Reviews

The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

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olyapro's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

leniece94's review against another edition

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lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I liked the premise of this book, but it didn’t have enough Christmas or romance for me. The focus was more on the sisters relationship and that’s just not what I was reading it for.

lindsayleigh27's review against another edition

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3.0

I'd say if you're looking for a Hallmark movie in book form, this is for you. The protagonists and their love interests are sugary sweet and are very good, normal people. Even most of the characters who are "annoying" or make poor choices, have a redemption (except for one). The small town is also a Hallmark movie set with being a Christmas mecca, snow-capped mountains, cozy bakery, etc. The romances are also very G-rated so it's family-friendly and would recommended for a 15 yr old.

It was cute, I liked it, but it was so sugary sweet that it was very middle of the road for me. Didn't blow me away.

npolston's review against another edition

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2.0

a lighthearted, easy read that was pretty boring but definitely delivered on all the holiday cheer and small town sweetness

sharada_mohan's review against another edition

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4.0

A perfect wintery, feel-good & sweet romance for the season!

Given the book’s popularity, I will keep things short -

Charlie Goodwin is a pastry chef and the judge of a reality baking show in LA. Her twin Cass, runs the family bakery in their small mountainous & picturesque hometown. They both decide to switch lives when Charlie gets a concussion losing her ability to carry out her job.

What I liked –

• The idea behind the twins swapping places
• Small town charm & it’s magical ambience during the snowy Christmas time – this gave me all the vibes of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls!
• The family bakery & it’s legacy with all the time tested recipes
• Mouth-watering dessert descriptions – the aromas & spices.
• Jake & Miguel – the genuinely good hearted & handsome beaus of Charlie & Cass- oh my absolutely swoon worthy!
• The character of Cass – her resolve, quick thinking & the ability to stand up for herself & her sister.
• Realistic characterization
• Wonderful supporting characters of Walter & Faye

What could’ve been better –

• The portrayal of the twins’ relationship – this lacked depth & the communication gap while they reversed roles was a bit far-fetched & eye-roll worthy.
• Charlie’s character – her complacent & submissive nature were so irritating at times, I wanted to give her a piece of my mind to do something about it!

This book invokes all the festive vibes, the true spirit of Christmas and the joy of togetherness while throwing light on the importance of realizing what really matters in life.

Definitely worth a read if you are looking for some holiday-themed romance with a gorgeous snowy setting!

channy0630's review against another edition

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3.0

Finally got around to reading my book of the month from last December and it was fine. A little too cutesy/disneyish for my taste, but a nice story about identical twin sisters who swapped lives during the chaos of the holidays, found themselves in trouble, and managed to magically work everything out. Insta-love, small town romance, zero spice.