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reading_ladies_blog's review
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Death, and Grief
spow's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
As much as I love a super steamy romance, there are times where all I want is a sweet cheesy romance, and “The Book Swap” more than checked that box for me. I liked this book for the simplicity in the love story…for how simple and pure it is to fall in love with someone within the margins of a book. This is book is not all unicorns and rainbows—both Erin and James have messy pasts and messy present lives that the reader sees them deal with. With as messy as their lives are though, the actual reading and romance part was so simple and heartwarming.
This is not a perfect read by any means. There are times I felt like the author included drama for drama’s sake, and it feels like every character in the book comes with some kind of conflict. This book also talks to some really heavy themes, so if you aren’t up for anything serious, you probably won’t like this book. As book nerd myself though, I really loved the way the romance plays out so I enjoyed this read. 3.5 stars/5.
**Thank you so much to NetGalley, Harlequin Trading and Tessa Bickers for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I appreciate the opportunity!**
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, and Mental illness
ofclumsywords's review against another edition
A lot of depressing themes that I really don’t want to read about. Both characters had more things to complain about than not, and hardly anything about books. I was reading for the books; not the dead best friend, sick mom, past bullying, or both characters complaining about how terrible their parents are.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Blood, and Grief
egkohler's review
I agree with a previous reviewer that it could’ve left the reader to interpret on their own; it didn’t lean so heavily on the telling than showing, but felt amateurish while reading. It threw me also when she was talking to her friend in her room, because you find out it’s a ghost/memory, so it just felt…a bit silly? I have a lot of opinions on how she handled both characters narratives, but I’ll not get into it. All in all, I do see the appeal in the concept, but I don’t think this writing of it is for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Cancer, Death, and Grief
ivi_reads_books's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I appreciated the characters' deep love for reading and writing, as well as the strong portrayal of friendship. However, the focus on bullying and mental health issues often overshadowed the romance, which made the balance of the story feel uneven for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Mental illness, and Terminal illness
jg34's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
For a cartoon cover I was shocked at how much this book made me FEEL! What I was expecting was a rom com but what I got was a meaningful story about late 20 somethings dealing with grief, trauma, and the all too familiar quarter life crisis.
Bonnie, James and Erin were the best of friends back in high school. Think Perks of Being a Wallflower. The girls brought James in and became his first real friends after years of relentless bullying. They were INFINITE. Until James broke Erin’s trust and the friendship group with it.
Years and years later, Bonnie has passed away and Erin and James keep running into each other in chance encounters. Erin still holds a grudge for James’ betrayal and all James wants is a chance to explain himself. The two unknowingly start up an anonymous correspondence with each other where they slowly form a friendship again.
However, those looking for a romance do be warned this is much more about the characters individual journeys than it is about their relationship. The two spend this novel learning about themselves, how they treat people and how they want to spend their life going forward. I will say my hopeless romantic heart felt the ending was very underwhelming, but I enjoyed the time it took to get there! ALMOST got some tears outta me too.
I’m glad I read this! I loved all the book references too, makes me want to go back and brush up on some of the classics. If you love Mhairi MacFarlane I think you will love this as well. I’m excited to see what else this author has to offer.
Bonnie, James and Erin were the best of friends back in high school. Think Perks of Being a Wallflower. The girls brought James in and became his first real friends after years of relentless bullying. They were INFINITE. Until James broke Erin’s trust and the friendship group with it.
Years and years later, Bonnie has passed away and Erin and James keep running into each other in chance encounters. Erin still holds a grudge for James’ betrayal and all James wants is a chance to explain himself. The two unknowingly start up an anonymous correspondence with each other where they slowly form a friendship again.
However, those looking for a romance do be warned this is much more about the characters individual journeys than it is about their relationship. The two spend this novel learning about themselves, how they treat people and how they want to spend their life going forward. I will say my hopeless romantic heart felt the ending was very underwhelming, but I enjoyed the time it took to get there! ALMOST got some tears outta me too.
I’m glad I read this! I loved all the book references too, makes me want to go back and brush up on some of the classics. If you love Mhairi MacFarlane I think you will love this as well. I’m excited to see what else this author has to offer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, and Death
Moderate: Infidelity
elnorman's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
“The Book Swap” by Tessa Bickers is an enchanting debut romance novel which is great for book lovers and lovers of second chances involving following one’s dreams and heart. Set around a Little Library in London which two book lovers exchanging messages through margin notes in classic novels, this is an uplighting and heartwarming book with very believable characters. I appreciated the realistic portrayals of mental health challenges, bullying and difficulties of caregiving for parents. I only wish that the book had been extended a bit. Looking forward to more by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts
kerosenelit's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.0
From the very start, this story was a challenge to follow. Even halfway through, I found myself struggling to grasp what was happening. The narrative structure was super disjointed, with sporadic flashbacks and timeline shifts, making it difficult to initially tell whether a scene was set in the past or present.
At the heart of the story are two grieving characters, Erin and James, who communicate through the margins of classic novels in a community library. Their shared history is heartbreaking, and while I couldn't care less about classic literature, it was touching to see them connect through a mutual interest, unaware that they actually know each other in real life.
I really sympathized with James and the burdens he carries—losing a friend, the complicated history with Erin, his past experiences with bullying, and caring for a parent with bipolar disorder. I wanted to give him a hug. Despite these hard-hitting elements, which are usually things I love in a story, the writing and incredibly slow-moving plot made it difficult to truly feel invested.
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
At the heart of the story are two grieving characters, Erin and James, who communicate through the margins of classic novels in a community library. Their shared history is heartbreaking, and while I couldn't care less about classic literature, it was touching to see them connect through a mutual interest, unaware that they actually know each other in real life.
I really sympathized with James and the burdens he carries—losing a friend, the complicated history with Erin, his past experiences with bullying, and caring for a parent with bipolar disorder. I wanted to give him a hug. Despite these hard-hitting elements, which are usually things I love in a story, the writing and incredibly slow-moving plot made it difficult to truly feel invested.
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Mental illness, and Grief
smileymiley550's review
emotional
reflective
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
3.0
While this is marketed as a semi-"You've Got Mail" romance, this book is emotional and reflective at its best, and juvenile at its worst. The romance takes a backseat while character development, grief, mental illness, and complex family dynamics are in the driver's seat. It's pretty decent for general fiction , but I wouldn't categorize it as a romance.
The story follows 2 characters that were best mates in school until a misunderstanding causes a fissure in their relationship. These characters are stuck--unable to decipher their desires, pursue their passions, effectively communicate, and generally deal with the complex reality of life. AKA, they're in arrested development and stuck in their juvenile patterns of behavior and thinking. They are both coping with grief over their mutual best friend who died young of advanced cancer and they are both struggling with familial relations. A book swap through their neighborhood little free library brings them back together and re-ignites their love for literature.
"The Book Swap" had a very slow start that didn't feel entirely necessary, at least in Erin's part. The book swapping was easily the highlight. I did really enjoyed the siblings and their dynamics with the main characters. I'm the oldest sibling, but Georgia is a dream of a big sister. James I liked but Erin irritated me most times--I'm not convinced she's grown past her grief, abandonment issues, and inability to forgive.
I am grateful for the free ARC enook copy that was provided to me by NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Graydon House. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Death, Mental illness, and Grief
Minor: Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, and Pregnancy
dabreu's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Terminal illness, and Grief