Law student Brooke Sherman leads an enviable life, with an impressive education, a prestigious internship, and an ambitious boyfriend who any girl on campus would love to date. But one phone call shatters her father, the optimistic man who insists on buying lottery tickets and dreaming big, has terminal cancer. Desperate to get home and predictably unable to rely on her boyfriend, Brooke finds an unlikely hero in the form of her classmate. Jason Ramsey has had a crush on his study partner Brooke for months, but he'd never encroach on someone else's girlfriend even if the guy doesn't treat her the way she deserves. But when he learns of Brooke's father's diagnosis, Jason steps up to help however he can. In the weeks and months following, Jason is Brooke's rock, and after Brooke's breakup, Jason becomes much more than just a friend. But even as they plan for a future together, things get Brooke's father had a dying wish, that his daughter buy one last lottery ticket. She never dreamed that fulfilling that wish would jeopardize a future with the man she loves.
Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a eight-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than forty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson
Not only can Traci Hunter Abramson write great suspense but she can write contemporary love stories that make her feel all the emotions. Her books always make me stay up way too late because I become invested in these characters and have to see what's going to happen to them. This friends-to-lovers story was no exception.
Brooke Sherman seems to have everything going for her--she attends a prestigious school, has an enviable internship, and a boyfriend all the girls would love to have, but her life suddenly changes with a phone call from her dad. Jason Ramsey is in love with his study partner, Brooke. So far, he's done nothing about it because Brooke has a boyfriend, but when her dad unexpectedly needs her to come home and her truck needs repairs, Jason steps in to help.
This book had my emotions all over the place. I was upset with Brooke's selfish boyfriend, sad about her dad, angry at her dad's sister's antics, thrilled when she and Jason got together, worried over some of her decisions, upset with the consequences of those decisions, and worried some more if Brooke and Jason would be able to work things out. If I had to post my review in emojis it would look like this. 😤😭😡😍😟😢😟 Be prepared to have this book push all your emotional buttons.
I don't want to give any spoilers but I liked to see these two work for their relationship. In the beginning everything seemed so easy. They had classes together, studied together, etc, but then the test of their relationship comes and although it took some work, they were able to get through it. I liked both of the characters although I didn't agree with some of Brooke's decisions. I really liked that she was able to work things out with her aunt as that's the only blood family she has left. I liked that Jason finally stood up to his divorced parents. Mostly I liked the ending which I won't say anything about because I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read the book yet.
I received a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
I'm used to reading intense stories from this author, but the switch to something more soothing and gentle was perfect for the times we're living in right now.
Brooke and Jason are both law students and I loved the way their friendship was gradually built into something more, and I especially loved the way they were able to incorporate Brooke's father's hopes and dreams into their schooling. I loved these characters and their situation really made me think.
Right now, I love to escape into other people's lives for a time and there was something magical about this story that swept me in and held me captive (I read the whole thing in a day). While it's not super swoony and isn't purely light-hearted fluff, it that stayed with me for days and allowed me to forget the hard things in my own life for a time. Although there are some challenging things that the characters go through and even some trouble in paradise, this was exactly the kind of book my soul was craving.
Ahhhh. A Change of Fortune is a refreshing story to read during this time of strife. It is an escape story that reminds us that when bad things happen that individuals can decide to do good and be better.
Brooke Sherman is a woman who is so lovable, that you want to see her succeed and find happiness. Her ex-boyfriend wasn't the one who could give that to her. She needs a rock, someone that he could not be in his self-centered world.
Everyone needs a Jason in their life. He is one of the good guys who is kind, considerate, and a rock for emotional pain. I was rooting for him from the moment he came into the story. There are so many situations that he is there for her. You can't help but love him as a character.
This book explores that good that can be done when it is selfless. Brooke's dad was a man who taught by word and deed. They had a healthy relationship and he taught his daughter boundaries and how to deal with difficult people.
This book is so positive. I loved it!
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
A Change of Fortune is a sweet, clean romance. The main characters are in law school and this aspect alone made them very fascinating to me. This novel differs from some of Traci's other books in that there is no mystery or suspense you may be used to reading. What Traci wrote is an endearing love story full of the ups and downs found when two people fall in love. The characters are sympathetic and engaging and so easy to become engrossed in their journies. Brooke and Jason are easy to relate to. Jason is a hero as he steps up in many ways, especially to help Brooke in her hour of need. Without giving anything away, just know there are themes of trust, loyalty, communicating, and making life choices that affect the characters greatly in the novel.
This was such an easy and fast read, that I decided I didn't need to sleep and stayed up until 5:00 a.m. to read the book. Being a teacher during the summer allows for this kind of bookworm fun. I would say this book will be considered a "Summer Read" when you need a chance to get away for a few hours. I know A Change of Fortune was a winner for me.
What would you do if you want a multi-million dollar lottery? It would certainly cause problems and perhaps some like were found in this book. I thought the characters were exceptionally level-headed and kind considering what was going on.
I love how relatable Traci Hunter Abramson's characters are, especially in this novel. We get plenty of history for Brooke and Jason. We get to understand their pasts, quirks, likes, dislikes, and dreams. For me, this makes it even more rewarding to go along on Brooke and Jason's journey. As they navigate their relationship, they handle the challenges that come along with grace and good dash of reality. As Brooke grieves the loss of her father, I was right there with her as her experiences and feelings reminded me so much of how it was to lose my sister. In the beginning, Jason seems perfect, almost too perfect. But when things fall apart, his anger, sadness, and disappointment are what really endeared him to me. I love this new story that all starts with the question "what would you do if you won the lottery?"
In her novel A Change of Fortune, author Traci Hunter Abramson has written a sweet contemporary romance, that although different than her typical romantic suspense, readers will enjoy. The first third was a bit hard to get into, as it seemed readers are just waiting for the father to die so that the next part of the story can begin. After that, the story picks up a bit. A main focus in this story is on family and relationships, including trust and love, as well as leaning on others in times of need. This is definitely a quick and easy to read feel good story.
Genre: contemporary, romance Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: June 1, 2020 Number of pages: 256
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, and authors, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited OR pre-ordered/purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Traci Hunter Abramson is one of those authors. The kind you always know you’re going to pick up their newest book and love it, no matter what. She’s one of my favorites!
This book is a little different than the ones she usually writes. There isn’t really any suspense in it. But the way she wrote this one was so great!
Brooke is the main character in this one. I loved the way she cared for those around her. She is one of those characters that the reader almost feels as though they know. I was really sad for her when things with her dad’s health got hard. It made me happier to know that she had Jason to watch out for her.
Jason and Brooke are both law students trying to finish up their programs. They work together well. And end up getting closer and closer. I loved reading this part. There are plenty of twists and turns for Brooke and Jason. It’s really hard to know how much to share, I don’t want to give too much away.
Maybe just know that this is a fun, sweet romance that you won’t want to put down!
I was sent a copy of A Change of Fortune as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
A Change of Fortune is a sweet romance that tackles the question of what is of most worth when your world gets turned upside down. This novel by the talented Traci Hunter Abramson is not her typical romantic suspense; instead it is a sweet love story between Brooke and Jason the likes of which will uplift and touch the reader's heart. I loved how genuine every aspect of their relationship felt and the way they grew together and supported one another throughout the book. They both came from different family backgrounds, which shaped and molded their feelings towards something as simple yet critical as money. The concept of the lottery ticket made for a fun plot twist, but also added this deeper level of trust and elements within the main characters’ relationship. I don’t want to spoil anything so while the probability or odds were definitely imaginative (which actually is a huge part of the plot come to type it out), I felt like this book was very well done and true to life. I really enjoyed getting caught up in an engaging love story that reached right to my heart and left me smiling at the characters’ happily ever after. 4.7 Stars, this was a wonderful fun Contemporary Romance I definitely enjoyed and recommend.
This was such a sweet book. Brooke and Jason were two good people who were easy to like and easy to root for. It didn't take long to feel like I knew them and understood what motivated them. They felt really good together. Jason was so attentive and kind to Brooke especially when she needed him most. I loved that about him.
The story unfolded in a very natural way and the circumstances felt believable. It was very gentle and easy to read. There weren't any heart pounding moments but there is something to be said for a story that is calming and gentle when the world around us is not. This is definitely a feel good story.
Content: death, kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Note: I was given an advance copy of this book. The following is my honest review.
This contemporary romance by Traci Hunter Abramson was so full of heart and a unique situation most people don’t find themselves in. I can’t even imagine being in the leading lady’s shoes. Like other books by Traci Hunter Abramson, this plot moves quickly, the characters were developed well, and hard to put down. I blame Traci for making me stay up way past my bedtime so I could finish this book, which made me run a little behind in getting to work. Oh well. It was definitely worth the read.
This book comes highly recommended by me for all romance lovers out there.
A Change of Fortune was a fun summer read. I enjoyed the characters' blossoming romance. It was interesting to see how the different characters reacted to the idea of fortunes, greed, and money. The theme seemed to run rampant in the book and you could see it from many different viewpoints. The lottery topic was well researched. It was interesting to see how Brooke reacted to her change in fortune and how she had to take most of it on by herself. The romance was light and interesting. The only part that felt like a reach for me was how easy and fast it was for the characters to get a job with a law firm. The law firm didn't ask for a record of their grades or resumes. It seemed unrealistic to me. Otherwise, the book was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to contemporary romance fans. It's a clean, wholesome read
Traci is one of my favorite authors and I love her books so much I usually can’t put them down. This one was a little slow for me and didn’t keep my interest as much. It was a pretty intriguing topic and well researched, just not a ton of action and I didn’t feel like I knew the characters as much as some of her other characters.
I have ready many, if not all, of this author’s published books because she is an amazing writer and this book didn’t disappoint. It was easy to read with great characters and engaging story line.
I liked Brooke’s business sense and how she managed her finances and made decisions, even when it threatened to jeopardize her new relationship. I read this book in one day because I had to know what would happen and if Brooke would ever get her “happily ever after”.
Clean contemporary romance-highly recommend! I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Traci Hunter Abramson is one of my favorite authors; I especially like her suspense books. This is a romance, but it is so much better than the formulaic romances that are common (in both senses of the word). You see the obstacle to the romance coming, but it is a real obstacle, not a contrived one. Abramson does what I wish authors wouldn't do--but I suppose they feel like they have to, in order to maintain the "will they or won't they?" aspect of the story--she has one character discover the obstacle, declare the relationship is over, and leave, when I think characters of the maturity her protagonists otherwise show would talk about what happened before declaring things to be at an irrevocable end. But the author doesn't leave us hanging on this plot contrivance for long, and the story is otherwise so good and so superior to most romance novels that she can be forgiven this fallback into the formula because she skilfully creates the characters and has them deal with the real issues that would come with their situations, including thinking about how their own choices could affect their lives for good or ill, a level of introspection that seldom occurs in this type of book. The secondary characters are also well-drawn and add elements of humor and pathos. The book never bogs down and is interesting in many ways that I can't describe without indulging in spoilers. If you like well-written romances, you definitely want to read this one. If you think romance novels are beneath you, you might want to try this one and see if the author can change your mind, at least through one example.
Traci Hunter Abramson is at it again with a wonderful contemporary romance. A Change Of Fortune was so enjoyable to read. I love reading Traci's books because she has very smart and talented characters.
When I turned the last page to find that I was actually done I was so sad that it was over. It was a great story that I wanted more of.
Brooke and Jason are in law school both working towards their masters.
Brooke has been in a long term relationship when she gets a call from her dad with terrible news. Brooke wants to/needs to rush home to be with her dad.
Jason has been pining for Brooke for a long time but remains her friend while she has a boyfriend. He finds out about her dad's news and steps in to help her.
As Jason helps Brooke she realizes that he has been better to her than her current boyfriend. Through the book their relationship develops.
Brooke's dad loves to play the lottery and makes sure she picks up a ticket for him every Friday. If his luck ever changes her dad has big plans. The first thing on his list is to not tell anyone.
There are so many different turns in the story with many characters that you love to hate, some you hope to see have a change of heart, and some that you love.
It's a great story from beginning to end.
I was given access to an advanced copy all opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the premise of this story though it felt a little unrealistic. The important thing is that the relationships were solid, the characters grew, and there was sufficient conflict.
Brooke and Jason had been friends and study partners and he was there when her boyfriend, Rob wouldn’t. Rob was very narcissistic and self-centered. Brooke was down to earth and needed someone who could let her be that. Her dad and mom showed her what it was to dream.
Her dad wanted her to carry on with his dreams and she wanted to do that. Jason came from money but didn’t like what that represented. There was good conflict from the monetary situations that made this book just the right tone.
There was truth and healing even with the idea that money could ruin what they had. Brooke is driven and wants to make her own way and her dad wants that for her as well.
This book is relatable in that there is family drama and issues when there is a lack of communication. This was a fun escape and I would read it again.
I was definitely able to connect emotionally to different aspects of the story including grief and loss.
I was given an ARC copy by the publisher and this is my honest review.
And there are multiple reasons why. I wish we would have gotten to know her dad better. I was slightly unhappy because it's always sad when someone passes, but I didn't really feel the sadness you'd feel if we'd gotten to know him better. I also think getting to know him better would have made the lottery thing more believable. Our first introduction to it felt contrived like the author was leading the story. It didn't feel like a natural happening, but like a total setup for the predictable storyline. Jason was a nice guy, especially compared to Rob, but his answers seemed too scripted. It talked about them spending a lot of time together, but I never got the "I'm totally in love with you" vibe. Their conversations felt cautious and not really comfortable or like they had history. They never moved out of the first date awkwardness. His parents personalities gave me anxiety, literally, considering her secret. It felt like reading a first time author, not this seasoned one. It was more than squeaky clean. Their kisses were almost like you'd give a sibling. Not much emotion. It added to the feeling that their relationship never progressed. The entire story felt ho- hum without much emotion. Kind of flat. I wouldn't read it again.
I love Traci's off-shoot books. Don't get me wrong, I love the action and mystery of her other books as well, but sometimes it's nice to read something where nothing major goes wrong. Where the world as we know it isn't going to end by some bad guy. It is a slower pace, but sometimes that is just what life class for.
I've never given any thought to winning the lottery before. I've never given much thought to the lottery period, so this was a unique read for me, and it actually spurned some interesting conversation with my family after having read it.
I will admit I was expecting a little something more when it came to the conflict of the story. Each character figures things out separately, but I was expecting them to work things out together a little more. Or I was expecting something to happen with the ex-boyfriend. Neither of which I can type about without giving spoilers, so there you have it.
Brooke and Jason are great characters, and I loved reading about them and getting to know them each a little better.
*I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
In the beginning, I didn't understand how the author was setting up everything, or why but as I continued to read, things started to fall into place. I am glad that I continued to read, though the writing flowed there was a very low chance I would stop reading. It was easy to fell into Jason and Brooke's life, they were nice people to get to know!
I've never read anything by this author but I felt she wrote about an interesting concept that isn't really written about. I thought Brooke was a believable and caring character who stayed true to who she is even though she won on a lottery ticket that could've changed how she lived overnight, but she didn't let it. I really liked Jason he was a solid guy who felt he got sidelined by his future wife. He had prior money issues of his own, and that may have played somewhat into his reaction, but was able to come around and realize that despite it all he still loved Brooke, and was able to admit he needed to forgive her.
No matter what genre Abramson writes, it is undoubtably a page turner that I cannot put down! She has an uncanny ability to write a story that is not only interesting, but pulls you in so completely that you have to finish reading it, no matter the time of day or night. Right from the beginning I felt a connection to Brooke and a severe dislike for her haughty and uncaring boyfriend. Man that guy was such an insensitive jerk! But Jason was there, a steady and constant support and doesn't every girl want a man like that? The emotional upheaval of her dad's unexpected cancer was heartrending and the powerful ties between father and daughter hit me right in the heartstrings. If you want to read an emotionally powerful story of friendship, love, family, and good fortune, this is the perfect book for you! I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really liked the first half of this book, even though the characters were a little too perfect and their romance too easy (liked all the same things, had all the same opinions, knew exactly what to do and say). It was still cute and fun to read. But then when the twist comes (the one that's obvious from the blurb), it just becomes tedious waiting for the inevitable to happen and feeling annoyed at the kept secret. When I finished it, all I could think was that the romance ended up feeling fairly bland, despite the great beginning and the plot that should have worked well.
While it was pretty interesting to read about how someone might deal with winning the lottery, the tedium and everyday descriptions (always describing what and where they eat; discussing details of travel plans) do tend to get boring for me in Abramson's books. So...not my favorite of hers.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I loved how Brooke and Jason had become fast friends when they had started law school, and were able to rely on each other even though Brooke has a boyfriend. I also really loved how the author made Jason an honorable person, and willing to help Brooke in any way possible. I love how her father approved of Jason even before they started dating. This is a wonderful story of trust.
Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Traci Hunter Abramson is still a relatively new author to me but I have loved all her books that I have read so far. This book was great! I loved how relatable the characters were and I loved their love story. I loved what a kind guy Jason was and how he was there for Brooke while she was going through the loss of her father. I also loved how they had to deal with trusting that they knew who the other person really was when Brooke won the lottery. I loved how it wasn’t all sunshine and roses for their relationship but they were able to get through it together.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Communication!!! It would solve oh, so many problems. I was inwardly shouting at Brooke over and over again..."That's not a good idea! That's going to backfire! Just TELL him!!" But of course, she didn't listen to me. I think things worked out exactly the way they should have though, even with the lack of communication. Probably because of it, actually. And I can't say more about it, otherwise I'll give too much away.
This story is very different from any of Traci's other books that I've read, and I enjoyed it. (Don't get me wrong, I love me some Saint Squad too!) Not that I ever plan on playing the lottery, but this story makes you think...what would you do if you won a ginormous amount of money? Would you let it change you?
This book was full of surprises, I thought it was going to be another book about someone with cancer, but it was so much more than that. Brooke a law student, and an only child, has watched her father buy lottery tickets all her life. He even has a plan of what he will do when he wins. There are two men, who want to win Brooke over, Rob is self absorbed and only wants what is best for him, even if Brooke has to change her plans to fit his. Jason has wanted to date Brooke, since he first met her, but has learned from his parents relationship that life isn't a fairytale. This book was so good! A story about being strong when life gets hard, and always sticking up for yourself. A real winner, I loved it!
This was an excellent story about two law students who fall in love. They work on their senior project together about how to create shell charity organizations for someone who won the lottery. Brooke's dad has Brooke get a lottery ticket the day he dies and the ticket is a winning ticket. She proceeds with their dream using their plan but does not tell her fiance (his dad is always asking for money and he tells her not to tell him if she inherits a bunch of money). Eventually he figures it out and is upset she didn't tell him. They split up and he starts thinking about it and they get back together on Christmas. They work on making all of brooks dad's lottery dreams come true. He had a book with what he planned to do with his winnings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.