A super enjoyable read that isn't quite as light as the cover makes it seem. (Why are publishers still doing these cartoon-like covers?)
Erin is a challenging main character because she is mired in self pity and doesn't grow much throughout the course of the story. She seems a bit self-centered especially when it comes to her friendships. However, I appreciate how the author crafted her as a complex human being with faults. I found the issues between Erin and James to be very realistic and gripping. The notes in the margins are a great device. There's a kind of YOU"VE GOT MAIL vibe going on. I look forward to more from this author.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Publishing for an early copy; all opinions in this review are completely my own.

wow. this book hit me directly in the chest. tessa, I cannot believe this is your debut novel, i’m honestly annoyed I don’t have more of your work available at my fingertips. this book so beautifully captures so many dynamic emotions. it’s the perfect balance of having main characters you love and are rooting for while still being able to see their flaws and wanting them to be better for themselves. thank you to netgalley and to harlequin trade publishing for the ARC. i’ve already requested that my library pick this one up when it’s published, I can’t wait to make everyone I know read it and experience the joy (while also staining their shirts with tears) of reading this book. incredibly well done!!!

‘I should have seen it coming but I didn’t’ is one of the biggest compliments I can pay a book and when we find out what happened between the main characters that’s exactly how I felt. This is one of the few second chance romances where I felt that the conflict that broke them up originally actually made sense. And it made sense from all perspectives. And yet the characters growing and being able to get past it also made sense.

The only things that knocked this down is 1) I felt like the characters didn’t actually spend any time together on page not fighting and so it was hard for me to fully buy/root for them 2) the number of perfect fate coincidences that happen were too much for me

Erin Connolly's journey in this novel fell flat for me. Despite the intriguing premise of exchanging annotated books, Erin's character didn't evolve beyond her self-pity. Her constant blaming of others for her problems made it difficult to connect with her. A key moment where she abandons her friend in need out of hurt feelings was particularly frustrating. Instead of showing growth, Erin remains stuck in a cycle of self-victimization. The storyline had potential, but Erin’s lack of personal growth overshadowed the book's charm.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Publishing for an early copy of The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers

The complicated relationship between best friends Erin and James is the primary draw in The Book Swap but author Tessa Bickers tackles several heavy issues such as trust, mental and physical illness, and bullying. When a hurtful and unfortunate incident separates Erin and James, it will be through writing in the margins of library books that they will unknowingly strengthen and learn to face the problems of their pasts and issues with family members.

Erin's best friend, Bonnie, continues to be an influence in Erin's life after an illness takes Bonnie's life. Erin is unaware of the lengths that James has gone to in seeing to Bonnie's treatments. The few times that Erin and James accidentally meet, each is unable to speak of past hurts.

Readers will recognize the myriad of books that Erin and James share without knowing who is the recipient of their thoughts written in the margins of the books. This takes on a kind of "You've Got Mail" scenario that can only end one way.

The Book Swap offers readers pondering questions through the written voices of Erin and James along with the knowledge that books are powerful tools in navigating one's life.

“The Book Swap” by Tessa Bickers is a romance book … but it’s really more about loss, grieving, and growth. I really liked the cover of this book - so cute, but instead of the joyful little rom-com I was expecting (maybe with a bit of “Shop Around the Corner” thrown in) it’s a lot heavier than I expected. I never quite warmed up to the main female character (Erin) but felt more for the main male character (James). This book is a second chance romance with a number of side plots and references to classic literature (or books I’ve never read but may know a few plot points about). I think if you like slow paced second chance romances with literature thrown in - along with realizing that second chance love has a place even when things seem like they’re against you, this may be a book to pick up.

I loved this story. As someone who reads, who wouldn't want to find their partner through reading books together and commenting on them. It makes me want to start adding comments to books before dropping them off in our "Ellison" library. Great Book, good characters and interactions between everyone that was introduced.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tessa Bickers for providing me with an arc of this book.

When I saw the premise of this book I was very much intrigued to read but sadly actually reading it did not go so well. I went into this book thinking it would be a light hearted romance but once you start reading you realize that this is completely not the case. Not only are the topics in here harder hitting but I don’t believe the description matches the book. At points I found myself wanting to set the book aside and not continue it. Aside from that I never really connected with Erin’s character. I found myself questioning her thoughts and actions every step of the way. For all that I give this book a 2 stars.

This is a story about grief, loss, and mental health with maybe the smallest sprinkle of romance.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Tessa Bickers and NetGalley!

the book swap is such a beautiful story. when i started this book i was expecting your typical romance novel, but this book is way deeper than that. this is a story about navigating grief and trauma.

Erin and James have both been through so much life, and it was inspiring to see their personal growth and healing journey though this book. the mental health representation in this book is written so well and adds so much depth to this story.

i adored the theme of the little libraries throughout this book. the notes passed between them were so heartwarming. if someone annotated a book for me i would actually cry🥹

if you love classic literature and great character development, i would definitely recommend this book🫶🏻

I have always loved the idea of lending libraries, and any time I come across one I can't help but romanticize that street corner just a little bit. With that in mind, The Book Swap was right up my alley! The actual "book swap" moments of the book were far and above my favorites. As a story about mental health, healing, forgiveness, and family I thought this was challenging and insightful. However, as a romance, I felt like we weren't able to experience the same growth we see in other aspects of our main characters' lives.

It took me a bit to get into this one, but in the end I definitely liked it.

It covers a lot of substantive issues - mental health, loss, family dynamics, finding your career path, relationships - within the premise of a meet cute style romcom.

The main characters “meet” by exchanging books in a little free library and start to fall for each other before realizing they are actually frenemies from the past.

It’s a good read, with a lot of references and discussion of literary classics, perfect for those who love a book about a book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

first off. Thank you netgalley for this arc and the opportunity to read this romance novel. I wanted to love this book because of how CUTE it sounds! I thought i was going into a cutesy little romance novel but it wasn’t quite that. There was a large theme of grief and loss. I really enjoyed seeing Erin come into her calling, loving her job as much as she did. But i did find her annoying at times for a FMC. The one thing that i wish was maybe done differently in the book was how Erin like hallucinated her best friend? and had FULL on convos with her. I think it was a bit strange for a coping mechanism!

I LOVED the side characters. I love when books are able to also make you fall in love with everyone in the book and not just the main characters of the novel. For a debut novel, it was overall an okay book!

The cover of this book is a bit deceiving when it comes to the tone of this novel. I thought this was going to be a light-hearted romance but it's not. This feels a lot more woman's fiction than it does romance. Told as a dual POV between the main characters James and Erin. Check out the synopsis to get a feel for the plot and then keep in mind a few of the trigger warnings if you are sensitive to that type of thing. There are some heavy themes in here. However, there is a feeling of enlightenment that both of these characters experience and they do it almost literally on their own. The story drags a little bit in the middle but I never felt inclined to give up the story.... I just wanted to get to the climax moment that happened quite literally at the end.
I had to sit on my review for a few days to figure out what I wanted to say and what rating I would give. To be fair..... I really liked this story a lot but most people will be expecting one thing when it's really not that type of book at all.
So I am taking a star off for the "window dressing" that misleads but the meat of this story is so good! I highly recommend!

Such a sweet read. I thought the idea of characters communicating through notes written in the margins of books was so romantic. Made me want to read to kill a mockingbird again!

✨Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.✨

A “You’ve Got Mail” but for book lovers. I love the many different novels mentioned throughout the book as the FMC and MMC exchange reads back and forth. I think if you like second chances and miscommunication tropes, this one is for you. Both main characters have past traumas that added layers to the personalities and character development.

Personally, while I really wanted to love this book, I found it difficult to get through. The concept sounded amazing, and there were moments when I was really turning the page to see what happened next, but the pacing was all over the place and frustrating. Specifically, the ending dragged too long.

Overall, I didn’t totally hate the book, and I believe Tessa Bickers did a wonderful job writing it. I just don’t think it was for me.

Thank You NetGalley for the arc. This was an enjoyable read and I really enjoyed the journey that the characters went on. It is heartfelt and I enjoyed all the references made with the book. I would recommend.

First anyone that loves books and reading this one is for us. I really enjoyed this book. The story about 2 book lovers sending notes through books what could be better than that? I flew through this one the story flowed good. It kept my interest wasn't bogged down by unnecessary stuff. There was a romance but it didn't take over the whole story like some tend to do. Erin, although she was a likable character she got on my nerves with the whole no communication thing. If she would of just talked to her friends and family from the start she would of saved herself a ton of grief over stuff. Gave it 4 stars- I will be recommend this one.

The Book Swap was a cute book! I will say there were times I was not following the story line, but eventually got the details sorted out. It was a feel good book that I’d recommend for a light read!

I was expecting this to be a sweet love story so it surprised me to find some depth in it. That it was more of a story about forgiveness and the meaning of success. The ghost Bonnie was a little weird but it was ok.

I plan to share this title a day or two before release on my Instagram.

Www.instagram.com/robinashleyreads

I recieved this book from Netgalley

This book was a quick read and really lovely. I went in thinking this was going to be a light read but I was wrong. With the main character dealing with a cacophony of emotions and dealing with grief, I can say that I really enjoyed how relatable it was. I enjoyed seeing the relationship unfold in the annotated notes. Good Read!