I went into this book not expecting to care for it so much but, I actually loved it!
Workaholic Leena’s job is a mess and she’s just been told she must take a much needed 2 month vacation from work. Her 80 year old Grandma Eileen is newly single and not really sure what to do with herself and her nosey neighbors.
Leena comes up with the idea that they switch places. So Eileen moves to Leena’s flat and Leena moves to Eileen’s place. They even switch phones!
Neither one of them is prepared for what they encounter and are each surprised at how little they know about the real personalities and relationships of the other.
I loved the fact that I could listen to this book on audio. I found the narrators funny and really brought out the characters in a very likable way.

Oh this book is just beautiful. I got an audio book from NetGalley and listened to it in 2 days at work. The narrators are absolutely perfect- (Daisy Edgar Jones from Normal People and Alison Steadman from Gavin and Stacey). Not only do they bring the characters to life but they really give them something more as well. I loved it.
The plot is great- a grandmother and granddaughter swap lives for a couple months. Grandma Eileen moves into Leena's flat in Shoreditch with her flat mates, and Leena moves into her grandma's cottage and takes on her village role. The switch comes after Leena has a breakdown at work and is made to take a 2 month sabbatical, and Eileen is reminiscing on how she'd like to meet someone now that she's a newly single 79 year old. There is also the underlying plot line of the death of Leena's younger sister Carla. She had died of cancer a year earlier and this has obviously rocked the whole family. I think this plot really made the book as it gave a counter to the light-hearted romance.
This book is a well deserved 5*. I'm recommending it to everyone- I think I preferred it to the Flat Share too!
Thanks to NetGalley for an arc of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Oh wow! I just loved this. 4.5 big stars. I enjoyed Beth O leary's other novel The Flatshare. This was just as charming and warm as her other novel I read. Eileen is a newly single almost 80 yr old and Leena is her grandaughter who needs a big break from life. They decide to switch homes for 2 months with Leena in Yorkshire and Eileen in London. It is warm, sweet, and you can't help but fall in love with these characters.

In The Switch by Beth O'Leary, after Leena Cotton has a panic attack during an extremely important presentation and is forced to take a two month-long leave, she leaves London and heads to her grandmother's house in a small Yorkshire village. Once there, she comes up with a wild idea: they switch places. Leena stays in the village for two months and takes over her grandmother's many projects and Eileen (grandma) stays in London for two months to learn how to date again at 79. What ensues is a sweet story about trying new things, rediscovering oneself, and learning how to come to terms with grief and change.

Oh my. I LOVED this book. Seriously. All year, especially since Covid started, I have been trying to find a sweet, fun, rom-com-esque story...and what I have gotten so far are sweet stories that are emotional rollercoasters and so anxiety-inducing that I have to take a nap as soon as I finish the books. Until now. This story was everything I wanted this year. It was fun, funny, sweet, lovely--all of the good adjectives. It also had a lot of heart and there were some serious undertones, like a death from cancer before the story began and closed-door verbal and physical abuse. There was some romance for both ladies, but just enough to not take away from the real joy of the story: the ladies. I really liked Leena and definitely identified with her in certain aspects and I just adored Eileen. I want to be her best friend and I want to be her when I grow up. The relationship between the two is wonderful and I love their growth.

I am planning on purchasing the physical copy of this book because I loved it so much, but if you can, PLEASE listen to the audiobook. Daisy Edgar-Jones as Leena and Alison Steadman as Eileen were perfect. My only complaint is that during "phone calls" in the story, there is some sort of filter to make is sound more like an actual phone call, but it makes those parts hard to hear/understand at points. Otherwise, I highly recommend this story and I can't wait to read more books by O'Leary!

4.5 Stars!
I received the audiobook for review, but didn't care for the narration and read the ebook instead. I'm so happy that I made the switch, because the story was a joy to read. I loved this author's debut (The Flat Share) and was looking forward to her next book, but I wasn't sure the premise of The Switch was appealing to me - a grandmother and twenty-something granddaughter trade homes, friends, locations, and community duties for a few months to help sort out their own lives after the death of a their granddaughter/sister. I wasn't excited for the grandmother's POV, but this author drew me into Eileen's life and the impact she had on those around her. There was light romance for both heroine's and amazingly enough I actually enjoyed Eileen's along with Leena's. In all honesty, I did think that Eileen's was a little progressive for someone her age and generation, but I liked where her romantic search ultimately brought her. In the end, the author succeeded in delivering a second witty, poignant, and all-around entertaining story.

The story was a bit slow for me but a cute heart warming story about friendship if you’re looking for a light hearted read this is it

While The Switch does not live up to the expectations created by Beth O’Leary’s wonderful debut, The Flatshare, it is an overall sweet, fun tale about family and finding love.

The Switch tells the story of two Eileens — grandmother and granddaughter (who goes by Leena), who are both feeling stuck in their lives. When Leena is placed on paid leave from her high pressure job, the Eileens switch lives for two months, with Eileen the elder going to live in Leena’s London apartment, while Leena takes over her grandmother’s house and responsibilities in her small village. Eileen searches for love while Leena searches for peace following the death of her sister (major, major content warning for medical issues and family death).

The story is a predictable one. There are few, if any, twists or turns, and the characters are not particularly deep or complex. It effectively tugs at the heartstrings and has some genuinely laugh out loud moments. It is a quick, mostly light, sometimes poignant little book.

The best part of the book was the wonderful narrators. Eileen and Leena are read by Alison Steadman and Daisy Edgar-Jones, respectively. Both are fabulous narrators who add an extra layer of depth to the characters and emotions.

The overall message of The Switch, however, is a little tough to swallow at times. Throughout the book, it is made clear that the “big city” is a disconnecting, faceless, bad place, while country life is quaint and charming, full of quirky characters and close-knit community. The book continues this slightly conservative, old fashioned perspective throughout the book, poking fun at the idea of smartphones and calling one of the village elder’s blatant xenophobia and racism quirky rather than abhorrent.

If you are looking for a book that will tell you, in no uncertain terms, that moving to the country and meddling in your neighbors lived is the key to happiness, look no further. For the rest of us, it is still a fun ride, even if you have to roll your eyes through some bits of it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC!

The Switch is an entertaining, fun story that still makes me smile. I loved Beth O'Leary's previous book, The Flat Share and this one did not disappoint.

I listened to The Switch by Beth O’Leary as an audiobook and I’m so glad that I did! The story is told in alternating perspectives of Leena, a young workaholic, and her grandmother, Eileen. Both of the narrators were exceptional when performing this story! The characters in this story were detailed and relatable. The story was intriguing and easy to listen to. I’d definitely recommend this audiobook!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this title in exchange for an honest review.

This adorable book was so beyond enjoyable. From the author of #TheFlatshare, O'Leary does it again creating the perfect cast of characters in such an entertaining read! Leena is ordered to take two months off at work. Meanwhile, her grandmother, nearly 80 and freshly single, is looking to spice up her life. Leena and Eileen switch homes and step into each other's lives. This book has a touch of The Holiday and this grandmother, granddaughter relationship is so sweet. Thank you to #NetGalley and #macmillanaudio for an ALC.

This is a gorgeous book were Eileen a Grandma and Leena her Granddaughter find themselves at a crossroads. Eileen wants spark and Leena wants calm. So in a bid to regain their lives they totally swap. Leena heads to the country and joins the neighbourly activities. Eileen heads to the city and joins online dating. What unfolds is a series of events that will leave you laughing and crying. I listened as an audiobook and loved the alternate narration, giving voice to both the distinct characters. I’m now hunting out more books by Beth O’Leary.

This was a fun, joyous and playful read that was so unique in its characters and their similarities and differences. I loved Eileen and instantly wanted her to be my grandmother. Much like O'Leary's other book it had a multiple POV which really made for a quick read and you never got bored of any one characters story line.

This book had a very satisfying wrap up and as a reader I was left feeling satisfied. Things didn't wrap up too conveniently but enough that you were happy for all of the characters. Although predictable it was not a story you wanted to stop reading.

If you are looking for a lighthearted story that gives you freaky Friday vibes then you should pick this one up.

I absolutely adored this book! I did listen to the audio and did not read it and would highly recommend the audio to everyone. It's beautifully done and so funny. The characters come alive fully and there is nothing like listening to a love story in a British accent.

This lovely story follows the lives of young Leena and her grandmother, Eileen, as they struggle to deal with a recent tragedy and the tolls of daily life. The two switch places for two months, with Leena taking a much needed break from her busy life in London to stay at her grandmother's home in a small village while Eileen tries out the 70+ dating scene in London.

This book doesn't shy away from tough topics and invites the reader into two characters heads and hearts. It's a wonderful and feel-good novel that incorporates so much wisdom and love into it. This book focuses on kindness and brought so many smiles to my face.

I was in the mood for a gentle read and turned to the Switch. Leena Cotton is ordered to take a two month sabbatical after a poor presentation for work. She visits her energetic 79 year old grandmother who is looking for love in a shallow dating pool. Leena suggests switching places sending her Grandma Eileen to her apartment in London. I thought this would be a fish out of water story but instead I found to women that truly wanted to good for those that crossed their paths. Leena takes joins in dog walking, neighborhood watch and planning the village fete. Eileen takes up dating and befriends the people in Leena's building.

I listened to the audio book and it has two narrators as the story is told in alternating chapters from Eileen and Leena. Both narrators brought their characters to life. I would categorize this as woman fiction with a sprinkling of romance. It is more about the two leads as they decide what makes them happy. It is sweet and kind but that doesn't mean things are always easy. They both are still grieving the loss of Leena's sister. '

I enjoyed the book and recommend it. It was also clean for language and sex. Thank you to NetGalley for the free ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first listen to a Beth O'Leary novel, and the first of hears that I have picked up. I absolutely loved the story of a grandmother and granddaughter switching places--one always hears a sister vs. sister switch, or a mother vs. daughter switch like in Freaky Friday.

This was a situation that I haven't come across before, and O'Leary weaved the storyline beautifully. I could imagine myself in both London, and the small little town, and all of the quirky old residents.

The only thing that bothered me was the narrator for Eileen's character. There was a lot of, for lack of a better word, smacking going on while the narrator would read. It got to be distracting at times, especially if I was trying to multi-task while listening to the audiobook.

I would love for this to be made into a movie or short series--I think this would transfer wonderfully on-screen!

I cannot wait to pick up this book to have an actual hard copy, as well as pick up O'Leary's first novel, The Flatshare.

The Switch a story of 2 women grand daughter Leena Cotton and grand mother Eileen that have each a boring lives and decided to switch. Elena goes to back to rural Yorkshire a huge difference then London and Eileen goes to London also a drastic change.
Elena is dealing with the lost of her sister and conflict with her mother when Eileen is a bored 79. In London her life changes for the positive.
In the end, Leena and Eileen are happy in their new lives.
Thank you! NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Beth O’Leary for this free audio in exchange of an honest review.

Leena and her grandmother, Eileen, are both at a crossroads in their lives. After losing Leena's sister to cancer a year before, Leena has been wrestling with crippling grief which causes her firm in London to force a two month paid sabbatical. Eileen's husband ran off four months ago, leaving Eileen perplexed, but not heartbroken. Leena decides that the two should switch places with Leena staying in the country and Eileen staying in Eileen's flat for two months. Leena takes charge of all of Eileen's duties in the village while Eileen searches for love in the city. Told in alternating perspectives, the story follows the two women on their two month long life switch.

I loved this book. I listened to the audio version narrated by Alison Steadman and Daisy Edgar-Jones. I think I loved this book more BECAUSE I listened to it. Both narrators were on point and made the story so much more real. The characters were authentic and well fleshed out. The story line was mostly believable and extremely enjoyable. I didn't want it to end.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a light read set in England.

Thanks, NetGalley, for an arc of this book.

The Switch by Beth O'Leary, narrated by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Alison Steadman, is my first audio book via NetGalley. I've done previous audiobooks, such as the Lord of the Rings, Pride and Prejudice, etc (usually books that I'm more familiar with the events).
I loved both of these narrators as they gave just enough emotion for their respective characters without "over-acting." Both were pleasant and easy to understand which worked well when I had the book playing in the background while working.
I absolutely adore the story of having the grandmother (Eileen) switch houses with her granddaughter (Leena). Eileen is off to live for a few months in the large city (London) while Leena will live in a smaller community up north. (Similar idea to the Holiday where two people want a change so they switch locations to see if they can get out of some kind of slump). As the story moves continuously along, the chapters switch point of view between the two main characters. The two storylines move together to create one complete novel. It's well-written and was very pleasant overall. This was my first novel by Beth O'Leary, but it certainly won' be my last!

This book was so adorable! After Leena is asked to take a leave of absence from work, she decides to escape back home to her grandmother's house. Leena's grandmother Eileen feels the need for a change of pace as her dating life has been non-existent since the split from her husband. Eileen decides to go into the city to stay at Leena’s flat to try her chances at dating.

This book was so much more than a typical flat swap novel. Leena is dealing with heavy feelings of grief over losing her sister to cancer and also trying to work on her strained relationship with her mother. Eileen, what a fun character she was. Can I ask her to be my grandmother? Her portrayal of online dating in this book was just hilarious. Both characters were just so dang lovable.

Big thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Beth O’Leary for allowing me to listen to an audio copy of this book!

I will post a review on Goodreads.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review

The Switch is a book that has tons to offer. Romance, character development, crazy situations, and above all, hilarity. I have to say I laughed out loud several times whilst listening to the audiobook. The unique narratives along with the crazy situations these characters get into create a fast paced, funny and heartfelt story.

O'Leary really shines when it comes to balancing the stories between a sassy 79-year-old and her granddaughter. I was surprised at how much I loved Eileen's chapters. She was sassy, headstrong, naive at times, adorable and just hilarious. I loved watching her growth, and I adored the message that it's never too late to find love, and sometimes you'll find it in the most unexpected of places. Also, her narrator was simply superb.

I enjoyed Lena's story a little less compared to Eileen's, to my shock, but it was still so cute and enjoyable. I loved her relationship with Eileen, and how she forms great relationships with the elderly members in a small town. Also her narrator was fantastic as well.

I really enjoyed how O'Leary handled grief in this novel. It was honest, and real, and heartbreaking. She really demonstrated how impactful the loss of a loved one is, how it haunts you, and you can become randomly reminded of them all the time, and how deep a hole it creates within you. However, she also leaves you with hope and happiness, watching these characters grow and learn from their grief.

Overall, a solid story with fantastic relationships and great messages.