An audiobook lover's dream story
Romance
Berkley
May 3, 2022
Hardcover, Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook
416
One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn't see coming... Nora Stephens' life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby. Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute.
“Book Lovers” by Emily Henry knocked my socks off.
No joke, no exaggerating. I was blown away.
Why did I love “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry so much?
Maybe it’s the Northeasterner in me.
Maybe it’s because I’m a sassy, Sour Patch Kid and sarcasm is my second language.
Maybe it’s because I chose to listen to the audio and Julia Whelan’s voice put a spell on me.
Emily Henry’s writing feels effortless, especially when listening to her words read aloud.
Nora is a typical New Yorker. She’s professionally edgy, personally jaded, and determined to make sure that she’s successful – if not for her, then for her sister Libby. She works as a literary agent in NYC, and her reputation among her clients and peers is that she is shrewd. So much so they refer to her as the Shark.
Maybe it’s because I’m from the East coast like Nora, but getting to know her character felt like learning the backstory of one of my best friends. Her determination, sarcasm, and snark were comforting, not concerning. Nora is an exceptional and well-developed character and I loved getting to be inside her brain.
Audiobooks for the Win!
Typically, I read most books with my eyes. I will dip my toe into the audiobook pool when looking to re-read a past favorite, as I find that if you’re not used to listening to books that it helps when you already know the story. The format of the audiobook helps keep the story fresh, but the comfort of a re-read means that if you zone out for a second, you’re not worrying about missing a pertinent detail.
If you haven’t read this book yet, I one-million-percent recommend reading this book with your ears. Julia Whelan narrates this brilliant story and creates magic with her voice. Using a plethora of talent, Whelan weaves Emily Henry’s beautifully crafted words into a audible treat for our ears.
Final Thoughts
“Book Lovers” isn’t a traditional romance. It’s not going to be the story that gets you hot and bothered from page one (though there are some really great moments between Charlie and Nora that I was *living* for), but it is a love story. It’s a love story about New York City, family bonds, and pride in ones self. Loving yourself, and living for yourself, and then letting others love you, warts and all.
I highly recommend when you go to snag “Book Lovers” that you grab the audio and let Julia Whelan’s recitation of Emily Henry’s story take you away.
I’m Val, and I’m excited to share my love of books with you! I’m a sassy Sour Patch kid from New Jersey, dog mom to Chance the beagle, and much like the rest of the Hive, I’m a coffee lover (I think it’s a requirement to be here). The first book I remember reading voluntarily involved a boy wizard who lived in the cupboard under the stairs, and I’ve been chasing magic ever since. I love Happily Ever Afters, and I love love. My favorite genres are romance and rom-coms, fantasy, and young adult/new adult. If I’m not reading, I’m probably kayaking, watching the Great British Baking Show, or discovering a new craft beer.