Chasing Change

by Annemarie LLoyd

'What began as a harmless adventure resulted in being stranded in the middle of nowhere with ... nothing. After I heard my van driving away from the campsite, I raced to where it had been parked. All that remained were three chairs, a table and my day bag. Apart from some basic essentials, my phone was missing. Relief at finding my wallet was short lived; it was empty. I would have to endure a night alone in the bush, 800 kilometres (500 miles) from the nearest city, with nothing but a half-full bottle of water and a half-empty bag of marshmallows. At least the thieves left me with a decent fire.’

Her marriage in tatters, career in peril and her life falling apart around her, Shelley is tired of being forced to accept the changes life keeps throwing at her. Enter good friends, champagne, and a tree-hugging massage therapist to help heal heartbreak and loss. Determined to take the wheel - literally - Shelley buys a campervan and begins an adventure, travelling around Australia's amazing coastline and experiencing a lifelong dream. Beginning on the fringes of majestic Sydney Harbour, and moving north around the country to the tropical Top End and Australia's west coast, Shelley takes the reader on the trip of a lifetime. Chasing Change is a comedy of errors. It is a journey of heartbreak, self-discovery, romance, and intrigue – everything that comes with Chasing Change.

343 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 27, 2026

Reviews

[S Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an ARC reader for this novel, I highly recommend Chasing Change for romance enthusiasts when it is released in late September 2026.
Spoken from Shelley’s point of view, the author has filled the pages with lighthearted internal dialogue, positive realisations and an emotional rollercoaster of love, heartache and friendships. She travels the country, chasing change and taking control of her life rather than letting life control her.
If you love contemporary romance novels, this one is for you. Set in Australia, Annemarie Lloyd has shown the beauty of the country as Shelley travels and navigates unexpected obstacles, which only make her stronger and more confident.

[Aimee Beloved Nerdy Auntie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own. This is a story about a woman navigating A LOT of change. Some of it was completely outside her control. It’s also about her discovering that sometimes the biggest changes lead to the best kind of self-discovery. I really enjoyed the Australian setting and all the Australianisms, and now I desperately want to visit Australia… preferably without encountering any of the many creatures there that apparently want to kill me. 😂 My favorite parts were the quirky sense of humor and the slow burn romance. Watching her explore the world around her while also figuring out who she is made this feel like more than just a romance. If you enjoy character growth, humor, travel vibes, and a romance that takes its sweet time getting there, this one is worth adding to your TBR.

[Dianne Diamante · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an honor to be an advanced reader of this extremely enjoyable novel. I was immediately hooked and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Shelley was so likable and real, I think girls of all ages will enjoy being transported along with Shelley on her shenanigans and adventures. Would be the perfect holiday read on the beach or by the pool.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Change had me hooked from start to finish. It gave me major Eat, Pray, Love vibes, except Shelley's journey of heartbreak and self-discovery takes place entirely across Australia's stunning coastline instead of around the world.

Shelley is such a relatable, funny narrator, and I loved watching her grow from heartbroken and blindsided by Matt's betrayal into someone truly independent and sure of herself. Her friendship with Cate felt so real and grounding, and the cast of outback characters she meets along the way, like Hunter and Jack, made the road trip feel genuine and full of heart. And of course, Robert's slow-burn arc had me rooting for them the entire time.

As an American reader, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to visualize all the different Australian places Shelley travels to, from Cairns all the way to Monkey Mia. It felt like a true trip across the country.

A heartfelt, funny, and swoony read. Highly recommend!

Thank you to the author for providing this ARC and the opportunity to review your work!

[Patti Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this Advance Review Copy.

I didn't know what to expect from the ARC, but I was pleasantly surprised. Shelley is funny, even when she is heartbroken.

I read somewhere that the book had 'Eat Pray Love' vibes (with an Australian twist). I totally agree.

Shelley navigates heartbreak and change in her life by managing it on her terms. She grows through change and humour.

I love the beach vibes and the outback characters.

A lot of this book could be summarised as "Don't get mad/even - get better." And Shelley gets a whole lot better, on her own terms.

This is an excellent feel-good story - a mix of reality and escapism. This is one I'll read again.

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed to get the opportunity to read Chasing Change before it's publication . Sometimes you just want a book that's romantic , thought provoking and an easy read , and Chasing Change is all of those things . Set in Australia where Shelley sets off on her adventures I found myself wishing I could have joined her. This is the first book I have read by Annemarie Lloyd but it won't be my last .

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Chasing Change. What an adventure across our beautiful country evoking memories as the landscape was so well depicted and described through Shelley’s eyes, I felt that I was present on the journey. The heartache, the romance, the relationships, people, feelings and places were brought to life through the fabulous way in which they were written. The humour, self realisations, growth and change made a fabulous read which left me wanting to read more.

[Yvonne White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Written in first person, it's narrated with humour, even when the going is rough.
The characters are relatable and loveable.
I love that Shelley grew through adversity (after swearing a bit to get there).
Major 'Eat, Pray, Love' feels - an Australian adventure.
There are funny outback characters, a swoony main male character and a delightful transition guy.
All this book needs is a glass of bubbles, and a good, comfy couch to complement it.

[Penny Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pleasure to be an advanced reader for this funny, warm adventure about a woman who thought it was all going okay until it wasn’t. Chasing Change has humour, all the emotions women ever feel, a built-in travel guide and beautiful descriptions that make you feel like you’re in the places you’ve never been. Highly recommended for anyone who is looking for something in life they didn’t know they needed.

[Michelle Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great read an emotional roller coaster from start to finish.
Shelley takes you on the trip of a lifetime, Ive felt her heart ache and pain when her marriage ended. I’ve laughed and shed tears and was caught up in her romances and friendships she had along the way.
Highly recommend Chasing Change

[Annemarie Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to give me 5 stars! I love this book. It took a lot of work, a lot of tears and a lot of laughs. Every author should praise their own blood, sweat and tears 🥰