Jill Shalvis hit one out of the park with ONCE IN A LIFETIME. This story tugs at your heartstrings at how life can just be so unfair. What I most admired most about this story is how Shalvis let each character keep their self-respect and maintain a sense of maturity. Shalvis did not allow any cheap shots as she had her characters keep a sense of humor dealing with situations that were difficult. Theme of this tale is handling life as a responsible adult and recognizing that everyone deserves to be loved.

Sometimes love feels like it is something that can only hit you once in your lifetime. And when that love is gone, over, well it doesn't leave any possibility of another. Life is full of up and downs and every day brings with it a new challenge. For Ben after the death of his young wife, the challenge was just facing another day without her. Emotionally he was shut tight. As bright as he was Ben figured all he had to do was stay free of that word commitment or relationship and life would be better for it. No commitment, no hurt.

But coming back to Lucky Harbor was his destiny. Here were the people who gossiped 24/7 but whose hearts were as large as the universe. Ben had been saved by this town years ago and coming back was the smartest thing he could have done, even though it might mean opening his heart to decidedly unwanted possibilities.

Lucky Harbor was home for Aubrey as well. Not the most hospitable place to her in her growing up years but a certain part of that was her fault. But was it really. Or was it more a case of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Aubrey seemed to live up to the expectations of those around her. But in reality she was judged for who she appeared to be rather than what she did. No matter there just was no easy way to be Aubrey so she became a bitchy trouble maker, at least in the eyes of this small town.

Aubrey searched her entire life for someone other than her mother to really love her, to think she mattered. Just how hurtful. Can you imagine being a child then a teen and finally an adult and feel like you just don't matter?

In truth Aubrey was a kind soul, smart and resourceful. When you have no one to really rely on you become remarkably resourceful. All her choices had not been well-conceived and to her dismay it was these choices that still haunted her. So Aubrey made a list of personal wrongs -- her mission was to correct them.

When faced with a situation, not of her making, she was often reminded that her reputation preceded her and no one would possibly believe her version. So rather than beat her head against that unbendable wall of public opinion, she turned the other check so to speak, shouldered the blame and went on. So much of that opinion was weighted against her by virtue of gossip and appearance. Here's where it gets almost comical, if not so sad, Aubrey was gorgeous and her looks were still another weapon used against her. Just can't win, so use what you've got.

Case of living up to your reputation for Aubrey. Meeting Ben after several years reawakened old feelings for Aubrey. She had harbored quite a crush on this upperclassman even though he was totally involved with his teenage sweetheart Hannah. Ben went on to marry Hannah after many years apart, but that marriage ended abruptly with his wife's early passing. His friends were concerned with his lack of desire to move ahead of his grief. But even so they were quite outspoken when it appeared as if the woman who finally caught his eye was none other than the town bad girl Aubrey. Aubrey was simply not good enough for their Ben. Public opinion wins once again.

So happy to revisit the town of Lucky Harbor and spend more time with old friends. Believe it or not Jill Shalvis managed to incorporate these old friends in a very important role in this lovely story about making new beginnings. Lesson learned is everyone deserves a second chance and equally important don't believe everything you hear. Make your own judgment and that's what makes ONCE IN A LIFETIME an important book to read. Everyone should be a Jill Shalvis fan and this book should be at the top of must read list.