I liked this books focus on literature and reading but I felt that the characters could have been more developed.

Look, as a reader I feel like we've all said or heard it a million times but there is something so freaking special about books about books. Maybe it's because of the extraordinary relatability or that the feelings we have for books are so beautifully described. The Book Swap is a story all about how two strangers grow closer by swapping books in a little free library, while annotating and writing questions back and forth to each other. It's a swoon worthy connection and meet cute story.

However, these characters have a shared history and while this really intrigued me, I really hate the miscommunication trope and this honestly just went full no communication at all trope and drove me bonkers. Erin, babe, I say this with love but please go to a therapist. SO much pain could've been prevented by yourself just for doing a bit of inner work. Alright back to the goods, readers get the happily ever after and with a dozen references to well known classics and literacy paired with a beloved little free library it is still a read that I heavily enjoyed and will be recommending.

I went in thinking this would be a fun, lighthearted book. But it deals with some weighty issues related to shame, loss, illness, and other things. I enjoyed the love story that unfolded in the margins of the books and liked the subplot between James and Joel, where they explore why men often struggle to share their feelings in friendships and how they can hold each other accountable to do better.

This was just okay for me. A bit boring and slow, with unlikable characters. I liked the premise but found the execution to be lacking.

This book wasn't what I expected. I was expecting a sweet rom com but it was much heavier. I didn't like the characters. Unfortunately this book wasn't for me.

3/5 stars.

This was just okay for me. Thought it was going to be a cute and cozy read which it had some but was way more than what the cover portrays. I guess don't judge a book by its cover. It gave me "you got mail" vibes bit with books instead of emails. It started out a bit all over the place, jumping between timelines which could get confusing at times. It did start to get a bit overwhelming from time to time. I did like that they referenced a lot of classic books that they passed to one another unknowingly.It was a good book, just not one I would probably pick up again.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade publishing for the e-ARC.

A second chance romance that involves books and annotating. What more could you want? I loved the quotes that were sprinkled throughout the book and the way the backstory was introduced was done well. This book had no spice but it does have language.

The Book Swap is a good read, but I would hesitate to call it a true romance novel. It's more of a fiction novel that's heavily rooted in overcoming trauma and grief with some romantic overtones included.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers
Rating: ★★★★☆

The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers is a delightful debut novel that will appeal to any book lover. The premise alone—a library of swapped books where messages are left in the margins—will instantly capture your heart. It’s the kind of setting that rekindles forgotten quotes and introduces new titles, making it a nostalgic trip for readers while also offering fresh discoveries. As the characters, Erin and James, begin to reflect on their pasts through these book exchanges, we’re reminded of our own memories, and it’s utterly glorious.

The structure of the story, framed by the messages in the books and the memorials to Bonnie, is a brilliant touch. It creates a narrative that feels both intimate and satisfying, wrapping everything up in a way that leaves you with a deep sense of closure. The book has an emotional pull that is hard to resist—only the hardest-hearted readers will finish without needing a tissue or two.

Erin and James are beautifully realized characters, full of depth and authenticity. Seen through the lens of Bonnie’s memory, they feel real, flawed, and relatable. Both characters are stubborn, self-centered, and sometimes caught in their own way of thinking, but they also have the capacity to love, to change, and to teach us something important about ourselves along the way. The dynamics of their relationship are raw and compelling, making their journey not just about reconciling with each other but with themselves as well.

What I truly appreciated was how The Book Swap handles deeper themes like mental health, family dynamics, guilt, blame, and the healing power of forgiveness. Bickers doesn’t shy away from portraying these issues with honesty and nuance, showing that not all conflicts are neatly resolved, but that’s part of what makes the story feel authentic. The book also explores the idea that what’s ideal for one person may not be perfect for another, teaching readers the importance of understanding and accepting different perspectives.

While the story is overall heartwarming and emotionally satisfying, its themes resonate because they feel genuine and grounded in reality. The narrative does a fantastic job of blending the fictional lives of Erin and James with universal truths about love, relationships, and personal growth.

In the end, The Book Swap is a beautiful, emotional read that will stay with you long after the final page. It’s a book about second chances, the impact of literature on our lives, and the ways in which we connect with others. For anyone who enjoys stories that explore human relationships with authenticity and emotional depth, this is a solid 4-star read.

The story follows two women, Esme and Maggie, whose lives intersect in a quirky bookshop where they take part in a community book swap event. As they exchange books and stories, they begin to open up about their own lives, uncovering secrets, regrets, and unspoken desires. Through their shared love of literature, Esme and Maggie form an unlikely but deep friendship that helps them navigate personal challenges and rediscover their own paths.

Bickers’ writing is warm and inviting, filled with rich, relatable characters and a strong sense of community. The novel touches on themes of self-discovery, healing, and the importance of human connection, all wrapped up in the cozy backdrop of a bookshop. The sense of nostalgia and the joy of reading are woven throughout the narrative, making it a perfect read for book lovers.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is like a literary hug! If you love literature and you treasure the experience of reading and connecting with other readers, this book is for you!

This story hooked me in immediately. There is so much to connect to in this book. The ideas around high school trauma, bullying, friendship, complex family dynamics, grief, adulthood, finding your passion and so much more are handled in a beautifully real way.

This is a must read!! It gave me “13 going on 30” and “you’ve got mail” vibes!

Such a cute premise! I’ve always thought those little free libraries are so happy and adorable, so what a perfect way to tell a love story. The nod to classic lit was also fun- multiple references to books I have read, as well as new ones to add to the list. It wasn’t always cheery though… definitely some heavier topics intertwined to ultimately tell a story about forgiveness and self-reflection.

Tessa Bickers's debut, *The Book Swap*, initially appears to be a lighthearted rom-com but reveals surprising depth. The story centers on two strangers in their thirties who exchange notes in a little library, gradually building a connection. I was drawn to the premise due to my love for books and enjoyed how the plot focused on flawed, relatable characters facing real-life issues like family drama, career dissatisfaction, and loss.

Rather than focusing on romance, the story is more about personal growth, reminiscent of *Sleepless in Seattle* or *You’ve Got Mail*. There’s a slow burn and minimal spice, which I found refreshing. However, the subplot involving a deceased friend felt underdeveloped, and the large cast of side characters occasionally felt overwhelming.

Overall, it’s a heartfelt, slower-paced read that fans of character-driven stories will appreciate. Looking forward to Bickers's future work. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC.

This turned out to be one of my favorite books of the year. I even went and bought a physical copy of the book. Love when authors mention books in their books. I even want to read some of the books that Tessa mentioned in the book. My only question is what popular book was the author talking about? LOL

I definitely plan on reading her future books. I can't believe this was her debut.

This was my absolutely fave quote in the book “They say it takes one moment to change your life.” What a way to start the book. I was instantly hooked.

Love the dual points of view. I loved reading both of the main characters thoughts. Especially James. To read what he went through during school was heart breaking. I am not for bullying. At first I was mad that he turned around and did it to Erin and I know its not right but it made sense. I loved getting a little back story on both of them.

What are the odds that James would pick up Erin's book from the little free library? I loved how they both interacted throughout the exchange of books and notes.

Not sure if there plans to be a sequel but I wish there would have been a little epilogue to how Erin and James are doing say a year later etc I am curious to know what happened after the book ended.

Thank you so much Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review. I thought this was just a rom com but pleasantly surprised it did tackle heavier issues. I found the characters enjoyable and relatable, and I would recommend it to my friends. Do check trigger warnings though, it deals with bullying and mental health

Thank you to netGalley and Harlequin Trade publish for an advance copy of this book. Would give this a 3.5 rounded to 3. The beginning was a slow burn but as the book continued I really fell in love with the characters. Really cute book incorporating a little free library, friendship drama, forgiveness and complex relationship development. Would be interested in reading anything else this author puts out!

real bummed bc the cover is pretty misleading. i am a huge fun of enemies to lovers, bestfriends to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, literally all rom coms. but this was not any of those. had to really push through to finish this book. the characters werent super likable which always takes me out of a book and the relationships in the book. banter is one thing, but when they're all kind of rude to one another??? not my cup of tea. i had a hard time keeping track of what was going on with the POV jumps. the cover look really warm and fun and this was not that. super disappointed :(

The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers
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Erin and James are both struggling. They are each stuck in jobs that bring them no joy, with their own family drama. James stumbles upon an annotated book in a little free library and decides to respond to the notes and put it back with an offer to read another book together. The book swap, unknowingly, connects Erin and James who have history of their own.
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What I liked:
-I loved how both Erin and James had their own emotional back stories. They each had to confront hard stuff from their pasts and determine how they could handle things better moving forward. I love a good personal growth arc, and The Book Swap gave me two for one.
-The book swapping was so much fun and it made me wish I could do that too, but I’m terrible at annotating. I do good for a chapter or two and then get sucked in and forget. 😂
-Books about people vibing together over books are always awesome.
-I love when people can have a friendship or relationship with someone and it helps them learn to be a better person. Both Erin and James learned from each others notes and were able to see things differently through each others POVs and I loved that.
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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Where do I even start?
Let's start with the simplest.

I don't think this book is really a romance. There is a main couple, but their romance doesn't seem to be the main focus.
I think it focuses more platonic love. Love between friends (new, old, and passed) and family.

The Book Swap had a lot of great gems in it. Tessa Bickers asked us to redefine what success means and to accept that there are many different versions of success and that they are all valid.

This book also touched lightly on men's mental health.

I think the biggest thing was the exploration of grief and expectations we place upon ourselves.

The idea of this book is so cute! Swapping a book through a Little Free library with a stranger and exchanging notes? Every book lovers dream. love story! Unfortunately the book was a little slow for me, but it was still really cute!