The book Swap is centered around books which was instantly what drew me in. Erin loses one of her prized possessions a heavily annotated copy of to Kill a Mockingbird while trying to live with the grief of losing her best friend. James finds this copy and decides to write a response in the margins of Great Expectations. this sparks a friendship written in the margin of books and it blossoms into something more. What happens when they realize they are not strangers at all but have a shared history and that history includes something Erin claimed she would never forgive.

This book is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. Seeing Erin try to deal with a world that she no longer feels she fits into because of the lost of her best friend and seeing her read about the memories of her lost friend is heart-wrenching especially for anyone who has ever lost a friend. On the other side James is trying to find a way to deal with his own trauma. Both have experienced tragedies and are just trying to find their own way in the world.

This story was very much a slow-burn but it lead to complex characters with amazing growth. Although there are many hard topics covered in this book it is a truly beautiful story of loss, grief, growth and romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was drawn to this book because it was centered around books! The plot was so cute. I really felt for Erin's character - she is still grieving for her best friend and seems alone in the world with no one to really lean on. It was heartbreaking to read about her memories with her best friend and how much she missed her. James has his own struggles with himself and his family that he's dealing with from his past and present. They're both finding their way in life and have a shared tragic history. The author does a great job of creating well-thought-out and 3-dimensional characters with their own flaws. This was a definite slow burn, but I appreciated how the characters changed and had some self-reflection before being ready for a relationship with each other.

A great book for book lovers of the classics. The book swaps were so adorable. I like how the characters' personalities were still able to shine when they were writing notes in the margins of these classic books. Tessa Bickers' writing is so descriptive and creative (I don't know why I'm stuck on this, but the costume memorial party to dress up as things starting with a b was genius), and I can't wait to read more from this author.

I adored this book. It was the perfect mix of cute romance and heartful emotions that show the complexity of life and love

For the romantic who wants to find love in a Barnes and noble. Or wander the aisles holding a popular booktok book hoping to start a conversation. This book was a love letter to those people, and was a great breath of fresh air between hardcore fantasy series

A lovely and tender read about grief, guilt, and growth.

Erin and James used to be friends until James makes a terrible mistake. Many years later, Erin still recoils when she sees him and James wonders if she will ever be able to forgive him. But Erin has other things to think about like finding a job and finding out more about the Mystery Man leaving notes for her in the margins of her favorite novel.

I adored this! There are a lot of heavy topics covered throughout (bullying, death, mental health) but the central plot of the book swaps helps give the story a lighter and sweeter tone. I would have loved to spend more time with Erin and her Mystery Man. 4.5 stars.

Thank you very much to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Oh my gosh, I adored this book! It was so sweet and just what I needed. Easy to read in one sitting. Huge thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced copy. Publication date September 3, 2024.

I loved this book. I loved reading about a love story that developed just by swapping books in the little free library. It was romantic and I had tears in my eyes in a lot of parts. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers. I laughed, and I cried and I loved this book.