An enjoyable read. Not as good a story as Beth O'Leary's debut novel. A good holiday read or for a rainy afternoon. It was an interesting story of a woman and her nan swapping lives. There were parts that were a little predictable, but overall it was ok.

Exactly what I needed to read at the moment! The Switch is funny, charming and heart warming with a fantastic ensemble cast. I loved it!

***
Eileen is sick of being 79.
Leena's tired of life in her twenties.
Maybe it's time they swapped places...

When overachiever Leena Cotton is ordered to take a two-month sabbatical after blowing a big presentation at work, she escapes to her grandmother Eileen's house for some overdue rest. Eileen is newly single and about to turn eighty. She'd like a second chance at love, but her tiny Yorkshire village doesn't offer many eligible gentlemen.

Once Leena learns of Eileen's romantic predicament, she proposes a solution: a two-month swap. Eileen can live in London and look for love. Meanwhile Leena will look after everything in rural Yorkshire. But with gossiping neighbours and difficult family dynamics to navigate up north, and trendy London flatmates and online dating to contend with in the city, stepping into one another's shoes proves more difficult than either of them expected.

Leena learns that a long-distance relationship isn't as romantic as she hoped it would be, and then there is the annoyingly perfect - and distractingly handsome - school teacher, who keeps showing up to outdo her efforts to impress the local villagers. Back in London, Eileen is a huge hit with her new neighbours, but is her perfect match nearer home than she first thought?

*

I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderfully fun and heartwarming tale of two 'Eileens' on their own soul searching adventures, and was extra pleased as I had high expectations after Beth O'Leary's 'Flatshare' last year. With the right level of charm, depth and wit, this book does exactly what it says on the tin and is a perfect quick read for anyone looking for something light and satisfying.

Thank you to Netgalley, Quercus and Beth O'Leary for the digital ARC.

I was worried that this book won’t live up to Beths first book The Flatshare ( which was excellent).. thankfully I was very wrong. It’s great, a clever storyline and some fantastic characters and you are hooked. I couldn’t decide which Eileen I wanted to be and in which which location, both really.
A really excellent read.

The Switch is another multi-perspective book from Beth O'Leary; last year I gave The Flat Share, her debut novel five stars so I had high hopes of this going in.

Leena is working herself flat out in London so when her boss forces her to take two months holiday the first thing she does is visit her Grandmother Eileen in a remote Yorkshire village. Leena quickly realises that both of their lives need a bit of a shake up and suggests they swap lives and homes for the next two months.

I really enjoyed this, I'd been really looking forward to reading this and it didn't disappoint, I was hooked pretty much from the off. I purposefully went into this not without looking too much into the plot so hadn't realised it was going to be two family members making 'the switch'.  I will say that the eventual romances were fairly obvious early on but it was still enjoyable to watch them play out.

I've not read many contemporary books where one of the lead characters is nearly eighty, nevermind an eighty year old with so much zest for life and relationships, yes Eileen starts internet dating, yes she finds herself with several potential love interests so I think this book really needs to be praised for representing older women.

I don’t read a lot of romance books, don’t have anything against them just not generally my thing. That being said there are times when a well written romance is just what I need. O’Leary’s books definitely fit into that category. I love her characters; Leena and Eileen in particular are brilliant but the supporting characters too are very well written. Everyone felt well rounded, although some were kind of stereotypical of this type of book.

As with “The Flatshare” there are serious elements dealing with grief, spousal abuse and loneliness amongst others and these issues are all sensitively handled and realistically written. Although, O’Leary did also include an abusive relationship in “The Flatshare” so I do wonder if this is going to become something of a theme with her books.

O’Leary’s writing is extremely captivating and once I started I did blast through this really quickly. This type of book is very easy reading, perfect for by the pool on holiday or, given the current situation, in your garden catching some sun. The story is told in first person narrative but swapping between Leena and Eileen so we get to see what they’re both up to. Eileen’s adventures in online dating were a definite highlight for me as well as seeing her taking on the grandmotherly role with Leena’s friends.

My one complaint is really also one of the reasons I don’t read these types of book very often; it was very predictable. There are a lot of romance novel tropes covered by O’Leary in this so you could see most of the “twists” coming the whole way through. It was, however, good to read something that didn’t take a lot of effort or concentration at the moment. Sometimes that is just what you need.

If you liked “The Flatshare” you will definitely love this one too as it has that same mix of brilliant characters and captivating writing.

This was just bloomin' LOVELY. I have been well and truly Eileened.

I had read and enjoyed The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary before, so I knew she wasn't going to disappoint me with her latest release. I was so right, and then some. She has very quickly become one of my favourite writers of proper feel-good fiction, and I would definitely put her on my auto-read list for all of her future releases.

I felt such a connection with the main characters in this. I can't decide who I liked the perspective of more. I particularly enjoyed the scenes at the village meetings, such as the argument over which seat belonged to who and the absolute HORROR that is felt when it all gets mixed up. I used to work in a coffee shop in a small town and these were the kind of conversations I'd hear all the time, and they always made me laugh. Beth O'Leary got it absolutely spot on.

I've been recommending this to absolutely everyone ever since I finished it.

I'm just going to come out and say it, this book was great. It ticked all of my boxes, I read it all in a day and I just feel lucky that I got to enjoy this book today. I love the premise behind this one, getting out of a rut, away from certain stressful situations and living out things you always wanted to do. I so resonated with the beginning of this book with a kind of burn out situation and I am glad that this is finally getting written about in books as more and more of us begin to go through this in our own lives.



Another topic dealt with so well in this book that so many other authors are afraid to touch on is seniors having a life and having a good time. Si many times older characters in books are written off as just being there for comedy value, emotional value or just there as a sage advice giver and yes they can be that but I am so please that Eileen has her own voice in this book and her own life which she lives to the fullest. I thought Eileen was a great character. I am so used to writing about enjoying how characters grow and change over the course of a novel as they get older, but this was also the case for Eileen. She was able to grow and she was able to meet new people. strive for her dreams and also...have sex. It was awesome getting to know her and reading about her journey.



Leena is the character we meet first in this novel and I really identified with her. I loved her initial unwillingness to live outside of her comfort zone and also fear of certain things in her life. I could definitely feel that fear coming off the pages and couple really relate to that as well. She also goes on a journey in the novel and it it through her side of the storyline that we get issues like mental health and domestic violence explored and exposed. I thought these issues were dealt with in a really thoughtful way, Obviously use care when picking up this book if either of these issues are triggering for you.



I also loved the way this book was structured. I always love a dual narrative and I think that structure is even better when the characters are related or even closely linked and in this case with have Eileen who is grandmother to Leena so they are naturally very close. I also really loved the juxtaposition in the settings in this novel. Having grown up in Yorkshire and the worked in London I could really visualise the differences that these two characters were facing and it really did make me yearn for that Yorkshire countryside, especially the description of the dusting of snow on the walls coming away from the airport!



Of course there is some romance in this novel and some real feel-good humour as well. There are some very tender sex scenes but there is also a bit of an enemies to lover slow burn situation that you really don't know whether it will develop into something or not, no spoilers of course! I laughed out loud several times, especially at some of the Yorkshire humour and some of the technological mishaps that take place. I really did enjoy this book and I highly recommend it. I think we all need to spend some time with Leena and Eileen right now!

Eileen Cotton and Eileen Cotton both have had a few hard years. You read that right. Two people with the same name, one is the grandmother and one the granddaughter. Luckily for us the granddaughter goes by Leena which makes for an easier story.

Leena lives in a swanky flat in London with the best roommates possible. I seriously would love to live with characters as fun as these guys. She isnt living quite up to her normal though after a tragedy and is looking for a way to find herself again.

Eileen lives up north a bit and feels her life is a bit dull. She never quite got to experience the things she wanted in a big city.

Insert, the Switch. The two Eileens decide to switch lives for a bit and find themselves again. This book is told in two alternating point of views. We get to see both lives unfold simultaneously.

I must admit this book had quite a slow start for me. It wasnt until about 40% that I was able to fully get into it. Once I was hooked though I finished it in one sitting.

I enjoy the writing style and character development that O'Leary portrays in this novel. I enjoyed the topics of finding yourself after tragedy, how to overcome grief, and how to be the best version of yourself that were fed to us here.

This is her second novel and she is an author to keep an eye on. I fully enjoy her ability to tell a good story.

Thank you Netgalley and Quercus for an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

A lovely, feel-good read about a young woman and her grandmother swapping lives in order to reconnect with their true selves and ultimately each other, after a family tragedy changed their worlds.

Beth's writing reminds me of Jill Mansell's novels, with her lovely, likeable characters, little snippets of subtle humour that shine through and the happy ending we know we'll be rewarded with.

I absolutely loved this book. I read the flatshare by Beth and I was looking forward to seeing what this one was like too and I was not disappointed at all!
Some parts made me laugh out loud and others made me cry. She has such a way with making you connect with the characters that you feel like you truly know them.
I cannot wait to see what Beth’s book number 3 will be about.

What a lovely read. Exactly what I needed during these times! Funny, charming and heart warming. I have The Flatshare on my TBR pile and will definitely be bumping that higher up! Definitely watching out for this author for the future! Thanks Netgalley!

I was really excited when I found out I was receiving an arc of The Switch and had such high expectations since I absolutely loved The Flatshare but unfortunately, this one wasn't quite for me. There was nothing inherently wrong with it, it just wasn't for me. The Switch tells the story of Leena, overworked and on a 2 month "vacation", switching homes and lives with Eileen, her grandmother whose husband has recently left her and now she's on the hunt for her next adventure.

Just like Eileen's sleepy little town, I found the beginning of this book a little slow and sleepy. It took me a while to get into the story and when I finally did, it only really held half of my attention. I read Leena's parts and enjoyed her character growth throughout the story but I mostly skimmed Eileen's. Eileen's journey into online dating and her integration into Leena's friendship circle just didn't appeal much to me, unfortunately.

Despite certain aspects in the storyline that didn't really appeal, I did enjoy O'Leary's writing style yet again. She writes clearly and concisely so the storyline was very easy to follow along. I also did enjoy Leena's personal growth. When the story began, I didn't understand why she was freaking so much about getting a 2 month paid vacation. Working until 2am most nights and having not taken any annual leave in forever, she clearly deserved to take some time off. Then, overwhelmed, overworked and over-stressed, she freaks out mid-presentation with a client and is subsequently brought into HR. After which, she complains that she would've rather they tried to fire her than give her paid time-off. When this occurred, I knew I was going to struggle somewhat with understanding this character but O'Leary did turn my opinion around. When Leena takes over Eileen's duties around the small country town, I definitely started to understand her motivations and way of thinking, and as the story continues so does her personal development and growth.

Overall, I found this story had its moments. While it wasn't my cup of tea entirely, I did enjoy some aspects of the story and I can definitely see a lot of readers enjoying it. The Switch would greatly appeal to fans of general fiction, small town community living (with senior citizens who like to get in each others' business), and second chances/starting over.

After reading The Flat Share last year, I was super excited to receive an advanced copy of The Switch by Beth O’Leary! Just like with her first novel, The Switch is full of all the feels and leaves you with that warm, satisfied, glowy feeling at the end of a book.

I adored this book and love how Beth creates these strong, female characters for us all to connect with. The premise of the book is a switch; a trading places of a grandmother and granddaughter! One moves to London and the other to rural Yorkshire, each taking on the roles of the other.
Eileen, the grandmother, is such a wonderful character and charms everyone she meets! Leena, has her fair share of ups and downs but has the determination and drive to prove others wrong. I loved how the story focussed on cross generational women, highlighting the need for us to connect with those of varying ages and support each other always.

Such a heartwarming book, I couldn’t put it down and devoured it all; the settings, the plot but most of all the wonderful characters that Beth writes about effortlessly. I found this book very uplifting and proves that life is always for living, no matter what the age!

This is Beth O’Leary’s second book following on from her extremely successful debut novel ‘The Flatshare’ and boy has she exceeded my expectations yet again! ‘The Switch’ tells the story of a grandmother Eileen Cotton (who is sick of being 79 and single) and granddaughter Leena Cotton (who is tired of life in her twenties). After a tragic event, they both decide to switch lives for 2 months – this includes their homes, friends, personal projects and technology (poor Leena and her iPhone!) in hope to find love/happiness in their lives again. I absolutely adored this book and fell in love with both Leena and Eileen - especially the charming and fabulous Eileen who had me laughing out loud throughout this whole book! I loved the heart-warming community spirit throughout the entire book both in London and in Hamleigh-in-Harksdale. Although this was a light read, it did also incorporate some delicate topics such as grief, loneliness, domestic abuse, mental illness and cheating.

The book was beautifully written and I honestly belief ‘The Switch’ will capture the hearts and minds of the nation just like The Flatshare!!

*Many thanks to @netgalley and @quercusbooks for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review* The Switch will be released on 16th April 2020.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an advanced ebook copy before publication.
Rating- 4 stars

I was interested 'The Switch' after reading about the setting and characters of this book. In addition the authors' debut novel 'The Flatshare' was one that I very much devoured during holiday reading last year.

'The Switch' takes a recently divorced rural village community minded grandmother (Eileen Cotton) and makes her a city dweller, taking over the rental, but not the romance of her daughters, daughter (Leena Cotton)- a London apartment sharing corporate working woman with a boyfriend who the reader grows to hate.

I would like to imagine my own grandmother swapping homes and friendships with me in the big city, versus quaint rural village life. Nice to imagine if you are looking to get out of the current circumstances that both women in the story face.

I liked the romance and the lifestyle of the older woman living it up and taking risks in the city.
I liked they travelled by train- very environmentally responsible, although not at all timely.
Some parts were ... predictable, not that I hated it, but I needed to see the truths be slightly more realistic in some ways and fluffier in others.
It's not you, 'The Switch', it's me, I cant give it 5 stars but I don't know in words, why not? It's a feeling, a feeling of a very happy ending, and that occurred, but also an ending that was highly predictable, when I expected more drama and more interactions between the room mates as side characters in the ending..

I believe I have a new all time favorite, guys! This book was such a bit of fresh air. I got emotional too many times but that's not a bad thing. The book is about family, self-love, stepping out of your comfort zone, new adventures, friendship and so much more. Also talks about grief, mental illness, domestic abuse, but don't get overwhelmed because of it. The author do such an amazing jog explaining everything. I had a wonderful time reading it

What do we love? Strong female characters! Romance! Unapologetically being yourself!
And this marvellous novel is giving us all of this X2!!!

Eileen is 79, has recently been left by her Husband and is a real busybody. There is nothing she loves more than having a project. She is still going incredibly strong for her age and has her fingers in so many pie's, a lot of way younger people can only be envious of! Then we have her twenty-something granddaughter Leena. Who is a different kind of power house, but a power house nontheless!

When Leena is told by her company that she has to take her now two month long annual holiday after breaking down in a meeting as a result for her grief for her dead sister. She is absolutely appalled because she has no idea what to do with herself when she cannot work. Until she visits her grandma and an idea forms in her head. They swap places, with Leena looking after Eileens projects in a quaint little northern town and Eileen goes to live in the big city for two months to start dating again. The result may be more than both of them might have bargained for, but some of their respective adventures make them see what they are missing.

This novel has been absolutely delightful and I found myself grinning more than once. I kept rooting for all of the characters, none of them were too small to be well rounded (which I really appreciate in a book) and I felt like I managed to connect both with the nothern and the London "gangs", as it were.

O'Leary puts so much heart in her writing and it comes through very strong, especially when dealing with topics like infidelity or grief. Even though this is a positive and light-hearted novel, it has these serious parts in which you feel for the characters as you would for a friend or family member and that in itself is incredible.

I also loved how absolutely, magnificently relatable this book is. I especially had that moment when Leena is trying to walk Hank the young Labrador who keeps running away from her, jumping at her and being a right handfull despite being the probably most adorable pup on earth. My own Labrador was lying next to me at the time, snoring, and I just couldn't help but laugh out loud at Leena and Hank's antics, thinking back to my own experiences.

For fans of the Flatshare, or people generally looking for a feel good novel, I heartily recommend reading this. I had a brilliant time and cannot wait to see what Beth O'Leary comes up with next. With this one, she might have just made it to the first place of my favourite Rom-Com authors!

Funny, quirky yet emotionally stimulating. Something very reminiscing about this story. Made me realise how fun elderly people can be and made me really miss my grandma. ( she passed away 12 years ago but there isn’t a day that goes by that I haven’t missed her).

This book warmed my heart. It gave me chills and made me giddy. I was laughing, swooning and crying. There is something incredible about the authors writing that has you in its grips, unable to put it down. It’s way past my bed time and every time I tried to get up and I say wait just one more chapter, until I found myself finished and a little sad that the story of the Eileens was over.

When I first started, I thought this can’t be as good as The Flatshare, which I loved! Guess what though? It was just as good and you know what I don’t even know which one I book I like best. The story was light and funny but there was also real life problems that the characters dealt with, it made the book more real and genuine. This book was about healing, discovering new things, finding yourself and forgiveness.

This book helps to bridge a generation gap evident in this days society. It shows that the two generations are actually in need of one another in a form of a natural. This is a brilliant and epic read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and in fact it was very uplifting in such unprecedented times.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

I loved this book. There is something about Beth O'Leary's writing that is incredibly addictive. I always find myself unable to stop reading and it was the same when I read The Flatshare.

Eileen and Leena are both amazing characters and I loved getting to see them explore each others lives and learn more about them in the process. Eileen and Leena's friends were all great characters and I really enjoyed and looked forward to their interactions.

I have been well and truly Eileened.

It is the perfect book to escape with.