This wasn't my favorite by the author but none the less a super cute story!

What I liked:
- How well the characters were developed!
- I love the concept of the "switch" between the grandmother and granddaughter!
- The slow burn love story for both the granddaughter and granddaughter!

What I didn't like as much:
- That Leena was portrayed as a weak woman who couldn't handle her work.
- Leena and Oliver's relationship or lack their of? I wasn't sure how this constituted as a relationship?

This was my first audiobook through NetGalley and through their new app (Android for me). I don't like that you can't save the listening speed. Each time you open the app, it's back at 1x. Also, you have to leave the screen "on" otherwise the audio stops until you wake the screen back up. That is super annoying and a battery-killer. The sound would often be very loud at the start of a chapter and then fade to a more normal level.

Onto the book! I loved The Flatshare! So much. It was so much fun. This was unfortunately not QUITE as good as The Flatshare. Still an enjoyable read though. Lena is forced to take an 8-week paid holiday from work. She is too intense. Eileen (Lena's grandmothers) feels like she missed opportunities by settling down with her (now ex) husband Wade and starting a family instead of pursuing a career in London. They decided to swap houses for 8 weeks and live each other's lives. Assuming each other's responsibilities to an extent (more Lena assuming Eileen's than the other way around). Both get a chance for fresh perspectives and resets on lives. And also, Lena is going back to the town where her younger sister, Carla, died of cancer and where her mother still resides. There is anger and hurt living in this town.

Overall, it was a sweet, delightful book. I enjoyed both perspectives very much. It was predictable (who would end up with whom) but it was a fun pathway to get there. I won't stop reading O'Leary's novels!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an audio copy of this novel for review.

I really enjoyed this story where Lena and her grandmother Eileen swap their lives - Lena is a busy Londoner, while her grandmother Eileen leads a quiet(er) life in the country. When Lena has a work setback that means taking a couple months off, they decide to swap living arrangements. I enjoyed the different plot lines and side characters - especially Eileen’s penchant for “projects”. All in all a fun read that I’ll probably come back to when I am craving something cozy and familiar!

I loved O'Leary's <i>The Flatshare</i> when I read it last year, so when I saw this one available as one of the audiobooks that Netgalley had available, I was thrilled. And rightly so, because this book was a delight.

The basic premise is that Lena, who lost her sister to cancer recently, is a mess. She is forced to take a 2-month paid leave from work. Right after this happens, she leaves London to go visit her grandmother in the small town of Hamli (sp?). Her grandmother, Eileen, in addition to suffering the same loss Lena did, also had her husband leave her for another woman. Both women are stuck in their lives in different ways, so when Lena suggests they "trade lives" for awhile, it doesn't actually seem <i>that</i> crazy to either of them. Eileen can go live the London life she gave up to get married and have a family, and Lena will stay in the country, taking over her grandmother's Neighborhood Watch and May Day planning responsibilities. Eileen also hopes that Lena can begin to repair the relationship with her mother, damaged after Carla died.

While a "switching lives" premise usually seems absurd on its face, here it works out so well. The fact that Lena doesn't have other responsibilities helps support the fact that she'd just up and leave London for the countryside for 6 weeks. Both women are so likable, but Eileen in particular is so snarky and truly laugh-out-loud funny. From the start, I found myself laughing to myself in my car at Eileen's hysterical commentary and plans.

It was so fun to watch the ways that each woman adjusted to her new life, and ultimately flourished in these places so far out of their comfort zones. Lena learns how to navigate small-town life, where everything is a known entity (to everyone but her), while Eileen befriends Lena's London friends and flatmates and brings a bit of Hamli to London. There's a fair dose of meddling on both ends, but meddling that matters.

There is so much that is tackled in this book. Loss, relationships (familial and otherwise), the ways people are in such denial that they can't (won't) see what is right in front of them. How being thrown out of your comfort zone can be the best way to see what you're capable of, and what matters to you. Since <i>The Flatshare</i> was, at its heart, a romance, I kind of expected the same from this. And while there are romantic elements here, they are certainly not the focal point of either Eileen or Lena's story. Which was completely okay with me - I loved getting to know the women themselves, and watching them push themselves (and sometimes those around them) to be better, and learn more.

The audiobook experience was also absolutely wonderful. Daisy Edgar Jones and Alison Steadman were both absolutely brilliant narrators, and helped make it a great listening experience. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced audio copy!

It was a cute audiobook about a granddaughter and grandmother switching homes for two weeks. They develop new friendships and come to terms with a loss in the family and how it affected their lives. They both find love again and form new bonds with unexpected people.

I have heard wonderful things about the Flatshare that I decided to request this one when it became available as a "Listen Now". I struggled to enjoy this book. I think if I would have read it in lieu of listening it to it, the outcome would have been different. I didn't like how the grandmother was portrait. I have no problems with older women seeking love but the way this character was written was a bit to much and unreal. Some parts did make me laugh out loud. I do have Flatshare on my shelves and will be reading that one and any future works by Beth O'Leary.

Have you ever wished you could change lives with someone else temporarily? In the Switch, Grandmother Eileen and Granddaughter Leena do just that.

Eileen is about to turn 80 and is looking for romance. Her husband has left her for another woman and she misses the intimacy of marriage. Unfortunately, the tiny Yorkshire village where she lives is hardly spilling over with eligible bachelors.

Leena lives in London and has just been instructed to take a two month vacation. She’s been pushing herself at work to try and escape the grief that has stricken her since the death of her sister. After speaking with her Grandmother, and learning of her quest for romance, Leena suggests that they swap homes for the two months. Leena could benefit from some time away from the city, while Eileen would have a greater chance to find romance. Leena’s boyfriend could come and visit on some weekends, and they could have the privacy that Leena’s flat can’t provide. Will this plan be everything that Eileen and Leena hope it will be?

The story was sweet and the loving relationship of Eileen and Leena was endearing. The book is engaging and had many humorous moments. The characters were all very likeable and easy to connect to. It was enjoyable to watch Eileen create herself a life in London and take on the challenges of the online dating world. I love how she gave the neighbourhood in London a small-town charm. It was also moving to see how Leena changes during the course of the book and takes a look at her life and what is important to her. I was impressed with the way the author takes on the difficult topic of grief. It was touching to read how Leena reconnects with her Mom, after a long period of estrangement beginning with the death of her sister.

I listened to the audiobook edition and thoroughly enjoyed the performances of Alison Steadman and Daisy Edgar-Jones. The roles were perfectly cast with the age-appropriate reflection of their voices. As a Canadian, I had no difficulty in following the British accents and the words were well articulated. I must say I felt a little sorry for Ms Steadman’s voice during words spoken by Leticia as I’m certain this was not easy to pull off. Their combined performance added to an already lovely read.

Thanks to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.

The Switch is the story of Leena and her grandmother, Eileen. Following the death of Leena's sister a year ago, they still feel stuck and struggling to heel. After Leena gets a two-month sabbatical from work, she is forced to reflect and confront her issues, especially with her mother. And the events turn in a way that Eileen finds herself in fast-paced London looking to find something akin to love and Leena finds herself planning village events and taking over Eileen's various projects.

This is a very warm story, It starts slow but the idyllic setting and the journey of self-discovery that these two women start on is very calming and keeps you going.

I started with the audiobook but to be honest I did not like the experience. The voices are on the shriller side and it was giving me a headache. But I am glad I did not give up and switched to an ebook to finish it.

One thing I really like is the depth these two main characters have. Also, the book points out how we are just living in the same space without living together with the people surrounding us. It helps see us that building a community not only helps others but helps oneself too. Managing one's grief and deciding to live one's life on their own terms is not difficult. We just need a strong will and the right set of people to support us.

3.5 stars for the story

This review is based on an audiobook provided by NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an honest review.

Hmmm so what can I say, I enjoyed the performances of both narrators and their storytelling were awesome, they both have mellow voice, and easy to understand. It was like I was in the story feeling what Leena feels, and also stepping into Eileen’s shoes. As far as the story goes … this is a heartwarming story of a grandmother (Eileen) who lives in the country (Hamleigh) and a granddaughter (Leena) who lives in the city (London).

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

To tell you the truth, I wasn’t into knowing what my Grandma’s dating life or love life was or any old people, to me that would be TMI! (too much information 🤯🥵). However, with the way Beth O’Leary wrote the stories of both ladies it was quite charming and hilarious at times with a touch of drama. This was definitely uplifting and another book that I would love to read over and over again. The Switch is another big hit and anyone would definitely be able to relate to the main characters one way or the other.

After a devastating death in the family (and a less devastating divorce) Leena and her grandmother Eileen decide to swap lives for a couple of months. Leena moves into her grandmother's house in the village where her mother also lives and takes on her grandmother's tasks, while Eileen moves into Leena's apartment in London on a quest to find love in the big city. Hilarity ensues!

It took me a looong time to get through this audio-book. I was never tempted to give up on it entirely, but I didn't find myself rushing to get back into it. I just wasn't invested enough in the plot, and I can't really put my finger on why. It may have been a great book, just at the wrong time. However, it was refreshing to read a story told from the point of view of an elderly character. I liked Eileen a lot. She was bossy and sassy but in a likable way. She was positive and open minded, instantly accepting all of Leena's friends and flatmates as her own. Anyone would be lucky to have Eileen Cotton in their lives. 'The Switch' is laugh out loud funny in places, and utterly heartbreaking in others.

I listened to this on audiobook and I cannot fault the experience. The two distinct voices, Leena narrated by Daisy Edgar Jones, and Eileen by Alison Steadman, really brought the characters to life for me.

Thanks to #NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Beth O’Leary has mirrors the story-telling ability of life—weaving together the heartbreaks and bumps of life with the simple, quotidian beauty of being human. Reading her novels feels as if you’re rooting for a dear friend, not merely a fictional character.

I so greatly enjoyed listening to The Switch on audio thanks to @NetGalley! As in her first novel, The Flatshare, O’Leary explores a story from the perspective of two narrators in their living quarters, only this time, rather than sharing quarters, we have a full on swap! Granddaughter Leena takes a mandatory leave from work from her high-pressure job in London and grandmother Eileen in charming Yorkshire swap lives for two months which leads to hilarity, heartbreak, and a beautiful exploration of the power of community.

I so enjoy the depth of O’Leary’s characterization and her willingness to invite her readers into hard things with sweet warmth and tenderness. Also, I want to be Eileen when I grow up.

I recommend this to, of course, readers who enjoyed The Flatshare, but also those who enjoyed Laine Moriarty’s early novels or Emily Henry’s The Beach Read—there is a respect for the complexity of reality while still providing a lovely romantic comedy narrative that these author’s share.

This is a heartwarming story of a grandmother (Eileen) who lives in the country (Hamleigh) and a granddaughter (Leena) who lives in the city (London). They decide to switch places for 2 months as they are both grieving the death of Leena's sister, Carla. Leena is also feeling overworked from her job and Eileen is upset about her husband leaving her for a younger woman. The writing is enjoyable and the narrators for the audio capture the characters well. It was sad in some parts but also quite humorous too. I loved how their new lives helped them to heal and the affect they had on the people around them. Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a free copy for an honest review. Recommended.

This audiobook was fantastic. I enjoyed the distinct voices between the two main characters and the different elements such as when they were on the phone. It was definitely a quick listen and will recommend this audiobook to fellow readers/listeners.

Have you ever needed a holiday from life? Eileen and Leena both need some time away and choose to switch their lives, homes and even phones. Both grandmother and granddaughter can not enter each other's lives without causing some mischief but also making some good. Beth O'Leary creates a story with humor and strong relationships. I for one, imagine all neighborhood watch groups to go just as portrayed in The Switch. I listened to this version and the narrator had a pleasant and steady voice.

Thank you for a copy of the audio from NetGalley and MacMillian Publishers to review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you so much for an audiobook ARC and I was really looking forward to it but due to language :(

So I dropped it, but thank you!

I thought this book was under christen stories.

So 2 stars but truly wouldn't rate it because I DNF it.

This was just the thing I needed between thrillers and heavier reads. The Switch was such a fun, easy, lighthearted read about Leena Cotton and her grandmother Eileen Cotton switching lives. Leena is forced to take 2 months vacation from her job and Eileen is looking for a second chance at love. There are no available decent men in Yorkshire so moving to London seems perfect for starting online dating at the age of 79. Leena is forced to take a break and to deal with the death of her sister Carla and the strained relationship she has with her mother. I loooooved the audio version and actually found myself laughing out loud while making dinner. The book is predictable but very enjoyable. I loved the characters, especially the elderly ones, and had fun seeing them develop unusual friendships and searching for happiness. I would recommend The Switch especially the audio version. Thanks to Netgalley and Quercus for the ARC.

📖 book review 📖

The Switch by Beth O’Leary

Short synopsis: Leena Cotton needs a break after the death of her sister. Eileen Cotton needs an adventure after her husband leaves her. With both of them needing a change, Leena and her grandma Eileen decide to swap lives for two months to allow themselves to grow and heal.

Leena ends up in her grandma’s small town of Yorkshire running all her projects and inserting herself into the lives of the villagers. Eileen goes to London and tries out internet dating with the help of Leena’s friends. Throw in a dash of romance with all the family love and drama and this is one cute read! 💕

I loved The Flatshare so I was thrilled to hear about this book! I definitely thought it was more of a romance, but I was pleasantly surprised by the stories of the interwoven lives within this book.

Eileen was definitely my favorite part of this book. She had such spark and joy and energy even while admitting to her “old moments”. She had me laughing a lot. I also appreciated the narration. I thought the voice actors were perfect for their parts!

If you’re looking for some charming, fluffy, family drama (light on the drama tbh) with a sprinkle of romance, check out The Switch by Beth O’Leary. The audiobook is out tomorrow!

My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (3.75 rounded to four. I need more romance tbh 😉)

Thank you @netgalley and @macmillan audio for my free ALC in exchange for my honest review 💕


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What a tender book! Beth O'Leary crafts a beautiful story that reminds us that love can be found in the unlikeliest of places even at the oldest of ages. I absolutely loved Eileen as a grandmother, mother, and a woman searching to turn over a new leaf after being left by her husband. Leena was also delightful and refreshing as a realistic depiction of a woman battling grief and self-discovery. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of these two women as they navigated love, life, and family. The audio is fantastic.

Four stars instead of five because there were times I had a difficult time keeping all the neighbors' names straight between London and Hamley.

I read Beth O'Leary's first novel The Flatshare earlier this summer, and thought The Switch would follow a similar romance novel pattern. I was so pleasantly surprised to be wrong!

The Switch is the story of Leena and her grandmother Eileen who decide to switch places for two months when both are feeling a bit unfulfilled (in Eileen's case) and forced into a sabbatical from her job (in Leena's case). Leena will move to Eileen's small village of Yorkshire and complete the items on her "project list" and Eileen will move to Leena's London flat to try her hand at online dating (turns out her small village doesn't have a hopping online dating scene for those over 75).

It's definitely not a typical romance novel and is a bit of slow burn, but from start to finish it is charming, interesting, and fun. I loved watching each woman come into their own in their new lives and help heal their family in the process. I also really adored all of the side characters in each location. The overall arc of community and finding where you belong was my absolute favorite part!

The audiobook is fantastic! Narrated by Daisy Edgar - Jones (of Hulu's "Normal People) and Alison Steadman. I highly recommend listening.

Solid 4.5 stars!

Thanks to Netgalley & Macmillan Audio for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own.

DO NOT LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOK.

I listened to the netgalley audiobook version of the switch. The story is refreshing and nice , a perfect short comfort read.

But the narrator of Eileen , was so real. I could hear the old person spit and saliva sounds sooo clear. I had to speed through this book but you'll understand that this will be my last audiobook for some time.

Eileen Cotton , the grandma and the grand daughter named the same are miserable in their lives. Leena is asked to leave her work and she asks her grandma to switch her apartment for her grandmother's house so her grandma could finally have the London life she wanted when she was 20.

Even the technology is switched . Leena thought it would be a cakewalk working through her grandma's jobs at the village which is proven wrong.

The romance is pretty predictable with the usual mishaps , mistaken impressions , and the sweet happy endings. While the book did investigate through the trauma both women and Leena's mom went through when they lost Leena's sister to Cancer , the book is unmistakably romcom.

I would've even given this book 4 stars if the narrator wasn't that bad.

I received this audio copy through NetGalley and all the opinions are my own.