Fun read and I loved the Chicago foodie references. Overall not a very moving story for me and sometimes the character development felt strange and immature.

4.5 Stars RT BookReviews Top Pick

Another touching, meaningful and hunger-producing novel from Ballis! The author has a way of making the food and the Chicago location integral parts of the story, placing the reader right in the midst of the realistic tale. The relationship between Eloise and Shawn is well developed, and while not perfect, it isn't fraught with typical romance clichés. The friendship between Eloise, Teresa and Lynne is complex and also adds immensely to the storyline. None of the characters let each other take the easy way out of anything, and they will make readers long for challenging friendships. And a hallmark of any Ballis novel is the food — Eloise is a chef and loves all food, which makes the delectable descriptions a fantastic draw for any foodie.
Eloise is relatively happy with her life as a private chef to a busy family, as well as spending time with her Corgi and her mom. When a beloved high-school teacher dies, Eloise reconnects with her two closest friends from high school who she hasn't seen for many years. The three decide to give their lives a kick out of complacency by challenging each other to complete a list of goals within the next year, before they turn 40. These goals are designed to get them out of their comfort zones. There are many challenges to their lives — and their friendships — ahead.

Any book that features a dog in some way is going to get my attention, let's be honest This was such a lovely work of women's fiction that pulled me into the lives of these women as they worked to step out of their comfort zone. Definitely recommend.

I loved this book.  I never read any of Stacey's other novels but I know I will be on the lookout for them now.  This was such a fun read.  I am a near 40 year old and sometimes reading books about people in their 20's can become a bit monotonous.  I relate much more to the women in this story.

I generally don't read a book of this genre as I usually find the characters too flimsy and too in their early 20s. But this blurb said that the women were nearly in their 40s, and that piqued my interest. I thought this would be a mature book involving friendships. Though the cover did indicate chick-lit.
I did like the beginning, author Stacey Ballis starts well with the description of personal chef, Eloise and her life, that was interesting. Then the friends got together, they made a list of things that would motivate each other to get out of their comfort zone, that too kept my interest going. But soon the book became full of thoughts and descriptions and I was lost and my interest sank. The book had many words but not as many actions to justify it. I got a bit bored and I skipped some pages.
The book does have it good parts, there was friendship, there was a sweet love interest for Eloise and the food recipes sounded great.
On the whole a good read, but I wanted more, more genuine emotions, more love, more laughter.

Before we go to deep in this together I feel it is fair to warn you that this book is not christian fiction. I’ve reviewed mostly christian and/or Amish fiction predominately for several months but I’ve stepped outside that for this book. It’s still a romance so I have that making it hard since I’ve read one too many romances here lately. But it’s not just romance. Back to mainstream fiction. There is language, not offensive to me but could be offensive to some. There is also sexual content, a lot of sexual content as a whole, but it leaves basically everything to the imagination. So unless the illusion of this bothers you then you are cleared to read.

You know how I mentioned this book was a romance but not just a romance. Truth is I was sorta confused as I read through trying to figure out what the other was. The food descriptions were overwhelming and off putting. I don’t need to know every single ingredient and how to make every single thing that was consumed by every character. It felt like a Nano novel where words mattered more than content and that ingredient lists and step by step directions were key. It took away from the novel feel of the book and interrupted to story flow. I feel like, in a book like this, there was a place for it just not in the story flow.

The characters, for the most part, were well developed. Their interplay and relationships were intriguing. I was sold on the rekindled friendship and even how the years had clarified personalities and highlighted both the flaws and the positives. I related to the idea that childhood friends don’t always hold the place of lifelong besties. I felt like the interracial part of Eloise and Shawn’s relationship was put in for shock value that truly was irrelevant to the story as a whole. It created some conversations points but was actually so anticlimactic that it was a distraction from what could have been a more in-depth story. There were opportunities to create a better flowing story but what I read was still pretty good all on its own. Good enough I’m interested in reading more of this author’s books.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Eloise is happy with her life as a successful private chef. She has her clients, her corgi, and a recipe for the world’s most perfect chocolate cream pie. What more could she need? But when her long-lost trio of high school friends reunites, Eloise realizes how lonely she really is.

Eloise, Lynne, and Teresa revamp their senior-class assignment and dare one another to create a list of things to accomplish by the time they each turn forty in a few months. Control freak Lynne has to get a dog, Teresa has to spice up her marriage, and Eloise has to start dating again.

Enter Shawn, a hunky ex-athlete and the first man Eloise could see herself falling for. Suddenly forty doesn’t seem so lonely–until a chance encounter threatens the budding romance and reveals the true colors of her friends. Will the bucket listers make it to forty still speaking to one another? Or do some friendships come with an expiration date?

Review

I must say, it has been a long time since I have enjoyed a book so much. How to Change a Life hit all my requirements: well-written, engaging, entertaining, interesting characters, romantic, some angst and lest we forget -> pets and food!

The prologue sets the scene from 1991 when the three friends are entering high school. We are introduced to Mrs. O’Connor (the teacher of Freshman Honors Literature). While the reader’s exposure to Mrs. O’Connor is not vast, I did like her! Her first words to Eloise as she enters the classroom for the first time is – so perfect:

“What’s your name?” “Eloise.” “Don’t slouch, darling Eloise. You own the space you take up in this world. Abraham Lincoln said, ‘You have to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was.’ You stand straight and proud in every inch of your magnificence. Otherwise you let me and all our blessed sisters of substance down.”

A very interesting idea – Mrs. O’Connor had the class arranged by birthdate. This required the kids to interact with everyone and have at the bare minimum – a short discussion. Now that would have been nice my first day of high school (and junior high as well). Great ice breaker. The order of the students smoothed the way for Eloise to befriend Theresa and Lynne.

The story begins in chapter one with Eloise (a private chef) preparing young Ian to compete on America’s Junior SuperChef. As an individual who likes watching cooking shows (getting my own ideas and all), this definitely held my attention. Ian is one of four children from the family that Eloise has been working for over the past six years. I was totally in awe of this young man and his ability to prepare a pork chop and roasted squash quesadilla with pistachio salsa verde and honey vinegar crema. Now that sound delicious! And this occurred throughout the book. The ongoing dialogue while preparing dishes had me wishing I had a personal chef!

When Eloise learns of the passing of her long ago English teacher, she goes to go to the viewing. At this point in time, it had been 17 years since she had seen Teresa and Lynne. Wow, how time and life just passes one by. So the friends reconnect at the services. “The Three Witches, together again.” (You will understand the reference when you read the book yourself). A week later, they meet at Eloise’s house and it is here they decide to create a list of things to accomplish before they all turn 40 (in honour of a high school project that Mrs. O’Connor had them complete – Fabulous at Forty) and if they don’t complete the list, donate $5,000 in Mrs. O’Connor’s name to a charity. Eloise’s list is comprised of the following:

Find a new hobby that has nothing to do with food or cooking.
Create real book proposal for cookbook. And send to at least ten literary agents.
Find a new athletic endeavor that doesn’t hurt my knee, but keeps me more active.
Do something social out of the house at least every other week, and at least once a month it must be
something with strangers…a tour, a class, places to potentially broaden your cirle of friends.
Start actively dating … at least fifteen real dates total.


Funny, sad and interesting things happen while each of the gals knock off items on their list. Lynne is the most competitive and wanting to win at all costs…she is fast and furious with working her list. I loved watching each of the gals grow in ways they did not imagine. There is a lot of soul searching as well as analyzing their relationship’s with each other as well as others in their immediate circle of friends and family. But do they all succeed in knocking off their five items on their list? You will just have to read How to Change a Life to find out yourself!

I really enjoyed the slow and steady building of a relationship that develops between Eloise and Shawn. I can’t tell you much more about Shawn, but trust me….it is worth the read! FYI – the depiction of Shawn is delectable. Who wouldn’t want this hunky guy by your side? The reader also gets a solid glimpse at his story and the intricacies as to how and why his life evolved as it did.

The supporting characters within this book are also noteworthy. They provide sage wisdom and advice to Eloise as well as direct her, even inadvertently, to mastering her list before the deadline.

The description of Eloise as a crier is so…well…vivid…and relatable on so many levels:

“I hate crying. In no small part because I am an ugly crier. Like, off-her-meds-Claire-Danes-in-Homeland-on-steroids ugly crier. My whole face gets red and splotchy, my eyes swell up like a pug with a thyroid condition, and my nose runs with thick trails of snot, and I end up spending the better part of six hours looking like I’ve been hit in the face with a bouquet of poison oak.”

Another fine tale told by Stacey Ballis. I was sucked in to Eloise’s life immediately and did not want to stop for pesky things like sleep – so I devoured this book in short order. If you enjoy romance, laughter, food and the sisterhood then I highly recommend this book.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

Food? Check. Dogs? Check. Chicago? Check. Elements of Judaism? Check. These items are only the beginning ingredients for a typical Stacey Ballis novel. However, there is always so much more that makes me want to both savor and devour it at the same time, also hoping for leftovers in the end (meaning, a sequel). Such is the case with How to Change a Life.

I've been reading Stacey's novels for 10 years now, starting with the summer I picked up The Spinster Sisters and then had to read every other book she had available at the time. I've been a fan of hers since that time, and she has never let me down. Her books are relatable and entertaining, and of course they have my mouth watering thanks to all the food descriptions.

How to Change a Life was an easygoing novel, for the most part. Stacey had me laughing, smiling, and even getting teary-eyed at times. I could easily see myself becoming friends with Eloise and most of her friends. The challenge she takes on is inspiring to anyone who feels like they are stuck in a rut or that they haven't achieved everything they want to at this point in their lives. I love how Eloise and her friends push each other out of their comfort zones.

Not only did I enjoy the food descriptions, but I could visualize the people and settings as if they were right in front of me. The character of Ian reminded me of my older son and one part involving him got me emotional (in a good way). Simca, Eloise's Corgi, sounded adorable. And Lawrence's Halloween party theme was so much fun to picture in my head.

Overall, it was a really sweet story with lots of heartfelt moments. The only criticism I have is that things were a bit too perfect. There was one game changer, that I was able to figure out early on (but that's just me being an avid reader and the moment it actually happened was rather funny). Even with that happening, it only caused a bit of strife in one area of Eloise's life, and even then it was smoothed over. There's one thing Eloise was doing for one of her challenges that I wouldn't mind seeing carried over into another novel. Speaking of which, Stacey is good at following up with characters from previous books. So if you haven't read Wedding Girl (and you really should), you may get some spoilers about Sophie.

If you're in a reading rut, this novel will definitely lift you out of it and put you in a good mood. Add it to your TBR!

My dream movie cast:
Eloise: Elizabeth Reaser
Lynne: Kerry Washington
Teresa: Casey Wilson
Marcy: Larisa Oleynik
Shawn: Taye Diggs
Lawrence: Jonathan Pryce

Eloise is basically happy in life and things are just smooth sailing along when two of her high school friends come back into her life and she has to question the goals and dreams she had for herself back then and how her life measures up now.

What a great book to make you think about the milestones you had for yourself and to take a moment and reconnect and figure out where you want to go so you can make a plan to head that way. I loved that nothing was wrong in Eloise's life things were fine, but with a few pushes in a few spots she could elevate fine to great.

I thought Eloise was a great main character and I loved seeing a job that wasn't an office job and how interesting her life was. I like books that can give you a glimpse into someone else's life and you can "experience" it without changing your life!

Stacey Ballis is a solid author who can write females to a T and I love how they are whole and complete. Her books can seem breezy, but without the amount of heart they have they don't feel like just fluff. I am and will always be a fan and she will be one I look for for that book to stick in the beach bag!

Stacy Ballis has created another strong woman in Eloise., the narrator. Eloise and her two friends, Teresa and Lynne, reconnect as a result of the death of their high school mentor, Mrs. O'Brien. Each woman has areas of her life that they feel are lacking, and the three make a bet to shake things up a bit before their fortieth birthdays.. There are obstacles in the way, but each is determined to do her best to embrace each other, but also, their own best selves.

What a sweet read!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How to Change a Life is a great look at a typical woman of today. Hard-working but gun shy of guys because of a bad experience. Stuck in a rut but content. A few great friends, including two high school friends that we get to connect with after many years apart, and some family friends round up the cast.

I love the way the story is laid out and how it’s written. You get a firsthand look at Eloise and her life as a private chef. Don’t be hungry when you’re reading this book because there is plenty of talk about food and recipes are included.

The author finally finds Eloise a wonderful, sweet man who you just want to meet and take home to Mama yourself. Plus we get a great twist that you will not expect!

With plenty of fun times, clean romance, and just a general heartwarming story, How to Change a Life is a great novel for women of any age.

Stacy Ballis knows how to craft a wonderful story that is entertaining, a little sexy, and makes you just feel good.

After high school, Eloise left her two best friends to go to culinary school in Europe and spend time working in French restaurants. After years away, she had to move back to Chicago to help care for her terminally ill father, leaving her restaurant job and her boyfriend behind. Eventually, she settled back in to a Midwestern life, taking a job as a personal chef. It's a good life. Eloise makes good money, enjoys spending time with her clients, and gets to test recipes in her spare time. She is still close with her mother, and she has an adorable fur baby to snuggle with. 

But with her 40th birthday approaching, Eloise can't help but wonder if there's something missing, if she could be happier, if she should be doing more, if she should give love another try. Then the sudden loss of her high school English teacher, the woman who taught her to embrace all of herself and inspired some of her best friendships from high school, makes Eloise face all the feelings she's been burying since returning to the States. All the fear of rejection, the pain of being betrayed, the worry about not being enough--everything that she's been hiding behind. So when the memorial service brings her two high school friends back to her, the three of them decide it's time to make a change. 

The three friends give themselves eight months to change their lives. Businesswoman bad-ass Lynne sets goals to put down some roots and create a home while expanding her business. Stay-at-home mom Teresa wants to get back out of the house and get a part-time job, find some volunteering opportunities, and take classes in money management. Meanwhile, Eloise is finally going to put together a book proposal for all those recipes she's been developing and, more importantly, she has to start dating again. 

Changing your life isn't easy, and it doesn't take the three friends long to figure out just how challenging it is to face your fears and make big changes in life. Are their relationships strong enough to endure the tough times? Are the women themselves strong enough to do what it takes to change their lives and find the happiness and love they seek? 

Stacy Ballis has taken these fabulous characters, mixed in a strong supporting cast of friends and family, let some powerful emotions simmer for a long time over low heat, and served up an amazing novel that is a feast. How to Change a Life is a journey of the struggle we all face when we ask if we'd rather stay safe where we are content or face our fears and reach for more. Filled with foodie fun, laughter, tears, surprises, and a little edible marijuana, this is a delectable treat for women everywhere. 



Galleys for How to Change a Life were provided by Berkley Publishing Group through Net Galley.com, with many thanks.

This was not my favorite book from this author. The story line did not draw me in and I felt it was a rinse and repeat of other books available. It wouldn't fit what my patrons are looking for.

If you are a fan of Ballis, or a fan of foodie romance novels you will enjoy this one immensely. The balance of friendship, family, challenges and food is a great balance that anyone could enjoy. I read this book in a day and enjoyed every minute of it. I wouldn’t recommend reading Ballis’s books one right after the other because they do follow a little bit of a formula, but they are all fun to read in a different way. I look forward to reading more of her novels in the future.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. I found it to be sweet and appealingly charming. El is a personal chef who lives a simple, quiet life. She reconnects with old high school friends when she attends the funeral of a beloved teacher. While in school their teacher assigned the girls the task of imagining themselves at the age of 40. They revisit their old hopes and dreams and challenge each other to make those old wishes more of a reality.

It is the story of self-discovery, love, betrayal, and friendships. It is not a difficult read and I found the characters to be likeable. I love the language and tone of the book; there is strife and conflict but it is dealt with on a mature, kind level. There is no graphic language or scenes and I found it an extreme joy to read.

This is a charming read. Right from the beginning I connected with Eloise. She is warm and everyone seems drawn to her. However, you can't talk about Eloise without mentioning her friends, Lynne, and Teresa. They are some good friends. Each woman seemed to embrace the bucket list idea with gusto. In fact, if it had not been for the bucket list, I think that the women would have been fine but not great. The list forced them to open up more; especially Eloise. I need to step back a moment and talk about the love interest, Shawn. He was a sweet guy. He and Eloise were good together. The romance was not in the extreme heat zone but it was like a mild chili pepper zone.

While, I did enjoy this book, after about half way if maybe not a little before I did find my excitement to waver and go down some. I did continue reading on some more but it was fine. Nothing that put me over the top. Yet, I would read another book by this author.

Stacey Ballis excels at writing fun, light novels that highlight female friendships. Throw in some cooking and a little romance and you've got a great weekend read. Just make sure you have snacks.

I thought this was a fun, light read and I enjoyed the friendship aspect of this novel. They were close friends in high school and soon they grew apart. Now they are back in their hometown for the funeral of the high school teacher who brought them together. Each of the three young ladies feels content with their life but after conversing with one another, they each decide that there are a few things they would like to change. The friends also have suggestions for each other, on how they can improve their lives. With forty just around the corner, the three friends make a pact to try to change or improve their lives using their own ideas and their friend’s suggestions. I liked how these ladies pushed each other and encouraged each other as they tried to make these changes in their lives. They tried to be supportive to each other yet there were some ill feelings that were being harbored inside about each other which eventually had to come out. They had always been honest with one another and they wanted to keep it that way. Not one of them is perfect, they all had issues they wanted to change to improve their life yet for them to change who they had been for almost forty years, it takes initiative and hard work. I liked listening to them and reading how they went about this pact although the novel soon grew to be centered around Eli. Some friendships are priceless and I like how these three tried to regain the friendship they had back in high school as they wanted that closeness again. It was an enjoyable read and I recommend it. 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Another great foodie romance from Stacey Ballis! Her books always makes me wish I was a better cook than I actually am.

Eloise is about to turn 40, along with her 2 best friends from high school. They reunite at the funeral of their favorite teacher and start talking about the dreams they had as teenagers. This conversation leads to a bet with each other to become a better version of themselves. A good choice for book clubs and for girlfriends who want to challenge each other!