This debut novel tackled many layers of interpersonal and family struggles. I felt the slow burn between the characters was a bit too slow for me, so I would say this felt more of a story about the personal growth of the two characters. I enjoyed the books in the book.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing & Graydon House, and NetGally for this ARC.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

I’m a lover of books about books and this didn’t disappoint on that end. I loved as each book was chosen and why, and hearing each characters thoughts on those books. Loved reading about the exchanges as well and it all being unknown of who the other is. While there is a romance in this story, I would t call it a romance book. The romance is a 2nd thought and I enjoyed that. Once I finished it, I wanted to start annotating my books a lot more for that future person who will find it at a used bookstore when I’m gone and the feeling it may give them. This book made used books feel like treasures. What reader doesn’t love that?

I couldn't finish the book it was so boring and no romance. I read it until almost half way through.But I just couldn't do it anymore since it wasn't getting any better.

Love this love this love this love this.

As a fellow bookworm (obviously) I loved the literature references that melded this story. This book and character journey was a great reminder that grief takes time, and it's okay to give yourself space for healing.

I, like many others, was expecting a romcom. Maybe it's the cover that gives romcom vibes. This is not that. It's not a bad book. In fact, it's quite good. It's just heavier and more emotional than I was expecting. I wasn't in the right headspace for it, and maybe that's why I couldn't 100% get into it. Overall, a good read, just don't expect a romcom.

Dnf @ 55%

I attempted to read this one on my kindle months ago but took a break to make sure I was in the mood for this read. After a while I decided to pick it up again but on audio instead and the book still didn’t interest me at all. I found myself bored and didn’t want to force myself to read something I wasn’t enjoying. Wasn’t a bad book but I just don’t think it was for me

When I requested this book I thought it was a rom com but it wasnt. It was about trauma and grief. I enjoyed the main characters and would recommend this to a friend with a warning.

This was such a unique romance! The premise seems like it would be a romcom, but it is decidedly not. It deals with a ton of heavy topics, from death to mental illness to family alienation to adultery and more. But it does it in a way that is not depressing - it just feels real to life. Both main characters grow significantly over the course of the book. It has hopeful themes even among the tough concepts. I would recommend it, especially for those who prefer literary fiction but want to dip their toe in romance.

Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed so many aspects of this book. From the characters’ growth to their silly quirks. I think this shows how when you lose someone you love it can hurt other relationships in your life and it can even hold you back. I loved the aspect of the little library and it was so fun to see the love story develop. This was such a fun read!

This book was beautiful! It made me cry, laugh, and giggle all throughout the book. I was truly I bbc ested in all of the characters and how they would overcome their trauma!

The Book Swap grips your heart from the first page. I always knew books and book clubs bring people together,, but Tessa Bickers proves this point perfectly in her debut novel. I’ve read most of the books referenced in the novel and want to reread them again, starting with To Kill a Mockingbird, one of my favorite books of all time. Keep the tissues nearby as the story unfolds and pieces of the puzzle start to come together:.

The Book Swap is a poignant exploration of grief, healing, and second chances, wrapped in the warm embrace of a love for literature. Tessa Bickers crafts a moving narrative centered around Erin Connolly and James, two individuals grappling with deep loss and emotional turmoil. Their connection unfolds through a Little Free Library named Eileen, where annotated pages of classics spark an intimate, transformative exchange.

This debut novel goes beyond a typical love story, diving into the complexities of family, self-forgiveness, and the redemptive power of books. The relationship between Erin and her sister Bonnie is as compelling as the slow-burn romance with James, adding layers of authenticity and emotional resonance. Literary lovers will relish the nods to timeless works, seamlessly woven into the story.

While some readers might long for a more definitive conclusion or find Erin's struggles taxing, the novel's heartfelt journey and thought-provoking themes make it a memorable read. The Book Swap beautifully underscores how books can bridge hearts and offer solace, promising brighter days even in the shadow of sorrow.

I went through a long stretch of the year reading bibliocentric books. I guess book people want to read about book people. This one was less com and more rom, but I’d argue that it doesn’t even fall completely into that category. It takes on so many big life experiences & ties them to the books that create the fabric of the reading lives of so many folks like me whose first non-pulp reads were in an English classroom.

This was an adorable romance, it read so real. All the characters had their own flaws, just like all of us. I loved how the main characters got to know each other through passing notes in books, I just absolutely loved this novel.

Thank you to net galley for giving me the opportunity to read The Book Swap. While, I thought I was going into a cute rom-com, this book was not that. This book was sad and emotional and hit a spot in me after losing a close family member this past year. And while this book was about growth and healing, it was really hard reading.

Very very slow beginning of the book and it was honestly very boring to me, to the point that I wanted to DNF it. I like slow burn books, but this was TOO slow.

The Book Swap was not at all what I expected when I began reading the ARC, but I'm so glad I did! It is a beautiful story of painful grief, acceptance, healing, building trust, and ultimately falling in love, set against the exchange of classic books with notes between Erin and her mystery man. I thoroughly enjoyed the multitude of layers to the novel and how it doesn't fit neatly into any one box or genre or trope.

Well worth adding to your "To Read" list! 4.25 🌟, rounded to 4.

This was such an adorable and fun read! I loved the characters and the unique connection that is formed through a shared love of books! Book lovers will understand the attractiveness of a like-minded partner! The literary references of the classic books, in addition to the romantic gestures in the margins (and out :)) made this a winning combination for me!

This was a really cute story and a great read for anyone who loves books and book discussions. My only complaint was that the main character was really unlikeable. It made it hard to cheer her on in the way the story seemed to want the reader to because she was so selfish.