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A review by lololovesthings
The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars.
"The Book Swap" by Tessa Bickers is a lot heavier than I expected it to be. That doesn't detract from how good this book is. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I made my heart squeeze and ache the entire time I read it. It's cute, reflective, intimate, and interestingly explores grief. and loss. The strongest parts involve the main characters, Erin and James, who each have quite a bit of individual baggage in their lives. When they begin exchanging books at the little library, they divulge who they really are and who they want to be to each other in the process. These moments made my heart swell. But, as with all books like this, things eventually go wrong. I am glad this was a dual point of view book because without it, I fear James would have been basically erased. His character would have been stronger and more bold. Erin definitely needs to go to therapy, hahaha. The story has quite a few moving parts, which bog it down here and there. My focus felt all over the place, but overall, I found this to be an engaging and compelling read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tessa Bickers, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Graydon House for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"The Book Swap" by Tessa Bickers is a lot heavier than I expected it to be. That doesn't detract from how good this book is. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I made my heart squeeze and ache the entire time I read it. It's cute, reflective, intimate, and interestingly explores grief. and loss. The strongest parts involve the main characters, Erin and James, who each have quite a bit of individual baggage in their lives. When they begin exchanging books at the little library, they divulge who they really are and who they want to be to each other in the process. These moments made my heart swell. But, as with all books like this, things eventually go wrong. I am glad this was a dual point of view book because without it, I fear James would have been basically erased. His character would have been stronger and more bold. Erin definitely needs to go to therapy, hahaha. The story has quite a few moving parts, which bog it down here and there. My focus felt all over the place, but overall, I found this to be an engaging and compelling read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tessa Bickers, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Graydon House for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Mental illness, and Grief