***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
This hilarious fish-out-of-water tale—from the New York Times bestselling author of the “endearing, funny, and heart-tugging” (Karen Hawkins, New York Times bestselling author) novel How Lulu Lost Her Mind—explores what happens when a small-town Texas girl swaps bodies with a filthy rich socialite.
On her way from singing in church to hooking up with a Tinder date, Brittany Lynn Snider crashes her momma’s minivan, and her life is changed forever. One moment she’s texting HotGuyNate, and in the next she’s at a hospital in El Paso watching doctors operate on her near-lifeless body. If that wasn’t bad enough, she finds herself trapped in the Limbo Lounge where patients await their fate, playing cards and watching reruns of 7th Heaven and Heaven Help Us.
When a shimmering portal appears, it pulls Brittany upward toward heaven—until the lounge’s resident bully, a wealthy socialite named Edie, leaps through first and steals Brittany’s place. Brittany now has a second chance at life on Earth, but with a catch: she must inhabit Edie’s body.
Waking up as Edie in a mental facility where doctors try to cure her alleged retrograde amnesia, Brittany resumes a life of privilege in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Yet even as she basks in luxury and reconnects with Edie’s old flame, Brittany plans to return to her old life in Texas. But when things don’t go according to her plan, she must ask herself: Who is Brittany Lynn Snider, and what does she want now?
And where’s Edie? Did she manage to make it past the pearly gates?
Drop Dead Gorgeous by Rachel Gibson is a story about a woman who has to switch bodies with another woman who took her place in heaven. It’s light and easy to read, with a pleasant and satisfying ending.
Brittany Lynn Snider crashes her mother’s minivan on her way to a tinder date and ends up in a coma in the hospital. While there she finds herself in a form of a waiting room, filled with souls who are either waiting to wake from a coma or head up to heaven. While in the “waiting room” she meets Edie, a rich young socialite, who tries to trick Brittany into swapping places. When Brittany’s body eventually gives up and she dies, instead of going to heaven, Edie jumps into her spot and goes to heaven instead of Brittany. Now, she can’t go to heaven, so her choice is to stay in the Limbo Lounge or take Edie’s place in the world as Edie’s body is getting better. Can Brittney survive in a different body in a completely different world than what she was used to?
I did enjoy this book overall. It started fast, and I was getting into it, and then it dragged for a bit while Brittney was in the Limbo Lounge. I knew she was going to trade places with Edie, but it took forever until Brittney started to live her new life. Once she moved in with Edie’s parents, the book picked up and I enjoyed it a bit more.
The humor was good at times, but also over the top and a bit cheesy at times. I got a bit tired of Brittany’s Texas slang and sayings after a while. Also, there is a religious element in the book, which I don’t mind usually. But, I thought it was portrayed as silly and somewhat simplistic. The “limbo lounge” where people wait to go to heaven was full of mostly silly characters that were somewhat stereotypical and not very interesting.
However, once Brittney started over in Edie’s world, the book was much more interesting and I enjoyed Brittney’s character growth as she tried to navigate the world of the rich and famous!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Rachel Gibson
Rachel Gibson is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 21 books. Being a modest soul, she prefers not to mention her countless accolades or numerous awards, “it’s boastful and just plain rude,” she says.
Gibson often describes writing as “pushing boulders around” and is still waiting for her muse to show up. While she waits, she is busy gathering boulders for her next novel.
Great review Wendy! I’d love to add this one to my list. Anything that’s lighthearted, pleasant, and easy to read is my cup of tea. Thank you for sharing!
This sounds like a mixed bag. I love the premise but I know what you mean about using colloquial slang and sayings. It can be too much quickly. And limbo sounds like it extended to a reading experience limbo. Excellent review!
Glad this worked out fairly well even if not all of it was a success. I like the idea of stories where people get a second chance in a whole new life. Great review Wendy.
I had the same reaction to the Limbo Lounge time with this book as you did. It got so slow, and I felt like I stopped caring until the switch. Great review!
I haven’t read Rachel Gibson in forever! This looks fun!
I’ve been on the fence about this one since I first heard about it. After reading this, I’m still on that fence lol
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I’m not sure I would like the “limbo lounge” and cheese either. Sounded like a fun premise though.
The premise is excellent, I just wish the author focused on the premise.
Great review, Wendy!
Thank you, Jolene.
I love your review but am sorry that it was not for you.
Thank you, Cindy. On to the next great book!
This sounds like a lot of fun. Sorry it didn’t work out for you.
Thank you, Bonnie. We can’t love them all! 🙂
Great review Wendy! I’d love to add this one to my list. Anything that’s lighthearted, pleasant, and easy to read is my cup of tea. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you!
Sounds like a light, fun read, Wendy
Thank you, Cathy! It sure was light and fun.
I’m aware of Texas slangs and saying so i might knowing that bit. It sounds fun. Great review!
It was fun overall. Thank you, Yesha!
Wow what an interesting premise! Wonderful review Wendy!
Thank you, Kimberly
Great review Wendy! I’m glad this book turned around for you. I do enjoy a good rom-com! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jodie!
It sounds like an interesting concept. Nice review, Wendy.
Thank you Carla. I agree the concept is very interesting
Good, fair review, Wendy.
Thank you, Linda!
Great review. The premise reminded me of a tv show called Drop Dead Diva.
YES! I loved that show.
Over the top humor really bugs me. It’s not as funny when it’s forced.
Exactly! Thanks, Angela!
Having to start over in someone else’s life would be quite the challenge. 🙂
I agree, Lark! I wish this book focused more on the challenge of her new life instead of how she got there
It has an interesting concept. Great review, Wendy!
Thank you, Cindy
This sounds like a mixed bag. I love the premise but I know what you mean about using colloquial slang and sayings. It can be too much quickly. And limbo sounds like it extended to a reading experience limbo. Excellent review!
Thank you, Tessa. It really wasn’t my thing, but I’m sure it’s great for others.
I do enjoy a light comedy every now and then and this one seems to fit the bill for sure.
Nice and honest review Wendy!
Thank you, Mareli! It’s light and funny.
I’m not sure I’d like this one very much. I’m glad you liked it overall.
It’s very different and certainly not for everyone.
This is a very thoughtful review.
Thank you, Rae!
Great review 💕
Thank you, Jenny!
I am intrigued as to how Brittany navigated this new life. Interesting premise. Such a pity about the issues.
Yes, the premise was so good.
Glad this worked out fairly well even if not all of it was a success. I like the idea of stories where people get a second chance in a whole new life. Great review Wendy.
That was the best part that she got a second chance at life.
I had the same reaction to the Limbo Lounge time with this book as you did. It got so slow, and I felt like I stopped caring until the switch. Great review!
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one! Thanks, Deanna!
Humour can be hard to pull off as we all have different things which make us laugh.
That’s so true, Rosie. I’m sure the humor in this book will appeal to many.