Manipulation and Dependency
At it’s Best . . .
Or Worst!
What To Expect
If you’re looking for a page-turner, this would be the book to pick up. If you’re looking for dysfunctional people, yep, reach for this book. If you’re hoping to ignore non-fun activities (such as housework), start reading The Swap.
This story of manipulation, obsession, and dependency will have you turning pages almost immediately. You might also be saying, “What? Where is this story heading, anyway?“ But, you’ll continue flipping through the pages as you ponder that question.
There’s aren’t too many characters to keep track of. There’s
Low, which is a nickname for Swallow, a name her very non-conventional family gave her. She is a loner, unhappy, and has extremely low self-esteem.
Freya Light – a charismatic, beautiful lady who recently moved to Hawking, an island in the Pacific Northwest. She may be good at disguising certain things, but . . . well, keep an eye on her.
Max, Freya’s husband who is an ex hockey player, with a couple of secrets.
Jamie Vincent is a shopkeeper who is new to the island. She and her husband have tried unsuccessfully to have a baby and to adopt, all to no avail. They have moved to try to relax and recover mentally.
Brian is Jamie’s husband. He has suffered quietly, hoping to control his disappointment for his wife’s sake.
You will be taken on a wild ride by everyone above. And when you think the story is heading in one direction, you’ll probably only discover that you’re just experiencing a U-turn.
Details
- Title: The Swap
- Author: Robyn Harding
- Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press
- Publication Date: June 23, 2020
- Pages: 336
My Thoughts
While the story felt a little far fetched, it also felt a little too real. Now if that’s not contradictory, I don’t know what is. But I think you’ll understand if you read this.
I have enjoyed several really good books lately, but without a doubt, I finished this the fastest. I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough or find enough reading time. I kept being drawn back to the book like a magnet.
What Concerned Me
My first thought would be the ending, but my second thought is that it ended just right. (Looks like you’re going to have to read this one and help me with my review!)
What I Liked Most
The writing was excellent and the story moved along at breakneck speed. The characters’ actions were, for the most part, believable. And while you may not always care for the people, I think you will find enough truth to not question the way they react to things.
This is my first book by Robyn Harding, but I guarantee you it won’t be my last.
My thanks to Gallery Books, NetGalley, and Robyn Harding for an ARC and the ability to post a review stating my opinion.
Rating
Gives This
5 STARS for Being An Entertaining Page-Turner
About the Author
Robyn Harding is the author of several books, including the international bestseller, The Party, and wrote and executive produced an independent film. She lives in Vancouver, BC, with her husband and children. Visit her at RobynHarding.com or follow her on Instagram @RHardingWriter or Facebook @AuthorRobynHarding.
