Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club discussion

Romance Winner



Book Lovers

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.

If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.

I just finished reading this and I loved it! This was my first read by this author and it was even better than I expected it to be. I am really looking forward to Beach Read and Happy Place now. I have them both on my bookshelf.

Kristie wrote: "I just finished reading this and I loved it! This was my first read by this author and it was even better than I expected it to be. I am really looking forward to Beach Read and [bo..."

Oh wow, I didn't realise you'd not read anything by Emily Henry yet!

For a long time I was in an anti-romance phase. I was reading a lot of heavier stories, a lot of WWII historical fiction. I'm really enjoying the lighter reads again and finding a lot of popular authors that are new to me. I just read my first Christina Lauren last year and really enjoyed those as well. But honestly, this book was perfect for me.

Same. I just finished it and it was my first Henry book as well. Enjoyed it but probably won’t read anymore romance novels again.

I love love love this one!!!! I read it last year!! I want it to be a movie so badly!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Michelle wrote: "I love love love this one!!!! I read it last year!! I want it to be a movie so badly!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️"

It definitely lends itself to be made into a movie, and I don't know if you're aware but that is actually going to happen. Alongside Beach Read and Vacation, all three are being adapted.

Lynn wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I love love love this one!!!! I read it last year!! I want it to be a movie so badly!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️"

It definitely lends itself to be made into a movie, and I don't know if you're a..."

This is great!

Loved it!! The dialogue and banter is so good! SPAAAAAH!

J&G wrote: "Loved it!! The dialogue and banter is so good! SPAAAAAH!"

That's what I loved most about this book, the banter. I just love a book with great banter.

I'm the same way, Lynn. I love witty banter.

Loved this book and rated it 5 stars and I really don't read much romantic comedy anymore. Great characters twist and being set in North Carolina was a funny plus for me.

I read this last year and loved loved it!!! Emily Henry never fails me!

Great story, I loved how it was told from the perspective of the dumpee. Nora and Charlie were great together. I found myself rooting for them throughout the book.

I read this one not too long ago, absolutely loved it. I think it’s my favorite book by Emily Henry so far although Beach Read is a close second!

What a fun story! The narrator did such a wonderful job with Charlie’s voice, intense and steamy when he talks to Nora. Their chemistry is off the charts and especially their banter back and forth😊

And in Rom-Com tradition they make it work! Such a great story with equally strong lovable characters.

Cammy wrote: "What a fun story! The narrator did such a wonderful job with Charlie’s voice, intense and steamy when he talks to Nora. Their chemistry is off the charts and especially their banter back and forth😊..."

Julia Whelan can do a really sexy man voice. lol

I think I’m in the minority and didn’t like this one so much. I gave it 5 stars. It was entertaining to read but I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two characters.

Michelle wrote: "I think I’m in the minority and didn’t like this one so much. I gave it 5 stars. It was entertaining to read but I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two characters."

You didn't like it but still gave it 5 stars? Or do you have a different rating scale to GR and maybe do it out of 10?

Kristie wrote: "Cammy wrote: "What a fun story! The narrator did such a wonderful job with Charlie’s voice, intense and steamy when he talks to Nora. Their chemistry is off the charts and especially their banter b..."

Kristie wrote: "Cammy wrote: "What a fun story! The narrator did such a wonderful job with Charlie’s voice, intense and steamy when he talks to Nora. Their chemistry is off the charts and especially their banter b..."

She sure did😁

Kristie wrote: "I just finished reading this, and I loved it! This was my first read by this author and it was even better than I expected it to be. I am really looking forward to Beach Read and [bo..."

I just read this today and ditto what Kristie said.
I enjoyed the sisters' connection and the banter between Nora and Charlie. I am so happy I finally read this!