A review by immabehazzie
Book Lovers by Emily Henry

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.0

‘Book Lovers’ is a vibrant, funny, and heartwarming story that I had high hopes for after reading ‘Happy Place’ by the same author. I was not disappointed.

Book Lovers is a rom-com/Hallmarkesque type of book that despite it being filled with tropes and chichès had me smiling from ear to ear for almost the entire time. Despite the undeniable cheesiness of it all I loved the characters and the relationships. Nora and Charlie’s romantic tension is well-built and blush-worthy and Nora’s relationship with her younger sister Libby is arguably more important to the story and also just as much of a love story as the one going on between Nora and Charlie. 

I’ve seen some people say that there is no character development but I couldn’t disagree more. While Nora’s life doesn’t look that much different from the outside, we as readers, get to see the walls she built come crumbling down as she opens up to people and allows herself to fully grieve. Charlie is just the same as Nora and the two of them work so well because they’re two sides of the same coin. 

I think what I love about this book is that it’s all love. Not just the mushy romantic type but the love that leads to fear and anxiety. Book Lovers doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of what makes a person build a wall up around themselves brick by brick. As “Hallmark” as it feels Nora feels like a completely real person. 

Overall, the setting and live story is cute. The characters are fascinating, and witty and make the story engrossing. Some moments were just a little bit too cheesy but it was easy enough to ignore as the story continued on.