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kaulhilo's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars / oh this was ridiculously adorably unbelievably perfect! i can’t believe i’ve been putting off this book for years because i was convinced it’d be some nonsense but it’s just.. wonderful.
cduu's review against another edition
4.0
Cute
Short and sweet. Nothing crazy, but will have you smiling and escaping for a few hours into a little world filled with lovable characters.
Short and sweet. Nothing crazy, but will have you smiling and escaping for a few hours into a little world filled with lovable characters.
literarylily's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
meghan_plethoraofpages's review against another edition
4.0
The Switch by Beth O’Leary
This lovely little gem of a book is a dual perspective story, alternating between Leena, late twenties-something corporate workaholic and her 79 year-old grandmother Eileen. After both experiencing major loss and subsequent grief, both women are looking for a change, a chance to experience life a little differently for a while. They exchange homes, and lifestyles, for 2 months, and we follow along with “The Switch”.
I absolutely loved the premise. I thought it was cute, quirky, and charming. There’s a lovable cast of characters, feisty seniors, and adorable, although predictable romances. Eileen was definitely my favourite narrator, and her sense of humour was refreshing.
I listened to this on audiobook, I really enjoyed having a separate voice actor for each of the two narrators. It was a book easily followed on audio, and lighthearted enough that I could follow along with the story without getting distracted while completing other tasks.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book for those looking for a charming book covering second-chances, grief, and friendship in unlikely places. Yes, there’s a big cheese factor, but if you’re into that, I think you’d really enjoy it for what it is.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to an e-audiobook copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
This lovely little gem of a book is a dual perspective story, alternating between Leena, late twenties-something corporate workaholic and her 79 year-old grandmother Eileen. After both experiencing major loss and subsequent grief, both women are looking for a change, a chance to experience life a little differently for a while. They exchange homes, and lifestyles, for 2 months, and we follow along with “The Switch”.
I absolutely loved the premise. I thought it was cute, quirky, and charming. There’s a lovable cast of characters, feisty seniors, and adorable, although predictable romances. Eileen was definitely my favourite narrator, and her sense of humour was refreshing.
I listened to this on audiobook, I really enjoyed having a separate voice actor for each of the two narrators. It was a book easily followed on audio, and lighthearted enough that I could follow along with the story without getting distracted while completing other tasks.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book for those looking for a charming book covering second-chances, grief, and friendship in unlikely places. Yes, there’s a big cheese factor, but if you’re into that, I think you’d really enjoy it for what it is.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to an e-audiobook copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
eveivona's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
evarano's review against another edition
4.0
I would rate this a 4.5
My second audiobook! I wasn't going to request this until I saw I could try the audiobook and thought, why not? I'm so happy I did!
After a panic attack at work, Leena is ordered to take a two month sabbatical, which she is not happy about. Living in London, grieving and constantly working, Leena has no idea what she'll do with her time off. Eileen, her grandmother is about to turn 80 and is single for the first time in many, many years. Looking for love, but not being able to find it in her small town, she's seeking a change. Leena suggests a switch, she'll go to the sleepy town with its quirky residents and her estranged mother, and Eileen will stay at Leena's flat in London, with her roommates, trying to find love. The switch will leave both with hopes, challenges and more.
I loved this booK! It was so sweet, so well written and the characters were great, very well developed. I loved the narration, the back and forth between Leena and Eileen and the different voices for both-brilliantly done. The expression in the voice really added another layer to the story. The pacing was perfect. I just loved the characters, they were sweet and so funny. There were so many minor storylines that added to the story and were perfectly interwoven. I honestly just loved all the characters, this book was so much more than I thought it'd be. It covered many important topics. It was so refreshing to read older characters, their thoughts and ideas were great to see represented. If anything, I found with the audiobook and the amount of characters it was sometimes hard to remember who was who for a second, but it wasn't a crazy problem. There is a lot going on in this book but it doesn't drag on. I was super happy with the way everything came together. I found this book to be funny, sweet and very real.
My second audiobook! I wasn't going to request this until I saw I could try the audiobook and thought, why not? I'm so happy I did!
After a panic attack at work, Leena is ordered to take a two month sabbatical, which she is not happy about. Living in London, grieving and constantly working, Leena has no idea what she'll do with her time off. Eileen, her grandmother is about to turn 80 and is single for the first time in many, many years. Looking for love, but not being able to find it in her small town, she's seeking a change. Leena suggests a switch, she'll go to the sleepy town with its quirky residents and her estranged mother, and Eileen will stay at Leena's flat in London, with her roommates, trying to find love. The switch will leave both with hopes, challenges and more.
I loved this booK! It was so sweet, so well written and the characters were great, very well developed. I loved the narration, the back and forth between Leena and Eileen and the different voices for both-brilliantly done. The expression in the voice really added another layer to the story. The pacing was perfect. I just loved the characters, they were sweet and so funny. There were so many minor storylines that added to the story and were perfectly interwoven. I honestly just loved all the characters, this book was so much more than I thought it'd be. It covered many important topics. It was so refreshing to read older characters, their thoughts and ideas were great to see represented. If anything, I found with the audiobook and the amount of characters it was sometimes hard to remember who was who for a second, but it wasn't a crazy problem. There is a lot going on in this book but it doesn't drag on. I was super happy with the way everything came together. I found this book to be funny, sweet and very real.
evarano's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 ⭐️
My second audiobook! I wasn't going to request this until I saw I could try the audiobook and thought, why not? I'm so happy I did!
After a panic attack at work, Leena is ordered to take a two month sabbatical, which she is not happy about. Living in London, grieving and constantly working, Leena has no idea what she'll do with her time off. Eileen, her grandmother is about to turn 80 and is single for the first time in many, many years. Looking for love, but not being able to find it in her small town, she's seeking a change. Leena suggests a switch, she'll go to the sleepy town with its quirky residents and her estranged mother, and Eileen will stay at Leena's flat in London, with her roommates, trying to find love. The switch will leave both with hopes, challenges and more.
I loved this booK! It was so sweet, so well written and the characters were great, very well developed. I loved the narration, the back and forth between Leena and Eileen and the different voices for both-brilliantly done. The expression in the voice really added another layer to the story. The pacing was perfect. I just loved the characters, they were sweet and so funny. There were so many minor storylines that added to the story and were perfectly interwoven. I honestly just loved all the characters, this book was so much more than I thought it'd be. It covered many important topics. It was so refreshing to read older characters, their thoughts and ideas were great to see represented. If anything, I found with the audiobook and the amount of characters it was sometimes hard to remember who was who for a second, but it wasn't a crazy problem. There is a lot going on in this book but it doesn't drag on. I was super happy with the way everything came together. I found this book to be funny, sweet and very real. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review!
My second audiobook! I wasn't going to request this until I saw I could try the audiobook and thought, why not? I'm so happy I did!
After a panic attack at work, Leena is ordered to take a two month sabbatical, which she is not happy about. Living in London, grieving and constantly working, Leena has no idea what she'll do with her time off. Eileen, her grandmother is about to turn 80 and is single for the first time in many, many years. Looking for love, but not being able to find it in her small town, she's seeking a change. Leena suggests a switch, she'll go to the sleepy town with its quirky residents and her estranged mother, and Eileen will stay at Leena's flat in London, with her roommates, trying to find love. The switch will leave both with hopes, challenges and more.
I loved this booK! It was so sweet, so well written and the characters were great, very well developed. I loved the narration, the back and forth between Leena and Eileen and the different voices for both-brilliantly done. The expression in the voice really added another layer to the story. The pacing was perfect. I just loved the characters, they were sweet and so funny. There were so many minor storylines that added to the story and were perfectly interwoven. I honestly just loved all the characters, this book was so much more than I thought it'd be. It covered many important topics. It was so refreshing to read older characters, their thoughts and ideas were great to see represented. If anything, I found with the audiobook and the amount of characters it was sometimes hard to remember who was who for a second, but it wasn't a crazy problem. There is a lot going on in this book but it doesn't drag on. I was super happy with the way everything came together. I found this book to be funny, sweet and very real. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review!
_georgiasmith's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Switch is the perfect heartwarming story that covers the importance of family, self-discovery, and the unexpected twists and turns of romance, all with a touch of humor and lightheartedness.
Firstly, I absolutely loved Eileen as a character. She was so witty, loving and had a determined spirit that was inspiring. I enjoyed following her adventure more than Leena's and her dating experiences were so entertaining.
Leena on the other hand, I didn't connect to. I almost wish the book had been fully about Eileen, although I enjoyed the older characters she'd "left behind" in her village for Leena to look after. To me, her character at times was far too childish, and I wish certain plot points had happened sooner for her, which probably would have made this book a 5 star for me.
Overall this was such an enjoyable read that left me smiling from ear-to-ear. And of course, I'll now be asking myself "What would Eileen Cotton do?"
Firstly, I absolutely loved Eileen as a character. She was so witty, loving and had a determined spirit that was inspiring. I enjoyed following her adventure more than Leena's and her dating experiences were so entertaining.
Leena on the other hand, I didn't connect to. I almost wish the book had been fully about Eileen, although I enjoyed the older characters she'd "left behind" in her village for Leena to look after. To me, her character at times was far too childish, and I wish certain plot points had happened sooner for her, which probably would have made this book a 5 star for me.
Overall this was such an enjoyable read that left me smiling from ear-to-ear. And of course, I'll now be asking myself "What would Eileen Cotton do?"
ebube's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75