Welcome back! This week has given me the first hint of fall. I love a crispy morning. We’re also in the middle of getting a new porch since the old one had only a couple years left anyway. I can’t wait to enjoy a coffee on the new one, wrapped in a big ol’ blanket. Aside from that, I’ve been fully on the Hades II train. Anyone else with me? … Libro.fm is hosting a “read-in” … Continue reading Links: Emily Henry, Banned Books, & More
I dithered for a week before starting this book. I had it in my possession, but couldn’t get past the first page. I’m not sure if this is unique to me, but when I’m really looking forward to something, it’s very difficult for me to start it. Then, one morning I bit the bullet and pushed through to page two. From there, I tore through the book, snatching reading time wherever I could until I … Continue reading Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna $1.99! Thanks to everyone who let us know about this one! Fingers crossed it’s still ons ale.
I read romance novels for a lot of different reasons. To feel less alone, to feel that surging bubble of joy in my chest, to feel connected to new and exciting lives. This book ticked all those boxes and more for me. I fell asleep reading it. Woke up, and carried on reading. I write reviews for lots of different reasons, too. In this particular case, I’m writing this review because I want to keep … Continue reading Funny Story by Emily Henry
This week, my guest is Emily Henry, whose new romance Book Lovers is out this past week! We talk about slow burns, book tour, puppies, the inspiration for the lead character, Nora, and the Icy City Ex Girlfriend Trope. Thank you to Ann_Knee, Clairatrix, and the enthusiastic members of the Culture Study Discord’s romance channel who were very excited about this interview alongside me. And thank you to publicist Heather Mill who set the interview … Continue reading 510. Book Lovers with Emily Henry
When the opening pages of a book demonstrate the writer’s deep fluency and familiarity with romance tropes, even by being extremely meta about it, it’s a signal for me that I can trust the book I’m reading to fulfill the expectations I have. If Book Lovers were a person, it would probably be wearing a t-shirt that read, “I am your catnip, Sarah,” and would politely ask if it could hug me. Because this narrative simultaneously … Continue reading Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Back when we used to take vacations (sigh, those wild pre-Covid days, how fun-filled they were…) they often began badly, what with trying to get packed in time and flying in coach and all the other bother of getting from one place to another. However, after a certain transitional period, the vacation would become enjoyable, perhaps even emotionally meaningful and moving. This is the experience I had with People We Meet On Vacation, a book … Continue reading People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Hey all! Wanted to put this event on your radar because I’m moderating! Indie bookstore Magers & Quinn is hosting part of Christina Lauren’s In a Holidaze tour, with fellow authors Sonali Dev and Emily Henry. There are two ticket options on Eventbrite, depending on your budget. As someone who also works at an indie part-time, I can tell you they’re struggling a bit right now and the industry could certainly use your help! The event … Continue reading Virtual Launch with Christina Lauren, Sonali Dev, & Emily Henry
Content warnings: Both the hero and heroine have troubled pasts, including loss of parents, abuse, and infidelity. Also, the hero is REALLY into researching suicide cults. While this book is surprisingly sweet and light, and none of these things are described in detail, there is plenty of darkness in the backstory, so proceed accordingly. I took one look at the blurb for Beach Read on NetGalley and one-clicked so hard that they could probably hear … Continue reading Beach Read by Emily Henry
A romantic comedy of manners about a lavish wedding weekend gone very, very wrong with the slow-burn romance of Emily Henry and the fizzy humor of Sophie Kinsella. The Beautiful, seemingly carefree Marigold is tired of being treated like a shallow it-girl. That’s one of the many reasons she’s excited to marry Jonathan—the handsome, kind, respectable doctor of her dreams. So when a shocking secret from her past threatens to ruin her wedding, she’ll do … Continue reading Save the Date
This Bookstore Trip Report is from Elizabeth! Although Elizabeth learned the joys of escaping into books in grammar school, she is only a recent convert to the romance genre, mostly thanks to SB Amanda’s introductions to Alice Clayton, Katee Robert, Sierra Simone, and the like. She delights in watching seemingly impossible conflicts resolve themselves into happily ever after endings, especially if there’s no deus ex machina required. It’s literally a dream come true for her … Continue reading Bookstore Trip Report: Montgomery & Taggert, The Spice Cabinet, and Blush Book Lounge
