Editorial note: I received a copy of The Holiday Swap in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox is a festive and charming read.
After a year of very heavy novels, I’ve been looking forward to some holiday-themed stories to finish off the year. And The Holiday Swap was the perfect one to kick off my holiday reading season. Yes, I’m starting a little late with my holiday reads but I consider this season lasting until the New Year so still plenty of time! As I write this review, I’m currently reading Kristin Hannah’s Comfort and Joy (which I’m loving) so stay tuned for more holiday book reviews coming shortly.
Holiday baking + twin swap + two romances + small town vibes = the ideal holiday story! The Holiday Swap is one of those books that you know what you’re getting into, which that’s part of the fun and one reason I selected it as part of my most-anticipated holiday reads. I can tell the authors had a blast writing this one and the joy really radiates off the page. It’s been a long time where I finished a book and I had that warm feeling—you know what I mean? You just feel good and it truly gets you in the holiday spirit.
What’s The Story About
The story follows twins Charlie and Cass Goodwin. Both are fantastic bakers but whereas Charlie is living the glam life in LA as a co-host of a reality baking show, Cass stayed back home in their small mountain town to help with the family bakery.
But a head injury that occurred on set changes everything for the twins. Charlie loses her sense of taste and smell, which is critical for her to serve as a judge. So she asks Cass to do something they haven’t done in ages: switch places. Cass, who is looking to get away from her ex who won’t get the hint, eagerly agrees and the swap happens.
But temporarily trading lives proves more complicated than they imagined, especially when a firefighter and physician assistant are thrown into the mix.
The Swap
Twin swap stories are so cute. I do wonder if real-life twins actually have done this! If you’re a twin, let me know—I’m so curious. Anyway, it makes for chaotic and funny times that’s for sure. The swap is very entertaining in this story especially because while the twins are identical, they have very different personalities. Charlie is more assertive and outgoing while Cass is a bit more laid-back and chill.
While they have to learn to act like each other, it also causes them to reflect on their own situations as well. For Cass, she wonders if she’s missed out on things by staying in their small town. And Charlie begins to wonder if fast-paced city/reality show life is really all it’s cracked up to be.
And of course, they both succeed and fail at portraying one another. And things get more complicated when the romances start to develop.
BTW, the romances are so sweet in this novel. I loved reading about the connections between Cass and Miguel and Charlie and Jake. If you’re not a steamy romance fan, have no fears—this is very PG. It reminds me so much of those old-school romantic comedy movies and it was very refreshing. I definitely could see Netflix or Hallmark turning this into a movie.
Verdict
I loved The Holiday Swap! It’s such a lovely story about sisterhood and love. And there’s plenty of holiday baking too! If you’re looking for a book to read over the holiday break, this is a fantastic choice. For book clubs, check out my questions here.
