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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
_koreen_'s review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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
4.5
This book was everything I love about reading. Through Erin and James love story , Tessa captures what it truly feels like to live, grieve and grow.
This book will have you crying , giggling, and screaming for the characters. I am definitely recommending this book to all my friends and family . ❤️❤️ I can’t wait for publication day so I can add this to my physical book collection ❤️
Favorite quote :
“ I know while I’m not okay at all, one day I will be and for the days I’m not , There’s always the sunshine “
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book will have you crying , giggling, and screaming for the characters. I am definitely recommending this book to all my friends and family . ❤️❤️ I can’t wait for publication day so I can add this to my physical book collection ❤️
Favorite quote :
“ I know while I’m not okay at all, one day I will be and for the days I’m not , There’s always the sunshine “
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Graydon House, an imprint of Harlequin Enterprises ULC, for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
Minor: Pregnancy
lindseybarnett's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Child death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Alcohol