Having previously read ‘Flat Share’ I was really excited to start reading this book and I loved it so much. It was such a lovely story with plenty of laugh out loud moments and a fair few that had me in tears.

Leena has just had a major meltdown at work in London. Ever since her sister passed away she has found things difficult and has thrown herself into her work to try to lose herself. Only as time has gone on it’s taking its toll on her.

Eileen is 79 years old and newly single after her husband cheated on her. She lives in the Yorkshire Dales and is also Leena’s grandmother. She loves a project and is involved in loads of things in her village.

After one of their many conversations an idea forms which sees Eileen and Leena swap lives. Leena moves to the Yorkshire Dales and takes over her Gran’s projects and Eileen moves to London to seek out the adventures she passed up on when she was younger. She is also looking for love.

They both fall into their new lives some things easier than others. And we meet a whole host of characters along the way. For Eileen she just wants to help everyone and Leena needs to try to get her life back on track including trying to salvage her relationship with her mother.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I loved The Flatshare, and I loved this. Enjoyable, entertaining, I read this in one sitting. Beth O'Leary is my new favourite writer. Hope she hurries up and writes a new book.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wasn't sure about this at first, because I've never read a romance from an older perspective. But I ended up loving Eileen Senior - sometimes, even more than Leena!
This was a fun, sweet ridiculous story. You definitely need to suspend your disbelief with some of the scenarios, but it was just so much fun that I didn't mind.
Lots of heavier topics also discussed in a sensitive way, which I really appreciated and definitely grounded the story.

I flew through Beth O’Leary’s debut novel The Flatshare earlier on this year and it is definitely one of my favourite rom-coms. So you can imagine how happy I was when my NetGalley wish was granted by the lovely people at Quercus to read her follow-up novel The Switch.

Both almost 80-year-old Eileen and her twenty-something granddaughter Leena are tired of their lives, so when Leena is ordered to take a two month sabbatical from her corporate office job, she retreats to her newly single grandmother’s house in Yorkshire. Eileen wants a bit of excitement in her life so she agrees to move into Leena’s Shoreditch apartment complex and shake up the London dating scene. This two month life swap will bring new experiences, fresh perspectives and eye-opening truths to both Eileen Cottons…

Leena quickly realises exactly how integral her grandma is to the community of Hamleigh-in-Harksdale and she worries that she can’t possibly step into her shoes. Eileen is indeed a powerhouse of a woman who simply has no interest in typical old age pursuits. She keeps busy and is very eager for a new adventure, which is why she takes Leena up on the offer of the life switch. I would very much love to be Eileen, when I grow up!

Leena is very driven, results-focused and like her grandma, she likes to keep busy. These are all qualities that led to her having the panic attack, which earned her the sabbatical. However, she is also pretty selfless and this is a quality she shares with her grandma. I don’t think I’ve ever read a career girl who comes across as soft and as sentimental as Leena but it gives her a depth that we rarely see in a female rom-com character. When she had a rather lovely puppy-induced meet-cute with handsome primary school teacher and Hamleigh resident Jackson, my love radar went off straightaway and I was desperate for her to ditch her far-too-busy and distant boyfriend, Ethan. The more time she spent with Jackson, the more I saw how much they could each benefit each other and the more I rooted for a predictable but adorable (and right!) ending.

Most parts of London really need someone like Eileen to unite people and create pockets of local community spirit that much of the city lacks. We’re so afraid of crime and threat in London that everyone keeps to themselves as much as possible. Eileen inspires me to talk to strangers because they each have a story to tell and possibly something to teach me. Who knows how many interesting people like Letitia are really living alone in poky little flats with no one to share their wisdom and stories with?

There is a deep sadness to the plot and it makes for some truly heartbreaking scenes. Leena’s mum and Eileen’s daughter Marian is understandably extremely shaken by the death of Leena’s younger sister Carla and it has had a detrimental effect on her relationship with Leena and with herself. One thing I loved is that Carla’s presence is a constant. Despite the fact she is dead when the book begins, I feel like I did meet her and that’s due to the fact that she lives on in her relatives. The final scene is a very poignant and moving one but it almost confirms the real reason why the switch took place and why every member of the family needed something new.

Leena’s realisation that she has been living for other people is a gradual and important development of her character. She learns to do what’s really best for her as opposed to what is expected. It’s actually only through her grandma’s tenacious meddling that her happy ending comes about but I have no doubt that their shared traits would have forced Leena to see the light, even without Eileen’s orchestration.

One of my favourite things about this book is that it explores things like domestic violence and casual relationships in lights that I’ve not seen before. Most books or films that feature abusive relationships focus on young women, often with children, and their horrific plights. Most books or films that feature casual relationships focus on young attractive twenty-somethings who love to party and be reckless. The Switch turns both of these typical depictions on their heads and forces you to realise that actually both of these things aren’t limited to certain demographics. Anyone can be a victim of any type of domestic abuse and more and more older people are using dating apps to have no-strings encounters. To experience these facts through a rom-com was such a wonderfully refreshing experience.

I love books that feature wholesome connections between people of different generations and The Switch is exactly that. As soon as I realised that it was going to be full of eccentric, hilarious older characters, I was hooked. You will laugh, you will cry but most of all you will cheer for the powerful tonic that is family and community. Pick it up for the perfect pick-me-up!

I really enjoyed this book and love Beth O'Leary's writing style.

Leena lives in London and has been forced to use two months worth of leave as she hasn't used any of her holiday time from work. When she visits Eileen, her grandmother, they decide they both need a switch up in their lives and decide to completely swap lives. Leena is given two months to experience the finest a quaint Yorkshire village has to offer, meanwhile Eileen has set up a dating profile and is on the look for love or just a bit of fun.

This was such a heartwarming read with brilliant characters. I think I was more invested in Eileen's journey through life in London and I was desperate for her to find company and be happy. She spent so much of the book helping others, it felt like she wasn't taking the time to care for herself. There was many a giggle seeing how Eileen got on trying to date in London...

The Switch is such an emotive book and deals with grief, mental health and domestic family issues. It handles the issues it tackles sensitively and remains a light hearted and enjoyable read. I will definitely be reading more of Beth O'Leary's books in future.

After having a panic attack in a business meeting, Leena needs to wind down. Where could she do that better than in rural Yorkshire at the home of her grandma. 79 year old Eileen on the other hand feels too bored in her small village with no eligible bachelors. Recently deserted by her futile husband, she's looking for new experiences and most of all for some romance. On a whim they decide to swap accomodation, circle of friends and cellphones for 2 months.

What is seemingly a light comedy has underneath it all some very serious topics. Which made me like this story even more. I found both storylines equally interesting and grew fond also of the supporting characters, like Arnold, Letitia or Nicola. I'm not sure of such a 'switch' would work for everyone, but it definitely benefited Leena and Eileen, and a whole bunch of other people connected to them, too.

I loved this funny but poignant book. It takes you through a family's grief and how they come to terms, in their own unique ways. Its a slightly unusual storyline but it works! Loved the characters and their journey's. Endorsing the fact of enjoying life and living it to the full.

Highly recommended for all.

Thank you Quercus and Netgalley.

This was such as easy read with two fabulous characters. Beth O'Leary's writing style makes this book a pleasure to read and the words just fly past. Whilst some of the plot was obvious from the start of the story, it didn't make it any less enjoyable. Family and friend dynamics were well played and you rooted for all of these characters. Highly recommended.

I was quite late to the party with this one but what an enjoyable and slightly different concept to read about.

I wasn't sure what I would think about Eileen and her story - she is 79 and I'm not quite that old. What a breath of fresh air she was. I really enjoyed her upbeat attitude and how her positivity rubbed off on others. Even the hardened London residents she encountered!

Leena is a little bit more different. On sabbatical from work after the death of her sister, they is struggling with her grief and you feel just how apparent that is through the pages. Her swapping to Yorkshire is brilliant and shows her a slower pace of life where she can grieve and discover just who she really is.

A lovely story that I really enjoyed and gave me many a smile to my face!

I love that the author did something completely different for her second book and also included an elderly main character. I adored Eileen and could have read a whole book focused on her. Definitely worth reading if you need cheering up or just want a bit of an escape.

This is my second book by the author..

I must say I loved The Flatshare, the concept was different and it was fun.

This one I enjoyed, but some things were too perfect I think this would make a wonderful movie.

The characters were lovely, and the whole swap life idea was fun.

Perfect for a summer read, easy to read, and feel good at the end.

This book is like a big cosy hug. It's also funny and quite serious in parts. It covers grief and urban loneliness beautifully (although the flat building in Shoreditch sounds a bit too idyllic to be true but we'll give Beth that one). Hamleigh describes a vision of rural bliss with an undercurrent of domestic violence. Do not under estimate Beth O'Leary she can deliver a hug in a book while also tapping into serious issues of the day. All in all five stars be sure to pack it for this year's staycation.

'The Switch' is Beth O'Leary's next book after last's year's successful novel, 'The Flatshare'. O'Leary's strength is when she grounds her characters in there trauma- we see the way it exists in their habits and actions, and live with these characters and notice these changes without being overtly told. 'The Flatshare' was a simple story from the blurb- two Londoners sharing a flat but never meet and write notes to each other. However, O'Leary took this simple concept and just shone. With O'Leary's latest outing- a Grandmother and Granddaughter swapping lives- sounds like a plot to the popular Christmas movie, the holiday.

So did this book take a simple concept and shine as well? Well, all I can say it was nice. It was a nice quick read set in the Yorkshire Dales- my home only a few months ago! It had that weighted emotional gravity I have come to appreciate from O'Leary, and the British pop-culture references made med happy I had spent my six-months abroad in the UK watching too much Strictly and developing a strong fondness for Ant and Dec. The location- Yorkshire- made me want to give this five-stars, my heart sang just reading her journey from London to Wakefield station. Even though this is a fictional town just slightly north of Leeds, I am using my brain and all the blueprints O'Leary has given me to find out the exact location of this so-called quant beautiful town where gossip is a currency.

If you want a nice charming reading amongst the horrors of this year- look no further. If this convinces you that Yorkshire is in fact the best place in the UK- then I am glad you have come to your senses. I am glad that the relationship between mother-daughter, grandmother-grandaughter, partners, etc are explored, but for me, this was simply a charming cup-of-tea but without as much weight as I'd hoped.

Three stars.

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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved The Flatshare last year, and so was eagerly awaiting Beth O’Leary’s next book. When I saw it available as an ARC I was super excited to get stuck in. O’Leary’s writing was again lovely, and Switch was an enjoyable read, but I just didn’t connect with it in the way I’d hoped.

Instead of romance, this is the more the story of grandmother and granddaughter and their very sweet relationship. Both feeling stuck, they decide to ‘switch’ places with one another and experience each other's lives for a while. They both find themselves thriving in their new lives: Eileen in London trying online dating and bringing the flat building together for the first time, and Leena in the country juggling the community demands as she processes the news of her boyfriend cheating on her.

These are some great female characters, along with the side story of Leena’s relationship with her mum as we explore their past grief. There is some sweet humour as they both initially struggle to adjust, and both women have a romance or two, but I wasn’t completely blown away. If you’re in need of a fun escapist read this Summer that explores family, friendships and the fantasy of ‘starting over’, then this is a great book. When compared to the originality of Flatshare it pales somewhat, but it is still an OK read, that just wasn’t for me.

Loved this book.

The funny stories that arise from switching houses with grandma and taking on each other's social responsibilities.

The development as each woman finds parts of herself in new surroundings and a completely different lifestyle, is relatable and believable.

A lovely and enjoyable read with some laugh out loud moments.

I really liked this book. Not gonna lie but The Flatshare was better though 🙈.

We've Eileen, Leena's grandmother who lives in the quaint countryside while Leena lives in the city when both of them decide to switch their lives. Leena, who has a panic attack in the office decides to move to Hamleigh-in-Harksdale on a sabbatical, taking over her grandmother's duties, while Eileen goes to London and with the help of Leena's friends, sets up a dating profile to look for love and sex, after her husband runs off with a dance instructor. She also establishes the Silver Shoreditch Social Club, in order to bring together people who are more into their lives and don't even know their neighbors and foster a sense of community.

Leena & Eileen relationship was so refreshing to read. I was especially invested in Eileen's perspective as she navigated the dating pool in London with much vigor as hilarity ensued. We've got a cast of multiple characters with their own quirks.

We see Leena trying to fulfill her grandmother's duties while trying to accommodate everyone and playing politics for her say in the May Day celebrations

This book was quite wholesome and funny and dealt with grief, love, creating and mending relationships but due to its slow pacing, it was unable to leave a mark on me.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy. Leena Cotton lives in London. She is struggling following her sister's death and has a panic attack in a important presentation at work and is given a 8 week sabbatical. Grandma Eileen lives in a small village in Yorkshire. She is trying to get her life back on track after her husband left her for another woman. They decide to swap lives for the 8 weeks. Eileen goes to London and tries online dating and Leena goes to Yorkshire and takes on Eileen's roles in the community.
A delightful story unfolds over the 8 weeks as loves blossoms for them both.

Leena is run down and fed up of work. London is no longer the beautiful haven she once found solace in, and her job is threatening to crush her. So when she has a breakdown in a meeting and her boss forces her to take two months paid leave, she has no idea what to do with herself.

Then, there’s Eileen, Leena’s grandmother tucked away in the quiet oasis of rural Yorkshire. Eileen is fine. She has her neighbourhood watch meetings, she has her daughter to look after, and she has her ‘projects’ – the latest of which being to find love. But with only a handful of suitors to choose from and the ‘con’ side of her list about each outweighing the ‘pros’, she’s not going to get very far.

So, why not switch? Leena needs peace and quiet and to re-evaluate what she wants. Eileen needs adventure and new people and to be pushed out of her comfort zone. It’s the perfect idea. But the perfect idea’s never go to plan…

The Flatshare was one of my very favourite books of 2019. It was funny, and cute, and I loved every single character! But I also adored how it dealt with manipulative relationships and mental health.

So, I had very high hopes for The Switch.

Can we all rejoice that it didn’t disappoint??

From the very first few pages I wanted to climb into the book and live with Eilieen and have her make me and my life one of her projects to fix. Seriously, where can I get me a little old lady like that? Her caring side was so very obvious but she was also funny and witty, and an absolute delight to read about.

Leena, too, was very compelling and passionate about her friends. What struck a cord throughout both narratives was the death of Leena’s sister Carla, and the guilt that both Leena and Carla felt, about not being able to save her, about not being able to persuade her to try more treatment, and not being able to fix the family that fell apart after her work.

The rest of the cast of characters was also amazing. I could have read a whole book about Fitz teaching Eileen about technology, and Arnold and Leena teaming up. The thing about these characters though was mainly the relationships and the strong, solid, full of warmth and back story friendships that O’Leary made so real and so beautifully brought to life.

Beth O’Leary has quickly solidified herself as one of my auto-buy authors and I saw recently that she’d secured another two book publishing deal. She shows real truth in her characters and relationships, and peppers her books with humour and reality. Highly recommend this book, and The Flatshare too if you haven’t already read that!!

Eileen is a 79yr old single grandma looking for love in the small village Hamleigh, Leena is struggling after the death of her sister in London and finds herself on a two month forced break from work.
Eileen and Leena swap lives for the two months and the journey begins Eileen lives in London to experience dating and try to find her life partner meeting Leena friends and making a big difference to her neighbours and discovers unfaithful Ethan Leena’s boyfriend. Leena lives in her grandmothers shoes and messes up a few things but also makes a huge difference to Eileen’s friends she also discovers Jackson but stays true to Ethan. The end of the swap doesn’t go too smoothly as Eileen breaks the news of Ethan to Leena who is broken but goes back to her life in London. The story has a happy ending for Leena and Jackson and Eileen finds love back home in Hamleigh with Arnold who has been there all along but it took the swap for them both to discover their hidden feelings.
Feel good story with laugh out loud moments and tears I really enjoyed this book