The strength of this book has to be the great characterisation. You are presented with such a variety of people, all with their own backstories and can believe in them all. You can't help but enjoy Tess and Dave's story and it is never a given how it will pan out. The character who surprised me most was River. You are certainly given a peep into some extraordinary lives.
Tess has been facing an increasingly emptying nest and you are drawn to sympathise with her. You soon discover that there is her view of her family life and the reality. Gradually, she learns to take a risk and enjoy the moment. You have to admire her refusal to give up and her desire to sort out any messy situations! With humour, some well-observed moments and a certain amount of jeopardy, this is a book to keep you company over a long weekend. Recommended.
In short: Facing up to the future can be hard.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

Heart-warming, funny, thought-provoking and totally enjoyable! A read for all ages. My first Carmen Reid book but not the last.

At first I thought this would be a run-of-the-mill ‘life swap’ type of story. But I was proven wrong. Reid’s narrative offers something much more heartfelt and meaningful. It’s actually quite an emotional read and I really enjoyed watching the transition that the characters undergo.

Both women, River and Tess, are deserving of a break. For Tess, the family holiday that she put so much effort into planning has now gone askew. And I felt so sorry for her! It sounded like an absolute dream of a holiday and I could imagine how excited Tess would be about reuniting her family for such an unforgettable experience. When she realises that yes, she can travel on her own, Tess winds up in LA, house-swapping with script-writer River. River is also down on her luck and struggling for her ‘big break’ in Hollywood. Lumped with a tricky script of High School meets The Merchant of Venice, River is hoping her Stratford-upon-Avon location will provide some much-needed inspiration. As you can imagine, it’s all set for some pretty meaningful changes for both characters.

Before Tess even leaves, Reid writes some incredibly moving scenes. Featuring the house dog, Ruby, the sadness that radiated from the pages really reminded me of my own similar experiences. When Tess arrives at River’s apartment, I could see the UK-Tess simply relocating and the errands she runs did not scream ‘new experiences’ and making the most of being on her own. I really felt sorry for her and was equally concerned that this narrative would not show characters learning from their experiences.

However, before you go thinking that this is a pretty basic narrative, let me reassure you that it is the opposite. Gradually, Tess steps out of her comfort zone and, through meeting new people, starts to experience life in the way that she has yearned for, for so long. On the other side of the pond, River explores Shakespeare’s birth place for inspiration, with Reid’s description wetting my appetite for wanting to visit this historical location myself! River’s adventures at Tess’s home are equally enjoyable and I thought her character really grew from being quite selfish to open-minded and caring. I think the scene in the coffee shop was what truly changed my outlook of her.

The narrative occasionally switches to Tess’s son, Alex, and this is where the saddest part of the story lies. Alex’s story slowly develops over the book and I think this broke up the whole ‘house swap’ theme. It is a darker part to the tale but I thought that Reid explores it with absolute sensitivity, acknowledging the emotional troubles that we all come to face in our lifetime. It is this part that made the book stand out from others of a similar genre.

I liked the change that the characters undergo. At first I was doubtful that Tess’s husband, Dave, would ‘grow up’ and stop feeling sorry for himself. However, I was pleased to be proven wrong! Even he gradually realises what he needs to alter about his behaviour, leading to a very merry ending at the finish.

This was a really good book to read and I loved sitting in the sunshine and escaping to Stratford-upon-Avon and then LA. It is not just a book about two women, but also their families and how they interact with the most important people around them. A good read, I’m excited to see what this author produces next.

With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was lacking everything-well developed characters, a solid plot and a satisfying ending Very difficult to finish.

This was not my first book by this author and it will not be my last. This book follows Tess Simpson, an over burdened middle-aged woman, who feels like no body appreciates all that she does for them, not at her job and certainly not within her family. So wanting to reconnect with her husband and adult children, Tess plans a family trip. But all does not go according to plan. Love love loved it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Remember way back, Tess, when you enjoyed wearing a bikini? Had hair halfway down your back? When you had fun, and sex, and big ideas… and a spirit spirit of adventure?”

I loved the premise of this book. I think we are too quick at times to think that the ‘grass is greener on the other side’ and that someone else’s life would be better in some way than ours. This is definitely an idea that I expected the book to explore, and it did.

I immediately connected to both the main characters as we heard from both their points of view, but especially Tess. It is clear that she faces a lot of challenges in her life and needs the time and space to re-evaluate.

There is a lot of ups and downs packed into this book and overall it has been more emotional and serious than I was expecting. The humour aspect is very subtle, but there is some light relief when needed.

This has definitely been a thought-provoking read that encourages you to reflect on your own situation and evaluate it. I was pulled into their stories as the swap continued and felt that I was able to reflect and evaluate things as their situations, and their mindsets, changed and developed.

Overall, this has been an entertaining and escapist read with an original and engaging plot. I would recommend this book to fans of Sandy Barker and Kristin Bailey.

Worn Out Wife Seeks New Life was a lot more emotional than I was expected. There are some moments of humor, but it definitely went into deeper topics that I was not expecting, including depression and suicide. I loved the idea of a woman who is tired of the way her life is going and starts to seek a change. It was nice and I felt for her wish to travel. She put off a lot in her life in favor of helping her family and I liked her beginning to think about putting herself first for a change. On the surface, the novel is almost like her reaching a mid-life crisis, but the novel goes into a very complex weave of emotions as each character is going through something different.

Tess Simpson has been a senior accountant at her firm where she has worked for the past 17 years. When she is passed over for a promotion, she decides that it is time for a change. Rather than quitting, she takes a three-month sabbatical and she is excited to use this as an opportunity for her family to holiday together. She plans a three-week trip to her dream destinations of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. The difficult part is that her husband, Dave, is already reluctant since he hates to fly and loves holidays at home or close destinations, such as France. Months later and the trip is only three-weeks away, her 22-year-old son Alex, who recently graduated and is working as a graduate trainee in London voices concerns that he does not want to go. She also receives word from her 19-year-old daughter, Natalie, who is finishing her first year at university in Edinburgh, that she does not want to go in favor of staying in Spain as a teacher for the summer. While Alex’s story is further explored with his own perspective being told to explain his reasoning and the emotions that he is going through, Natalie’s, who does not get her perspective included, just comes across as a selfish and ungrateful child. Even with travel insurance, my parents would have made me pay back the money for the trip just for not communicating earlier and causing stress for having to rearrange or cancel travel plans.

On the other side of the world, River Romero is a struggling screenwriter living from project to project. She envies those that have it easier and is in a constant state of stress trying to obtain more projects. When she gets a new project featuring a screenplay that takes Shakespeare for teenagers, she decides to head straight to the source in Stratford-Upon-Avon in the UK. She thinks that Ambleside and Tess’s home is the first fit for a homestay and decides to rent it for six weeks. Since the owners were going to be gone on holiday, she thought it was the perfect place. Unfortunately, she has an unexpected guest with Dave in the summerhouse to contend with and everything in the UK is not smooth sailing.

As Dave is putting their dog’s Bella possessions in the attic, he falls and fractures three ribs and has broken his ankle. I honestly had to skim the parts with Bella as it was very emotional, but it does well to set up the more serious subjects to come in the story. Since the deal with River has already been settled for her to stay, this is how he ends up in the summerhouse. The situation with River is a subject that brings Tess and Dave’s marriage to the forefront. They have been married for 23 years, but with teenagers and the death of both of Dave’s parents, the two of them have been on edge for the past five/six years.

At the start of the novel, I was unsure about Tess as it did come across as a mid-life crisis and you begin to wonder how some of the issues did not come up before. Once the story continued, I sympathized with her and I just wanted her to relax and enjoy life. Dave has a lot of issues, but each of them needed to work together to potentially fix the marriage. Natalie, unfortunately, did not grow on me and just came across as selfish in many ways. On the other hand, I completely felt for Alex. When he first is presented with the story of his job, I felt he was entitled. He holds a degree, but is given basic copying jobs, so he decides to walk out at lunch without looking back. On this surface interaction, it did seem that he thought he was too good to start at the bottom just because he held a degree. Once his point of view continues, there is a lot going through his head and I just wanted things to get better for him. I wanted him to gain the tools to get by with the day to day. Again, this part of the story brought a lot more emotion than I expected at the start. The final main character, River, unfortunately, is one that never grew on me. I did not care for her character at all throughout the entire story. Since I did not connect with her, I more or less thought of her as a catalyst that affected the other characters and their stories.

Overall, this was a surprising read as there are many relatable moments for readers of any age. The importance of a support system is definitely present, as each of the character needed another to help them. As the story goes through the English countryside and the bustling city of Los Angeles, there was a nice contrast of the characters’ lifestyles. Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to put your life into perspective as you can be stuck in a rut being in the same routine every day. The two characters are at different points in their lives, but both River and Tess learn something by living the life of the other. This very interesting escape read was full of both serious emotions and humor.

**I give a special thank you to Rachel @rararesources,, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to participate with this enjoyable novel via Netgalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

Tess Simpson has it all – two grown children, a lovely husband, beloved dog, gorgeous home with a huge garden and a brilliant job in accounting. But has she really? After being passed over for a partnership in her firm and her dog dying, Tess is fed up. She needs a holiday, and with the whole family, and now. Asia might just be the thing. But then again – the children drop out, having their own plans, her husband Dave has an accident and Tess has two options now: stay at home and let life run just like it did all the time, or bite the bullet and travel alone.
River Romero is a screenwriter from Los Angeles, but her career seems to be stuck in a rut right now, so when the brilliant project comes her way, she’s desperate to do it right. And to do it right, she feels she has to travel to England, the land of Shakespeare. Will staying in Startford – Upon – Avon bring her the much needed inspiration?

The characters were very well drawn and felt normal and human, which is always a good thing. I enjoyed that Tess and River were so different and had other priorities in their lives and it was nice to get to know them and see what makes them tick. There was a lot of uncertainty and a bit of whingeing, but I think it’s only normal, right, they are both facing great challeges, especially Tess, and I think it needs a courage to travel alone, just like she did. And even though I was not sure about some of their decisions and motivation (especially River), it was lovely to see them thrive, to see what can happen when there is temptation, when you feel free again. I think it was more Tess stepping out of her comfort zones than River, River felt as if she felt home in each and every place, but it was Tess who needed courage and, to be honest, I was not sure if she’ll find it. Will she shake her own life a little bit?

The story is not as light – hearted as you might have been expecting, especially having the Annie Valentine’s series in your memory and seeing the colourful cover and absolutely brilliant title. It deals with some heavier issues and be prepared for depression and also a suicide trigger. I’m not sure if it made me happy, the way the story developed and the subplots – sure, the author has tried something new and something different, but I’m not absolutely sure that it turned out well. There were some lighter moments that maybe will make you smile a bit, but altogether it was rather serious and emotional journey of the main characters.

All in all, it was not a bad book but not this what I’ve been expecting. It didn’t make me laugh and I had a feeling that some of the things are there just for the sake of the story. The subplot of Tess’s son was – yes, I know, important – but underdeveloped. There were moments that it felt repetitive and a bit too flat for my liking, and you’ll probably need time to warm to Tess and River. There is also the dog, so importantly mentioned in the blurb but not in the story, until it is mentioned, in a one whole chapter that should probably feel emotional (here I am. The one who’s crying when watching Disney’s films and not being able to go to the cinema with her daughter when the film is about animals), but for me was forced and out of the blue and just like with Tess’s son subplot, I could live without.
Altogether, I was expecting something funnier and light – hearted. It was not a bad book, far from that, but sadly not my favourite from this author.

Having been a big fan of Carmen Reid a long time ago, I was really excited to hear a new book was being released. I couldn’t wait to get stuck in and let me say that it didn’t disappoint.

A great book, interesting, life-affirming for those of an older age, it has moments of comedy but also moments of emotion, heartwarming and probably more serious than I thought would be. It is a rollercoaster and not as ‘cutesy’ as it’s cover may suggest. If you are expecting a light, fluffy rom-com then you will be given more depth and more sentiment, this story does tackle issues that some may find difficult.

Tess is almost fifty and realises she wants more from the wife/Mum life she is living. River is in desperate need of some success in her writing career, being presented an opportunity is finally her chance. Both ladies decide to fly away from home to see if they can find themselves again.

Out of the two main characters, Tess and River, I liked Tess and could sympathise whereas I couldn’t really get on with River’s character. I didn’t warm to her at all, even by the end of the book I wasn’t that bothered… I’m not sure why, I just didn’t connect. Tess really opened up in LA and pushed herself in new ways, I think she really made the most of the opportunity. Her family are out of sorts but they find their way back to each other by the end.

Well written, I enjoyed the book and recommend for fans of Carmen as well as fans of fiction fans in general. Ups and downs that will entertain for a good few hours. I definitely recommend.

I was delighted to see that Carmen Reid had a new book out. I read her previous books over a decade ago and really enjoyed them. I couldn't wait to get stuck into reading this book.
The title of this book basically sums up what the book is about. Tess is fed up and feeling unappreciated by her family. She wants to do something different and more exciting.
River is feeling the pressure in L.A. she seemingly has the perfect life but is struggling to write her new screenplay. She decides a trip to England will help her to write.
I could immediately relate to Tess, feeling overwhelmed with having so many things that need doing. It took me longer to warm to River, but she did grow on me.
This is a familiar theme of a house swap, but I really enjoyed the contrast of the to womens lives, as well as the insight into their personal lives, especially Tess.
This wasn't az lighthearted as I expected it to be, like some of Carmen Reid's earlier books. It had more depth, and stronger themes, especially Mental Health. It was enjoyable and heartwarming though, and there were some funny moments too.
There were plenty of unexpected events and it kept me guessing about how the book would end. I really hope that Carmen Reid writes another book soon.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

Carmen Reid’s books were some of my first chick-lit/rom-com reads almost 20 years ago (20 years!!). I had lost track of her in recent years so I was so glad when given the chance to participate in the blog tour for her new novel Worn out wife seeks new life.

I was expecting a light and funny comedy but found a much deeper story dealing with some serious and emotional issues.

Tess is going through a midlife crisis. She’s fed up and feels stuck at work and with her family life, so she plans a gorgeous holiday in Southeast Asia for her family. River is a screenwriter going through a rough patch who decides to go to England trying to find the spark that allows her to write a great screenplay. When Tess’ plans go awry she finds herself home swapping with River and all by herself in LA.

I felt so much for Tess. Her husband Dave and kids, Natalie and Alex came as a bit ungrateful at first (seriously you’re turning down an all expenses paid vacation?). It took me a bit longer to warm up to River. She came a bit selfish and not at all likeable. The first part felt a bit long but once the house swap was done things got much more interesting. I loved Tess’ journey of self-discovery and the way River thrived while in the UK.

The chapters from Alex’s POV had more of a darker tone than usual in this type of novels, but it was done in a really sensitive way. It dealt with mental health in a respectful manner and it was really heartbreaking watching him go that path.

Worn out wife seeks new life was fun, it was emotional, had LOL moments and teary ones (I don’t remember crying as much as I did with Bella’s chapter) and a great comeback for Ms. Reid. Hopefully we won’t have to wait as long for her next story.

Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review and my spot on the blog tour.

I instantly empathised with Tess. I felt as though she had been let down big time at work and I couldn’t see an easy way out of it for her. If I were Tess, I would feel inordinately unhappy (understatement of the week) with work!

I admired the way that Tess managed to wangle a summer-long sabbatical from work after her disappointment, framing it in such a way as to make it sound favourable to her organisation. I genuinely felt that it would be beneficial to her personal life, at any rate, joining her teacher Husband in a nice long break.

River, on the other side of the Atlantic is also having work issues; the film industry is not a easy one, as she is finding out. As a struggling screenwriter, can she make a success of bringing a Shakespeare project over to England for inspiration? I felt sorry for River, as it felt to me that her problems with work were not through want of trying or lack of effort; the film industry is just notoriously difficult to succeed in.

Both women have proposed ‘left of field’ ideas and have been pleasantly surprised to have them accepted. I did find myself wondering whether or not the two women’s paths would cross at all, in that they worked in such different fields.

I felt for Tess, in that her Husband seemed very much entrenched in his set way of life, completely closed to new ideas! She may have her work cut out, persuading him to go travelling for the whole summer! I felt really sad at Tess’s comparison of her marriage, to watching a video of someone laboriously trying to create a spark, from rubbing 2 sticks together! I did however have a bit of a ‘snort out loud’ moment, when Tess replaces the words of the famous Elizabeth Barrett Browning poem read out at their wedding, asking ‘How do I love thee? Let me count the ways’, with ‘How do you annoy me? Let me count the ways.’ A play on a classic quote that must surely resound with many married couples!

I truly empathised with Tess – the way the author describes her sadness and regret at not having spent more time with her children during summers past, when they were still at school. This topic was described in such a real way, I could not but help but wonder if these were the author’s own thoughts. What I do know for certain, was that this very much resounded with me as a version of my own truth.

The author’s last depictions of Bella were simultaneously heart wrenching and beautifully written, such was the raw emotion. One couldn’t help but be moved by this superlative yet sympathetic writing. Again I detected the inspiration of personal experience of the author, such was the raw, but realistic tone of the very clever writing.

At first Tess’s family seemed the perfect family, but as the story developed, it seemed to be becoming a myriad of secrets. In fact it was easier to think about who didn’t have a secret. All of this did nothing for me, but add to the enticing air of mystery surrounding the book.

Serendipity conspires to leave Dave recovering from a fall at home in the summer house, while Tess and Ruby ostensibly house swap. This leads the story open to a wealth of fun on both sides of the Atlantic, and perhaps the revelation of a few home truths as I couldn’t help but feel that the individual members of Tess’s family, Tess included, needed to open up to each other. I’m not accusing them of lying, but as much of not being honest with themselves, let alone each other. Just how the two women get on, ostensibly living each other’s lives – I am going to leave for you to discover.

As a whole, this book was a wonderful story about friends and family and those bonds that hold us together, but there was a vital, yet barely detectable dark streak running unnoticed throughout most of the story, that could have ended in two ways. This was a story of self discovery and of knowing and understanding the importance of your role in life and the production that is your family; about knowing yourself and being prepared to talk; about being open to making things better.

The first few chapters of this book laid a cracking (in the metaphoric sense, rather than the literal) foundation for a really fantastic read, especially for the summer, tapering into an occasionally harrowing tome, with the potential for tragedy, but I do not want to reveal any more detail, for fear of spoiling what will be an unbeatable literary experience, for you.

Thank you Netgalley and to the author for the eARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review!

This book was different to how I thought it was going to be but it was good, it had a lovely story to it but I don't think it will be something I would read again. I'd recommend it to others because other people have different opnions.

I did get confused a bit because the chapters never really told me who the person was until I read a few more lines but as it was coming to the end it got a little better to know who was who. This was the reason why the book let me down a little.

A fabulous book with a fantastic storyline, I felt like Tess was my friend and I’d like to be on this adventure with her!

Tess is desperate to find some time to herself, the stress and feelings of burden and being weighed down are too much. I found this book to be therapeutic, caring and recognised the emotions and strength we all find, very well written!

Thanks so much to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and the wonderful Carmen Reid, for allowing me to escape for a while!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley, author Carmen Reid, and Boldwood Books publishing for giving me a free arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4 stars
This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last. This book follows Tess Simpson, an over burdened middle-aged woman, who feels like no body appreciates all that she does for them, not at her job and certainly not within her family. So wanting to reconnect with her husband and adult children, Tess plans a family trip. But all does not go according to plan, when her husband falls off a ladder and ends up in the hospital due to his injuries. Reluctant to leave her husband in such a state, both her children, husband, and River Romero, a woman who is a writing a new movie script, convinces Tess to go on the vacation without them and she agrees, leaving her husband Dave to live in the summerhouse at the end of the Garden and allow River to rent the home, while she travels to Los Angeles for the adventure she’s been craving.
This book was surprisingly emotional and deep! I loved the themes of family, middle-age, and self-care the author wove in within this story. The characters were well developed! I felt like these characters were people I might actually meet in real life. The beginning of Tess' story was a little hard for me to relate to, but as she arrives in Los Angeles and begins her long awaited vacation, she begins to be someone who is very realistic and likable. I did not really care for Dave at first. He seemed to be oblivious to his wife and her needs as the caregiver within the family. I was glad to see him come to realize how much his wife did for him and underwent some self-care changes himself. The author did a wonderful job creating the atmosphere of vacation for Tess. I loved reading about her trying new things such as dancing and hair styles. River was also a wonderful character to get to know. She really embraces her time in London and begins to rediscover her love for writing. The author brought up some very sensitive issues such as mental health within the young! She handled this topic and other with care and love. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read and would recommend this book to those who are fans of contemporary women's lit. I can't wait to read more books by this author in the future.

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Carmen Reid’s books and this little gem has changed that !! A great read relatable for any women who have been married for years with grown up kids who have flown the nest - not really needed by husband employer or kids anymore time to focus on you. That’s exactly what the main character Tess does initially trying to put together a dream family holiday after being overlooked at work for a promotion when things don’t go to plan she ends up In LA and the adventures start . Great characters I really enjoyed this book which touches on some delicate subjects

Surviving A Mid-Life Crisis
This women's fiction book addresses the mid-life realization that most of us have. We are at the cusp of the final third of our lives. Suddenly we look at the dreams we used to have and the realities that are now. This book handles it all gracefully, realistically, and with humor. I am guessing that any reader will find something in this book to relate with and others things that remind them of folks they know. Tis is the kind of story that makes me want to go over everything in my mind for a few days. I highly recommend this book. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

I used to love Carmen Reid’s Annie Valentine series so was really excited to give this a go. Unfortunately it wasn’t for me and I decided to DNF it at 32% as it just wasn’t holding my interest. I normally love women’s fiction too! I was most interested in the mental health storyline that was developing with the 20 something son, and considered continuing to read the novel to see where that went. But, all in all, I found this boring. Life is too short to read books you’re not 100% enjoying! Giving one star to the author and one star for the mental health storyline.

This book made me laugh out loud. It's basically the book version of wife swap. You won't be disappointed

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I loved this book. I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down. Classic life swap storyline but the writing was just wow. It captures your attention and plays with your emotions from start to finish. I was crying at the start, laughing in the middle and crying at the end.

The main character, Tess, was amazing. After what happens to her at the start of the book you could forgive her for just curling up into a ball and not facing life for a while but she says sod it to everyone and embarks on a solo adventure to LA, swapping houses with River, an American writer who needs to come to the UK for work.

Life in LA isn't quite what she imagines but Tess makes the most of it and learns how to shake her own life up a bit. Meanwhile River is causing a bit of carnage over in the UK and having her own little adventure! River's character did grow on me throughout the book but I wasn't a big fan of hers to start with.

A more sobering part of the book is the storyline involving Tess's son, Alex. The author touches on a very important subject and does a fantastic job in highlighting that particular issue in a heartfelt and emotive way.

Overall a fantastic read, perfect for the summer. I would highly recommend.