BOOK REVIEW: The Switch by Beth O’Leary
This post contains affiliate links. That means I receive a small commission from any purchases you make through these links.
☞ CHECK OUT MY BEST BOOKS OF 2020

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.
the writing |
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 |
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.
the characters |
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.
to the point |
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
FIND IT ON GOODREADS || GET THE BOOK
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
I loved this book even more than the flatshare!!! ☺️☺️☺️?❤️?
It was SO SO SO SO GOOD!!! 😀
I don’t think I rally appreciated the author’s writing until now.
Same. She’s super talented. Definitely a must read author for me now
I’ve read the switch – it’s awesome and soooooooo well penned! Beth o leary is truly an amazing author…..
I agree!!! I was wowed by how much her writing synced with me! And I can’t wait to see where she goes from here. I’m excited 😀
Yeah! I’m excited too! ? ? ?
This sounds good with amazing characters. I haven’t read flatshare but now I want to. Wonderful review!
They are both pretty different books in topics, but I can only recommend them. If you love audiobooks, The Flatshare audiobook is fantastic too. It’s an all-around fantastic romance. A very endearing and charming story.
I really want to read this!! Everyone says amazing things from Beth O’leary’s books, and they’re really high up on my TBR list. So good to see you loved it?
She deserves all the praise 😀
With her books you get this Britishness that’s just so charming and endearing. And the author does a wonderful job of keeping it balanced. Especially for anyone that is not British, I never felt like I didn’t know what they were talking about. It’s a book I could recommend to anyone.
Okay, I’m sold! 😀 I just requested this one on NetGalley and hopefully I’ll be approved, otherwise I’ll have to wait until its published and get it. Besides, the is beautiful! Perfect for those insta snaps.
So, it’s actually already out in the UK 😀 Theoretically you could get it through Bookdepository. The original US release was pushed to August.
I really hope you’ll enjoy it. ?
Aha!!! And my bday is very soon. ihihih
haha – in that case, early birthday present. If you order now, it might arrive in time 😀
I’m so happy to hear how much you enjoyed this. I’m really looking forward to it. Great review!
Thank you – and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. 😀
I couldn’t agree more with everything you said! The author’s writing really works for me too, I can’t wait to read more of her books!
It was SO GOOD!!! I caught myself rereading sentences and just marveled at how she made me smile with just a few words.
Ahhhhhh!!! I’m so excited for this one and now even more. Great review!! I can’t wait to get my hands on this one. <3
I can’t wait for you to read it 😀 – just hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did ??
I hope so too!!! 🙂
I’m like 92 on the hold list… so it’s going to be a while.
Omg I’m obsessed with all of the graphics you used here! I wanna make all of the drinks now! Haha. Also you’re so right… The writing!!! *Chefs kiss motion*
Got the graphics from the publisher, thought why not add them to my review 😀
Also, we need an *Chefs kiss* emoji ASAP 😀
Agreed!