Emily Henry continues to impress with Book Lovers, giving new life to the world of publishing through the eyes of charming protagonist Nora on her quest to reconnect with her sister while also trying to find out how to trust herself with her heart. She is a calculated, intelligent and talented woman who has felt the need to take care of her sister Libby for the majority of their adult lives, but a surprise vacation, a reconnection and an unlikely work opportunity sees Nora reevaluate what she wants out of her life. 

The work focuses on the decisions that Nora has made in the past, her choices throughout the duration of the book and her feelings about a looming future that could change her life forever, giving the audience a look into the mind of someone who has only ever felt pressure to be exactly what others need her to be. This way of thinking ultimately leas her to develop a connection with editor Charlie, who she runs into during her vacation. Charlie forces her to confront her issues with the way she was raised that are still impacting her in the present day, leading her to better understand why she is the way she is. 

Henry takes her audience on a journey of self-discovery through her characters, inviting a conversation about how far family will go to take care of one another, even if it means sacrificing what they love to ensure success. This is something that so many people struggle with on a daily basis, and the representation of it in literature is a great way to get people talking about it in their own lives, which truly marks this book as one of her best. The ability to tackle such a sensitive and complex topic in such an elegant way is something that not many people can accomplish, and the way that Henry goes about it is nothing short of astonishing; no stone is left unturned in regards to Nora’s complicated feelings towards the various situations awaiting her over the course of the book, and her openness through the audience’s eyes is remarkable. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this work as someone who will read just about anything written by Emily Henry and it has become one of my go-to recommendations almost overnight because it is just that well-written and special. It is one of her best to date and perhaps one off her most underrated given the popularity of People We Meet on Vacation and Beach Read, so if those are your cup of tea, I would strongly recommend exploring the world of Sunshine Falls through the eyes of Charlie and Nora.