This book was a lot heavier than I had thought it would be from the cover. It was a nice read but was just a LOT at times, but I suppose that’s my own fault for having misconceptions. Overall it was a good book, but not necessarily my cup of tea.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC.

Erin, Bonnie and James were great friends in school until something happened that made Erin hate James. We get halfway through the book before we learn what he did and why.

Then Bonnie died from cancer three years ago and Erin has been inconsolable with grief ever since. One day she tidies up and mistakenly leaves her favourite, heavily annotated book in one of these small free libraries that aren't more than three shelves under a wooden roof, standing somewhere on the roadside. When she races back to get it, it's gone, but some weeks later it reappears, with someone having added fresh notes in the margins. So begins a You've Got Mail-style correspondence over several exchanged classics between apparent strangers. Erin calls him Mystery Man and James calls her Margins Girl. Before they realise who they are corresponding with, they forge a deep connection through the questions they ask each other and which reveals their traumas and what they really want to do in life.

Lovers of classic literature will adore this book. I liked it but for me there was a bit too much trauma and therapy speak in this book for my liking - it's all about doing what you love, following your dreams and living your life to the full. The actual romance seems to come second.

But it's a love letter to books, and as such it really works.

"Sometimes redemption isn’t just about saying sorry, it’s about how you recover from the mistakes you make. Bettering yourself is the best kind of apology you can make."

3.75 stars

Title: The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers

Release Date: September, 5th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Erin Connolly, still grappling with the aftermath of a recent tragedy, accidentally donates her cherished copy of "To Kill a Mockingbird" to a local library. Devastated by the loss, she's surprised when the book reappears with fresh notes and an invitation from a Mystery Man. Thus begins a life-changing exchange written in the margins of classic novels. As they navigate their shared love for literature, Erin and her pen pal forge a deep connection, unraveling secrets and facing painful memories from their pasts. As their bond deepens, Erin finds herself at a crossroads that could alter her life forever.

This book is like a hidden gem, offering unexpected depth as it dives into themes of grief, trauma, and personal growth, all wrapped up in a heartwarming romance.

While the pace might not be for everyone, the bond between Erin and James, forged through their shared love of literature, shines brightly.

"The Book Swap" is ultimately a celebration of the healing power of stories and the journey toward forgiveness. Recommend for anyone looking for a cute romance but with depth and realistic issues and growth.

Thank you to The Publisher Hodder & Stoughton ,The Author Tessa Bickers & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers
Rating:3/5
Release Date: 5 September 2024

Still grappling with a recent tragedy, Erin Connolly realises she must start embracing life again, yet she's uncertain where to begin. When she accidentally donates her cherished, heavily annotated copy of "To Kill a Mockingbird"—containing a priceless memento—to a local community library, she's devastated. However, her despair turns to astonishment when the book reappears a week later, adorned with fresh notes in the margins and accompanied by an invitation, nestled within the pages of "Great Expectations," from her newfound pen pal.

Thus commences a life-altering exchange, conducted solely within the margins of beloved literary classics, between Erin and her Mystery Man. As they traverse the pages of their favourite novels in an ongoing book exchange, they gradually open up to each other, forming a profound friendship... and perhaps something more.

Yet, both Erin and her pen pal are unaware of their shared history, hidden beneath layers of time. Confronted by painful reminders of the past and the one person she vowed never to forgive, Erin finds herself standing at a pivotal juncture—one that could reshape her future forever.

Overall, the read was not a bad one, it just didn’t feel as if it aligned with my expectations. I found it somewhat unfocused and not as enjoyable as I had hoped. I anticipated a light-hearted rom-com read, but it delves into themes of grief, bullying, and mental illness, making it far from a light and happy story, and in turn, I found myself struggling with this book. While I was eager to delve into the book swaps and witness the progression of their relationship, there were numerous side plots that felt unnecessary to me. I found myself wishing for more focus on the central storyline.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and the author, Tessa Bickers, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.