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Wait for Galentine’s Day! Let’s be real, February is probably the worst month of the year (ie still it is cold and of course still black). But the day dedicated to celebrating women’s friendship is a bright spot in 28 stressful days. It’s meant to be celebrated! And what could be more fun than hosting an adaptation of a romance novel?
Romance novels are a huge part of our country’s reading culture, thanks in large part to #BookTok and highly successful series like ACOTAR and The Fourth Wing. (Romantasy, anyone?) With the most romantic day of the year upon us, why not treat yourself to a romance novel adaptation? This genre has grown up, and it’s more than predictable plot lines and crazy book covers. Here’s how to host your own, step by step!
Featured image of our interview with Sophie Collins by Christie Graham.
What Is Book Replacement, Actually?
A book exchange is exactly what it sounds like. Guests bring a favorite book to trade, and everyone leaves with a new book for themselves. Since this is a themed book exchange, invite your guests to bring a romance or near-romance novel to share. Traditionally, you’ll be swapping books you’ve already read and favorites, but feel free to let your guests know they can bring new books as well, especially if romance is a new genre for them. The most fun is choosing a book to share!
The joy of a book exchange is that you can invite as many friends as you like. This party works with a large group of 20 or more, and can be just as fun with 5 or 6 guests. Send a group text or put together an Evite, and be sure to include that guests should bring a romance novel to share! Then the fun begins.
First, decide on your menu. Simple, self-serve food is best for a gathering like this. A romance novel exchange is the perfect time for light bites and a fun signature cocktail!
Remember, you don’t need to prepare a three-course, sit-down meal for a meeting like this. Keep it casual, and keep it fun!
Set the Scene
Preparing your home for a book change doesn’t mean a full deep clean. But take the time to organize, clear the clutter, and decide where guests will put their books. Having a table in the center so guests can view all the books to be picked up is a good idea. This is where the exchange will take place!
As the guests begin to arrive, show them where to put their book, and offer them a drink. The party can start with chit-chatting, hugging, and biting. Turn on the fun playlist and enjoy time with the girls. No strict schedule is necessary, but be sure to check in case any of your guests need to leave at a certain time. You want to make sure everyone has time to participate in the transition!
Change Your Books
When it’s time to exchange, gather your guests around the table with books and explain the exchange rules. If you’ve played White Elephant, the same rules apply.
- Write the numbers on a small piece of paper, and ask everyone to pick one from the hat. This will determine when guests will take their turn.
- The guest who chose the first number chooses the first book. The guest who chose the second number goes next and can choose a book from the pile or choose one that has already been chosen. A book can only be chosen twice, and once your book is taken, you choose another from the pile.
- Keep swapping until everyone has a book!
Depending on how big your group is (and how much time you have), it’s fun to have guests share a quick translation of the book they brought with them before you start the exchange. If a guest brings a book they’ve read, they can also share why they like it. Maybe share the flavor of the level, how dreamy the romance is, or a certain scene that makes reading totally worth it. It makes the exchange a little more fun, and maybe even more competitive!
Enjoy Time With Your Friends and Your New Book!
Book swapping is an easy and fun way for you to gather girls and provide a fun experience for everyone. At the end of your time, everyone will leave with a new book and new memories. Take this as your cue to send an invitation and celebrate the female friendship in your life. Happy Galentine’s Day, and happy celebrations!
This post was last updated on February 7, 2026, to include new information.