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Life Swap
‘I laughed, I laughed a lot ... you will be guaranteed to remember it ... my feel good book of 2016 so far!’ The Writing Garnet
She wanted a new life and true love. But the grass isn’t always greener on the other side...
All Polly has to her name is a string of failed relationships and a mountain of debt. She sees herself as a hopeless case and would do anything to change her luck.
So when she’s given the opportunity to swap all she’s ever known for a life of luxury, Polly jumps at the chance. Soon, it’s all diamonds, spa days and celebrity parties. Now all that's missing from her life is a bit of romance. Will hunky Matt be the man to heal her broken heart?
But money can’t always buy you happiness. Can the life she’s always dreamed of get in the way of true love?
A witty, heart warming read, perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson and Carole Matthews.
Praise for Life
‘Brilliant and freaking cool ... The ending, OMG it was HILARIOUS. Everyone should definitely read this!’ Book Reviews by Jan
'Totally didn't see the way this book was going ... witty, funny and a great pick me up.’ Mum Reinvented Blog
'Fabulously and fantastically fun...Superbly funny - a pleasure and a joy to read. The perfect pick-me-up book.'Becca's Books
'If you're looking for a total escape from life's routine with a few belly laughs along the way and a real feel-good experience throughout, do try this one!' Being Ann Reading
'Life Swap is such great fun and hugely entertaining with an amazing twist at the end that I didn't see coming at all.' The Book Magnet
'I'm no stranger to this author's work. She is always very funny, witty and writes a cracking story. Her books come with a that they will amuse, entertain, delight and have you raring for more' Cath 'n' Kindle Book reviews
'This made me laugh out loud ...lots of tender and emotional times too.' StefLoz Book Reviews.
'A novel infused with warm humour' British Comedy Guide
"Life Swap... what a book! It's entertaining, witty, intelligently written and each page makes you smile. All of us have those 'uh-oh' moments in life and this novel makes us see the brighter side and that everything works out in the end. Laughter really is the best medicine - pick up this book and read it for yourself"Celia Sawyer
Praise for Carol
‘A wonderful writer of light hearted, funny, witty and entertaining novels. Her books are like pick me ups!’ Cath ‘n’Kindle Book Reviews
‘This book is so worth gushing about – I adored it. Carol Wyer sure knows how to make people laugh.’ Chicklit Pad
‘Carol Wyer has written the best kind of book ...a joy to read ...fun, humourous and full of life...a super inspirational story and one everybody should read.’ Reviewed the Book
‘I really loved this book ... a really fun read’ Simple Wyrdings
‘I’d recommend this to both men and women...
She wanted a new life and true love. But the grass isn’t always greener on the other side...
All Polly has to her name is a string of failed relationships and a mountain of debt. She sees herself as a hopeless case and would do anything to change her luck.
So when she’s given the opportunity to swap all she’s ever known for a life of luxury, Polly jumps at the chance. Soon, it’s all diamonds, spa days and celebrity parties. Now all that's missing from her life is a bit of romance. Will hunky Matt be the man to heal her broken heart?
But money can’t always buy you happiness. Can the life she’s always dreamed of get in the way of true love?
A witty, heart warming read, perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson and Carole Matthews.
Praise for Life
‘Brilliant and freaking cool ... The ending, OMG it was HILARIOUS. Everyone should definitely read this!’ Book Reviews by Jan
'Totally didn't see the way this book was going ... witty, funny and a great pick me up.’ Mum Reinvented Blog
'Fabulously and fantastically fun...Superbly funny - a pleasure and a joy to read. The perfect pick-me-up book.'Becca's Books
'If you're looking for a total escape from life's routine with a few belly laughs along the way and a real feel-good experience throughout, do try this one!' Being Ann Reading
'Life Swap is such great fun and hugely entertaining with an amazing twist at the end that I didn't see coming at all.' The Book Magnet
'I'm no stranger to this author's work. She is always very funny, witty and writes a cracking story. Her books come with a that they will amuse, entertain, delight and have you raring for more' Cath 'n' Kindle Book reviews
'This made me laugh out loud ...lots of tender and emotional times too.' StefLoz Book Reviews.
'A novel infused with warm humour' British Comedy Guide
"Life Swap... what a book! It's entertaining, witty, intelligently written and each page makes you smile. All of us have those 'uh-oh' moments in life and this novel makes us see the brighter side and that everything works out in the end. Laughter really is the best medicine - pick up this book and read it for yourself"Celia Sawyer
Praise for Carol
‘A wonderful writer of light hearted, funny, witty and entertaining novels. Her books are like pick me ups!’ Cath ‘n’Kindle Book Reviews
‘This book is so worth gushing about – I adored it. Carol Wyer sure knows how to make people laugh.’ Chicklit Pad
‘Carol Wyer has written the best kind of book ...a joy to read ...fun, humourous and full of life...a super inspirational story and one everybody should read.’ Reviewed the Book
‘I really loved this book ... a really fun read’ Simple Wyrdings
‘I’d recommend this to both men and women...
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2016
131 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Carol Wyer
37 books1,235 followersUSA Today bestselling author and winner of The People's Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer's crime novels have sold over one million copies and been translated into nine languages.
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
August 7, 2017
Life Swap
Carol Wyer
Received from Netgalley
They always say the grass is greener on the other side, but is it really? LIFE SWAP gives two people the chance to exchange their lives for something totally different than what they are living at the moment. Polly and Simon are both having problems in their relationships, jobs, and life in general so when the opportunity comes up to swap their lives, neither one of them can say no. There is a lot of background covered in the beginning of the book and the life swaps don't happen until the middle of the book, so be prepared for that. Once the swaps happen, the story moves very quickly and before I knew it, I was finished and loved it.
Polly owns her own business and is about to lose it. Simon will be turning fifty soon and feels under appreciated at work and by his family. Both of them have been dreaming of swapping lives with someone who has more money and less problems and a seemingly happy life. But once they get over the shock of actually being able to changes lives with someone, they realize that not everyone is exactly as they think they are just by what they see on the surface. Everyone has secrets and problems that you don't always see.
There are so many twists and turns in LIFE SWAP that I was on the edge of my seat at times once the life swap happened. The story is also very funny and you won't be able to stop yourself from laughing out loud. I can't believe that I have never heard of or read Carol Wyer before. I love the way she writes and the way she puts you right in the story, sitting next to the characters and feeling as if you are a part of the story. I love the way that Carol Wyer shows you how even though you think your life stinks, once it is gone, you might actually miss it. One of the main things that kept running through my mind while reading was be careful what you wish for. That's all I'm going to say so I don't ruin it for anyone. I can't wait to read more by Carol Wyer.
Carol Wyer
Received from Netgalley
They always say the grass is greener on the other side, but is it really? LIFE SWAP gives two people the chance to exchange their lives for something totally different than what they are living at the moment. Polly and Simon are both having problems in their relationships, jobs, and life in general so when the opportunity comes up to swap their lives, neither one of them can say no. There is a lot of background covered in the beginning of the book and the life swaps don't happen until the middle of the book, so be prepared for that. Once the swaps happen, the story moves very quickly and before I knew it, I was finished and loved it.
Polly owns her own business and is about to lose it. Simon will be turning fifty soon and feels under appreciated at work and by his family. Both of them have been dreaming of swapping lives with someone who has more money and less problems and a seemingly happy life. But once they get over the shock of actually being able to changes lives with someone, they realize that not everyone is exactly as they think they are just by what they see on the surface. Everyone has secrets and problems that you don't always see.
There are so many twists and turns in LIFE SWAP that I was on the edge of my seat at times once the life swap happened. The story is also very funny and you won't be able to stop yourself from laughing out loud. I can't believe that I have never heard of or read Carol Wyer before. I love the way she writes and the way she puts you right in the story, sitting next to the characters and feeling as if you are a part of the story. I love the way that Carol Wyer shows you how even though you think your life stinks, once it is gone, you might actually miss it. One of the main things that kept running through my mind while reading was be careful what you wish for. That's all I'm going to say so I don't ruin it for anyone. I can't wait to read more by Carol Wyer.
March 2, 2016
Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Hm, this book has been a whole lot different from what I expected...in a positive and negative way, unfortunately.
At the beginning I really struggled to settle into the story. It took really long until something happened. There was way too much info-dropping and background information to the characters. For me it didn't help connecting with or understanding the characters, I just found it very repetative. The flashbacks to the past weren't needed in my opinion either.
I really liked the premise of the book but until the life swap started, half of the book was almost over. The life swaps were interesting and of course not everything was working perfectly but some things were just over the top for me.
I never would have expected that twist at the end, this came by a huge surprise and kind of saved the book for me.
Overall I enjoyed the book but unfortunately it couldn't flash me as much as I expected.
Hm, this book has been a whole lot different from what I expected...in a positive and negative way, unfortunately.
At the beginning I really struggled to settle into the story. It took really long until something happened. There was way too much info-dropping and background information to the characters. For me it didn't help connecting with or understanding the characters, I just found it very repetative. The flashbacks to the past weren't needed in my opinion either.
I really liked the premise of the book but until the life swap started, half of the book was almost over. The life swaps were interesting and of course not everything was working perfectly but some things were just over the top for me.
I never would have expected that twist at the end, this came by a huge surprise and kind of saved the book for me.
Overall I enjoyed the book but unfortunately it couldn't flash me as much as I expected.
April 1, 2016
First of all, I'd like to thank Carol Wyer and the fabulous Bookouture for providing me with a review copy of Life Swap. When the cover of Life Swap was revealed over on Twitter, I absolutely loved it and couldn't wait to dive into the book itself.
I'll begin my review by saying that Life Swap by Carol Wyer wasn't really what I expected it to be. I was pleasantly surprised by the turn of events within this novel and thought it was fabulously and fantastically fun! It was fresh, inventive and I'm sure it would strike a chord with anyone out there who's ever wondered whether the grass is really greener on the other side. Carol Wyer takes that well-known saying and creates a bubbly, joyful and amusing novel out of it which I thoroughly enjoyed.
In Life Swap, the author introduces us to Simon and Polly. Completely separate in living their lives, but very similar in that they're wondering whether it's ever going to get any better. Polly is battling debt and a failed relationship, while Simon is beginning to wonder whether he's turned invisible at some point, coupled with the disappointment his mother-in-law never attempts to hide when she glares his way. Both, understandably, daydream about what it would be like to live the life of someone with less worries and cares, more money and quite frankly, a whole lot more to celebrate. And so, in a strange turn of events, they're given the chance to do exactly that. Swap lives. Exciting, right?
You'd think so, wouldn't you? And at first, it is exciting. Both can hardly dare to believe what has happened. Polly has a wardrobe rammed with designer clothes and shoes, a stunning house, and even a personal trainer. And Simon has a beautiful new wife who's willing to try anything, an impressive car and is basically what you'd call "the man". But, things really begin to get interesting when both Simon and Polly come to realise that the lives of the people they've chosen really aren't all that they're cracked up to be.
I think what I enjoyed most about Life Swap by Carol Wyer was the lesson it teaches to the reader. Everyone, no matter how attractive or shiny or impressive they may seem on the surface, has their own secrets, obsessions and troubles. As the novel progresses and both Simon and Polly begin to realise the error of their ways, Carol ensures the reader is kept entertained by a whole host of amusing shenanigans that shock these characters back to realisation. The writing was superbly funny, and Carol Wyer has such a fantastic style, I found this book a pleasure and a joy to read. The characters were wonderfully developed, and I just adored the last few chapters, when the author really took me by surprise. Pleasant surprise, that is!
All in all, a warm, funny and fantastically uplifting novel about taking care of your own grass, rather than focusing on other people's. Appearances can certainly be deceiving, and both Simon and Polly are taught this in the most wonderful, amusing of ways. Becca's Books is awarding Life Swap by Carol Wyer with four bookish stars! The perfect 'pick-me-up' book.
I'll begin my review by saying that Life Swap by Carol Wyer wasn't really what I expected it to be. I was pleasantly surprised by the turn of events within this novel and thought it was fabulously and fantastically fun! It was fresh, inventive and I'm sure it would strike a chord with anyone out there who's ever wondered whether the grass is really greener on the other side. Carol Wyer takes that well-known saying and creates a bubbly, joyful and amusing novel out of it which I thoroughly enjoyed.
In Life Swap, the author introduces us to Simon and Polly. Completely separate in living their lives, but very similar in that they're wondering whether it's ever going to get any better. Polly is battling debt and a failed relationship, while Simon is beginning to wonder whether he's turned invisible at some point, coupled with the disappointment his mother-in-law never attempts to hide when she glares his way. Both, understandably, daydream about what it would be like to live the life of someone with less worries and cares, more money and quite frankly, a whole lot more to celebrate. And so, in a strange turn of events, they're given the chance to do exactly that. Swap lives. Exciting, right?
You'd think so, wouldn't you? And at first, it is exciting. Both can hardly dare to believe what has happened. Polly has a wardrobe rammed with designer clothes and shoes, a stunning house, and even a personal trainer. And Simon has a beautiful new wife who's willing to try anything, an impressive car and is basically what you'd call "the man". But, things really begin to get interesting when both Simon and Polly come to realise that the lives of the people they've chosen really aren't all that they're cracked up to be.
I think what I enjoyed most about Life Swap by Carol Wyer was the lesson it teaches to the reader. Everyone, no matter how attractive or shiny or impressive they may seem on the surface, has their own secrets, obsessions and troubles. As the novel progresses and both Simon and Polly begin to realise the error of their ways, Carol ensures the reader is kept entertained by a whole host of amusing shenanigans that shock these characters back to realisation. The writing was superbly funny, and Carol Wyer has such a fantastic style, I found this book a pleasure and a joy to read. The characters were wonderfully developed, and I just adored the last few chapters, when the author really took me by surprise. Pleasant surprise, that is!
All in all, a warm, funny and fantastically uplifting novel about taking care of your own grass, rather than focusing on other people's. Appearances can certainly be deceiving, and both Simon and Polly are taught this in the most wonderful, amusing of ways. Becca's Books is awarding Life Swap by Carol Wyer with four bookish stars! The perfect 'pick-me-up' book.
March 6, 2016
A funny, witty, feel good story that I absolutely loved. So many twists and turns and filled with countless laugh out loud moments. This is a book to savor and enjoy. Loved it from beginning to end. Heart warming and relatable. Loved both Simon and Polly and all the huge cast of characters. Carol Wyer is a wonderful author and I cannot wait to read more of her books.
try-again-later
March 10, 2016Not really feeling it today guys. Maybe its my frame of mind. Will try again later.
April 3, 2016
4..5 Stars
Has your life ever been going so badly, that you wished you could swap places with someone. Well when Simon and Polly's lives are going downhill they both agree to swap places with their chosen person, and the results are hilarious.
The first part of the book is the set up, which gives us the vital background to Polly and Simon's situations. It is filled with flashbacks and gives you a good idea as to why they are both unhappy. I found initially I was sympathising with Polly's story far more than Simon's possibly as she was close to my age, rather than a man who was starting to feel his age.
Once the swaps had been organised they both have radically different experiences, and in both cases are full of surprises and hilarious consequences. I found that once they had both swapped lives with other people, the book really got going and became one of the most entertaining and original stories I have read this year.
I have no idea how Carol Wyer came up with the nitty gritty of the book, which include a whole bunch of details I would love to tell you about, but feel the surprise and journey will be better without any hints from me. I did at times have some suspicions what could be about to happen, and then I was completely taken in by the set up myself.
Life Swap is a riot of a novel, filled with surprising circumstances, interesting life choices, and shows that you just don't know your casual acquaintances as well you think. All you really know about another person is the persona they give out in public, but what happens in private stays in private. and in the case of the two people that Simon and Polly become, I was surprised as just what was hiding in their lives.
With lots of incredibly funny moments, a slightly bizarre storyline, and a very well written debut, Carol Wyer has produced a gem of a book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Has your life ever been going so badly, that you wished you could swap places with someone. Well when Simon and Polly's lives are going downhill they both agree to swap places with their chosen person, and the results are hilarious.
The first part of the book is the set up, which gives us the vital background to Polly and Simon's situations. It is filled with flashbacks and gives you a good idea as to why they are both unhappy. I found initially I was sympathising with Polly's story far more than Simon's possibly as she was close to my age, rather than a man who was starting to feel his age.
Once the swaps had been organised they both have radically different experiences, and in both cases are full of surprises and hilarious consequences. I found that once they had both swapped lives with other people, the book really got going and became one of the most entertaining and original stories I have read this year.
I have no idea how Carol Wyer came up with the nitty gritty of the book, which include a whole bunch of details I would love to tell you about, but feel the surprise and journey will be better without any hints from me. I did at times have some suspicions what could be about to happen, and then I was completely taken in by the set up myself.
Life Swap is a riot of a novel, filled with surprising circumstances, interesting life choices, and shows that you just don't know your casual acquaintances as well you think. All you really know about another person is the persona they give out in public, but what happens in private stays in private. and in the case of the two people that Simon and Polly become, I was surprised as just what was hiding in their lives.
With lots of incredibly funny moments, a slightly bizarre storyline, and a very well written debut, Carol Wyer has produced a gem of a book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
February 19, 2016
Life Swap is another inspiring, addicting novel by the uplifting, funny, talented Carol E. Wyer. I gravitated to her books ever since spending some time on her blog and then reading Grumpies On Board. We all need a "feel good" fix and I found that in this author. She knows how to put a positive spin on just about everything and does it with charm and grace.
Life Swap was a nice addition to her previous books. Her language is inviting and her writing style has a bit of an edge with an uncanny sense of humor. There is complete joy within the pages and I read with gangbusters wanting to know where she was going with this.
Unpredictable and awfully funny, I devoured this precious book. The story, though a bit quirky took me right in.
Smart,witty, and delectable, Life Swap had me chopping at the bits. Couldn’t read its fast enough. Hugely entertaining, and enormously original, this clever little gem had me laughing in my seat. Or should I say glued to my seat. It was hard to pull away once I began this infectiously amusing adventure. My hats of to the author as I sit here in her praise.
Quote ~
Looking up, Polly’s insides turned to liquid and she was overcome with the desire to launch herself into his strong arms and be held. His eyes were blue. Not ordinary sky blue or the colour of forget-me-not flowers springing up in an open field. His eyes were blue like a crystal-clear blue sea, shimmering and crashing and churning. Looking into his eyes she could hear the waves falling against the shore, see the foam flying into the air.
Life Swap was a nice addition to her previous books. Her language is inviting and her writing style has a bit of an edge with an uncanny sense of humor. There is complete joy within the pages and I read with gangbusters wanting to know where she was going with this.
Unpredictable and awfully funny, I devoured this precious book. The story, though a bit quirky took me right in.
Smart,witty, and delectable, Life Swap had me chopping at the bits. Couldn’t read its fast enough. Hugely entertaining, and enormously original, this clever little gem had me laughing in my seat. Or should I say glued to my seat. It was hard to pull away once I began this infectiously amusing adventure. My hats of to the author as I sit here in her praise.
Quote ~
Looking up, Polly’s insides turned to liquid and she was overcome with the desire to launch herself into his strong arms and be held. His eyes were blue. Not ordinary sky blue or the colour of forget-me-not flowers springing up in an open field. His eyes were blue like a crystal-clear blue sea, shimmering and crashing and churning. Looking into his eyes she could hear the waves falling against the shore, see the foam flying into the air.
February 10, 2016
I’ve always enjoyed films where people swap bodies, like Freaky Friday or 13 Going on 30, but I’ve never read a book where this happens. This was a lot better than any of those body swap films - it was a real treat and it’s going to be really hard to review without giving anything away.
Polly and Simon are both unhappy with their lives. Polly is an unlucky in love shopaholic who is being sued for money she doesn’t have; and Simon has just lost his job and dreads going home to tell his wife. They both wish they could swap lives with somebody else and happen to come across an agency called Mission Imp-ossible. Mission Imp-ossible is run by demons and imps and all Polly and Simon have to do to swap lives is to condemn a soul to hell.
This was such a fun read and it really didn’t turn out the way I was expecting. There are lots of laughs, many surprises and also some sobering thoughts – you might think you hate your life but it’s only when you don’t have it anymore that you realise what you have lost.
Life Swap is such great fun and hugely entertaining with an amazing twist at the end that I didn't see coming at all. Be careful what you wish for – other’s lives aren’t as great as they might appear and nothing is ever what it seems.
I received this e-book from the publisher, Bookouture, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Polly and Simon are both unhappy with their lives. Polly is an unlucky in love shopaholic who is being sued for money she doesn’t have; and Simon has just lost his job and dreads going home to tell his wife. They both wish they could swap lives with somebody else and happen to come across an agency called Mission Imp-ossible. Mission Imp-ossible is run by demons and imps and all Polly and Simon have to do to swap lives is to condemn a soul to hell.
This was such a fun read and it really didn’t turn out the way I was expecting. There are lots of laughs, many surprises and also some sobering thoughts – you might think you hate your life but it’s only when you don’t have it anymore that you realise what you have lost.
Life Swap is such great fun and hugely entertaining with an amazing twist at the end that I didn't see coming at all. Be careful what you wish for – other’s lives aren’t as great as they might appear and nothing is ever what it seems.
I received this e-book from the publisher, Bookouture, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2016
This is the first book I have read from this author and I look forward to reading others after enjoying this one so much. It was full of humour and twists which I loved.
Polly and Simon are unhappy with their lives, so when they get the opportunity to swap lives with someone they know, they jump at the chance. Things are not necessarily greener on the other side though and regrets start to set in, but can they go back to their old lives?
The storyline wasn't what I was expecting which was great so gets a 4 solid stars from me.
I received an ARC from the Publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Polly and Simon are unhappy with their lives, so when they get the opportunity to swap lives with someone they know, they jump at the chance. Things are not necessarily greener on the other side though and regrets start to set in, but can they go back to their old lives?
The storyline wasn't what I was expecting which was great so gets a 4 solid stars from me.
I received an ARC from the Publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 28, 2017
Quite hilarious!
July 9, 2020
OMG, I did not expect this book! When I picked up the book, I skimmed the blurb and I read about people swapping their lives, but I did not expect this! Life Swap is an absolute blast! The lighter side to Carol and I have had so much fun reading about Polly and Simon!! The thing best thing about this is that I believed what they believed.
Simon is a down on his luck guy, nearly his 50th birthday, he feels like he is unappreciated and no longer wanted or needed by his wife and family. His mother-in-law always berates him and he has just been given some bad news. You can see why he would want this swap.
Polly, she is such a loveable girl, losing confidence in herself, mountains of debt and now someone is threatening to sue her, she just needs to getaway. I could see a bit of me in her.
What follows next is the hilarious tale of whether the grass is always greener as we watch, eagerly I tell you, Polly and Simon, trying to adjust to their new lives. It is just brilliant.
When you know the reasons why they are looking for a change you can see why they would but as they live their new lives, you can see the longing for their old lives. Some of the scenes in this book had me hooting with laughter, I now also know what Yiffing means – did not even know about this before!! Not my cup of tea!
Gosh, there are so many things I want to bleat on about with this book but I don’t want to spoil it. I love the idea that Carol has come up with for Life Swap I would love to know how she did! It is such a clever and very twisty idea and to say that with the last sentence of the book it has you wondering if you believe what you have read!
It is nice to read the lighter side of Carol, this was not a romantic book but more focusing on two people who have lost their way a bit and trying to find their way again, that sparkle. She writes with so much ease and it is a delight to read her words. It was just so much fun! Carol really is a dab hand at this writing malarky, she can have you crying, laughing, cringing, scared or on the edge of your seat in a matter of words. She achieves most of them here (I wasn’t scared in this book!) and she blasts it out the park, I can not express how much fun this book was!
It is most definitely an uplifting and feel-good book, one you can lose yourself in an afternoon. It is entertaining yet it harbours a strong message, be careful about what you wish for. One of the big things about this book is that it is real. It is realistic in the fact, not the life swap bit, but the way Simon and Polly feel. We feel for them and want better for them but Carol really could be writing about any one of us and it gives us the chance to take stock of what we have got, is the grass always greener?
Simon is a down on his luck guy, nearly his 50th birthday, he feels like he is unappreciated and no longer wanted or needed by his wife and family. His mother-in-law always berates him and he has just been given some bad news. You can see why he would want this swap.
Polly, she is such a loveable girl, losing confidence in herself, mountains of debt and now someone is threatening to sue her, she just needs to getaway. I could see a bit of me in her.
What follows next is the hilarious tale of whether the grass is always greener as we watch, eagerly I tell you, Polly and Simon, trying to adjust to their new lives. It is just brilliant.
When you know the reasons why they are looking for a change you can see why they would but as they live their new lives, you can see the longing for their old lives. Some of the scenes in this book had me hooting with laughter, I now also know what Yiffing means – did not even know about this before!! Not my cup of tea!
Gosh, there are so many things I want to bleat on about with this book but I don’t want to spoil it. I love the idea that Carol has come up with for Life Swap I would love to know how she did! It is such a clever and very twisty idea and to say that with the last sentence of the book it has you wondering if you believe what you have read!
It is nice to read the lighter side of Carol, this was not a romantic book but more focusing on two people who have lost their way a bit and trying to find their way again, that sparkle. She writes with so much ease and it is a delight to read her words. It was just so much fun! Carol really is a dab hand at this writing malarky, she can have you crying, laughing, cringing, scared or on the edge of your seat in a matter of words. She achieves most of them here (I wasn’t scared in this book!) and she blasts it out the park, I can not express how much fun this book was!
It is most definitely an uplifting and feel-good book, one you can lose yourself in an afternoon. It is entertaining yet it harbours a strong message, be careful about what you wish for. One of the big things about this book is that it is real. It is realistic in the fact, not the life swap bit, but the way Simon and Polly feel. We feel for them and want better for them but Carol really could be writing about any one of us and it gives us the chance to take stock of what we have got, is the grass always greener?
May 4, 2016
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Polly and Simon are both dissatisfied with their respective lives and take up the opportunity to switch lives with someone else in order to escape their struggles.
I thought, given the cover, this would tend more to a light and funny read about two people out of their depth when given what they wanted. Actually this book was nothing like I expected from the blurb and cover. The use of the word 'true love' being worth the risk suggested something more romantic and with the title suggesting more about the actual swap.
At about 47% into the book they start to approach life swapping. Most of the beforehand was backstory and to be honest, by the end of it, you don't really feel like you've learned a lot of value. The use of 'flashbacks' seemed to be a lot of filler and I thought probably could have been covered with maybe a couple of paragraphs summary instead of a flashback. For a while I assumed it might be because parts of it would become relevant later, but the more it went on the less it seemed it would be.
With half the book already done, the pacing became an issue when Polly and Simon were thrown headfirst into a what they had thought was the perfect life. I felt with a bit more time the situations could have been handled a little more carefully and there would have been less need for the rush in the second part of the book and more time for the characters to develop.
The way the story is presented you have to somewhat suspend disbelief a lot and roll with it, which I think would have made more sense if the book was presented slightly differently.
The style of writing didn't exactly play to my humour, which isn't necessarily a negative just not for me. I didn't find the book had a lot of laughs, maybe more relying on the "slapstick" of them being out of their depth.
Description of characters at the beginning came across too on the nose and seemed a lot like info dumping (here's the character and I'm going to have someone describe literally by going 'his hair colour is x, his eyes are x'). This actually reduced as the book went on, but at the beginning it broke up the flow of story telling a little for me.
I also found the style of talking a little off with some characters. I didn't feel like Polly spoke like a 30-something and I didn't think Chelsea spoke like a teenager. I can't say much for the inner monologues of a 50 something man because, frankly, I've never been one, so his interactions might have been more accurate, but I was put off him by having 'what do women know about cars' being described as his 'classic wit'. No thanks.
Frankly though I didn't find either of the characters endearing enough to really care much about what happened to then at the end of the story, even though I was interested in seeing how it was resolved, neither character really played into my thinking for that.
Potential triggering spoiler:
Polly and Simon are both dissatisfied with their respective lives and take up the opportunity to switch lives with someone else in order to escape their struggles.
I thought, given the cover, this would tend more to a light and funny read about two people out of their depth when given what they wanted. Actually this book was nothing like I expected from the blurb and cover. The use of the word 'true love' being worth the risk suggested something more romantic and with the title suggesting more about the actual swap.
At about 47% into the book they start to approach life swapping. Most of the beforehand was backstory and to be honest, by the end of it, you don't really feel like you've learned a lot of value. The use of 'flashbacks' seemed to be a lot of filler and I thought probably could have been covered with maybe a couple of paragraphs summary instead of a flashback. For a while I assumed it might be because parts of it would become relevant later, but the more it went on the less it seemed it would be.
With half the book already done, the pacing became an issue when Polly and Simon were thrown headfirst into a what they had thought was the perfect life. I felt with a bit more time the situations could have been handled a little more carefully and there would have been less need for the rush in the second part of the book and more time for the characters to develop.
The way the story is presented you have to somewhat suspend disbelief a lot and roll with it, which I think would have made more sense if the book was presented slightly differently.
The style of writing didn't exactly play to my humour, which isn't necessarily a negative just not for me. I didn't find the book had a lot of laughs, maybe more relying on the "slapstick" of them being out of their depth.
Description of characters at the beginning came across too on the nose and seemed a lot like info dumping (here's the character and I'm going to have someone describe literally by going 'his hair colour is x, his eyes are x'). This actually reduced as the book went on, but at the beginning it broke up the flow of story telling a little for me.
I also found the style of talking a little off with some characters. I didn't feel like Polly spoke like a 30-something and I didn't think Chelsea spoke like a teenager. I can't say much for the inner monologues of a 50 something man because, frankly, I've never been one, so his interactions might have been more accurate, but I was put off him by having 'what do women know about cars' being described as his 'classic wit'. No thanks.
Frankly though I didn't find either of the characters endearing enough to really care much about what happened to then at the end of the story, even though I was interested in seeing how it was resolved, neither character really played into my thinking for that.
Potential triggering spoiler:
March 21, 2016
*advanced preview copy given by netgalley/bookouture*
Prepare yourself for a book that you will probably remember the day after you read it. Prepare yourself for a book that will have you wondering ‘what the fried eggs is going on?’. Prepare yourself for a book that will leave you that puzzled to the point of being unable to put it down. But more importantly, prepare yourself to be transported into a story that will make you look at your own life a little bit differently….
Before reading the Life Swap, I did the unthinkable. I didn’t read what it was about so I took it by its lively and bright looking cover and title. I straight away assumed that it was going to be about one person wanting a better life for themselves. Ever seen ‘The Holiday’ with Kate Winslet? I thought it was going to be similar to that. I know it is wrong to assume, however, it makes a much better surprise if you do in the book world. Brace yourselves, it’s not often I admit this so I am just telling you, you can keep a secret right? I was wrong, completely wrong. It was nothing like ‘The Holiday’. Lives were swapped, but not in the way that you might think.
Life Swap starts by the hunger inducing, wonderful thoughts of…..marshmallows. Yes, the book begins with marshmallows! If you’re not a fan of them, don’t let it put you off the book though, I mean, it’s not like it’s a talking marshmallow! No really, it’s not! At the beginning you’re introduced to Mr Simon Green, a car salesman with a wife and two children. Oh, and a cat. I won’t mention the cat too much, not that I have anything against cats, but, oh you’ll see! Mr Green is unhappy in his current life and wishes for his troubles to disappear (don’t we all). He wishes for the typical thing, happiness. Luckily for him, strangers come to the ‘rescue’ and promise him that things will change for the better and that a happier life is before him. Or is it?
Meet Polly MacGregor. An unlucky in love sports therapist that adores spending money on things she doesn’t really need. Polly is also unhappy in her life because of problems facing her that could ruin everything. She could lose everything. No wonder she wants a new life, a life full of luxury and without problems. Unexpectedly, Polly gets promised the world also, beckoning her into a life that she desires. A life swap. But is it really what she desires?
Throughout the story you will swap between the two main characters, their lives and their ‘new’ lives, with every chapter leaving you will something to think about and laugh about. Go with the story, because you’ll be truly kicking yourself at the end. Don’t blame me if you hurt yourself though!
I finished the book in five and a half hours. I was hooked on the bizarreness of what I was reading. Many, many times I did say out loud ‘what the fried eggs is going on?’ but I HAD to finish it. It is definitely an unpredictable story, however, it has the most incredible conclusion. This was the first book by Carol Wyers I had read, I didn’t know what her style was like, but I laughed, I laughed a lot. The things you will come across in the book are actually relatable to an extent because of the real life worries that do occur. Not everyone is happy in their lives, people do want things to change, but I would suggest not going down the route that Simon and Polly did!
If you’re into weird and wonderful humour, then expect the unexpected because you’re in for an absolute treat. It’s so bizarre and hilarious to the point that you will be guaranteed to remember it. Lose yourself in the joys of what unfolds before your very eyes. Laugh out loud. This is definitely a book for relaxing and to not take things so seriously. It’s my feel good book of 2016 so far!
Prepare yourself for a book that you will probably remember the day after you read it. Prepare yourself for a book that will have you wondering ‘what the fried eggs is going on?’. Prepare yourself for a book that will leave you that puzzled to the point of being unable to put it down. But more importantly, prepare yourself to be transported into a story that will make you look at your own life a little bit differently….
Before reading the Life Swap, I did the unthinkable. I didn’t read what it was about so I took it by its lively and bright looking cover and title. I straight away assumed that it was going to be about one person wanting a better life for themselves. Ever seen ‘The Holiday’ with Kate Winslet? I thought it was going to be similar to that. I know it is wrong to assume, however, it makes a much better surprise if you do in the book world. Brace yourselves, it’s not often I admit this so I am just telling you, you can keep a secret right? I was wrong, completely wrong. It was nothing like ‘The Holiday’. Lives were swapped, but not in the way that you might think.
Life Swap starts by the hunger inducing, wonderful thoughts of…..marshmallows. Yes, the book begins with marshmallows! If you’re not a fan of them, don’t let it put you off the book though, I mean, it’s not like it’s a talking marshmallow! No really, it’s not! At the beginning you’re introduced to Mr Simon Green, a car salesman with a wife and two children. Oh, and a cat. I won’t mention the cat too much, not that I have anything against cats, but, oh you’ll see! Mr Green is unhappy in his current life and wishes for his troubles to disappear (don’t we all). He wishes for the typical thing, happiness. Luckily for him, strangers come to the ‘rescue’ and promise him that things will change for the better and that a happier life is before him. Or is it?
Meet Polly MacGregor. An unlucky in love sports therapist that adores spending money on things she doesn’t really need. Polly is also unhappy in her life because of problems facing her that could ruin everything. She could lose everything. No wonder she wants a new life, a life full of luxury and without problems. Unexpectedly, Polly gets promised the world also, beckoning her into a life that she desires. A life swap. But is it really what she desires?
Throughout the story you will swap between the two main characters, their lives and their ‘new’ lives, with every chapter leaving you will something to think about and laugh about. Go with the story, because you’ll be truly kicking yourself at the end. Don’t blame me if you hurt yourself though!
I finished the book in five and a half hours. I was hooked on the bizarreness of what I was reading. Many, many times I did say out loud ‘what the fried eggs is going on?’ but I HAD to finish it. It is definitely an unpredictable story, however, it has the most incredible conclusion. This was the first book by Carol Wyers I had read, I didn’t know what her style was like, but I laughed, I laughed a lot. The things you will come across in the book are actually relatable to an extent because of the real life worries that do occur. Not everyone is happy in their lives, people do want things to change, but I would suggest not going down the route that Simon and Polly did!
If you’re into weird and wonderful humour, then expect the unexpected because you’re in for an absolute treat. It’s so bizarre and hilarious to the point that you will be guaranteed to remember it. Lose yourself in the joys of what unfolds before your very eyes. Laugh out loud. This is definitely a book for relaxing and to not take things so seriously. It’s my feel good book of 2016 so far!
April 25, 2016
We all know the tale of Freaky Friday - mom and daughter don't understand each other and through magic are each moved into the others life to live without a road map. Big? 13 Going on 30? A youth is now an adult bumbling through life. Who doesn't love these stories! Enter Life Swap...
This is a book I judged by it's title and cover. The cover looked whimsical and, based on the title alone, I wanted to dive in. After reading the plot summary I was hooked! "This should be great!" I thought. Two people who are upset with their lot in life get to swap lives only to find out the grass isn't always greener. Do they swap with each other? Do they swap with others? Is this anything like the show Wife Swap where they get to critique each other afterward? And so I began...
The first 100 pages or so of the book introduced us to Simon and Polly and showed us just how bad their life had become. Memories of the past are sprinkled throughout. Simon is turning 50 soon and finds himself with problems at work and at home. Polly owns her own business and finds herself at the edge of losing it all. Both are ready for a change.
I found the first 100 pages or so to be a bit of a drag, and the memories removed me from the story and didn't add much to the "woe-is-me" feel the author was going for. I would be reading present day, would turn a page and BAM another memory. I would flip back to the previous page wondering if I skipped something. We were in the middle of a thought - how did we get a memory and THEN end the thought? Too distracting.
I'm glad I stuck with the book though because once the life swap happened, the pace of the book picked up. Gone were the memories! On with the changes! This is where the real fun begins!
And then it happens - there's a twist at the end that I NEVER saw coming. I sat there shaking my head thinking "BRILLIANT! Dear everyone who put the book down in the beginning - PICK IT BACK UP AGAIN!" The ending made everything worth it for me.
Give this one a try - stick with it through the beginning for the payout at the end!
I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a book I judged by it's title and cover. The cover looked whimsical and, based on the title alone, I wanted to dive in. After reading the plot summary I was hooked! "This should be great!" I thought. Two people who are upset with their lot in life get to swap lives only to find out the grass isn't always greener. Do they swap with each other? Do they swap with others? Is this anything like the show Wife Swap where they get to critique each other afterward? And so I began...
The first 100 pages or so of the book introduced us to Simon and Polly and showed us just how bad their life had become. Memories of the past are sprinkled throughout. Simon is turning 50 soon and finds himself with problems at work and at home. Polly owns her own business and finds herself at the edge of losing it all. Both are ready for a change.
I found the first 100 pages or so to be a bit of a drag, and the memories removed me from the story and didn't add much to the "woe-is-me" feel the author was going for. I would be reading present day, would turn a page and BAM another memory. I would flip back to the previous page wondering if I skipped something. We were in the middle of a thought - how did we get a memory and THEN end the thought? Too distracting.
I'm glad I stuck with the book though because once the life swap happened, the pace of the book picked up. Gone were the memories! On with the changes! This is where the real fun begins!
And then it happens - there's a twist at the end that I NEVER saw coming. I sat there shaking my head thinking "BRILLIANT! Dear everyone who put the book down in the beginning - PICK IT BACK UP AGAIN!" The ending made everything worth it for me.
Give this one a try - stick with it through the beginning for the payout at the end!
I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2016
Most everyone has heard the age old adage "the grass isn't always greener on the other side". And this is exactly what the characters of Wyer's new book, Life Swap, discover.
When life becomes so completely overwhelming at work, at home, with his disgruntled mother-in-law Simon can't see any way out. It's not that he doesn't love his wife and kids, he does; however, the question he finds himself asking is do they still love him. Then a chance meeting with a couple of quota filling demons offers Simon exactly what he's looking for, a fresh start.
Polly, meanwhile, is also finding her world turned upside down. One failed relationship after another and her career on the line, what could she possibly do to fix things and get her life back on track? When Polly stumbles across an advertisement that offers to do just that, or a twist on it anyway, her curiosity wins out.
As the proverb goes "Fortune favors the brave." Both Simon and Polly, having given up hope, decide to take a leap of faith and make a deal with the devil. Giving up everything that has brought them to their knees shouldn't be that difficult, right? And having the option to simply swap it all away for a bigger, better, more fulfilling life - well, that should most certainly be worth it all in the end.
I must really thank the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me this advanced review opportunity. Life Swap was filled to the brim with moments that will make you laugh out loud. It's a silly, good, fun read perfect for anyone who has ever wondered what life would be like in someone else's shoes. I give Life Swap a solid five stars for the creativity and well thought out execution of this hilarious concept. Well done, Ms Wyer! I look forward to getting my hands on some of your earlier books.
When life becomes so completely overwhelming at work, at home, with his disgruntled mother-in-law Simon can't see any way out. It's not that he doesn't love his wife and kids, he does; however, the question he finds himself asking is do they still love him. Then a chance meeting with a couple of quota filling demons offers Simon exactly what he's looking for, a fresh start.
Polly, meanwhile, is also finding her world turned upside down. One failed relationship after another and her career on the line, what could she possibly do to fix things and get her life back on track? When Polly stumbles across an advertisement that offers to do just that, or a twist on it anyway, her curiosity wins out.
As the proverb goes "Fortune favors the brave." Both Simon and Polly, having given up hope, decide to take a leap of faith and make a deal with the devil. Giving up everything that has brought them to their knees shouldn't be that difficult, right? And having the option to simply swap it all away for a bigger, better, more fulfilling life - well, that should most certainly be worth it all in the end.
I must really thank the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me this advanced review opportunity. Life Swap was filled to the brim with moments that will make you laugh out loud. It's a silly, good, fun read perfect for anyone who has ever wondered what life would be like in someone else's shoes. I give Life Swap a solid five stars for the creativity and well thought out execution of this hilarious concept. Well done, Ms Wyer! I look forward to getting my hands on some of your earlier books.
July 21, 2021
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. I always like to read stories about people who think the grass is greener on the other side. I used to be one of these people until I realised actually I need to make the changes to get the life I want. I always connect more with these types of stories for that reason and this one was no exception.
Everyone feels at some point in their lives like perhaps there is more to life or what if? When they look back at their lives and this story captures that perfectly. While there were a couple of twists I didn’t see coming it made for a thoroughly enjoyable and unpredictable read.
There were 2 main sets of characters and plots to the story and both were easy to follow as it flicked from one to the other for different chapters. It was easy to read and the characters were likable and relatable. I think it is a good story that both male and female audiences will enjoy which makes a change as usually when I read books I generally think females are more likely to enjoy them.
I found it a little far fetched when the devils were introduced and struggled to read that part because it seemed so unrealistic, where they come in and what it leads to was not what I was expecting for the end. It kept me entertained and guessing what was coming next. While the overall ending was what I was expecting the way the story got there was not and that is what I liked.
I look forward to reading more from Carol and recommend this book as a light hearted, funny read.
Everyone feels at some point in their lives like perhaps there is more to life or what if? When they look back at their lives and this story captures that perfectly. While there were a couple of twists I didn’t see coming it made for a thoroughly enjoyable and unpredictable read.
There were 2 main sets of characters and plots to the story and both were easy to follow as it flicked from one to the other for different chapters. It was easy to read and the characters were likable and relatable. I think it is a good story that both male and female audiences will enjoy which makes a change as usually when I read books I generally think females are more likely to enjoy them.
I found it a little far fetched when the devils were introduced and struggled to read that part because it seemed so unrealistic, where they come in and what it leads to was not what I was expecting for the end. It kept me entertained and guessing what was coming next. While the overall ending was what I was expecting the way the story got there was not and that is what I liked.
I look forward to reading more from Carol and recommend this book as a light hearted, funny read.
March 23, 2020
Polly ist eine mollige Sporttherapeutin, die keine guten Erfahrungen mit der Liebe gemacht und auch sonst ziemlich viel Ärger hat. Simon arbeitet als Autoverkäufer, dessen Verkäufe immer schlechter laufen und auch in seiner Ehe und mit seinen Kindern fühlt er sich immer unwohler. Polly und Simon kennen sich nicht, doch bekommt jeder von ihnen und unabhängig voneinander in einer gruseligen Bar ein Angebot unterbreitet, das es in sich hat. Sie dürfen ihr Leben mit einer anderen Person tauschen, die sie sich aussuchen dürfen. Wer würde in ihrer Situation ablehnen, auch wenn es sehr verdächtig nach einem Geschäft mit der Hölle aussieht?
Ich muss sagen, dass mich die Kurzbeschreibung und das Cover sofort einnehmen konnten. Die Geschichte ist witzig, aber es gibt da doch einige Dinge, die mir nicht gefielen. Es brauchte circa 100 Seiten, in denen sich die Probleme der Protagonisten zuspitzten und es interessant wurde. Ja und dann beschlich mich irgendwann das Gefühl, dass alle Reichen abgebrüht oder für den moralischen Bürger nicht akzeptabel sind. Also lieber Leser, lehn dich entspannt zurück, genieße die Geschichte und tröste dich damit, dass das Gras auf der anderen Seite des Zauns auch nicht grüner ist. Zum Schluss gibt es dann noch eine überraschende Wende. Trotz alledem war es unterhaltsam zu lesen und die Idee gefiel mir auch sehr gut.
Humor: 6 / 10 Punkten
Wohlfühl-Feeling: 5 / 10 Punkten
Liebe & Romantik: 5 / 10 Punkten
Action & Spannung: 6 / 10 Punkten
Drama: 4 / 10 Punkten
Dieses Buch wurde mir als Leseexemplar zur Verfügung gestellt.
Ich muss sagen, dass mich die Kurzbeschreibung und das Cover sofort einnehmen konnten. Die Geschichte ist witzig, aber es gibt da doch einige Dinge, die mir nicht gefielen. Es brauchte circa 100 Seiten, in denen sich die Probleme der Protagonisten zuspitzten und es interessant wurde. Ja und dann beschlich mich irgendwann das Gefühl, dass alle Reichen abgebrüht oder für den moralischen Bürger nicht akzeptabel sind. Also lieber Leser, lehn dich entspannt zurück, genieße die Geschichte und tröste dich damit, dass das Gras auf der anderen Seite des Zauns auch nicht grüner ist. Zum Schluss gibt es dann noch eine überraschende Wende. Trotz alledem war es unterhaltsam zu lesen und die Idee gefiel mir auch sehr gut.
Humor: 6 / 10 Punkten
Wohlfühl-Feeling: 5 / 10 Punkten
Liebe & Romantik: 5 / 10 Punkten
Action & Spannung: 6 / 10 Punkten
Drama: 4 / 10 Punkten
Dieses Buch wurde mir als Leseexemplar zur Verfügung gestellt.
February 29, 2016
I suppose we’ve all wondered at some time or another…especially after yet another unaffordable bill lands on the doormat, or another long hard underpaid day at work or another tedious confrontation with belligerent teenage offspring…what it would be like to trade places with that friend who made good and is now a millionaire or the client whose daily to-do list consists of salon treatments, personal trainers and high-end shopping. I’m sure a little piece of us wishes we could swap our lives for better different ones.
What if, like Polly and Simon, the opportunity to do just that presented itself? Polly’s dismal track record with men and a lawsuit that’s about to ruin her are about as much as she can take, and Simon…well, he’s the typical middle-age-crisis male. Polly would so much rather have Stephanie’s charmed lifestyle and Simon would gladly swap with Tony’s jet-set living. The temptation is just too much. But no one reminds them that you should be ‘careful what you wish for’…
I’m no stranger to this author’s work. She is always very funny, witty and writes a cracking story. Her books come with a guarantee: that they will amuse, entertain, delight and have you craving for more.
You will have to suspend disbelief just a little with this one…but that’s what makes it all the more enjoyable. It’s a very welcome break from reality. It almost has you skimming the yellow pages for 'Mission Imp-ossible'. (I guess you’ll just have to read Life Swap to find out why…)
What if, like Polly and Simon, the opportunity to do just that presented itself? Polly’s dismal track record with men and a lawsuit that’s about to ruin her are about as much as she can take, and Simon…well, he’s the typical middle-age-crisis male. Polly would so much rather have Stephanie’s charmed lifestyle and Simon would gladly swap with Tony’s jet-set living. The temptation is just too much. But no one reminds them that you should be ‘careful what you wish for’…
I’m no stranger to this author’s work. She is always very funny, witty and writes a cracking story. Her books come with a guarantee: that they will amuse, entertain, delight and have you craving for more.
You will have to suspend disbelief just a little with this one…but that’s what makes it all the more enjoyable. It’s a very welcome break from reality. It almost has you skimming the yellow pages for 'Mission Imp-ossible'. (I guess you’ll just have to read Life Swap to find out why…)
April 25, 2016
I think everyone has, at some time, dreamt of exchanging their life with its associated stresses and pressure for that of someone who seems to have everything and in this story two characters agree to do just that. Both are experiencing problems in their jobs, relationships and life so the opportunity to make a deal to swap from the humdrum to a life of luxury proves to be just too much temptation for them to resist. That’s when the reality of their new lives kicks in with many hilarious laugh out loud moments and surprises in store.
Whilst the background information in the first half of the book is essential to understand the rest of it, I struggled to relate to the characters during it and found some of the flashback scenarios distracted rather than enhanced the story. Once the swaps take place, however, the pace, humour and action all step up to a different level making me glad I’d persevered - and the ending is a brilliant twist I’d not anticipated but really enjoyed. Definitely worthwhile giving it a go for the laugh out loud moments in the second half and ending!
Thanks to the publishers for gifting me an ARC of this novel, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
Whilst the background information in the first half of the book is essential to understand the rest of it, I struggled to relate to the characters during it and found some of the flashback scenarios distracted rather than enhanced the story. Once the swaps take place, however, the pace, humour and action all step up to a different level making me glad I’d persevered - and the ending is a brilliant twist I’d not anticipated but really enjoyed. Definitely worthwhile giving it a go for the laugh out loud moments in the second half and ending!
Thanks to the publishers for gifting me an ARC of this novel, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
March 10, 2016
Life Swap was a witty, quirky, funny and hugely entertaining book that I didn’t at first think I would enjoy as much as I did, and it was fun to be taken away from my usual gory genre for awhile.
Simon and Polly are the two main characters who are so fed up with their troubled and debt ridden lives, that when given the opportunity to swap lives with someone they know, they both choose wealthy people that they believe have the perfect life. Be careful what you wish for ..... life is not always greener on the other side. When they both choose to return to their old lives, Which soon begins to look rosier than before, is when all the fun begins.
Life Swap is not meant to be very believable, but it is huge fun and the ending had me in hysterics and I did not see it coming.
Highly recommended and many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this lovely ARC.
Simon and Polly are the two main characters who are so fed up with their troubled and debt ridden lives, that when given the opportunity to swap lives with someone they know, they both choose wealthy people that they believe have the perfect life. Be careful what you wish for ..... life is not always greener on the other side. When they both choose to return to their old lives, Which soon begins to look rosier than before, is when all the fun begins.
Life Swap is not meant to be very believable, but it is huge fun and the ending had me in hysterics and I did not see it coming.
Highly recommended and many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this lovely ARC.
April 30, 2017
I love reading chick lit but often find it follows the same formula, girl & boy meet, fall for each other, lots stands in their way and then a happy ending, this book wasn't like that however & was something completely new & refreshing. I loved Polly & Simon & everything that happened to them. I laughed so much reading this book & couldn't wait to get home & read it.
That's all I'm going to say as I don't want to spoil the book for you but what I will say is if you enjoy a fun, funny and overall excellent book then pre order this now or run out to the book store in April when it is released and pick it up, you won't be disappointed!!
I received this book for free for review via the publisher & Netgally
That's all I'm going to say as I don't want to spoil the book for you but what I will say is if you enjoy a fun, funny and overall excellent book then pre order this now or run out to the book store in April when it is released and pick it up, you won't be disappointed!!
I received this book for free for review via the publisher & Netgally
May 13, 2016
*I received this e-book in exchange for an honest and fair review from netgalley*
Wow... I just finished reading this book and I'm still not sure exactly what to say or think.
This book is about Simon and Polly who are down on their luck... horribly down on their luck. Personally, if I was in either of their shoes I wouldn't know what to do. Their lives are so bad they decide to swap lives with someone they know. A classic case of 'the grass is greener on the other side' mixed with demons collecting souls in exchange??
Simon and Polly live other lives and the reader follows their trials and explorations.
I liked this book a whole lot but, to be honest I was confused often and didn't see how it would end. It isn't until you get towards the end that some of the confusing parts make sense. Once I got there I thought "OH!" Really wasn't expecting it.
points of concern
The book starts a bit slow, to my tastes. The characters talk about their problems, and they grow, for over 30% of the book. Then throughout the book the problems keep being explained. I thought maybe this beginning could be cut back some without harm to the story.
I did think the part about how Simon and Polly had to live the life they swapped exactly like the person was a little strange. If you swap lives and realize you don't like it... why wouldn't you tweak it? This confused me the WHOLE book.
Sometimes it would make me disconnect from the character and not understand them.
Also, I realized I need to work on my England English slang. But, that isn't something to hold against a book. Just something I think people should be aware of before starting.
Now, the good stuff
This will make you feel things. At times I really felt connected to the characters and empathized with them.
The ending when I saw how things would turn up for Simon and Polly... I actually started tearing up hearing about Simon's problems... again but, he had a total turn around and was so distraught. It really touched me.
It is heart-warming.
I also really liked the writing style. Once I got into the swing of the writing it was simple to keep up with. It really flowed.
--I would recommend this book but, I would probably start it off with "give it time to get going" --
Wow... I just finished reading this book and I'm still not sure exactly what to say or think.
This book is about Simon and Polly who are down on their luck... horribly down on their luck. Personally, if I was in either of their shoes I wouldn't know what to do. Their lives are so bad they decide to swap lives with someone they know. A classic case of 'the grass is greener on the other side' mixed with demons collecting souls in exchange??
Simon and Polly live other lives and the reader follows their trials and explorations.
I liked this book a whole lot but, to be honest I was confused often and didn't see how it would end. It isn't until you get towards the end that some of the confusing parts make sense. Once I got there I thought "OH!" Really wasn't expecting it.
points of concern
The book starts a bit slow, to my tastes. The characters talk about their problems, and they grow, for over 30% of the book. Then throughout the book the problems keep being explained. I thought maybe this beginning could be cut back some without harm to the story.
I did think the part about how Simon and Polly had to live the life they swapped exactly like the person was a little strange. If you swap lives and realize you don't like it... why wouldn't you tweak it? This confused me the WHOLE book.
Sometimes it would make me disconnect from the character and not understand them.
Also, I realized I need to work on my England English slang. But, that isn't something to hold against a book. Just something I think people should be aware of before starting.
Now, the good stuff
This will make you feel things. At times I really felt connected to the characters and empathized with them.
The ending when I saw how things would turn up for Simon and Polly... I actually started tearing up hearing about Simon's problems... again but, he had a total turn around and was so distraught. It really touched me.
It is heart-warming.
I also really liked the writing style. Once I got into the swing of the writing it was simple to keep up with. It really flowed.
--I would recommend this book but, I would probably start it off with "give it time to get going" --
May 15, 2016
I received the ARC from Bookouture via Netgalley in exchange of honest reviews. All opinions are mine.
Life Swap is basically about two person, Polly and Simon, who are both going through some issues in their life. Polly is drowning in debt while Simon is in danger of losing his job, among other things. When they were given chance to swap lives with other people of their own choice, they thought that it would great to live the life of people that they envied.
First of all, let me say that Life Swap was not bad. It's still readable and judging from the reviews, I've seen other people enjoying it and gave it rave reviews, so maybe it was just me and the book not being my cup of tea.
I felt that the main reason Life Swap just did not hit the spot with me was because half of the book was mainly the background story of Polly and Simon. I admit that it was vital to the story as a whole but I felt that it was too long, so it was quite boring, especially for Simon's part, as it felt flat, like there was actually no story at all. Polly's story was tolerable but I'm not a huge fan of jumping between past and present. I thought it could have been dealt better and it would have been a much better book for me if the background story was cut to a minimum because by the time their lives get swapped, I felt like my interest was slowly dwindling.
I also felt that maybe I'm not in the right type of target market for this book as I cannot relate to anything in it, lest of all the two main characters Polly and Simon. I felt annoyed that they complained and were whiny through most of the book, which made me put down the book multiple times.
I do like the lesson behind the story though, the fact that life is not always greener on the other side and the fact that what you see of other people's lives is just the surface and you don't know what really goes on in their lives unless you're in their shoes.
Life Swap is basically about two person, Polly and Simon, who are both going through some issues in their life. Polly is drowning in debt while Simon is in danger of losing his job, among other things. When they were given chance to swap lives with other people of their own choice, they thought that it would great to live the life of people that they envied.
First of all, let me say that Life Swap was not bad. It's still readable and judging from the reviews, I've seen other people enjoying it and gave it rave reviews, so maybe it was just me and the book not being my cup of tea.
I felt that the main reason Life Swap just did not hit the spot with me was because half of the book was mainly the background story of Polly and Simon. I admit that it was vital to the story as a whole but I felt that it was too long, so it was quite boring, especially for Simon's part, as it felt flat, like there was actually no story at all. Polly's story was tolerable but I'm not a huge fan of jumping between past and present. I thought it could have been dealt better and it would have been a much better book for me if the background story was cut to a minimum because by the time their lives get swapped, I felt like my interest was slowly dwindling.
I also felt that maybe I'm not in the right type of target market for this book as I cannot relate to anything in it, lest of all the two main characters Polly and Simon. I felt annoyed that they complained and were whiny through most of the book, which made me put down the book multiple times.
I do like the lesson behind the story though, the fact that life is not always greener on the other side and the fact that what you see of other people's lives is just the surface and you don't know what really goes on in their lives unless you're in their shoes.
May 5, 2016
When they felt completely overwhelmed by financial and relationship problems, Simon and Polly thought they'd found the perfect solution. I mean, why should they face their problems when they could simply "opt out" of their less-than-stellar lives with the help of some oh-so-very helpful demons? They'd simply leave all their troubles behind and take over somebody else's life. Somebody cool and rich, who was living large, and enjoying a life of excitement and adventure.
Well, that was their plan, anyway, but you know what they say about the best-laid plans of mice and men...
This is a highly entertaining story, filled with a host of hilarious mishaps and misadventures. Things aren't always as they seem, and it's possible these two life-swappers have no idea what's happening to them. It could be that their new supposedly glamorous lives are much worse than the ones they left behind... or maybe it's something else altogether. Sorry. You'll have to read the book to find out. What I will tell you, though, is this is a fun... and funny... story with an unexpected ending. Try it. My guess is, you'll like it.
I'd give it four and a half stars.
Well, that was their plan, anyway, but you know what they say about the best-laid plans of mice and men...
This is a highly entertaining story, filled with a host of hilarious mishaps and misadventures. Things aren't always as they seem, and it's possible these two life-swappers have no idea what's happening to them. It could be that their new supposedly glamorous lives are much worse than the ones they left behind... or maybe it's something else altogether. Sorry. You'll have to read the book to find out. What I will tell you, though, is this is a fun... and funny... story with an unexpected ending. Try it. My guess is, you'll like it.
I'd give it four and a half stars.
May 23, 2016
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I found this book to be well written with twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. I had heard so many positive things about this book that I looked forward to reading it. I jumped right in and was immediately empathizing with Simon whose life seemed to be a drain on him. Polly’s life was a mess but I just couldn’t empathize with her right away. The characters develop and build throughout the story. I loved and hated the characters throughout the book, which had be in awe of the authors writing ability.
I found the writing to be satisfying. The author made me laugh out loud, hit my head when the characters were being stupid and stunned me several times with things that came out of nowhere.
I truly believe that this book is a good book, I just believe that when I read it I was in a book funk and it tarnished my judgement for this book. I strongly believe that the grass is always greener on the other side and this book showed me just how much that is true.
I found this book to be well written with twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. I had heard so many positive things about this book that I looked forward to reading it. I jumped right in and was immediately empathizing with Simon whose life seemed to be a drain on him. Polly’s life was a mess but I just couldn’t empathize with her right away. The characters develop and build throughout the story. I loved and hated the characters throughout the book, which had be in awe of the authors writing ability.
I found the writing to be satisfying. The author made me laugh out loud, hit my head when the characters were being stupid and stunned me several times with things that came out of nowhere.
I truly believe that this book is a good book, I just believe that when I read it I was in a book funk and it tarnished my judgement for this book. I strongly believe that the grass is always greener on the other side and this book showed me just how much that is true.
April 28, 2016
Life Swap was a highly entertainingly witty read and was pleasantly surprised by just how much i enjoyed reading it.
The two main characters Simon and Polly are so fed up with their lives, they both lack confidence and have very similar personalities. They are both given the opportunity to swap lives with somebody that they knew and of course they both choose wealthy people that they believe are living happy, stress free lives. Soon they both realise that the grass isn't always greener on the other side and sometimes your life isn't as bad as you first thought as everyone has their own problems....
I really enjoyed reading Life Swap by Carol E. Wyer and would highly recommend reading it!
A big thankyou to Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
The two main characters Simon and Polly are so fed up with their lives, they both lack confidence and have very similar personalities. They are both given the opportunity to swap lives with somebody that they knew and of course they both choose wealthy people that they believe are living happy, stress free lives. Soon they both realise that the grass isn't always greener on the other side and sometimes your life isn't as bad as you first thought as everyone has their own problems....
I really enjoyed reading Life Swap by Carol E. Wyer and would highly recommend reading it!
A big thankyou to Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
February 18, 2016
(I got this book for free from Netgallery in exchange for an honest review.)
That said, I didn't know what to expect prior to reading this. The summary sounded interesting, and several other people referred to this as a Freaky Friday kind of thing.
It took a little for me to get into; at first, I was just reading about how all these people's lives were miserable and it came off as kind of whiny. Once the characters made the switch though, I was anxious to see what would happen to them and who they would nominate at the end of their journey.
The end took a surprising turn, and I'm glad I stuck out the beginning chapters to get to the end ones.
I would rate this 3.5-4 stars. It was definitely unique in its plot and good for some laughs.
That said, I didn't know what to expect prior to reading this. The summary sounded interesting, and several other people referred to this as a Freaky Friday kind of thing.
It took a little for me to get into; at first, I was just reading about how all these people's lives were miserable and it came off as kind of whiny. Once the characters made the switch though, I was anxious to see what would happen to them and who they would nominate at the end of their journey.
The end took a surprising turn, and I'm glad I stuck out the beginning chapters to get to the end ones.
I would rate this 3.5-4 stars. It was definitely unique in its plot and good for some laughs.
February 28, 2016
I received an Arc of this book for an honest review.
So without further waiting, here is my honesty.
Good book. The book places characters into "the grass is greener on the other side" roles, as they make deals with the devil's henchmen to free themselves of "woes."
The ending was very unexpected.
The reader must ask: Would you swap your life with someone who life appears more enjoyable than yours?
So without further waiting, here is my honesty.
Good book. The book places characters into "the grass is greener on the other side" roles, as they make deals with the devil's henchmen to free themselves of "woes."
The ending was very unexpected.
The reader must ask: Would you swap your life with someone who life appears more enjoyable than yours?
February 15, 2016
Thank you to Bookoutre and Netgalley for the ARC.
Nothing is going right for Polly and Simon and it seems as if it is going to get worse. They get the opportunity to swop their lives with someone else and this is where the fun starts. I liked both characters and loved reading how they experienced living the lives of other people. A funny and enjoyable read that I would recommend if you are looking for something lighthearted.
Nothing is going right for Polly and Simon and it seems as if it is going to get worse. They get the opportunity to swop their lives with someone else and this is where the fun starts. I liked both characters and loved reading how they experienced living the lives of other people. A funny and enjoyable read that I would recommend if you are looking for something lighthearted.
April 22, 2016
Who else can take two main characters that are dealing with the reality that life can suck, throw in some demons with horns and everything, who make an offer they can't refuse, mix it up with debauchery and top it off with humor? That would be Carol Wyer!
I totally loved this book and the ending came out of nowhere! Don't miss this book! Another home run for Carol.
I totally loved this book and the ending came out of nowhere! Don't miss this book! Another home run for Carol.
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