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Control Switch
Red City Review:
Control Switch is an unerringly enthralling read that rolls out a well-written narrative and addresses key social themes. First, there is the issue of being a successful female in a male-dominated work environment. Delle's protagonist is adamant that she have control over her own life. Second, Delle writes about a convincingly troubled marriage that ails because a couple feels the need to fight over things like the relative success of either person's career. With a unique premise and engaging conflict, Control Switch asks tough questions that deserve answers.
Control Switch is an unerringly enthralling read that rolls out a well-written narrative and addresses key social themes. First, there is the issue of being a successful female in a male-dominated work environment. Delle's protagonist is adamant that she have control over her own life. Second, Delle writes about a convincingly troubled marriage that ails because a couple feels the need to fight over things like the relative success of either person's career. With a unique premise and engaging conflict, Control Switch asks tough questions that deserve answers.
350 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2013
2 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Leana Delle
1 book8 followersLeana Delle is an author, TEDx speaker, and podcast host of "Girlfriend, We Need To Talk!" She completed her studies in creative writing through Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, TX and is an alumna of their New York seminar. Originally from Ontario, Canada, Leana now stacks her books in the Big D.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 8, 2020
I read this book in one Sunday afternoon sitting. I found the plot compelling and realistic. Candace is the embodiment of the modern workaholic woman who seems to have it all : A bestselling book, a gorgeous husband and a thriving business. That is until some unforeseen circumstances occur, which tear down the foundations of her life. From there she has to work hard to walk the road to recovery and begin piecing her life back together. A very well written and enjoyable read. A great contemporary book that has a strong plot and focuses on the empowerment of strong female friendships and relationships.
Thanks to the author Leana Delle and Voracious Readers Only for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the author Leana Delle and Voracious Readers Only for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2020
This is a story of seemingly having control over your life only to lose it and have to start over. The plot takes the characters (and the reader) on a journey of self discovery. Do you have what it takes to pick up the pieces and begin again after losing everything? What and who is really important during this time and will you recognize your strengths or will you succumb to ruin. An emotional roller coaster ride for readers that maybe will help you decide if 'control' is all you need.
April 25, 2020
I found myself going up and down with Candice throughout the book. The characters were made real as were the situations occurring. Loved it and would recommend.
May 31, 2024
This is a journey of emotion, total life change for the main character, in which she sinks to her lowest point after losing all that was important to her, only to realise that she hasn’t lost the important things after all.
One of those stories where suddenly the clouds clear and that chink of sunlight lights up the real meaning.
Definitely worth a read.
Thanks to Voracious readers for a complimentary copy in return for an honest review.
One of those stories where suddenly the clouds clear and that chink of sunlight lights up the real meaning.
Definitely worth a read.
Thanks to Voracious readers for a complimentary copy in return for an honest review.
May 21, 2021
This book was sent to me as a free copy for an honest review.
A solid 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I was trying to think how I would describe this book as I was reading it and the last page summed it up better than I ever could.
“When your world shatters to pieces, you’ll discover what’s solid and worth hanging on to”
This is a well-written book with a flawed MC who comes across as quite deluded in the beginning. Candace believes you can have complete control over your life and has even written a book about it. However due to a health scare Candace’s own life starts to unravel and we are taken along for the ride. What happened to Candace is heartbreaking but boy she makes it hard to sympathise with her. She acts truly brattish at times which I know is intentional to show her growth arc but still annoyed me. However, her attitude is explained so it was good to get an understanding of why she behaves the way she does.
This book was a page-turner and I am glad I read it. It’s a realistic look at life and all the crap that can go wrong.
Also, we could all do with an Aunt Josie in our lives.
A solid 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I was trying to think how I would describe this book as I was reading it and the last page summed it up better than I ever could.
“When your world shatters to pieces, you’ll discover what’s solid and worth hanging on to”
This is a well-written book with a flawed MC who comes across as quite deluded in the beginning. Candace believes you can have complete control over your life and has even written a book about it. However due to a health scare Candace’s own life starts to unravel and we are taken along for the ride. What happened to Candace is heartbreaking but boy she makes it hard to sympathise with her. She acts truly brattish at times which I know is intentional to show her growth arc but still annoyed me. However, her attitude is explained so it was good to get an understanding of why she behaves the way she does.
This book was a page-turner and I am glad I read it. It’s a realistic look at life and all the crap that can go wrong.
Also, we could all do with an Aunt Josie in our lives.
July 19, 2021
Fantastic! I was totally drawn in to the story line and felt like I was along for the ride. The sort of book you can devour in a weekend of solid reading sipping on a glass of wine. Loved it!
December 17, 2023
This was such an enjoyable read. It was so easy for me to relate to the main character. The story’s theme is about believing you are totally in control of every aspect of your life until Life takes over. Having to deal with illness, loss,and shifts in the foundations of one’s relationships suddenly shows this character she needs to shift her control issues, and focus on life differently. I very much look forward to reading more of this author’s works.
April 24, 2013
Control Switch is the first novel of Leana Delle, a brave new voice from right here in Ottawa. A fast paced page turner, this book was like stepping onto a free falling elevator. Could things get any worse? Yes. Yes, they can.
We all have bad days, weeks even years. Then there is the story of Candace. Control is Candace’s mantra as she coaches people to take control of their lives. With the life long goal of having her book, Total Mastery, published, the sweet taste of success is just within reach. Candace, Chicago’s golden girl, is on top of her perfectly constructed world, basking in the praise of family and friends, raised up to celebrity status by the media. A seemingly minor, if extremely inconvenient, illness, begins the wobble and eventual fall from her lofty pedestal, as Candace’s life unwinds bit by bit. Things go from bad to worse, as Candace struggles to keep her hard earned success and her life long philosophy afloat. As much as people will cheer for you on the way up, Candace soon finds out that they love to kick you on the way down. With the media circling like a pack of hungry wolves, Candace must find it in herself to rebuild a new life for herself, as she is forced to confront deeply buried painful childhood memories.
A cautionary tale of the meaning of true success, and, the ability to forgive and accept, Control Switch provides a good entertaining read, as well as, an opportunity to review what is important in our own lives, and what is just for show.
We all have bad days, weeks even years. Then there is the story of Candace. Control is Candace’s mantra as she coaches people to take control of their lives. With the life long goal of having her book, Total Mastery, published, the sweet taste of success is just within reach. Candace, Chicago’s golden girl, is on top of her perfectly constructed world, basking in the praise of family and friends, raised up to celebrity status by the media. A seemingly minor, if extremely inconvenient, illness, begins the wobble and eventual fall from her lofty pedestal, as Candace’s life unwinds bit by bit. Things go from bad to worse, as Candace struggles to keep her hard earned success and her life long philosophy afloat. As much as people will cheer for you on the way up, Candace soon finds out that they love to kick you on the way down. With the media circling like a pack of hungry wolves, Candace must find it in herself to rebuild a new life for herself, as she is forced to confront deeply buried painful childhood memories.
A cautionary tale of the meaning of true success, and, the ability to forgive and accept, Control Switch provides a good entertaining read, as well as, an opportunity to review what is important in our own lives, and what is just for show.
April 17, 2013
What an incredible debut novel! Leana had me hooked right from the beginning. Her character development was right on point; I felt that I knew who Candace was and was able to identify with her on many levels. This book was a page turner for me. For days I neglected many of my responsiblities in order to continue on Candace's journey. I am always looking for "closure" with a book and Control Switch didn't disappoint! I can see a bright future for Leana Delle!
April 22, 2013
A fun read as you follow the main character soar high, crash and burn...only to rise from her ashes. Leana Delle has done an amazing job with her much anticipated debut novel!
April 26, 2020
I liked this book more than I originally thought I would, but Candace's attitude was getting on my nerves by the end. She acts like a spoiled child throughout the novel and consistently makes her problems worse and then blames others for ruining her life. She watches her life speed downhill, makes no effort to stop it or slow it down, and then whines when it crashes. She behaves carelessly towards everyone in both her personal and professional life, but takes little to no responsibility for her ruined relationships. It took me a little while to warm up to Candace as a character, but by the end I lost most of the warmth I had finally built up. Especially once I read that she hates chocolate...
The dialogue was smooth and believable which is good because the book relies heavily on dialogue. However, much of the prose sounded clunky and poorly written.
There were a few minor inconsistencies with Geri's character. She is portrayed as a tough businesswoman, but at times she would squeal or giggle which seemed out of place for her. Also, Candace refers to her as her "PR girl" which seems to discredit Geri's tough, professional characteristics which Candace consistently remarks on.
One other critique I have is that I wish I knew more about Candace's life before the book takes place, particularly her relationship with Ross. Just a few snippets about what life was like before it began unraveling would have helped me understand what Candace was going through better and may have helped me appreciate her as a character more than I did.
If Candace was a more likable character, I think I would have enjoyed the novel even more than I did, but I still found it interesting and worth the read.
The dialogue was smooth and believable which is good because the book relies heavily on dialogue. However, much of the prose sounded clunky and poorly written.
There were a few minor inconsistencies with Geri's character. She is portrayed as a tough businesswoman, but at times she would squeal or giggle which seemed out of place for her. Also, Candace refers to her as her "PR girl" which seems to discredit Geri's tough, professional characteristics which Candace consistently remarks on.
One other critique I have is that I wish I knew more about Candace's life before the book takes place, particularly her relationship with Ross. Just a few snippets about what life was like before it began unraveling would have helped me understand what Candace was going through better and may have helped me appreciate her as a character more than I did.
If Candace was a more likable character, I think I would have enjoyed the novel even more than I did, but I still found it interesting and worth the read.
November 24, 2020
**Spoiler Free, Non comprehensive review!*
For a comprehensive review please find me on vocal.media
I have to admit when I started to read "Control Switch" I was NOT expecting what I just read. I was blown away! I usually don't read this genre of fiction very often. The last book I read in this genre was "Something Blue." This book runs the gamut when it comes to emotions, and all placed in the narrative exactly where they should be, and illustrated so well through descriptions entailing the 5 senses, I was having feelings right along with Candace. I laughed at the wit, and I cried during sad situations. This book handles mental health in such a great way. It handles it in a way that it can make conflict (as mental health does) but in a respectful way. I love how Candace's mental health is the main over arching theme, but there are smaller themes about trust, love, friendship and family. As a woman who has gone through some tough stuff (not as tough as some of the stuff Candace goes through) and has had it affect her mental health, the beats, the situations and the handling of each is spectacular. If I had any sort of criticism (and I don't even know if it really is criticism) its that I could easily find the beats of the 3 act structure, though I know what to look for as a writer myself. Other than that, the book is SO good! There are some spots (I'm trying to talk about it with out spoiling it, its so hard!) when it comes to Candace's mental health that are so real, so visceral and relatable I cried. I cried with Candace and I wanted to console her. This book is SO good! It is so, so, so, so not what I was expecting in the best way, and will now become one of my favorites in the woman's lit genre along with "Something borrowed," and "Something Blue."
For a comprehensive review please find me on vocal.media
I have to admit when I started to read "Control Switch" I was NOT expecting what I just read. I was blown away! I usually don't read this genre of fiction very often. The last book I read in this genre was "Something Blue." This book runs the gamut when it comes to emotions, and all placed in the narrative exactly where they should be, and illustrated so well through descriptions entailing the 5 senses, I was having feelings right along with Candace. I laughed at the wit, and I cried during sad situations. This book handles mental health in such a great way. It handles it in a way that it can make conflict (as mental health does) but in a respectful way. I love how Candace's mental health is the main over arching theme, but there are smaller themes about trust, love, friendship and family. As a woman who has gone through some tough stuff (not as tough as some of the stuff Candace goes through) and has had it affect her mental health, the beats, the situations and the handling of each is spectacular. If I had any sort of criticism (and I don't even know if it really is criticism) its that I could easily find the beats of the 3 act structure, though I know what to look for as a writer myself. Other than that, the book is SO good! There are some spots (I'm trying to talk about it with out spoiling it, its so hard!) when it comes to Candace's mental health that are so real, so visceral and relatable I cried. I cried with Candace and I wanted to console her. This book is SO good! It is so, so, so, so not what I was expecting in the best way, and will now become one of my favorites in the woman's lit genre along with "Something borrowed," and "Something Blue."
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March 14, 2021I received a copy of this book from the Voracious Readers Only scheme.
My favourite part of the book was seeing the main character grow both personally and professionally throughout the story. I really enjoyed seeing a strong and independent female protagonist. I do however think that the story was slightly predictable and if it wasn’t for the twist during, there wouldn’t have been any surprises at all. It isn’t usually a genre that I would choose but I am glad that I did read it as I did enjoy it and am trying to read new things. It did take a while for me to get into the story and I wouldn’t say it was a page turner but I did find that I did want to know what would happen to the characters. I think the intended audience for this book would be predominantly women who want an easy read. I actually think the character Fiona was the most memorable for me and I would have liked to have known a bit more about the end of her story. She was such a strong character and I think I actually ended up rooting for her rather than the main character! The book did live up to the blurb but I think the author would entice more readers if the big twist was mentioned in the blurb! I don’t want to give any spoilers but if the big twist was hinted at during the blurb I think more readers would feel hooked. I personally wouldn’t read the next book in the series due to not feeling like I connected with the characters enough but this is nothing to do with the author and the way they wrote the book as it was very well written and the story did flow well.
My favourite part of the book was seeing the main character grow both personally and professionally throughout the story. I really enjoyed seeing a strong and independent female protagonist. I do however think that the story was slightly predictable and if it wasn’t for the twist during, there wouldn’t have been any surprises at all. It isn’t usually a genre that I would choose but I am glad that I did read it as I did enjoy it and am trying to read new things. It did take a while for me to get into the story and I wouldn’t say it was a page turner but I did find that I did want to know what would happen to the characters. I think the intended audience for this book would be predominantly women who want an easy read. I actually think the character Fiona was the most memorable for me and I would have liked to have known a bit more about the end of her story. She was such a strong character and I think I actually ended up rooting for her rather than the main character! The book did live up to the blurb but I think the author would entice more readers if the big twist was mentioned in the blurb! I don’t want to give any spoilers but if the big twist was hinted at during the blurb I think more readers would feel hooked. I personally wouldn’t read the next book in the series due to not feeling like I connected with the characters enough but this is nothing to do with the author and the way they wrote the book as it was very well written and the story did flow well.
August 25, 2023
I was gifted this book from the author by Voracious Readers Only in exchange for a review.
Candace Bradford & Ross Simpson are a successful couple - she, a life coach and published author & he, a lawyer in the family firm.
Just as Candace is about to start her promotional tour she is struck down by mystery pain. After a surgical procedure she returns home to have her marriage crumble & her life's work crash in a series of debacles that highlight that Candace doesn't really have Total Mastery of her life.
In what turns into her annus horribilus Candace must work out how to rebuild and move forward.
The premise of the story was great. And I loved the flow of the writing. However, the main character really wasn't all she was cracked up to be - didn't research best/worst outcomes of her procedure, completely walked all over by her publicist & supposedly blind to the fact her husband was a self-absorbed ass. So really unbelievable as a professional with 20 years standing in life coaching.
Candace Bradford & Ross Simpson are a successful couple - she, a life coach and published author & he, a lawyer in the family firm.
Just as Candace is about to start her promotional tour she is struck down by mystery pain. After a surgical procedure she returns home to have her marriage crumble & her life's work crash in a series of debacles that highlight that Candace doesn't really have Total Mastery of her life.
In what turns into her annus horribilus Candace must work out how to rebuild and move forward.
The premise of the story was great. And I loved the flow of the writing. However, the main character really wasn't all she was cracked up to be - didn't research best/worst outcomes of her procedure, completely walked all over by her publicist & supposedly blind to the fact her husband was a self-absorbed ass. So really unbelievable as a professional with 20 years standing in life coaching.
February 13, 2024
Recommend for: lovers of comeback stories; lovers of stories of strong independent women
Summary: Candace is a successful writer and life coach. Until she gets thrown a few curveballs in life and it seems to unravel. The story is of her navigating through the mess left after some major setbacks.
Review: My first comment would be that this seemed like a longer book than it needed to be. One or two setbacks seem appropriate, but there were more like five or six!
Candace wrote a book about taking control of one’s life, but the “quotes” taken from her book seem like mundane platitudes. They don’t seem too inspirational.
That being said, the story about Candace seemed well written with accurate descriptions of pain!
Candace and other characters in the book did get on my nerves and I found myself disliking them close to the end. I seemed to keep commenting, “Grow Up!”
Best quote of the whole book: “When your world shatters to pieces, you’ll discover what’s solid and worth hanging onto.”
Summary: Candace is a successful writer and life coach. Until she gets thrown a few curveballs in life and it seems to unravel. The story is of her navigating through the mess left after some major setbacks.
Review: My first comment would be that this seemed like a longer book than it needed to be. One or two setbacks seem appropriate, but there were more like five or six!
Candace wrote a book about taking control of one’s life, but the “quotes” taken from her book seem like mundane platitudes. They don’t seem too inspirational.
That being said, the story about Candace seemed well written with accurate descriptions of pain!
Candace and other characters in the book did get on my nerves and I found myself disliking them close to the end. I seemed to keep commenting, “Grow Up!”
Best quote of the whole book: “When your world shatters to pieces, you’ll discover what’s solid and worth hanging onto.”
June 19, 2024
While this is well written, I didn't really enjoy it. Candace is a Chicago celebrity known for her radio show where she gives people advice about how to control their lives in order to reach their desired outcomes. Just as her book on the subject is being published, her world comes crashing down around her.
At every turn, Candace relies on and demands things from those around her whom she claims to care about, but she has to constantly control the narrative. She's controlling and manipulative, and I find it difficult to sympathize with her. The writing is good, and I enjoyed some of the supporting characters, but I just can't connect with, or even bring myself to like the main character. I can't imagine lying to my doctor or husband the way she does, and then her being upset about how things turn out? Let alone her expecting the two women she's closest to in the world to constantly drop everything to be there for her, and then not return the love and support?
I wish this wasn't my introduction to this author, as I truly enjoy her writing style. I just can't get past Candace.
At every turn, Candace relies on and demands things from those around her whom she claims to care about, but she has to constantly control the narrative. She's controlling and manipulative, and I find it difficult to sympathize with her. The writing is good, and I enjoyed some of the supporting characters, but I just can't connect with, or even bring myself to like the main character. I can't imagine lying to my doctor or husband the way she does, and then her being upset about how things turn out? Let alone her expecting the two women she's closest to in the world to constantly drop everything to be there for her, and then not return the love and support?
I wish this wasn't my introduction to this author, as I truly enjoy her writing style. I just can't get past Candace.
June 15, 2020
This book opens on Candace Bradford, an experienced life coach who is just about to enter an exciting and productive point in her life.
Everything she’s been working so hard towards is about to come true- her book is coming out and she’s on a trajectory to the top of her field. Oprah Winfrey, watch out. Candace has been helping people get their life together since she was a child. And now she’s a woman on a mission to give everyone the answers to life, all while looking after everyone around her. That is, until her life as she knows it hits a stumbling block she never saw coming.
This book shows what’s possible when we think we can’t go on, as Candace finds that her perfect life isn’t so perfect after all. And that’s ok.
This book is uplifting and full of well-drawn characters. This is the perfect book for those who love Candace Bushnell and Plum Sykes. I got a review copy of this book through voracious readers only
Everything she’s been working so hard towards is about to come true- her book is coming out and she’s on a trajectory to the top of her field. Oprah Winfrey, watch out. Candace has been helping people get their life together since she was a child. And now she’s a woman on a mission to give everyone the answers to life, all while looking after everyone around her. That is, until her life as she knows it hits a stumbling block she never saw coming.
This book shows what’s possible when we think we can’t go on, as Candace finds that her perfect life isn’t so perfect after all. And that’s ok.
This book is uplifting and full of well-drawn characters. This is the perfect book for those who love Candace Bushnell and Plum Sykes. I got a review copy of this book through voracious readers only
June 16, 2020
This was a well written story with themes around loss, control, communication, poor decisions and rebuilding after tragedy.
Candace was an unlikable character but she was engaging enough to keep my interest and to root for her to address the unlikable parts of her personality. Unlikable characters are ok as long as they are well written (this one was) and there is something redeeming in their journey.
Josie's dialogue annoyed me but I did like her character.
I would have liked to have seen more of the good years between Ross and Candace. They were together 10 years and hopefully had some good times. Once we are introduced to them they are already nasty to each other which leads a reader to wonder why they were ever together in the first place.
I received an ARC through VRO for review.
Candace was an unlikable character but she was engaging enough to keep my interest and to root for her to address the unlikable parts of her personality. Unlikable characters are ok as long as they are well written (this one was) and there is something redeeming in their journey.
Josie's dialogue annoyed me but I did like her character.
I would have liked to have seen more of the good years between Ross and Candace. They were together 10 years and hopefully had some good times. Once we are introduced to them they are already nasty to each other which leads a reader to wonder why they were ever together in the first place.
I received an ARC through VRO for review.
September 10, 2020
This book is a great weekend read. It tells a story of a woman with the 'perfect' life. Until it all comes crashing down.
The issues covered, such as managing women's health, fertility, marriage, career and maintaining a work life balance, plus more, are all relatable.
When it all comes crashing down the main character, Candice, is filled with self importance and anger, which at times is directed at those who love and care for her.
When you think Candice has had enough and ready to start healing, life just continues to throw her curve ball after curve ball. Towards the end, it is a little less believable with all the challenges she has to face, one after the other. Besides this, it was a pleasant read.
Thank you to the Author Leana Delle and Voracious Readers Only for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
The issues covered, such as managing women's health, fertility, marriage, career and maintaining a work life balance, plus more, are all relatable.
When it all comes crashing down the main character, Candice, is filled with self importance and anger, which at times is directed at those who love and care for her.
When you think Candice has had enough and ready to start healing, life just continues to throw her curve ball after curve ball. Towards the end, it is a little less believable with all the challenges she has to face, one after the other. Besides this, it was a pleasant read.
Thank you to the Author Leana Delle and Voracious Readers Only for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2021
Meet Candace, a woman who is in complete control of her life, so much so that she's written a bestseller about it. She has everything she wants just how she wants it, the life, the house, the car, the husband and is just about to become a literary star when a small incident sets her into freefall. Candace finds she's losing control and her life starts to unravel out of her control.
With the two constants in her life, her best friend and her mum's friend, Candace must now find it within herself to find the strength to pick up the pieces, start again, change her mindset and get control back despite the setbacks and emotional torment she encounters along the way.
A well written, emotional read which pulled me in from the first chapter and kept me hooked until the end.
I received a review copy from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
With the two constants in her life, her best friend and her mum's friend, Candace must now find it within herself to find the strength to pick up the pieces, start again, change her mindset and get control back despite the setbacks and emotional torment she encounters along the way.
A well written, emotional read which pulled me in from the first chapter and kept me hooked until the end.
I received a review copy from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
May 13, 2024
This book came to me through Voracious Readers. The fact it was free in no way affects my review.
I'm going with four stars for this one, because I'm a bit torn. I really enjoyed the story, it was tough and gritty, truthful, and all in all a really good read. What I'm torn about, is the fmc.
Yes she was a control freak, over controlling infact, and it took a lot of truths, and shocks for her to realise that. But I found her to have quite the spoiled brat attitude. Who does what she did at the start of book. . . .it's quite a surprise start, but how she dealt with it!! Wow! I wanted to step into the book and slap the silly girl! As for the outcome of her actions, she got what she deserved, although, the way Ross was dealing with their disconected lives wasn't great either.
Leana Delle is a new to me author, and one I will follow up again.
I'm going with four stars for this one, because I'm a bit torn. I really enjoyed the story, it was tough and gritty, truthful, and all in all a really good read. What I'm torn about, is the fmc.
Yes she was a control freak, over controlling infact, and it took a lot of truths, and shocks for her to realise that. But I found her to have quite the spoiled brat attitude. Who does what she did at the start of book. . . .it's quite a surprise start, but how she dealt with it!! Wow! I wanted to step into the book and slap the silly girl! As for the outcome of her actions, she got what she deserved, although, the way Ross was dealing with their disconected lives wasn't great either.
Leana Delle is a new to me author, and one I will follow up again.
September 4, 2020
This was a fast-paced book, with an interesting narrative and nicely drawn characters.
Candace Bradford appears to have it all - a lovely husband, a great career and she's just about to tour with her new book...she is fully in control of her life. Until the unexpected happens and the fallout is devastating to her. I found the story really interesting, and while I was initially frustrated with the main character's denial about parts of her life, I soon grew to love her and it was good to see her change her views as the story progressed. With female relationships and friendships at the fore of this novel, it was a genuinely lovely book to read to and I hope to see those characters again soon.
Candace Bradford appears to have it all - a lovely husband, a great career and she's just about to tour with her new book...she is fully in control of her life. Until the unexpected happens and the fallout is devastating to her. I found the story really interesting, and while I was initially frustrated with the main character's denial about parts of her life, I soon grew to love her and it was good to see her change her views as the story progressed. With female relationships and friendships at the fore of this novel, it was a genuinely lovely book to read to and I hope to see those characters again soon.
October 12, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book through voracious readers only in return for an honest review and I found it to be an enjoyable read. It was paced really well and makes a great weekend or beach read. To be honest, I actually found Candace (the main character) quite annoying at times to the point that her sometimes immature ways really got on my nerves but the story held my interest regardless and was hard to put down. The dialogue was great and characters believable and I liked that the storyline faced realistic troubles that can happen in real peoples lives. It carries the message that we can pick up the pieces and find strength during hardship and chaos and we are all stronger than we think. This is a solid, fast paced, enjoyable read and a well written debut novel 😊
October 23, 2020
I was sent a copy of this ebook from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
Coming into reading Control Switch, I realised that this was to be a journey of self-discovery/awareness that would mean that the main character would be ripe for development. However, I had not anticipated that she would be so dislikable. Sadly, the fame-hungry advice giver, who seems to be both on the cusp of her breakthrough but also hounded by the press, is a petulant child. She makes terrible decisions (and yes, some of these are needed to move the plot forward), consistently blames other characters for her own flaws, lacks any sort of compassion or kindness, and has some very strange ideas about the effect of willpower on mental and physical health matters. Her favourite comeback to anything she doesn't want to hear is 'whatever' - a phrase that should be retired after teenage years, never mind a decade later.
In terms of writing, the pace is swift, the twists are many, and there is a bit of an over-reliance on overly contrived metaphors. The dialogue is a strong point, which is important especially in a first-person novel. Unfortunately every character seems to 'cry', 'holler', 'scream', 'whimper' at each other to the point of the words becoming redundant.
As you come to the end of the novel, some character development has occurred, but not enough to satisfy my personal distaste for the protagonist's attitude throughout the rest of the story - and since this is told from the protagonist's point of view, not enjoying the character whose eyes you see through and whose thoughts you are privy to is a major turn off.
Coming into reading Control Switch, I realised that this was to be a journey of self-discovery/awareness that would mean that the main character would be ripe for development. However, I had not anticipated that she would be so dislikable. Sadly, the fame-hungry advice giver, who seems to be both on the cusp of her breakthrough but also hounded by the press, is a petulant child. She makes terrible decisions (and yes, some of these are needed to move the plot forward), consistently blames other characters for her own flaws, lacks any sort of compassion or kindness, and has some very strange ideas about the effect of willpower on mental and physical health matters. Her favourite comeback to anything she doesn't want to hear is 'whatever' - a phrase that should be retired after teenage years, never mind a decade later.
In terms of writing, the pace is swift, the twists are many, and there is a bit of an over-reliance on overly contrived metaphors. The dialogue is a strong point, which is important especially in a first-person novel. Unfortunately every character seems to 'cry', 'holler', 'scream', 'whimper' at each other to the point of the words becoming redundant.
As you come to the end of the novel, some character development has occurred, but not enough to satisfy my personal distaste for the protagonist's attitude throughout the rest of the story - and since this is told from the protagonist's point of view, not enjoying the character whose eyes you see through and whose thoughts you are privy to is a major turn off.
August 2, 2021
Control Switch made me feel invested in all of the characters, especially Candace. The majority of the book I was wondering if she could catch a break. Everything that could go wrong went wrong.
I did not see much strength of will within her. For someone who valued control above all else, she did not try to fix her situation much other than to curl up into a ball, sulk in a bratty way and cry. It was only at the end when she learned acceptance and was ready to move on. I wish more pages were spent showing her recovery and return to success.
It was interesting watching Candace's fall from grace and the hint of her rise back to success. I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
I did not see much strength of will within her. For someone who valued control above all else, she did not try to fix her situation much other than to curl up into a ball, sulk in a bratty way and cry. It was only at the end when she learned acceptance and was ready to move on. I wish more pages were spent showing her recovery and return to success.
It was interesting watching Candace's fall from grace and the hint of her rise back to success. I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
May 20, 2020
Candace doesn't seem a sympathetic character at the very beginning of the novel. She is the perfect woman, perfect career, perfectly presented, perfect relationship. But the cracks soon start to appear, and eventually her whole world falls in ruins. At that point she is out of control. Candace finally understands that nobody can control everything, and then she is slowly able to regain a normal, although different, life for herself.
The characters are all believable and well drawn. For me it became quite enthralling. Even the conclusion is satisfying.
My review copy was supplied through Voracious Readers, for which I am grateful.
The characters are all believable and well drawn. For me it became quite enthralling. Even the conclusion is satisfying.
My review copy was supplied through Voracious Readers, for which I am grateful.
June 8, 2020
This was a really easy enjoyable book to read.
Candace was a character that you could relate to in her need to control everything, her business, her life and the lives of others. Predictably things go terribly wrong and it is this journey that we follow from the heights of celebrity to the pits of failing in front of everyone at a press conference to falling out with her family and friends.
I quite enjoyed it and it was a perfect book to read during social isolation.
I would love to read a sequel to this book to see if she gets with the handsome dinner guest and to see if her new book deal takes off and to see if she learned nay lessons from her spectacular down fall.
Candace was a character that you could relate to in her need to control everything, her business, her life and the lives of others. Predictably things go terribly wrong and it is this journey that we follow from the heights of celebrity to the pits of failing in front of everyone at a press conference to falling out with her family and friends.
I quite enjoyed it and it was a perfect book to read during social isolation.
I would love to read a sequel to this book to see if she gets with the handsome dinner guest and to see if her new book deal takes off and to see if she learned nay lessons from her spectacular down fall.
October 7, 2020
The plot and story line are a compelling read. Showing the nuisances that come with success and over control. While I found it a good read I was disappointed the marriage wasn’t explored further. A marriage of that length should have played a bigger role in her journey in the after math. The blurb mentioned finding the secrets Ross was hiding but I felt they weren’t acknowledged and were instead subtly written between the lines and for me I have always struggled with that. I would have liked to seen these openly acknowledged and his role expanded more. On the whole the book is a good read however.
May 7, 2021
The books reads like a narrative, in the 1st person. Honestly though, I didn't like Candace. I found her to be self-centered and everything was always about her. She never realized what life had been like for her husband in the last 2 years while she devoted herself to writing her novel...and now a book tour??? And she made a very poor decision early on in the book....a decision that would affect her and her husband. And she didn't consider what life was like for Fiona, or Josie or Bill. She selfishly only considered herself. I guess because I felt so strongly about the character(s), it can be said that the writer did a great job?!?
June 8, 2021
*Received a copy to review from Voracious Readers*
To start with I wasn't sure that I would enjoy this. It begins with Candace Bradford appearing to have it all, the perfect marriage, successful career and only positives ahead as she takes control of every detail of her life... Until she doesn't.
Candace feels that she has lost everything after having surgery, losing her husband, her career and having a family secret be revealed. This is where the story had me gripped, I wanted to know how Candace recovers from all that happens to her and losing control of everything for the first time in her life.
Definitely worth a read if you want a strong female character that you start to feel for.
To start with I wasn't sure that I would enjoy this. It begins with Candace Bradford appearing to have it all, the perfect marriage, successful career and only positives ahead as she takes control of every detail of her life... Until she doesn't.
Candace feels that she has lost everything after having surgery, losing her husband, her career and having a family secret be revealed. This is where the story had me gripped, I wanted to know how Candace recovers from all that happens to her and losing control of everything for the first time in her life.
Definitely worth a read if you want a strong female character that you start to feel for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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