Размяна на животи

by Barbara Hannay, Барбара Ханей, Пепа Стоилова (Translator)

Тес не е щастлива нито в личен, нито в професионален план. Загубила майка си преди години, тя приема за свой дълг да се възползва от безценните възможности, които животът предлага. Затова, въпреки неодобрението на баща си, напуска работа и се разделя с приятеля си. Кръстницата ѝ Луна ѝ предлага да прекара шест седмици в нейната къща в тропическата гора в Северен Куинсланд, без телефон и интернет, за да се откъсне от света и да реши какво иска да прави занапред. Луна, от своя страна, ще живее в нейния модерен апартамент в Бризбейн и ще се опита да разшири бизнеса си с ръчно изработени авторски бижута.

Тес планира да прекара времето си в писане на блог, но неусетно става част от общността. Помага в книжарничката, пее в хора и се сближава с местните, сред които е и привлекателният ѝ съсед Адам. От миналото на Луна внезапно изплуват бивши любими, които я карат да се върне назад, за да разкрие тайната, която не ѝ дава мира от години. А когато на прага ѝ се появяват и полицаи, тя осъзнава, че животът никога повече няма да е същият.

Ще се окаже ли размяната на животи пътят към намирането на себе си?

Genres: Audiobook, Contemporary

336 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2025

About the author

Multi award winning author, Barbara Hannay, is a city bred girl with a yen for country life. Most of her 50 plus books are set in rural and outback Australia and they've been enjoyed by readers around the world.

Barbara has been nominated five times for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award which she won in 2007 and she has twice won Australia's Romantic Book of the Year award.

In her own version of life imitating art, Barbara and her husband currently live on a misty hillside in beautiful Far North Queensland where they keep heritage pigs, hens, ducks, turkeys and an untidy but productive garden.

Visit Barbara's website at www.barbarahannay.com
Follow her on Facebook and Twitter

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Tess prepared for the flight which would take her to Cairns, she was looking forward to the change of lifestyle the next six weeks would bring. Her godmother, Luna, lived in a small cottage deep in the rainforest, not far from the little town of Burralea, and had suggested she and Tess swap homes. So while Tess was about to fly to her destination, Luna was catching the train to Brisbane from Cairns. Luna loved creating jewellery, especially turning an old item into something new - and she was good at what she did. Checking out the markets, and different jewellery contacts was something she was looking forward to, especially after the huge row she and her daughter Ebony had had.

As Tess settled into Luna's cabin - working out how to use the wood stove (with a little help from the cute neighbour); putting the hens away at night, collecting their eggs in the morning; harvesting the tomatoes; weeding - the views took her breath away. She decided to help out in the bookstore that Luna volunteered in - The Thrifty Reader took donated books and Tess helped out Clover when she could, with the delightful old-timer Jeremy visiting on a daily basis. But back in Brisbane, Luna wasn't having as much fun. The police had visited, interrogating Luna and telling her not to leave town...

The Life Swap is another delightful read by Aussie author Barbara Hannay which I loved. I have read all this author's books and she never fails to impress. The characters are well written, the rainforest with the cassowaries, bower birds and beautiful song birds such that I felt I was there with Tess. The secrets and mystery which swirled around Luna was intriguing to say the least. Heartwarming, poignant with definite feel-good vibes, The Life Swap is one I recommend highly.

With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope you have pre-ordered this one or are ready to run to the shops to buy it on release day because it is a story not to be missed, Barbara Hannay writes truly beautiful stories filled with emotion, true to life characters and gorgeous settings and this one is no exception, I loved it from start to finish and I really didn’t want it to end I wanted to stay with Tess, Luna and all of the fabulous characters that made this one awesome.

Tess is feeling just not right she had come through the pandemic, the terrible loss of her mother and the relationship with her boyfriend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, after a good chat with her godmother, Luna they decide that a bit of a swap for six weeks might be just what Tess needs in her life. Luna lives in a rainforest in northern Queensland near the town of Burralea and she needs to visit Brisbane to deliver some jewelry she has made and perhaps extend her business, this should do them both good.

Tess is not sure what she will be doing when she gets there, she does have plans to write and create a personal blog but soon she finds herself helping out in the charity bookstore, joining the choir and meeting lots of wonderful residents who she is forming strong friendships with and there is Adam the lovely neighbour as well besides gardening and cooking and she is loving it.

Luna on the other hand is struggling with a question her daughter Ebony wants an answer too and when the police arrive on her doorstep Luna is shocked and stunned at what has happened this brings someone from her past into her life to offer help but it also opens her heart to the past and questions are answered.

The life swap turns out to be just what Tess and Luna needed, this is a beautiful, touching and uplifting story that had me turning the pages, tearing up at times and smiling as I watched both of these woman move into the future with hearts filled with love and happiness.

I do highly recommend this one, it is such a fabulous story.

My thanks to Penguin AU for my copy to read and review.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Life Swap by Barbara Hannay is the perfect Queensland read switching from Brisbane to the Daintree rainforest in Far North Queensland.

Tess is stressed from her job in Brisbane and the city lifestyle and needs a change while her godmother, Luna lives in a rustic cottage in the North Queensland rainforest and would like to expand her jewellery business and feels the city may bring her more contacts.

Luna suggests they both swap homes for an extended period to see what happens ~ as life is all about taking risks.

So, what are you waiting for?

Sometimes, what you least expect is just around the corner.

Read it and see in the new novel, The Life Swap by Barbara Hannay available now.

I would like to thank Penquin Random House Australia and Barbara Hannay, author for an Advanced Review Copy of this book.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The latest novel from Barbara Hannay is a joyous occasion.
A story that will wake all the senses.
Tess is at crossroads in her life.
Her career, relationships and lifestyle are all very dull in the big city.
So what can she do to make everything better…..
Her godmother Luna, lives a simple life in a small cabin in the rainforest.
She is eager to grow her hand made jewellery business and to do that she needs to go to the big smoke.
So Luna suggests a life swap, for six weeks they will live and breathe the others life.
Can they both expect life changing moments and get the happiness they deserve?
A tale with family dilemmas, complicated moments, personal melodramas and affairs of the heart.
Barbara has a talented gift for welcoming the reader into her story and making you a part of the journey.
There’s plenty to offer the reader here including a tender plot with romance and secrets, beloved characters all against the backdrop of a beautiful setting.
Another highly recommended gem that’s great for your reading soul.
Perfectly balanced with much to love and adore from a winning read.
A stunning piece of writing ingenuity.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Another Barbara book that gets 5 Stars from me. Thank you Barbara Hannay for writing amazing books.

[Jenny Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Barbara Hannay's new novel called The Life Swap.
I was very privileged to receive an advance uncorrected copy of The Life Swap by Barbara Hannay.
I can highly recommend this novel as from the first page it had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. Two women swapping there homes in completely different areas, one city and one rural country and how they coped.
Mystery, births, deaths, family secrets as well as many issues that everyday people may experience in their lifes. The way Barbara describes the areas in particular the rain forests of the Atherton tablelands makes you feel like you are there and living the characters lifes. I loved all the characters in the novel and the little twists to the story.
If you love Barbara Hannay's books you will not be  dissapointed. If you enjoy rural romance this one is also one not to be missed.
Love the cover...
Thank you Barbara for the opportunity to read your new novel... love it love it...
Jenny Evans..NSW

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story with a great setting.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it what a fantastic read. First time reading this author. I will explore more of her books.

[Marit · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️ A warm and feelgood story set in Far North Queensland, in the rainforest, and Brisbane. Luna Chance, who lives in a delightful rustic cottage deep in the rainforest, near the township of Burralea, suggests to Tess Drinkwater, her goddaughter, that they swap homes; Tess lives in a neat white and gray flat in Paddington. Tess has come to a crossroads in her life and feels that this would be a wonderful opportunity to decide on her future direction in life. Luna is also struggling with issues, particularly in regard to her daughter, Ebony. Tess becomes acquainted with Luna’s neighbour, Adam Cadell, and is drawn into township life, volunteering at the local bookshop, The Thrifty Reader, and other activities. As in Barbara Hannay’s previous novel “The Happiest Little Town” the scenery and description of the lush rainforest surroundings are gorgeous. The word ‘lovely’ is used rather extensively in relation to people, events and surroundings. A most entertaining read. Happy endings for everyone.

[Melissa Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess needs to find herself, both emotionally and as an employee. She leaves behind the city and goes to stay at her Godmother’s place. Lune stays in the city and has her own learning curve she must answer. Who is her daughters father and to expand her business.

Both these woman are strong characters, but tend to make themselves feel insignificant because they are unsure of what life holds for them.

[Hari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just such a lovely book. A classic life swapping story told with heart. Due to post-Covid life crossroads Tess, a life-long inner Brisbane suburbanite, and her godmother Luna, a creative rural free spirit from the rainforest up north, decide to swap homes for six weeks. Whilst the stories intertwine and showcase both locations it’s the rainforest and its community that truly sings. Enjoyed every minute of it.

[Heather Reyburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful read from Barbara. Tess and her Godmother, Luna, exchange homes when they both find their lives at a crossroad. City living and a fast-paced existence are a long way from the simple existence in a north Queensland rainforest town but, as the two women exchange one lifestyle for the other, the rewards bring a bundle of surprises and new happiness to both.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely story about Luna and her goddaughter Tess, who decide to swap houses while they sort themselves out. The setting in the Atherton Tablelands is gorgeous, and as secrets are revealed and feelings sorted out , all is resolved in a delightful way. Very enjoyable.

[Wendy Reinmuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Maria Parenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent Swap

Beautiful inspiring story💕 Love is all around us when you get involved in your community. From the rainforest, the eucalypts, to the city.

[Kelly Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very straight forward and predictable with no twists or turns. The outcome was very obvious from the very beginning.

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burnt out from her uninspiring job and still grieving her mother’s death a few years earlier, Tess accepted Luna’s offer to swap homes for an extended period. Her godmother Luna, lived a very simple existence in a rustic cottage in the North Queensland rainforest. Facing her own issues, she could use the bustling city change of scenery to expand her jewellery-making business. Both of them were headed for an adventure of a lifetime.

Well, when people say Barbara Hannay is the queen of feel-good fiction, they’re not lying! Similar to her previous book which I read and loved last year, this one was also heartwarming, comfy and satisfying, like a good hearty meal.

The plot of this one ended up being richer than I’d thought. Of the two characters, I didn’t expect Luna to be the one with -ahem- spicier love life! I loved it. I also loved the relationship between Tess and Luna, which was almost like mother-daughter, but not really. I even liked the side characters unexpectedly - loved Luna’s daughter!

There was a nod to Burralea which was the setting of The Happiest Little Town, and I found myself keeping an eye for any mention of the beloved theatre 😄.

If you’d like a somewhat deeper, richer, less-cliche, feel-good contemporary fiction, I’d recommend this highly for you!

See my bookstagram review.

[Justine Hill]

Hannay does it again...great escapism to the forest in Queensland

[Janča Hořejší · Rating 4 out of 5]

Velmi povedená kniha autorky, která si získala mé srdce!
Moc se mi líbil ten nápad s výměnou domovů a sledování, jak se postavy vyvíjely! Celkově atmosféra knihy mě velmi rychle vtáhla a čtení jsem si moc užívala!
Podle anotace se může zdát, že kniha nebude nic moc, ale opravdu se jedná o moc milý příběh, který vás vtáhne a já měla optavdu problém knihu odložit!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars.
Very easy to read.

[Bookishbabe]

I loved the author's last book, but I just couldn't get invested in this one.

[Jennifer Antulov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light reading. The book was given to me as a present. :-)

[pollymuz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. I absolutely love a hallmark type of story that is set in Far North Queensland. The characters were lovable and the story was sweet with a semi predictable plot. ❤️

[Deborah Jefferis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think part of my love of the book centred around the settings. Glasshouse Mountains where I live now. Brisbane where I am from and the beautiful Atherton Tableland. The story line although sometimes predictable still kept me interested. I enjoyed this book very much.

[Laura Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely feel-good read.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the story , loved Adam and Tess and loved the setting and loved Luna’ story , love the description of where the book is set I think I want Lunas house , just loved the book