The Time of My Life

by Samantha Tonge

A gorgeous, unmissable story about it never being too late to start over 💖 Perfect for fans of Shari Low, Amanda Prowse, and Laura Pearson 💃☀️🇬🇷 How far would you go to change your life?

When Eliza Woods sees an advertisement for someone’s whole life for sale – their house, car, all their belongings, even their clothes and cat – not to mention a trial-run in their job and an introduction to their friends… she decides it’s fate.

Grabbing a different life with both hands is exactly what she needs. Even if 26-year-old Carrie’s wildly-social life and job in a bar couldn’t be more different from Eliza’s quieter existence.

As for Carrie, she’s heading off to Greece, desperate to run away from everything she’s familiar with in England. The two women message each other after the deal has gone through, with Eliza excited to go for cocktails with Carrie’s friends before her first shift at at her new job.

What Carrie doesn’t tell her is why she put her life up for sale. And what Eliza doesn’t tell Carrie is that she’s about to turn 75. And that isn’t her only secret…

Don’t miss this absolutely brilliant, escapist read. Available now!

Readers love Samantha ‘WOW! Will keep readers flicking page after page. I loved the story… The author once again captures real life dramas… Takes you on a journey… Fabulous!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘LOVED it!! I didn’t want to put it down, I didn’t want it to finish… Such an honest and heart-tugging read, but so positively and heart-warmingly told, with so many real and believable people. Every sentence was needed and every loose end tied up.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh what a joy, what a delight. Samantha’s books and characters have a habit of wrapping themselves around you like old friends… There’s a life-affirming thread of getting that balance in life, not letting things get on top of us or holding us back…. Brilliant, stunning… One to leave you with a big smile.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This book just pulled me in. The story pulled at my heart as I read on and on and on. I couldn’t stop reading as I had to know what the ending was going to be!… I’m still thinking about this story… A beautiful story about friendship that I highly recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction

363 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2026

About the author

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.
When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.
She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2018 Forgive Me Not, heralded a new direction into darker women's fiction with publisher Canelo and in 2020 her novel Knowing You won the RNA's Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.

http://samanthatonge.co.uk/

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn’t read Samantha Tonge’s books before, but the premise of this one instantly grabbed me — the idea of buying someone else’s life is such an intriguing hook. What surprised me, though, was just how much more the novel delivered. It’s full of twists and turns, emotional depth, and clever surprises, and I found myself so absorbed that it even made me late for work.

Carrie is a young woman juggling a rental flat, two jobs just to make ends meet, and the company of her gorgeous cat, Boo. She’s fallen out with her two best friends, money is tight, and life feels overwhelming. So, when she spots an advert for a life for sale, it seems like the perfect solution. She decides to sell her own life and use the money to finally fulfil her dream of going to Greece. Eliza is the winning bidder, and she steps straight into Carrie’s world: her rented home, her evening job, her friends, most of her wardrobe — and even beloved Boo. But Eliza is not at all what Carrie expected. For a start, she’s in her mid seventies, something that shocks Carrie’s friends and boss in equal measure. Why would someone in their seventies want to buy a younger woman’s life? What is she running from — or towards? Read the book to find out.

This is such a clever, original novel — far more layered than the premise first suggests. Samantha Tonge weaves the idea of “buying a life” into a story full of unexpected twists, emotional surprises, and moments that genuinely stop you in your tracks. I loved how the plot kept shifting just when I thought I’d worked it out, and how both Carrie and Eliza reveal more depth as the truth slowly unfolds. It’s engaging, thought provoking, and wonderfully twisty — a book that keeps you turning the pages long past when you meant to stop.

[Hyggenookandbook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha is a must-read author for me; her books always leave something with me & she's done it again! ✨


​This is a story with a beautiful multigenerational twist that had me laughing & tearing up in equal measure. I loved the exploration of "it’s never too late to start over." Eliza is a total icon; 75 years young & taking on the world! 🥂


The book is packed with important life lessons, but this one really hit home:
​"Embrace change or it changes you for the worse." Just wow. So true!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed several books by Samantha Tonge, especially as they deal with female friendships, personal growth and new beginnings. In The Time of My Life, we meet two women who are looking for a fresh start. Carrie's mother has passed away and she is still struggling with what to do with her life. She decides to put her life up for sale, and start over somewhere else. She isn't sure where that will be yet. Eliza decides she needs a different life, so she decides to "buy" one from Carrie. She gets Carrie's house, car, belongings, and cat; she also gets a trial period at Carrie's job, where she even meets her friends, the friends that Carrie had a falling out with before she left. Eliza loves this life and begins to meet new people, take chances doing things she would never have done before, all the while keeping secrets. Meanwhile, Carrie ends up in Greece. They keep in touch over logistics and such, but eventually begin sharing things as friends. It sounds like a good exchange, except that Carrie is 26, and Eliza is 75. Can this situation possibly work?

I really enjoyed this story. When I was a kid I often wished I lived with this or that friend, but this was life swapping in the extreme. I really liked both Eliza and Carrie. Both had some trauma in their lives, Carrie losing her mother who had raised her, as well as nursing her when she had cancer, and Eliza having an abusive marriage. Carrie's story was almost secondary, with her life in Greece, working as a waitress and a side of romance. It was Eliza's story that was front and center. Adjusting to Carrie's life went relatively smoothly, and she seemed a lot younger than 75 as we get to know her. When we finally learn about her secret, things take a different turn. The secondary characters add much to the story, although they aren't developed all that much. This is a story of new beginnings, second chances, friendship, family, and grief. I enjoyed meeting these characters and seeing where their new lives would take them.

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to switch lives with someone?!

Desperate for a new start, Carrie lists her life for sale. Eliza is intrigued and buys Carrie’s life, which includes her car, house, job, cat, clothes, and friends. What they are each unaware of is that Eliza is 75 and Carrie is 26! As Eliza settles into Carlie’s life, Carrie leaves for Greece. At first, they message each other about some logistics, but over time they share more personal thoughts and become quite close.

The story is entertaining and plausible. However as the story unfolds, some of the twists and turns require a suspension of disbelief. These turn of events are poignant and the story is tenderly told, but somewhat incredulous.

Fans of heartwarming stories, multigenerational friendship, new beginnings, and sides of romance will find a great deal to appreciate here!

Thanks #Netgalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #TheTimeOfMyLife upon my request. All opinions are my own.

For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carrie is in need of an escape. After her mother's passing she alienated her best friends when they caught her in a lie, and now she wants a new start. Carrie goes to extremes and places an ad in the newspaper to sell her life. Her entire life - house, car, jobs, cat, and friends. Eliza is also in need of a fresh start and responds immediately to Carrie's ad, paying her extra to ensure she is the one to win the new life purchase. What 26-year old Carrie does not know is that Eliza is nearly 75, but Eliza is a trooper and jumps right into Carrie's life. Carrie has flown to a small Greek island and is learning new language and customs, and meeting new people. But nothing is as it seems, not for Carrie or Eliza, and several other characters as well, and soon everyone must come to terms with the truth.

The Time of My Life is heavy in accountability, forgiveness, and second chance themes, and also moving forward with open eyes and an open heart. I thoroughly enjoyed the relationships that both Carrie and Eliza formed in their new lives, and the Greek Island setting is a magical location for starting over (and finding love!).

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the DRC in exchange for my honest review.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book nice flow to it and it’s Perfect for fans of Shari Low, Amanda Prowse, and Laura Pearson 💃☀️🇬🇷.

How far would you go to change your life?

When Eliza Woods sees an advertisement for someone’s whole life for sale – their house, car, all their belongings, even their clothes and cat – not to mention a trial-run in their job and an introduction to their friends… she decides it’s fate.

[Pauline Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rubbish and unbelievable!

[Adele Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to read this book. It didn’t grip me at all.

The characters seemed so judgmental of everything to the point I disliked them.

An ok beach read. 2.5 stars

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

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🌸🌸🌸🌸
The Time of My Life
Samantha Tonge
Publication Date: March 10th, 2026
Boldwood Books
363 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Women's Fiction

Samantha Tonge writes wonderful books about women and self-discovery. In this one, Eliza decides she needs a different life, so she decides to "buy" one from Carrie. She gets Carrie's house, car, belongings, and cat; she also gets a trial period at Carrie's job, where she even meets her friends. Eliza decides this is meant to be; she feels as though she is reconnecting with her younger self.

While living Carrie's life, Eliza takes some chances she didn't get when she was younger. She put aside a lot of interests and passions when she became an adult and uses this opportunity to rediscover them. I loved the message that it's never too late to be your true self. We need to stop wasting time watching the clock at work and start living in the moment. Maybe it's because I turn sixty later this year, but this really hit home with me. I found this so uplifting—ever read a novel and have it feel like a hug in a book? That's what this book was like for me. It was so relatable, funny, and heartfelt.

Tonge always writes her female leads authentically, and Eliza's mid-life crisis felt real and natural rather than caricatured (Yes, that's a real word!). The heart of the book is in its emotions; I loved the "what if" feeling because Eliza never really felt sorry for herself or came across as "woe is me." I liked Eliza, and I cheered her on the whole way. I was so happy for her when she started to find her spark again. While this is Tonge’s typical feel-good book, the execution comes across as sincere and charming. It is very refreshing to find a book with an older woman realizing that growth isn't only for the young, but also the young at heart. This was the perfect escapist read and very inspiring. This book is a real gem. There is something very special to me about this type of book, especially one that shows that we don't have a best-before date on old dogs learning new tricks, and I am of the age where the themes of this book are an inspiring reminder of that.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I have come to expect from any novel by Samantha Tonge the premise of “The Time of My Life” is unusual, the storyline addictive, emotive and full of understanding for the real life struggles of the characters.

The main character Carrie, grieving after the loss of her Mum, has got through with a lot if help from her friends. However, she has been keeping secrets from them. When she is found out, her friends feel betrayed. Secrets and lies have never occurred between them. Till now.

In order to escape their wrath, feeling very alone, Carrie packs up and moves away. Not in the usual way though. She puts an ad in the papers to sell her life, flat, job, cat, friends and all! She vets all replies and a lovely lady, Eliza, who seems perfect on paper, does bite and purchases her life. Job done!

Carrie journeys off into the sunset to a Greek paradise and Eliza moves in.

Eliza is a perfect fit, despite one unexpected point. She is in her early 70’s. Despite never having met both Carrie and Eliza get on very well through their digital correspondence. Carrie even confides with Eloza, as to why she left so abruptly and exactly how her past has moulded her and left her feeling so alone. Lost without her Mum and now, her best friends too. Despite everything, her new start in a is going well, new friends, potential for romance and lots of cats. Meanwhile Eliza’s past is about to catch up with her and her secrets might just loose her the new start she has been building.

Eliza has been through a lot in her life. Her experiences in a coercive relationship are written with compassion and understanding. As we find out more about her journey, the respect for who she has become increases. Her secrets do not shock the reader and it is made clear that finding the strength to stand up to people isn’t always possible. We see her moving on, become stronger, admitting past failures and hopefully being happier for it.

It is always refreshing to have older characters depicted in such a realistic manner. Full of knowledge, skills and energy Eliza is not a stereotypical older person. Her character is misjudged based on her age on several occasions and in this way the book gently covers the topic of ageism.

I found myself feeling frustrated by Carrie’s actions at the same time as really feeling for her. Her journey seems jagged and full of unusual decisions but in seeking to fill the missing gap, we realise her behaviour has purpose. One that will hopefully lead to a fulfilling future.

Thank you Samantha, for another absorbing read full of colourful characters, real life issues and plenty of love and understanding.

[Ashley Cohoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)

The Time of My Life was such a unique and surprisingly emotional read. The whole idea of “selling your life” immediately hooked me, and while it sounds a little quirky on the surface, this story ended up having a lot more depth than I expected.

The book follows Carrie, who’s struggling with grief, financial stress, and falling out with the people closest to her. In a moment of desperation (and honestly, a little bit of chaos), she decides to sell her entire life- her apartment, her job, her belongings… even her cat, and use the money to start fresh somewhere else. Enter Eliza, the woman who buys it all and steps into Carrie’s world. The twist? Eliza is in her seventies, which definitely wasn’t what anyone expected.

What I really loved about this story is that it’s not just about Carrie trying to escape her life- it’s also about Eliza rediscovering hers. Watching Eliza step into a completely new chapter, take chances, and reconnect with parts of herself she’d long buried was honestly one of the most heartwarming parts of the book. It has that “it’s never too late to start over” message, but it feels genuine instead of cliché.

The story also balances some heavier themes really well. There’s grief, complicated friendships, past trauma, and a lot of self-reflection woven throughout, but it never feels overly heavy. It still manages to feel hopeful and uplifting by the end.

If I had one small critique, it’s that some of Carrie’s choices can feel a little frustrating at times. You understand where she’s coming from emotionally, but her decisions aren’t always easy to agree with. That said, it does make her feel real and human.

Overall, this was a heartfelt, slightly quirky, and ultimately uplifting story about second chances, healing, and figuring out who you are- no matter your age. It’s one of those books that feels a little like a hug by the time you finish it.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Samantha Tonge has penned a compelling, thought-provoking book that had me turning the pages, hungry to discover what would happen next. Each time I thought I had a handle on the story, there was another slight twist to keep me on my reading toes.

With two main characters, Carrie and Eliza, this is an ensemble piece as the supporting cast is essential to the story, and adds depth and texture. In particular, I found myself loving the sections that included Jez, the George Michael-loving nightclub owner.

Eliza’s past hadn’t left her filled with pride; in fact, she was harbouring a secret that haunted her. She needed an opportunity to change her life and right the wrongs of her decisions. I absolutely loved Eliza, and my heart went out to her as the facts emerged, and I gained a deeper understanding of her experiences.

Carrie was an interesting individual, and I felt great empathy for her circumstances. Her reactions to devastating loss were understandable, although extreme, and I felt her pain at her need for a dramatic, fresh start. Her bravery in making the leap to foreign climes reminded me of my own major life choices, although my travels came from a much healthier mindset. At her heart, Carrie is a good person who has navigated losses that many of us are fortunate not to understand. I was rooting for her wins and hoping she’d find a way to reconcile with her past.

This book reminds us of the power of second chances. The joys of forgiveness and the importance of self-acceptance. I found it incredibly moving, and was a little sad when it finished. One thing I knew throughout was that Samantha Tonge understands the dangers of listening to the voices that peck away inside our heads. More importantly, she knows we are not obliged to always listen to them.

The Time of My Life deserves to be read, enjoyed and cherished. It is a beautiful story that is ultimately uplifting and joyous. I will be shouting about it for some time to come.

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a novel idea!! Sell your life and start over and become a different version of yourself. Who wouldn’t want to leave it all behind and travel to a warm and welcoming locale that could be the answer to your prayers? Perhaps your idea of a new beginning was to reach back to the young woman you wanted to be before your life was controlled by someone you thought you could trust.

In “The Time of My Life” we meet Carrie and Eliza, two women at different stages of their lives, who help each other see that everyone deserves a second chance! Carrie had made the biggest mistake of her life and she wasn’t sure she could ever come back from it. She missed her mom’s sage advice but she knew she was watching over her, guiding her to always make the right decision. Eliza found Carrie’s advertisement and knew this was her chance to leave behind bad memories and make new ones that would last her a lifetime. So, Carrie sold her life to Eliza and jetted off to sunny and warm Greece, while Eliza moved into Carrie’s life that came with an apartment, a cat named Boo, two best friends, and a job at a hopping nightclub. Sounds like Eliza got the better deal, but Carrie would soon find her life full of new friends, delicious food, a chance to help at a cat rescue, and a handsome rock star, who only had eyes for her.

“The Time of My Life” is the perfect title for a book that took me away to sun-drenched Greece, introduced me to characters I will never forget and let me revel in the happiness between the friends, both old and new. Drama, and a few tears, were shed on the way to a magical ending that everyone deserved.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Eliza Woods sees an advertisement for someone's whole life for sale - their house, their car, all their belongings, even their clothes and cat - not to mention a trial-run in their job and an introduction to their friends.... she decides its fate. Grabbing a different life with both hands is exactly what she needs. Even if twenty-six-year old Carrie's wildly-social life and job in a bar couldn't be more different from Eliza's quieter existence. As for Carrie, she is heading off to Greece, desperate to rum away from everything she's familiar with in England. The two women message each other after the deal has gone through, with Eliza excited to go for cocktails with Carrie's friend before her first shift at her new job. What Carrie doesn't tell her is why she put her life up for sale. And what Eliza doesn't tell Carrie is that she's about to turn seventy-five. And that isn't her only secret....

This is an addictive read. Carrie is grieving the loss of her mother, and after falling out with her friends, she decides to sell everything she owns so that she can go to Greece. Eliza was the woman who bought Carrie's life and possessions.

I liked the fact that Eliza was a more mature lady. The story is told from Carrie and Eliza's perspectives. This is both a heartwarming and emotional read.I really liked the parts that were set in Greece. The story covers domestic abuse and grief. The pace was slow to begin with and I loved the main characters.

Published 10th March 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #SamanthaTonge for my ARC of #TheTimeOfMyLife in exchange for an honest review.

[P.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a fallout with her friends and feeling like her life is missing something, 26 year old Carrie puts her life up for sale. The person who purchases it gets her home (they do have to take over the rent) and everything in it, including her beloved cat Boo. They also get her car, a trial at her job at a nightclub, and an introduction to her friends. She gets several applicants but chooses Eliza. Her boss helps her choose a place to start over and she lands on an island in Greece. When Eliza takes over her life, many are surprised to learn she's about to turn 75. At Carrie's request, Eliza sends her updates on Boo, but the two also share the experiences in their new lives.

The story is mostly told through Carrie's and Eliza's POVs with one added from a love interest's POV, which I found necessary. Eliza forgetting to mention her age and the various reactions were a great reminder that you're only as old as you feel. She was more energetic and effervescent than most of the younger characters. In the beginning, it felt like everything in Carrie's world was monotonous and gray. While some of these things she could have remedied without such a drastic action, that seemed to be the thing she needed to jumpstart finding what was missing. The story was a fresh take and really heartwarming. There's a lot of personal growth for pretty much all of the characters and the things missing in their lives weren't the typical love of a significant other.

Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Samantha Tonge for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Anne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since losing her mother, Carrie hasn’t always made the best of decisions - it’s not surprising that she embraces the idea of a fresh start, leaving her mistakes behind. Coming across a similar advert in a magazine, she decides to sell her life - her rented flat, a trial for her job, her friends (now her former friends - another “mistake” she bitterly regrets), her much loved cat Boo, her car, her clothes - and head to the Greek island of Paros, a destination only decided on by placing her finger on the map.

It’s the opportunity Eliza has been looking for, when her own life has become unbearable - she even offers Carrie more money than she asked for. But they never formally meet - and it’s a surprise to her landlord, those friends, and Carrie’s nightclub boss when they discover Eliza’s in her mid seventies. But that proves less of a problem than you might think - Eliza is only too determined to live life to the full and enjoy everything life has to offer.

Their lives and experiences unfold in parallel, with some romance along the way for them both - both gentle and quite slow-burn, especially Eliza’s - and quite beautifully handled. And there’s a lot of fun too. Eliza’s always danced as if no-one’s watching, so why wouldn’t she do that on the dance floor too? And she’s certainly handled more difficult individuals than the odd lairy customer…

But this book is rather more than fresh starts and never too old to have fun - the story has its darker edges too, as some secrets begin to emerge and we discover more about Eliza’s past. Carrie’s time on the island of Paros isn’t all smooth sailing either - although her sense of contentment and belonging slowly grows. And I really liked the way the two women stayed in contact, became unlikely friends, sharing their experiences - but there’s more to the story than that too, with some emotional moments taking things in a quite different direction.

It’s a tremendously engaging story, an original idea perfectly but unusually developed, filled with unexpected twists and turns, and with far more depth than you might expect - and although I felt rather more of a pull towards Eliza for the earlier part of the story, both women had completely won my heart before their stories ended. Another wonderful read from one of my favourite authors - and very much recommended.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

As ever with Samantha’s books, there is always such a unique theme running through them. They are poignant, they don’t shy away from the tougher parts of life, but they are also full of joy, love and friendship.

There is always such hidden depths within these books, the more you read the more you get sucked into the characters lives, champion them, cry with them, laugh with them.

In this book we meet Carrie, a twenty six year old, trying to run away from her life. We also meet Eliza, at nearly seventy five she sees an advent to buy someone’s life…..
Now I don’t want to give much away as this book reveals all its secrets as you read, but you are in for a treat.
It does deal with some difficult issues, grief, domestic abuse, issues with social media, but it also has loyalty, acceptance, moving on, realising that life is what you make of it.

Although Samantha deals with these difficult topics, she always does it with such sensitivity, both for the characters and the reader. There is such depth to the characters and you really will feel as though you are part of the story. There are too many wonderful characters to mention them all, but each one is so important to the story and to Carrie and Eliza.

I loved the various friendships that form throughout the story, and the reality of them. Friendships aren’t always easy, they need work, but no matter what, they are always there.

So all in all a lovely, thought provoking read, with just real emotions and friendships weaved through.

[Jo Bardgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The time of my life
By Samantha Tonge
Published by Boldwood books

What a fabulous new novel from Samantha Tonge!
I loved the style Tonge creates as Carrie and Eliza tell their side of this beautiful, truly reflective story and the way life intertwines between characters.

Carrie hasn’t had a great time, after losing her mum. Grief has consumed her as she has tried to fill the gaps with fake instagram posts. When her friends discover the truth, opinions are shared and the friendship ties are strained.

Eliza has always been consumed and restricted by her husband and never brave enough to leave him. Since his death, Eliza has vowed to live life differently, on her own terms.

When Carrie puts her life ‘up for sale’ Eliza jumps at the chance of change. Knowing life has its ups and downs, both characters put their bravery to the test!

Carrie makes the huge decision to travel - sun, sea, self-care and freedom.
Eliza buys Carrie’s life - a new job, a new community and new friendships.

Full of love: between friends, family, work mates and for the future.
Full of reflection: time to put the past behind you and move forward.
Full of purpose: you only get one life and it is up to you to live it in the best way you can.

A wonderful storyline which will make you think, reflect and maybe inspire you to check in on yourself and your loved ones.

Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery

[Cait's Reading Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza stumbles upon an advertisement to buys someone’s whole life. She takes the brave next step and goes for it. The novel is set around one key question: How far would you go to change your life? For Eliza, it’s completing assuming a new life; for Carrie, it’s running way to Greece, looking to leave everything she knew in England.

I thought the way the novel was built around one thought-provoking question was well done. Two women looking for significant change. It is a central question for both Eliza and Carrie’s stories. It also is one for us as readers to pause and consider in time where we wanted to change our lives.

It’s a character drive story, which I enjoyed. We get to know both of the protagonists well. Through their messages to each other and those they send to the people in their lives, we learn about the challenges they face, their hopes, their fears, and their secrets. The novel explores many emotions and experiences.

I enjoyed how this story explores the dynamics among friendships and various kinds of friendships, including those across generations. The novel is one o healing the bonds between friends, new beginnings, identity and self-discovery. And that it can take place at any age.

Thank you to Samantha Tonge and Love Books Tours for the gifted copy and the opportunity to be part of the tour! I was provided a copy of this book for free and will be leaving an honest review.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you could choose to leave everything behind and start all over again, would you? ✈️🏝️

Thank you to LoveBooksTours, Boldwood Books, Netgalley and Samantha for a gifted ARC of this book!

(Pre-warning - this book will make you want to go on holiday! 🤣)

The Time of My Life follows two very different female main characters - Carrie, a mid-20s secret social media influencer who finds herself stuck in a rut 💭 and Eliza, who is almost triple Carrie’s age and is ready to restart her life by finally putting herself first 🤍

Their lives intertwine when Carrie posts an ad to sell her entire life so that she can start afresh, and you can guess who responds to the ad… Eliza! 👀

What I loved about this book was how hard-hitting topics such as rejection, loss, life pressures and standing up against intimidation were weaved sensitively into a wider plot of hope, new beginnings, taking chances and learning to forgive 🫶🏼

There is MUCH more to this book than just a new start for Carrie in a beautiful Greek town - I loved the scene-setting here but I was equally screaming at Carrie to return to her old life and make amends 🤣

The character building in The Time of My Life is incredible (Eliza was definitely my fave 🥰), and you won’t be able to put it down until you find out what the end has in store for two very strong, caring women who have so much in common despite facing their own battles!

Make sure you add this to your TBR 📖🥳

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming story of two women finding themselves. After Carrie’s mother passes away she creates a new life online as an influencer as a way to escape. After falling out with her two best friends she sees an ad where a man is selling his life on eBay so she decides to put hers up for sale so she can move to the Greek Islands and live a real life.

Eliza is now running a successful florist business after escaping from a harmful marriage which lead to her being estranged from her daughter and granddaughter. She offers to buy Carrie’s life. I admit I was a little weary of this story as I had to suspend my beliefs a bit. Once past the set up I fell in love with both women and their stories. That said Carrie was a little annoying at times and ai was impressed with how brave Eliza was so I felt a bit more connected with her story. I loved the Greek Islands setting and references to George Michael, K Pop, delicious food, cats and how it was told using texts and emails.

The romance element was fun. Carrie’s interactions with her landlord and her bumping into a famous singer who thought she was stalking him and Eliza with a younger man. It was fun to learn both Greek and Mancunian vocabulary. I enjoyed how the author explored themes of grief, ageism, domestic violence and the fakeness of influencer life. For people who enjoy found family and enemies to lovers trope and stories about embracing change and friendship.

[Liz T · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Time of My Life was a lovely way to escape another cold, rainy week. It immediately appealed to me as it was partly set on the beautiful island of Poros, Greece. I spent several days there if only in my imagination!
When Carrie has a falling out with her friends she feels totally bereft. Her Mum died only a year ago and she has no relatives other than the old witch of a grandmother who threw her Mum, Mel out when she became pregnant with Carrie. She has never met her grandmother and never wants to either.
Carrie decides to “sell” her life after reading an article about it in a magazine.
Enter Eliza who has reasons of her own for buying Carrie’s life. She is a 74 year old widow who a number of years ago left an abusive and controlling relationship and started a new life for herself but has many regrets.
With her life sold Carrie now needs to decide where to go and when Jez who is the boss at the night club where she works suggests closing her eyes and putting her finger on a map, it lands on Poros.
The Time of My Life follows what happens as Eliza takes over Carrie’s life which includes her home, friends and job and Carrie’s exciting new life in Poros. It was a lovely bit of escapism. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“The Time of the My Life” is by Samantha Tonge. This book tells the story of Eliza, who wants a new life, and Carrie, who wants to escape her current life. Recalling an article, Carrie decides to “sell” her life - flat, job, cat, car, friends and possessions. Eliza jumps in with both feet - deciding that this change was just what she needed to get out of her life rut and she embraces it joyfully. Carrie decides to leave the UK for Paros (Greek island). Carrie also decides to jump into a new life - volunteering at a cat rescue shelter, trying new foods, and making new friends herself. My one thought reading this book was that both women were extroverts (introverts might take a while to decide to “jump for it”). I found this book a bit slow going at the beginning, but once the story got rolling, it moved along at a good clip. It was also very easy to keep the characters and storyline separate, which I appreciated. I think this book would be good for people feeling “stuck” in their lives and want to take a chance - or who just want some escapism (though some of the topics weren’t all light and fluffy). A good read.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

We all go through phases where we wish we could swap our lives with someone else’s - whether to escape a situation, gain distance, or simply try something new without long‑term commitment. That’s the premise of this book, and it’s one I really enjoyed.

When the opportunity arises for our main characters to step out of their current lives and switch places, it sets the stage for a story about self‑discovery, stepping outside one’s comfort zone, and finally facing difficult decisions they’ve avoided for far too long. As they navigate their new realities, they begin to understand each other in unexpected ways, and their connection proves to be deeper than they initially thought.

While I appreciated the overall story - especially the alternating POVs and the added past timeline - the occasional one‑off chapter from an additional character didn’t contribute much for me. I also struggled to fully connect with the personal journeys of both main characters. Some aspects worked well, while others felt a bit overstated. And although I appreciated seeing a seventy‑five‑year‑old character living her life rather than staying home, parts of that storyline stretched believability for me.

All in all, the book has a lot of potential. Some elements landed beautifully, while others didn’t quite work for me.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Samantha's stories always find a way to resonate with me and this was no exception. This one proves that it's never too late to start living! Just because life hasn't turned out the way you expected doesn't mean you cant do anything about it.
That really hit home for me
How far would you be willing to go to start your life over? Eliza finds an ad for someone's life for sale-job, car. house. clothes and even their cat and friends, she decides its fate and it's time to make a change.
Carrie has had it with everything and is ready to make a move so she puts her whole life up for sale, thinking that no one would really take her up on it but hoping that someone would. When Eliza does. Carrie sets off on adventure of her own to try and rediscover her true self and what she wants for her future.
While Eliza is living in carries life, we learn more about what led her to want to take on someone else's and soon their stories are seamlessiy intertwined.
This is a story you can easily lose an afternoon in and a good reminder that you can in fact teach an old dog new tricks.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review

[Rebecca Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Time Of My Life deserves to be read. It is a beautiful story that is ultimately uplifting. Some parts are predictable but the journey to get to those parts, is entertaining and enjoyable!

This book has fabulous strong characters who you grow to love the more you read. The main character is Eliza who sells her whole life after falling out with her friends and moving to Greece to start all over.

Carrie who is 75 has her own story. A widow from a hard marriage, fits straight in with Eliza's old life but Carrie has a secret!

This book has so many messages about living life, not letting things get on top of you and don't let people hold you back.

So many great quotes throughout this book. I liked:
''Life went up, life went down and the best way forward was to accept that - along with collecting precious memories like these. They were the glue between the people that mattered, and remind everyone, when problems hit, that this thing called life, was worth it.'"

Thank you #Netgallery.uk for this ARC.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read an ARC of The Time of My Life by Samantha Tonge in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this story - it was such a fun and heartwarming read.

The premise immediately hooked me: buying someone’s entire life? House, job, friends, even the cat! Watching Eliza step into Carrie’s younger, social world was both entertaining and surprisingly relatable. It really shows how we only ever know what people choose to share - and how much can be hiding beneath the surface.

I loved the themes of forgiveness (of self and others), friendship, and connection. There’s also a sweet touch of romance woven in, but at its heart this story is about starting over and having the courage to choose a different path. Eliza’s journey especially is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself or open your heart to something new.

Overall, an enjoyable, relatable, feel-good read with a lot of heart.

[Ulli Zaiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her mother's passing and falling out with her two best friends twenty-something Carrie decides to "sell" her life (her appartement, car and most worldly posessions and an introduction to her friends and boss) and start new somewhere abroad. She ends up on a greek island where she soon makes new friends. Back at home 75-year-old Eliza "bought" Carrie's life and even though she is that much older than Carrie she fits right into it. But there might be a connection between these two women that only one of them knows about...
This was a complete feel-good novel that left me feeling light and wanting to book a vacation asap. I could relate to both main characters (well, not all the time but a bit at least), I loved the setting on Paros and I really liked how the story developed. It's a light and entertaining novel, perfect for escaping your everyday life for a few hours.
I received an ARC via netgalley.com and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable, uplifting read with a meaningful emotional core. My thanks to Boldwood Books for the digital copy received via Netgalley.

Samantha Tonge has a real talent for creating relatable characters, and I quickly found myself totally invested in both Carrie and Eliza's journey.

The premise is both thought-provoking and heartfelt, exploring themes of second chances, self-reflection, and what it really means to live a fulfilling life. I especially appreciated how the story balanced lighter, feel-good moments with deeper, more introspective ones. The story never felt overly heavy, but it still gave me plenty to think about. And while I didn’t feel completely surprised by every plot development, the emotional payoff made it worthwhile.

So, overall, this is a warm, reflective, and ultimately hopeful read. Perfect if you enjoy stories about personal growth and life’s “what ifs.”

[The Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m giving this a 4 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

While the concept of switching lives is a trope I’ve encountered before, it remains incredibly intriguing and catchy. This book held my attention from the very first page to the final chapter. Overall, it was an engaging read, and I genuinely had a fantastic time with it.

The story is a beautiful blend of friendship, deep connection, and the difficult process of learning to forgive yourself. There’s a lovely bit of romance thrown in for good measure, giving the whole book a cozy, feel-good vibe that I really appreciated.

Ever wondered whose life you’d switch with for a week? Let me know in the comments on my profile @TheLitWhisperer!