Swapping Lives by Jane Green (2007, Paperback, Reprint)

Jane Green doesn't disappoint with Swapping Lives. As an American who grew up in England, I enjoyed reading both perspectives, though I did sense a little bitterness towards the American characters. Vicky, the English half of the swapping lives, is funnier and more grounded than Amber, the American.

However, they are both likable. The book flows very well and effortlessly moves from Vicky's life to Amber's. Both lives are equally as interesting. I wasn't finding myself wishing to read more about one over the other.

It does take a long time to get to the swapping lives part and then they cut it short. There are some ends that aren't wrapped up well: Jamie Donnelly, Daniel, and Amber's League. Also, the dialogue felt somewhat contrived in parts. A big complaint of mine was the confusion about Amber. She is a big superstar in her community because she is a Winslow by marriage; basically, because it's old money. But they focus on the fact that her husband actually did NOT have any money growing up and neither did Amber. It is never explained why she received special treatment for this faux "old money" and that mattered but her actual roots didn't. I was scratching my head with that one.

I did laugh, I felt the kids' characters were charming: Amber's kids and Vicky's nieces and nephew. I thought it was a good read.

Swapping Lives wasn't my favorite Jane Green novel, but it certainly was entertaining and enjoyable.

Jane Green at her best, this book takes you back and forth from the U.K. to America. I loved the characters and didn't want to put it down. Perfect chick lit.