This Could Change Everything by Jill Mansell (Audiobook – Tantor Audio)

Book Reviews, Chick-Lit, Women's Fiction 56 Comments

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 – 4.5 stars

Sometimes a single incident in our life can change everything we’ve ever dreamed of, and that was certainly true in Essie Phillips’ case. This Could Change Everything expounds on the lives of three main characters whose lives converge, and in so doing, inadvertently change Essie’s life, and their own lives, in ways they could have never imagined.

When a scathing round robin (newsletter) gets sent out to everyone in Essie’s address book, her recently acquired idealic life is reversed overnight. Left with no boyfriend, no job and nowhere to live, things look hopeless. But when a chance encounter with an 83-year-old, spunky, eccentric woman, Zillah Walsh, occurs, things start looking up. In fact, losing her boyfriend and everything that went along with him, may be the best thing that’s ever happened to Essie. She soon learns that forming relationships with those who can impart wisdom and valuable lessons is priceless, and that helping others brings true and lasting happiness.

There were so many little brilliant facets within this story that steered my emotions from elation to sadness and back again. The three-dimensional characters drove the story forward and kept me thoroughly immersed. Admittedly, in the beginning the concept of a newsletter being sent out as a joke by an adult seemed quite far-fetched, and I wasn’t sure if I could suspend disbelief enough to enjoy the book. But the narrative took a quick turn and I became completely absorbed in the story.

This was an audiobook and the narrator, Esther Wane, was a perfect fit for telling this book. She brought the characters to life, especially Zillah’s character, which I enjoyed the most. The skillful narration most definitely enhanced my enjoyment of this book. Definitely recommended.

Thank you, Tantor Audio, for a complimentary download of This Could Change Everything. In exchange I have provided an honest review.

I’ve got lots of catching up to do. 🤦🏽‍♀️

Enjoy your day everyone, and thanks so much for stopping by. ☺

56 thoughts on “This Could Change Everything by Jill Mansell (Audiobook – Tantor Audio)”

  1. Oh, my! Seeing your picture of holding the books and talking about catching up-well, that’s me too! I’m only about 30 or so behind right now!! LOL, not too many. (Yeah, right.) Good luck on getting caught up!
    BTW, even though I don’t read a lot of cozy mysteries, I do enjoy your reviews!
    Blessings~

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    • Hello RobbyeFaye. Nice to see you. 😊 I’m really behind right now in my reading. Life gets busy and priorities dictate that I have to put reading aside to take care of other matters. 🙄
      Thank you so much for saying you enjoy my reviews. 💕 Cozy Mysteries make me laugh and keep things light. When I’m not feeling well, like now 🤦🏽‍♀️, I like to read things that put a smile on my face. Cozy mysteries usually do that for me.
      Thx so much for stopping by and commenting. 💜

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      • Nice to see you, too! I am sooooooooooooo far behind!! Life does have a way of getting in the way, doesn’t it?
        You are very welcome! My sister got me started on reading them recently when I visited her.
        I’m sorry you are not feeling well right now, I hope you get well soon!
        Blessings~💖

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        • We just have to do the best we can, right? I can’t enjoy reading if I have to rush through books. They’re meant to be savored and to bring comfort. When I feel pressure to read the enjoyment is taken away.
          I’ve read some really excellent cozies. I don’t think they get the respect they deserve sometimes from other authors and book professionals. I’ve heard their laments about that. But there are many very talented authors who write them. Some I’ve read are just okay, but I’ve read some that had brilliant mysteries. Each author has her own writing personality. Some are educational, some are really funny, some have a great mystery. Some manage to accomplish all of the above. Did you like any that you’ve read?
          Thank you for the wellness wishes. Have a great weekend! 💕

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          • I have enjoyed several that I read. Like I said I started reading them when I was visiting my sister. I can’t remember the names of most of them (Traumatic Brain Injury-so if it’s been more than a year, I forget most of the stories and just remember generalities of the plot). I do remember some had to do with chocolate, a great combination!
            Most of what she reads are not Christian, per se, but are clean.
            There are some I read for an author that I enjoy, Carole Brown. Hers are about a small town. She writes other books, too but I like her cozies best. Another author that I have read some of her cozies ( a new genree for her) is Ann Gabhart. She prints them under the name A. H. Gabhart.
            I would agree, they don’t get the respect they deserve. So many people gravitate towared the HEA’s (happily ever afters) which is a shame. I can’t really complain, because that’s how I got my start in reviewing, and it’s been a good genre for me.
            Sorry, I took so long to reply. I somehow missed one whole day’s worth of comments!
            Blessings~💖

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          • I haven’t had any recent traumatic brain injuries and seldom remember the titles I’ve read after a few short weeks. 🤦🏽‍♀️ My husband remembers the books more than I do. 🤷🏽‍♀️

            I have one of A.H. Gabhart’s books but haven’t read it yet.

            I have a few favorite cozy authors. I’m reading one of my favorite cozy authors right now. Lea Wait writes the Mainely Needlepointers series and her cozies are very intelligent, well-constructed mysteries. I really enjoy them.

            I read a lot of Harlequin Heartwarming sweet romance books. They always end with a HEA. I’m finishing up one now.

            Don’t apologize for not responding right away. I totally understand. 😊

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          • My husband rembers some of the smallest details from decades ago! I don’t know how he does it (and since I don’t remember, I just take his word for it!!).
            Which of Gabhart’s books do you have? I’ve read several.
            I haven’t read the Harlequin Heartwarming yet, though I do have a couple of them.
            I sometimes think (or rather know), life just gets too busy!!

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          • I have Murder at the Courthouse.

            Life is sooo busy. Always things to tend to even when you don’t work outside of the home anymore like myself. The Heartwarming line is nice because they are clean reads but not religious. I don’t read many Christian fiction books because as a Christian myself I get my theocratic instruction from weekly Christian meetings at our place of worship, and what I read in the Bible sometimes conflicts with the author’s interpretations presented in their books and that puts me off. And some are too didactic for me.

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          • I know what you mean about being busy. I sometimes felt as if had way more to do when I wasn’t working than when I was. I think part of it is, when I worked, priorities (especially with regards to cleaning) changed!
            I think you make a good point about the Christian fiction books. I run across some aspects that are off-putting. However, I reveiw so many books, I have gotten to where I just skip over it anymore.

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          • You’re right! I think that when we are at home we are surrounded by reminders that there are things to do which makes us constantly busy.
            I do try to skip over aspects that I don’t agree with. But sometimes they’re elaborated on so much that I just can’t ignore it. My zeal for Bible truth just eats me up! 😉

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          • I agree!
            I know what you mean, some stories are that way.
            I think it’s great that you have zeal for the Bible. For a lot of people, it’s just a relic or something to skim through, read rapidly and go on about their lives.
            Have a great week!
            Blessings~

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  3. Great review! It sounds like a good story, and I would be drawn in by the polka dots if nothing else! As to the adult sending an email newsletter as a hoax, I am sorry to say, given the climate of social media these days, I do find it believable.😞

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    • 😊….Thanks Linda. I truly loved this story. When I have the characters in my head long after I’ve finished reading a book, I know I’ve really enjoyed it.

      You do?? Maybe you’re right. I just didn’t think it was plausible given the age of the offender. But on second thought, I guess an immature prankster might just do it. Thanks for having me think a little more objectively about it.😌

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    • I hope it’s how you heard Zillah’s voice in your head when you were writing it. I’m sure it’s difficult listening to someone else interpret your characters audibly. As I listened, I could envision this mature, eccentric woman you created, and I loved it!! 💕

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      • Yes, it’s tricky, but she sounds fairly similar to how I’d imagined. Quite a slow voice though. I went to Audible HQ in London last year and the people who work there told me they listen to audiobooks at double speed!

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        • That’s interesting about Audible HQ in London. 😂

          That particular clip sounds slower than the rest of the book. I remember thinking initially that she sounded slow, but either I got used to it, or the narrator picked up a bit further in. 😊

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  8. Sounds like a weird story (and by weird I mean THE BEST kind of weird!). Got he book btw–don’t mind the email mixup at all cause DANG the book is cute looking and cool sounding and very high on my TBR. I do tend to judge books by their covers–don’t judge me for it!

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    • 😂😂 I love your humor, Zahra. 😂

      This Could Change Everything was so enjoyable. I can still see the characters in my head.

      I’m so glad you got the book. I hope you enjoy it. 💜

      Oh, I could NEVER judge you for judging a book by its cover. I’m a cover-girl too. 😉 Can’t resist picking up a book if the cover appeals to me.

      Thanks for stopping by, and have a great weekend. 😊

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    • Hello Jill Mansell!! I always love it when authors stop by to say hello. Thank you. 💕
      This Could Change Everything was such a great book. I enjoyed it so much. It was the first book of yours that I’d read. I’ve already downloaded another. 😉

      Thanks again for stopping by, and have a wonderful day! xox

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        • Sheer Mischief. But now that you’ve mentioned that Three Amazing Things About You is your favorite, I’m heading over to Amazon to look into that one. You see, I have this book obsession problem…..😊

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          • Ah, but it’s such a lovely problem to have! Must just tell you, my own glamorous grandmother was called Zillah and I always wanted to use her name in a book but could never find the right character…until now! xxx

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          • 😌
            Your grandma had a great name. Zillah was my favorite character!! Have you ever listened to This Could Change Everything? The voice of Zillah gave me an immediate mental picture of her. In fact, your descriptive writing had me picturing Bath and the Red House and so much more. That’s one of the things I loved so much about it. I was mentally transported. And I love being transported when I read books. I was so happy to finally read one of your books. I’m not sure what took me so long, but I’m hooked now. I enjoy British authors. I just did a little British-inspired giveaway on my blog. ☺️
            You’ve written a lot of books!! I’m glad I can find some of yours here in the U.S. It’s hard to get some others here. I just read up on Three Amazing Things About You. Sounds a little poignant though. Is it a sad read?

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          • It’s sad in parts but ultimately positive and uplifting with a happy ending. If you prefer something more cheerful, Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay has some of my favourite characters. (And I’m afraid I haven’t been able to listen to the audio because they send me CDs and I don’t have a CD player!!) xx

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          • Oh yes. I’ve heard of Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay. I’ll look that one up too.
            That’s too bad. 😔 The audio narrator did Zillah so much justice. If you go to Audible.com there’s a snippet you can listen to which happens to be of Zillah and Ben in the beginning. ☺️ There’s a UK version of Audible I hope.

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    • Hi Jennifer!! I did love it. Such wonderful characterization. Thank you.

      Your mom already read the book!! I’m so glad to hear she enjoyed it. Thanks for encouraging her to leave a review.😉

      Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by. 😊

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    • Hi Holly! I loved the audio version. I could never wait to get back to where I’d left off. That, to me, is an indication that I’m loving a book.
      Enjoy your day Holly, and thanks for commenting. 😊

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