One is trying to remember, the other just can't forget.
When sisters Victoria and Lulu are involved in a devastating car accident, they wake to lives they barely recognise.
Victoria's new life is a baffling reality – her 10-year-old children are suddenly teenagers and her loving marriage has grown frosty and fractured. Amnesia has taken five years of her life, and it's unclear if it'll ever come back.
Meanwhile, Lulu appears to have escaped the crash unscathed, but only she is aware of the memories that plague her, dragging her deeper into the bottle. Seeking refuge in a relationship that doesn't quite fit right, Lulu knows things can't continue as they are.
Can these two sisters find their way forward, without letting the past could their future?
Kendra Smith is a freelance journalist with over 20 years’ experience in publishing. She started her career in Sydney selling advertising space and has lived and worked in London and Sydney, working for titles such as Cosmopolitan, OK! and the BBC’s Eve. Born in Singapore and educated in Scotland, she now lives in Surrey, juggling her novel writing with the schedules of three very busy boys. She is an author with Aria Fiction https://ariafiction.com and has signed a four book deal with them
Firstly, I would like to thank Netgalley & Aria & Aries for the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Unfortunately, Everything Has Changed was not my cup of tea. I think I have passed the stage of British women's fiction. I think there are a lot of sub-stories taking place at the same time. Both Victoria & Lulu suffer for different reasons, but everyone, the main and secondary characters keep their feelings inside. The solution for all their problem was talking with someone. There were times I felt frustrated reading, as well I felt the pacing was slow because of that I felt the book slowing my reading experience. Sorry, this time I have to give the book 2.5 stars. In the future, I will give Kendra Smith’s work another chance, I might have a better experience.
I received an ARC from Aria through NetGalley. This was an amazing story of two sisters, Victoria and Lulu, who was in a car accident. Victoria, lost part of her memory, but what was fascinating about this was, she was grateful for the amnesia because, she could remember everything up to the point she became someone she didn't recognize and none of her family and friends understood the person she became. As I read, I did learn what happened that was so devastating that she changed completely and why she was grateful that she couldn't remember that part. Lulu, wasn't seriously injured, but we find out what she has to live with because of the accident. The story is their journey, navigating what they must face and go through, to make it through. Confronting your demons isn't easy, but it is necessary, and it really is what is needed to be able to heal and move forward in life. The book offers a lot of insight, on healing, rebuilding trust, and facing yourself.
When Victoria is involved in a car accident resulting in amnesia she discovers she has lost six years of her life, her sister Lulu also in the accident appears unhurt but she has hasn’t. I loved the storyline, it was very powerful and shows how your life can change in an instant. The connection between the sisters as they try to discover how to move forward is beautiful and relatable.
Very sweet story but incredibly frustrating that the characters would never say what they wanted to say, ask questions or really try to figure things out beyond what they knew/didn't know.
I liked the story of this book but the writing wasn't my style. I ended up skimming the last 15% because I wanted to know what happened but was getting tired of it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Aria & Aries publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sisters Victoria and Lulu are involved in a devastating car accident, they wake to lives they barely recognise. Victoria or Vickie as now likes to be called has woken up with amnesia and thinks she is living the perfect life with her Husband James and their two perfect little children, who are now moody teenagers. So much has happened to her family and her self that she can't remember. And she is devastated to know her marriage is over and her children think she doesn't have time for them.
Lulu on the other hand is stuck I a rut, in a relationship with Simon who is boring and condescending and treats her like a pet. You can see from the outset that her heart isn't it in. As the wedding day gets closer she is drinking more and more, and feeling less and less like herself. Both Sisters have things to work out and right wrongs they have caused before they can move on and be happy in their lives.
I really enjoyed this booked, going in I wasn't at all sure what to expect. I thought the amnesia scenario may make the book a little difficult to read but it was actually written in such a way it was refreshing. All the characters are interesting and I was routing for Vickie and James to re-connect as they were obviously still very much in love with each other and their children they just seem to have lost their way after a family tragedy. The sisters relationship is also lovely and is the one they share with their father.
On reading the authors notes and realising why she chose this subject matter the book appealed even more to me. Using her own experiences gave another depth to the book which I had already thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first book I have read by Kendra Smith but it certainly won't be the last.
* I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my biggest review*
Victoria's storyline reminded me a lot of 'What Alice Forgot' and ' Remember Me?' at first but then became very much her own story. There were times that I really didn't like James - first when he refused to end his vacation early because he really needed a break and then when he basically blamed the problems in their marriage on Victoria. I did enjoy following them though as they grew back together. I had really hoped we would find out she had the breast implants removed - she didn't seem to like them and I would have seen that decision as further indication that she was returning back to herself. I would also be curious to see if she and Zoe remained friends. Now that Victoria was no longer so preoccupied with material items I am not sure what they really had in common.
Lulu's story was also more complicated and devastating than you initially think it is going to be. I kind of saw where it was going before the truth actually comes out, but that didn't really lessen the impact of it. I did find myself wondering if Lulu's would have taken so long to call off the wedding had they not been in the accident. Would Victoria have realized how unhappy she was and talked her out of it? Possibly not because she was so self-centered, but I still wondered. I liked her with Markie and wished we could have just had one more scene with them after finally getting together.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I found once I started it I could not put it down. There is definitely more substance to it than a lot of books that get classified as romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed this book very much. There were two distinct storylines within the one book, connected as the two MCs were sisters in a car accident. Victoria has lost the last six years of her memory. Her sweet ten-year-old twins are now moody 16-year-olds and the love of her life, her husband James is filing for divorce and Victoria is desperate to know what went so wrong from the ideal marriage she remembers. Lulu is desperate to forget everything bad in her life and is rushing into an unsuitable marriage to regain some stability in her world, a world she drowns out in alcohol.
I found Victoria's story to be the most engaging of the two. I was 100% rooting for her and James to find a way back to the happy marriage that Vicky remembered. James is unfeeling and standoffish at the start, but as the old Vicky returns and their family needs them, he becomes the husband she fell in love with again. I was glad that she didn't regain all her memories, just pieces and flashes, it somehow seemed more realistic that way, besides she was happier with the person she was now.
Lulu's story was a bit darker, touching on both alcohol and sexual abuse but I was pleased to see the relationship with Markie progressing, I adored every scene he was in.
I was not too fond of Victoria's friend Zoe. I would never have forgiven her for the text 'joke', as if James and Victoria didn't have enough problems without that level of childish interference. Plus, the vibe I got from Zoe was that of a status wife/mother, the type Victoria had become. Once Victoria reverted to Vicky, I'm unsure how their friendship would last as they would no longer appear to have anything in common.
Victoria has been involved in an RTA and has amnesia. She cannot remember anything beyond ten years ago. The woman she was before the crash seems totally alien to her. Her ten year old twins are now 16, bringing with them the usual teenage challenges. But worst of all, husband James, the love of her life is currently filing for divorce.
As Victoria struggles to piece together the past ten years, she is determined to do one thing - she will try her hardest to stop her husband from ending their marriage.
Younger sister Lulu is marrying Simon, a widower. But is she marrying him for the right reasons? With his controlling ways, and his mother taking charge of the wedding arrangements, is he really the man for her?
The author cleverly weaves a great story of family life- the hopes, dreams and secrets. I was totally hooked from the first page. I couldn't imagine how anyone functions with ten years of their lives wiped away and with no guarantee they would get it back. Victoria and Lulu both had their challenges, they were great characters and I really wanted them to have the happy endings they so deserved.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Aria and Kendra Smith for an ARC of Everything has Changed in exchange for an honest review.
When sisters Victoria and Lulu are involved in a life-changing car accident, it has consequences for them both.
Victoria's new world baffles her: Her babies have grown into sulky teenagers – amnesia has stolen nearly six years from her and she's suddenly a stranger in her own life. With a now-frosty relationship with her husband James, maybe this collision is a chance to start over with those she loves most. Meanwhile, Lulu appears to have escaped the crash unscathed, but the accident has been a catalyst for unearthing the demons from her past and they're dragging her deeper into the bottle. Seeking refuge in a relationship that doesn't quite fit, Lulu knows things can't continue as they are.
Do these two sisters have the courage to re-write their past and face who they really need to be? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book was slooooow. None of the characters are particularly likeable and I found it very frustrating how they all seemed to be reluctant to spill the beans on anything that would actually help Victoria recover any of her memories. 🤨 I found myself getting bored and skim reading to find out what happened at the end …. Turns out, not a lot 🤷🏻♀️
There has been some good reviews for this book, sadly it just wasn’t the book for me.
Vicky and Lulu 2 sisters who are involved in a car crash. Vicky has amnesia and has lost 5 years of her life. Married to James and has twins Izzy and Jake. Her life isn't what she thinks it is. Lulu seems to come out of the accident unscathed but elsewhere in her life she has demons she must face in order to move on with her life. This is told from the points of view of both sisters. I really enjoyed Vicky's story as there was so much to explore. I couldn't imagine what it must be like to wake and lose years of your life. Vicky tries to piece it all together while also supporting her sister. Lulu is marrying Simon but is she doing it for the right reasons? I loved the family dynamics. Vicky trying so hard to save her marriage. I would highly recommend this read. Thanks to Netgalley and Aria and Aries for the ARC in return for an honest review.
I was invited to read this book by the Publisher, Aria. I have previously read and enjoyed other books by Kendra Smith. I thought that this book sounded very interesting. Lulu and Vicky are sisters who are in a bad car accident. It affects them in different ways. Vicky has lost 6 years worth of memories and Lulu has bad memories of her past dragged up. I have Children of a similar age as Vicky. I couldn't even comprehend how it would be if I had forgotten 6 years of their lives. I found the story was very compelling. It is a very fast paced book, and I rushed through it. I was engrossed in the storyline and couldn't wait to find out what happened. I enjoyed reading this book and I'm looking forward to reading more books by this Author. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
Thank you to Net Gallery for a review ahead of this one’s release on 5th August.
This book was so heartwarming and lovely. It begins with a tragic chapter, but in the long run, it’s not so tragic. I absolutely adored the story, it focuses on family and second chances. It’s very fast paced and it flows from Lulu and Victoria, mainly being Lulu’s POV. I read this super quick. It was predictable but that’s okay, we like something predictable when it’s an easy, heartwarming read like this. I felt the emotions in this book and I really did enjoy it.
Definitely give it a try if you’re after something nice and easy. 🤩
Sisters Victoria and Lulu are involved in a life changing car accident.
For Victoria it seems as though she’s lost six years of her life. Her family is not how she remembers. she in the middle of a divorce and her twins are now teenagers. The The life she enters is not one she recognises that all.
Although not injured physically, the crash forces Lulu to realise that her drinking is becoming more harmful and she needs to face the demons from her past.
This is a heartbreakingly beautiful novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sisters Victoria and Lulu are in a car accident and have to rebuild their lives afterwards. Victoria has lost 6 years of memories and doesn't recognise the person she had become during that time. Lulu is seeking refuge in alcohol and not dealing with her past.
I couldn't put this book down as I was intrigued from the start! I really liked the sisters and wanted to see how they dealt with the aftermath of the accident and the consequences for them and their families and friends. Very highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
What if you awoke a big chunk of your life was missing? Vickie has amnesia and has lost 6 years of her life. What she does remember doesn’t coincide with the reality she faces, with her marriage and husband. Lulu is grappling with her own demons as well. I found Vicki’s story the most interesting, especially the situation that really was the rupture of her marriage. I liked the development of the story for their marriage. It’s a touching read about 2 sisters’ lives that are irrevocably changed. Sometimes it’s better not to remember. Thanks to Aria and NetGalley for the copy.
This was a great read with a few twists long the way.
On finishing the book I discovered why the author chose to write it, and that gave the story a whole new meaning. Using her own experiences she has created something which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The pace of the story was ideal, we only learn certain things about Victoria’s post as and when the author is ready to reveal them. The characters were all really well written too.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
Victoria and Lulu were in a car accident, Lulu was just bruised but Victoria had a head injury and she can't remember the last six years and wonders why her husband isn't rushing to see her with her two children, she didn't know her husband is arranging a divorce and her kids are now teenagers. Victoria has to find out why they are divorcing and why everything has changed in her life while Lulu is about to get married but doesn't look happy. Loved all the characters and read really quick as wanted to know what happened.
I received this book via NetGalley and give it my honest opinion,
A heart-felt story that will take you on a roller coater of emotions. 2 sisters, a car crash, memory loss, now Everything has changed! This book will grip you from the start and you will not want to put it down! This is the first book I have read from Kendra Smith but it definitely will not be the last! A great read full of emotions I highly recommend it.
Victoria and her sister Lulu are involved in a car accident leaving Victoria with amnesia, how can her twins be 16 years old and not ten and what on earth has happened to her marriage.... James is the love of her life but he is divorcing her!
A lovely heartwarming story watching both sisters trying to get their lives back together after the accident, both struggling with what they have turned into.... maybe the accident was a good thing.
Thank you for the advanced copy in exchange for a review.
I could not put this down, it was brilliant. I felt like I was on an emotional roller-coaster. Human life is really complex and the relationship between the sisters, I constantly kept thinking how will they go back from this. I kept putting my sister and I in their shoes and wondering what would happen.
Well written, truly brilliant, highly recommended.
3.5 stars Wasn't expecting this level of depth and trauma in the story when I read the blurb, especially on Lulu's side of the story. It was an engrossing read, though, and I very much preferred the POV of Victoria which somehow allowed me to see more of the story, of her side of it, than Lulu's which possibly was meant to be more immersive? Just know this is not a light and fluffy read. It's not hard or traumatic, either, but know it's not light beach/pool read material, imo
Interesting fiction where one of 2 sisters suffers amnesia after a car crash and loses 6 years worth of memory although its not all bad. A few small plot twists along the way although nothing spectacular. I read to the end which doesn't always happen. A bit confusing where Victoria mentions she had twins and gave birth twice in one day but a few chapters later tells us she had a C-section. Ok for a light holiday read although quite predictable too.
Loved this! Sister Vicky and Lulu are in a car accident. Lulu escapes relatively unscathed; but the fall out makes her question everything about her life and upcoming marriage. Vicky can’t remember the last six years of her life…she doesn’t understand why she’s now known as Victoria; is getting divorced and her family seem to hate her. Maybe for Vicky the accident can help her understand how her life changed so much and help her find her way back. I really enjoyed this book.
Everything does change for Victoria and her sister Lulu after they are involved in a car accident. Victoria can't remember parts of her life and how she and her husband came to be estranged from each other. Lulu wants to forget her past, but finds it dictating her present. The sisters must find a way to move past the memories the accident has raised and reclaim the lives they want to live.
Victoria & Louise are sisters who are in a car accident & everything changes for them. I loved how Kendra Smith shows these characters as likeable but need to mend women, probably like most women. The book shows their journey to life changing decisions for them both. A very enjoyable read & oh yes, I love Markie!
Two sisters….. A car crash… Amnesia….. Life changing decisions…. Moving on…. Fixing past mistakes…. So many twists and turns with heartwarming moments. A good read that I read late into the night. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lulu and Vicky are sisters who are both involved in a serious car accident, leaving Vicky with a long term recovery and Lulu with a lot of guilt. What they both realise is that they need to make some serious changes with their lives and rediscover who they really are. I was not sure about this one at first but it really grew on me and I found it hard to put down.
I fee a bit harsh giving this a 2 star review but I just couldn’t care about any of the characters in this book. This book was done from 2 point of views but I didn’t enjoy how was one third person and one was first person. Also it was just a bit cliched and muddled. I get why people have given it a higher rating and that some people liked it but it wasn’t for me.