If you’re searching for a read that captures the essence of love in all its complex and captivating forms, Amy James’ "A Five-Letter Word for Love" is the book you need to dive into. This novel is a beautiful exploration of relationships, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love, all wrapped up in a narrative that will tug at your heartstrings.

This story centers around Emma, a young woman who’s navigating the tricky terrain of love and loss. Emma's journey starts with a cryptic crossword clue left by her late grandmother, leading her on a quest that intertwines past and present, bringing to light old secrets and new beginnings. Amy James crafts a protagonist who is both relatable and inspiring, making Emma’s highs and lows feel intensely personal.

The cast of supporting characters is just as engaging. There's Jake, the enigmatic neighbor with a penchant for puzzles, who adds a layer of mystery and charm to Emma's life. And let's not forget Aunt Liz, whose no-nonsense attitude and fierce loyalty provide both comic relief and heartfelt wisdom. Each character is thoughtfully developed, contributing to a rich, multifaceted narrative.

Amy James’ writing is a blend of lyrical prose and sharp, witty dialogue. She has a knack for creating vivid imagery and emotionally charged scenes that stay with you long after you've turned the last page. The way she interweaves the themes of love, loss, and healing is nothing short of masterful.

At its heart, "A Five-Letter Word for Love" is about finding love in unexpected places and learning to trust in the journey, even when the path is unclear. It’s about the connections we forge and the courage it takes to open our hearts, despite the risks. Emma's story is a poignant reminder that love, in all its forms, is the answer to many of life’s puzzles.

This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a story that is as thought-provoking as it is heartwarming. Amy James’ ability to capture the nuances of love and the intricacies of human relationships makes "A Five-Letter Word for Love" a standout in contemporary fiction. Whether you’re a fan of romance, family dramas, or just great storytelling, this novel will not disappoint.

In conclusion, "A Five-Letter Word for Love" is a beautifully written tale that explores the many dimensions of love with grace and sensitivity. Amy James has created a narrative that is both timeless and timely, filled with characters who feel like old friends. So, cozy up with a blanket, brew your favorite cup of tea, and get ready to be swept away by a story that will warm your heart and stir your soul.

Amy James' debut, A FIVE-LETTER WORD FOR LOVE, is as addictive to read as Wordle is to play. I read and read and read until I looked up and it's 3am. Could. Not. Put. It. Down.

I was oh so very curious how a word game would factor into a romance book, but when you read Emily doing letter math to solve the daily puzzle you learn who she is as a character. She is logical and superstitious and idealistic all at once. I cackled through each chaos brain moment as she tried to place hidden meaning, or prophecy, to the answer of the day. But through the chaos, she is also creative and committed to problem solving.

Let's be very transparent here, Emily is a messy sunshine character. Her life may be steady but it's very much in progress. Before we enter the romance arc she has biases to break down and some self-reflecting to do. She also presents as the "gifted student with too many options, so they chose anxiety as a career" kind of adult. There should be no surprise when I say Emily is one of the most relatable characters I've read all year.

John is more of a mystery as the grumpy love interest of few words. But while his words are applied only as necessary, his acts of service are plentiful. The way he rolled his eye at all things barrel museum, but still rolled up his sleeves to help Emily's community event succeed. And when he does use his words, its truth, even when they are hard truths to hear.

You will likely be picking this up for that very grumpy and sunshine romance pairing, but you're turning the pages to follow Emily on her quest for a dream life. As someone who had a similar quest, the ups and downs and struggles she faced, both internally and beyond her control, are so true to real life. So be prepared for her to swing from "delulu is the solulu" and practical life improvements. It's about the journey not the destination.

A FIVE-LETTER WORD FOR LOVE receives my highest recommendation for its relatable depiction of life in progress. Congrats and thank you Amy James for a brilliant debut.

Content warnings to be mindful of:

Misogyny in the workplace
Caretaking of the elderly
Minor character death (not on page)

Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books for the advance digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

🌷𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡.🌷

🌸🌸🌸

୨୧ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ୨୧
⤻ cute romance
⤻ work colleagues
⤻ friends to lovers
⤻ slow burn
⤻ grumpy x sunshine

🌸🌸🌸

⊹ ⪩ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ⪨ ⊹
The story follows Emily and John, two people who bond over Wordle (how cute is that?), and it's just as fun as it sounds! Emily is super relatable with her unique outlook on life, and her connection with John feels so genuine. I loved how playful and teasing they were with each other! Their relationship grows in such a natural, heartwarming way, without any over-the-top drama, just two people figuring out what’s best for themselves and their relationship.

The side characters make this book even better, adding a lot to the story, and the dialogue is really well done. The narrative style pulls you right into Emily's head, which I personally loved, but it might not be for everyone. Heads up if you're a Wordle expert—you’ll get a little rundown on the rules, and Emily's approach to the game is pretty casual, so don’t expect any big strategic moves from her!

Overall, Emily and John's journey to find their way back to each other is both inspiring and full of heart, making it the perfect pick for anyone who loves a meaningful love story with a fresh twist.

🌸🌸🌸

ʚ♡ɞ 𝐅𝐚𝐯 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬/𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 ʚ♡ɞ
“You… do Wordle?”
“Yeah,” he says. “All the time.”
⤷ the beginning of a new love story <33

“Life is only as complicated as you make it.”
⤷ my new life motto!

“People can change their natures, if they want it enough.”
⤷ well said!

“There were thousands of things I wanted to do, I'm sure. But you can't do everything you want to do in life.”
⤷ this makes me feel a bit sad tbh.

“Emily is a great comfort to me. I highly recommend her services.”
-Jim
⤷ if ykyk..

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