Thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This is kind of a romance, but honestly, I feel like it focuses more on trauma and personal growth. The book dives into themes like bullying, family problems, terminal illness, and death, plus it touches on toxic work environments. It makes a lot of references to classic literature, some of which I've read, but many I haven't. I believe the ideal reader for this book is someone who truly appreciates classic novels. If that's you, then you'll likely love this one; it’s packed with references.

The Book Swap is a warm, charming story about friendship, second chances, and the quiet magic of books bringing people together. This is a story about book lovers, for book lovers!

The characters feel real and relatable, and I loved how their lives intertwine through shared stories and small acts of kindness. It’s not just about romance or friendship, it’s about connection, the way we grow through others, and the comfort of finding your people.

I really wanted to love this story, but the writing was a little hard to follow with the flashbacks and different timelines. It was also very slow at certain parts. I did enjoy the more difficult topics that our main characters had to deal with, but I was really expecting more of a lighthearted rom com and that isn't what this book was.

I really enjoyed this book! The Book Swap was such a fun and heartwarming read, with characters I connected to right away. The story felt fresh yet comforting, and the writing flowed so well that I didn’t want to put it down. I’ll definitely be looking for more from Tessa Bickers!

I really enjoyed the concept of this book and all the potential it brought to the table. There's something compelling about stories that revolve around books themselves - especially when they explore connections between people. I also appreciated the focus on flawed, messy, and complex characters—it’s always refreshing to see that kind of emotional realism on the page.

That said, the execution didn’t quite hit the mark for me in some areas. The pacing felt quite slow, and the overall repetition throughout much of the story made it hard to stay fully engaged. While the ending hints at growth and change in both the main characters, I wish that development had been more clearly shown throughout the book, rather than saved for the end.

Despite these drawbacks, I think this story will still resonate with readers who are drawn to books about books. There’s a unique charm in stories that explore the power of literature to connect people, and this novel leans into that in a meaningful way. There’s real heart in these pages, I just found myself wishing for a bit more dynamism to fully bring the story to life.

The premise of this book was promising but fell flat for me on the end. I felt as though the relationships were underdeveloped which could have been the point but ultimately I did not connect with the story.

✨️ 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.