BOOK REVIEW: The Switch by Beth O’Leary + Bonus Material / Charmingly British and a true feel good novel

BOOK REVIEW: The Switch by Beth O’Leary

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I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that this book was one of my most highly anticipated novels of 2020. And boy, I’m now even more in love with the author’s writing than I was after reading The Flatshare. This was such a heartwarming novel, with so many LOL moments but it was also surprisingly deep and thoughtful at times. Another winner for me!

Eileen is sick of being 79.
Leena’s tired of life in her twenties.
Maybe it’s time they swapped places…

When overachiever Leena Cotton is ordered to take a two-month sabbatical after blowing a big presentation at work, she escapes to her grandmother Eileen’s house for some overdue rest. Eileen is newly single and about to turn eighty. She’d like a second chance at love, but her tiny Yorkshire village doesn’t offer many eligible gentlemen.

Once Leena learns of Eileen’s romantic predicament, she proposes a solution: a two-month swap. Eileen can live in London and look for love. Meanwhile Leena will look after everything in rural Yorkshire. But with gossiping neighbours and difficult family dynamics to navigate up north, and trendy London flatmates and online dating to contend with in the city, stepping into one another’s shoes proves more difficult than either of them expected.

Leena learns that a long-distance relationship isn’t as romantic as she hoped it would be, and then there is the annoyingly perfect – and distractingly handsome – school teacher, who keeps showing up to outdo her efforts to impress the local villagers. Back in London, Eileen is a huge hit with her new neighbours, but is her perfect match nearer home than she first thought?

BOOK REVIEW: The Switch by Beth O’Leary

MY THOUGHTS & REVIEW

Now, after finishing The Switch, I know why I loved The Flatshare so much. It’s the writing, not just the story that speaks to me.

For me The Switch really shows off the author’s writing style. Besides an engaging and charming story, it’s the writing that made me chuckle and laugh. Simple interactions and monologues had me cracking up. I think I found an author that really works for me personally.

The story was without a doubt, charming, endearing and heart-warming. Besides the official SWITCH, the underlying plot had surprising depth. The theme of how to move on and forgive after a shocking loss, wove through the plot without taking away from the overall joy of the story.

Thanks to the alternate POVs, because both, Leena and Eileen’s stories were engaging, entertaining and absolutely lovely, I honestly couldn’t tell you which one I loved more. Both characters are dear to my heart.

As with the author’s debut novel, this novel also had a couple sub-plots that kept the story moving forward. It was never boring, and I was pulled into the story from the very beginning. There was always something going on.

Oh boy, there were SO many amazing characters in this book. The older generation was the HOOT!! I have a weakness for seniors, just look at Missy Carmichael, the folks from The Big Finish and of course OVE. And the author portrayed them perfectly. They were cantankerous, funny, witty, and most of all, loyal and supporting. The gang in London was equally lovely and distinctive, and took Eileen in with open arms.

The relationship between Leena and her grandmother was the heart of the story, but all the other friendships, new and old made this book unforgettable.

I loved this book and will be purchasing a hardcover as soon as possible, because I need a copy on my bookshelf.

This is a highly recommendable book for me.

A BEST BOOK OF 2020

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I received a copy of this book from Flatiron Books for free.
My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.

BOOK REVIEW: The Switch by Beth O’Leary