Another hit from Beth O’Leary! I read The Flatshare in January, it was my first book of 2020 and still one of my favorites!

Her follow-up novel was just as charming! I did a combo of audiobook and ebook for this one and loved both!

Leena Cotton, a hotshot management consultant in London, is reeling after the death of her sister and is forced to take a mandatory two-month leave from work. She decides to visit her grandmother at her Yorkshire cottage and they make a plan to switch places for two months! They fully commit too, switching phones and computers (I would never survive!)

Leena’s grandmother has just jumped into online dating and finds London fascinating, she quickly becomes friends with the younger crowd of Leena’s and she engages the elderly to start a new social club.

I loved the relationship between Leena and her Grandmother, it reminded me of my own at times. I had lol moments while reading, teared up a few times, and found myself smiling so often. I can’t wait for the next novel by Beth O’Leary!

So I have to admit that when I first downloaded this book, I really wasn't sure that I was going to enjoy a grandma/granddaughter switch... Was it going to make sense? Would it be like Freaky Friday? I really didn't know what to expect.
But this... this was pure magic. I am completely an O'Leary fan now. Her ability to completely draw you into the story, I am totally in a book hangover. Both Leena and Eileen were protagonists that you rooted for, cried with, and laughed with. I do not want to give too much away, but if you enjoy woman supporting woman with a little romance thrown in for all ages, I HIGHLY recommend!
The audiobook was SO WELL DONE. The narrators were fantastic!

This is definitely going to be one of my favorite reads from 2020. I listened to the audio book narrated by Daisy Edgar Jones and Alison Steadman. I enjoyed having two different voices, both women give the characters personality and add a lot to the story.

After being forced to take some time off from work, Leena has the brilliant idea to swap places with her grandmother to give them both a change of scenery. The result is at times hilarious, often emotional, and always interesting. I loved that we got to follow both women on their adventures and learn what was going on in their minds.

This is story about family and relationships. It's also about grief, and the struggle to find a new normal after a huge loss. I came to care for all of the characters and by the time I was about half way through, I hated to stop listening because I was so invested in both women's stories. It's a highly enjoyable and ultimately uplifting read.

The first word that comes to mind with The Switch is charming. It is the comforting, cozy, delightful, pick-me-up read that we all need in our lives right now. The premise of a grandmother and granddaughter switching places for a couple of months is cute and compelling, but the story and characters deliver so much more than I expected. I loved Eileen, the grandmother, with her witty thoughts and adventurous spirit. And I found myself rooting for the granddaughter Leena, hoping she will find a renewed purpose and sense of hope.

There isn't much plot to the story, it's more about entering the lives of these characters you want to call family. It deals with some heavier topics like loss and grief but manages to feel like the ultimate comfort read. This is one to cozy up to with a blanket and cup of tea.

The narration in the audio book is perfection, Eileen's voice has a lively spark while Leena's is appropriately more "contained wound up", capturing her struggle to let go. I generally prefer print versions, as my mind tends to wander with audio, but I was so captivated with this one and didn't want it to end.

Recommend for: Readers looking for feel-good women's fiction with characters to fall in love with

May not be for you if: You're hoping for an unpredictable story or one that's not too sentimental

I loved this audiobook! It was like a lovely cup of tea at just the right temperature – a little bit hot but not so it burns. The chapters alternated with narration between the two main characters, starting with Leena (short for Eileen) in chapter 1, voiced by Daisy Edgar-Jones. Leena is in her 20’s, lives in ever-busy London with flatmates Martha and Fitz. We learn she has had a bit of a breakdown during a big presentation at work and is required by her boss to take a two month sabbatical to slow down, rest and regenerate.
We then meet Eileen (voiced by Alison Steadman), Leena’s 79 year-old grandmother in chapter 2. Eileen lives in the small village of Hamleigh and is very involved in her community Neighbourhood Watch and May Day Committee but usually chooses not to interfere in the lives of others (yet!). Steadman’s narration is a bit breathy but I quickly got used to it and felt it added to, rather than detracted from her character. Eileen has been abandoned by her long-time husband Wade and is looking for romance and adventure.
Leena and Eileen decide to switch places – homes, phones, computers, responsibilities and friends – for the two months Leena is to be off from work. The two dive into each other’s lives with very different approaches, ruffling a few feathers but with interesting results. Eileen learns that interfering for the right reason is not always a bad thing.
Eileen and Leena are also grieving, in different ways, the loss of Leena’s sister to cancer, about a year earlier. While Eileen has coddled her daughter through the grief, Leena has been angry with her mother and struggled to maintain a relationship with her. However, with Eileen’s responsibilities now hers, Leena has to face her feelings towards her mother head-on and the result is surprising to everyone. This story navigates us through it all with sometimes emotional but more often funny twists and turns to a satisfying conclusion. - ec

The narrators were fantastic and added so much authenticity to this story. The story itself was warm, tender and full of redemption. I cannot recommend it enough.

After suffering from loss and heartbreak, Leena and Eileen are both desperately in need of a change. In unconventional style, they decide to switch lives for a bit. This story was a beautiful discovery of self, working through family grief and falling love. I really enjoyed both women's journeys and the unexpected challenges and benefits that their new lives brought them. Although I was hoping for a bit more romance, following their stories brought me joy. It was a fun audiobook for anyone who enjoys listening to stories about women trying to find their way at any age.

Book Review

The Switch - Beth O’Leary
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I listened to this through NetGalley audiobooks and it was great! From the start the narrators were really likeable, their storytelling was realistic and kept me engaged. The story itself was fun, light and such an easy listen. The characters were relatable, their struggles, worries and insecurities were also understandable.

I loved how the story unfolded, how each of the women grew and developed, pushed themselves out of their comfort zone and learned so much about themselves, making them more confident and able to chase their dreams!

I’m really looking forward to reading the next book from Beth.

This was a sweet, endearing read. I listened to it as an audiobook and I think that enhanced the experience. Having the POV of both 79 year old Eileen and her granddaughter Lena read with their British Yorkshire accents made it seem as if I was a guest in their home as they regaled their listeners with the tale.

I loved O'Leary's The Flatshare and was very excited to have the opportunity to listen to this new release. I liked The Flatshare more as it was a bit more engaging and fast-paced, but there were still great bits about The Switch. I don't feel like I read enough books with older/elderly characters, and they are always so fun. Both of the main characters were well-developed and the whole novel had a warm, feel-good vibe to it. Thank you!

Although the audio quality wasn’t the best, I enjoyed it.

The story follows namesakes Lena (short for Eileen)and her grandmother Eileen. Cute book. Fast paced. Enjoyed it.

Love the relationship the characters had with each other. I loved the characters full stop. A cute book that I didn’t expect to like as much as I did.
3.5/5 stars

The Switch is a cute story about a grandmother and granddaughter who switch places. The change helps each of them sort out their feelings after traumatic events. I enjoyed getting to know the quirky characters of Gran's village and Leena's London friends. The narrator of this audio book did a super job of varying accents and voices. I enjoyed this review copy from #NetGalley.

Wholesome, wonderful, heart-warming content. That is exactly what this is, if anyone was wondering. I received a copy of the audiobook from the publisher via Netgalley, and I'm so glad I did. I requested it on a whim and now it is a new favourite.

This book follows two Eileen Cottons. Eileen in Yorkshire, and Lena in London; grandmother and granddaughter. After Lena is forced out of work for 2 months because of her grief over her sister's death, and Eileen is trying to move on from her husband leaving her in her late seventies, they decide to switch places. Lena will move to the tiny Yorkshire village to take over her grandmother's projects and try to patch things up with her mother; Eileen will move in with Lena's flatmates in Shoreditch to give online dating a go.

This was so well-executed, and reminded me of some of my favourite Sophie Kinsella novels. It's funny, entertaining, heart-wrenching and warming, and just a wonderful book all around. I couldn't quite decide which arc I enjoyed more of the Cotton women, because they were both so endearing. They are both fabulous characters who go through a journey of self-discovery that leaves them both better people in the end. Lena's path through her grief and coming to grips with who she can blame/rely on was well done, if terribly sad. And Eileen's dating adventures ... well, let's just say it could have been worse for her. I'm terribly pleased with how it all worked out for both of them in the end.

Props to the narrators, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Alison Steadman, who did a fabulous job in bringing this book to life!

Interesting story about grief and families and life. Having been through much of the experiences myself, I could relate to the characters' viewpoints. Nicely told.

When Leena is forced into a two month vacation from her job, she decides to switch places with her 79-year-old grandmother, Eileen. They’re both struggling to find happiness in their lives, so they agree that they need a change of pace. Leena takes over her grandmother’s place in the councils of the small town, and Eileen joins the online dating world in London. They both have to face their new gossipy friends and a different pace of life. Their lives change during those two months in ways that are irreversible.

I loved the audiobook version of this book. There were two different narrators, for the alternating chapters of Leena’s and Eileen’s perspectives. The two women had great voices that really suited the characters.

I liked that Eileen was an older character in this story. I’ve heard complaints that a lot of romantic comedies usually feature young adult characters, rather than characters who are middle aged or seniors. Eileen’s position as a senior actually made for some funny situations as she learned about online dating. Her elderly friends were also funny in the way they obsessed over little details in the small town. I’m glad to see this diversity of the age of characters in a contemporary romance.

This is a great story! I highly recommend the audiobook!

Thank you Macmillan Audio for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As the premise indicates, The Switch is not a romance, but contemporary fiction (or women's fiction) with a romance component. It took me a while to sink into this one, because I wasn't entirely prepared for the grief component, but once the swap happens, I was totally on board.

One trope I've always enjoyed is the sassy grandmother, and Eileen is such a delight, as are all the other old folks in her small town honestly. They have a local crime watch group that's an excuse to hang out, drink tea, and eat biscuits. They squabble and support each other, and it's pretty precious. Eileen's 79 but ready for adventure and possibly for a new love. Rarely do you see older people finding love, especially in a book not targeting that demographic, but Eileen finds both sex and love.

The narration alternates between Eileen and her granddaughter Leena. It took me longer to connect to Leena, but I think that may have been by design. She's been so focused on work, rote, going through the motions, and she's really lost her connection with herself. Though she's in a long-term relationship, there doesn't seem to be much passion there either. Outside of her usual places and daily goals, she begins to question what she's been pursuing.

The relationships are the highlight of this book. The romantic ones are cute, yes, but it's all the relationships between this large cast of characters. Eileen bonds with Leena's friends in a way that felt very adorable and authentic, and she also makes an old lady friend in their building. Meanwhile, Leena bonds with Eileen's grumpy neighbor and rival. And the main theme of the book is about the importance of communicating openly and being vulnerable together in building a healthy relationship.

This hit me in my heart space again, and it just made me feel happy. The audio performances are amazing as well, so I very much recommend that format.

This book was smooth and well polished. It was warm and healing. I felt sad when it ended and enjoyed the progressions of the characters, the development of them as people and the depth they achieved when given a chance to reestablish or readjusted their place in the world. All in all it was a lighthearted, everyone ends up where they should be by the end, feel good romance.

I LOVE this book!! Honestly one of my favourites of the year. Such a heartwarming and delightful story. I loved how unique and creative the concept is. We need more books about grandmas!! All the characters are so lovely and likeable. The story of Carla and the healing all the women are going through is so realistic. Leena’s journey of finding herself and realizing what she wants out of life, even coming to terms with some of her misguided choices was endearing. I loved how she embraces her grandmas friends and the town of Hamley. And Eileen is now one of my favourite characters ever. She is so positive and inspiring and unafraid of a challenge. I will be buying this book for everyone I know.

Love this sweet book about love, family and grief. Both female characters are strong, fun and moved the story along with charm and humor. Enjoyed O’Leary’s first novel, and this follow up didn’t disappoint. The audio is excellent with a great performance by both narrators. Great relationships, beautiful setting, and a story I won’t soon forget!

First of all, I'm not sur this book is an actual romance I think this is mostly contemporary fiction or maybe even women's literature. Now, with that out the way this book took a bit to get into. This book is dual perspective between Eileen (grandmother) and Leena (granddaughter) dealing with grief and needing a change. Each chapter you see both women addressing different stages of their development. We start with Leena having a panic attack which results in a 2 month sabbatical from work. A visit to her grandma out in the country to get a break. This visit inspires the women to switch locations Eileen will have the adventure she never had as a young woman and Leena out to Yorkshire.

This book is an interesting take on grieving, community, and friendship. These components are handled really well, especially O'Leary take on how the elderly should have a place to interact to avoid loneliness but similarly youngsters don't have the same sense of community even with technology. In the end it was a sweet book. The book covers a lot of ground finding love at any age, friendship and commitment to family, friends, and community, and even more. We are introduced to a cast of characters with a personality of their own. Very cute but definitely not a romance.

CW: cancer death, grief, adultery, domestic violence, catfishing, and gaslighting