Book Lovers By Emily Henry

By Madi Brill

December 18, 2025, 10:00 a.m.

Of all the books I read last month, Emily Henry’s Book Lovers was my favorite. If you’ve read any contemporary romance novels, then you’ve probably heard the name “Emily Henry” get tossed around. She has become a beloved author for her lyrical writing, relatable characters, and clever banter. She has published eleven novels and is known for writing contemporary romance novels that deal with more challenging topics such as grief, loss, and growth. 

Book Lovers, 2022, follows Nora Stephens, a successful publicist living in New York. To rekindle their relationship away from the stress of kids and work, she and her sister take a trip to the rural small town of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, reminiscent of the classic setting in a Hallmark movie. Soon after she arrives, she encounters Charlie Lastra, a cynical editor from New York City whom she despises. When the regular editor of author Nora goes on maternity leave, Charlie steps in to help reach the author’s deadline and maintain Nora’s spotless publishing reputation.

Tailor-made for Type A eldest daughters who love to have everything under control, this novel characterizes Nora in a way that respects her drive and motivation without the stereotypical ending of quitting your job and moving to an obscure small town after finding love. She grows as both a person and a publisher throughout the story.

Book Lovers also explores complicated familial relationships in a way that doesn’t feel unrealistic or rushed. Nora’s relationship with her sister was both mature and entertaining, and I was rooting for them the whole way through. Their love for each other was evident on each page, even as they struggled to know how to be there for one another.

The setting had the classic, cozy feel of any “small town romance novel”. There were quirky local businesses and friendly gatherings at each other’s houses. At the same time, however, the book explored some of the more challenging aspects of living in a small town. Henry didn’t write the setting as the ultimate solution for Nora, but instead, celebrated her love for New York and working. It honored the best parts of the town without altering Nora’s entire personality to make her fit there.

Charlie’s character was similarly well-developed, and he supported Nora’s ambition. He was selfless and witty, with the complex history that Emily Henry tends to like to give her male protagonists. Once they started to get to know each other, he and Nora communicated well, and their interactions were jam-packed with palpable chemistry.

A perfect autumnal read, Book Lovers is romantic, endearing, and thoroughly unexpected from start to finish.