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Member Reviews

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for this digital audiobook in exchange for my honest feedback. My review is late, only because I though that this would be a fantastical body-swap type of book, and hadn't found myself in the mood to suspend that kind of disbelief. I'm not the type to read jacket copy and like to go into each book a little bit "blind." In this case, I'm sorry that I didn't pick this up sooner- I found it absolutely delightful!

This was not a Freaky Friday type of switch. Lena and Eileen, a granddaughter and her grandmother, are grieving the loss of their granddaughter/ sister, find themselves stuck. They decide to literally swap lives for a bit. They exchange phones, homes, and social circles. This novel was billed as a rom-com, but it was so much more than that. It dealt with topics centering around grief, finding love in your golden years, and overcoming the struggle to find who you truly are in your late 20's.

I would recommend this book to women of all ages who enjoy witty banter, depth, a comeback, and slow build romance. Grab this book and settle in with a cup of tea and enjoy!

The audiobook narrators, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Alison Steadman, did a truly wonderful job- the audio switches between the granddaughter and the grandmother, giving a different voice to each perspective, which I thoroughly enjoyed! If you're unsure whether to grab a paper copy or the audio, I'd recommend the audio here for sure!

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The Cotton women are all stuck- especially following the death of the youngest. Lena has not coped with losing her sister and is falling apart at work. When she has a panic attack in the middle of a presentation, she is forced to take two months off. Eileen's world has also drastically changed since the death of her youngest sister. Her husband left her and her daughter is not doing well. Lena and Eileen decide to switch- Eileen will stay in Lena's London flat for two months and Lena will stay at her grandmother's Yorkshire home. The change of scenery helps everyone move forward in their lives.

This is a cute story- I especially liked Eileen's story of finding herself at 80. It shows it is never too late! It was sweet that Lena kind of turned into her grandma a bit, after stepping into her shoes.

While the characters are grieving, this is not a heavy, grief laden book. It is hopeful and the characters all begin coping well.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Thank you NetGalley

First of all I love The flatshare, it was an amazing romcom and I was so excited for this one but I couldn't connect at all. I try with the ebook and then with the audiobook but I just could't.

I still gonna continue trying with O'Leary and I'm convinced that it was just this book.

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3.25 stars. Women’s fiction with a bit of a romantic subplot, not my usual genre. Very well narrated.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my chance to review.

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I tried to listen to this one and I struggled with the audio. I think it just wasn't for me. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.

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Every book I’ve read by Beth O’Leary has been a full 5 star but this one was definitely more of a 4 and a half star. It was a beautiful book and I honestly enjoyed it so much, the grandma reminds me so much of Lesley Manville especially her character in the film mrs Harris goes to Paris helping someone find love as well as going off on her own adventure. The only reason it lost half a star was it was very predictable but I honestly didn’t mind much it was an enjoyable read and a concept I definitely want to see more!

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This is one of my favorite audiobooks ever!! The narration was AMAZING!!! I think this is my favorite Beth O'Leary book so far! Highly recommend this to everyone!!

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This fell flat for me after The Flatshare which I absolutely loved. Maybe it was beginners luck for me and this author?

Thanks to NetGalley / Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for a review.

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Have you ever hated your life? Are you tired of the same thing day in and day out and just wish you could switch with someone?

In the switch, we meet two women, separated by decades, who yearn for a life different from the one they are living.

Eileen is 79 and desperately wants to find love again. Unfortunately, her tiny yorkshire village isn't bustling with eligible bachelor's. Her granddaughter, Leena, has escaped the hustle and bustle of the city to take a much need sabbatical.

Leena thinks she has come up with the perfect arrangement. She suggests that they switch lives for a two month period. Eileen will go live her best life in the city and search for love, while Leena will stay in the village and take care of things for her grandmother there.

Both ladies will quickly learn that switching lives isn't quite as easy as they thought it would be. Will they find happiness in their swapped lives, or will they learn to appreciate the lives they already have?


Honestly, this book is precious. Eileen is the quintessential grandma that we all know and love. Her character is such a doll! The relationship between her and her granddaughter is also very cute. I loved the alternating storylines between the two women.

I listened to an audio copy of this novel, and I want to say narrators did a fabulous job!

As always, thank you to the publisher and netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review

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I decided to give this one another go. And I am sadly disappointed that it didn’t work out. I wanted to love it. But I didn’t. It did give off a fun and flirtatious vide that makes it a fun read. It just wasn’t for me.
I really do appreciate the opportunity Netgalley and the publisher gave so I could read and review for my honest review. I just wish I could love every book.

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I know I am late reviewing this book and I really do apologise but it were for me. I need to not ask for audio books anymore because I find it hard to concentrate.

I will buy the book and read it the way I know and love: I am sorry

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"The Switch" is a delightful and heartwarming novel that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and unexpected connections. The story follows two women, a 29-year-old single mom and a 79-year-old widow, who decide to trade lives for two months. With its clever premise and charming characters, the book explores themes of second chances, personal growth, and the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone. The author's witty and engaging writing style keeps readers hooked from beginning to end, while also delivering poignant moments and heartfelt messages about the importance of human connection. "The Switch" is a feel-good and uplifting read that will leave readers with a smile on their faces and a renewed appreciation for the transformative power of unexpected adventures.

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Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an audiobook of The Switch by Beth O'Leary. After the immense hype the author received for The Flatshare, I was intrigued to see what The Switch will be about. It was a good read and I had a fun time listening to the narrator. However, it wasn't the perfect story. I hope to read the author's other works soon.

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I love Beth O'Leary, and I absolutely love Alison Steadman! She's fantastic! However, having books narrated by people you know can sometimes feel a bit comedic. I would rather narration of audiobooks when I don't recognise the voices, so I can get more into the story rather than distracted by who I am listening to. This is a bit of a cheesy make-believe storyline, but an easy listen for those morning commutes when you don’t have too much brain power to invest!

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This was an amazing feel good book that I would recommend for 20 year old and 80 year old readers. The romance parts might have been predictable but they were still sweet. It was laugh out loud funny in parts and tearjerking at others. The older Eileen was my favourite character. The narrators of the audiobook were wonderful. This is a treasure of a book that I will revisit.

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Thank you #NetGalley for giving me the chance to review this book. I would call this a lighthearted, predictable book, but a book that is fun nonetheless.It does go into weightier themes such as grief and everyone’s unique way of dealing with their feelings.

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The audiobook archived before I was able to listen to it. I have a copy of the physical book, so hopefully I will read it soon.

*Thank you @macmillanaudio for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Review not posted to Amazon/Goodreads because less than 4 stars or DNF.*

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Picked The Switch up after finishing The Flatshare, also by Beth O'Leary. I still love the cozy atmosphere she crafts but this story wasn't my thing, it was a more mature, generational story about grief, and neither MCs, Lena (29) or Eileen (79) were relatable for me at all. It wasn't as fun or emotional to read as The Flatshare was for me, but I enjoyed the narration.

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I'm a huge fan of Beth O'Leary and am ALWAYS going to pre-order her latest whenever it's announced. The Switch did not disappoint, and I loved the core themes of friendship and belonging. Charming and warm, the book's characters had depth and I felt connected to them. The story does deal with some heavier themes, but does so with grace. Highly recommend this character and plot driven book!

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Wonderfully heartwarming, you’ll definitely have some deja vu to the movie The Holiday, but I loved that this was focused much more of each woman’s character development and life, instead of an ultra hot Jude Law.

It’s not super deep but the themes and issues for each character definitely resonate and it’s a story you can’t help but feel good about. It’s quick, especially on audio, and just an overall good, fun time.

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