I have been in a reading slump for ages, and I'm happy to say that this book has motivated me to read plenty of books again! I rate this book a 4 out of 5. It would be a 5 if 'twas not for the slow start, but once you get about 15-20% through the book it will have you glued to your seat, or bed in this instance. One of the things I admired in this was how the author wrote about the romance. I am not really a romance kinda gal but luckily for me, although there was quite a lot of talk of love, the sexual scenes were not horribly graphic and weren't so bad that you had to skip through them. Overall, this is a book that I would definitely recommend to all readers, and I'm sure they'll love it just as much as I did.

Rounded down from roughly 4.5 stars ⭐️ This was my first Beth O’Leary book but it absolutely will not be my last. The Switch follows Leena and her grandmother Eileen who are struggling in their daily lives and in need of a change. So they decide to swap lives, with Eileen trying online dating in London, and Leena going back to her rural home village. This was just the charming and easy read that I needed right now. I found myself smiling much of the time, laughing occasionally and with tears in my eyes towards the end. This book tackles grief in such a real way that I found I personally connected so much to the experience of grief by the characters. I fell completely in love with all of the characters in this book, but particularly the quirky and different characters from the village. Arnold was a particular favourite of mine as he reminded me of my grandad! A tough exterior with such a warm and tender heart. I absolutely love easy reads based in small villages so the setting of this was perfect for me. It felt so vivid and real, I felt a great sadness at saying goodbye to the characters. I love that this book was easy to read whilst tackling the difficult topic of grief. It managed to strike a perfect balance with not being too serious but not being insensitive either. I cannot believe I’ve waited so long to try this author, but I am really excited to delve into their other books now! I would recommend this to any fans of light novels, with a focus on family, friends and romance.

After losing her sister, Carla, to cancer Leena is heartbroken. She buries herself in work & London life while keeping her distance from her once close family. When she has a huge panic attack at work she is told that she must take a sabbatical in order to grieve properly. Her grandma Eileen is up in Yorkshire grieving Carla, wanting a fresh romance after her cheating husband left her and trying to look after her daughter (Lena’s mom) who is battling depression after losing Carla. Deciding that they need a change, Leena & her grandma switch lives for the duration of Leena’s sabbatical. I really enjoyed their journeys, there was romance, Tinder drama and funny moments. It also really made me miss my Nan and I warmed to Eileen quickly. This was such a cosy book and I recommend it. I liked the narrators too, especially their Yorkshire accents. I will definitely be reading more of Beth’s books. If you haven’t read her first book, The Flat Share, I also highly recommend it. Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for my free advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.

Lovely easy read which I chose for my book club. Everyone has enjoyed it as the characters are relatable. The Switch is a comfort read. There are a few good issues covered in the storyline… but it always kind of feels ‘safe’ because you just know that it will all end on a positive note, one way or another. I do enjoy the chapters being alternating character perspectives, it adds to reading pleasure and getting to know Eileen and Leena, and those around them. Overall, The Switch is a book you could take anywhere; holiday, long car journey, hospital, commuting… it’s a perfect book club book. I’d recommend it to anyone; whether you are a seasoned reader needing a break from mind bending world-building, or if you are picking a book up for the first time in a year or two… the ladies will keep you interested and rooting for them to find their best selves.

Words can hurt. Tremendously. But they can also heal. And when they are set up in a series of fantastical phrases comprising up a volume we call novel, they become magic. Of unbelievable power and resources. This is the story of this book. It feels like a flimsy, rosey romance, but it turns out to be a balm for the soul. Getting support from notions like Family, Love and Friendship, the novel echoes in our mind even after the book is already shelved. Fair characters, good dialogue, interesting plot. Quite serious turns and twists, an evident climax and a rooted finale. Little mishaps, some dwindling in between, but a fairly good reading on the whole. A piece of literature to share with a mother, a grandmother or even an aunt, to talk about it with a friend or a sister...A novel that can be indulged quietly in after a long hard day, in secrecy or passionately aloud! A piece for inspiration when in search for an answer. Be it small or grand!