This book was very charming. I liked the interactions of the characters even if many of the situations seemed far-fetched. Some of the animal shenanigans made me laugh out loud. Unfortunately I also found the book quite predictable. Emma's backstabbing, Vanessa's auction win & the eventual happy ending were all easy to figure out long before they happened. All in all I'd call this a solid summer beach read, good for when you need a break from more serious books.

Rebecca longs to be like her confident, forthright boss, Vanessa. So when Vanessa handpicks her for a special project, she's thrilled. Less so when it turns out not to be an event - they are event managers, after all - but overseeing the refurbishment of Vanessa's house. Mousy Rebecca is sure she can't manage a team.

Until she arrives, and they mistake her for Vanessa and immediately get to work. Oops? But it won't matter for a little while, surely! What can go wrong...?

Shades of Sophie Kinsella in this hilarious contemporary novel. Poor Rebecca gets herself very confused over the course of the novel, but like in all the best stories, it works out in the end, even if not quite the way she thought it would. Her supporting cast is great, too...Franny might be my favourite, but it's hard to tell!

This is the perfect read for someone looking for something quite light and easy.

A fun novel that relies on the premise of mistaken identity, complete with a lovable heroine who we cheer for right from the beginning. Enjoyed this very much and will recommend to readers who enjoy Sophie Kinsella's books.

The accidental life swap is a well written, lighthearted book filled with humour throughout. Each character was well thought out and the majority were likeable too. I’d definitely read more books with the same characters, I think there is definite potential there.
It is a predictable story that we’ve all read countless times before but nevertheless I still throughly enjoyed it.
If you’re looking for a light, easy read; with a brilliant cast of characters and some romance thrown in to the mix.. then this is the perfect book for you.

A case of mistaken identity leads Rebecca down an unexpected road. With an entire village under the impression that she is Vanessa, her obnoxious boss, she not only finds a way to be true to herself and find love, but also to finally make a stand and take control of her life.

A well written, witty but slightly predictable novel, thats not just a love story. The relationship between Rebecca and Oliver was more of a side plot and I enjoyed the focus being more on one protagonists.

I enjoyed the farm animals the most, their names suited their personalities.

A nice quick read, definitely recommended. There were many parallels to My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella.

This book was sent to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and all opinions are my own.

Luanna

Thank you to HQ Digital for providing me a copy of this book from NetGalley to read and review.

This is one of the best chick lit books I have read in the past couple of years. From the first couple pages I was hooked. I took it with me everywhere and couldn't put the book down.

Yes, the plot is a bit unbelievable, but that's what a good chick lit book does. And I'd also say the plot isn't that unlike one from a romantic comedy, so it's not like it's totally out of this world.

Rebecca was a great protagonist. She reminded me so much of another great Rebecca in the chicklit world — Becky Bloomwood from the Shopaholic series.

I also loved that the unravelling of Rebecca's duplicity doesn't happen where you imagine it would based on the plot. Kudos to Jennifer Joyce for throwing in a little twist to keep things interesting.

I'm definitely going to look up more of her books after reading this one.

If you're looking for one more beach read before the summer is up, or just looking for a fun read, I highly recommend The Accidental Life Swap.

The Accidental Life Swap was a perfect beach read for me. I enjoyed the way Jennifer Joyce crafted the story’s lighthearted tone. I love a book where I can root for the underdog, and this is that type of book! In this story, the protagonist, Rebecca, steps into a job she does not want. She is tasked with her boss’ home remodel. The quaint setting mixed with Rebecca’s stubborn will to win makes for a great read. Admittedly, I occasionally felt frustrated by the Rebecca’s careless decisions. Still, the likable characters and cute plot made this book a fast paced read.. Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy of this book!

I guess it says enough that I was never in a rush to get back to reading this book after a day's work. It simple wasn't very engaging. Chicklits are generally predictable - which I don't mind, I wouldn't be reading them if I did - but that does require that the story is told in such a way that I am curious about the meet-cute, the dance of attraction, the inevitable fall-out and the ultimate getting (back) together.

Not so much the case here.

Rebecca is too much of an insecure doormat. After three years of living together she still hasn't talked to her roommate about the basic rules of mine and yours (such as if you're eating my food I expect you to pay for it). Neither has she started to store her food in her own room. And while I understand you don't talk back to your boss (that requires to feel safe from the backlash) and fleeting thoughts about taxi-drivers that turn out to be serial killers, it was all a bit much.

Less fretting and more action.

Also, less builders behaving like teenage boys. While most men remain teenage boys at heart, most of them have the sense not to behave like teenage boys when the person that is footing the bill is watching. Don't want to give her any reason to start looking for a more professional builder.

But then, once Rebecca started pretending she was Vanessa, the book started to pick up for me. I guess I like my heroines to be take charge kind of gals. Even if they are insecure at heart. We all need a few wins under our belt to boost our confidence. Until then: fake it until you make it.

So after a slow start, this chicklit worked out the way it should -- even had me prompting some come backs for Rebecca.

3.5 stars.

The Accidental Life Swap by Jennifer Joyce is a delightfully amusing contemporary novel about the power and dreams and discovering your unique identity.
We all have dreams – dreams keep us focused, striving towards our goals. What happens when we are so dream focused that we cannot see the reality around us?
The novel explores identity. We all have a unique identity. We cannot be someone else. We need to be happy in the skin we are in. If we try to assume another’s identity, sooner or later we will have to come clean.
Jennifer Joyce has created a wonderful mix of characters. One elicited a feeling of dislike, whilst others I warmed to immediately. The underdog will always get my vote. Feelings of insecurity in a character appeal to my maternal side. There were some warm exchanges between characters. The village setting was community based.
An animal sanctuary nurses the abandoned back to life. An old house is renovated and a life is transformed and restored.
The style of the novel is engaging and highly amusing. It is a light-hearted look at life that welcomes the reader in.
Jennifer Joyce has created a marvellous novel that not only entertained me but consumed my every waking moment. When I was not reading, I was wondering how the characters were getting on! – And that is the power of the pen of Jennifer Joyce, I believed her characters were my friends. How about you? Pick up a copy of The Accidental Life Swap today and immerse yourself in the Cheshire countryside and the lives of the people there.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

The Accidental Life Swap was a humorous and heartfelt story. As someone who shies away from conflict, I related to our mild mannered protagonist Rebecca. People in her life, from her room mate to her boss, walk all over her. While on an assignment she shouldn't have been sent on, Rebecca is mistaken for her boss. Instead of correcting the mistake, Rebecca assumes her bosses commanding personality and finds herself enjoying the results. I enjoyed the characters and setting of this book!

While overseeing renovations on her boss’ vacation home, Rebecca Riley is mistaken for her boss, Vanessa. She goes along with it, feeling she has good reason to do so. After all, her boss could never find out, could she? What’s the harm?
.
I’ve been trying to branch out this year and read more rom-com type books and they’ve been fun. This was definitely one of them! Rebecca is the pushover type who avoids confrontation but she gets frustrated with herself because of it. She wants to be more assertive. And boy can I relate to that! So imagine the temptation to go along with it when the builders mistake her for her assertive, demanding boss. She needs to channel Vanessa to finish the job she believes her career is hanging on. Ah! Sounds like a nightmare!
This book also had some funny situations and her inner dialogue cracked me up! And of course there’s the “rom” in rom-com. She finds herself unexpectedly attracted to one of the builders and the story follows their blossoming relationship. If you remember the main premise of the story, you can see the problems that lie ahead.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Easy read with a good flow that I finished in less than 24 hours. It’s furthered my
new-found appreciation for this genre. Definitely recommend!

Jennifer Joyce's 'Accidental Life Swap' is an entertaining lighthearted romance which I would recommend to friends to read. I really enjoyed this book, found it very very funny and witty. Definitely one to read when you just want a light read and nothing that you have to focus too heavily on the storyline. It kept me interested till the end as I wanted to find out what would happen to Rebecca the main character. Although I was frustrated through the book on all the dumb decisions Rebecca would make, I still liked her character. This book was a real feel-good book and I would recommend people go grab a copy for her summer hols.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

I did not finish this book. The characters did not grab my attention and I found the main character a little frustrating. Also, in the first chapter, the description of her roommate was pretty dreadful and did not endear her to me. Not someone I could identify with or want to know more about.

This was such a fun read! I'm a sucker for small town settings and watching Rebecca start off very "Vanessa" and slowly merge that into the new version of her was heartwarming. I didn't realize how invested I'd become in the story (and the budding romance) until I felt myself tensing up when I saw the big reveal coming, ahhh! Happy with how it all worked out though! Did not see the shift in Vanessa coming, that was a surprise! Do I smell a sequel?

Quite a light read but I enjoyed it and will look for more y the author. Comedic and considered in parts! Thank you, highly recommended.

I’m read this book whilst on holiday in Spain and it’s based in the town where I live ( how bizarre) this book was well written, quick to read and had a simple, lighthearted story to it. Great characters and a love story ending in a very happy ending for everyone. Would read this author again.

By Jennifer Joyce


I spotted this title on NetGalley and the title just jumped out at me. I had to read it! And I'm so glad I did. It was brilliant.
Rebecca Riley PA is a timid sort. Says what she means in her mind but in reality she is a yes woman. Anything to keep people happy, even to the detriment of herself. But when her boss throws Rebecca into an unusual position as her own personal house renovator Rebecca's life is turned upside down. First day on the job the builders make the mistakes that Rebecca is Vanessa, her uptight and mean boss, and because Rebecca earns respect by just pretending to be Vanessa she keeps the charade going. During her month in Little Heaton Rebecca mets many of the villagers and has a affinity for one of them in particular but as she gets deeper into the lie of being Vanessa, Rebecca wonders how she can get out of the web she has tangled looking at least half good. When Vanessa threatens to come and visit Rebecca has to find a way to keep her secret safe if she is to have any hope of finish the house renovations in time for Vanessa's big party.
Brilliantly written, Joyce keeps the novel lightheaded and humorous throughout. I couldn't put the book down and loved al the twists and turns. The characters were well thought of and described. I had a real sense of who these people were and I loved them. It would be great to see a book more about Stacey and the animal sanctuary and her relationship with Dominic too. I feel a bit invested in them now.
The relationship between Oliver and Rebecca is so brilliantly carved. Joyce spins a different kind of friendship between them based on their similar competitive natures.
All the animals names came from a Facebook competition which meant they were fresh and funny. I like the idea so much I may do the same for the animals in my third novel.
Definitely one to have on the bookshelf, a warm feel good read so wonderful the pages turned themselves.
Give it a try Booklovers.

Thanks to HQ Digital for this advanced copy in return for an honest review.

This book was strangely tidy. I was expecting something a little messier and gut wrenching when it comes to a life swap story. This is definitely light and fluffy, which is fine, I just thought it would be grittier. I might have preferred a story about Stacey and if one is ever written, I would be happy to read it.

I've read a few books by Jennifer Joyce, so I was pleased to receive an early preview copy of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher in return for an honest review.
The story is fairly predictable in places, and I felt that there could have been more of a development with the characters, and also the sanctuary.
The book is fun and a light and uncomplicated read. It is enjoyable and easygoing, perfect for times when you need to relax with a book.

3 stars
A light read which uses the mistaken identity and then has the person fall in love with another. What to do and think... is the love real or does the other person only want the person she is pretending to be.