girlfriends, she has had a lot more things happening that could sink her, but a friend Aden, she met when she was in college came to the funeral of her ex-husband, and didn't go away. He was always there, when she was going through all that was happening, she kept pushing him away, and when she realized that, with all those who loved and supported her, she had to find her way to the surface on her own. She had to let go of the dead weight and the shackles that she put on herself, they were chains meant to strangle her, keep her struggling to breathe, and she had to finally face them, deal with them, and let them break from her in order to find herself, and choose to give herself permission to be just who she is now, and not what others convinced her she was. This is a slower paced book, which I thought went along with the transformation in Vanna, because transforming doesn't happen overnight, it happens over time, so for me this added to the story.
I received an ARC from Montlake through NetGalley.
I received an ARC from Montlake through NetGalley.
August 18, 2024
A Lifetime in 30 Days by new to me author A.C. Arthur, published by Montlake is a packed story. The heroine has a lot going on, nearing 4 o, having some partying to do, burying her ex-husband, you get the picture. But karma isn't finished and she gets another wrench thowrn her way.
An ok read, I enjoyed the story.
Blurb: When a woman embarks on the next phase of her life, it’s all she can do not to break under pressure in a smart, cheeky, and bighearted novel about moving on.
Savannah Carlson has one month before she hits the big four-oh. With her best friends, Jamaica and Ronni, she’s making every weekend toward that milestone count—party-wise. Vanna’s plans go awry when her shady, no-good, unreliable, estranged husband, Caleb is in a boating accident. The real sucker punch lands when Vanna is arrested for embezzlement at his funeral. Her man certainly is the gift that keeps on giving.
Talk about mixed emotions. Grief over good years wasted with the wrong man. Fear of that felony hanging over her head. And even some bliss given her long-simmering attraction to an old acquaintance that’s coming to a sweet boil. She has her faith, her cheerleading, Granny, and her besties to help her through the most trying times of her life.
An ok read, I enjoyed the story.
Blurb: When a woman embarks on the next phase of her life, it’s all she can do not to break under pressure in a smart, cheeky, and bighearted novel about moving on.
Savannah Carlson has one month before she hits the big four-oh. With her best friends, Jamaica and Ronni, she’s making every weekend toward that milestone count—party-wise. Vanna’s plans go awry when her shady, no-good, unreliable, estranged husband, Caleb is in a boating accident. The real sucker punch lands when Vanna is arrested for embezzlement at his funeral. Her man certainly is the gift that keeps on giving.
Talk about mixed emotions. Grief over good years wasted with the wrong man. Fear of that felony hanging over her head. And even some bliss given her long-simmering attraction to an old acquaintance that’s coming to a sweet boil. She has her faith, her cheerleading, Granny, and her besties to help her through the most trying times of her life.
January 4, 2025
A.C.Arthur has done it again! When we first meet Savannah “Vanna” Carlson, the heroine of this engaging story, she is I.D.ing her dead husband’s body. What a start to an intriguing and thoroughly entertaining story. Although he;s dead, Caleb, her husband, is a major figure throughout the story. How can that be? You must read the story to find out.
I loved Granny, Varna’s ride or die gun-toting grandmother, along with Frito, the dog. Not only did Vanna have Granny, but her besties, Jamaica and Ronni were with our girl all the way. Vanna has a lot of drama going on , and it couldn’t come at a more in opportune time. She’s turning 40 and planning her FFSF birthday celebration. I’ll allow you to discover what that means when you read the story.
Vanna is facing a dilemma that is threatening her very existence, and it all has to do with her dead husband. The story morphs into a “Who-dun-nit “ ! Along with the suspense, there is a very charming man, Aden, who arrives to take his second chance with the woman who got away, Vanna! I’m telling you, this story has EVERYTHING…from breakins- to car crashes, to hidden money bags and deranged person who set all the mayhem off!
I loved the ending! You will too! I highly recommend A LIFETIME IN 30 DAYS: A NOVEL. What a ride!
I loved Granny, Varna’s ride or die gun-toting grandmother, along with Frito, the dog. Not only did Vanna have Granny, but her besties, Jamaica and Ronni were with our girl all the way. Vanna has a lot of drama going on , and it couldn’t come at a more in opportune time. She’s turning 40 and planning her FFSF birthday celebration. I’ll allow you to discover what that means when you read the story.
Vanna is facing a dilemma that is threatening her very existence, and it all has to do with her dead husband. The story morphs into a “Who-dun-nit “ ! Along with the suspense, there is a very charming man, Aden, who arrives to take his second chance with the woman who got away, Vanna! I’m telling you, this story has EVERYTHING…from breakins- to car crashes, to hidden money bags and deranged person who set all the mayhem off!
I loved the ending! You will too! I highly recommend A LIFETIME IN 30 DAYS: A NOVEL. What a ride!
January 7, 2025
What do you do when you're...in your birthday month...the big 40. and you've planned LOTS of things to help you celebrate? Then, your 'kind of' ex-husband dies, you're arressted at his grave side service for embezzlement, you're interrogated by the police, and a man you knew in college has now paid for your criminal lawyer.. Meet Savannah AKA Vanna who is having a terrible birthday month.
Ms. Arthur is a new to me author and although I did enjoy the book, it was just so wordy. Going over incidents that happene d in the previous chapter seemed to me like the author was just going for word count.
I really couldn't like Vanna very much. She was not very nice to Aden, who's been waiting forevery for her and he was paying for her attorney. Plus, he knows everyone and helps her when things happen in every aspect of her life. Everything seemed to happen to her, and she just rolled with it...until she couldn't. She was kind to her grandmother and her 'ride or die' friends when it suited her, but other times she was just rude or cruel.
Good ending but it seemed like I was reading for days to get to it!
Ms. Arthur is a new to me author and although I did enjoy the book, it was just so wordy. Going over incidents that happene d in the previous chapter seemed to me like the author was just going for word count.
I really couldn't like Vanna very much. She was not very nice to Aden, who's been waiting forevery for her and he was paying for her attorney. Plus, he knows everyone and helps her when things happen in every aspect of her life. Everything seemed to happen to her, and she just rolled with it...until she couldn't. She was kind to her grandmother and her 'ride or die' friends when it suited her, but other times she was just rude or cruel.
Good ending but it seemed like I was reading for days to get to it!
December 10, 2024
**A Lifetime in 30 Days**
by A.C. Arthur
In "A Lifetime in 30 Days," we follow Savannah Carlson, a woman on the brink of turning 40. With just one month to go before she reaches this significant milestone, Savannah is determined to celebrate every single weekend with her closest friends, Jamaica and Ronni. Together, they embark on a series of adventures and experiences designed to make the most of this pivotal time in Savannah's life.
While the concept of the book is filled with potential for fun and camaraderie, I found that it ultimately didn’t resonate with me. Despite the promise of exciting escapades and the camaraderie of friendship, I felt that the story progressed at a slow pace, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. Additionally, I struggled to connect with Savannah as a character; her journey didn’t evoke the emotions or excitement I had hoped for. In the end, the narrative simply failed to capture my interest, leaving me longing for a more dynamic and engaging experience.
by A.C. Arthur
In "A Lifetime in 30 Days," we follow Savannah Carlson, a woman on the brink of turning 40. With just one month to go before she reaches this significant milestone, Savannah is determined to celebrate every single weekend with her closest friends, Jamaica and Ronni. Together, they embark on a series of adventures and experiences designed to make the most of this pivotal time in Savannah's life.
While the concept of the book is filled with potential for fun and camaraderie, I found that it ultimately didn’t resonate with me. Despite the promise of exciting escapades and the camaraderie of friendship, I felt that the story progressed at a slow pace, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. Additionally, I struggled to connect with Savannah as a character; her journey didn’t evoke the emotions or excitement I had hoped for. In the end, the narrative simply failed to capture my interest, leaving me longing for a more dynamic and engaging experience.
December 20, 2024
A Lifetime in 30 Days is a book about heartfelt exploration of life, love, and the challenges that come with turning forty. Vanna is determined to make the most of her last month in her thirties and party with her best friends, Jamaica and Ronni, by her side. She has been planning several weekends of parties, dancing and pampering all leading up to the big birthday. However, her plans take a dramatic turn when her estranged husband, Caleb, is unexpectedly found died. The situation gets worse when Vanna finds herself arrested thanks to problems with her husband. In the mist of all her troubles, Vanna begins to explore a long, simmering attraction to an old acquaintance. But one of the parts that I loved the most was the friendship and support that Vanna has from her besties and her wild and fun-loving Granny. They are their for her the whole time she is dealing with the craziness that is her life. Her journey of self-discovery and resilience is empowering and making you love her and cheer her on. A.C. Arthur is an amazing author, and I can't wait to read more.
January 22, 2025
Savannah has a month before she hits the big four-oh and she's planning on celebrating every weekend with her best friends. But Vannas plans go off track when her no good estranged husband ends up dead and she's arrested for embezzlement at his funeral. Battling a mix of emotions and dealing with an attraction to an old acquaintance Vanna refuses to spiral instead she chooses to take the help of her best friends and gun toting granny to get her through the most trying month of her life.
This was a good quick read. Savannah has had to deal with so much in her life and you really feel for her throughout this and understand how she doesn't trust many people. I liked her romance with Aden and that they finally get their second chance and her finally realising someone wants to take care of her for a change and how she was truly embracing the end of her 30s and that chapter of her life. This was written well and kept me gripped. Highly recommend for fans of chick lit and female empowerment stories.
This was a good quick read. Savannah has had to deal with so much in her life and you really feel for her throughout this and understand how she doesn't trust many people. I liked her romance with Aden and that they finally get their second chance and her finally realising someone wants to take care of her for a change and how she was truly embracing the end of her 30s and that chapter of her life. This was written well and kept me gripped. Highly recommend for fans of chick lit and female empowerment stories.
April 7, 2025
What a story. Savannah aka Vanna did live a lifetime in 30 days. I enjoyed her growth. Turning 40 is a big deal and she set out to enjoy her birthday month to the fullest and she planned it nicely; FFSF celebrations but life has a way of throwing this woman some serious curve balls.
From childhood (her mom leaving her at a bus stop at 7) to her 40th birthday month (estranged husband dying and her being arrested for embezzlement). Caleb, her ex was piece of work and a piece of crap and her mom was the embodiment of MOMMY dearest. How do you hate your former daughter-in-law so bad you set up because she wouldn't continue to take care of the piece of crap man she raised.
Vanna has a solid, ride or die support system like no other. Her Granny, 2 BFFs, and then Aden (the man she should have been married to) to hold her down during this life transition. In the end, the charges were dropped, she learned to fully embrace herself and water the things she wanted to grow, fall in love with a man who see her and made her feel safe, desired, and loved.
From childhood (her mom leaving her at a bus stop at 7) to her 40th birthday month (estranged husband dying and her being arrested for embezzlement). Caleb, her ex was piece of work and a piece of crap and her mom was the embodiment of MOMMY dearest. How do you hate your former daughter-in-law so bad you set up because she wouldn't continue to take care of the piece of crap man she raised.
Vanna has a solid, ride or die support system like no other. Her Granny, 2 BFFs, and then Aden (the man she should have been married to) to hold her down during this life transition. In the end, the charges were dropped, she learned to fully embrace herself and water the things she wanted to grow, fall in love with a man who see her and made her feel safe, desired, and loved.
December 16, 2024
Savannah (Vanna) Carlson is turning 40 very soon and plans a month of weekends with her besties to celebrate the milestone. But things don’t go as planned. Her husband who she has been separated from for five years and never quite divorced dies in an accident. Not only that but he has entangled her in legal issues leading to her arrest after his funeral services.
I had a hard time relating to Vanna. Mostly because I don’t know anyone who behaves like her. The story follows 30 days of her trying to get control of her life but she is often partying and not taking care of the details. She wallows in the time lost on the wrong man but ignores the good guy who is in front of her. I think I liked the concept of the book more than the execution of it. On the plus side her granny and besties are great. The book is less than 300 pages and I zipped through it quickly. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
I had a hard time relating to Vanna. Mostly because I don’t know anyone who behaves like her. The story follows 30 days of her trying to get control of her life but she is often partying and not taking care of the details. She wallows in the time lost on the wrong man but ignores the good guy who is in front of her. I think I liked the concept of the book more than the execution of it. On the plus side her granny and besties are great. The book is less than 300 pages and I zipped through it quickly. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
October 11, 2024
Thank you to the publishers & Netgalley for this arc
While it had a unique & interesting storyline, I just don’t think it was for me unfortunately. The Chapters were quite long at the beginning and it did seem to drag until about 60% and even then it picked up but not by much. The writing could be a little confusing at times and very overly descriptive for no reason, making it definitely a lot longer than it needed to be. It also felt that there was so much going on it ruined the plot line. Characters were well developed and had really good connections between each other, but I definitely think the main character grated on me a lot rather than me relating to her. She didn’t come across as a 40yr old woman and her backstory became very repetitive.
Overall good plot line but it just fell flat for me
While it had a unique & interesting storyline, I just don’t think it was for me unfortunately. The Chapters were quite long at the beginning and it did seem to drag until about 60% and even then it picked up but not by much. The writing could be a little confusing at times and very overly descriptive for no reason, making it definitely a lot longer than it needed to be. It also felt that there was so much going on it ruined the plot line. Characters were well developed and had really good connections between each other, but I definitely think the main character grated on me a lot rather than me relating to her. She didn’t come across as a 40yr old woman and her backstory became very repetitive.
Overall good plot line but it just fell flat for me
August 28, 2024
I was expecting more from this book. I'm 38 so the big 40 is coming right at me, however even though the main character is turning 40 she felt more like a young adult than a near 40 year old woman. The story in it's all is okay, I was just expecting more. It wasn't fast paced and way too many flashbacks in my opinion.
Quick summary of the book;
When a woman embarks on the next phase of her life, it’s all she can do not to break under pressure in a smart, cheeky, and bighearted novel about moving on. Savannah Carlson has one month before she hits the big four-oh. With her best friends, Jamaica and Ronni, she’s making every weekend toward that milestone count—party-wise. Vanna’s plans go awry when her shady, no-good, unreliable, estranged husband, Caleb is in a boating accident. The real sucker punch lands when Vanna is arrested for embezzlement at his funeral. Her man certainly is the gift that keeps on giving.
Quick summary of the book;
When a woman embarks on the next phase of her life, it’s all she can do not to break under pressure in a smart, cheeky, and bighearted novel about moving on. Savannah Carlson has one month before she hits the big four-oh. With her best friends, Jamaica and Ronni, she’s making every weekend toward that milestone count—party-wise. Vanna’s plans go awry when her shady, no-good, unreliable, estranged husband, Caleb is in a boating accident. The real sucker punch lands when Vanna is arrested for embezzlement at his funeral. Her man certainly is the gift that keeps on giving.
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