A review by kalemottison
Book Lovers, by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Listen, Emily Henry knows the way to my heart. I don't know whether or not it's because she's also a Great Lakes State girlie or what, but every time she writes a book, it's just a little piece of what I need.
The story is really about two sisters 'growing' apart by continuing to live life, and two people who feel out of place in the rest of the world finding peace in each other. It's something that was happening to me, in a a similar way. Nora and Libby have such a realistic relationship, I could see my sister and I having the same hard conversations that were necessary. I think where the character development really shined was in their relationship. While I loved Nora and Charlie's relationship, and their romance moments were steamy and heart-wrenching, the reason I love this book so much is for Nora and Libby. Libby begging Nora to do all the things that she can't, setting up bad blind dates, causing mayhem for Nora and the rest of Sunshine Falls made me happy.
Speaking of Nora and Charlie, I was hoping for more of the enemies to lovers trope. I feel like that is how the book was marketed as, but it wasn't really a hard hit. That to say, I still really loved it. I loved their little flirty moments, and their hard hitting moments. So much of what I love about their relationship are spoilers, and I want to keep this as spoiler-free as possible, but they are one of my favorite book couples!!
I love how Henry makes the towns that her characters visit so vibrant, but not over the top. It makes it believable without making it too apparent that is this is a place that is supposed to exist. I want to visit Sunshine Falls, even it is as lackluster as Nora sees it as in the very beginning! I want to visit the bookstore in town, grab a little drink and smell the musty books.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a romance read that has a bit more depth, but also want to be wrapped up in a big blanket of love.
The story is really about two sisters 'growing' apart by continuing to live life, and two people who feel out of place in the rest of the world finding peace in each other. It's something that was happening to me, in a a similar way. Nora and Libby have such a realistic relationship, I could see my sister and I having the same hard conversations that were necessary. I think where the character development really shined was in their relationship. While I loved Nora and Charlie's relationship, and their romance moments were steamy and heart-wrenching, the reason I love this book so much is for Nora and Libby. Libby begging Nora to do all the things that she can't, setting up bad blind dates, causing mayhem for Nora and the rest of Sunshine Falls made me happy.
Speaking of Nora and Charlie, I was hoping for more of the enemies to lovers trope. I feel like that is how the book was marketed as, but it wasn't really a hard hit. That to say, I still really loved it. I loved their little flirty moments, and their hard hitting moments. So much of what I love about their relationship are spoilers, and I want to keep this as spoiler-free as possible, but they are one of my favorite book couples!!
I love how Henry makes the towns that her characters visit so vibrant, but not over the top. It makes it believable without making it too apparent that is this is a place that is supposed to exist. I want to visit Sunshine Falls, even it is as lackluster as Nora sees it as in the very beginning! I want to visit the bookstore in town, grab a little drink and smell the musty books.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a romance read that has a bit more depth, but also want to be wrapped up in a big blanket of love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Death of parent, Vomit, and Sexual content