Member Reviews
I just finished reading this one and I’m so happy and appreciative that I was able to get my hands on it ahead of time thanks to NetGalley. This is hands down my favourite Emily Henry book to date. Really loved the relationships between the characters in the book, the settings they mingled in and all the feel-good moments throughout. Loved it!
A new favorite of mine! I think this is Emily Henry's best. Perfectly romantic with great depth, I could read this book over and over again!
I was lucky enough to snag an ARC of this book after someone in the Forever35 Book Club group on Facebook posted about it and I’m so glad I did. This is a perfect summer read, easy and just complicated enough to keep you interested. Nora, the main character, is challenging but funny. Her sister Libby is sweet and strong in her own way. The little North Carolina town where most of the book’s action happens is a character unto itself.
If you like a good romance and love books, this title should be perfect for you!
Nora Stephens is a book agent who is driven and some would go so far to say cut throat but also passionate about books and the authors she represents. This shows when she negotiates for the best terms for her authors. When Dusty Fielding, a romance author who specializes in stories set in small towns, releases a new book, set in Sunshine Falls, N.C., Nora is sure it will be a hit. However hot shot editor Charlie Lastra is not convinced and has zero interest in buying the book. Fast forward two years and the book, which was published at another publishing house is a huge hit and is even being made into a movie. Nora is equally devoted to her little sister and tags along on a girls trip to none other than Sunshine Falls, N.C., where Libby, a romance reader herself, has a big and rather outlandish bucket list prepared. Some of the items on the rather ambitious list include Nora dating a flannel wearing lumberjack and somehow the pair are supposed to save a small business while there as well. When Nora realizes that Charlie is also in Sunshine Falls, N.C., things take a steamy and rather comical turn that will have Nora questioning her own life and wondering if it is time for some major edits.
Emily Henry has delivered once again with her third novel and some, this reader included, might go so far as to say she has outdone herself. Book Lovers has something for everyone, including a small town setting, a big city girl (and guy) in a small town, steamy romance, enemies to lovers, and sisterly love and devotion. The banter between Nora and Charlie is sharp, witty, and above all else fun. Love for books plays a central role in the story, giving this romantic comedy a unique and rather endearing spin. The characters from the warmest to the grouchiest are all equally well drawn out and lovable, the kind of people you would love to spend more time with. Book Lovers is the perfect end of spring/beginning of summer read that encapsulates everything readers have come to love about Emily Henry's books.
With a book about people working in the publishing industry with fiction writers, already this story was hitting on some of my favorite topics, but the witty banter between two very smart protagonists sets this book apart and earns it a 5 star enthusiastically recommended endorsement from me. These characters are the kinds of editors and agents that I want to bring more fiction to my shelves, or maybe even to entrust with my own fiction someday. But mostly, I thoroughly enjoyed a peek into their lives in this story!
I absolutely devoured and adored this book! I think this has to be my favorite Emily Henry novel to date - and I really loved them all so far. I loved that the relationship between sisters Nora and Libby was just as compelling and emotional as the romance between Nora and Charlie. I loved watching Nora's growth as she wrestled with some really tough and heavy feelings of grief, career pressure, and responsibility that so many people struggle with. There were multiple times I teared up and just felt all the feelings that Nora was experiencing throughout the story. I thought the writing really made you empathize with her and really root for her at the end. I will highly and enthusiastically recommend this novel to anyone that comes into the library that even seems like they might enjoy a romance read.
Another great read by Emily Henry! I absolutely adore all of her titles and I’m so honored to receive an ARC of her newest title before release date. Like her other titles, I found myself literally swooning over the main characters and their love story. If you haven’t read her, what are you waiting for? If you’re a lover of books, a lover of romance that will make you laugh, you can’t go wrong.
Nora, a literary agent in NYC, has a savior complex, sacrificing her own dreams and happiness because of a compulsive need to take care of her sister, her authors, and the memory of her mother. She took on a mothering role while still a child herself because her own cared more about her acting career than she did her daughters. Unfortunately, Nora never gave up parenting her younger sister Libby, a codependent relationship that’s kept her from living her own life and her sister from growing into a capable, independent adult. So when Libby asks her to take a month-long vacation in Sunrise Falls, NC, the setting of her favorite book, Nora can’t say no, despite the fact that her entire life’s focus is her work.
So, imagine her surprise, when morose book editor Charlie, with whom she’s had a contentious relationship for years, keeps turning up. As they get to know each other and the walls they’ve both built up begin to crumble and sexual tension becomes incendiary, they must decide if they’re willing to take the risk and make the sacrifice to be together. In a reflection of the romantic literary trope of big city person who has business in a small town, meeting their soulmate, and deciding to give up their life to start a new one, Nora has been the loser in this scenario 4 times. However, when the tables are turned and Nora is the one who needs to choose between the city she loves or the chance to build a relationship with Charlie in a small town, will she be willing to give up her job and NYC to be with the man she loves or will Charlie find a way to be with her despite family obligations keeping him in NC?
Ultimately, this enemies-to-lovers romance is about the meaning of home…is it a place or people? Can a person be happy anywhere if they’re with those they love or can a place be an all-consuming love? Henry has written another wonderful, intelligent story that strikes a perfect balance between snarky, witty banter and serious issues. She’s quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. Fans of Christina Lauren will love this one!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Take a break from reality and enter into a world of book lovers! Book Lovers by Emily Henry was a delight for summer. Readers are going to have huge heart eyes for this story! The characters were delightful and full of so much character and had charismatic personalities.
Loved!!!! This felt very Devil Wears Prada meets Sweet Home Alabama in every good way! And can we high five over a great romance where having children was not part of it! I laughed out loud reading this, gasped, slammed my hand, and all our bawled and then recommended it to everyone that stood still long enough.
Another fun romance from Emily Henry. I really enjoyed this book although the sibling relationship and their past trauma really took center stage in this book. I saw Emily Henry describe the main love interest as having "Roy Kent energy" and that is really true. On the outside Charlie seems standoffish and grumpy, but he really has a heart of gold and would do anything for his family and friends. Loved the setting and the "Sweet Home Alabama" vibes as well. Another hit for Emily Henry which will no doubt be a bestseller on pub day!
I absolutely loved this book! I figured Nora and Charlie would end up together, and following a true Hallmark movie plot, they did in the end! I knew Libby had a secret, didn't figure that one out! This will be added to by must reads for my library patrons!
The first few pages of this book had me laughing out loud. My 13-year old daughter loves Hallmark movies, and I had her read them. As the book progressed, I wasn't sure if I was going to love it, but it drew me back in. Both Nora and Charlie are great at their jobs and devoted to helping their families. Their paths cross in the professional world, and when Libby drags Nora on vacation to Sunshine Falls, the setting of Nora's client's book, their paths cross again. While the sisters are on vacation, Nora suspects that Libby is hiding something from her. Meanwhile, her client's new book makes her confront the perception that people have of her. As she and Charlie collaborate on the new book, she find an ally in him.
Emily Henry has continued to cement herself as one of the best romance writers I have ever read. This adorable yet heartfelt book about family, love, and grief made me laugh as well as cry and I couldn't be more grateful.
This book follows literary agent Nora and her pregnant sister Libby as they take a vacation to Sunshine Falls, the setting of Nora's most famous client's book. When they arrive, not only do they find the town to be not quite as charming as described, but Nora finds that her rival, editor Charlie Lastra, lives there.
I adored this book and the setting. I will say, the reason I gave it four stars and not five is that I felt like the best part of this novel was Nora and Libby's relationship and not Nora and Charlie's and when I read a romance book, I want the romance to be the best part. I did love Charlie and especially his relationship with Nora.
If you are looking for Henry's signature blend of heart, humor, and hijinks, look no further than her newest release.
I absolutely adored this book!!! What a relief to read about a relationship that grows and seems authentic!!! There were so many clever and laugh out loud moments. So. So. Good! Emily Henry is fast becoming one of my most favorite authors and Book Lovers does NOT disappoint! Five enthusiast stars!!!
Thanks NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoy reading Emily Henry romance novels - you can always expect interesting characters who experience a great romantic and life journey. I did find Nora's sister insufferable, and I would NEVER let my sister cut and color my hair unless she was a qualified stylist LOL. Also, 3 weeks away from your kids and travelling while past the first trimester felt a little unbelievable to me. Other than those small critiques, a solid romance. Thanks for the opportunity to read ahead of pub date!
I’m so lucky I got to read this book early through the magic of NetGalleys. This is my favorite from Emily Henry so far.
A swoony mouth-watering kind of romance.
As someone who enjoyed Beach Read and didn't like much People We Meet On Vacation, I absolutely adored Book Lovers.
It's like is written especially for book lovers and hopeless romantics. This book was such a delicious treat, incredibly charming and so witty.
One summer. Two rivals. A plot they didn't see coming.
What. An. Experience.
In a small town setting full of warm summery vibes, and characters that love to bicker and discuss books while trying their best to not fall for each other. What a delight it was to follow their angsty, heartwarming and at moment super funny journey.
Definitely my favorite book by this author so far!
And I cannot stress this more, this is the right book you need on your spring and summer TBR. Fall in love with love.
Thank you @prhinternational for the #gifted ARC.
Have a great day babes! 💕
As librarians, The Book Lovers has all the elements that we love. Books, book discussion, and the connection we feel when we connect with a good book. This book is wonderful and a fast read, not to mention really funny. Nora is like a mother to her sister, Libby, because she always taking care of her since their mother as passed. But, this time around, Libby has to take care of Nora without her realizing what Libby is doing. To do this, Libby suggest that the go on vacation to North Carolina as a sisters’ trip. In North Carolina, they meet a broody book editor, Charlie, and Nora is not a big fan. Being stuck in the same town, Nora and Charlie keep running into each other, which builds into romantic feelings for these two book lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing the ARC.
It's been decided. I am an Emily Henry fangirl for life. Beach Read is one of my all time favorite books. People We Meet gave me one of the best friends to lovers stories I've ever read. Book Lovers was high on my reading list the second I knew it was being published.
This book broke me down and remade me in so many perfect ways.
From the relationship between Nora and her sister Libby. From the immediate sparks that fly between Nora and Charlie. From the subversion of tropes that Henry uses to craft a story not just about finding yourself, but the strength of the relationship you can have with your siblings even when everything goes awry, and finally, the relationship you can have with your potential partner when everything just aligns.
I loved that this story focused more about Nora's relationship with Libby than it with her relationship with Charlie. I loved that it focused more on herself than it did with Charlie. But I also loved the bits with Charlie - their banter was top notch and, to borrow a quote from another Henry book, he is just so perfectly her favorite person. It's easy to see why Nora fell in love with him. I fell in love with him a bit at the end.
This book is probably going to be on my Top 5 reads this year, if not the top read. Another stunning novel by Henry and definitely not one to be missed.