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Member Reviews

Quite unfortunately, I was not able to download this copy before I could listen to it. I read the book and I found the story to be well written; however I can’t comment on the audio narrators.

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Thank you to Beth O'Leary, Net Galley, and Macmillan Audio for the ARC of The Switch. I have realized that I am not a good audiobook listener and I couldn't finish this book. I did not care for this book, but it may not be the book, it may be me!

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I’ve read all of Beth O’Leary’s books so I was excited to pick this one up and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a nice cosy book and I especially liked the fact that the story is narrated from the two main character’s perspectives and gives an insight into both of their worlds. I thought it was great that the entire focus of this novel wasn’t centred entirely around the romance element, there was a lot more to it.

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I wasn't 100% sure what to expect going into this one, since I ended up not being the biggest fan of The Flatshare, but I was pleasantly surprised! I found myself falling into this story very quickly, and loving Eileen even faster. It was overall just such a sweet book, even as it dealt with some very heavy topics throughout.

I think I slightly preferred Eileen's story, just because it's a story unlike many I've read already. I almost never see protagonists aged above 40, which is honestly a shame. I honestly really enjoyed seeing Eileen's perspective on the world, from online dating to the busy streets of London, and I love how stubborn and strong she was throughout, even though I would definitely get annoyed if I had an Eileen meddling in my life haha! Overall, I adored her, and I loved how hard she tried to make the lives of those around her happier, even if they were complete strangers just a few pages ago.

Leena's story was one I've read variations of before, but often in romance books, where the story is much more focused on that romance instead of personal and familial growth. I expected a stronger romance, but I ended up really appreciating how much time was spent more on Leena as a person, and her struggles with grief and anger. Her POV led to some extremely tough scenes, especially regarding her mother, but underneath it all you could always see that Leena was trying her best to be the best for everyone, and just needed to be stopped for a bit, so she could start being the best for herself, too.

I also really enjoyed the audiobook for this story, and I loved that we had two distinct narrators for each POV. I've listened to books narrated by Leena's narrator before, and have always really enjoyed her narration style. I did prefer Eileen's narrator though, but I just felt like she perfectly embodied Eileen and her thoughts, and I definitely had the most fun in those sections!

Overall, I did really enjoy this book, and I do think I'll be giving more of Beth O'Leary's books a shot again!

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“The Switch” by Beth O’Leary was so quirky and fun! It was completely delightful. Emotional and funny, too. Highly recommended!

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I am REALLY sad that I didn't just fall in love with this one. Because I really do love this author. Some of the other books she's written.
Unfortunately, I got to 20% with this, didn't love it, and then gave up. With that said, I WILL be reading more of her in the future. I just don't think that this, particular, book was for me.

Thank you for the opportunity to listen to this book!

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"The Switch" was overall enjoyable but falling short in terms of being memorable. I liked the reading (or rather listening as I got an eARC of the audiobook) experience but if you were to ask me any details about the book or pinpoint what makes it unique, I wouldn't be able to tell you much. Still, if you are looking for a nice palate cleanser with a nice trope of an unlikely female friendship, then look no further.

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I am in such a huge minority here because I unfortunately didn't like this. Maybe it was the narrator that made me lose interest in the story quickly or maybe the story didn't have alot of merit. No, I think it was the narrator, I haven't read the physical book yet but I am pretty sure its a heart warming book.
The narrator was droning on without alot of enthusiasm and feeling to her voice. The narration was flat and tasteless which is why I dnfed this audiobook.

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I loved The Switch! I listened to the audiobook and really liked the narrator. The two POVs were distinct and enjoyable. The character development was done well and I was immediately drawn in to the story. I have read several books by this author, but this was the first audiobook of hers that I listened to. I would say this is one of her best books so far. I highly recommend it.

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📖My Thoughts📖

What a heartfelt lovely book to read! This book touched all my feels! The sweet budding romances, the quirkiness, and seeing how the switched opened up both Lena and Eileen’s eyes, there was just so much to love about this book. I enjoyed every second of this book. I really liked the storyline in this book. It reminded me a lot of the movie The Holiday (which is one of my favorite movies). This was the first book I’ve read by Beth O’Leary and it most certainly won’t be the last. I was granted the audiobook version of this and I really think it made the book that much more fun and entertaining. If you haven’t read this book yet, I highly recommend you do!
Thank you Netgalley, Beth O’Leary and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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this audiobook was wonderful! The Switch was heartwarming and entertaining. Definitely a fun audio to listen to.

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The Switch was my first audible book. I found out I don’t have the lifestyle for audible books (it took me months to finish) but I totally enjoyed it. The 2 narrators perfectly captured the young, anxious Leena and the well seasoned Eileen. When they get tired of their own lives, they switch apartments and live each other life. I probably enjoyed Eileen moving to the city and trying dating more than Leena moving to the country. But I truly loved them both and wish I could be their neighbor.

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Loved this book! Beth O'Leary is an auto-buy author for me. I love everything she writes! The audiobook was GREAT! If you need a book to give you a cozy feeling, pick this one up.

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this was my first-time reading Beth O'Leary and it won't be the last. I started reading the book as soon as I got it, but was caught off guard by the panic attack incident at the very beginning of the novel. That and losing my own grandma around the time made it impossible to read a book about a sweet and badass fictional grandma. There is a charm in her writing that is reflected in her characters. I would love to read more from this author.

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This was a uniquely entertaining and heartwarming listen. The narrators do a wonderful job of embodying O'Leary's endearing characters. The book is a wonderful lesson in how we should all learn from those around, those who love us, and those whose lives seem nothing like ours. You never know where valuable insights can stem from.

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"It's a phone, not a limb"

I love that line!
What an absolutely delightful book! I both listened to and read this book. The two narrators were excellent and I felt their voices fit the characters. I enjoyed the plot of the book and really loved that the grandmother jumped in feet first...no hemming and hawing if she should do it. All the side characters were great and added much to the story.

Highly recommended.

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This was such a fun audio book to listen to. The narration is great, and the book is feel good.

Eileen is the fun grandma who needs a shake up as does her granddaughter Leena. Hilarity ensues and the two switch places.

This was just frankly, fun. I loved the quirky cast of characters and Beth has become a go-to author of mine.

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Really loved this book and the concept. I found it to be so sweet and entertaining to read and I cannot wait to read more books from this author in the future.

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I received an advanced digital copy of this audio book from the author, publisher and NetGalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Beth O'Leary has quickly become one of my favorite authors. The Switch is a delightful and emotional read. The narration of the audio book is superb!

Highly recommended reading.
5 out of 5 stars.

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I really enjoyed how Beth O’Leary developed the two main characters throughout the book, but I did think Eileen was written much better than Leena. I would have loved to see more into Leena’s grief and to see her deal with Ethan a little better. The audiobook made it feel fast-paced and I loved the narrators! They gave them both so much personality. I can’t wait to read O’Leary’s other books and I will probably get the audiobook for them too.

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