The Holiday Swap – Zara Stoneley

“She got out of the car, tugged at her suitcase and tried not to grin, because that wouldn’t be fair. She was finally doing it. Finally going.” (Quotation page 52)

Content

Daisy Fischer is happy with her life, her little cottage near Tippermere and her animals. Until her long-term boyfriend Jimmy proposes and she has to admit to herself that she wants more from her life than just stay in the English countryside between house and pub. Florence Cortes, grown up in Tippermere, lives in a comfortable, beautiful apartment in Barcelona, and writes for a magazine, she owns together with her partner Oli, who is also her boyfriend. But one moment changes everything.

Daisy and Florence need a break from their usual life and swap house – for Daisy this means December in sunny, vivid, amazing Barcelona and Florence is looking forward to be back in England, with snow and traditional Christmas preparations. Soon they find out that this Christmas has some surprises waiting for them.

Theme and Genre

This feel good romance is about changes, what-ifs, friendship, Barcelona and rural England, Christmas and love.

Characters

The characters of the story are witty and loveable with their special attitudes.

Plot and Writing

The story develops between England and Barcelona, takes alternating looks how Florence copes with the animals, an enormous dog, horse and hens, the snow, ice and presumptuous Hugo, who used to tease her when they had been children and now is her neighbor. Daisy loves Barcelona, the sunny beach and the vibrant streets from the very first moment. Moreover, there is charming Javier who shows her his Barcelona with breathtaking views and places.

Conclusion

A cozy, funny, heartwarming Christmas read, perfect to relax in a comfortable reading chair and enjoy.