An Even Exchange – Christine F. Tomalin

An Even Exchange follows Beri Baines, a woman who is ready for a change. When the independent Princeton college student is selected to study abroad in England in the 1970s, she boards a plane headed toward her home for the next five months—Portsmouth City College of Education—without any idea that her experience is about to bring about a true exchange of permanent outcomes.

Colin, a British student, is beginning his fourth year at Portsmouth and is confused about whether he should continue his plans for a traditional life when he meets his match in Beri Baines. Although Beri feels a serious relationship will hamper her career goals, she cannot deny her attraction to Colin, who is already secretly plotting to win her heart. But just as the couple realizes they have a genuine connection, unforeseen events intervene and transform their future. As Beri flies home to deal with a family emergency, she is seated next to Hal Spencer, who befriends her and makes a tempting offer.

In this unique tale of hopes, dreams, and  unanticipated endings, an ambitious young woman embarks on a coming-of-age journey that leads her from America to Britain and back again, as her life comes full circle and she comes to realize the implications of all her choices.