Review: ‘How to Change a Life” is a lighthearted look at growing older, apart

Three Chicago freshmen meet on the first day of school in English class and become the best of friends, thanks to their beloved teacher, Mrs. O'Conner. But as adults, life has pulled them apart. Lynne lives the glamorous, high-powered life in Los Angeles. Teresa still lives in Chicago and is married with kids. Eloise is living her dream as a personal chef in Chicago after living in Paris for several years. When all of them run into each other at the funeral for Mrs. O'Conner, they resolve to stay in touch and even complete a bucket list before they all turn 40.

The focus is on Eloise and her life with clients for whom she cooks, her mom and aunt, and her chef BFF, Marcy. The characters are current and relatable in a story that could play out in real life. At the start, Eloise likes her life in her house with a state-of-the-art kitchen and sweet Corgi. She doesn't need a man after what happened in Paris and is content to be a personal chef. Once she re-connects with her high school friends and the bucket list bet is created, Eloise steps out of her comfort zone and makes changes. I loved the bet and how each woman was challenged to try something different. It's inspiring, from spicing up a marriage to networking to being creative.

One of Eloise's challenges is to go on dates, and she makes a connection. When that relationship hits a seemingly insurmountable hurdle, Eloise must decide what is important in her life and how to manage the relationships. Each of the people she trusts offers helpful advice.

Because Eloise is a chef, the book describes amazing dishes and meals. The author is a foodie, and she has a passion for it in her writing. Recipes are included at the end of the book.

The book is lighthearted, even though the topics are realistically heavy at times. You will laugh, maybe cry, and possibly want to adopt a Corgi.