The Holiday Swap is a new release from Canadian authors Karma Brown and Marissa Stapley using the pseudonym Maggie Knox. Originally published in October 2021 by Penguin Random House Canada, The Holiday Swap has a Hallmark movie story vibe. We are introduced to twins Charlie and Cass, who swap places just before Christmas; what could go wrong?
I want to thank Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Holiday Swap. All opinions are present here are solely mine.
Synopsis from Goodreads
When chef Charlie Goodwin gets hit on the head on the L.A. set of her reality baking show, she loses a lot more than consciousness; she also loses her ability to taste and smell–both critical to her success as a show judge. Meanwhile, Charlie’s identical twin, Cass, is frantically trying to hold her own life together back in their quaint mountain hometown while running the family’s bustling bakery and dealing with her ex, who won’t get the memo that they’re over.
With only days until Christmas, a desperate Charlie asks Cass to do something they haven’t done since they were kids: switch places. Looking for her own escape from reality, Cass agrees. But temporarily trading lives proves more complicated than they imagined, especially when rugged firefighter Jake Greenman and gorgeous physician’s assistant Miguel Rodriguez are thrown into the mix. Will the twins’ identity swap be a recipe for disaster, or does it have all the right ingredients for getting their lives back on track?
Positives
Easy to read, this book is perfect for the busy holiday season!
The Holiday Swap has a cozy quality to it. One that requires a cup of tea and a plate of fresh-baked lemon squares.
Negatives
The only issue I have with this book was that I forgot who’s part of the story I was reading a few times. This was mainly an issue when the swap was going on.
My Opinions
The recipe for The Holiday Swap:
Mix equal parts The Great British Baking Show, The Parent Trap, and Hallmark Holiday Movie in one 350 page novel. Enjoy!
If you like any of these ingredients, you will like this book!
I found this to be a great holiday read. It is easy to read, where the only confusion maybe during some of the scenes when Charlie and Cass have swapped places.
Seeing how the baking shows operate behind the scenes is something that I loved. As a massive fan of The Great British Baking Show, I am always curious how the show works behind the scenes. There were many scenes on the set of Charlie’s show that gave insight into how a show like that works.
Another thing that I love the idea is running my own bakery. It’s something that I would love to do, especially in a small town like Starlight Peak.
The descriptions of Starlight Peak, especially Woodburn Bakery, and the set of Sweet & Salty make it so easy to picture yourself there. The same with the characters, those you love and those you don’t.
Pick up this book. Find a cozy place to read. Grab a cup of tea and a plate of home-baked goods. And enjoy!
Looking for some more books to read? Check out my other book reviews and my monthly reading wrap-ups.
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I love your description of this book! “Mix equal parts The Great British Baking Show, The Parent Trap, and Hallmark Holiday Movie in one 350 page novel”. LOL! Sounds so good. It makes me think of the move “The Holiday” with Carmen Diaz and Kate Winslet!
I’m glad you like the way I described this book. It was such a fun read!
This one sounds like a lot of fun! Definitely one I plan to add to my already too large pile of Christmas novels I haven’t yet read. 😉