I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. NO ONE does it like Emily Henry. Book Lovers is her third novel, and following her first two hits (and two of my favorite romances ever), it absolutely did not disappoint. There couldn’t have been a better title than Book Lovers for this novel- it was made by and for people who live and breathe books. “Is there anything better than iced coffee and a bookstore on a sunny day?” No, Emily, there is not.
Book Lovers follows NYC born-and-bred Nora Stephens to a small town in North Carolina, Sunshine Falls to be exact, where she sticks out like a sore thumb. She picked Sunshine Falls to try to mend her relationship with her sister, Libby. Libby is obsessed with the town because it is the setting for her favorite book- one that Nora happens to represent as a literary agent. When they arrive in Sunshine Falls and it isn’t what they expected, the sisters adapt in… different ways. Libby throws herself into fixing up the new local bookshop while Nora is sent reeling because the owner of said bookshop is none other than her editor nemesis Charlie Lastra. What is Charlie Lastra doing in Sunshine Falls of all places? He’s the least sunshiney person she’s possible ever met. But she hasn’t been feeling all that sunshiney herself lately.
I connected so deeply with Nora and Charlie as people who love to read and incorporate it into what they do for work and pleasure (teaching isn’t quite the same as being a cutthroat agent or editor in the NYC publishing business, nor are writing book reviews for fun, but still!). The girls that get it, get it… right? Libby was also a kindred spirit who read and reread her favorite book until its spine was worn out, and begged her sister to visit the town it took place in. Sunshine Falls is to Libby as Stars Hollow is to me. I think any book lover can relate to the feeling of deep longing to be immersed in a story you love so dearly.
Once again, Henry’s characters went far beyond your typical “romance novel protagonists”. They struggled with grief, depression, anxiety, feeling lost, belonging, balancing work and life, choosing themselves over others when they don’t want to, disappointing loved ones, and so many more real-life issues. Her characters always have a depth to them that is impossible to replicate. Though in the end this was a love story, there were several other emotions that sprang up throughout the book. I think this is why Henry’s novels have left such a huge impression on me each and every time. I can easily see myself in each character, which makes the inevitable “happily ever after” that much sweeter. Henry’s “happily ever afters” don’t only happen for characters in a picture-perfect storybook. They happen for grumpy, awkward, overworked humans who often love too hard to make the best choice for themselves. They happen even when you’ve given up on finding love. They even happen when you’re in a really disappointing fake town in North Carolina. This book made me laugh and gave me hope. I was hooked.
Nora’s internal monologue throughout the book resonated with me for a lot of reasons. Specifically, her fear of change and her grappling with how to be a friend and partner while also not having to give up the things she loves. The only thing more important than New York City and her job to Nora is her sister, Libby. When suddenly she’s faced with the realization that she cannot have all of these things at once, and is left with no choice but to confront her own happiness. And oh yeah, Charlie Lastra is throwing a massive wrench into the life she always imagined for herself. Nora is loyal and loves what she loves a lot, often to an overwhelming extent. For these reasons it was easy for me to see myself in her.
As someone who works closely with books day in and day out, Nora knows the classic romcom tropes more than any of us do. And she knows deep down that she is the “evil workaholic girlfriend” that gets ditched for the small town Christmas tree farm owner. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you don’t read enough romances or watch nearly enough Hallmark movies. I think we’ve all felt like that before to some degree. It’s impossible to be the nice, wholesome, gorgeous local business owner who never gets food stuck in their teeth or misses a birthday wish. It took some time, but I loved following Nora through her journey of discovering that maybe, just maybe, she can get the guy AND keep her personality (what a concept).
I can’t end this review without gushing over Charlie a little bit… he might be my favorite Emily Henry Man™ yet. He’s snarky without being mean, witty without being obnoxious, and in touch with his emotions. He has struggled with mental health and belonging and instead of shutting down, he has tried to mend his wellbeing and interpersonal relationships. AND HE READS!
This was another one of those romance books that knows it’s a romance book, actively tries not to be a romance book (*cough* The Love Hypothesis *cough*), but still has a happy ending no matter how hard the characters try to avoid their “cliche” fate. Despite racking up tropes like enemies to lovers, city girl meets small town boy, workaholic finds peace in a slower pace of life, etc. etc. etc., Book Lovers managed to be a fresh perspective on a tale almost as old as time.
Book Lovers pinterest board & Book Lovers spotify playlist made by yours truly :)
Rating: 4.75/5 beers at the one (1) bar in town
xx, Lauren