When it comes to books, I'm all for characters with great chemistry, banter, and romance that make you giggle. I usually read to relax and travel to a different world and that's why contemporary romance novels are usually my go-to books to read. I love books that you can't put down once you start reading them and you feel sad once you read the last page. However, those kinds of books are sometimes hard to find. Book Lovers was the first book of 2023 and here are my honest thoughts.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily Henry has been making waves in the contemporary romance scene, and her latest offering, Book Lovers, is another delightful treat for fans of the genre. This is the first book I read from her and I'm interested to see what her other books have to offer. Following the success of her debut novel, Beach Read, Henry brings readers back into a world filled with love, literature, and the journey of self-discovery.
BOOK LOVERS BY EMILY HENRY SUMMARY
At the heart of Book Lovers is Nora Stephens, a seasoned literary agent who finds herself retreating to the quaint town of Sunshine Falls every summer with her sister, Libby. Despite Nora's initial disdain for the picturesque town, this summer proves to be different as Libby is basking in the glow of her recent engagement, leaving Nora feeling somewhat adrift in comparison. To add to her woes, she unexpectedly crosses paths with Charlie Lastra, a fellow industry professional with whom she shares a turbulent relationship at work. As fate would have it, their time together in Sunshine Falls forces them to confront their differences, leading to an unexpected connection that neither saw coming.
MY THOUGHTS
While Book Lovers delivers all the quintessential elements of a summer romance - charming locales, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry - it takes its time unraveling the story. Initially, the pacing felt a tad slow, with moments where the narrative seemed to linger. That's why it took me longer than I thought it would to finish this book. However, the momentum picks up in the final chapters, delivering a compelling conclusion that leaves readers satisfied. I wished there was more depth to Norah's sister Libby. This character, while offering a contrasting viewpoint on their shared childhood, felt underdeveloped.
Her occasional outbursts hinted at a deeper well of emotions, but these moments never fully materialized. Despite having a distinct perspective on their upbringing, her motivations remained unclear. We learned little about her life beyond motherhood. However, I always like to take into consideration that maybe if I read this book in other circumstances (summer vacation, weekend getaway, when I was younger) I might've liked it better.
Overall, Book Lovers offers a pleasant escape into a world of sunshine and second chances. With well-developed characters and a heartwarming ending, it's an ideal choice for a leisurely read on a lazy afternoon. While it may not ascend to the ranks of all-time favorite rom-com, it certainly holds its own as a charming addition to the genre. So, if you're in the mood for a slow-burn romance that captures the essence of summer, Book Lovers is certainly worth adding to your reading list.
I would love to know your thoughts if you read this book or if you have any book recommendations. I'm always searching for new interesting books to dive into. Let's connect on Goodreads. I like to track all of the books I read, am reading, or want to read on there.
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