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A review by mariareviews
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Four stars wasn’t what I thought I’d end up giving this book. Honestly, at the 20% mark, I was ready to DNF it and move on. While I do enjoy a good “villain” redemption arc, what really grates on me is when characters compartmentalize themselves and the people around them into your stereotypical book tropes. But despite that, Nora’s story hit home, especially as an older sister. Feeling like I have to be a second mother to my little sister has always been something I struggle with. No matter how much she grows up, she’ll always be my little sister—just like Nora feels about Libby. It’s a tough role to navigate, and I feel like the book really captured that dynamic.
What really won me over, though, was the banter between Charlie and Nora. It was sharp, funny, and felt real. As much as I enjoy the predictability of Hallmark movies, I’ve never understood why the woman always has to leave her exciting, successful city life to raise chickens on a farm. The whole opposites-attract trope can be so frustrating when it's done that way.
That said, the reason this book didn’t get five stars from me is because the ending felt a little underwhelming. I wanted more from Charlie and Nora’s reunion—something deeper, more fleshed out. I also would’ve loved to know more about Dusty and how Nora’s life in New York changed after she returned. A longer, more detailed epilogue would’ve really wrapped things up nicely. In fact, if I had taken Nora’s advice and read the epilogue first, I might not have started the book because I feel like it just didn’t live up to the rest of the story.
All in all, though, it’s a fun and easy read. It doesn’t require too much thinking, and it’s a nice twist on the usual small-town-romance and opposites-attract trope.
What really won me over, though, was the banter between Charlie and Nora. It was sharp, funny, and felt real. As much as I enjoy the predictability of Hallmark movies, I’ve never understood why the woman always has to leave her exciting, successful city life to raise chickens on a farm. The whole opposites-attract trope can be so frustrating when it's done that way.
That said, the reason this book didn’t get five stars from me is because the ending felt a little underwhelming. I wanted more from Charlie and Nora’s reunion—something deeper, more fleshed out. I also would’ve loved to know more about Dusty and how Nora’s life in New York changed after she returned. A longer, more detailed epilogue would’ve really wrapped things up nicely. In fact, if I had taken Nora’s advice and read the epilogue first, I might not have started the book because I feel like it just didn’t live up to the rest of the story.
All in all, though, it’s a fun and easy read. It doesn’t require too much thinking, and it’s a nice twist on the usual small-town-romance and opposites-attract trope.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, and Alcohol