• The One That Got Away

  • A Novel
  • By: Leigh Himes
  • Narrated by: Kristin Kalbli
  • Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (594 ratings)

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The One That Got Away  By  cover art

The One That Got Away

By: Leigh Himes
Narrated by: Kristin Kalbli
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Publisher's summary

In this irresistible debut novel, a freak accident allows a wife and mother to explore the alluring road not taken.

Meet Abbey Lahey...

Overworked mom. Underappreciated publicist. Frazzled wife of an out-of-work landscaper. A woman desperately in need of a vacation from life - and who is about to get one, thanks to an unexpected tumble down a Nordstrom escalator.

Meet Abbey van Holt...

The woman whose life Abbey suddenly finds herself inhabiting when she wakes up. Married to handsome congressional candidate Alex van Holt. Living in a lavish penthouse. Wearing ball gowns and being feted by the creme of Philadelphia society. Luxuriating in the kind of 14-karat lifestyle she's only read about in the pages of Town & Country. The woman Abbey might have been...if she had said yes to a date with Alex van Holt all those years ago.

In the tradition of the romantic comedy Sliding Doors and Lionel Shriver's The Post-Birthday World, Leigh Himes's irresistible debut novel tells the funny and touching story of an ordinary woman offered an extraordinary opportunity to reboot her life, explore the road not taken, and ultimately, find her true self - whoever that may be.

©2016 Leigh Himes (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Himes takes an intriguing look at how a simple yes could change a person's entire life...the effort is a rewarding investigation of how all that glitters may not be gold." ( Library Journal)
"An enchanting novel about the choices we make in life and love - by turns hilarious, poignant, and nostalgic. Himes's novel will make you revisit all the 'what ifs' you've ever contemplated, from fleeting encounters to almost-weddings...a lively debut that will strike a chord in anyone with a romantic past." (Nicholas Sparks, author of The Notebook and See Me)
"In the spirit of Lionel Shriver's The Post-Birthday World, Leigh Himes delivers a fascinating novel about the road not taken. I loved the concept and execution of this clever, thought-provoking love story." (Elin Hilderbrand, author of The Rumor)

What listeners say about The One That Got Away

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Super fun novel! Very entertaining.

This made for a perfect summer listen. I loved it! Anyone looking for a terrific summer beach book to listen to, I recommend it. It's fun and quirky, but surprisingly not shallow or boring. I listened nearly all the way through. The characters were all likeable and believable. The narration was great, too.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Love the concept

I love the idea of this book however, the character Abby got on my nerves! I found myself rolling my eyes at her all through the book. She was never satisfied.

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7 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Predictable but not awful.

Overall I found this book quite enjoyable. Of course, I didn't venture into it with terribly high expectations, other than that I was looking a mindless and generally enjoyable break from more serious reading. If that's what you're looking for too, this is your book

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved the book!

Loved the story. Really makes me think about how I'm living my life and reminds me to treasure what I have.

It was very engaging, I listened to it whenever I could, I couldn't wait to hear what was happening next.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great read

This book was so entertaining and also sends a great message to love what you have, not what you think you want.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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what if....

a Thinking Girl's escape your own reality novel!
a glimpse into the great ' what if'.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

very cute.

story was good, but not sure if I believed that the "troubles" were all that bad. but still a very cute story about realizing how great you already have it.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful Novel. Great Philly setting.

Thoroughly enjoyed the novel. Had a great flow and loved all the characters. Great representation of Philly, The Main Line, and DelCo. Hope they make a film of it someday!

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Is this my biography?

Would you consider the audio edition of The One That Got Away to be better than the print version?

Haven't read the print version but the narration was great

Which character – as performed by Kristin Kalbli – was your favorite?

Abby

Any additional comments?

Loved this. I think so many people can relate. I felt like she was telling my story!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story!

Loved this audiobook! Well read and written, a great story and easy listen. Perfect all around.

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1 person found this helpful