The Swing: Where true love hangs in the balance

by J.A. C

Love across the class divide was never going to be easy.

All Charlotte craves is a simple life, far from the routines of motherhood and the responsibilities of a vast, early inheritance. But, of course, for people of her standing, that was out of the question.
A chance meeting with Peter, a handsome, rugged Yorkshireman, brings a grounded earthiness and deep love that she never thought was possible.
Unlikely kindred spirits, they become inseparable and, as their steamy and passionate love affair evolves, so do the prejudices of the people around them. Will class differences, fickle friends and deception finally force them apart or will Charlotte free herself from her destiny to allow true love to win through?

The swing is her sanctuary, but also the gateway to ultimate freedom.

Genres: Fiction

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2022

Reviews

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner that draws you in. I was invested in the characters and the outcome of their relationship. The story takes you through all the emotions and the ending leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait for a sequel!

[Jamie-Lee Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book club read and romance isn’t my usual go to genre, but I do actually adore a period drama.This isn’t a period drama but it was crying out to be one. The book has been described as a modern day lady chatterly’s lover. There is something about class divide relationships, with two people that can’t or shouldn’t be together that is timeless and works for me every time. It very much still goes on in the present day and this author has explored that in this book. I was captivated right from the start as we get to know Charlotte and Peter from a young age and how their worlds collide as adults. It’s well written, passionate and emotional with characters you can really root for.
A small warning though, for a romance book this does contain one or two upsetting scenes to be mindful of if you consider reading it, which I highly recommend! A sequel is out soon and I can’t wait to catch up with Charlotte and Peter again!

[Michelle Armitage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A modern take on Lady Chatterlys lover and just as steamy! Class and money divide as much as ever.
Will their love of each other and nature be enough? This is a dramatic and pacey read. Passion, tragedy, lies, betrayals. Love against many obstacles.

It kept me guessing til the last moment. A great read!

[Margrit Hummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was holding this newest book of J A Crawshaw in my hands and anxiously started to read, I soon realized that I need a quiet time in order to enjoy.

It is a lovely written book. Especially the manifold English language used by the author pleased me, although my mother tongue is not English.

I am attracted to this intensive love story, dealing with the problems two Persons encounter, both coming from very different backgrounds.

I took my time to move along. It was really worthwhile and a great pleasure.

I hear that a sequel is on it's way. Great!

[Caryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book!

[Mike Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad attempt at a first novel. I found the main female character not very likeable and a little naive. Her friends and family even less likeable. It therefore leaves one without any empathetic feelings about the romance about to start.
Little details such as text messages way longer than are possible are annoying. I look forward to the sequel we’re I hope Lucy gets her comeuppance and Peter finds a much more likeable and intelligent partner.

[Lucy Spence · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Charlotte craves is a simple life, far from the routines of motherhood and the responsibilities of a vast, early inheritance. But, of course, for people of her standing, that was out of the question.
A chance meeting with Peter, a handsome, rugged Yorkshireman, brings a grounded earthiness and deep love that she never thought was possible.
Unlikely kindred spirits, they become inseparable and, as their steamy and passionate love affair evolves, so do the prejudices of the people around them. Will class differences, fickle friends and deception finally force them apart or will Charlotte free herself from her destiny to allow true love to win through?
The swing is her sanctuary, but also the gateway to ultimate freedom.

I liked the cover and was intrigued to find out more. Read it in just two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed it. A perfect mix of passion, suspense and humour.

[zasou.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charlotte wants a simple life, away from the routines of motherhood and the responsabilities tied to her vast inheritance she got when her father died. But her social standing keeps her from really going after what she wants. She meets Peter, a grounded, handsom, rugged man, and the fall deeply in love and become inseparable. As their lvoe affaire evolves, so do the prejudices of people around them.
This was not for me. My bad, as I did judge this book by it's cover, and I though it would be a bit more thriller than romance. I DNFd it, but if you are into drama, a passion between different classes and deception, you'll be into this one!
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Xylem Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Blyth-Sweetingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to love this story when I became increasingly impatient for the two main characters to meet from reading just the first few chapters! Their individual storylines captivated me and the way their paths then entwined was beautifully done. I'm a huge fan of symbolism and metaphor and the author created many parallels and subtle symbolic references throughout. I'm really looking forward to the sequel!

[Linda Cronshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Swing follows Charlotte, a wealthy woman yearning for more than her privileged but stifling world. When she meets Peter, a grounded, nature-loving Yorkshireman, her life begins to unravel in the most unexpected and tender ways. J. A. Crawshaw paints a vivid picture of longing, love, and the quiet rebellion of following your heart. Charlotte’s emotional journey is raw, real, and beautifully told. A stunning debut that lingers long after the final page.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compulsive read and something a little different, very much a romantic adventure story full of twists and turns. I loved the nature elements threaded into the book also. Extremely well written page turner for a debut novel, I would highly recommend it. Very much look forward to reading more from this author.

[Erika Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The debut novel from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved how nature became such a powerful force between Charlotte and Peter, despite their class differences. Did not expect the ending and hoping there might be a sequel?

[Jenny C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception, trust and intrigue, had me from the beginning. It flowed well; the characters were believable and the intimate scenes well written. The class differences were well explored, with all the subtleties and even humour. Superb, really enjoyed it.

[leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping

The fast-paced gripping story got me emotionally involved, good twisty romance with a massive divide. Liked the writing style would recommend.

[Trudi Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much, I was hooked from the start. Through the ups and the downs, the chuckles and the tears. This book had me craving more, I’ll be reading the next book straight away. X

[Julia Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A LOVELY BIT OF ESCAPISM

This story starts in the 1970s where Charlotte and Peter's childhoods are blighted by loss. It then follows their journeys as they navigate adult life. They come from totally different backgrounds; Peter is working class and Charlotte is upper class. When they meet, the attraction between them is instant, but can their love survive a class divide?

I really liked Peter's down to earth persona and his no nonsense outlook on life. I wasn't as keen on Charlotte, she came across as cossetted, a little bit wishy-washy and childlike at times - but her faults made her a realistic character and I did feel sorry for her. To me she seemed lonely and to be surrounded by unscrupulous people. It was definitely a reminder that wealth does not necessarily guarantee happiness.

As a huge tree lover I really liked the references to trees throughout the book, and the descriptions of the natural surrounding world were beautiful.

The Swing is a lovely romantic read, with quite a few steamy scenes. It was well written, I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. I enjoyed it very much and am happy to see that there is a sequel. :-)

[Jenée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immersive read full of detail and references to a connection with nature. Much like nature, the main characters are on a road of growth,discovery, and criticism from those closest to them. Both having lost a parent and have no desire for a significant other. The difference between a life of privilege and working class are well presented. I adored Peter’s sense of self and being one with nature. Charlotte showed a lot of growth, and while she wavers you know there is a strength within her.
I’m ever so grateful for the author gifting me this book. It is one I will treasure.

[Vic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read book club pick. Author came to our book club and discussed writing process. Very interesting.