Lynnie
romance, contemporary fiction
I was expecting The Book Swap to be a traditional, light-hearted rom-com. Instead Tessa Bickers has crafted a story about romance, yes, but also about grief, family, forgiveness, mental health challenges and coming to terms with your past.
Erin is trying to find her path forward after tragedy. James is trying to navigate a job he doesn't love, a family in turmoil, and his own losses. Coming together through their community library by sharing messages in the margins of books gives each of them the space to share themselves and tell each other truths that neither of them have shared with someone before. It does help to have read the books that the characters swap but I don't think you miss anything if you haven't. There were a couple I either haven't read or read them so long ago I don't remember much about the books and I still enjoyed the marginalia. (Also, that is two book reviews in a month where I got to use the word marginalia!)
Yes, of course, rom-com shenanigans and miscommunications ensue. Aside from the two enjoyable main characters, the secondary characters in this book were wonderful. I loved the family dynamics and interactions, even when they were painful or awkward and I genuinely cared about the outcomes.
The Book Swap is a quick, charming book and my only complaint is the lack of an epilogue. I would have enjoyed a peek into a happily ever after.
This book will be published on September 3, 2024. Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House and NetGalley for the advance copy.
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