Corina's Reviews > The Switch

The Switch by Beth O'Leary
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it was amazing
bookshelves: standalone, sweet, 5-stars, british
Read 2 times. Last read August 14, 2020 to September 5, 2020.

Now that I’ve wrapped up The Switch, I totally get why I adored The Flatshare so much. It’s not just the story—it’s the writing that really resonates with me.

The Writing
For me, The Switch really showcases the author’s unique writing style. Beyond the engaging and heartwarming story, it’s the way she writes that had me laughing out loud. Simple conversations and inner monologues were enough to crack me up. I think I’ve found an author who truly clicks with me.

The Story
The story itself was undeniably charming, heartwarming, and full of feel-good moments. But there was so much more depth beneath the surface. The theme of learning to move on and forgive after a shocking loss added layers to the plot, while still keeping the overall vibe uplifting and joyful.

The alternating points of view between Leena and Eileen were a brilliant choice. Both characters were so engaging and lovable, I honestly couldn’t pick which one I liked more. They’re both so dear to my heart.

Like her debut novel, this one had a few subplots that kept things moving, so it never felt slow or boring. From the very beginning, I was hooked. There was always something happening.

The Characters
Oh wow, there were so many amazing characters in this book. The older generation? Hilarious! I’ve got a soft spot for senior characters—think Missy Carmichael, the folks from The Big Finish, and of course, Ove. The author nailed their personalities: they were cranky, witty, loyal, and so supportive. The gang in London was equally wonderful and full of personality, and they welcomed Eileen with open arms.

The bond between Leena and her grandmother was the emotional core of the story, but all the other friendships—new and old—made this book unforgettable.

To the Point
I absolutely loved this book, and I’ll be buying a hardcover as soon as I can because I need a copy on my bookshelf.

I highly recommend it!



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Reading Progress

February 20, 2020 – Shelved
February 20, 2020 – Shelved as: to-read
May 2, 2020 – Started Reading
May 4, 2020 – Shelved as: standalone
May 4, 2020 – Finished Reading
May 26, 2020 – Shelved as: sweet
May 26, 2020 – Shelved as: 5-stars
May 26, 2020 – Shelved as: british
August 14, 2020 – Started Reading
September 5, 2020 – Finished Reading

Comments Showing 1-18 of 18 (18 new)

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TARA I'm so glad it lived up to expectations after The Flatshare. Great review.


Corina tara wrote: "I'm so glad it lived up to expectations after The Flatshare. Great review."

I was a tad worried :D but as soon as I got into the book I knew I would love it.


TARA Corina wrote: "tara wrote: "I'm so glad it lived up to expectations after The Flatshare. Great review."

I was a tad worried :D but as soon as I got into the book I knew I would love it."


Thats so great. I should say that wasn't the case for me, sadly :(


Corina tara wrote: "Corina wrote: "tara wrote: "I'm so glad it lived up to expectations after The Flatshare. Great review."

I was a tad worried :D but as soon as I got into the book I knew I would love it."

Thats so..."


I'm sorry for you, but it happens, and has happened to me as well. I'll just move on to something better. Are you giving her next book a try?


TARA Corina wrote: "tara wrote: "Corina wrote: "tara wrote: "I'm so glad it lived up to expectations after The Flatshare. Great review."

I was a tad worried :D but as soon as I got into the book I knew I would love i..."


Of course, bound to happen. Yes I will always give her books a go after The Flatshare. Her writing really suits me, The Switch just lacked something for me. Thanks lovely x


Corina tara wrote: "Corina wrote: "tara wrote: "Corina wrote: "tara wrote: "I'm so glad it lived up to expectations after The Flatshare. Great review."

I was a tad worried :D but as soon as I got into the book I knew..."


I hear you :D


Juani Such a great review!Beth O'Leary is amazing and I will forever read anything she writes.


Corina Juani wrote: "Such a great review!Beth O'Leary is amazing and I will forever read anything she writes."

Thank you 😊 and I feel the same!


message 9: by Anne OK (new)

Anne OK Fantastic review -- made me want to download immediately.


Corina Anne OK wrote: "Fantastic review -- made me want to download immediately."

awww - that makes me happy :D


Shannon I don't recommend the audiobook, unless it went through some changes in production from what I listened to on NetGalley.


Corina Shannon wrote: "I don't recommend the audiobook, unless it went through some changes in production from what I listened to on NetGalley."

Shannon, I know what you mean, I'm still at the beginning but already found some areas that could need some editing.


book bruin Agree with Shannon. I also had some issues with the audiobook. I was hoping it was just because of Netgalley :(


Corina book bruin wrote: "Agree with Shannon. I also had some issues with the audiobook. I was hoping it was just because of Netgalley :("

Yikes, that's unfortunate. I'm not far into it yet, but have noticed a difference in volume between narrators.


Claudia Pinillos I definitely had more issues with the audio on netgalley, it seems the app doesn’t handle faster speeds well and it ends up sounding echo-y and weird. But, I did end up really enjoying the book. (Once I stopped listening in NetGalley) 😅


Corina Claudia wrote: "I definitely had more issues with the audio on netgalley, it seems the app doesn’t handle faster speeds well and it ends up sounding echo-y and weird. But, I did end up really enjoying the book. (O..."

Oh, so it sounds like it's a NetGalley issue. I've read the book a couple months ago and loved it. But since I got the audiobook through NetGalley I wanted to try it as well. I'm a sucker for British narrators. :D


Danielle I cannot wait to listen to this one. I loved the Flatshare and therefore immediately added this one to my TBR list. Your review has me even more excited!! Hooray for fabulous books!!


Corina Danielle wrote: "I cannot wait to listen to this one. I loved the Flatshare and therefore immediately added this one to my TBR list. Your review has me even more excited!! Hooray for fabulous books!!"

Danielle, she is becoming an auto read author for me. Love her writing so much, don't care what she writes about - lol. Can't wait to hear your thoughts about the audiobook.


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