I’ve been reading out of my comfort zone this year and it’s paying off. This was a joyous read about a young woman who experiences two weeks in Ireland that change the course of her life. Yes, it was a romance, but than that, it sees the main character evaluate the choices she has made and takes a leap to reevaluate what really makes her happy. I loved the characters. I loved the setting, and I enjoyed the premise and dose of magical realism. Friendship is a big theme throughout and this will tug at your heartstrings.

I don’t usually recommend authors reading their own books, but this audiobook is read by author Paige Harbison, and it’s fabulous!

A fun, witty uplifting read for dark times!

I love an audiobook read by the author. When I saw this pop up on NetGalley and read the synopsis, I immediately clicked the Request button.

📖Actress Meg Bryan (stage name: Lana Lord) is increasingly dissatisfied with her shallow-feeling life. Nothing has felt right since she lost Amy all those years ago. When Meg decides to escape to Ireland for a week to get away, she arrives to an alternate reality. . . one where Amy is alive. This can't be real. But what if it is?

🤝: This may be a good fit if you enjoy:
- best friend stories
- likable characters
- themes of grief and second chances

💭: One of the great things about NetGalley is perusing the new audiobooks and finding a hit! I love female friendship stories, unique books about grief, and a bit of magical realism. Meg's thought process through this wild experience was enlightening. If we visited another reality, would we value our experiences and relationships differently? This was a great balance of light moments and emotionally-charged ones.

🎧: I loved Paige Harbison's narration! After reading her bio, it makes sense she has a background in theater and the arts. I highly recommend this format if you're an audiobook person.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook early in exchange for an honest review.

I was blindsided by my love for this novel! 🥰

I began this audiobook like I usually do, traipsing through the woods with my dogs. The next thing I knew it was the witching hour, and all respect for my circadian rhythm was lost. The author/narrator as she wears both hats well even does a bang-up Irish lilt lured me in and transported me into a story I couldn't bear to leave. I was ill-prepared for how this sliding door story pulled me into its charming world of what ifs and electric characterization.

Meg Bryan's dreams of stardom came true as television actress Lana Lord. She's even dating Hollywood's newest it guy. So why does she feel hollow celebrating her thirtieth at a massive bash surrounded by a who's who of stars? She decides to book a trip the younger her dreamed of but never got to take visiting a village in Ireland. Meg reminisces about her teen years with her best friend Aimee and her devastation at Aimee's death.

When Meg arrives, travel weary she notices the people in the village treat her with warm familiarity except the bartender who seems upset with her. Meg can't believe her eyes when she looks in a mirror and sees a face that has never seen a plastic surgeon's scalpel, a normal body weight, and hair that hasn't been over processed. In her phone is photographic evidence of an entire life here that she doesn't recognize. That angry bartender is Cillian her on again off again boyfriend. She has a best friend Keira who is the embodiment of supportive and wonderful. And here Aimee is alive, but they are estranged. Meg decides no matter what it takes she will try to heal the damage to their friendship.

The story is more about relationships and healing than it is about the science behind how Meg moved to another dimension. I loved the quaint village and quirky characters. Cillian was a green light love interest if I've ever read one. 🔥 Yes, please!! Meg was relatable which was pleasant in its unexpectedness. The poignant moments cut deep while the lighter moments called up belly laughter. This brought forward candor and connection for me.
All the emotions.
All the stars!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing an Advance Listening Copy for review! All opinions are my own.

I’m such a sucker for an alternate reality story and magical realism.

Meg’s journey through her other path - the life she would’ve had if she didn’t stay home with her best friend - was bittersweet. I think Meg was a very flawed character. It’s clear that in both timelines she is very confused on the trajectory of her life. She is either basing her decisions on others/being told what to do or she’s always stuck in wondering no the “what ifs”. I’m glad there was lots of reflection on her life and how every decision (even the ones that she “made” in the alt timeline) changed her life. I loved how she found her voice and came to realize the truth of things.

In the end I was left wishing the best for her. I wanted her to take charge and choose her own happiness above everything. The story wasn’t overly complicated - it was just to show how different life could be.

This book was a bit of a mind trip (I know that was the point) and I really enjoyed it. The narration was also excellent. I would have loved a slightly expanded ending, but overall I was a fan!

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison is a beautifully written, emotionally layered story exploring the two possible life paths one might have lived. With elements of magical realism, this novel dives deep into themes of grief, guilt, and the haunting feeling of unfinished conversations.

The further you get into the story, the more vivid and emotionally real the characters become. Harbison captures those quiet, aching moments of life and loss so well—there are parts that truly hit hard.

The audiobook narration from Macmillan Audio is excellent. Each character’s voice is distinct and natural, with great accents and tone that never distract from the story. The pacing is spot-on and pulls you deeper into the story without confusion or lag.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy emotionally resonant, character-driven stories with a touch of the surreal. A fantastic listen and a story that stays with you.

Thanks to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for this ALC. This is my honest review

Meg is a Hollywood star, and an A list boyfriend, but she’s not as happy as she should be. A mini meltdown sends her to Ireland to decompress, but she’s mystified when the people in the small village where she’s staying seem to know her. It turns out that she’s somehow ended up in an alternate reality, one where she moved to Ireland as a teenager and never had an acting career. Is this the happily ever after she’s been dreaming of?