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House Swap: 'The definition of an uplifting book'
Packed hilarity and heartbreak, this new novel from bestselling author Olivia Beirne follows two estranged sisters who learn more about each other from a house swap than they ever expected... Perfect for fans of Beth O'Leary and Marian Keyes.
'I can't praise it enough, it's perfect summer reading' LUCY VINE
'A hilarious, heart-warming read' DAISY BUCHANAN
You can learn a lot about someone when you swap houses. . .
Twins Katy and Rachel don't know much about each other's lives anymore.
Rachel thinks that Katy is a high-flying event planner in London, while Katy thinks that Rachel lives in idyllic marital bliss in the countryside.
Each sister believes the other has created a perfect life - but the truth is that neither twin has the life she pretends she does.
And when these sisters unexpectedly swap houses for a week, they're in for a big shock.
But it might just be the wake-up call they've both been waiting for. . .
Readers are LOVING House Swap!
'A charming, uplifting read . . . Delightful'
ROXIE COOPER
'A properly uplifting read . . . [a] wonderful, joyous tale of self-growth and forgiveness, complete with a perfect measure of romance too'
PERNILLE HUGHES, AUTHOR OF PROBABLY THE BEST KISS IN THE WORLD
'This book is heart-warming, life affirming and is guaranteed to make you smile - I loved it!'
NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars
'This book made me laugh, cry and swoon'
NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars
'A perfect story of families and finding your way through life'
NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars
'A fabulous bit of writing'
NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars
'Made me laugh, cry and swoon!'
NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars
'Loved this book!'
NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars
Discover why readers LOVE Olivia Beirne!
'A mesmerising blend of humour and emotion'
WOMAN & HOME
'A perfect mix of humour and heart'
EMMA COOPER, AUTHOR OF THE SONGS OF US
'An uplifting read that leaves you on a high'
AMAZON READER REVIEW
'A proper feel-good, heart-warming, very natural and relatable story'
KIM NASH (KIMTHEBOOKWORM)
'I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down'
AMAZON READER REVIEW
'A gorgeous life-affirming read'
HAYLEY'S BOOK BLOG
'I can't praise it enough, it's perfect summer reading' LUCY VINE
'A hilarious, heart-warming read' DAISY BUCHANAN
You can learn a lot about someone when you swap houses. . .
Twins Katy and Rachel don't know much about each other's lives anymore.
Rachel thinks that Katy is a high-flying event planner in London, while Katy thinks that Rachel lives in idyllic marital bliss in the countryside.
Each sister believes the other has created a perfect life - but the truth is that neither twin has the life she pretends she does.
And when these sisters unexpectedly swap houses for a week, they're in for a big shock.
But it might just be the wake-up call they've both been waiting for. . .
Readers are LOVING House Swap!
'A charming, uplifting read . . . Delightful'
ROXIE COOPER
'A properly uplifting read . . . [a] wonderful, joyous tale of self-growth and forgiveness, complete with a perfect measure of romance too'
PERNILLE HUGHES, AUTHOR OF PROBABLY THE BEST KISS IN THE WORLD
'This book is heart-warming, life affirming and is guaranteed to make you smile - I loved it!'
NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars
'This book made me laugh, cry and swoon'
NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars
'A perfect story of families and finding your way through life'
NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars
'A fabulous bit of writing'
NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars
'Made me laugh, cry and swoon!'
NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars
'Loved this book!'
NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars
Discover why readers LOVE Olivia Beirne!
'A mesmerising blend of humour and emotion'
WOMAN & HOME
'A perfect mix of humour and heart'
EMMA COOPER, AUTHOR OF THE SONGS OF US
'An uplifting read that leaves you on a high'
AMAZON READER REVIEW
'A proper feel-good, heart-warming, very natural and relatable story'
KIM NASH (KIMTHEBOOKWORM)
'I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down'
AMAZON READER REVIEW
'A gorgeous life-affirming read'
HAYLEY'S BOOK BLOG
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2021
465 people are currently reading
891 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
November 23, 2021
3.5 - 4 stars
Headlines:
Broken bonds
Tangled webs
New paths
House Swap was a witty contemporary fiction about twin sisters, estranged and worlds apart...or so it seemed. Katy and Rachel were a hot mess individually and even more of a hot mess of sisterly disconnection. At first, I didn't really like either of them; it's hard to watch the veiled sparring but equally I was laughing along with the house of cards being built.
This house swap when it played out was a catastrophe in the making but all the time, as a reader, I was willing this to be the thing that repaired their connection. Secrets were part of the daily menu and as these two found out more about the reality of each others' lives, it was funny and poignant watching the pennies drop.
I enjoyed the reluctant communications that began to reveal affection and love. I also enjoyed the side stories going on in each location, what was happening in the respective neighbour situations. The miscommunications were sometimes tough to read but author never pushed to the point of frustration.
House Swap was a story that most will find some identifiable features in. Whether thats wanting to be or appear successful, wanting relationships to work or being in frustrating relationships, this book serves a slice of reality while keeping a light and witty narrative. This was an enjoyable escape for the weekend.
Thank you to Headline Eternal for the review copy.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
Headlines:
Broken bonds
Tangled webs
New paths
House Swap was a witty contemporary fiction about twin sisters, estranged and worlds apart...or so it seemed. Katy and Rachel were a hot mess individually and even more of a hot mess of sisterly disconnection. At first, I didn't really like either of them; it's hard to watch the veiled sparring but equally I was laughing along with the house of cards being built.
This house swap when it played out was a catastrophe in the making but all the time, as a reader, I was willing this to be the thing that repaired their connection. Secrets were part of the daily menu and as these two found out more about the reality of each others' lives, it was funny and poignant watching the pennies drop.
I enjoyed the reluctant communications that began to reveal affection and love. I also enjoyed the side stories going on in each location, what was happening in the respective neighbour situations. The miscommunications were sometimes tough to read but author never pushed to the point of frustration.
House Swap was a story that most will find some identifiable features in. Whether thats wanting to be or appear successful, wanting relationships to work or being in frustrating relationships, this book serves a slice of reality while keeping a light and witty narrative. This was an enjoyable escape for the weekend.
Thank you to Headline Eternal for the review copy.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
June 22, 2022
3.5 snuggly stars
March 10, 2022
Ahh this was such a great read. I’ve had this book on my shelves for sooo long and I’m gutted I didn’t pick this up sooner because it was brill! Heartwarming, uplifting and full of laugh out loud moments! Having a sister myself, I really connected with this story.
The story was told from alternated POV from both Katy and Rachel; getting an insight to their lives, their jobs and their surroundings. Katy in London, and Rachel in the countryside… however they both didn’t really know how the other one actually lived. I was properly invested in this and just rooting for both of them and hoping their relationship would be repaired.
Very likeable characters throughout, Fiona and Isaac were both brilliant. It was really great to read about the support Katy and Rachel received from neighbours, friends and family. It just felt so uplifting and is definitely a book that I’m glad I’ve picked up and read.
4.5 🌟 rounded up
The story was told from alternated POV from both Katy and Rachel; getting an insight to their lives, their jobs and their surroundings. Katy in London, and Rachel in the countryside… however they both didn’t really know how the other one actually lived. I was properly invested in this and just rooting for both of them and hoping their relationship would be repaired.
Very likeable characters throughout, Fiona and Isaac were both brilliant. It was really great to read about the support Katy and Rachel received from neighbours, friends and family. It just felt so uplifting and is definitely a book that I’m glad I’ve picked up and read.
4.5 🌟 rounded up
May 22, 2024
Good little read. Will read more from the author.
September 26, 2021
Enjoyable humorous rom-com where after the death of their Grandmother two estranged sisters have split up and fabricated elaborate lies to each other about their circumstances and due to a comic mix up end up swapping lives, houses, friends, and animals.
The only thing to do if you get caught telling lies, is to tell more lies.
The only thing to do if you get caught telling lies, is to tell more lies.
November 1, 2024
Very sweet, easy read
January 6, 2022
DNF at 41%.
Twin sisters Katy and Rachel live very different lives. Katy is a career girl in the city while Rachel is happily married and living in the countryside, or so they think. Each is jealous of what they think the other has and so they've been embellishing their lives/downright lying to each other. But when they unexpectedly house swap for a week the lies are revealed.
I'll be honest, I couldn't get into this at all so I jumped ahead a way to see if I could get interested in the novel once the plot had developed. Unfortunately, I heartily disliked both Rachel and Katy, their lies were stupid and pointless and I couldn't understand why I was supposed to have sympathy for either.
Sorry, just not for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Twin sisters Katy and Rachel live very different lives. Katy is a career girl in the city while Rachel is happily married and living in the countryside, or so they think. Each is jealous of what they think the other has and so they've been embellishing their lives/downright lying to each other. But when they unexpectedly house swap for a week the lies are revealed.
I'll be honest, I couldn't get into this at all so I jumped ahead a way to see if I could get interested in the novel once the plot had developed. Unfortunately, I heartily disliked both Rachel and Katy, their lies were stupid and pointless and I couldn't understand why I was supposed to have sympathy for either.
Sorry, just not for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 5, 2021
I read House Swap in two sittings - that's how good this book is. It had moments where I was laughing out loud, and others where I was tearing up. To me, that's how I know I enjoyed a book. It's a story which is focused on a sisterly bond, which I absolutely loved as I find there aren't many books around like that! There's a certain element to it which includes emotions which are raw, and honest. It made me think about how we see other people, and how others may see us.
Twins Katy and Rachel seem like they couldn't be more different, but the truth is they are more alike then they care to imagine. I found myself to be gripped by their characters the more the book went on. They each have questionable moments, but I think I related to Rachel more and I felt so sorry for her situation. To the point where I was screaming at the book in frustration!
The added aspect of Fiona's character brought that extra level of emotion for me. It truly proves that you genuinely have no idea what someone could be going through behind closed doors, and reading how someone on the outside of the sisterhood is faking life to the max too - helped me see things from a different light.
If you love a hard hitting, but surprisingly funny read about family bonds and every day battles - House Swap is perfect for you! I recommend this book for people who enjoy books by Jo Watson, Libby Page and Jane Fallon.
Twins Katy and Rachel seem like they couldn't be more different, but the truth is they are more alike then they care to imagine. I found myself to be gripped by their characters the more the book went on. They each have questionable moments, but I think I related to Rachel more and I felt so sorry for her situation. To the point where I was screaming at the book in frustration!
The added aspect of Fiona's character brought that extra level of emotion for me. It truly proves that you genuinely have no idea what someone could be going through behind closed doors, and reading how someone on the outside of the sisterhood is faking life to the max too - helped me see things from a different light.
If you love a hard hitting, but surprisingly funny read about family bonds and every day battles - House Swap is perfect for you! I recommend this book for people who enjoy books by Jo Watson, Libby Page and Jane Fallon.
November 16, 2021
This is quite a fun rom-com involving twin women who's lives have separated and who are almost estranged. Both have lied about the wonderful lives they have in London and in Wales; the realities are somewhat different. One twin invites the other to house sit for her - she has important stuff to tell her, but bottles it at the last minute so, in the tradition of a good British farce, she departs for London as her sister is arriving in Wales.
The result is an interesting look at lives, at truths, at how we portray ourselves, and above all at relationships and families. The characters are endearing, and there was none of the frustrating 'surely she must see that' that happens so often in this type of book. I enjoyed reading it very much.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The result is an interesting look at lives, at truths, at how we portray ourselves, and above all at relationships and families. The characters are endearing, and there was none of the frustrating 'surely she must see that' that happens so often in this type of book. I enjoyed reading it very much.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2021
(3.5/4)
Katy and Rachel are estranged twin sisters, both with secrets. When 'work' requires they both swap houses they are constantly pushed to confront the things they are hiding from one another as well as attempting to repair their relationship.
Even though it's fiction do you ever have those moments whilst reading where the character is in a moment worthy of stopping time? That's how I felt when Diane vomits on Katy's beautiful dress.
The author has a great way of pushing the miscommunication trope to it's boundaries before pulling them back together for a beautiful ending. I hope that if there is another book there are easter eggs back to these characters!
Katy and Rachel are estranged twin sisters, both with secrets. When 'work' requires they both swap houses they are constantly pushed to confront the things they are hiding from one another as well as attempting to repair their relationship.
Even though it's fiction do you ever have those moments whilst reading where the character is in a moment worthy of stopping time? That's how I felt when Diane vomits on Katy's beautiful dress.
The author has a great way of pushing the miscommunication trope to it's boundaries before pulling them back together for a beautiful ending. I hope that if there is another book there are easter eggs back to these characters!
May 19, 2022
Really enjoyed this one, showing how easy it is to bend the truth to how you want things to be, to let putting things right slide because it's easier that way and fooling even yourself into believing life is good. I enjoyed the humour as well. Will look for more by this author.
July 29, 2025
Families don’t always look the Sam
Sisters eventually make their way back into a loving family along with lost parents, work family, long time friends and lovers and of course anew addition infant to pull them all together.
Sisters eventually make their way back into a loving family along with lost parents, work family, long time friends and lovers and of course anew addition infant to pull them all together.
May 16, 2022
slow start, good ending though
October 9, 2022
3.5 I enjoyed it. Probably won’t read it again, for what that’s worth, but I don’t feel I wasted my time, so there is that, too
September 8, 2024
Very easy read. A simple good story. One for younger readers for sure.
October 7, 2024
Another chance encounter book I found while browsing the library. This is beautiful, heartwarming read which will pull on your heartstrings with the fabulous characters, the hilarious moments.
In today’s instant gratification world I am
Sure we all sometimes stretched the truth and falsely pain a glowing picture of our lives for social media, for family members, or for friends who don’t live close enough to know the real deal. The book as you might have guessed from title tells us grass isn’t greener on the other side.
Its definitely an enjoyable quick read.
In today’s instant gratification world I am
Sure we all sometimes stretched the truth and falsely pain a glowing picture of our lives for social media, for family members, or for friends who don’t live close enough to know the real deal. The book as you might have guessed from title tells us grass isn’t greener on the other side.
Its definitely an enjoyable quick read.
February 4, 2024
It’s probably a good book for high school kids or young adults.
April 2, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an E-Arc of this book in exchange for a review.
House Swap follows twin sisters who have grown apart, communicating only through emails. They each believe that the other has the perfect life, while also lying about how great their own is. When they unexpectedly swap houses for a week, they begin to learn that may not be the case.
I did enjoy this book, but not at much as I wanted to. It was fast paced, easy to read, and light hearted. The two leads were charming and fun to read about and I really sympathised with how they both played up the positives in their life to, in a way, prove they had made it without the other one. They live so far apart that it’s just easier to pretend they’ve got an amazing job or are happily married. I also relate to how difficult Rachel found it to reach out to her sister about her pregnancy because they’ve been so withdrawn from another. Her running away to London when Katy is coming, while
not necessarily rational, was still realistic and believable.
While I really liked Fiona and her kids, I didn’t really understand their role in the story. They could easily have been removed with little impact on the plot, which is sad because she was probably my favourite character. It almost seemed like the author wanted to do more with her but didn’t have a chance because she felt really well developed but unnecessary.
I also wasn’t keen on the romance. I like a good second chance romance but I hate the fact that Katy’s final choice lent so heavily on the romance. It was such a missed opportunity. The whole story is about these sisters coming back together only for the main reason for Katy staying to be because of a man. It just didn’t sit right with me.
The writing was great and engaging and I flew through the story, which was generally enjoyable. I feel like the sisters spent too long apart and needed more time together before the story finished and I kind of felt like I was missold on the book because the element of sisterly love and family didn’t hit as hard as I was expecting it to.
Overall quite enjoyable but a few too many issues for me to love it.
House Swap follows twin sisters who have grown apart, communicating only through emails. They each believe that the other has the perfect life, while also lying about how great their own is. When they unexpectedly swap houses for a week, they begin to learn that may not be the case.
I did enjoy this book, but not at much as I wanted to. It was fast paced, easy to read, and light hearted. The two leads were charming and fun to read about and I really sympathised with how they both played up the positives in their life to, in a way, prove they had made it without the other one. They live so far apart that it’s just easier to pretend they’ve got an amazing job or are happily married. I also relate to how difficult Rachel found it to reach out to her sister about her pregnancy because they’ve been so withdrawn from another. Her running away to London when Katy is coming, while
not necessarily rational, was still realistic and believable.
While I really liked Fiona and her kids, I didn’t really understand their role in the story. They could easily have been removed with little impact on the plot, which is sad because she was probably my favourite character. It almost seemed like the author wanted to do more with her but didn’t have a chance because she felt really well developed but unnecessary.
I also wasn’t keen on the romance. I like a good second chance romance but I hate the fact that Katy’s final choice lent so heavily on the romance. It was such a missed opportunity. The whole story is about these sisters coming back together only for the main reason for Katy staying to be because of a man. It just didn’t sit right with me.
The writing was great and engaging and I flew through the story, which was generally enjoyable. I feel like the sisters spent too long apart and needed more time together before the story finished and I kind of felt like I was missold on the book because the element of sisterly love and family didn’t hit as hard as I was expecting it to.
Overall quite enjoyable but a few too many issues for me to love it.
July 12, 2021
Katy and Rachel aren't just twin sisters. They really are best friends, or at least they used to be.
Now, it's not just distance that's coming between them. Each of them thinks the other has crafted the perfect life without them - Rachel thinks Katy is a sucessful socialite working in London as an event planner and Katy thinks Rachel has the perfect countryside life with the perfect marriage and the perfect home in their childhood cottage. But both of them are very wrong.
The grass is always greener on the other side, and our sisters have spent years jealous of the life the other has created. But when they swap homes for a week when Rachel says she has a work conference to attend, they both finally get to see each others lives for the first time in years, and maybe they'll find out they have more in common than they thought.
"Just because a family doesn't look how you thought it might doesn't make it broken."
House Swap was a hilarious, bordering on ridiculous at times tale of family, loss and love that was ab absolute joy to read. Our two heroines were both very likeable despite the fact they've been living a lie, each so very memorable. The other cast members we meet were brilliantly written and make me laugh far too much.
As we learn more about why their family has become so distant, this book definitely started to pull on some heartstrings but managed to keep that upbeat, uplifting, easy to read vibe continuing throughout the entire book.
Add in the very cute boy next door, a very annoying dog and plenty of cake and you've got one brilliant book.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Olivia Bierne, Headline and Netgalley for this ARC in return for an honest review.
Now, it's not just distance that's coming between them. Each of them thinks the other has crafted the perfect life without them - Rachel thinks Katy is a sucessful socialite working in London as an event planner and Katy thinks Rachel has the perfect countryside life with the perfect marriage and the perfect home in their childhood cottage. But both of them are very wrong.
The grass is always greener on the other side, and our sisters have spent years jealous of the life the other has created. But when they swap homes for a week when Rachel says she has a work conference to attend, they both finally get to see each others lives for the first time in years, and maybe they'll find out they have more in common than they thought.
"Just because a family doesn't look how you thought it might doesn't make it broken."
House Swap was a hilarious, bordering on ridiculous at times tale of family, loss and love that was ab absolute joy to read. Our two heroines were both very likeable despite the fact they've been living a lie, each so very memorable. The other cast members we meet were brilliantly written and make me laugh far too much.
As we learn more about why their family has become so distant, this book definitely started to pull on some heartstrings but managed to keep that upbeat, uplifting, easy to read vibe continuing throughout the entire book.
Add in the very cute boy next door, a very annoying dog and plenty of cake and you've got one brilliant book.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Olivia Bierne, Headline and Netgalley for this ARC in return for an honest review.
October 26, 2021
Katy and Rachel are twins, but neither is honest with the other and they mainly communicate via email.
Katy is an events organiser in London and lives in her boss Fiona's garden cabin, whilst Rachel has a supposedly idyllic life in Wales; however, neither is telling the truth about their respective lives.
When Katy goes to Wales to look after Rachel's house for a week, her twin decides on a whim to go to London and moves into Katy's cabin.
As the truth about both their lives slowly emerges, the sisters have a chance to reconnect and get their relationship back.
Is Katy as happy in London as she claims? What was she running from when she left Wales?
Why hasn't Rachel told Katy she is pregnant and no longer with her husband? Why won't she speak to their father?
I enjoyed this book, which was easy to read and had believable and relatable characters. Rachel in particular has all sorts of hang-ups, mainly around her pregnancy and feelings of guilt. Katy is sweet but deludes herself about needing to fit in at work and doesn't want to admit she still has feelings for her ex-boyfriend Isaac.
The story has a lot to say about family and what that is. It isn't necessarily what you think it should be. In the end, family is shown to be the people who care about you and have your back, no matter what, and they don't have to be related to you.
This book is an ideal beach or weekend read, and I would be happy to read more by Olivia Beirne.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Headline, in return for an honest appraisal.
Katy is an events organiser in London and lives in her boss Fiona's garden cabin, whilst Rachel has a supposedly idyllic life in Wales; however, neither is telling the truth about their respective lives.
When Katy goes to Wales to look after Rachel's house for a week, her twin decides on a whim to go to London and moves into Katy's cabin.
As the truth about both their lives slowly emerges, the sisters have a chance to reconnect and get their relationship back.
Is Katy as happy in London as she claims? What was she running from when she left Wales?
Why hasn't Rachel told Katy she is pregnant and no longer with her husband? Why won't she speak to their father?
I enjoyed this book, which was easy to read and had believable and relatable characters. Rachel in particular has all sorts of hang-ups, mainly around her pregnancy and feelings of guilt. Katy is sweet but deludes herself about needing to fit in at work and doesn't want to admit she still has feelings for her ex-boyfriend Isaac.
The story has a lot to say about family and what that is. It isn't necessarily what you think it should be. In the end, family is shown to be the people who care about you and have your back, no matter what, and they don't have to be related to you.
This book is an ideal beach or weekend read, and I would be happy to read more by Olivia Beirne.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Headline, in return for an honest appraisal.
November 22, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a light-hearted read about twin sisters (Katy and Rachel) who have become estranged over time due to issues in their lives. They only keep in contact through emails and continue to tell little white lies to make their lives seem better than they actually are.
Katy moved from Wales to London to work as a PA in event planning, unfortunately she mainly works from home and spends a lot more time looking after her boss’ children than planning events. Rachel asked Katy to house-sit whilst she goes on an overseas conference but secretly hopes to use this time to stay at home and rekindle her relationship with her sister, however, at the last minute she gets scared of how Katy will react to her secrets and decides to stay at Katy’s place for the duration instead.
This book seriously reminded me of ‘The Holiday’ with the house swap and finding relationships and happiness from their brief adventures in their stay at the house. The book highlights the importance of families and relationships through the good times and bad.
That being said, I did find the middle of the book to be repetitive and found myself frustrated with the characters as they just needed to communicate and be honest with each other. There were sweet and humorous moments as well as darker themes to add complexity to the storyline.
I’d recommend this book if you’re looking for an easy read and like the trope where the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
This is a light-hearted read about twin sisters (Katy and Rachel) who have become estranged over time due to issues in their lives. They only keep in contact through emails and continue to tell little white lies to make their lives seem better than they actually are.
Katy moved from Wales to London to work as a PA in event planning, unfortunately she mainly works from home and spends a lot more time looking after her boss’ children than planning events. Rachel asked Katy to house-sit whilst she goes on an overseas conference but secretly hopes to use this time to stay at home and rekindle her relationship with her sister, however, at the last minute she gets scared of how Katy will react to her secrets and decides to stay at Katy’s place for the duration instead.
This book seriously reminded me of ‘The Holiday’ with the house swap and finding relationships and happiness from their brief adventures in their stay at the house. The book highlights the importance of families and relationships through the good times and bad.
That being said, I did find the middle of the book to be repetitive and found myself frustrated with the characters as they just needed to communicate and be honest with each other. There were sweet and humorous moments as well as darker themes to add complexity to the storyline.
I’d recommend this book if you’re looking for an easy read and like the trope where the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
August 4, 2021
I was provided with a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you to the authors, the publishers and NetGalley for this.
The book follows two twin sisters, Katy who lives in London and Rachel who lives in their childhome in Wales. They haven't seen each other in a few years following their parents divorce and their grandmother's death.
Rachel thinks that Katy is living the high life in London working in events and living in a flat with a view of the Shard. In reality, Katy works as a PA to the manger of an events company and that mostly involves looking after her children for her. Oh and her flat? It's actually a shed at the bottom of the bosses garden.
Katy thinks that Rachel lives a perfect life, that she is happily married to her childhood sweetheart and living a countryside cottage dream. In reality, Rachel's husband left and she had an affair with someone at work, got pregnant and then he also left. So now she is 8 months pregnant, which she has been keeping a secret.
Following a turn of events, Katy and Rachel both end up staying for a week in each other's flats. They begin to realise that the other has been keeping secrets as well. This book follows them as they try to reconnect.
I really enjoyed this one. I thought it was good fun, fast paced and addictive enough to keep me wanting more at the end of every chapter. I think to enjoy this to its maximum, you would need to set aside any expectation of this being a realistic story, it's not. The characters all make a lot of dumb decisions, but that's what keeps the plot going and they are all loveable characters in the end.
Would recommend to those looking for an easy, fun read.
The book follows two twin sisters, Katy who lives in London and Rachel who lives in their childhome in Wales. They haven't seen each other in a few years following their parents divorce and their grandmother's death.
Rachel thinks that Katy is living the high life in London working in events and living in a flat with a view of the Shard. In reality, Katy works as a PA to the manger of an events company and that mostly involves looking after her children for her. Oh and her flat? It's actually a shed at the bottom of the bosses garden.
Katy thinks that Rachel lives a perfect life, that she is happily married to her childhood sweetheart and living a countryside cottage dream. In reality, Rachel's husband left and she had an affair with someone at work, got pregnant and then he also left. So now she is 8 months pregnant, which she has been keeping a secret.
Following a turn of events, Katy and Rachel both end up staying for a week in each other's flats. They begin to realise that the other has been keeping secrets as well. This book follows them as they try to reconnect.
I really enjoyed this one. I thought it was good fun, fast paced and addictive enough to keep me wanting more at the end of every chapter. I think to enjoy this to its maximum, you would need to set aside any expectation of this being a realistic story, it's not. The characters all make a lot of dumb decisions, but that's what keeps the plot going and they are all loveable characters in the end.
Would recommend to those looking for an easy, fun read.
November 9, 2021
House Swap is the story of two sisters, twins to be exact. Once very close, now Katy and Rachel communicate only through emails. Katy left their village in Wales three years ago and moved to London to find a job. Her twin sister Rachel believes that Katy is living her best life with a prestigious job and a fantastic flat. On the other hand, Rachel remained in the family home with her husband and building their perfect family. Or that’s what Katy believes. Both sisters are lying to each other, telling stories of the lives they wish they had, but that are very far from the truth. And when they swap houses, they start to figure out the truth…
I would describe House Swap as a funny, engaging, and enjoyable novel. I read it in two sittings, engrossed in the story of these two twins and their complicated, yet amusing, lives. I laughed a lot reading their adventures, but there are also some emotional moments. The relationship between the two sisters is central to the story, but there is also romance, friendship, and stories of second chances.
Katy and Rachel are fantastic protagonists. I really liked these two characters, although I had a little preference for Katy. I found her witty, funnier, strong, and determined. Rachel is more serious, afraid to fail and to disappoint those around her. As each sister starts to figure out the truth about the other, things get more complicated, a little more entertaining, and I loved how they developed as characters and how the story ended.
House Swap is a very exciting and captivating story, one that I couldn’t stop reading and I highly recommend. And it is out now!
I would describe House Swap as a funny, engaging, and enjoyable novel. I read it in two sittings, engrossed in the story of these two twins and their complicated, yet amusing, lives. I laughed a lot reading their adventures, but there are also some emotional moments. The relationship between the two sisters is central to the story, but there is also romance, friendship, and stories of second chances.
Katy and Rachel are fantastic protagonists. I really liked these two characters, although I had a little preference for Katy. I found her witty, funnier, strong, and determined. Rachel is more serious, afraid to fail and to disappoint those around her. As each sister starts to figure out the truth about the other, things get more complicated, a little more entertaining, and I loved how they developed as characters and how the story ended.
House Swap is a very exciting and captivating story, one that I couldn’t stop reading and I highly recommend. And it is out now!
September 27, 2021
House Swap is a delightful froth of a book about family, romance and forgiveness. Identical twins Rachel and Katy have been estranged for several years, pushed apart by their grandmother’s death and their parents’ divorce. Katy moved to London to be an event planner at a sophisticated, high end company. In reality, she lives in a small cottage behind her employer’s house and is a nearly full time nanny to company owner Fiona’s children, while angling for a full time events position. Of course, she doesn’t share that with Rachel. However, Rachel has the greater secret. Her husband left her and an office romance failed but, because of that romance, she’s eight months pregnant. Katy thinks Rachel is happy living in the old family home in Wales, baking tasty desserts, and working at a small local firm. How will the truth come out?
Come out is does in this entertaining page turner! And before the satisfying conclusion where all is neatly wrapped up, there is pottery, an old boyfriend, baby tennis, an angry goose, vegan cookbooks, a disastrous charity auction and more. This is an easy fun read that will leave you with a smile. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Headline Review and Olivia Beirne for this ARC.
Come out is does in this entertaining page turner! And before the satisfying conclusion where all is neatly wrapped up, there is pottery, an old boyfriend, baby tennis, an angry goose, vegan cookbooks, a disastrous charity auction and more. This is an easy fun read that will leave you with a smile. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Headline Review and Olivia Beirne for this ARC.
November 20, 2021
This story of twins Katy and Rachel, was an entertaining, delightful read, focusing on female family dynamics, lies, and insecurities. The plot had me laughing out loud one moment, and produced a lump in my throat in the next, making this an emotional rollercoaster of a read.
The writing style was easy to follow and the emails between the two sisters had me engrossed from the very beginning. Olivia Beirne has created Katy and Rachel exceptionally well, and I found their relationship incredibly relatable due to personal experiences. The concept that the siblings were lying to each other regularly about how wonderful their lives were, provided a fair amount of thought-provoking moments throughout.
Overall, this is a good all-rounder. It is perfect for a heartwarming Sunday afternoon cozy read or could be just as enjoyable if read on the beach under the hot sun. I definitely recommended this book, and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you Headline and NetGalley for a gifted copy of this, in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
The writing style was easy to follow and the emails between the two sisters had me engrossed from the very beginning. Olivia Beirne has created Katy and Rachel exceptionally well, and I found their relationship incredibly relatable due to personal experiences. The concept that the siblings were lying to each other regularly about how wonderful their lives were, provided a fair amount of thought-provoking moments throughout.
Overall, this is a good all-rounder. It is perfect for a heartwarming Sunday afternoon cozy read or could be just as enjoyable if read on the beach under the hot sun. I definitely recommended this book, and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you Headline and NetGalley for a gifted copy of this, in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
November 3, 2021
House Swap by Olivia Beirne ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date 4th Nov
Blurb
Twins Katy and Rachel don't know much about each other's lives anymore.
Rachel thinks that Katy is a high-flying event planner in London, while Katy thinks that Rachel lives in idyllic marital bliss in the countryside.
Each sister believes the other has created a perfect life - but the truth is that neither twin has the life she pretends she does.
And when these sisters unexpectedly swap houses for a week, they're in for a big shock.
But it might just be the wake-up call they've both been waiting for. . .
This is a well written, lighthearted read with lots of funny and heartwarming moments. It’s an enjoyable book although slightly frustrating (so many times I was left thinking ‘just blinking talk to each other!!’) with a few far fetched parts.
Thanks very much to netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Publication Date 4th Nov
Blurb
Twins Katy and Rachel don't know much about each other's lives anymore.
Rachel thinks that Katy is a high-flying event planner in London, while Katy thinks that Rachel lives in idyllic marital bliss in the countryside.
Each sister believes the other has created a perfect life - but the truth is that neither twin has the life she pretends she does.
And when these sisters unexpectedly swap houses for a week, they're in for a big shock.
But it might just be the wake-up call they've both been waiting for. . .
This is a well written, lighthearted read with lots of funny and heartwarming moments. It’s an enjoyable book although slightly frustrating (so many times I was left thinking ‘just blinking talk to each other!!’) with a few far fetched parts.
Thanks very much to netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
March 14, 2025
Perfect if not for the use of God's name in vain. And Jesus but not used for His name.
The story is great.Sadly it belittles the nameof Jesus and God which goes against the 3rd commandment in the bible. His is a really big deal as its disrespectful to God himself. We are not to use the term God unless we are talking v about the one and only creator of the universe and you and me.and we should not use the most high name of Jesus unless we are talking to Him or about Him. I think this book is sweet and has good psychology lessons about how we as humans seem to guess what others think of us or what is really happening verses reality. i would like to be able to purchase it for the students in our high school. But the offense is too much. I hope the author will
re- releases this story as an ebook without the misuses of God and Jesus and that she is respectful in the future.
The story is great.Sadly it belittles the nameof Jesus and God which goes against the 3rd commandment in the bible. His is a really big deal as its disrespectful to God himself. We are not to use the term God unless we are talking v about the one and only creator of the universe and you and me.and we should not use the most high name of Jesus unless we are talking to Him or about Him. I think this book is sweet and has good psychology lessons about how we as humans seem to guess what others think of us or what is really happening verses reality. i would like to be able to purchase it for the students in our high school. But the offense is too much. I hope the author will
re- releases this story as an ebook without the misuses of God and Jesus and that she is respectful in the future.
September 19, 2025
Rating: 3.5/4 stars
I picked this up as a light read for my commute, and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style, and she gave each character distinct depth. The small lies between the twins, their egos, and the little things keeping them from reaching out to each other made them feel human and relatable. The constant inner doubt and dilemmas that both sisters faced throughout the story also added to their realism.
Even though the writing is fun and the story is light-hearted, there is a thread of sorrow and nostalgia woven through the characters’ reflections on the past. This undertone adds an interesting layer as the story unfolds.
In the second half, I found myself a bit tired of the characters repeatedly running away from their problems, but the ending tied things together in a way that felt both sensible and intentional — a solid payoff for the buildup of tension.
I picked this up as a light read for my commute, and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style, and she gave each character distinct depth. The small lies between the twins, their egos, and the little things keeping them from reaching out to each other made them feel human and relatable. The constant inner doubt and dilemmas that both sisters faced throughout the story also added to their realism.
Even though the writing is fun and the story is light-hearted, there is a thread of sorrow and nostalgia woven through the characters’ reflections on the past. This undertone adds an interesting layer as the story unfolds.
In the second half, I found myself a bit tired of the characters repeatedly running away from their problems, but the ending tied things together in a way that felt both sensible and intentional — a solid payoff for the buildup of tension.
October 21, 2021
The book started brilliantly, it was filled with humour and hilariousness, just what I like, however then it went a bit downhill and I had a feeling it simply can’t decide, what it wants to be about – if it wants to makes us laugh, or cry, if it wants to be a light or a bit darker read. I appreciate the fact that the author wanted to add depth and some seriousness to her story, but sadly she wasn’t able to find the happy medium, the perfect balance.
It is a story showing that grass isn’t always greener on the other side, proving that there is nothing better than simply talk to each other. It was a tale of family, loss and love, with a great bunch of characters that often – sometimes too often – make a lot of weird decisions, and some brilliant moments, also pulling on your heart – strings.
It is a story showing that grass isn’t always greener on the other side, proving that there is nothing better than simply talk to each other. It was a tale of family, loss and love, with a great bunch of characters that often – sometimes too often – make a lot of weird decisions, and some brilliant moments, also pulling on your heart – strings.
July 7, 2021
The quick pace and lighthearted nature of this book makes it a great summer read! I enjoyed the use of the emails at the start and the end, and even though the ending is predictable, I don't necessarily think that this is a bad thing. There were parts of the book which I found a bit frustrating, mainly times when I thought Katy was obviously going to guess Rachel's secret, and I think the biggest thing I struggled with was how convinced Rachel was that Katy would leave her, when I felt there wasn't that much evidence of that? Having said that, the fast pace makes this easier to read as you're not waiting for ages for the resolution. Whilst this wasn't a favourite, it's definitely a fun and enjoyable read! Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book.
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