✨️ Ｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ ✨️

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: The Book Swap
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Tessa Bickers
𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 336

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: Erin and James have so much in common - they have family issues, self worth issues, neither like their jobs but then they find each other in the most unexpected way. Erin accidentally adds her annotated copy of To Kill A Mockingbird into a LFL. She is so upset as it was given to her from her friend who recently passed. She checks back only to find it returned with new notes in it. This is the start of their new penpal friendship with swapping of other classics.

I really loved the plot of this book. At times I did feel that it was longer than it really needed to be with too much detail (it hurts me to say this). The flashbacks had me confused at times. Books-about-books are always a favorite for me. I really enjoyed the concept of this form of penpals - so original! While I did enjoy James as a character, I did find it hard to relate to Erin especially with her complaining/negativity.

There are some serious subjects in this book - bullying, death/cancer, and mental illness. At times I felt that there was too much trauma going on but I really enjoyed how it ended. I wish that we had more of them together…it was a slower burn that I really wanted.

This seemed like such a cute premise of a book. I loved the way the characters were using classics an and writing as a way to learn more about each other and essentially themselves. However, I feel like outside of that, the other people in their lives were unlikable.

A book featuring the magic of books gives me all the feels. Erin is struggling after a major loss in her life. In the midst of her grief, she accidentally donates a book special to her and her late friend. However, the book shows up again but with additional notes to the reader. An exchange of deep thoughts, secrets, healing occurs within the pages of the books from both readers. Erin learns to open up after discovering her pen pal is an acquaintance from her past, James. This book contains heavier topics making it emotional and raw, yet has the message of healing and hope too. 3.75 stars

I wanted to love this book but although the premise sounded so interesting i fear the book fell a bit flat. i think the storyline had more potential to give but the writing and characters werent quite there.

A great beach read for the summer....a romantic notion of sharing ideas, thoughts and dreams via books left in a Little Free Library....it was fun, predictable and just a wonderful way to spend the day sitting in the sun!

I haven't read Tessa Bickers before but would definitely read her again based on this witty romantic book!!

Thank you to Harlequin Publishing, Graydon House and Net Galley for a chance to read this arc!!

This was good but ultimately too slow of a slow burn for me, posts of this dragged but I went into this with some expectations based off romance books in general and that was my fault. It's still a good book and I will recommend it to anyone who loves slow burns!

This was a cute little story.

The writing felt disjointed, but I loved the relationships between the characters. Took me awhile to write the review. Still enjoyed it!

Say it with me: BOOKS ABOUT BOOKS. There’s great banter, plenty of literary references and cozy vibes. Charming, sweet and slightly messy.

I was really excited about the premise of this and expecting a romcom. Disappointed it wasn’t more light hearted and a DNF for me because of the heavier nature.

The Book Swap is a tragic yet heartwarming and sweet love story!
From love letters written in book margins to misunderstandings and mistakes, Erin and James' love story had me hooked. I loved the depth of this book and how realistic the obstacles were. Between family drama, grief, forgiveness, and falling in love, the characters discover what they want from life.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll end my review here, but go read this one!

Had a great premise and the cover looked cute but man, did it fall flat. I'm sorry.

Thank you NetGalley and Graydon House for the ARC!

This was, unfortunately, a DNF for me. I had trouble connecting with the characters - but I think I was expecting more of a rom-com based upon the cover. And, yes, I know. You should never judge a book by the cover!

This was a sweet story; the characters were likable and believable. It’s also a treat for book lovers, who will find references to a number of favorite classics like To Kill a Mockingbird, Wuthering Heights, The Great Gatsby and more!

Tessa Bickers' debut novel, The Book Swap, is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the healing power of literature. The story follows Erin Connolly, a grieving woman who inadvertently donates her cherished, annotated copy of To Kill a Mockingbird; a keepsake from her late best friend - to a community library. To her surprise, the book reappears with new notes in the margins, sparking an anonymous correspondence between Erin and a mysterious pen pal. Their connection deepens through shared reflections in classic novels, leading Erin to confront her past and consider the possibility of new beginnings.

Bickers skillfully weaves themes of second chances and personal growth into a narrative that resonates with readers who appreciate stories about rediscovery and healing. The novel's charm lies in its portrayal of how literature can bridge gaps between individuals, offering solace and understanding. With its blend of romance and introspection, The Book Swap is a compelling read that will appeal to book lovers seeking a poignant and uplifting story.

A sweet light hearted book taking place in a small town with easy to live characters. I very much enjoyed it!

The Book Swap was such a cozy, feel-good read! I loved the small-town charm, the bookish setting, and the sweet connections between the characters. It had just the right mix of heart and light romance, with enough depth to keep me invested. If you enjoy stories about second chances, community, and the magic of books bringing people together, this one is worth adding to your list!

This one was just ok. I loved the premise of it, but the execution was lackluster. The characters just weren't interesting enough for it to really hold my attention.

This was a cute story! I loved that the characters wrote back and forth in the margins of books. I think this book covered grief and heartbreak well, I just didn’t feel connected to the romance part of the story. If you enjoy classic literature you may enjoy this one a little more than me, there were lots of references and mentions! Overall, still a good story however it wasn’t for me!

I loved this cute romance! Erin’s character was so easy to follow along with and her story made her more lovable. I think one of my favorite parts was the references to other classics. Great book, and I had a great time reading it.

This book had a beautiful premise—a connection formed through notes scribbled in the margins of classic novels, set in the charming world of a little free library. As a book lover, I was instantly drawn in by the idea of two people bonding through shared literary favorites like To Kill a Mockingbird and Great Expectations. The story explores grief, healing, and unexpected connection, and there are definitely moments that tug at the heart.

However, while the concept was emotionally rich, the execution didn’t quite live up to its promise. Erin’s grief was handled with care, but her character often felt inconsistent—sympathetic at times, frustrating at others. The “mystery man” had potential, but the romantic payoff was underwhelming once their identities were revealed. The twist involving their shared past added conflict, but it didn’t quite land emotionally for me.

This isn’t your typical lighthearted romance—it tackles themes like loss, mental health, and emotional trauma. And while I appreciated that depth, the story’s pacing dragged in places, and the character development felt uneven. Still, the love letter to books and the way literature becomes a bridge between two hurting people was a lovely thread throughout.

Worth picking up if you're in the mood for something introspective and bittersweet—but go in expecting a story more about healing than swooning.