Hi all!
Welcome back to The Ultimate Reading Challenge! I outlined in 2022 how the new series will work here, so check that out before progressing further. For my seventh challenge, I read The Switch by Beth O’Leary. I am going to share my thoughts, where I read it, and what my prize was for completing the prompt. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Spoilers Ahead!
Plot: ‘The Switch’ by Beth O’Leary:
When overachiever, Leena Cotton, is ordered to take a two-month sabbatical after blowing a big presentation at work, she escapes to her grandmother Eileen’s house for some overdue rest. Eileen is newly single and about to turn eighty. She’d like a second chance at love, but her tiny Yorkshire village doesn’t offer many eligible gentlemen.
Once Leena learns of Eileen’s romantic predicament, she proposes a solution: a two-month swap. Eileen can live in London and look for love. Meanwhile Leena will look after everything in rural Yorkshire. But with gossiping neighbours and difficult family dynamics to navigate up north, and trendy London flatmates and online dating to contend with in the city, stepping into one another’s shoes proves more difficult than either of them expected.
Review: ‘The Switch’ by Beth O’Leary:
The Switch was such a wholesome, feel-good story. It left me with a big smile. To be fair, it was a touch predictable. I knew where the plot was going, but that didn’t ruin my enjoyment. I want to mention just how much I appreciated the elderly representation from Beth O’ Leary. It was so refreshing to read from a woman in her 80’s having sex, making friends and going on adventures. It was also quite a deep story that touched my heart. Please note the trigger warning for death of a family member, cancer and grief. If you pick this novel up, prepare to laugh and cry. I truly enjoyed how both women learnt how to adapt in each other’s worlds. Coming from a small town, I connect to people of Hamleigh. I think it’s my favourite book in the author’s bibliography so far.
Where I Read ‘The Switch’:
I will admit, I used a bit of a loophole with this prompt. It doesn’t say you have to read the entire book in a place you’ve never read before. It just says to read in a new setting. I ended up reading some of the novel in my comfortable outdoor chair and the rest in bed. It was a nice change and one I will implement more often.
Prize For Completing The Challenge:
As you can see below, my prize for completing the prompt was this adorable typewriter keyring. I love it so much; I attached it to my wallet!
Thank you so much for reading! I will see you next month for a new bookish challenge!
Peace & Love xoxo