What a phenomenal book! I absolutely loved it. Even though I received a free ebook version for this review, I bought a physical copy of my own the day I finished it. What better endorsement is there than to spend my own money on it?

The Change is the perfect feminist novel for our time, wrapping in a lot of current events and culture with long-held beliefs (incorrect and not) about what women are, should be, are capable of, can do, and more. I was skeptical of the longer page count for a contemporary novel but it’s well-worth the space. There’s no extra here as every chapter hits hard and deserves to be there.

All three of the main characters are glorious. Nessa, who feels so deeply but never lets the emotions crush her. Jo, determined to fight the world into submission for girls like her amazing daughter Lucy. Harriet, an actual force of nature who reclaims what the world of men has taken away. There are a handful of good men but this book shines a spotlight on the cruelty of man as a sex and what they have wrought as the ‘leaders’ of this world. If you’re looking for a Prince Charming, I encourage you to enjoy the protective, if vengeful, witches instead!

I was surprised to find so many chapters from other female character points of view, some only one chapter but incredibly impactful. Their stories linger on in your mind both because they’re so well written and because they’re familiar. You know women like these and the things they’ve lived through. Claude is a particular standout to me. If you read it, you’ll immediately know why! (I gotta keep spoilers away but I so wish I could say more!)

The fantastical element was interesting too. It’s not a magic system per se in the usual fantasy novel sense, it’s more paranormal and nature-based than it has rules. I thought it fit seamlessly with the story and characters. It didn’t need to be a full-blown thing on its own, it served the story and that’s what fit best.

I think The Change is a triumph. I cannot recommend it more highly and I’ve already done so to all of my sisters and the women in my family. I’m confident it’ll end up being one of the best books of 2022.

Note: I received a free electronic edition of this book via NetGalley in exchange for the honest review above. I would like to thank them, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to do so.

When I started The Change, I was intrigued by some buzz I had heard and excited to read something different and witchy. I didn’t get very far into it when life got in the way, but I’m glad I picked it back up and finished it. It was a little strange, a little witchy/supernatural, had drama, mystery, and murder- all some of my favorite things to read! I liked how it was narrated by all three main characters and getting to learn their pasts and how they came into not only their powers, but also what shaped them as women. The murder mystery was my favorite to uncover and once it really started digging into that, I didn’t want to put it down. I did think it was a little heavy on the feminism and would say that was most off putting for me to read. I could totally see this book on screen as a show/movie! Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC copy of the book.

What an unusual book. I liked the characters and the story but found the level of the involvement of the community a little unbelievable. I liked it but would find it hard to recommend.

This book has been described as having "feminist rage" and I'd agree with that while also saying it was over the top with it and not for me. I found the characters to be off putting and the tone to be too angry.

This is one of those books that hype made me pick up. And I know better. Magical realism is a hit or miss genre for me. If there’s small pieces woven in and actually add some thing to the story, then I’m OK with it but I would still never call it a favorite genre. If the magical elements stretch a little too far, then I start to lose interest. That was the case with The Switch. It just went a little too far out for me. I think the premise is unique, the writing was good, and fans of the genre will love this one. And I didn’t dislike it, it just wasn’t a favorite. For me personally, it’s a three star down the middle.

As a pre-menopausal woman, I LOVED this book! Loved the notion that with this important milestone in a woman’s life comes added powers to protect oneself and those one loves.

The Change tells the story of three different women- Nessa, Harriet, and Jo all who emerge with unexpected powers as they enter midlife.

For Nessa James, her change occurs after she becomes a widower and empty nester. It’s then that she starts to hear voices that belong to the deceased, a gift that runs in her family, and essentially, one she can’t run from. Jo Levison, meanwhile, is in the throes of menopause and all that comes with it when she connects with her change. Harriet Osborne rounds out the bunch, a recent recluse that many have written off, undeservedly so.

Brought together by their newfound power, the women stumble upon an unsolved murder from years before, which only leads to more and more discoveries. But with great power comes great responsibility. Were these women destined to bring justice to their town, or will their changes be written off as midlife crisis cries?

This book had a very unique concept. For one thing, it gives a voice to the world of women past a certain age and makes them the main attraction, not the kooky aunt or matronly shop owner. It also gives a face to menopause, a topic all women encounter at some point, and yet is rarely thoroughly addressed in pop culture.

That being said, I had a hard time getting into this one. Despite its promising premise, I felt the changes the women were going through was a thinly veiled cover for what was otherwise, a fantasy based murder mystery. There were indeed a lot of changes in this one, but a change doesn’t always do you good.

This was an interesting book with the story line from three different woman. One a stay at home wife, one an ex executive and a women who can see the ghost of the dead. Each with their own special abilities. These were all strong women in their own right and the mister y of who was the killer a question. The justice they sought for the ones who no longer could speak. The story line was strong and enjoyable.

Aside from the obvious-that this is a well-written, good book- it's also an important book, reminding us that ugliness and evil can hide behind almost everything in life, even weatlh. I fell in love with the protagonists, truly rooted for them and their brand of vindication, of making some of the wrongs of men RIGHT again. Through in a little bit of witchcraft and the supernatural, and it's a delightful read. I was on the fence before beginning this book, but I now feel extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to read it. Another book that will be easy to recommend and sell is always a gift in my profession. Can't wait for future books by Kirsten Miller.

I am late to the game with this one because I kept putting it off for some reason. Thankfully a friend gave me the push I needed to finally read this book and it did not disappoint!

I loved each protagonist so much. Particularly Harriet. She made me want to give a big FU to my HOA and let my yard go wild. Wouldn’t be the first time I wanted to tell off some people in my neighborhood 😂

The premise was quite unique with a perfect blend of mystery, magical realism and witchy vibes. Badass women taking down some truly terrible men in their lives was so satisfying to read about. Don’t miss this one!

This was the second book in a row that I’ve read with men being horrible and entitled (though this one definitely is worse than Lessons in Chemistry). I think I need something much lighter for my next read haha. This book had a lot of twists, but I enjoyed them. I liked that this story is all about strong women especially at an age when they’re often forgotten and ignored. Things come together slowly, but there are enough pieces for the reader to put things together on their own. The fact that stuff like this actually happens in the real world makes me sick. Overall, I wouldn’t say this read was necessarily ENJOYABLE, but it was well-plotted and I cared about the characters.

Note: I received a copy free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What I liked the most about The Change is the multiple meaning behind the title for the protagonists of the novel. All three are resetting aspects of their lives, one after losing her job and divorce, another rebuilding her life after the loss of her husband, and the third running her own business. Within their individual stories they realize they are connected in a cosmic level and come together to find the culprit behind the disappearances and murders of young women who turn up at the beach.

If you are looking for a book about powerful women and women that embrace their age and life challenges this is it. It is so much more than a thriller with a touch of witchcraft. It mixes in midlife challenges of women and overcoming them.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy. All thoughts are my own.

This was LOOOOONG but an Ok read. I don’t *quite* get all the hype around it, but I was determined to see it through. The ending didn’t give me any feelings other than relief that I could move on.

This tackles a lot in one book. Lots of characters who seem insignificant but come back later. My advice would be to pay attention to everyone involved.

Some of the descriptions were a little much for me. I didn’t need such vivid details of periods; I’m pretty experienced in that area. I assume the target audience is women, so not such why the author felt the need to go there.

I received an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

I love going into stories blind in the hopes that the subject matter and overall story will pull me in and surprise me. The Change did just that and I loved it!

Three women who find each and become friends due to a very horrible situation. I love stories of female friendship, unity and bonding, especially when they make each other stronger.

The mystery to be solved in this story was a good one and the few twists and turns that the story surprised me with had my jaw dropping up until the very end!

But my absolute favorite part of this story was the magical realism! It's a genre that I truly enjoy. In this case, the magic made the women stronger and able to stand up for women who couldn't stand for themselves. And Harriet becoming a bad-ass was amazing!!

I loved everything about this book except the flashbacks. I feel like they could have been shorter and maybe told in conversation to another character instead of just being a full flashback. It took me straight out of the main story and they were way too long. The extra length wasn't even needed as this story was almost 500 pages. I felt this could have been worked into the storyline in different ways. But that's a very minor item and completely a personal preference.

A great story line with well-defined characters and a twisty mystery to solve. Highly recommend!

WOW what a suspenseful book with so many twists and turns! This is a book that will make any person feel like a feminist and want to do something to help out in one way or another. Not the book I had envisioned 10,000 times better.

A meme went around a while about back joking that women were tired of 20-somethings getting superpowers and going to save the world. Give us 40 and 50 year olds, give us menopausal women getting something other than hot flashes!

Well. Here. We. Go.

The Change is unexpected in how great the character development reveals itself. We meet Nessa, Harriett, and Jo as they are learning to deal with changes in their lives. They also learn how to use these skills together to be more powerful as a trio. As Nessa has the ability to see the dead, which leads them to find that someone has been killing girls.

With Nessa's sight, Harriett's skills and knowledge, and Jo's strength, the trio search to find a killer. But The Change is also a book about friendship, female empowerment, and becoming who you are meant to be. This book made me cheer and cry. I wanted to pass it on to so many people. I'll be recommending it to women for a long time.

I enjoyed the characters in this book and the premise that even as we age we are still valuable. There were some dark moments in the book but the book didn't feel heavy. I purchased a copy of the book for my bookshelf. Thank you to NetGalley for the e-copy.

Harriet is a former Advertising Executve who when passed up for a promotion has a “meltdown” and doesn’t leave her home for months. As foliage starts growing uncontrollably at her home, and Harriet starts going through changes, people in town start calling her a witch.
Nessa James husband died in the line of duty and after her twin daughters leave the home for college she finds herself alone, and hearing voices. Nessa grew up knowing she had a gift, but its alsways been dormant. Now that she;s home alone her gift is starting to manifest itself and the voices shes hearing are growing louder and louder.
Jo has had increasing hot flashes that come along with great strengths. Jo realizes she can manifest her hot flashes into energy, and its growing stronger daily.
Young girls have gone missing, when these three ladies form an alliance to find out what has happened, their friendship blossoms and they find each has their own set of powers that grow the more they are together. These ladies are determined to find out what has happened to these missing girls and know they can only do that if they work together.
I absolutely LOVED this book. The way these women were written as such strong characters drew me in. As a Black woman I really appreciated how Kristen Miller wrote Nessa. Often when Black characters are written by white authors they use crazy analogies like “caramel colored skin” to describe them. I loved how Kristen wrote Nessa as a strong woman, but she used subtle cultural nuances that let the reader see she was a Black woman. This book was an excellent read, This book would make a great movie, and I definitely think this could turn into a series. Thank you Scene of the Crime for this ARC

Rating 4/5

First off thank you so much for the gifted ARC!

I absolutely loved this book centered on female friendship and female empowerment! My favorite character hands down was Harriet, she was a total badass and made me laugh out loud multiple times.

I loved how the author showcased different strengths of women in the three characters Harriet, Jo and Nessa.

Highly recommend this book!