Imagine your husband relocating you from your beloved home of NY to move to California (which you despise) for his job for a year, two max, only to find yourself still stuck there 20 years later with your two sons grown and out of the house. Now imagine said husband announcing he wants a divorce to go start a new family with his pregnant mistress in England, leaving you unemployed, single, middle aged, and (as your doctor not-so-lovingly points out) overweight, in a city you despise across the country from your best friend. Callie Kingman's living her own personal nightmare and I ate it up! This story is about her transformation, which may start as wanting a revenge bod to shove in her ex-husband's face, but quickly leads to her realizing what really matters as she finds herself again outside of being a mother and a wife. This book is truly an ode to Gen X women everywhere. Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman is my first read by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans, but it won't be my last.

My only critique truly is that the big surprise in the restaurant was not the shocking reveal that Callie made it out to be. Readers (and Callie) should have seen that coming a mile away. The book saved itself in the end though, with one of the most satisfying endings I’ve read in a long time.

Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman follows the main character after her husband of 25 years leaves her for a younger woman. Although Callie had uprooted her life years prior for her Thomas, giving up on her dreams and herself entirely, her husband thought she had let herself go, cheated on her with a younger woman, and then divorced her and moved to London. After going through the shock, Callie decides she is going to turn her life around and focus on herself - she takes up hobbies, tries to control her eating habits and makes new friends.
After weeks of new friends and self-love, an old, long-gone love comes back into Callie's life and turns everything around.


The book is enjoyable and so easy to read; some parts are even funny. You get to know Callie as she rediscovers herself, but you also get to know her 20-year-old college version, and you get to see and understand why she slowly became less interested in herself. I loved Callie's journey of self-discovery, understanding that life does not end at 50, and that she could be more than a mother and a wife. Her new and old friendships are very wholesome and seem to be one of the main focuses of the book.

With all of that said, I had some issues with the book. While reading the flashbacks, you get to know Porter Beaumont, Callie's college boyfriend, an intellectual bookworm whom her parents and friends could not love any more.
Throughout the book, you're left wondering what came to be of Porter, and why they are no longer together if they had their whole life planned out. Early on in her post-divorce life, Callie meets a 20-something-year-old Carter Beaumont, who you rightly assume has to be related to Porter, and come to find out is his nephew. Callie is unaware of this and goes on to develop a close friendship with Carter, even thinking at times that he is flirting with her.
To make a long story short, Carter invited Callie for dinner on his birthday and Callie, thinking that she was going on a day with someone young enough to be her son, reluctantly accepted, only to get trapped at dinner with Porter Beumont. That's right, Carter knew Callie was his uncle's college girlfriend, and had only invited her so he could shock her with the presence of her ex-boyfriend, whom she had not seen or talked to for 25 years. You're wondering why they broke up? So is Callie! On graduation day, Callie and Porter had made plans to graduate and celebrate together with their families and friends, but Callie's special day is turned upside down when Porter just vanishes. He just disappears without a trace, leaving her with no explanation or chance of closure. For 25 years, Callie has not known what happened to the person she thought she was spending her life with. So you can imagine her confusion when she's expecting to go on a date with a 23-year-old fitness influencer, only to find out his uncle is Porter Beaumont. Callie agrees to have dinner with Porter and let him explain himself, but his explanation only annoyed me more.
While I understand the circumstances of their relationship and agree how hard it would have been for Porter, especially in the 80s, I just could not understand why this was never anything Porter had brought up in their 4 years of dating. Porter believed his mother would have never accepted Callie or his lifestyle with her, and because of that, he... disappears? Ghosts her? Destroys her plans for the future? It just seems to me that he could not have loved her if this is how he broke up with her, and it also seems like a very cowardly thing to do.
Furthermore, this man does not even seem that sorry. Sure, he apologises, but he cannot help but excuse himself and speak in metaphors when Callie rightfully asks for explanations. He actually says that he hoped that ‘somehow, some way, at the right time, I would make my way back to you’. So he left Callie heartbroken on her graduation day, and hoped that one day he would see her again and she would just... take him back?
Even worse, come to find out that, initially, Daphne and Maureen - Callie's new friends - only became closer to her to determine if she was 'worthy' of Porter. That is actually insane. You want to find out if this woman is good enough for her lame ex? It kind of shattered the wholesomeness around these new friendships for me.
When Callie tells Quinn - her college best friend - that Porter is trying to get back into her life, Quinn is initially very wary and irritated at Porter, but because apparently Callie does not have one good friend, she quickly changes her mind and plots to set Callie and Porter together.
I really enjoyed seeing Callie gain confidence, moving back into New York, getting a job, falling in love with running and herself, and I was really hoping that she would have some backbone and not take back this excuse of a man, but unfortunately, the book had to end with the two getting back together.
I don't mind a second-chance romance when the breakup situation is less ridiculous than this one. All it takes for Callie to take Porter back is for him to accept a job near her and tell her he's writing a book based on their story. All forgiven then!!
I wish Porter hadn't annoyed me so much, and maybe then I could have enjoyed it more.


In all, this is a fun read if you’re looking for something humorous and easy to read, as long as you’re not like me and can get past Porter’s red flags.

No. I don’t like when characters, especially male characters are forgiven for being selfish jackasses. Porter’s tired I’m black and your white excuse for abandoning Callie holds no water whatsoever. If you care so much about living your life no upsetting the limited world view of your simpleton parents, don’t date a white woman. But to string her a long on half promised and deceit for 3 years is a terrible thing to do and makes you a horrible person. And no amount of him saying he was a man stuck between two world with change my mind about that. Men love to posit their selfishness as a hero’s journey if choosing themselves above all else. But you hurting everyone i. your life is not without consequences. You don’t get to come back into someone’s life after three decades and act like the choices you made were noble. The end between them where they are basically back together is not at all deserved.

This book was a huge comfort to the heart. It was realistic, sincere, funny, and touching…

Watching Callie take back control of her life was very inspiring! Her reality, although difficult at first (Thomas, we all hate you), was soothing to follow. Even though I’m not at her stage of life, it made me think that no matter what happens, if I ever hit a low point, I can find the strength to overcome it too.

One of my favorite characters was Quinn. She’s that friend everyone dreams of having in their life. Despite the distance, the way she was always there for Callie was both moving and heartwarming.

Callie’s mom was also such a precious gem in this book. Dementia or early cognitive decline is a hard subject to talk about, even though it’s something many people around Callie’s age often experience with loved ones. I really appreciated how there was a bit of humor woven into the topic. It brought a small but meaningful touch of light.

I also loved the ending! I loved the authors’ decision not to have Callie stay in California just to be with Porter. I appreciated that she chose herself first, after all those years of living only for her family.

This book was a true gem and I’d definitely reread it a second time! I highly recommend it to everyone!

This is an unexpected delight. Callie, a woman of a certain age, is shocked when she is in the midst of the perfect cliche, husband leaving for younger, pregnant girlfriend. But, as a reader, I became enthralled by Callie's own backstory coupled with her decisions about controlling her own future.

The author skillfully blends both stories until they collide. Yes, it's a bit contrived, but this is romantic fiction, exactly what I needed.

It's movie ready! Callie is a woman who pulled out her own determination and moved toward a future, with a lovely peek into the past. Readers can finish the story on their own in terms of romance, but I foresee a happy ending for Callie as a strong, brilliant woman.

Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful novel.

A lighthearted read of finding your way back to your true self.
Liked the female friendships & empowerment theme.
Tbh, the authors' last resonated more with me as a story.

With thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for this e-ARC.

'It's not you, it's me' is probably one of the most cliche phrases ever to be spoken. However, in this occasion 'it's not me, it's YOU'
This book takes us on a journey of how women can completely neglect themselves, their careers, their lives, all in the name of being the perfect wife, the perfect mother and the perfect friend.
When Callies husband, Thomas, returns from his business trip, Callie is expecting him to welcome her with open arms and a big smooch however, she's shocked when he announces his plans for a separation/divorce. Just like that, life as Callie knew it would never be the same again.
Determined to move forward, it's Callie time to concentrate on herself and her own wellbeing. This book is the perfect tale of rediscovery, vulnerability and desire to become a woman everyone wants to know.... Finally. If you're a woman, a mum, a divorcee/married , or even discovering yourself, this book is definitely for you.
I feel like Callie is like a favourite aunt that you really wish achieved everything she's ever wanted in life and more. Sometimes it's best to start looking forward and leave the past behind!

Thank you to Netgalley for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review

I couldn’t put “Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman” down! I enjoyed the way the timeline was in the book. It kept me wanting to read more and more. I really liked Callie’s development throughout the story to reclaim her life! It was so entertaining to read a story about women who have been through menopause. I could relate to the night sweats and brain fog that comes with it. I liked how she found herself again and reunited with Porter at the end. A lot of college relationships don’t last but I could feel their love on the page. I am glad that they were able to reconnect the way they did. The running club with Chap, Maureen, and Daphne were motivational to read about. I really enjoyed Lisa’s Tshirts and her change at the end to pick up running. I laughed at loud at Callie’s mom’s porn addiction. That was such a fun element to add! I wanted to keep reading about this group of people! I didn’t want the book to end.

This book delves into the messy, often painful, but ultimately empowering journey of a woman forced to rediscover herself when her carefully constructed world crumbles.
The story follows Callie Kingman, two decades after she begrudgingly packed up her own aspirations to follow her husband, Thomas, across the country for his career. Now, an empty nester with no job prospects and a mother in decline, she's hit with the ultimate gut punch: Thomas announces he’s leaving her, delivering the parting shot, “It’s not me, it’s you,” and leaving her stranded in the city he’s so dismissively labeled “the dullest city in America.”
Her world shrinks to the confines of her bedroom, sustained by delivery apps, solace from a generous neighbor's liquor cabinet, and commiseration with her college best friend. It’s a period of understandable paralysis, but it’s a terrifying health scare from an overdue annual exam that finally jolt her awake. This unexpected crisis forces Callie to confront the fractured, unfulfilled life she’s been living and confront the vibrant, indomitable woman she used to be.
Callie's transformation is neither instant nor effortless. It's a messy, authentic process filled with moments of doubt, humor, and burgeoning strength. The story imbue Callie with a warmth and vulnerability that makes her instantly likable, even in her lowest moments. Her journey is not just about escaping a bad situation, but about actively forging a path that is authentically hers, better than the one she's leaving behind.

Callie Kingman is the kind of character you root for from page one. When we first meet her, she’s at rock bottom—abandoned by her husband after years of sacrifice, worn down by family obligations, and struggling with the sense that her best years are behind her. But what I loved most about this novel is how it transforms that bleak setup into a witty, empowering journey of rediscovery.

Alli Frank and Asha Youmans write with sharp humor and warmth, capturing the messy contradictions of midlife: the nostalgia for who you once were, the regrets over compromises made, and the surprising freedom that can come from starting over. Callie’s voice is laugh-out-loud funny at times (her observations about Sacramento are gold), but also deeply vulnerable, especially when she confronts her health scare and the pieces of her identity she’s long neglected.

Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman is a love letter to reinvention—to finding your spark again when life knocks it out of you. It’s funny, hopeful, and keenly observant, delivering both catharsis and charm. Perfect for anyone who believes—and needs reminding—that it’s never too late to run toward the life you were meant to live. Although I loved this book, I had to suspend realism at the rare occurrences of the love of her life being so close, yet they never ran into each other. I would read more books by this author.

*Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman* is a funny, heartfelt, and inspiring midlife reinvention story. Callie’s journey of self-discovery, her warm friendships, and the sharp, witty writing had me laughing, crying, and even wanting to lace up my running shoes again. Perfect for Gen-Xers, book clubs, or anyone who loves a story about finding yourself at any age.

As a Gen-Xer approaching fifty, a former “fat girl turned runner turned fat woman,” this book hit me in all the right ways. Callie’s journey of emotional, mental, and physical rediscovery is inspiring, and her friendship with Quinn reminded me of my own bestie. The running club added warmth and camaraderie, almost like a supporting character, and the witty lines—like *“Work is the mundanity of living for other people”* and *“Can’t think of a time beating myself up for the past did anything to better my future”*—stuck with me long after finishing.

The book isn’t perfect. Callie’s privilege sometimes creates distance, the Thomas storyline felt underdeveloped, and the time skips came across a little too “Hallmark movie” for my taste. Yet these are minor quibbles in an otherwise engaging story.

This is a must-read for Gen-Xers and midlife readers navigating reinvention, and it’s ideal for book clubs because of its themes of identity, friendship, and resilience. Younger readers may find it harder to relate, but the humor, heart, and self-discovery are universal. Delightful, inspiring, and deeply relatable.

“Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman” is the latest installment by co-authors Ali Frank and Asha Youmans.

Callie has spent the majority of your life supporting her husband, but when he leaves her, she is not sure how to move forward. She wants to pull down the shades and isolate but circumstances force her to reconcile who she is now versus who she used to be and whether she can connect with that young woman who had the future at her feet.

Callie’s circumstances will resonate with a lot of women. Who hasn’t questioned where they’re at while approaching middle age. The authors have created a lovable, engaging character who you cannot help but root for.

Four out of five stars.

Thanks to the authors, publisher, and Net Galley for a chance to read and review such a relatable novel.

3.5
The story centers on a woman in her 50s, newly divorced after dedicating her life to her husband and putting her dreams on hold, only to be replaced by a younger woman. Adding to her pain, the love of her life disappeared without a trace during college, leaving her with years of self-doubt.

The novel is a beautiful portrayal of her journey of self-discovery. Callie's wit and humor were a great way to balance out the heavier themes of feeling abandoned after a tough divorce. The story's timeline, which switched between the present and her college days, kept me hooked

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the book based on the title and description, but the book had many fun and relatable surprises. The characters in the story reminded me of many of the women in my circle. The characters reminded me of the woman that I fear to become and those who encourage me. It’s hard to find a book that isn’t told from rose-colored lenses, so I’m glad when I find relatable characters.

Spoiler alert: The story of Callie’s college sweetheart comprises of a serious matter that is often times overlooked in stories containing couples from different backgrounds. The authors did a great job addressing a serious concern while also providing a light hearted read; I’m sure that it helped that the book was co-authored.

This was a fun, light hearted read with the reminder that it’s okay to choose yourself. I definitely recommend reading if you need a break from overly done cliche books and want something more relatable, realistic, and good humor.

This book is like a second coming of age for Callie Kingman. In her early 50’s, newly divorced, and focused on a health journey. A cheating husband, grown sons, and a blast from the past have Callie running for her new life. This story is inspirational, relatable, and heartfelt. The book left me wondering what I would do in Callie’s situation. I also liked the author’s dedication to Gen X women 📚
“I am evolving beyond a wife and a mother. I am becoming a woman who stands on her own.” - Callie Kingman

(Review will be posted to Amazon and B&N on publication day)

Reading Run For Your Life, Callie Kingman felt like getting hit with a wave of adrenaline and heartache all at once. Callie is the kind of character who grabs you from page one—smart, funny, and deeply human. Her life takes a sharp turn, and suddenly she’s not just running from danger, she’s running toward the truth about who she is and what she’s willing to fight for. The emotional stakes are high, and the authors don’t hold back. You feel every beat of her fear, her strength, and her stubborn hope.

What makes this book so powerful isn’t just the suspense—it’s the way it balances intensity with vulnerability. Callie’s relationships, especially the ones she’s trying to protect or repair, are raw and real. There are moments that made me laugh out loud, and others that had me blinking back tears. Frank and Youmans know how to write dialogue that cuts deep and scenes that stay with you. It’s not just a thriller—it’s a story about survival, identity, and the messy beauty of starting over.

By the end, I was emotionally wrecked in the best way. Callie’s journey is one of grit and grace, and it reminded me how brave it is to keep going when everything feels broken. This book doesn’t just entertain—it moves you. If you’re looking for a story that’s fast-paced but full of heart, this one’s a must-read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC!

Thanks for the advance read. I enjoyed the story and always enjoy a new author. Good luck with the book

For everyone on TikTok and Instagram always asking "give me an FMC over 30!" - this is for you.

Run For You Life, Callie Kingman follows the titular main character, Callie, as she reshapes her life in her 50s following the blindsiding news that her husband is not just divorcing her, but moving on to a new life in London with his younger mistress and new baby. She embarks on a beautiful journey of grief, self-discovery, and reclaiming her identity in the aftermath of an emotionally turbulent time.

I love Callie Kingman. LOVE her. As a woman in my mid-30s, as a mother, as a wife -- it's impossible not to find something relatable about Callie. How refreshing to read about a female main character whose own personal happiness, growth, and development is so anchored to the emotional core of the story. This book should be required reading for all men looking to write a female character.

The only detracting factor is the abundant flashback chapters to Callie's college years. They really slowed the pace down and I reached a point about a third of the way through where I just wanted one or the other, but not both of those POVs. Other than that, excellent read.

I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Excellent book !!! One thing I will say is this book was very emotional so real it’s both life and the choices you make I will be good. I will be bad, but the choices you make will always lead to your downfall, depending on which choice you make and sometimes be with people that don’t love you the way you love them can lead you down a hill so this book was mixed with emotion real life struggles. It was great.