It’s the day before Christmas, and Jane Shaw’s biggest concern is that her young charges, the girls at the Sheridan Girls’ Home, will behave during the annual inspection by their patrons, the very wealthy Frank and Irene Sheridan.
That changes when the Sheridans’ daughter, Jacquelyn, nearly identical in looks to Jane, shows up instead of her parents. When Jacquelyn suggests that they switch clothing as a lark, Jane is uneasy, but she can’t say no.
A series of mishaps takes Jane to the Sheridans’ mansion and leaves Jacquelyn stuck in Jane’s clothes and life. Can they undo the switch before Christmas?
One thing’s for certain—this will be a Christmas they’ll never forget . . .
Karen McQuestion is an Amazon Charts bestselling author whose books have sold over three million copies. Some of her titles include The Moonlight Child, Dovetail, and A Limited Run.
Her publishing story has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and NPR. Additionally she appeared on ABC's World News Now and America This Morning.
A lovely Christmas Novella! Karen McQuestion knows how to tug on your heart, keep you turning the pages and bring tears to your eyes. A Switch Before Christmas has everything a wonderful Christmas story needs, love, joy, laughter, sadness, redemption and most of all hope for a brighter future. I recommend all three of Karen’s Christmas stories including Wish Upon A Christmas Star and A Time-Travel Christmas.
A charming, feel-good Christmas tale with a twist! This book delivers cozy vibes, sweet surprises, and just the right sprinkle of holiday magic. Jane and Jacquelyn’s mix-up is equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, making this the perfect festive escape. A delightful, uplifting read that leaves you smiling—pure Christmas comfort!
Karen is an amazing writer! When I start one of her books, I can't put it down! "A switch Before Christmas" shows the true meaning of Christmas!! I have loved every one of your books! Keep writing!! 📚💕
I absolutely loved this. What a wonderful story at Christmas time! This is one I shall definitely be recommending. Orphan children and a lady of means but no real empathy due to lack of knowledge and understanding, a perfect tale for Christmas.
Oh my goodness! If you are looking for that one special Christmas book to read during the holidays, I have just the book for you. It is A Switch Before Christmas by Karen McQuestion. This book will be one of those you will want to read every year. It will also make a great Christmas present for any reader on your Christmas list. I fell in love with this book and although I am not one to re-read books, this is going to definitely be on repeat for me.
This was such a heartwarming story and one that I won’t forget for a long time. It takes place during the depression when things were tough. It is about a place called The Sheridan Girl’s Home. Some girls were orphans and some were there because their parents did not have the resources to take care of them. Just think about how sad that would be. These girls are only given just the necessities they need. They walk a mile to school and have chores to do when they get back. They don't have a very easy life and don’t expect one either.
I did however enjoy their story and how they celebrate Christmas without gifts. This book really brings home how good life is for most of us. It may be hard but, we are pretty fortunate not to live in this time period as a person who doesn’t have much. There are many lessons to learn in this book. Things work out well for some and some learn lessons that need learning.
I was happy for some and I have to say that this book left me wanting a little more. It was so good. So heartwarming. I can only hope there is a sequel to this book at some time in the future. I think Ms. McQuestion did a great job with A Switch Before Christmas and it definitely needs the top spot on your nightstand during the coming holiday season. Until next time…Happy reading!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I read this book as it was recommended by Freida McFadden in her book of face group. I am very glad I took her suggestion. It was a very cute story about how you should not judge a book by its cover (or in this case, a person). It had me crying happy tears at the end. I loved it.
It's amazing how much someone can learn from those with so little when someone they love needs help. Switching lives, Jane and Jacquelyn learned a lot about eachothers lives. Jacqueline learns how good she has it and how hard it is to live with so little. She finds herself in her journey with orphans, a homelss man, a train ride, and a soup kitchen. This story is about remembering how good we have it with a roof over our heads, a full belly, a warm bed, and a good pillow. Jacqueline's adventure is enough to remind anyone about the meaning of Christmas and to enjoy the love they have.
What a wonderful amazing story! I was truly sad to see it end. I hope this story continues with more books. I hope to find out what happens next. From the very beginning this book and these characters captivate you. I wanted to find out what was next for each character and absolutely loved how their story end or as I hope continues.
I recently found myself happily immersed in the pages of A Switch Before Christmas by Karen McQuestion. This charming novel, set during the Great Depression, weaves a delightful tale of mistaken identities, second chances, and the holiday magic we all cherish. It is an ideal read for those who enjoy the timeless appeal of Christmas stories. The adventure begins with Jane, a kind soul working at an orphanage, meeting Jacquelyn, a wealthy (and spoiled) heiress. They look exactly alike, though Jacquelyn thinks no one could mistake them if they swapped lives. Jacquelyn talks Jane into switching places, but her fun quickly turns into a meaningful journey as they step into each other's vastly different worlds. Before Christmas arrives, both Jane and Jacquelyn face challenges that help them grow in unexpected ways. Set during the challenging times of the Great Depression, this story beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas. I found myself rooting for both women as they navigated their way from tough times to hope, discovering love and joy along the way. The book feels like a heartwarming blend of Annie, It Takes Two, and A Christmas Carol, brimming with love, warmth, and a touch of sadness. It is a tale of personal growth, friendship, hope for a brighter future, and redemption. Despite being a short story, it leaves a lasting impression. Overall, A Switch Before Christmas is a heartwarming and sweet tale of growth and second chances. It is the perfect holiday read, sure to lift your spirits and fill your heart with warmth. If you are looking for a story that will make you smile and feel hopeful, this is the book to pick up. Do not miss out on this enchanting tale—it is bound to become a holiday favorite!
Opinionated Book Rating: Originality: 5.0/5.0 Plot Structure: 5.0/5.0 Pacing: 5.0/5.0 Dialogue and Narrative: 5.0/5.0 Personal Enjoyment: 5.0/5.0 Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0
Solid Depression-Era Almost Dickensian Christmas Tale. This is one of those tales that effortlessly blends elements of A Christmas Carol, A Tale Of Two Cities, and The Parent Trap into a concoction uniquely its own and along the way shows two women in particular - and through them, many more people - the magic of Christmas as they see how "the other half" lives.
What McQuestion does particularly well is bringing a high degree of realism into this tale in all aspects - perhaps the only bits that feel weird to at least some in 2024 are when a particularly naive character walks into certain situations and actually comes out *without* being assaulted... but then, that is more on those types of readers as such assaults, while far more common than they should be (that they happen *at all* is too common, to be clear), are not the *actual* norm even in 2024. Far more common, however, are all the heartstrings being pulled - the young ones in the Girl's Home nearly steal every scene they are in, and another encounter in a different situation later - one that starts out seeming like it could go very wrong, very fast, by 2024 standards - ultimately becomes one of the scenes where the room gets the dustiest while trying to read this book. In other words, put your 2024 assumptions in the other room while reading this book and simply enjoy the magic McQuestion creates here. You have my word that nothing actually damaging happens in this tale designed to be an uplifting Christmas story.
Overall a solid realistic, almost Dickensian, Christmas tale that at just under 200 pages is both an excellent read for those pressed for time when family and friends are gathered and you need some "me" time... or for those looking to finish out those annual reading challenges and need a short and quick book to help them meet those goals.
A Switch Before Christmas is the sweetest, most refreshing Christmas novella ever! I haven't read one that is even similar and I really enjoyed it.
Jane and the rest of the residents of the Sheridan's Girls' Home were looking forward to a typical Christmas ~ hot chocolate, a Christmas story, and possibly a candy cane. Living in an orphanage during the Great Depression wasn't for the faint of heart, but these girls were grateful for everything they had.
The switch dreamed up by the Sheridan's only daughter, Jacquelyn, has many unintended consequences, none of which the self-absorbed, spoiled, selfish Jacquelyn could have dreamed of and watching the results of her 'joke' unfold was extremely satisfying.
If you are looking for something other than the typical, saccharine-sweet Christmas story, pick up A Switch Before Christmas! It will draw you in immediately and keep you reading faster and faster because you'll be so invested you won't want to put this book down. Not to say there aren't sweet moments, because there are, and not to say it's not Christmasy because it most definitely is. This is really an indescribable, heartwarming Christmas story and you'll wish for a sequel immediately!
If you've ever read anything by Karen McQuestion you already know each of her books absolutely rock. If you haven't read her yet, why not? Pick this up and then go binge everything else Ms. McQuestion has written!
I received an ARC at my request and as always, my thought are my own and happily shared.
A Switch Before Christmas by Karen McQuestion is a story of two young women trading lives for a day and learning a lesson of a lifetime. It is Christmas Eve, and the Sheridan Girls’ Home is about to get their annual visit from their benefactors, Frank and Irene Sheridan. Jane Shaw’s biggest concern is the behavior of the young girls. However, when the Sheridan's’ daughter, Jacquelyn comes in their place. Jane and Jacquelyn look amazingly alike and Jacquelyn suggests they switch clothing to see how long it takes anyone to notice the difference. Jane is hesitant but feels she can’t say no. Jane suddenly finds herself on her way to the Sheridan's’ mansion and Jacquelyn behind at the girls’ home. Can they undo the switch before Christmas? Will anyone believe them? Karen McQuestion is one of my go-to authors. Sadly, this Christmas story sat on my TBR for more than a year and I regret not reading it sooner. A mash up of Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper and Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, A Switch Before Christmas is a sweet story of how one prank turns into a life changing lesson. At first, I did not like Jacquelyn, which I knew I wasn’t supposed to. The entitled brat who had no idea what was going on in the world outside the mansion’s doors. However, I loved her transformation and her journey to get there. I loved how individuals reacted to the switch. Overall, it is a great read for the holiday season. I highly, highly recommend A Switch Before Christmas.
A Switch Before Christmas is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
The Best Christmas Ever. Jane Shaw has been at the Sheridan’s Girl’s Home since she was 6 years old. Now she is grown but chose to stay and help raise the younger girls. The annual inspection by the wealthy Sheridans is fast approaching and everything has to be perfect. After all The Sheridans are the ones who fund the home. But this year their spoiled daughter Jacquelyn will be the one to make an appearance. When everyone keeps saying that Jacquelyn and Jane look so much alike that they could be twins, Jacquelyn has a brilliant idea of switching identities and see how long it takes for someone to notice. This prank turns into an adventure for both . One that could change everyone’s life, I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and the eye-opening experiences they each experienced. A fun and meaningful story.
Jane Shaw - worked and lived at Sheridan Girl's Home
Jacquelyn Sheridan - Family Founder of the Sheridan Girl's Home
Jane was afraid if young girls can behave during there visit from the Sheridan's. When come to find out it was the Jacqueline. Come to find out Jacqueline and Jane looked a like. Then the girls did a switch to see if anyone would know the difference between who which one was the difference. Karen did a fantastic job with this book. She made each character fit who she want the characters to be.
This was a Goodreads Giveaway win for me. Karen McQuestion is one of my favorite authors, so I was excited to see that I had won this book. I fell in love with her book The Moonlight Child, which was my first from her. Her writing is light and easy to get lost in. The same goes for A Switch Before Christmas. This will pull on your heartstrings at the end. It's such a sweet Christmas story that will have you falling in love with every character. I highly recommend it.
This is a sweet historical holiday novella. The characters are well crafted and the story is compelling. When Jacquelyn reluctantly visits a girls home she learns more than she bargained for about life. Her privileged upbringing didn’t expose her to the hardships of those less fortunate but that changes when she lands herself in a predicament. A heartwarming and affirming holiday tale, a perfect read for this time of year.
I just finished reading Karen McQuestion’s new Christmas novella and it was one of the most heartwarming books I’ve read in a long time. A Switch Before Christmas is a take on the classic story of the prince and the pauper and it is beautifully done. If you are looking for a Christmas read that will put you in the Christmas spirit, then you have to read this book.
A Switch Before Christmas by Karen McQuestion Have you heard the saying that everyone has a twin somewhere on the earth? What if you met your twin? What if you traded places? What if no one realized the truth? Can their realities be switched or reversed before any damage is done? Can each learn something from the experience? This was a wonderful story, told as only Karen McQuestion could. You will love this tale of old with a new twist. A great read for this holiday season!
This is the perfect Christmas story. I loved everything about it! It was interesting to see how life's point of view changes when you switch identities with someone else. Fifty orphaned girls can change how someone sees life. It is a Christmas that changes everything! I love everything Karen McQuestion writes and this is no exception! Highly recommend this heartwarming book!
As always Karen McQuestion books move my heart and lift my thoughts. A story of change, this book truly swept me into the Holiday Spirit. Developed Characters from the orphanage children through the main characters is phenomenal. World building, so realistic that you can breathe the frosty Milwaukee air. Highly Recommended to All.
A lovely heart-warming read. Two women switch places for what should have only been minutes, but it went so much further. One woman is full of love and humanity; the other, not so much. It definitely brings out all of the feels. I highly recommend this story.
A Switch Before Christmas is such a sweet read! In a very clever storyline, the true meanings of Christmas i. e. showing love towards those who are less fortunate (the least of these) is brought out wonderfully as well as the joy of giving. It is a fast read and perfect for a yearly Christmas read tradition!
...an absolute delight. As someone who is pretty widely known as a modern day "Scrooge" that's a pretty nice compliment :'). Good holiday reading as it's meant to be complete with a happy ending. Ooops, I wasn't supposed to say that was I? But I think you guessed that about the book already. Merry Christmas 🤭
A lovely, heartwarming story this Christmas season. The characters remind us of the real important things in life, such as compassion, love, forgiveness, persistence, benevolence and joy. Thank you for an uplifting read during the stressful holiday season!
I read this book as it was recommended by Freida McFadden in her book of face group. I am very glad I took her suggestion. It was a very cute story about how you should not judge a book by its cover (or in this case, a person). It had me crying happy tears at the end. I loved it.
I enjoy everything that Karen writes. But this book brought more tears to my eyes than any of the other ones I have read. I particularly liked the part about Ezra. I read it in two days and I am going to reread it again tonight and tomorrow.
I read this on the recommendation of Freida McFadden in her Facebook group. It was a kind of cozy historical Christmas story. Even though it might have had a rather predictable ending, it was an enjoyable story to get to that ending, with engaging characters and a lot of warm and tender moments that brought tears to my eyes. I plan to read more by this author.