Having enjoyed Beth O’Leary’s debut novel, The Flatshare, I was expecting to like The Switch just as much. However, although I liked this book, for me it wasn’t in the same league. There wasn’t the same page-turning quality and I felt that it became too emotionally intense too early on.

The story is told from the viewpoints of Leena, a young woman with a fancy corporate job in London, and her grandmother Eileen, who lives in the kind of village where everyone knows each other. They decide to ‘switch’ lives for a short time, and in doing so they aim to solve each other’s problems. Eileen is also looking for romance, while Leena is still angry with her mum over the death of Carla, Leena’s sister. There are also tensions in Eileen’s community. I like how issues are explored, such as the isolation felt by the elderly and the importance of talking about one’s feelings. It was also interesting to note the differences between the two settings – the hipsters living in converted warehouses, with their spin classes and posh coffees, compared with the older folk living a quiet semi-rural existence in a place where the May Day festival is the highlight of the year. The ending was predictable but that was expected for a book which ultimately is uplifting rather than depressing, for all its emotional pain. There were some funny moments but not laugh-out-loud.

I didn’t really engage with Leena, who I think is supposed to be around my age, or maybe a bit younger. I got little sense of who she was, other than someone who is super-organised and predictably embarrasses herself when a hot man is on the scene. Considering that I liked her equivalent in The Flatshare, Tiffy, considerably more, I wonder if my indifference towards Leena is the main reason for my lack of enthusiasm for the book.

The Switch is published this month. Thank you to Quercus for the ARC via NetGalley.

[NB - review to be published on my blog on April 19th 2020]

Absolutely loved this one, although I found it was slower starting than O’Leary’s previous book. I absolutely love the way this one has ended- really made me smile.
The characters in this book are fab, mainly likeable, even the grumpy man next door. The only character I can say I’ve had any dislike for is Ethan, what an absolute tool.
The plot of this one is extremely unique and unlike anything I’ve read previously. And although I didn’t love it during our first chat, I was quickly hooked after as things progressed.
I highly recommend this book and it’s a definite five star read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A sort of grown up version of Freaky Friday, but without the body swapping, Beth O'Leary's The Switch is a delight to read, and will have you asking yourself 'What Would Eileen Cotton Do?'

Eileen and her granddaughter, Leena, have a strong bond, though it has lessened since the death of Lena's beloved sister, Carla - a death that she blames her mother, Marian for. When Leena has a panic attack at work and is sent on a two month paid leave of absence, she and her grandmother decide to swap lives - with Leena moving into her grans cottage in the sleepy little village of Hamleigh-in-Harksdale, population one hundred and sixty-eight, and taking on all of her grans usual activities.

Eileen meanwhile is off to London, a long time dream of hers from before she married her adulterous ex husband, Wade and the arrival of her daughter. Eileen moves in with Leena's two eccentric housemates and sets about solving everyone's problems and being Eileen Cotton, someone you can't mess with.

The supporting cast are fantastic, especially Fitz, Martha and Jackson (swoon) and I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Switch.

Many thanks to Quercus for allowing me access to an advanced copy.

Eileen Cotton (grandmother) and Eileen ‘Leena’ Cotton (granddaughter) swap houses for two months. Eilleen wants to check out the dating scene in London after recently separating from her husband of over 50 years. Leena is a workaholic and looking for a holiday destination of sorts after being forced into a sabbatical from her job. There’s also daughter / mum Marian who lives in the same town as the grandmother. They also all lost their sister / daughter / granddaughter to cancer about a year before.

This was well written, O’Leary is talented. I feel like my mum and nana would probably love its charm and easiness. For me The Switch just fell so undeniably below my expectations. It was totally different and nothing akin to The Flatshare. Books are different I know that, but that is one of my favourite books ever and this was very different. It is a brand of chick lit that I don’t read much anymore—lots of information about too many characters, with a side of romance—wrapped up quickly at the end. As we had two main characters in this with so much going on I was at the 50% mark wondering how any real relationships were going to be forged and how any chemistry was going to be built. I loved some of the side characters it was just all too much too fast. It didn’t work and I am so disappointed right now. My one note to publishers is do nor market this as a romance it is CHICKLIT / Womens fiction.

It is so interesting how sometimes an authors best book is their first and sometimes their best book comes way down the line. I’ll always keep coming back to Beth, but I won’t be recommending this further than my mum and nana—as mentioned.

(ARC kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review).

There is an interesting premise to this novel as a woman and her grandmother swap homes for 2 months. Leena is on enforced leave from her high-pressure job and moves to her gran's cottage in the Yorkshire Dales, picking up Eileen's "jobs". Eileen temporarily relocates to a London flat-share and discovers life in the capital.
This is a tale of love and friendship and the healing power of change. A feel-good book which is great to escape into in the current world situation.

My concentration hasn't been great over the past month or so and I've been in a major reading slump. Thankfully The Switch was just the book I needed!!

Eileen and Leena are grandmother and granddaughter and following the death of Leena's sister, Carla, decide to swap lives while Leena is on a 2 month sabbatical from her stressful job. Leena moves into Eileen's house in Yorkshire for a slower.pace of life and Eileen heads to Leena's flat in London. What ensues in both stories is heartwarming, uplifting and a joy to read.

The subject of grief is handled very sensitively and delicately and we see how grief and the death of a loved one strikes everyone in different ways.

I love stories featuring older characters as frequently we are reminded that life is for living, to be kind, to others and to ourselves, and to listen to your heart. 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Recommended.

I hadn’t been able to read much since this lockdown started, probably due to the fact that the routines had changed. The new normal was difficult for me to get used to. But The Switch transported me to a small village in UK and I just never want to leave that place.
It reminded me of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. The vibe and the people seemed so familiar.
I adored the grandmother-granddaughter duo. Eileen made me crave a hot cup of chocolate (Beth please share a recipe!) and curl up on her sofas to read Agatha Christie 🤍
Leena was a headstrong girl (just like her grandmother), who was dealing with a major life change the only way she knew how to. But eventually it caught up with her and she broke down. Sometimes if you don’t change yourself, life makes you slow down and shakes things up.
There were so many instances that hit home for me and I loved how the author phrased them. How every member of the family deals differently with the same loss and each member has its own coping mechanism.

I didn't know much about The Switch before starting this book. however, I read Beth O'Leary's debut novel The Flatshare last year and loved it, so knew I had to read this as soon as I could! Fortunately, I got accepted to review the book on Netgalley!
The Switch is a book about Eileen and Leena Cotton who are grandmother and granddaughter. Leena lives in London whereas her grandmother lives in the countryside in Yorkshire, when things get hard for Leena at work and she ends up on a two month break the pair decide to swap lives.
I really liked the idea of the book and enjoyed having the perspective of two people of a different age group. It was very interesting to see how the two adapted to different lifestyles and also to read about the family problems and how the Cotton family got through this. It was a very beautiful story and did not disappoint! I recommend to anyone looking for a nice romance/contemporary.

This is an uplifting story of changing your focus to find your true heart’s desire. It may seem like a simple idea of a life swap for Leena and her Grandmother Eileen, but there is a lot brewing in the background of these two women and the circle of friends that they surround themselves with. It’s whimsical and yet poignant, as long buried emotions are scattered throughout the entertaining escapades.

I had an enjoyable time spending a few hours in the company of these two charming lead characters and I look forward to reading more by O’Leary.

Beth O'Leary's debut, The Flat Share, was one of my favourite books of 2019, and I have been eagerly anticipating her second novel ever since. It did not disappoint!

Eileen Cotton and Leena Cotton are a grandmother/granddaughter pair who decide to switch lives for two months after Leena suggests it when she is forced to take a two month holiday from work. Eileen heads to London to live in Leena's flat and have the experience she missed out on when she was in her 20's, and Leena heads to country Yorkshire to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.

There are of course a few 'what have I done' moments in this book for both characters, but it was so lovely to see them both grow through experiencing new things. I felt so proud of Eileen for owning London, and equally proud of Leena for diving into village life.

The topics that are central to the dialogue in this book were handled so well and never felt forced or uncomfortable. Eileen and Leena both felt like my friends by the time I was finished reading. If I have taken one thing away from reading this, it's not to underestimate older people!

I would highly recommend this if you enjoy lovely, feelgood stories! By the last page of this, I was literally crying happy tears because I loved it so much!

PS. The only reason i'm not giving this 5 stars is because I still like The Flat Share that bit more, but this is really a 4 1/2 start read for me :)

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this!

A warm, hopeful and such a fun story to read. It was very different, more mainstream than the author's debut which was charmingly quirky.

After reading 'The Flat Share' by Beth O'Leary and absolutely loving it, it is safe to say that I was very excited for this book!.

This story follows Leena, Eileen and Marian. Three women from the Cotton family who are all still coming to terms with the very devastating loss of Leena's sister Carla.
After Leena starts struggling with work, she makes the decision to swap places with her Grandmother Eileen for 2 months, and that is where this book really begins to bloom!

Each of these women have their own difficulties to overcome throughout, and as you follow their story it truly makes you feel as though you know these people.

This is a beautiful, well written book full of love, loss and laughter throughout, and I devoured it in one sitting!.

I could shout about this book all day long, and I would recommend it to everyone!.

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

This is me first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

When Leena is made to take two months off work following messing up a big presentation she decides to switch lives with her grandmother Eileen. Eileen moves to Leena’s flat in London whilst Leena moves to the rural village where he grandmother and mom live. They both find it hard to adjust at first but eventually get into the swing of things in each other’s lives. Eileen sorts out the community space in the block of flats they Leena lives in and starts a community hub for elderly London residents and she has a relationship with a west end actor. Leena takes over her grandmothers role in the village organising the May Day celebrations.

After reading (and loving) the Flatshare I was so excited to be able to read The Switch! And I was not disappointed. Beth O’Leary is so good in describing 2 totally different lives and at the same time connecting them. I loved how she described Leena and her grandmother Eileen who switched lives for 2 months: Leena to the village Eileen has lived her whole life and Eileen to London, living in the flat Leena shares with her friends. I would recommend this to everyone who likes romance with some depth in it. And can’t wait for her 3rd book!

For this review I feel the need to step outside my ‘Reviewer Box’ and put some context in place.

I am sitting in the middle of the global Coronavirus pandemic (as we all are at this moment), I’m in the UK and the daily death toll has reached 869 and is doubling every 2-3 days. Fear is everywhere, (fear for my unborn grandchild, fear for my 80 year old mother - I am not different in this, we are all united in our fear).

The point to all this is, there is not much that makes me smile right now. This book did, in fact sometimes it made me laugh out loud. It gave me time away from the crisis surrounding us all, I looked forward to submerging myself in Leena and Eileen’s world, spending time with these wonderful characters and getting to know them and their foibles.

I would go so far as to say that right here, right now I NEEDED this book and have been well and truly ‘Eileened’.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review and thank-you Ms O’Leary, The Switch is a real joy - highly recommended.

Beth O'Leary proves that her brilliant debut The Flatshire was no fluke with this smashing follow up, the perfect reading material for our anxious and self isolated times. 79 year old Eileen Cotton's husband, Wade has recently left her for a dance instructor, and for the tree climbing Eileen, she is far from addled, she is searching for sex, love and another man. Living in the Yorkshire Dales and the tiny village of Hamleigh-in-Harksdale, there are slim pickings, as Eileen reflects on how she had planned on going to London before pregnancy and marriage. Living in a warehouse flat in Shoreditch, London, over achieving Leena has a panic attack during a presentation to a client, forced into a two month sabbatical by her boss, she visits her grandmother, Eileen, in Yorkshire. Upon learning of her grandmother's dilemma, she suggests they swap lives and switch homes.

The Cotton women are still heavily in the throes of an unbearable loss and grief, one that has resulted in an estrangement with Leena still raging against her mother. Both Eileen and Leena are indomitable organisers, with Leena pitching in with local gossiping Neighbourhood Watch Committee, their activities and May Day celebrations. After an initially disheartening experience in London, Eileen is aided by Leena's friend Bee in compiling a profile for dating apps, and before long she is juggling men like there is no tomorrow. An inveterate meddler in the lives of others, Eileen is a hit with well nigh everyone, particularly Leena's flatmates like Fitz, becoming a veritable whirlwind as she plans and sets up the Silver Shoreditch Social Club after discovering the elderly isolated Letitia. Whilst there are the odd flies in the ointment for both women, such as a scamming attempt, both women have a whale of a time.

O'Leary has a remarkable talent in writing with wit, charm and humour whilst creating the kind of characters you cannot help but adore. The real star of this novel is undoubtedly the unforgettable and strong Eileen, willing to do the right thing by protecting her granddaughter even whilst knowing that will once again bring heartbreak to her. Life will never be the same again for either woman, the new adventures, love and challenges in their lives offer them the opportunity to process and come to terms with their grief whilst allowing them opportunities to evolve their identities to be who they are now. It is worth mentioning whilst so many of us are pushed into enforced isolation at the moment for who knows how long, many of the elderly have loneliness imposed on them at all times by families and communities. Which explains why I found Eileen's recognition of this and her efforts to establish the Silver Shoreditch Social Club so wonderfully amazing. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.

I was looking for an uplifting and happy read and after reading and loving The Flatshare thought The Switch would be just up my street. I was right it did not disappoint. Full of lovable characters all with intriguing stories of their own. Loved this book from start to finish!

Brilliant, so so funny. Leena is mourning her sister and not coping in work, she and her grandmother,Eileen swap lives. Leena has to cope with the elderly residents of the village, whereas Eileen has to get used to living in London with unfriendly neighbours. Well written and hard to put down.

I loved the FlatShare so I had high hopes for this novel. I wasn’t disappointed at all! There’s something familiar and comforting about Beth O Leary’s writing style. I can see this becoming one of my 2020 top 10

Having fallen in love with The Flatshare last year I was very excited to read Beth O’Leary’s new fiction novel The Switch and you’ll be glad to hear readers, I was not disappointed! Beth’s writing style is very witty, she takes small seeming incidental things in everyday life and creates humour from them. The premise of The Switch starts with Leena a 29 year old high flyer in London who is burned out, it’s a year after her sister Carla has died and she needs to take a break, Eileen her 79 year old grandmother has just been left by her husband of over 50 years and she is looking for an adventure so they swap lives. I agree a little unlikely but it does set the scene for some hilarious moments, like when Eileen says her friend has that condition too, veganism! I was in stitches.

The characters are very believable you definitely want Eileen as your grandmother, even though she sticks her nose in everything, Leena is a little less likable at the beginning but she kind of grows on you. There are plenty of relationships going on in this book, they are the web that holds the whole plot together, Leena and her mother have both struggled to come to terms with Carla’s death and this is dealt with sympathetically. Eileen and her new man Tod, as well as all her new friends at Leena’s flat, show age shouldn’t be a barrier to friendship. Leena with her boyfriend and new friends in the country, she relaxes and becomes a nicer person. The plot is neatly laid out with both of the main characters embracing their new lives, plenty of subplots going on that you are bound to find something relating to your own situation and the outcomes are inevitable, this makes it a little bit on the cheesy side for me but I am not normally a reader of romance novels!
Overall, this is a very readable rom-com which I would recommend for anyone who normally reads romantic novels and for those that just want a bit of cheering up! I wouldn’t be surprised if this was used for the basis of a film in the future.

Thanks to Netgalley and Quercus books who have shared the ARC