An absolutely charming and witty time-travel rom-com!

The dual storylines are fresh, funny, and offer just the right amount of steam and escapism.

A delightful debut that leaves you swooning!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper360 for an ARC of this novel!

I will admit, I found The Regency Switch to be a bit confusing at times. There was little to no explanation of the Season, for instance, and I found myself grasping at it based on context. I think I would have found it more helpful had there been a simple one sentence explanation. I'm American, not British, so that might be part of it anyways.

Outside of the confusion that I experienced, I found this to be a delightful read. Hetty's naivety made her fit into 2023, while Etta's made her stand out a lot in 1817. I was surprised how enjoyable I found this book- I'm not one for sci-fi and time jumps like this- but I found both of their stories sweet and the ending made me swoon!

The Regency Switch is such a fun, cozy time. Body-swapping across centuries? Immediately sold. The contrast between modern chaos and Regency-era rules was genuinely funny, and I loved watching both women slowly find confidence and belonging in worlds that weren’t built for them.

The romance is sweet and charming without taking itself too seriously, and the dual timelines kept things fresh. While it didn’t fully sweep me off my feet, it was witty, warm, and ridiculously easy to binge. Perfect if you want escapism with heart and a little Bridgerton-esque sparkle

This was such a fun, fast read! I am thankful for the opportunity to read an ARC of this from NetGalley. I was really excited for this one, as a Jane Austen fan and regency lover! In some ways, this book reminded me of The Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. I love the same theme in this of body switching in regency era/modern times. I really enjoyed both Etta and Hetty, and their own personal struggles. I am always happy to see LGBTQ+ characters in regency stories! I was so happy for Hetty that in 2023, that she was able to fully live her life out loud. This was such a fun read, and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a good vacation read!

As someone who gravitates toward time travel books, I loved the dual time travel that happened in this book. It allowed me to experience both the perspective of someone from modern time in the regency era, and someone from the regency experiencing life today.

Both female protagonists were intelligent, well thought out characters. I loved that they both were dealing with very different but distinct issues, and were able to find answers through their time travel. The book addresses depression in a way that was, in my opinion, respectful and thoughtful.

This would be a great read for anyone who struggles to decide between contemporary and regency romance - you get both!

The Regency Switch is a fun and charming take on Regency romance with a time-traveling twist. I warmed to the writing instantly, with its humorous and confessional style, trying maybe a bit too hard but still witty and cozy and British. The call to action came so fast, it felt almost abrupt - I’d expected more time Bridget Jones-ing - but getting right down to the action is so rare these days that I can't really complain. I loved getting swept along with Etta's Regency adventure and romance with MMC Max, and Hetty's finding her way to freedom from her mental health struggles and the forced heterosexuality of her own time felt so rewarding. I'll take a sapphic subplot wherever I can get one! Sure, it's all a little - a lot - contrived, but it's also a time-traveling, body-swapping Regency romance, and that's probably the point. Suspend all disbelief, and you’ll have a great time with this one!

I'm grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Rating: 4/5 stars

After reading a pretty dark book, this was a very fun palate cleanser! What's not to like about a light-hearted time-travel romantic comedy! I've read several books in this same vein, and it did have many similarities to those (modern FMC in Regency times is very brash and forward; Regency FMC in modern times is blown away by technology and feminism), but this did have some unique elements that made it a little different than the others. I appreciated that this book tackled the subject of mental health and depression, and normalized seeking medical assistance and managing it. I also appreciated that this book was very inclusive and that one of our FMCs had the chance to explore her sexuality in a safe space.

Yes, this book was cheesy and the time travel itself wasn't really explained (but that wasn't really the point of the book), but it was still a fun read. At times, our modern FMC sent back to Regency times was quite bold and didn't always constrain herself to the norms of the time period, but it made for more fun and mischief. I wish the spicy bits hasn't been fade to black, but that would have changed the tone of the book, so I get it.

Overall, this was a fun, light-hearted read! If you like time travel romance and/or Regency historical fiction, pick this one up!

"The Holiday meets Lost in Austen, with a sprinkling of Bridgerton steam...

Etta Moore expects nothing more from a Tuesday than another dull day in the office. But when her morning commute ends in Regency England, she is forced to accept the impossible: she and her ancestor Miss Henrietta Bainbridge - or 'Mad Hetty', as she's known amongst the ton - have switched bodies.

Suddenly Etta and Hetty must get to grips with the new worlds they find themselves in. For Etta, it's goodbye to dating apps and the daily commute and hello to the list of things 'Ladies Do Not' do. Luckily the dashing Lord Stanhope is on hand to aid her through even the most shocking of faux pas.

Meanwhile Hetty, who has always felt unseen and unknown, finds her truest self blossoming with the help of 21st century medicine and the most welcome attentions of her rather beautiful Adult Learning teacher, Stella.

Two hundred years away from everything they've ever known, might Etta and Hetty have actually found a place where they each truly belong?"

How did Etta just accept the situation so fast?

What happens when the mind of a woman from 1817 goes into the body of a woman from 2023? Because a woman from 2023 still thinks the same as she did in her own time, and the same with the woman from the regency era.

Etta doesn’t really mind being in 1817, because she loved reading Jane Austin, Georget Hyer, and watching Brigerton, so that’s all she needs to know, right? And if things go poorly, she can always go back. Hetty, the woman who initiated the switch as told her so, so she pretends she is on vacation in the Regency era, and to go with the flow. Of course, some things she doesn’t like, such as the lack of rights, but she is in an upper-class family, with a maid, and friends with nobles, so life isnt’ all that bad.

Hetty, on the other hand, finds that modern medicine makes her depression that was driving her crazy in her own ear, go away. She also finds other things that were forbidden are open to her, such as education, and “the love that dares not speak its name” which is now common and legal.

Both of the main characters are quite lovable, and real. Their banter is natural, and I wanted more. Sorry to have the book end. And what a wild ride it was.

All the stars for this one. I would have devoured in one gulp, but I had to work and sleep. This is the author’s debut novel, and I look forward to many more from her.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper 360 for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 3rd of March 2026.

This was really 4.5 stars for me because I could not put it down. I probably would’ve done 5 stars, but a couple things held me back.

The beginning was a little rough around the edges for me, but I was good after a couple chapters. The only other real gripe I have is that we didn’t get a little more detail about what Hetty did to the bracelets. But in the end it doesn’t really matter—this is a fun time travel romance and not a book that is taking itself too seriously.

If you're looking for a fun time travel romance, this book is perfect for you! Two distant relatives swap places in time (1817 to 2023) and with the help of a few trusted friends, navigate their lives in the new time period. Etta lands in 1817 England and has to adjust to the lack of independence and restrictive cultural mores of the time for young unmarried women. Hetty on the other hand, escapes to 2023 London where she is able to take advantage of modern medicine to pull her out of a depression and live as her authentic self. While the book spends a bit more time on the 1817 timeline, the 2023 timeline is interesting and well-resolved by the book's end. I definitely recommend this title if you're looking to escape into a quick and quirky romance.

Totally unexpected but delightful. Honestly I though this would just be "fun" but ended up being much more thought provoking and an unanticipated ending! Definitely a yes for any fans of Austen or anything regency but open to a more modern twist!

Spoiler-free review: The Regency Switch
Publishing: March 3. 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded up on here)

I am a massive fan of any period piece as well as anything with time travel so this seemed like the perfect novel for me! I was so excited to read this, though while I enjoyed parts of it, it mostly fell short.

The writing was my biggest issue. Not only was it clunky in parts, the author tried very hard to incorporate modern day vernacular that was just uncomfortable (examples: “hashtag body positivity” and “Reverend Dickens was sashaying their way…”)

Something that really, really bothered me was the clear description of one character being “plus-sized” though the cover does not depict that at all. It wouldn’t have been hard to accurately depict the character on the cover.

Overall, I enjoyed this. There were really cute parts and several funny bits to make up for the odd writing.

Thank you so very much Harper 360 for the eARC! The opinions in this review are left here honestly and voluntarily.

This was everything I expected it to be - fun, frothy, suspension-of-disbelief-wish-fulfilling - but it surprised me too in the mental health representation of one of the leads, which is one of the core reasons for her engineering this time travel body swap. This added a certain depth and seriousness, though the overall tone of the book remains silly (sometimes a bit too silly, but it was so funny and witty and easy to read that I was able to ignore it and still enjoy my experience). The time travel aspect isn't explained in detail (which was fine given that it was simply the vehicle to get the plot going, and I found it hard to suspend disbelief at times with how much Etta got away with (in words and behaviour) without arousing any suspicion. Both Hetty and Etta were characters that had more going to them than first meets the eye, though, and were strong rebels in their own ways. I loved the two aunts/great-aunts in the present-day storyline too.

🕰️ The Regency Switch 🕰️
This is a time traveling, body swapping, modern girl in Regency England kind of story and somehow it works. We get both a sapphic romance and an MF romance here. Etta wakes up in Regency England and Hetty finds herself in modern times.

Etta was honestly terrible at adopting Regency era mannerisms and lowkey seemed to enjoy the shock factor. I cannot even blame her because it was hilarious. I loved watching her find a sense of belonging. She was so desperate for family and connection. I was surprised by how she softened her brother’s heart. And Lord Stanhope was absolutely not prepared for her 🤣

Hetty’s storyline hit me close to home. Her mental health struggles were heartbreaking, especially knowing how long she went without the help she needed. It was healing to watch her finally receive support. Her relationship with Stella was soft and sweet, and I loved their story the most.

💖 What to Expect
• Regency era
• Time travel
• Body swap
• Sapphic romance
• Mental health rep
• Found family
• Historical fiction
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 4 stars
📅 Pub Date: March 3, 2026
📝 Thank you to HarperCollins 360 and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts are my own.

This novel is an absolute escapist delight, it's witty, warm, queer‑inclusive, and gloriously unserious in all the right ways.

Etta is on her way to work when two old ladies start talking to her in the London tube. Never thing she knows she's in Regency London as part of an esteemed family of the ton. Except she's known as Mad Hetty and hasn't even been introduced. The actual Hetty is now in 2023 as she finally figured out how to switch bodies with a future descendant via a special bracelet.

This dual timeline book is a fun read as Etta figures out the social cues aren't exactly what she's read in her books. She quickly has eyes for her brother's best friend. Hetty gets introduced to computers and realizes there's a word to describe how she was, depressed. Now she's feeling better and getting to know her new friend Stella...

This was such a fun idea and I thought this story was well done! I adored both characters and appreciated seeing such real thoughts and struggles represented in both timelines. There were lots of silly moments and I enjoyed the banter between them MCs. I think this was overall a very entertaining and easy read, and enjoyable if you’re looking for something unique to read!

Freaky Friday meets Bridgerton. What a cute and funny read! I enjoyed both character perspectives and definitely laughed out loud while reading. Great read while waiting for more Bridgerton to be released.

I’m always up for a good time traveling novel, but add in Regency and I’m sold. This book has strong “Lost In Austen” vibes. I absolutely loved Etta’s journey back in time, I actually wished there was more to it. Unfortunately, Hettie’s story was great up until the writing went lazy and the author made her a stupid influencer 🤮. However, both characters are strong women just looking for their places in this world. Overall a cute little romance.

Really cute pair of romances of an ancestor and descendant who swap places. Hetty, the ancestor now in the modern day, gets to explore her sexuality, while Etta becomes a notable early feminist in the past she's been sent to. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

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I had such a blast! It’s warm, it’s cozy, it’s fuzzy, and everything you could want from a regency/time travel romance!

It was very feel good and I loved seeing how both main characters were able to find their footing in their new respective timelines. I mean, I’d be a little freaked out (okay a lot freaked out) if I suddenly ended up in the 1800s and had no clue what to do. So props for Etta for figuring that out. I also loved how much Etta campaigned and stood up for herself! Especially for being in the 1800s and how much her newfound family accepted her and welcomed her into open arms. We can truly see how much she needed them.

Ugh and Hetty!! Sweet Hetty! What a darling human being. Literally too kind for the world. I love how we were able to explore ‘darker’ themes with her and she’s grasping with the fact that she’s depressed and figuring out her sexuality all while living in a new century. And her sweet aunts/descendants! I love how they were able to guide her into her new lifestyle and teach her about modern things while also pushing her to do things outside her comfort zone to make her happy. Their relationship was precious.

I feel like we could get a book two just so I can see what else happened with these two gals. I absolutely loved the ending, even if it was a tiny, little glimpse of their lives!

Thank you to HQ Digital publishing for this ARC.

🕰️ Body swapping... but make it Bridgerton! 🕰️

I just finished The Regency Switch by Helen Gaskell and it was the most charming and witty escape! This book is made for historical romance fans who occasionally wish they could trade their morning commute for a horse-drawn carriage.

The story features a brilliant body swapping across centuries trope. Etta goes from a dull office job to 1800s England, while her ancestor, "Mad Hetty," ends up in the modern world. I loved the dual timelines! While Etta is busy navigating the "Ladies Do Not" list with the help of the very dashing Lord Stanhope, Hetty is finally finding herself in the 21st century and falling for her teacher, Stella.

Why I gave it 5 stars:

The Humorous Contrast: Seeing Etta try to avoid Regency faux pas and Hetty discovering modern medicine and freedom was pure joy.

The Heart: Beyond the time travel fun, it’s a really touching story about two women finding where they actually belong.

The Steam: It has just the right amount of Bridgerton-style heat to keep things interesting!

If you’re looking for something lighthearted, romantic, and totally binge-able, put this on your list immediately.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Vibe: Heartwarming & Witty Rom-Com

Thank you Harper 360 | HQ Digital for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Regency Switch is an absolute blast and a delightful romp, especially if you're going through the post season 4 Bridgerton blues.

It's told between two times periods (now and Regency, hence the switch) with two protagonists. This is one of the rare books where I didn't find myself longing to get back to one of the characters. I really loved both Etta and Hetty's stories. I wanted to stay with both of them! That never happens!!

On top of being genuinely fun and just an easy read, it was also surprisingly heart-warming and I found myself tearing up. It reminded me of how lucky we are to be able to live and love the way we want today and what a gift that is. This is Helen Gaskell's debut and I know I'll be back for her next book.

My only complaint is that I wish it were a bit longer. This was a very cute romcom. I appreciate that it's firm in specific years so that all references make sense in context. I'll be keeping an eye out for more from this author.