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pham12387's review against another edition
1.0
Like a bad old sitcom with accompanying laugh track. Just ugh.
mkmwriter's review against another edition
3.0
This took me a while to get into. Once I finally hit 50%, though, I was hooked. A wonderful story about change...and moments.
awbookgirl's review against another edition
4.0
Kathleen Long’s first book, Chasing Rainbows , was one of my 2012 favorites. I’m excited to review her new book, Changing Lanes now.
From the book summary:
Abby Halladay has the perfect life. Or, rather, she will…as long as everything goes exactly according to plan. Abby never leaves anything to chance—not her job as a syndicated columnist, not her engagement to her fiancé, Fred, and certainly not her impending wedding in Paris (New Jersey, that is).
Unfortunately for Abby, even the best-laid plans often go awry—like when Fred runs away to Paris (France, that is), her column is canned, and her dream home is diagnosed with termites. Forced to move back in with her parents and drive her dad’s cab, Abby’s perfect life has now officially become the perfect disaster.
Then a funny thing happens. Slowly but surely, Abby begins letting go of her dreams of perfection. As she does, the messy, imperfect life she thought she never wanted starts to feel exactly like the one she needs.
Poignant and heartfelt, Changing Lanes celebrates the unexpected joys of everyday life—and the enduring promise of second chances.
The elements of Chasing Rainbows that I loved are back in Changing Lanes. A character forced to re-evaluate her life. A likable heroine who begins to find herself. You know that little thrill you get, sometimes, when you read? That one where you kind of wish you had the guts to do what the main character is doing? I got that little thrill here. Wouldn’t it be great if we all had the courage to live the life that’s just right for us? Of course, sometimes it takes a lot of challenges for us to see that just right life is, and we don’t always have those things thrown in our path. But still, if we had the chance to do what feels completely right to us? That’s what reading Long’s books does for me, why they hook me in.
But it’s not just Abby finding her perfect life in this book- that journey is woven through a number of subplots and characters. The challenges these characters face, the secrets they keep, only add to the intrigue of the story and the authenticity of the relationships. We all keep some secrets, for reasons right or wrong. In Changing Lanes, they add a deeper context to the story.
Fans of women’s fiction should take a look at Kathleen Long’s books. There’s a depth to her characters and stories that isn’t seen in all chick lit books, and I really appreciate that.
- See more at: http://thebookfetishblog.com/2013/09/changing-lanes/#sthash.iGO6yAv2.dpuf
From the book summary:
Abby Halladay has the perfect life. Or, rather, she will…as long as everything goes exactly according to plan. Abby never leaves anything to chance—not her job as a syndicated columnist, not her engagement to her fiancé, Fred, and certainly not her impending wedding in Paris (New Jersey, that is).
Unfortunately for Abby, even the best-laid plans often go awry—like when Fred runs away to Paris (France, that is), her column is canned, and her dream home is diagnosed with termites. Forced to move back in with her parents and drive her dad’s cab, Abby’s perfect life has now officially become the perfect disaster.
Then a funny thing happens. Slowly but surely, Abby begins letting go of her dreams of perfection. As she does, the messy, imperfect life she thought she never wanted starts to feel exactly like the one she needs.
Poignant and heartfelt, Changing Lanes celebrates the unexpected joys of everyday life—and the enduring promise of second chances.
The elements of Chasing Rainbows that I loved are back in Changing Lanes. A character forced to re-evaluate her life. A likable heroine who begins to find herself. You know that little thrill you get, sometimes, when you read? That one where you kind of wish you had the guts to do what the main character is doing? I got that little thrill here. Wouldn’t it be great if we all had the courage to live the life that’s just right for us? Of course, sometimes it takes a lot of challenges for us to see that just right life is, and we don’t always have those things thrown in our path. But still, if we had the chance to do what feels completely right to us? That’s what reading Long’s books does for me, why they hook me in.
But it’s not just Abby finding her perfect life in this book- that journey is woven through a number of subplots and characters. The challenges these characters face, the secrets they keep, only add to the intrigue of the story and the authenticity of the relationships. We all keep some secrets, for reasons right or wrong. In Changing Lanes, they add a deeper context to the story.
Fans of women’s fiction should take a look at Kathleen Long’s books. There’s a depth to her characters and stories that isn’t seen in all chick lit books, and I really appreciate that.
- See more at: http://thebookfetishblog.com/2013/09/changing-lanes/#sthash.iGO6yAv2.dpuf
rwbrock's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adored this story. Funny, sad, hopeful and courageous.
Abby Halladay heads home to her parents in Paris, NJ after having a very bad day…she lost her job, her new house (just purchased in Paris) has extensive termite damage and her fiancé (co-owner in new home) has disappeared to Paris, France two months before their wedding because he’s “bored”. At 30, to say she’s lost and feeling unmoored is an understatement. But as she rediscovers what she loved about her hometown and reconnects with her parents, sisters, grandmother and her best friends, she begins to realize that she might just have lost “herself” when she moved away. She became what she believed she should be rather than who she really was at heart. Through trial and error and a lot of soul-searching she begins to uncover her former self…what and who made her happy, what and who brought out the real her and how the little moments in life are the most precious.
Abby is an easily relatable character, and her supporting cast of family, friends and townspeople are simply wonderful. I zoomed through this one and am definitely looking at this author’s backlist.
Highly recommend.
Abby Halladay heads home to her parents in Paris, NJ after having a very bad day…she lost her job, her new house (just purchased in Paris) has extensive termite damage and her fiancé (co-owner in new home) has disappeared to Paris, France two months before their wedding because he’s “bored”. At 30, to say she’s lost and feeling unmoored is an understatement. But as she rediscovers what she loved about her hometown and reconnects with her parents, sisters, grandmother and her best friends, she begins to realize that she might just have lost “herself” when she moved away. She became what she believed she should be rather than who she really was at heart. Through trial and error and a lot of soul-searching she begins to uncover her former self…what and who made her happy, what and who brought out the real her and how the little moments in life are the most precious.
Abby is an easily relatable character, and her supporting cast of family, friends and townspeople are simply wonderful. I zoomed through this one and am definitely looking at this author’s backlist.
Highly recommend.
kailansunshine's review against another edition
3.0
A short, sweet, fluffy story that embodies the phrase (much as I hate it) "chick lit." An enjoyable read about everyday people and their everyday struggles.
obsidian_blue's review against another edition
2.0
The main character, Abby Halladay, is thrilled to be embarking on the next stage of her life with her fiancee Fred in their new home in Paris, New Jersey.
However, on the same day she is fired from her life as a columnist Fred flees to Paris (France) leaving her behind to deal with the their new house which unfortunately is uninhabitable.
Abby moves home to live with her family and while there tries to figure out what makes her happy. She starts to re-connect with her family and friends, and seeks out a friendship with her former friend Mick who she hasn't seen they were in high school together.
This novel in my opinion was just a typical romantic novel. It does not mean that I don't like romance novels. I really do, but this novel just ended up being a so-so read.
Abby's character and several other's just didn't seem to be well thought out to me at all. Everyone seemed to be a caricature of real people and I didn't find myself feeling moved at all during certain parts of the novel, I just ended up rolling my eyes.
Since most romance novels don't have fully developed characters for the most part, I could have ignored that if ultimately the love story had redeemed the novel in some way. However, I didn't get any type of sparks between Abby and Mick at all and just found the ending beyond ridiculous when it finally came.
I would not recommend this novel.
Please note I received this novel for free on the Amazon Vine Program.
However, on the same day she is fired from her life as a columnist Fred flees to Paris (France) leaving her behind to deal with the their new house which unfortunately is uninhabitable.
Abby moves home to live with her family and while there tries to figure out what makes her happy. She starts to re-connect with her family and friends, and seeks out a friendship with her former friend Mick who she hasn't seen they were in high school together.
This novel in my opinion was just a typical romantic novel. It does not mean that I don't like romance novels. I really do, but this novel just ended up being a so-so read.
Abby's character and several other's just didn't seem to be well thought out to me at all. Everyone seemed to be a caricature of real people and I didn't find myself feeling moved at all during certain parts of the novel, I just ended up rolling my eyes.
Since most romance novels don't have fully developed characters for the most part, I could have ignored that if ultimately the love story had redeemed the novel in some way. However, I didn't get any type of sparks between Abby and Mick at all and just found the ending beyond ridiculous when it finally came.
I would not recommend this novel.
Please note I received this novel for free on the Amazon Vine Program.
amsearer's review against another edition
4.0
So, about a chapter in, I decided I could predict the entire plot. I did have it mostly correct. I was griping the entire time about it being predictable. BUT. I thoroughly enjoyed taking this journey with Abby and I'd be disappointed if it ended any other way. As I rapidly approached the ending, I actually found myself wondering if there would be a sequel. (Is there? can I have one?) I've spent a few days with these characters and I'd love nothing more than to be able to pull a Mary Poppins and hop right into Paris, NJ and hang out with them all a little more. I shaved a star off only because I was able to predict most of the plot, but don't let that fool you. If you're looking for an easy-to-read, delightfully sweet tale, buckle up and befriend Cabby Abby.
scottishlindsay's review
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
beastreader's review against another edition
1.0
Abby Halladay should be counting down the days until she is married. Instead she has lost her job as an advice columnist, she has a termite problem to contend to, and to top it all off her fiancé calls her to tell her that he took off for Paris, France.
Now Abby does what any woman in her position does…she moves back home with her parents. While back Abby wanders around town trying to pick up the pieces of her life and figure out her next steps.
Mick O’Malley lost his wife a little over two years ago. They got into an argument and she was drunk. Mick lives next door to Abby’s parents. He is working on fixing their roof.
This book sounded like a charming read. I need these types of books every once in a while to break up my routine of reading mysteries. Sadly this book did not jive with me. I got about three chapters in and then put this book down and walked away from it for a long time. I did pick it back up to give it a second chance. As much as I wanted to like this book I just could not get into it or the characters. Abby was a little too boring and complaining too much. Mick did not even come off as the good guy next door. Even when he was trying to push Abby’s buttons it did not come off as fun banter.
Now Abby does what any woman in her position does…she moves back home with her parents. While back Abby wanders around town trying to pick up the pieces of her life and figure out her next steps.
Mick O’Malley lost his wife a little over two years ago. They got into an argument and she was drunk. Mick lives next door to Abby’s parents. He is working on fixing their roof.
This book sounded like a charming read. I need these types of books every once in a while to break up my routine of reading mysteries. Sadly this book did not jive with me. I got about three chapters in and then put this book down and walked away from it for a long time. I did pick it back up to give it a second chance. As much as I wanted to like this book I just could not get into it or the characters. Abby was a little too boring and complaining too much. Mick did not even come off as the good guy next door. Even when he was trying to push Abby’s buttons it did not come off as fun banter.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
3.0
This was my first book by Kathleen Long and look forward to reading more of her work. When I first began listening to the audio version it was a little distracting with the noises so switched to the e-book which was smoother. (Wished she had a little more exciting setting than Paris, NJ, as if the setting had been in say a southern historic or coastal town it may have been a bit more inviting).
The book is about 30 yr. old Abbey who has lost her job as an advice columnist, and the day before she is to move into her charming Victorian home she finds out is has extensive termite damage, and guy she was set to marry decides he is going to Paris, France.
In the meantime, her parents and relatives are there to support her), and she runs into Mick O’Malley, her childhood best friend and neighbor (who lost his wife a few years ago to drunk driving) and his father who gave them all a bad name. There are other events which led to the night of their senior year when Mick left town.
Abbey’s dad suggests she drive her dad’s cab Bessie to figure out how to pay a mortgage and rethink her life. She connects with some girlfriends in town and realizes how things begin changing when she does not put so much pressure on herself to be a perfectionist. She begins to find happiness without Fred and begins to spend more time with Mick realizing she is not the only one with issues.
An insightful and beautiful story about love, unexpected joys, second chances, personal growth and handling the card you are dealt. Changing Lanes was not so much a chick-lit and a romance – more about growing and getting to know yourself.
The book is about 30 yr. old Abbey who has lost her job as an advice columnist, and the day before she is to move into her charming Victorian home she finds out is has extensive termite damage, and guy she was set to marry decides he is going to Paris, France.
In the meantime, her parents and relatives are there to support her), and she runs into Mick O’Malley, her childhood best friend and neighbor (who lost his wife a few years ago to drunk driving) and his father who gave them all a bad name. There are other events which led to the night of their senior year when Mick left town.
Abbey’s dad suggests she drive her dad’s cab Bessie to figure out how to pay a mortgage and rethink her life. She connects with some girlfriends in town and realizes how things begin changing when she does not put so much pressure on herself to be a perfectionist. She begins to find happiness without Fred and begins to spend more time with Mick realizing she is not the only one with issues.
An insightful and beautiful story about love, unexpected joys, second chances, personal growth and handling the card you are dealt. Changing Lanes was not so much a chick-lit and a romance – more about growing and getting to know yourself.