Book Lovers Review

Classic and predictable rom-coms are a proper form of comfort. Two people fall in love, marry and live happily ever after. Picture the typical love story when city people visit a small town and then prepare for some surprises. Book Lovers, by Emily Henry, tackles this formulaic genre and includes a modern spin. The story is Centered around the book industry and is full of witty banter. Think Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds in The Proposal.

Nora Stephens, the narrator, is a certified city girl and takes a vacation with her sister Libby to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. Libby creates a bucket list to get the whole smalltown experience. The sister relationship leads to the love story with book editor Charlie Lastra. While Charlie takes to living the slower life, he’s also a New Yorker at heart. They share similar ambitions while still being loyal to their family. Nora and Charlie’s meet-cute wasn’t the usual silly encounter because they already knew of each other… and not in a good way.

Seeing a successful woman put herself first and not coming off as selfish is a welcome delight in a mainstream rom-com. Nora’s emotional arc stays front and center, and she never strays from her goals. She doesn't fall into the ways of changing your focus for the guy you like. Nora worked too hard for that, and her career is about to take off. 

Grief is an underlying emotion throughout the entire book. Henry writes about the heaviness bereavement can have and how a character can live with it and not let it take over. The sister bond is intertwined with grief and is a beautiful yet complicated storyline. Nora takes this role seriously and often puts her needs aside because of it. The strong sisterly love makes this book perfect for an older sister to read. 

While a classic love story ends wrapped up in a bow, Book Lovers has some twists that turn a smalltown romantic comedy on its head. Nora and Charlie have the will they or won’t they dance, ending with an unexpected quirk and doesn’t end with a baby. Book Lovers is a solid third offering from Henry with some easter eggs from her previous books. If you’re unfamiliar with her work, there’s some greatness for you to uncover.