Emily Henry has swiftly become a top author for many rom-com readers and I'm no exception. Henry's stories are heartfelt, her heroines self-assured, and her romances just the right combination of sweet and steamy. BOOK LOVERS carries on in a similar vein from her first two books, this time tackling the Hallmark rom-com trope of "ambitious big city woman gets broken up with by her boyfriend after he falls in love with small town girl." I'd never seen a story from that character's perspective, and I loved that unique take on the storyline. There is also a very central plot about sisterhood that was so well done and very emotional. The love interest here is Ted Lasso's Roy Kent is he were a New York publishing guy and not a British footballer and I was not at all mad at it! My only slight criticisms are that this book was incredibly predictable. I saw every single twist and turn from a mile away. Now, considering this is playing off Hallmark movies, it was totally understandable and didn't knock my enjoyment down too much, but I do like to find a couple of surprises in my narratives. Also, this book was just a smidge too long. I have found this about each of Henry's books so I guess it's just her style but I think shaving a few pages off would have benefited! Otherwise I highly recommend for fans of Henry's, Hallmark, and rom-coms in general. The perfect summer read.

This was a cute book. I had just previously read some really heavy, hard topics so I was so thankful for this fun little break! I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest review.

Some books grab you from the start, and others like this one, sneak up on you and grab your heart by the end! ❤️

Nora (named after Ephron) Stephens is a book agent who goes to bat ruthlessly for her authors, to get them the best deal. She represents Dusty Fielding, a popular romance novelist, who has just wrote a “small town romance” book called, “Once In A Lifetime “ about Sunshine Falls, N.C.

You know the trope…the hero or heroine goes to a small town, saves a beloved establishment with the help of the quirky residents and of course finds an attractive and available love interest while there.

But, hotshot editor, Charlie Lastra isn’t interested in buying the book. Such sweet revenge, when two years later, the book-purchased elsewhere-is a bestseller and is being made into a movie.

Nora is also a “fixer”.

She practically raised her younger sister, Libby, and has always put Libby’s needs before her own.

So when Libby, exhausted mother of two, with a third on the way, needs a girl’s trip-she cannot say NO.
Not even when Libby, a voracious reader of romances, wants the trip to be to none other than, Sunshine Falls, and comes up with a ridiculous checklist of things they must do while they are visiting.

Like Nora dating a gorgeous, ethical, gluten-free lumberjack who wears flannel. Sleeping under the stars. Riding a horse-Oh, and save a small town business while they are there!!

Nora has to read the end of books first-she needs to know there is a HEA. But, Libby won’t even read the book synopsis before starting a book-she has to go in blind. So, Libby’s plans are going to be a bit of a challenge for Nora.

Especially when she discovers that Charlie Lastra is also in Sunshine Falls.

What in the heck is he doing there?

Turns out, Sunshine Falls isn’t always as far away as it seems…

AND-“Sometimes, even when you start with the last page, and you think you know everything, a book finds a way to surprise you” (FAVORITE QUOTE FROM THIS STORY)

You can say the same thing about life if you leave yourself open to it!

Emily Henry delivers with this third novel, a book about sisterly love 🥰, book love 😍 and yes, the small town trope-just in time for our 2022 beach bags! Just remember to pack a tissue along with the sunscreen-or a big floppy hat that hides your eyes in case you get a bit choked up! 😉

AVAILABLE MAY 3, 2022

Thank You to Berkley for the gifted copy! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!

Everything about this book was lovely. The characters were so multifaceted and I feel like the author did an excellent job of showing how each character’s personality affected their choices and actions without making it too obvious or outright stating it. I appreciate that the romance built fairly slowly because I think it helped with understanding how and why Nora and Charlie ended up drawn together. The town also felt vivid, I could picture it really clearly in my head. I also liked the story within a story of the book that Dusty was working on, and the amount of detail given to their discussions about her pages. It made me want to read her book and be able to compare Nora and Nadine too. Definitely a great read!

I loved this book. A very delightful story of two sisters. I especially enjoyed the monologues between the sister as well as between Nora & Charlie. Great writing; definitely recommend!

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I have yet to read Emily Henry's other novels but after finishing Book Lovers I want to read them immediately. If her other books are anything like this one the hype is definitely deserved.
Book Lovers had everything I want in a good romance novel. Cute moments that make you smile, emotional moments that make you get misty eyed, and steamy moments that make you blush. The romance was excellent but the relationship between the two sisters, Nora and Libby, was even better.
I found myself constantly thinking about and missing my sister as I read this story. It gave me a sense of comfort which is something I always crave when sitting down to read.
Emily Henry fans will devour this book. And if they're not a fan already, they will become one.

Nora Stephens is not the romantic heroine of the story; she's the work obsessed, focused literary agent who the boyfriend dumps to save a local inn. Or family farm. Or shop. It’s happened enough times for Nora to know her role as the work obsessed, highly successful literary agent is firm. Her pregnant sister Libby however is determined to change this and plans a three week vacation for the two of them in Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, setting of Nora’s client’s bestselling romance novel. Worried about her sister and wanting to reconnect, Nora goes along and even reluctantly agrees to work on Libby’s checklist of romance tropes.

Nora’s focus and Libby’s checklist gets thwarted though when the hot but prickly New York editor Charlie Lastra shows up; turns out Sunshine Falls is his hometown and he’s helping out with his parents’ local bookstore. Helping to save the bookstore: checkmark off Libby’s list. Possibly falling for the New Yorker and not a local: not so much on the list. Each has their reasons why starting any type of relationship is a bad idea but Nora and Charlie are constantly finding themselves drawn to each other.

Nora knows they’re not going to be the happily ever after; that’s not how her stories end. But can her story change?

Emily Henry's novels are clever romances that wink at the genre while also delivering solid love stories. The romance genre is not one I tend to read but I always leap at reading Henry's latest, having loved Beach Read, People We Meet on Vacation, and A Million Junes. Book Lovers is a solid ode to storytelling as well as a satisfying love story that offers just enough tension between Nora and Charlie.

The characters are somewhat predictable and stereotyped- Nora, the workaholic who is hesitant to be vulnerable after a broken heart. Charlie, the gruff hot guy who is secretly caring and sensitive. They banter. They argue. They banter some more. As the novel continues though Henry fleshes out the characters and gives them a backstory that fully forms the characters beyond these archetypes, allowing the reader to get more invested in them as people. Both Nora and Charlie have had upbringings that have shaped them into these roles. Henry also makes it clear that their relationship will allow both to continue being themselves and understand each other, rather than the love story totally altering their world view.

The setting of Sunshine Falls is at first a dose of reality, as the charming small town of the novel is really a falling apart main street with struggling businesss and a Walmart a few minutes away. Small moments though felt more like a Gilmore Girls fantasy, in particular the town meeting where everyone becomes very small town quirky in a way you only see on TV or the movies.

Book Lovers certainly plays into some of the romance novel narratives that it is also teasing but as a whole this is a fun romantic book that is perfect for the pool or beach.

I have not read one of Emily Henry's books before. Since I am a librarian, the title hooked me in. It was a cute story about sisters with a love story slipped in. I enjoyed the characters and the true devotion Nora has for her sister Libby is heart warming. How many times have we given up what we wanted to take care of those in our keep.

Emily Henry's writing feels effortless and it shows how talented a writer she is. Book Lovers is *chef's kiss*. It's a love letter to those who feel like they have to be the capable ones, to hold everything together, and are often told they're too much, but also not enough.

It's a brilliant enemies to lovers story, Nora and Charlie have such an intense chemistry, and watching them reveal themselves one witty conversation at a time is so satisfying. It's not just how they see each other, but also how they begin to see themselves. I loved Nora and Libby's relationship, how important they were to one another, and how supportive as well.

Adequately describing how amazing Book Lovers is a difficult task. I didn't know I'd be getting a beautiful story about love, family, relationships with this amazing depth and insight. It's so subtle and smoothly done. I wasn't expecting that sort of finesse, but probably should have known comes with reading an Emily Henry book.

I highly recommend going into this story blind, and if you're an emotional reader like I am, keeping tissues handy- just in case you need them. I know I will be thinking about Nora and Charlie for a while, marinating in my thoughts and feelings. I have a feeling you will too once you're finished reading.

Loved, Loved, Loved this. I feel like in 'Book Lovers' Emily Henry has really hit her stride. This book was a sweet combination of romance between two book-lovers/people-who-work-with-manuscripts, MCs who were ball-busting at work but dedicated to their families to the point of sacrifice (AKA sibs and parents, no children from previous relationships). In each other they find someone they can relate to and understanding/happiness. Also, the banter is AMAZING, but the characters also had moments of communication with each other, which is exactly what I need from a romance,

Emily Henry delivers again. Anyone who loves the enemies to lovers trope (like me!) will delight in this book. The dialogue is great, humorous without layering it on too much (believable, like chatting with friends). I would definitely recommend this to fans of her other books, and those looking to become new Emily Henry devotees, too. Her characters are smart and enjoyable to spend time with.

Absolutely phenomenal -- this is easily my new favorite Emily Henry book.

This story had absolutely everything: Humor, depth, wit, and as always, the most perfectly well-crafted characters that you can't help but fall in love with. The sarcastic banter and chemistry between Nora & Charlie had me smiling, laughing, and in full-on tears. Seriously, this book has some of the best dialogue I have read in a LONG time.

There is just something so charming and relatable about each and every one of these characters and I don't know what it is, but Emily Henry writing characters that work in the publishing industry (whether they are writers, agents, editors, etc.) is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE THING.

To me, this was definitely her funniest book, while also being the most complex. It dealt with topics of grief, love, and family, but under the surface, this is a story is about women being unapologetically ambitious. It empowers career-oriented women and reminds us that not everyone wants the same HEA, but regardless, we are all deserving of one.

I'm calling it: This is going to be Emily Henry's most successful book. Henry is known for her dreamy writing, absurdly precious romances, and perfectly tied together storylines — and Book lovers delivered, and more. If you love an enemies to lovers trope that also fulfills on family drama, complex character development, and purely funny banter, this is your book.

What a fun romcom! I loved the witty repartee and how it turned the trope of moving to a small town on it's head. Another amazing read from Emily Henry.

For everyone who cringes at Hallmark movies, for everyone who's said, "I'll Take Manhattan", for everyone who wants a happy ending, but doesn't want to compromise - Nora and Charlie's story is for us. Can we please take a moment to praise Emily Henry for allowing space for women who do not want children? Women who want a career but also want love are not cold, frigid people and Henry works to set the record straight. Book Lovers takes on romance while also being a romance - with the sizzle and spark, but also with the heartfelt love of family, the sweet and tender moments of success, and the work it takes to make dreams come to life.

When book agent Nora, a focused, single woman who puts her sister and career first, feels the instant smack of self-awareness in the manuscript sent to her by one of her authors, she can't let go of the idea that her life isn't what she had hoped. Her mother died when her sister was young, so she stepped in to care for her sister. Now her sister is married with two kids and a third on the way - and Nora feels she still needs to take care of her. But her sister, a very free spirit, wants one last adventure and proposes Nora take a break with her and escape to a small town in North Carolina where her favorite book is set. Small town life is not for Nora, but she is shocked to see Charlie, a publishing rival, in town - one of those curated city guys who look out of place in the flannel-clad country. In such a tiny town, she can't escape him - and he might just be more than a stone-faced nemesis. As Nora and Charlie use their time in the middle of nowhere to collaborate on a project, they reassemble the pieces of each other and discover they want the same things.

This story is magical, hopeful, and perfect for book people. Loved.

Every new Emily Henry book I read, I think to myself “this is her best book yet”. And still, if you asked me to pit them against each other, I would have to say that they are all her best books. Each contains something exquisitely unique from the others, and as a whole something special within the genre of romance itself. It’s hard to explain what I love about her books, but the closest I can come is that while reading them, I can feel her words in my heart. When her characters experience heartbreak, my heart hurts; when they finally give in to their feelings for each other, my eyes well up and I break into a smile.

This review wasn’t really meant to be a love letter to Emily Henry; I guess it just turned out that way. I think especially for her latest, “Book Lovers”, it was the idea of innate connection and just fitting together with someone, no matter the circumstances, that got to me. I also loved that the book was just as much about the relationship between two sisters as it was between two lovers. You get the sense of the messiness of life from the book – there isn’t ever just “one” relationship that is developing or falling apart in your life; whether it be romantic, familial, or platonic. This book showcases the multifaceted nature of life and relationships, and at its core, reminds us that human connection really is what is keeping us alive – that love is really all that matters.

This book was adorable, with such relatable characters and such a charming atmosphere, story, and plot.

The most enjoyable part is indefinitely the fact that the heroine does not quit the job she loves or make compromises for her love interest.

I received an ARC from Netgalley.
This book was such a joy to read right from the first page. There is a fun enemies to lovers plotline, a book loving backdrop, and a heartwarming family relationship. Fans of Emily Henry won't be disappointed with this one!

Absolutely loved Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Loved the strong female protagonist, the normalization of the importance of a career and while a relationship is important, children are not. Loved the cute, fun, clever banter between the characters and the relationship between the sisters.

There are some books that ensnare you so tightly that you cannot possibly put them down.

That was…not this book.

In fact, this book was very put down-able.

I liked Nora a lot. Often, I felt very connected to her. Everyone else though? Everyone else was so so flat. Cardboard flat. Soggy in the rain beside a retail dumpster flat.

I didn’t like Libby at any point. (Sissy? For real?) And Charlie was fine. I really hoped for a driven and snappy editor that accepted Nora for exactly who she was. And that happened? Kinda? But there was this certain disconnect that I couldn’t reckon with throughout the book. In People We Meet on Vacation, the characters felt real and messy. These characters felt like flat literary tropes trying to perform roles outside their characterization. It just…didn’t fit. Maybe others will see the realness. I did not.

The only time this book inspired any great emotion in me was when I felt sheer terror at the idea of Nora moving to Sunshine Falls.

“Dear god,” I thought, “anything but that.”

She didn’t. Praise be. But the ending was still, much like the rest of the book, just fine. It felt extremely rushed and I don’t know why Libby taking over the bookstore would have come as a surprise to literally anyone. But it was fine.

I just can’t help but feel disappointed that the character that was AMAZING at her job (and knew it!) still had to want a different job to be happy. Sure, it’s still in New York and a respected position, but just once I want to see a character recognize that they like exactly where they are. I thought this could potentially be that book. Unfortunately, it was not.