I don’t know about you, but the lockdown has me reading SO many new books and as a result, I have loads of great recommendations for you! This month’s pick is called The Switch by newcomer Beth O’Leary. The Switch is the heartwarming tale of Leena and her grandmother, Eileen. In need of a change they decide to swap lives for 2 months. The Switch is full of laugh out loud moments, relationship meltdowns and a whole lot of love. It is what I would describe as the perfect feel-good summer read!

Beth O’Leary

Beth O’Leary is an author whose books have been translated into more than 30 languages! She wrote her first novel, The Flatshare, on her journey to work at a children’s publisher which was featured on The Sunday Times top 5 bestseller list, and is now a full-time writer. The Switch is her second novel which was released in the UK in April 2020.

Beth describes her novels as “uplifting love stories – the sorts of books you reach for when you need a hug”

The Switch

The Switch follows Leena, a young professional living the London life. She has a great career, a ‘loving’ boyfriend, and shares a flat with some of her closest friends. Everything is going great, until one day she completely flunks a presentation at work (Leena NEVER messes up) and her life is turned upside down. Her boss calls her into the office and demands she takes 2 months out. What on earth is she going to fill her time with?

Eileen is Leena’s grandmother who lives in a small village in Yorkshire. She’s newly single, about to turn 80 and in need of a new adventure, and has always wanted to do a stint in London. When Leena goes up to visit Eileen and learns of Eileen’s quest for real love, Leena hatches a plan! A life swap – houses, mobiles and friends included, which makes for an exciting turn of events.

To begin with, Leena feels totally lost in Yorkshire. She agrees to take on Eileen’s commitments in the village which is made up of lots of committees and groups, dog walking and helping her sometimes grumpy neighbours. Then there’s also the long-distance relationship she is trying to hold onto plus reconnecting with her mum.

Eileen gets her dating profile set up, and Leena’s friends guide her into the modern era of online dating. Eileen is a massive hit with Leena’s friends and neighbours, setting up the Silver Shoreditchers Social Club in the community area at the flat. But is this new life really the one that Eileen wants or is her true love closer to home?

Eileen Cotton proves you don’t have to be in your thirties to be Bridget Jones. A triumph of a second novel

Anstey Harris

The Switch is a tale of families, friendships and love. Of how sometimes, as humans, we need to slow down, reflect and be grateful for all of the beautiful things life has to offer. This story is funny, warm, and an absolute joy to read, and I couldn’t recommend it enough. Especially if you are feeling a bit low in lockdown and need a virtual hug. Best enjoyed with your favourite cup of tea or coffee! Let me know what you think in the comments!

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