Once again, Henry- the queen of witty banter andd flirty exchanges- understood the assignment. And this assignment’s brief was- small town, Hallmark movie style rom-com, enemies to lovers, includes books in the narrative, and has a happy wholesome finale. Book Lovers has top-notch romance, it explores the duty we feel for family, finding belonging, and the power of stories. I particularly appreciated the use of conflicts to advance the plot, as opposed to the use of misunderstanding or miscommunication between the leads.
Nora is unlike the stereotypical romantic female lead in contemporary fiction- she is badass, hardworking, and practical. Nora is a cutthroat literary agent, has a deep love for and need to provide for her sister, and is aware that she isn’t like the romantic lead in the books she reads. Nora senses a disconnection with her sister, Libby. So she agrees to go on a trip to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina with Libby who convinces Nora that she has to become the heroine of her own story as opposed to always helping Libby or her clients shine in their lives. Enter our male romantic lead, Charlie Lastra, who also works in publishing in New York City. As the summer in Sunshine Falls unfolds, Charlie and Nora are flung together in a series of coincidences that slowly but surely makes them realize they care for and love each other.
Henry builds solid characters for the romantic leads in that they are complex, nuanced and feel real. She also does this for the sister’s character, Libby which allows for an interesting sub-plot that explores another complex and nuanced relationship between the two sisters. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel as my start-of-summer read.
Here are some of my highlights.
- “Is there anything better than iced coffee and a bookstore on a sunny day? I mean, aside from hot coffee and a bookstore on a rainy day.”
- “That’s the thing about women. There’s no good way to be one. Wear your emotions on your sleeve and you’re hysterical. Keep them tucked away where your boyfriend doesn’t have to tend to them and you’re a heartless bitch.”
- “She wonders whether what comes next could ever live up to the expectations. She doesn’t know. You never can. She turns the page anyway.”