The Suitcase Swap

by Lish McBride

They've got each other's bags. Will they find each other's hearts?

Sophie isn't going to let a little thing like divorce stop her from flying to New York to see her family.
Mike isn't going to let a little thing like losing his wife stop him from flying to New York for work.
The one thing they both know for certain is that they're done with they're too old, too tired, too lonely for any of it.

But life has other plans...

And when the luggage carousel at JFK airport decides to give them each the wrong suitcase, they agree that a friendly dinner in the big apple won't do any harm.
After all, love stories come when you least expect them - and if his briefcase and her sunshine yellow bag got mixed up, who's to say their hearts can't get mixed up too?

So begins a love story of second chances and connection later in life, all set against the backdrop of New York City...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2025

About the author

Lish McBride is the author of funny and creepy Young Adult books such as Hold Me Closer, Necromancer; Necromancing the Stone; Firebug; and Pyromantic. She has published short stories in the Normal School, Tor.com, and the anthologies Cornered, What to Read in the Rain, Freaks & Other Family, and Kisses & Curses. She got her BFA in creative writing from Seattle University and her MFA from University of New Orleans. Lish is also currently a bookseller and event host at Third Place Books, a giant thriving indie bookstore just outside of Seattle. Her first book, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults title, Morris Award finalist, and won the Scandiuzzi Children’s Book Award. While she has no long term goals for world domination, she would like her own castle.


http://us.macmillan.com/author/lishmc...

Reviews

[ismalogs- · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to be honest, i picked this book up assuming it was a normal teen romance and when i realised it was about older romance i was a bit put off. But, i was shocked at how adorable it was. Both their relationships with their children were so cute. I feel like some parts of the story was repetitive, like the constant comparison to her ex but it was nice seeing how supportive Mike was and the improvement from Andrew to him.

Overall 3 stars because I found it slightly boring?! If i was to go back I probably wouldn’t pick it up.

[Jessi ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. This was a cute romance about two people finding love later in life. I loved the relationships they have with their kids. It added heart and realism to the story. It’s sweet, uplifting, and refreshing to see a love story that celebrates second chances and family right alongside romance.

[Toni Laliberte · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I thought this book was good and I enjoyed reading it. The two main characters, Mike and Sophie, are older, which I appreciated, and both are single, but not really looking. Sophie is divorced and taking her first-ever plane ride to New York to visit her son and his fiancée after they suffered a terrible loss, and Mike is a widower, who is traveling to New York for work. They meet by chance at the airport and mistakenly take each other's luggage. After they meet up to exchange suitcases, they can't seem to stay away from each other. I liked the way they fell for each other and cared for each other. There are some spicy scenes in the book but that didn't bother me. The writing is clever and funny and I enjoyed the other characters very much. They were funny and witty and added a lot of fun to the book and to Sophie and Mike's relationship. After everything I'm glad the book ended the way it did and was touched by Mike's grand gesture, and I was charmed by the epilogue and the end of their story.

[Rachel Russell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Now this was one of those books that I got for a Christmas gift. I chose it to make up a qualifying offer at The Works. I didn't read the blurb but picked up based on the book cover. I took a chance with it and sometimes it pays of and I find an amazing read.

But in this instance, this book was not one of those gems. After I'd read the blurb I thought it sounded like something that I would really enjoy. But after the first couple of chapters I really didn't find any connection with any of the characters. Honestly it felt like it was lacking and it took me a couple hours to finish it.

Two or three times throughout the book I felt it was coming close to a DNF. But stubbornness stopped me because I thought it might pick up halfway through or at least towards the end. A lot of it felt repetitive in places which put me off.

It was sweet in places but apart from that I struggled with the story and I'm wishing that I did read the blurb before selecting it. But my mistake. Overall, wasn't sold on the story on the connection between the characters and don't think it will be a book that I will read again.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary, later-in-life romance was like a warm hug. I loved all of the characters, and would love to be part of their friend/family unit. Mike and Sophie are both in their 50's with adult children, and have experienced the usual slings and arrows of life. Sophie is recently divorced from a narcissist who saw her as just an accessory to be discarded when he no longer needed her. Mike lost his beloved wife three years ago and retreated into his work, determined to avoid any future emotional entanglements.

Sophie is visiting her son in NYC for an extended stay, Mike is there for a short term business contract. When they accidentally swap suitcases at the airport, then meet later to exchange them, a friendship, then something more blooms between them. Both have challenges and past hurts to get through, but the theme of this book is that it's always possible to keep moving forward in your life and to welcome new joy into it. As LIsh McBride's first foray into contemporary romance, this book is a winner on all counts and I highly recommend it.

[Lily-Mae Crisp · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝟑.𝟓/𝟓 ✰

once i got over the spelling mistakes in the first 20% of the book, i actually really enjoyed this.

this is a story of two people, Mike & Sophie, who (despite not having a single clue who the other is) end up on the same flight to New York and their luggage is switched, having met earlier when Sophie disembarked the plane feeling a tad worse for wear.

i must admit, originally this was kinda...slow and i couldn't really get into it but now i have to admit that i'm more than a little bit obsessed with Sophie and Mike🥹😭

him taking care of her when she was sick is actually adorable and i love all the little things they do for one another (can you tell one of my love languages is acts of service)

Mike fucked up but the way he got her back was adorable to say the least.

Edie and Sophie’s friendship made my heart happy. i love Tom and Marisa, and my heart hurt reading about their struggles.

[lunarlibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally finished this! This experience is a perfect example of how my reading has changed. I read it in print, not audiobook. If I'd done audiobook, it would have been finished lickety-split. But print? I just rarely read actual books now. I feel like I've lost something of my reader's soul with this evolution...but what?
But that's a question for another day.

This book was very enjoyable. Every time I read some, I enjoyed myself. Older romances are so underrated, like there's no promo for this subgenre of romance but it's so good. Hopeful for everyone's future, because you never know what heartbreak is in your future. Good banter, gentle fun. Very much enjoyed.
wEiRd that it took me SO LONG to finish it.

[Lily Leathers · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Suitcase Swap is one of those charming, easy reads that breezes by with warm characters and a cute premise. I loved the lighthearted tone and the travel-adjacent setting, and it kept me happily turning pages. It’s not the kind of story that sticks with you for ages, but it made for a very pleasant few evenings of reading. A lovely palate cleanser book — gentle, cozy, and sweet without demanding too much emotional investment.

[Jen Westberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Sophie is so full of love, joy, and willingness. I want her to adopt me and teach me her ways. The vibes were cozy and charming, and yet so very realistic. I learned about myself and my expectation of others while reading which in my opinion is what makes this a wonderful book. It caused my to think and be reflective while I was laughing out loud at the banter and wit.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun, read with the typical mild misunderstanding plot but this time, the MMC gets my vote of having it done well, while we got the FMC being a strong, brave and wonderful human being, taking care of everyone but herself. Sophie didn't need much, but Mike was definitely a wonderful surprise to help her family be whole.
Expect a lot of fun comic relief with the amazing NYC exploration.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book from a goodreads giveaway.

I loved all of the characters in this book. I thought Mike and Sophie were adorable and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. The side characters were also all very enjoyable, especially Sophie's best friend. The actual story, though, felt a bit repetitive and slow.

[Vani · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO much better than the cover would make you think. Loved the smart dialogue and the non-linear plot. Great characters who speak like people I know would. A lovely romance! Only downside is the characters Sophie must have been renamed as the blurb on the back had Sheila! She’s definitely a Sophie though!

[Evie Kelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice romantic heartwarming book. But seriously why did no one spell check this. Mike and Sophie were very good together and the chemistry was great. Happy Marisa had a baby and we hate the wicker man. Any book that mentions David Tennant has to be good.

[Lizzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read for work. Cute but nothing monumental. Did really like this quote tho:

“I wanted you to know that no matter where you go, whatever adventures you have, you’ll either take me with you or come back to me when they’re over.”

[Pili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful & hopeful! Vibes & banter and a whole lot of heart!!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute! I really enjoyed reading how both characters interacted with their children. The story was fun and felt realistic. I enjoyed the majority of this book.

[Charlotte Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, wholesome easy read. Some parts a bit boring and not engaging but overall really great book.

[Emily F · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this romance from Lish! sweet story about a couple in their fifties finding love again.

[jess_bin_it · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was mediocre, it was a nice cheesy cleanse inbetween books though. however i think its extremely disappointing that there was a spelling mistake on page 26…

[Poppy Campen · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book of 2026! Nice easy read to get back into the swing of things - felt the ending was a bit rushed but still enjoyed

[marloes · Rating 3 out of 5]

misschien zelfs 4 sterren