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袨斜屑褨薪 薪邪 袪褨蟹写胁芯
笑械 褉芯屑邪薪褌懈褔薪邪, 写褉邪屑邪褌懈褔薪邪, 胁械褋械谢邪 褨 薪械 斜械蟹 锌褉懈谐芯写 褨褋褌芯褉褨褟 写谢褟 胁褋褨褏, 泻芯屑褍 胁卸械 褍 褏芯谢芯写薪芯屑褍 谢懈褋褌芯锌邪写褨 锌芯褌褉褨斜薪邪 褑褟 邪褌屑芯褋褎械褉邪 褋胁褟褌, 褖芯 薪邪斜谢懈卸邪褞褌褜褋褟, 褖芯褋褜 谢械谐泻械 写谢褟 胁褨写锌芯褔懈薪泻褍 褌邪 褏芯褉芯褕芯谐芯 薪邪褋褌褉芯褞.
袘谢懈蟹薪褞褔泻懈 效邪褉谢褨 褌邪 袣邪褋褋 覑褍写胁褨薪懈 蟹邪褏芯锌谢褞褞褌褜褋褟 泻褍谢褨薪邪褉褨褦褞 褌邪 泻芯薪写懈褌械褉褋褜泻懈屑 屑懈褋褌械褑褌胁芯屑. 效邪褉谢褨 屑械褕泻邪褦 胁 袥芯褋-袗薪写卸械谢械褋褨 褌邪 蟹薪褨屑邪褦褌褜褋褟 胁 锌芯锌褍谢褟褉薪芯屑褍 泻褍谢褨薪邪褉薪芯屑褍 褕芯褍 芦小芯谢芯写泻械 褌邪 小芯谢芯薪械禄. 袗 袣邪褋褋 泻械褉褍褦 褋褨屑械泄薪芯褞 锌械泻邪褉薪械褞 芦袙褍写斜械褉薪禄 褍 褉褨写薪芯屑褍 屑褨褋褌械褔泻褍 小褌邪褉谢邪泄褌 袩褨泻.
袟邪 12 写薪褨胁 写芯 袪褨蟹写胁邪, 泻芯谢懈 褍 芯斜懈写胁芯褏 褋械褋褌械褉 薪邪泄谐邪褉褟褔褨褕懈泄 褉芯斜芯褔懈泄 锌械褉褨芯写 胁 褉芯褑褨, 芯写薪邪 蟹 薪懈褏 芯褌褉懈屑褍褦 褌褉邪胁屑褍 褌邪 胁褌褉邪褔邪褦 褋屑邪泻 褨 薪褞褏. 袉薪褕邪 褋械褋褌褉邪 胁懈褉褍褕邪褦 薪邪 写芯锌芯屑芯谐褍 褨 芯斜屑褨薪褞褦褌褜褋褟 屑褨褋褑褟屑懈 蟹褨 褋胁芯褦褞 斜谢懈蟹薪褞褔泻芯褞. 笑褨 12 写薪褨胁 斜褍写褍褌褜 薪邪褋懈褔械薪懈屑懈 褌邪 锌械褉械胁械褉薪褍褌褜 胁褋械 褩褏薪褦 卸懈褌褌褟 蟹 薪褨谐 薪邪 谐芯谢芯胁褍, 薪邪 薪懈褏 褔械泻邪褞褌褜 胁懈锌褉芯斜褍胁邪薪薪褟, 薪芯胁褨 蟹薪邪泄芯屑褋褌胁邪 褨 薪邪胁褨褌褜 锌芯褔褍褌褌褟.
效懈屑 胁褋械 蟹邪胁械褉褕懈褌褜褋褟? 效懈 胁写邪褋褌褜褋褟 褩屑 褍薪懈泻薪褍褌懈 薪邪褋谢褨写泻褨胁 褔械褉械蟹 褋胁褨泄 芯斜屑褨薪 褌邪 胁褨写薪邪泄褌懈 褉械褑械锌褌 褋胁褟褌泻芯胁芯谐芯 薪邪褋褌褉芯褞?
袘谢懈蟹薪褞褔泻懈 效邪褉谢褨 褌邪 袣邪褋褋 覑褍写胁褨薪懈 蟹邪褏芯锌谢褞褞褌褜褋褟 泻褍谢褨薪邪褉褨褦褞 褌邪 泻芯薪写懈褌械褉褋褜泻懈屑 屑懈褋褌械褑褌胁芯屑. 效邪褉谢褨 屑械褕泻邪褦 胁 袥芯褋-袗薪写卸械谢械褋褨 褌邪 蟹薪褨屑邪褦褌褜褋褟 胁 锌芯锌褍谢褟褉薪芯屑褍 泻褍谢褨薪邪褉薪芯屑褍 褕芯褍 芦小芯谢芯写泻械 褌邪 小芯谢芯薪械禄. 袗 袣邪褋褋 泻械褉褍褦 褋褨屑械泄薪芯褞 锌械泻邪褉薪械褞 芦袙褍写斜械褉薪禄 褍 褉褨写薪芯屑褍 屑褨褋褌械褔泻褍 小褌邪褉谢邪泄褌 袩褨泻.
袟邪 12 写薪褨胁 写芯 袪褨蟹写胁邪, 泻芯谢懈 褍 芯斜懈写胁芯褏 褋械褋褌械褉 薪邪泄谐邪褉褟褔褨褕懈泄 褉芯斜芯褔懈泄 锌械褉褨芯写 胁 褉芯褑褨, 芯写薪邪 蟹 薪懈褏 芯褌褉懈屑褍褦 褌褉邪胁屑褍 褌邪 胁褌褉邪褔邪褦 褋屑邪泻 褨 薪褞褏. 袉薪褕邪 褋械褋褌褉邪 胁懈褉褍褕邪褦 薪邪 写芯锌芯屑芯谐褍 褨 芯斜屑褨薪褞褦褌褜褋褟 屑褨褋褑褟屑懈 蟹褨 褋胁芯褦褞 斜谢懈蟹薪褞褔泻芯褞. 笑褨 12 写薪褨胁 斜褍写褍褌褜 薪邪褋懈褔械薪懈屑懈 褌邪 锌械褉械胁械褉薪褍褌褜 胁褋械 褩褏薪褦 卸懈褌褌褟 蟹 薪褨谐 薪邪 谐芯谢芯胁褍, 薪邪 薪懈褏 褔械泻邪褞褌褜 胁懈锌褉芯斜褍胁邪薪薪褟, 薪芯胁褨 蟹薪邪泄芯屑褋褌胁邪 褨 薪邪胁褨褌褜 锌芯褔褍褌褌褟.
效懈屑 胁褋械 蟹邪胁械褉褕懈褌褜褋褟? 效懈 胁写邪褋褌褜褋褟 褩屑 褍薪懈泻薪褍褌懈 薪邪褋谢褨写泻褨胁 褔械褉械蟹 褋胁褨泄 芯斜屑褨薪 褌邪 胁褨写薪邪泄褌懈 褉械褑械锌褌 褋胁褟褌泻芯胁芯谐芯 薪邪褋褌褉芯褞?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2021
1420 people are currently reading
2912 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Knox
2听books716听followersMaggie Knox is the pen name for writing duo Karma Brown and Marissa Stapley.
Brown is an award-winning journalist and bestselling author of five novels, including the #1 national bestseller Recipe for a Perfect Wife, as well as the nonfiction bestseller The 4% Fix: How One Hour Can Change Your Life. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Self, Redbook, Today's Parent, and Chatelaine. She lives just outside Toronto with her family and a labradoodle named Fred.
Stapley is a former magazine editor and the internationally bestselling author of four novels: Mating For Life, Things to Do When It's Raining, The Last Resort, and Lucky. Marissa's journalism has appeared in magazines and newspapers across North America, including The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Elle, Today's Parent, and Reader's Digest. She lives in Toronto with her family and a precocious black cat named Oscar.
Brown is an award-winning journalist and bestselling author of five novels, including the #1 national bestseller Recipe for a Perfect Wife, as well as the nonfiction bestseller The 4% Fix: How One Hour Can Change Your Life. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Self, Redbook, Today's Parent, and Chatelaine. She lives just outside Toronto with her family and a labradoodle named Fred.
Stapley is a former magazine editor and the internationally bestselling author of four novels: Mating For Life, Things to Do When It's Raining, The Last Resort, and Lucky. Marissa's journalism has appeared in magazines and newspapers across North America, including The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Elle, Today's Parent, and Reader's Digest. She lives in Toronto with her family and a precocious black cat named Oscar.
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October 6, 2021When an accident causes baking show judge Charlie to lose her sense of taste and smell, she desperately asks her identical twin sister Cass to swap places with her. Wanting a break from her own stressful reality, Cass agrees. Cue mishaps and mayhem! With delicious bakes, two sweet romances, and a dash of Christmas spirit, this is one adorable holiday read.
November 25, 2023
This sweetest, loveliest, one of the most engaging story reminds you of feel good Hallmark movies you watch cuddling with your loved ones with a pure happy smile on your face.
Its story line so many similarities with Vanessa Hudgens鈥� Netflix movie called Princess Switch: only there are a few differences: yes, there are twins and baking show at the both stories. But at this book; the sisters already know each other鈥檚 existence and they switch for work related crisis. One of them lives in quaint mountain small town as the other living in LA, hosting a baking show, competing with her cohost to get her own show.
So none of the twins is princess, there are still awww moments and deliciously heartfelt romance parts. I can honestly say this is more logical and more emotional, better version of similar story.
Especially conclusion warmed my heart. I don鈥檛 know how many times I sighed or find myself holding my hurting cheeks because I smiled so much and tested my cheeks flexibility!
Charlie is the baking show star, working on Christmas special with her not so much likable and very likely to be punchable or kickable partner Austin Nash.
And she finds herself dozed off, being attacked by cast-iron pans unit, suffering from concussion. Charming physician assistant Miguel advised her to rest. She doesn鈥檛 want to listen to him because she needs to defeat Austin at his own game, getting her own show as she deserves. But when she losses the ability of tasting and smelling as a side effect of her injury, she calls her sister Cass who is working full time at her family鈥檚 Woodworn Breads Bakery, begging for Parent Trap-ping !
Her sister will become her for 10 days to guarantee her place at the new show as she takes her place as a full time baker at their family bakery at the most busiest time of the year.
Luckily their parents are on trip and nobody needs to know about their arrangement. Cass already needs a break from her long time relationship: her boyfriend insists to drag her into marriage even she says no.
When twins switch places they both have hard times to adjust in their new lives. Cass has problems to talk to the camera, restraining herself as douchebag co-host who sabotages her efforts, making snarky comments about her work. And sweet physician assistant Miguel already starts to confuse her mind with his gestures.
On the other hand Charlie has hard time to manage things at the bakery by herself and sexy firefighter Jack鈥檚 existence makes things more complicated.
As you may imagine both girls find themselves deal with love problems.
I have to admit both love stories are sweet. I enjoyed Cass and Miguel鈥檚 more!
It was such lovely, sweet, feel good book to bring back Christmas spirit and cure your darkening mood!
Definitely better than most of binge watch worthy Hallmark movies!
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/ G. P. Putnam鈥檚 Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Its story line so many similarities with Vanessa Hudgens鈥� Netflix movie called Princess Switch: only there are a few differences: yes, there are twins and baking show at the both stories. But at this book; the sisters already know each other鈥檚 existence and they switch for work related crisis. One of them lives in quaint mountain small town as the other living in LA, hosting a baking show, competing with her cohost to get her own show.
So none of the twins is princess, there are still awww moments and deliciously heartfelt romance parts. I can honestly say this is more logical and more emotional, better version of similar story.
Especially conclusion warmed my heart. I don鈥檛 know how many times I sighed or find myself holding my hurting cheeks because I smiled so much and tested my cheeks flexibility!
Charlie is the baking show star, working on Christmas special with her not so much likable and very likely to be punchable or kickable partner Austin Nash.
And she finds herself dozed off, being attacked by cast-iron pans unit, suffering from concussion. Charming physician assistant Miguel advised her to rest. She doesn鈥檛 want to listen to him because she needs to defeat Austin at his own game, getting her own show as she deserves. But when she losses the ability of tasting and smelling as a side effect of her injury, she calls her sister Cass who is working full time at her family鈥檚 Woodworn Breads Bakery, begging for Parent Trap-ping !
Her sister will become her for 10 days to guarantee her place at the new show as she takes her place as a full time baker at their family bakery at the most busiest time of the year.
Luckily their parents are on trip and nobody needs to know about their arrangement. Cass already needs a break from her long time relationship: her boyfriend insists to drag her into marriage even she says no.
When twins switch places they both have hard times to adjust in their new lives. Cass has problems to talk to the camera, restraining herself as douchebag co-host who sabotages her efforts, making snarky comments about her work. And sweet physician assistant Miguel already starts to confuse her mind with his gestures.
On the other hand Charlie has hard time to manage things at the bakery by herself and sexy firefighter Jack鈥檚 existence makes things more complicated.
As you may imagine both girls find themselves deal with love problems.
I have to admit both love stories are sweet. I enjoyed Cass and Miguel鈥檚 more!
It was such lovely, sweet, feel good book to bring back Christmas spirit and cure your darkening mood!
Definitely better than most of binge watch worthy Hallmark movies!
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/ G. P. Putnam鈥檚 Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
December 21, 2023
a sweet story, but the dialogue was a little on the cringe side & it overall fell into a very cheesy place.
November 22, 2023
3.75 *
To my delight I found out Maggie Knox is the pseudonym for two famous Canadian authors. Karma Brown (whose books I very much enjoy) and Marissa Stapley (I've only read one of her books but will look into more of them now.) 馃嚚馃嚘
This was my first Christmas book for the season. It was sweet (literally as both the main characters are chefs and there is a lot of baking going on.) It really reminded me of a Hallmark type of movie.
Two twin sisters Charlie and Cass decide to swap places just before Christmas. Charlie is a famous tv chef who stars in a baking competition type of show (yes BIG The Great American Baking show vibes.) On set she falls and injures herself and needs to take time to rest but the show must go on! She asks her twin Cass to switch places with her. Charlie will in turn head back to their family bakery (in a quaint small town of all places) to help in the run-up to Christmas.
This is a feel good type of story and a heartwarming romance. It's a little cheesy but it provides you with all the good feels around the holiday season. 馃巹
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
To my delight I found out Maggie Knox is the pseudonym for two famous Canadian authors. Karma Brown (whose books I very much enjoy) and Marissa Stapley (I've only read one of her books but will look into more of them now.) 馃嚚馃嚘
This was my first Christmas book for the season. It was sweet (literally as both the main characters are chefs and there is a lot of baking going on.) It really reminded me of a Hallmark type of movie.
Two twin sisters Charlie and Cass decide to swap places just before Christmas. Charlie is a famous tv chef who stars in a baking competition type of show (yes BIG The Great American Baking show vibes.) On set she falls and injures herself and needs to take time to rest but the show must go on! She asks her twin Cass to switch places with her. Charlie will in turn head back to their family bakery (in a quaint small town of all places) to help in the run-up to Christmas.
This is a feel good type of story and a heartwarming romance. It's a little cheesy but it provides you with all the good feels around the holiday season. 馃巹
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
October 7, 2021
So cute, like a Hallmark movie in a book.
I have been a longtime fan of Karma Brown's books, and so when I saw that she had joined together with Marissa Stapley to write this book I was all in, and I was not disappointed.
This isn't a unique premise, but these authors handled the storyline well. Charlie and Cass are identical twins. Charlie is a trained pastry chef who has a starring role on an LA television food competition show (along with a horrid co-host), and Cass works at home in a quaint mountain town running the family's bakery. When Charlie falls and gets a concussion, she is left without the ability to taste and smell anything. Knowing that her hosting job is on the line, she enlists Cass in a swap--she will work at the bakery and Cass can co-host the show. Neither one can predict the ups and downs this swap will cause in both their personal and professional lives.
I just adored these characters, the food descriptions (my stomach growled so many times reading about the delectable treats the characters created), the camaraderie of the twins and the relationships they nurture and develop along the way. Yes, there's a plethora of heartwarming romance, but there is also a beautiful exploration of family and relationships, and the effect that lies, even well-intentioned ones, have on those around you. The novel also includes a (somewhat cheesy but not unexpected) happily-ever-after ending, a lovable dog, and an overall uplifting storyline. If you're looking for a bit of holiday cheer with a Hallmark movie vibe, then you cannot go wrong with The Holiday Swap.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I have been a longtime fan of Karma Brown's books, and so when I saw that she had joined together with Marissa Stapley to write this book I was all in, and I was not disappointed.
This isn't a unique premise, but these authors handled the storyline well. Charlie and Cass are identical twins. Charlie is a trained pastry chef who has a starring role on an LA television food competition show (along with a horrid co-host), and Cass works at home in a quaint mountain town running the family's bakery. When Charlie falls and gets a concussion, she is left without the ability to taste and smell anything. Knowing that her hosting job is on the line, she enlists Cass in a swap--she will work at the bakery and Cass can co-host the show. Neither one can predict the ups and downs this swap will cause in both their personal and professional lives.
I just adored these characters, the food descriptions (my stomach growled so many times reading about the delectable treats the characters created), the camaraderie of the twins and the relationships they nurture and develop along the way. Yes, there's a plethora of heartwarming romance, but there is also a beautiful exploration of family and relationships, and the effect that lies, even well-intentioned ones, have on those around you. The novel also includes a (somewhat cheesy but not unexpected) happily-ever-after ending, a lovable dog, and an overall uplifting storyline. If you're looking for a bit of holiday cheer with a Hallmark movie vibe, then you cannot go wrong with The Holiday Swap.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
December 14, 2021
2.5/5 stars
Well people weren鈥檛 lying when they said this is like a hallmark movie in book form. I started out enjoying it, but sadly this just leaned too far into the realm of eye-rolling for me to enjoy more than halfway through. I know it鈥檚 the entire plot of the book, but it came to a point where the lying just annoyed me and I stopped caring. The two plot lines became repetitive. The end made me snort. And I don鈥檛 care for baking/food content. I imagine many people will love this one, but it wasn鈥檛 for me. I thought the cutesy Christmas vibes might let it slip through since I love Christmas films, but apparently not.
Well people weren鈥檛 lying when they said this is like a hallmark movie in book form. I started out enjoying it, but sadly this just leaned too far into the realm of eye-rolling for me to enjoy more than halfway through. I know it鈥檚 the entire plot of the book, but it came to a point where the lying just annoyed me and I stopped caring. The two plot lines became repetitive. The end made me snort. And I don鈥檛 care for baking/food content. I imagine many people will love this one, but it wasn鈥檛 for me. I thought the cutesy Christmas vibes might let it slip through since I love Christmas films, but apparently not.
December 13, 2022
Maggie Knox, you delivered. I wanted Christmas romance fluff, and thanks to The Holiday Swap, I got my Christmas romance fluff.
In case you don鈥檛 know, Knox is the pen name for writing duo Karma Brown and Marissa Stapley, both of whom are bestselling authors in their own right. Now, I鈥檝e never read any of the novels written individually by these two talented ladies, but there is one thing I can attest to: together, their writing is pure magic.
The Holiday Swap is basically The Parent Trap for grown-ups, set at Christmas time. Two identical twin sisters trade lives for a week, and romance, baking, and amusing hijinks ensue. It鈥檚 a clean, heartwarming love story as well as an endearing depiction of the unbreakable sisterly bond, and I adored it.
Except for the ending. Even though I craved that happily ever after, this one is a little too sweet and too perfect, more like a Hallmark Christmas movie than real life.
But you know what? I鈥檒l take it. 鈥楾is the season, after all.
In case you don鈥檛 know, Knox is the pen name for writing duo Karma Brown and Marissa Stapley, both of whom are bestselling authors in their own right. Now, I鈥檝e never read any of the novels written individually by these two talented ladies, but there is one thing I can attest to: together, their writing is pure magic.
The Holiday Swap is basically The Parent Trap for grown-ups, set at Christmas time. Two identical twin sisters trade lives for a week, and romance, baking, and amusing hijinks ensue. It鈥檚 a clean, heartwarming love story as well as an endearing depiction of the unbreakable sisterly bond, and I adored it.
Except for the ending. Even though I craved that happily ever after, this one is a little too sweet and too perfect, more like a Hallmark Christmas movie than real life.
But you know what? I鈥檒l take it. 鈥楾is the season, after all.
December 31, 2022
Think about Entenmann's cakes for a second.
Are they the world's BEST baked goods?
(I mean, I'm sure somebody would fight me and say yes. But for the purposes of this metaphor, let's agree that the answer is probably no.)
Reading The Holiday Swap reminded me of that same feeling...I pretty much knew what to expect, and was therefore okay with something reliable, a bit ho-hum, and safe, rather than exciting.
The premise of this one is essentially The Parent Trap...but with two grown up bakers. Twins Charlie and Cass Goodwin are both skilled at the craft, but are leading very different lives. Charlie is working on the set of a reality TV show, baking alongside her nemesis and trying to grit her teeth through it in hopes of becoming a host. Back in their hometown, Cass is working at their family's bakery and trying to make a name for herself with the Big Bad Corporate Bakery destined to swoop in and shut them down.
When Charlie accidentally bumps her head on set, she loses her sense of taste and smell and fears the timing will put her career in jeopardy...so she decides the only solution is to pull The Big Switch. Will the twins make it through the Twelve Days leading up to Christmas with their true identities hidden? And will some chance meetings with the men in each other's lives lead them in directions they never could have dreamed?
I only got the chance to dive into one all-out Christmas read this season (aside from the FABULOUS A Season of Second Chances, which I'd classify as a Fall-Winter book), so when I was able to grab this at prime holiday reading time from the library, I figured it was a sign. But as much as I wanted to love this twosome, all this book made me want to do was eat as MANY baked goods as humanly possible! In all seriousness, this book basically revolves around food, so if you love watching shows about baking like the Great British Bake-Off, Cupcake Wars, Cake Boss, etc., I'd have to think you'll be swooning
First off, I'm very surprised to come back to this synopsis after reading and see this classified as a rom-COM...because there were very few funny moments to be found. I wouldn't even call this a case of the humor not clicking (which does happen for me sometimes in these type of books) but rather, just an absence of actual comedic moments. There are some hijinks, sure, but if you're in the market for lots of witty banter...I'd keep shopping.
I did enjoy the little twelve day lead-up to Christmas, but I had trouble sort of telling the twins apart at times, especially mid-chapter. Having them referred to by their alias by the other characters (for obvious reasons) but then also having their inner thoughts under their 'real' name just became tricky to keep track of after a while. Their two love interests were certainly charming enough, although I felt the authors did a better job with hunky doc Miguel than hometown firefighter Jake, but the characters were certainly on the Hallmark-y side, so fair warning if you're looking for something deep, this is more on the shallow end of the pool.
While this particular treat might be a bit generic, there is something comforting to be found in knowing EXACTLY what that first bite will taste like....and I'll take a little COMFORT to go with JOY any day! 馃巹馃巺
3.5 stars, rounded up
Are they the world's BEST baked goods?
(I mean, I'm sure somebody would fight me and say yes. But for the purposes of this metaphor, let's agree that the answer is probably no.)
Reading The Holiday Swap reminded me of that same feeling...I pretty much knew what to expect, and was therefore okay with something reliable, a bit ho-hum, and safe, rather than exciting.
The premise of this one is essentially The Parent Trap...but with two grown up bakers. Twins Charlie and Cass Goodwin are both skilled at the craft, but are leading very different lives. Charlie is working on the set of a reality TV show, baking alongside her nemesis and trying to grit her teeth through it in hopes of becoming a host. Back in their hometown, Cass is working at their family's bakery and trying to make a name for herself with the Big Bad Corporate Bakery destined to swoop in and shut them down.
When Charlie accidentally bumps her head on set, she loses her sense of taste and smell and fears the timing will put her career in jeopardy...so she decides the only solution is to pull The Big Switch. Will the twins make it through the Twelve Days leading up to Christmas with their true identities hidden? And will some chance meetings with the men in each other's lives lead them in directions they never could have dreamed?
I only got the chance to dive into one all-out Christmas read this season (aside from the FABULOUS A Season of Second Chances, which I'd classify as a Fall-Winter book), so when I was able to grab this at prime holiday reading time from the library, I figured it was a sign. But as much as I wanted to love this twosome, all this book made me want to do was eat as MANY baked goods as humanly possible! In all seriousness, this book basically revolves around food, so if you love watching shows about baking like the Great British Bake-Off, Cupcake Wars, Cake Boss, etc., I'd have to think you'll be swooning
First off, I'm very surprised to come back to this synopsis after reading and see this classified as a rom-COM...because there were very few funny moments to be found. I wouldn't even call this a case of the humor not clicking (which does happen for me sometimes in these type of books) but rather, just an absence of actual comedic moments. There are some hijinks, sure, but if you're in the market for lots of witty banter...I'd keep shopping.
I did enjoy the little twelve day lead-up to Christmas, but I had trouble sort of telling the twins apart at times, especially mid-chapter. Having them referred to by their alias by the other characters (for obvious reasons) but then also having their inner thoughts under their 'real' name just became tricky to keep track of after a while. Their two love interests were certainly charming enough, although I felt the authors did a better job with hunky doc Miguel than hometown firefighter Jake, but the characters were certainly on the Hallmark-y side, so fair warning if you're looking for something deep, this is more on the shallow end of the pool.
While this particular treat might be a bit generic, there is something comforting to be found in knowing EXACTLY what that first bite will taste like....and I'll take a little COMFORT to go with JOY any day! 馃巹馃巺
3.5 stars, rounded up
Read
January 2, 2023I read this book in
This was a super cute Christmasy romance, and it really reads like a straight up Hallmark movie. I loved that you got 2 storylines and 2 different romances but both felt well developed and had great chemistry. The sister relationship added a fun level to the story, I thought both of them were unique in their own right. You kind of got 2 sides of a very classic Hallmark trope with one sister being used the big city fame and ending up in a small town again, and the other being the opposite who stayed in the small town but now is in the big city. I also loved that there was so much baking for both of them!!
This was a super cute Christmasy romance, and it really reads like a straight up Hallmark movie. I loved that you got 2 storylines and 2 different romances but both felt well developed and had great chemistry. The sister relationship added a fun level to the story, I thought both of them were unique in their own right. You kind of got 2 sides of a very classic Hallmark trope with one sister being used the big city fame and ending up in a small town again, and the other being the opposite who stayed in the small town but now is in the big city. I also loved that there was so much baking for both of them!!
January 3, 2024
Eh...3.25 Stars
I know I鈥檓 late in reading this since it's no longer the Christmas season, but I borrowed it from a friend (last Christmas actually...whoops!) and wanted to get it back to her. And I figured the further away 2023 Christmas got in the rearview mirror, the lower my chances became. So I decided to tackle it now and I鈥檓 glad I did.
This was like the Parent Trap, a bake-off show, and Hallmark Holiday got together and made a baby. (Which editing Val now realizes literally everyone else said about this book in their reviews as well because TRUE). And it was super cute. I read it in one sitting. But there鈥檚 really not much more to it than that. Nothing deep, VERY cheesy (something I have to be in the mood for and luckily was, which is rare and thus my taking forever to read this)鈥ust a sweet holiday read鈥hich is exactly what I wanted.
I know I鈥檓 late in reading this since it's no longer the Christmas season, but I borrowed it from a friend (last Christmas actually...whoops!) and wanted to get it back to her. And I figured the further away 2023 Christmas got in the rearview mirror, the lower my chances became. So I decided to tackle it now and I鈥檓 glad I did.
This was like the Parent Trap, a bake-off show, and Hallmark Holiday got together and made a baby. (Which editing Val now realizes literally everyone else said about this book in their reviews as well because TRUE). And it was super cute. I read it in one sitting. But there鈥檚 really not much more to it than that. Nothing deep, VERY cheesy (something I have to be in the mood for and luckily was, which is rare and thus my taking forever to read this)鈥ust a sweet holiday read鈥hich is exactly what I wanted.
January 7, 2025
This is a Cute Christmas Romance. This book is about identical twin switching places during Close to Christmas. The beginning of this story was slow to going, but I love seeing the characters trying to jump into the other ones life. They both find themselves and love while being switched. I love all the characters in this book. I felt the ending of this book was really good, and I normally think romance books ending are just ok. If you are looking for a cute and sweet Romance that can be funny with a Winter/Christmas setting this is the book for you.
September 21, 2021
I am a twin(fraternal, not identical) and ever since I saw the first Disney version of "The Parent Trap" I have enjoyed reading stories about twins swapping places. This holiday-themed novel has a set of 28-year-old twins as the main characters. Cass and Charlie make the switch right before Christmas. Both are in food-related jobs so get ready to read about some mouthwatering desserts and bakery goods. This is a clean, feel good romance and I loved it!
Thank you to G.P. Putnam and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2022
Cute, light, and fluffy which is just what I was looking for. I don鈥檛 watch Hallmark movies, but I imagine this is what they would be like. I especially enjoyed the small town atmosphere of Starlight Peak which I found to be the parts I looked forward to more. It was very predictable but that was kind of expected. 3.5 stars rounded up because it gave me the holiday vibes I was looking for this time of year. 馃巹
October 14, 2021
Definitely don't take my rating to heart if this sounds like your thing. This just isn't my cup of tea.
Right off the bat, I want to say, if you're a fan of the seasonal Netflix and or Hallmark channel holiday movies? You'll probably love this. Enjoy those Vanessa Hudgens twin/look-alike/whatever swap concept films? This is for you. Added bonus if you also love The Great British Bake Off. And yet another bonus is this also manages to sprinkle in a small-town setting and vibe. THE HOLIDAY SWAP is doing pretty much everything, and anything, it possibly can. Sadly, though, this did not make my Grinchy heart grows any sizes bigger.
If you can suspend some disbelief that grown humans (even identical ones!) would think it likely they can switch lives for the course of the week when disaster strikes (I'm not even going to touch on the recklessness of not taking a concussion seriously.. I'm not.. nope), and have no issue adjusting despite the very different lives they lead, you can probably get on with this more than I could (thankfully they do later address the folly in thinking this would be possible, but..). Added tension and hijinks ensue when they immediately stumble in their ability to adjust to their new surroundings and are unable to get ahold of each other.. and I mean, other than dealing with frustrating co-hosts of a reality tv show and an ex who can't get the hint, that's as high stakes as it gets. This isn't looking to stress you out by any means, it really is here for a good wholesome holiday time.
Beyond not getting on with most of the aforementioned tropes and premise, though, I'll admit there was not enough to differentiate the twins in personality or narrative voice. One is supposed to be more traditionally small town and perhaps a little bit of a pushover/people pleaser (though we only see that particular aspect when she's dealing with her ex which, ugh, I disliked that whole plot point) and the other is glamourous and successful and take-charge.. except, again, with maybe two exceptions we don't see this really come to the fore. They were both into baking, they were both workaholics, making them well.. sorry for the pun, but, identical; circumstances notwithstanding.
Naturally, each sister has a romance that is initially complicated by the existing way the love interests were known to the other sister, but, surprising no one, it all works out happily ever after in the end.
THE HOLIDAY SWAP has the excitement, and conflict, of the GBBO-like competition, a potential baked-goods chain looking to elbow in on the small town bakery's turf, in addition to head injuries and some ruined baking, and, of course, the sisters have to come clean just in time for Christmas. Will a miracle prevail and they will be forgiven for their trickery? Will they each get what they set out to achieve with their swap.. and maybe learn something about themselves along the way? I'm sure you know the answer to those questions but, either way, I won't ruin the surprise.
This has so much that I know so many people will love. And I hope you do. But if, like me, this isn't quite your jam? I don't think this will be memorable or enough of a stand-out to change your mind about the premise. It did make me hungry, though.
** I received an unsolicited finished copy from the publisher (thank you!) and this in no way influenced my review. **
---
This review can also be found at .
Right off the bat, I want to say, if you're a fan of the seasonal Netflix and or Hallmark channel holiday movies? You'll probably love this. Enjoy those Vanessa Hudgens twin/look-alike/whatever swap concept films? This is for you. Added bonus if you also love The Great British Bake Off. And yet another bonus is this also manages to sprinkle in a small-town setting and vibe. THE HOLIDAY SWAP is doing pretty much everything, and anything, it possibly can. Sadly, though, this did not make my Grinchy heart grows any sizes bigger.
If you can suspend some disbelief that grown humans (even identical ones!) would think it likely they can switch lives for the course of the week when disaster strikes (I'm not even going to touch on the recklessness of not taking a concussion seriously.. I'm not.. nope), and have no issue adjusting despite the very different lives they lead, you can probably get on with this more than I could (thankfully they do later address the folly in thinking this would be possible, but..). Added tension and hijinks ensue when they immediately stumble in their ability to adjust to their new surroundings and are unable to get ahold of each other.. and I mean, other than dealing with frustrating co-hosts of a reality tv show and an ex who can't get the hint, that's as high stakes as it gets. This isn't looking to stress you out by any means, it really is here for a good wholesome holiday time.
Beyond not getting on with most of the aforementioned tropes and premise, though, I'll admit there was not enough to differentiate the twins in personality or narrative voice. One is supposed to be more traditionally small town and perhaps a little bit of a pushover/people pleaser (though we only see that particular aspect when she's dealing with her ex which, ugh, I disliked that whole plot point) and the other is glamourous and successful and take-charge.. except, again, with maybe two exceptions we don't see this really come to the fore. They were both into baking, they were both workaholics, making them well.. sorry for the pun, but, identical; circumstances notwithstanding.
Naturally, each sister has a romance that is initially complicated by the existing way the love interests were known to the other sister, but, surprising no one, it all works out happily ever after in the end.
THE HOLIDAY SWAP has the excitement, and conflict, of the GBBO-like competition, a potential baked-goods chain looking to elbow in on the small town bakery's turf, in addition to head injuries and some ruined baking, and, of course, the sisters have to come clean just in time for Christmas. Will a miracle prevail and they will be forgiven for their trickery? Will they each get what they set out to achieve with their swap.. and maybe learn something about themselves along the way? I'm sure you know the answer to those questions but, either way, I won't ruin the surprise.
This has so much that I know so many people will love. And I hope you do. But if, like me, this isn't quite your jam? I don't think this will be memorable or enough of a stand-out to change your mind about the premise. It did make me hungry, though.
** I received an unsolicited finished copy from the publisher (thank you!) and this in no way influenced my review. **
---
This review can also be found at .
November 16, 2021
4.5
This novel has it all. Baking? Romance? Twins swapping places and falling in love? Yes, please! I loved every second of this book and how Charlie and Cassie swap places for the holidays. They both fall in love, but quickly get tangled in their web of lies trying to pose as each other in their respective lives. I really loved how sweet each of the romances were. My only critique is that I would have liked for them to at least have told the love interests a little earlier their true identities. What I appreciated though, was how messy the girls made each other's lives. Obviously there were going to be consequences as they lied to people and tried to be each other, and I liked how things got a bit messy before they could get better. This had all of the Christmas magic I wanted and I couldn't recommend it enough as a cute Christmas romance to pick up this winter!
This novel has it all. Baking? Romance? Twins swapping places and falling in love? Yes, please! I loved every second of this book and how Charlie and Cassie swap places for the holidays. They both fall in love, but quickly get tangled in their web of lies trying to pose as each other in their respective lives. I really loved how sweet each of the romances were. My only critique is that I would have liked for them to at least have told the love interests a little earlier their true identities. What I appreciated though, was how messy the girls made each other's lives. Obviously there were going to be consequences as they lied to people and tried to be each other, and I liked how things got a bit messy before they could get better. This had all of the Christmas magic I wanted and I couldn't recommend it enough as a cute Christmas romance to pick up this winter!
December 15, 2021
***3,5 stars***
Dear authors,
aren't you tired of repeating the same tropes over and over again? Especially in romance novels! For instance when the MC has something to say, a secret to confess - let them freaking confess! Stop interrupting them with idiotic things, just to have the secret come out right before the end in some dramatic way. After that, it always comes to a fight between the love interests or a separation of some sort, only to have it sorted out after a short while, then giving them their HEA.
Can you once figure out some other plot device? (like for example in this story, let the twins come out to their love interests when they first intended to, no interruptions? Then I don't know.. cause some other small drama to keep those in need of drama satisfied. 馃檮) I want MCs in romance novels to be honest about their stupid secrets for once and not figure out how the whole book is about to go down after just a few pages/chapters.
Is that too much to ask for?
Respectfully,
Dora
But for real now.. I am soooo sick of these repeating tropes, the same ones over and over and over and ooooover again 馃う鈥嶁檧锔� is there an unwritten law amongst writers that forces them to use the same basic structure in their novels - one that I am not aware of? Or do people not want to read something original for once?
Because this book wasn't even halfway bad. Even though it's about twins switching places (which btw has also been done like a gazillion times), I could get over that and actually enjoy it. But sadly, that was only until I figured neither Cat, nor Charlie will be honest about who they are to neither Jake nor Miguel. Literally nothing would have changed, neither of them would have had anything to loose, so I don't get it.
I am so mad right now, and also conflicted? Because, as I said before, I did enjoy this story. But I just wish with all my heart that for once I'll read something original. Do the twin switching thing, but do it with a twist, do it like no one's done it before. And also, there are other happy endings, other than pregnancy and marriage 馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮
So yeah, if you're a fan of Hallmarky Christmas stories, then I do recommend this one.
Dear authors,
aren't you tired of repeating the same tropes over and over again? Especially in romance novels! For instance when the MC has something to say, a secret to confess - let them freaking confess! Stop interrupting them with idiotic things, just to have the secret come out right before the end in some dramatic way. After that, it always comes to a fight between the love interests or a separation of some sort, only to have it sorted out after a short while, then giving them their HEA.
Can you once figure out some other plot device? (like for example in this story, let the twins come out to their love interests when they first intended to, no interruptions? Then I don't know.. cause some other small drama to keep those in need of drama satisfied. 馃檮) I want MCs in romance novels to be honest about their stupid secrets for once and not figure out how the whole book is about to go down after just a few pages/chapters.
Is that too much to ask for?
Respectfully,
Dora
But for real now.. I am soooo sick of these repeating tropes, the same ones over and over and over and ooooover again 馃う鈥嶁檧锔� is there an unwritten law amongst writers that forces them to use the same basic structure in their novels - one that I am not aware of? Or do people not want to read something original for once?
Because this book wasn't even halfway bad. Even though it's about twins switching places (which btw has also been done like a gazillion times), I could get over that and actually enjoy it. But sadly, that was only until I figured neither Cat, nor Charlie will be honest about who they are to neither Jake nor Miguel. Literally nothing would have changed, neither of them would have had anything to loose, so I don't get it.
I am so mad right now, and also conflicted? Because, as I said before, I did enjoy this story. But I just wish with all my heart that for once I'll read something original. Do the twin switching thing, but do it with a twist, do it like no one's done it before. And also, there are other happy endings, other than pregnancy and marriage 馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮馃檮
So yeah, if you're a fan of Hallmarky Christmas stories, then I do recommend this one.
March 9, 2022
I feel bad, but I really didn't enjoy this. I do want to make it clear that I don't think that this was necessarily a bad book, but it was very much just not a book for me. Between the stilted third-person writing style and the over the top-ness of it all, I struggled even finishing this. It leaned way too far into the unrealistic territory than I care for, but if you're someone who likes Hallmark-movie-level-cheese, there's a good chance that you will enjoy this way more than I did! It was unfortunately really just not a book for me and I bummed as heck. Womp :(
December 28, 2021
2.5
just not really my thing. don鈥檛 think it helped that christmas has been quite miserable this year (thanks omicron) so the festiveness of the book made me sad rather than happy.
it was very predictable and i just felt myself getting irritated at the girls, like why couldn鈥檛 they just tell these men who they were?! it wouldn鈥檛 have ruined the rest of the plan 馃う馃徎鈥嶁檧锔�
just not really my thing. don鈥檛 think it helped that christmas has been quite miserable this year (thanks omicron) so the festiveness of the book made me sad rather than happy.
it was very predictable and i just felt myself getting irritated at the girls, like why couldn鈥檛 they just tell these men who they were?! it wouldn鈥檛 have ruined the rest of the plan 馃う馃徎鈥嶁檧锔�
December 8, 2021
The Holiday Swap is a women鈥檚 fiction novel set during Christmas. It鈥檚 a case of mistaken identity/disguise when identical twins swap towns/jobs temporarily.
This is a whimsical, feel-good, clean story about twins Charlie (pastry chef, TV show host) and Cass (bakery owner in a quaint town). An accidental bump on the head caused Charlie to lose her sense of smell and taste, making it impossible to hide the issue while onset. Since the next few days will decide if she or her co-host gets the new show鈥檚 job, Charlie persuades her sister to pretend to be her to secure her future. Both twins have extensive baking skills so it鈥檚 simple for Cass to come to LA and Charlie to manage the bakery in her hometown.
Sounds simple enough. But each twin has a learning curve to overcome to perform the other twin鈥檚 job. They both realize lying to people is hard, even if it is only temporary. After they swap, each twin stumbles upon that one guy who makes their heart flutter. And just when the twins develop real feelings for their new guy, they wonder what will happen when the ruse is over. Meanwhile each twin has work-related challenges they must thwart to maintain their lively hood.
With lavish food descriptions, Christmas references, and only mild conflict, this is light-hearted escape read. As you would expect, the characters are charming, upbeat people. The single rascal gets what he deserves. Everybody else ends up in a happy place.
Why only three stars?
Despite the sweet writing, likable characters, and fun holiday vibes, I struggled to maintain interest in this book from start to finish. I couldn鈥檛 get invested in Charlie or Cass. Nothing negative, just neutral. The food descriptions for the bakery items and the TV show food sounded delicious. But the extensive catalog of dinner foods (and there were several dinner dates) bogged down the relationship scenes.
If you are a fan of Hallmark movies, add this to your seasonal list. Also recommend for fans of light, clean romance and fluffy chic-lit.
This is a whimsical, feel-good, clean story about twins Charlie (pastry chef, TV show host) and Cass (bakery owner in a quaint town). An accidental bump on the head caused Charlie to lose her sense of smell and taste, making it impossible to hide the issue while onset. Since the next few days will decide if she or her co-host gets the new show鈥檚 job, Charlie persuades her sister to pretend to be her to secure her future. Both twins have extensive baking skills so it鈥檚 simple for Cass to come to LA and Charlie to manage the bakery in her hometown.
Sounds simple enough. But each twin has a learning curve to overcome to perform the other twin鈥檚 job. They both realize lying to people is hard, even if it is only temporary. After they swap, each twin stumbles upon that one guy who makes their heart flutter. And just when the twins develop real feelings for their new guy, they wonder what will happen when the ruse is over. Meanwhile each twin has work-related challenges they must thwart to maintain their lively hood.
With lavish food descriptions, Christmas references, and only mild conflict, this is light-hearted escape read. As you would expect, the characters are charming, upbeat people. The single rascal gets what he deserves. Everybody else ends up in a happy place.
Why only three stars?
Despite the sweet writing, likable characters, and fun holiday vibes, I struggled to maintain interest in this book from start to finish. I couldn鈥檛 get invested in Charlie or Cass. Nothing negative, just neutral. The food descriptions for the bakery items and the TV show food sounded delicious. But the extensive catalog of dinner foods (and there were several dinner dates) bogged down the relationship scenes.
If you are a fan of Hallmark movies, add this to your seasonal list. Also recommend for fans of light, clean romance and fluffy chic-lit.
November 1, 2021
鉁э渐锞�: *鉁э渐锞�:* *:锝ワ緹鉁�*:锝ワ緹鉁�
Thanks to Penguin Canada for providing an ARC of The Holiday Swap in exchange for an honest review.
A fun and heartwarming contemporary romance that鈥檚 perfect for the holidays!鈥�
鈬he Plot
This was a really cute read, perfect for Christmas or the holidays, because it covered both the small town and big city aspects of the holiday season. Plus, baked goods and Christmas are the perfect combination, so what could go wrong? I liked the overall plot of the book even though twin switches aren鈥檛 my favourite trope, but I did find the execution to be a little rushed at times. It seemed like the authors wanted the book to be tied up a bit too quickly and a bit too perfectly. Other than that, I really liked the plot.
鈬he Characters
Just like with the plot, I liked the idea behind the characters, but I wasn鈥檛 100% convinced by the execution. While they were fun to read about, the book just wasn鈥檛 long enough for me to really connect with them, their jobs, or their romance. That鈥檚 a bit harsh because they were good characters and I did feel invested in their lives especially when people were finding out about the switch, but there was definitely something lacking. 鈥�
鈬he Romance
One of my favourite parts of the book, both couples were so cute, particularly Cass and Michael. Just like with everything else I wish we got to see more of the development, but what we did get to see was SO CUTE!
*3.5
. 鈰� 藲蹋- : 鉁� : 鈥� 猸� 鉂� 猸� 鈥� : 鉁� : -藲蹋鈰� .
dnf-lost-interest
October 7, 2021*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
September 26, 2021
3.5-3.75 stars
Before I go any further, The Holiday Swap is a clean romance 馃Ъ. Just an FYI for those who go for that & for those who don鈥檛. Tbh, if you look at my shelves, it鈥檚 pretty obvious I like my romances steamy (as do most of my GR friends) & I wouldn鈥檛 have minded had this had a little bit, but being a Christmas romance 馃巹, it wasn鈥檛 missed too much either. Idk, I sort of like Christmas-themed ones a little cleaner sometimes than my usual reads anyways.
I鈥檓 also not as opposed to a smidge of cheesy - just a smidge - in my Christmas romances vs my usual reads. Ready for a little cheese(y) 馃? 鈥� errr, or should I say bread 馃崬? 馃 Falling in their family鈥檚 footsteps (their father, grandfather, etc.), our heroines are identical twin chefs, Charlie & Cass, on two different career paths. Cass is working her way to officially take charge of the family business, Woodburn Bread, a beloved landmark of their small hometown. While Charlie鈥檚 path has taken her to reality tv as an expert judge for a pastry competition. It鈥檚 the Christmas season & after unexpected events off-set at the Christmas edition of her show, Charlie is desperate for her twin to come to LA to her rescue & take her place then in return, she takes over Cass鈥檚 life back in their hometown. Despite their intentions to stay on the task at hand of focusing on each other鈥檚 work needs, each twin finds romance as well as discovering/rediscovering a part of themselves. Clear Hallmark vibe, right? Except as a book, so no risk of having to deal with watching bad actors 馃槀. 鈥� if you鈥檙e like me 鈥� Basically The Holiday Swap is like the equivalent of those one or two Hallmark Christmas movies a year that are actually kinda cute & watchable out of the 837 Christmas movies(give or take 馃槒) the rest of the year. So here just change the watchable to readable.
Anyways, I would say for me Charlie鈥檚 story arc returning to her hometown(& a small town at that) & realizing the grass isn鈥檛 always greener held my interest more between the two sisters tbh. Cass鈥檚 story arc is ok, but small town romances are almost always more my jam. Also, the temperament of Cass & her new love were a little too alike imho. I need some contrast.
This probably won鈥檛 be a big deal to anyone else. Nonetheless 鈥� clean or not, tHS is written in the third person & I鈥檓 typically not the biggest fan of that in romance(outside of a few exceptional exceptions 馃槈). Often I end up feeling detached from the characters &/or plot. Reading tHS, I barely thought about it, let alone was it the cause of dislike or disinterest. It may not be a 5 star read for me, but that was still a big win out of the gate. Regardless of how I feel about a plot itself, anyone, who can write romance in the third person & successfully keep it from being a sticking point(AND a debut novel no less!), has my respect.
Oh! One critic 鈥� Ok listen, I totally get this is an ARC, but formatting needs a thorough cleanup - I do not mean things spellchecking or grammatical errors btw(those were mostly already taken care of), I mean more in the context of words that looked like 鈥渢h- is鈥�(w/o quotes lol) or lack of spacing between transitions. Believe me, I wouldn鈥檛 mention it if it weren鈥檛 so frequent, it became a bit distracting(the first mostly). I鈥檓 just hoping for the author鈥檚 sake & the readers鈥� it is tidied up. If it is completely taken care of, my rating is 3.75. If it鈥檚 not, then my rating is 3.5.
All in all, it鈥檚 a pleasant, enjoyable debut & I鈥檓 game to give Maggie Knox鈥檚 future releases a whirl.
**This ARC was provided by NetGalley UK in exchange for an honest review **
Before I go any further, The Holiday Swap is a clean romance 馃Ъ. Just an FYI for those who go for that & for those who don鈥檛. Tbh, if you look at my shelves, it鈥檚 pretty obvious I like my romances steamy (as do most of my GR friends) & I wouldn鈥檛 have minded had this had a little bit, but being a Christmas romance 馃巹, it wasn鈥檛 missed too much either. Idk, I sort of like Christmas-themed ones a little cleaner sometimes than my usual reads anyways.
I鈥檓 also not as opposed to a smidge of cheesy - just a smidge - in my Christmas romances vs my usual reads. Ready for a little cheese(y) 馃? 鈥� errr, or should I say bread 馃崬? 馃 Falling in their family鈥檚 footsteps (their father, grandfather, etc.), our heroines are identical twin chefs, Charlie & Cass, on two different career paths. Cass is working her way to officially take charge of the family business, Woodburn Bread, a beloved landmark of their small hometown. While Charlie鈥檚 path has taken her to reality tv as an expert judge for a pastry competition. It鈥檚 the Christmas season & after unexpected events off-set at the Christmas edition of her show, Charlie is desperate for her twin to come to LA to her rescue & take her place then in return, she takes over Cass鈥檚 life back in their hometown. Despite their intentions to stay on the task at hand of focusing on each other鈥檚 work needs, each twin finds romance as well as discovering/rediscovering a part of themselves. Clear Hallmark vibe, right? Except as a book, so no risk of having to deal with watching bad actors 馃槀. 鈥� if you鈥檙e like me 鈥� Basically The Holiday Swap is like the equivalent of those one or two Hallmark Christmas movies a year that are actually kinda cute & watchable out of the 837 Christmas movies(give or take 馃槒) the rest of the year. So here just change the watchable to readable.
Anyways, I would say for me Charlie鈥檚 story arc returning to her hometown(& a small town at that) & realizing the grass isn鈥檛 always greener held my interest more between the two sisters tbh. Cass鈥檚 story arc is ok, but small town romances are almost always more my jam. Also, the temperament of Cass & her new love were a little too alike imho. I need some contrast.
This probably won鈥檛 be a big deal to anyone else. Nonetheless 鈥� clean or not, tHS is written in the third person & I鈥檓 typically not the biggest fan of that in romance(outside of a few exceptional exceptions 馃槈). Often I end up feeling detached from the characters &/or plot. Reading tHS, I barely thought about it, let alone was it the cause of dislike or disinterest. It may not be a 5 star read for me, but that was still a big win out of the gate. Regardless of how I feel about a plot itself, anyone, who can write romance in the third person & successfully keep it from being a sticking point(AND a debut novel no less!), has my respect.
Oh! One critic 鈥� Ok listen, I totally get this is an ARC, but formatting needs a thorough cleanup - I do not mean things spellchecking or grammatical errors btw(those were mostly already taken care of), I mean more in the context of words that looked like 鈥渢h- is鈥�(w/o quotes lol) or lack of spacing between transitions. Believe me, I wouldn鈥檛 mention it if it weren鈥檛 so frequent, it became a bit distracting(the first mostly). I鈥檓 just hoping for the author鈥檚 sake & the readers鈥� it is tidied up. If it is completely taken care of, my rating is 3.75. If it鈥檚 not, then my rating is 3.5.
All in all, it鈥檚 a pleasant, enjoyable debut & I鈥檓 game to give Maggie Knox鈥檚 future releases a whirl.
**This ARC was provided by NetGalley UK in exchange for an honest review **
September 27, 2022
A sweet, clean, language-free holiday romance!
I really enjoyed it. It was a quick read and I loved the maturity of the 2 dudes!
I really enjoyed it. It was a quick read and I loved the maturity of the 2 dudes!
December 4, 2021
(free review copy) sigh. I should have known this wouldn鈥檛 work for me because a book based 100% on deception has to be PERFECT to earn my buy-in. This wasn鈥檛 perfect. Every time Cass or Charlie 鈥渇orgot鈥� they were supposed to be their sister and made a stupid mistake it ripped me out of my reading-suspend-disbelief world and made me roll my eyes and groan. Also, I was mom-mad at Charlie the entire book for ignoring a serious head injury - like, seriously angry and disappointed at her. There were just so so so many things that surprised the sisters about the deception not working that I can鈥檛 even choose which one pushed me over the edge into annoyance.
Oh, and going into this I didn鈥檛 realize that the author name is actually a pseudonym for two authors co-writing this novel. Maybe I should have but it鈥檚 not in the goodreads description and I read a digital galley so didn鈥檛 see the author bios until the end. I kind of felt deceived by that too, which may not be fair but 馃し馃徏鈥嶁檧锔�
Oh, and going into this I didn鈥檛 realize that the author name is actually a pseudonym for two authors co-writing this novel. Maybe I should have but it鈥檚 not in the goodreads description and I read a digital galley so didn鈥檛 see the author bios until the end. I kind of felt deceived by that too, which may not be fair but 馃し馃徏鈥嶁檧锔�
December 18, 2021
this was such a cute read !! literally all i needed at this time and i cannot be happier to have chosen this particular book to read this month 馃ズ i始m definitely picking up more books by Maggie Knox !
鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌
so, what i loved about this story was definitely the relationship between the two twin sisters Cass and Charlie. it was so heart warming to read about their ups and downs as they basically rediscover themselves by pretending to be each other.
the bakery in Starlight Peak ?? are u kidding me, i wanna work there so bad and taste every damn sweet thing that was made there, the goodies that were mentioned in the book were legit SO mouth watering 馃槱
i also don始t normally like friends to lovers trope, but the romance here was BEYOND freaking adorable 馃ズ and we had like double dates happening as well, with the two sisters, that i was absolutely rooting for !!
the characters were well developed, (i grew particularly fond of Faye, she gives such warm grandmotherly vibes). i始ll forever wonder how things go on further between Charlie and Jake & Cass and Miguel 馃ズ
鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌
the only little issues i始ve had with this were the writing style & the amount of times the twins fell on the floor 馃槀 the names kept repeating quite a lot of times in just a few sentences. meaning like 鈥淐ass done this and that and went there. Cass did not know about what始s going on there鈥� and so on. u know what i mean ?? idk, but that was a bit standing out for me 馃槀
鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌
overall, i really do recommend picking this up. it really is a heart warming (with a bit of challenging situations in the competition, the bakery and love interests) and adorable read !! 馃А
鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌
so, what i loved about this story was definitely the relationship between the two twin sisters Cass and Charlie. it was so heart warming to read about their ups and downs as they basically rediscover themselves by pretending to be each other.
the bakery in Starlight Peak ?? are u kidding me, i wanna work there so bad and taste every damn sweet thing that was made there, the goodies that were mentioned in the book were legit SO mouth watering 馃槱
i also don始t normally like friends to lovers trope, but the romance here was BEYOND freaking adorable 馃ズ and we had like double dates happening as well, with the two sisters, that i was absolutely rooting for !!
the characters were well developed, (i grew particularly fond of Faye, she gives such warm grandmotherly vibes). i始ll forever wonder how things go on further between Charlie and Jake & Cass and Miguel 馃ズ
鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌
the only little issues i始ve had with this were the writing style & the amount of times the twins fell on the floor 馃槀 the names kept repeating quite a lot of times in just a few sentences. meaning like 鈥淐ass done this and that and went there. Cass did not know about what始s going on there鈥� and so on. u know what i mean ?? idk, but that was a bit standing out for me 馃槀
鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌鉅赌
overall, i really do recommend picking this up. it really is a heart warming (with a bit of challenging situations in the competition, the bakery and love interests) and adorable read !! 馃А
December 9, 2023
袨褋褜 屑褨泄 锌械褉褕懈泄 5-褌懈 蟹褨褉泻芯胁懈泄 蟹懈屑芯胁懈泄 褋屑邪泻芯谢懈泻, 褟泻懈泄 屑邪褦 褍褋械, 褖芯 褟 褏芯褌褨谢邪 胁褨写 褌械屑邪褌懈褔薪芯褩 褨褋褌芯褉褨褩 褌邪 褖械 泄 锌芯屑薪芯卸械薪械 薪邪 写胁邪, 邪写卸械 褨褋褌芯褉褨褟 锌褉芯 褋械褋褌械褉-斜谢懈蟹薪褞褔芯泻, 褟泻褨 锌芯屑褨薪褟谢懈褋褟 屑褨褋褑褟屑懈. 孝芯屑褍 褌褍褌 褖械 斜褨谢褜褕械: 褉芯屑邪薪褌懈泻懈, 蟹懈屑芯胁芯褩 邪褌屑芯褋褎械褉懈, 锌芯褕褍泻褨胁 褋械斜械 褨 褋屑邪褔薪械薪褜泻芯谐芯.
些械 蟹 写懈褌懈薪褋褌胁邪 屑邪褞 褋谢邪斜泻褨褋褌褜 写芯 锌芯写褨斜薪懈褏 褋褞卸械褌褨胁 蟹 芯斜屑褨薪芯屑, 褌芯屑褍 屑懈谢懈泄 "袨斜屑褨薪 薪邪 袪褨蟹写胁芯" 褌邪泻 锌褉懈锌邪胁 屑械薪褨 写芯 写褍褕褨 褨 蟹邪褌褟谐薪褍胁 褍 褋胁芯褩 褌械薪械褌邪 蟹 锌械褉褕芯褩 褋褌芯褉褨薪泻懈. 袦械薪褨 薪械 褏芯褌褨谢芯褋褟 胁懈锌褍褋泻邪褌懈 泻薪懈谐褍 蟹 褉褍泻, 邪泻褌懈胁薪芯 胁斜芯谢褨胁邪褞褔懈 蟹邪 褖邪褋褌褟 褍褋褨褏 谐械褉芯褩胁, 褨 褟 斜 屑芯谐谢邪 褔懈褌邪褌懈 褩褩 邪卸 写芯 褋邪屑芯谐芯 褉邪薪泻褍. 袗谢械 锌芯褋褌邪褉邪谢邪褋褟 褉芯蟹谐谢褟薪褍褌懈 褌械锌谢芯 泻薪懈谐懈 薪邪 泻褨谢褜泻邪 写薪褨胁, 褖芯斜 写芯胁褕械 锌芯谐褉褨褌懈褋褟 胁 褑褨泄 蟹邪褌懈褕薪褨泄 邪褌屑芯褋褎械褉褨. 些邪褋谢懈胁邪, 褖芯 蟹薪邪泄褕谢邪 褖械 芯写薪褍 褋胁芯褞 蟹懈屑芯胁褍 褨褋褌芯褉褨褞!
P.S. 褌褍褌 褖械 泄 锌械褋懈泻 褦. 袧褍 谢褞斜芯胁 卸!
些械 蟹 写懈褌懈薪褋褌胁邪 屑邪褞 褋谢邪斜泻褨褋褌褜 写芯 锌芯写褨斜薪懈褏 褋褞卸械褌褨胁 蟹 芯斜屑褨薪芯屑, 褌芯屑褍 屑懈谢懈泄 "袨斜屑褨薪 薪邪 袪褨蟹写胁芯" 褌邪泻 锌褉懈锌邪胁 屑械薪褨 写芯 写褍褕褨 褨 蟹邪褌褟谐薪褍胁 褍 褋胁芯褩 褌械薪械褌邪 蟹 锌械褉褕芯褩 褋褌芯褉褨薪泻懈. 袦械薪褨 薪械 褏芯褌褨谢芯褋褟 胁懈锌褍褋泻邪褌懈 泻薪懈谐褍 蟹 褉褍泻, 邪泻褌懈胁薪芯 胁斜芯谢褨胁邪褞褔懈 蟹邪 褖邪褋褌褟 褍褋褨褏 谐械褉芯褩胁, 褨 褟 斜 屑芯谐谢邪 褔懈褌邪褌懈 褩褩 邪卸 写芯 褋邪屑芯谐芯 褉邪薪泻褍. 袗谢械 锌芯褋褌邪褉邪谢邪褋褟 褉芯蟹谐谢褟薪褍褌懈 褌械锌谢芯 泻薪懈谐懈 薪邪 泻褨谢褜泻邪 写薪褨胁, 褖芯斜 写芯胁褕械 锌芯谐褉褨褌懈褋褟 胁 褑褨泄 蟹邪褌懈褕薪褨泄 邪褌屑芯褋褎械褉褨. 些邪褋谢懈胁邪, 褖芯 蟹薪邪泄褕谢邪 褖械 芯写薪褍 褋胁芯褞 蟹懈屑芯胁褍 褨褋褌芯褉褨褞!
P.S. 褌褍褌 褖械 泄 锌械褋懈泻 褦. 袧褍 谢褞斜芯胁 卸!
December 20, 2021
cute and festive but quite repetitive. enjoyed the ending and character growth!
December 21, 2021
Review to come! So cute 鉂わ笍
December 15, 2021
This was a cute, endearing read with such a heartwarming romance that I really enjoyed. It was a feel good story that put a smile on my face and definitely got me in the holiday spirit! So fun and my very first holiday read of the season. I really liked the baking show setting and the characters.
I received a digital review copy through NetGalley and also purchases myself a physical copy because I needed to add this one to my holiday reading shelf.
I received a digital review copy through NetGalley and also purchases myself a physical copy because I needed to add this one to my holiday reading shelf.
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