Wowwww, Caroline. Such a great front story about your husband and romance novels that set up The Lovers and the message on relationships. You absolutely nailed it with the end. Your love not only brightens my Sunday evenings but also my life. Thank you. 🙏
I cringed reading that this was the one he chose. I pretend Happy Place doesn’t exits, that’s how bad i think it is. The main characters have no personality, she didn’t accurately research or portray how long a neurosurgery residency track would be, and the cast of friends are annoying and narcissistic.
My husband read Red, White, & Royal Blue last year. He liked the political setting but didn’t love it. Overall he has a better understanding of what I often read and enjoys being in the know about all the zeitgeist’s commentary on tropes, etc.
Your husband is hilarious!! Blob book ftw! This summer, a stranger shoved It Ends With Us into my hands and insisted it was the best book ever and I simply must take her copy. Tho not my genre of choice, I fulfilled her wish and read it. My reaction at the end was uncannily similar to your husband’s. I couldn’t put it down yet, man, the writing 🥴 This EmHen intrigues me tho. Maybe I’ll give Book Lovers a whirl??
Your comment made my night, as he just said, “no one seems to have blinked about the violent blob.” 🤪 So THANK YOU for noticing. I’ve heard many many things about Colleen Hoover’s books, including from snooty publishing folks, and all agree she has a truly impressive talent when it comes to plot (but that the prose is, shall we say, a bit more polarizing). I enjoyed Book Lovers, especially if you go into it expecting a rom-com. It’s light and full of flirtatious banter, and you can likely predict what comes next, but it’s an excellent beach/vacation/escape read. (Maybe I should suggest a similarly light palate cleanser for all of us in the book club chat! 😆)
😂😂 You tell him this 80s girl has a soft spot for the violent blob genre!! Meanwhile I’m leaving for my house-hunting trip this next wknd. Am I bringing a light beach read? Nope! Apparently I’m in the mood for Lonesome Dove, quite literally the heaviest book I’ve ever read, could double as a makeshift yoga block! So yes, let’s do a refreshing snack for our next book club selection!
I've actually read all of Emily Henry's books and would say they're top tier rom coms. They're the Netflix version of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Same formula with just a bit higher budget.
BUT, I couldn't finish Happy Place. It was TOO "white people in New England" and I'm a white person from New England. I had to read spoilers because obviously I needed to know how they ended up together.
I think I struggle with Emily Henry novels BECAUSE they feel more relatable, but still not realistic. The characters are all regular human people communicating improperly with each other... just like us! Except they always seem to work through it and that rarely happens. I won't ultimately end up with my ex because if we ended up on a trip together and had to pretend we were still dating, WE WOULDN'T.
All that to say... what a fun ride & thoughtful observations & I'm the problem, it's me.
This is such a lovely observation. I never read a book by Emily Henry myself but I would like to (any recommendations on which one to start with?). I became a voracious reader when I stopped reading - and dreading - what I should read and started reading what excited me and made me happy and that more often than not is a funny romance novel. Life's too short!
I haven’t read them all but I thoroughly enjoyed Book Lovers. It was the first of her books that I read and a good place to start. Beach Read (her first novel) is also highly rated and very well loved! And amen to reading what you enjoy!
I hope it’s ok if I offer my fave—I haven’t read them all bc I’m purposely spacing them out so I don’t run out 😂—but I started with Beach Read and it continues to be my favorite of hers but they are all pretty damn good. Enjoy. Wish I could be reading them again for the first time.
I haven’t read Beach Read but it’s next on my list. I’ve had a copy for a while and am waiting until I can consume it on a beach…or at least in relative warmth! Glad to hear it’s your favorite.
I think if you started with Beach Read, you like that one better than Books Lovers and vice versa. Book Lovers checked all the boxes for me. And I still loved Beach Read, but Book Lovers was “better.”
Yes, yes please!! I like that people have different favorite books from her, that’s a good sign! Have you read Nora Goes Off Script by any chance? It’s still one I think about a lot 2y later and people say it has a bit of an Emily Henry vibe…
Thank you for that throughly enjoyable read! Knowing both husband and some romance novels very well I couldn’t wait to see how he’d react. If he’d like to read a book that has a slightly overweight heroine and some fantasy in it I would like to recommend “Aunt Dimity’s” Death”. It’s a weekend read so you don’t need to give up much time but my sister likes to tell people that I’m depressed unless I have a book to read. So many favorites are floating through my mind right now. Thanks again
I would consider paying for Between a Rock and a Card Place in a second if I weren't already paying for more newsletters than I can afford. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of your husband reading the romance novel (I don't indulge in those... yet?), and The Lovers. Well.
What a good man! I’m not sure my husband would read a romcom novel, beyond mine (which he recommends to everyone we meet, sometimes I’m so embarrassed!). He’s not a scary blob book man, either, he likes Carl Hiassen, and, I don’t really know! He reads a lot, though, even more now that he’s retired, and I love it when we just sit quietly with our books. It feels so old fashioned and revolutionary almost! And, yes, the Lovers card! I love your explanation, interpretation of it. Made me stop and think of how I talk to myself, which is always worse than the way I talk to anyone else, especially since I got ill a few years ago. I must reaverse this trend, it’s important. Thank you so much! Francesca xx
Such a 'spit out coffee' read Caroline, so funny!! And your husband sounds such a joy 👏🏼. I think my husband would rather eat his own eyes than even read the cover of a romance novel, or even listen if I tried to explain one. Not that I read them either. But as he is a 'strict' autobiography / memoir reader only, and so stuck in his own ancient history and war story mud hole, I gave up trying to defend any novel writing to him years ago! He'll say, almost accusingly, 'why would I want to read someone's made up stories?!' Uuuugggh! Any way, just to let you know, I cited, attributed and linked you, when I finally published my Ten of Cups this weekend. 🙏🏼
This is funny because my bf always notices the same thing with the bright colors romance covers but I don't think he will ever read an Emily Henry book lol
“Just as there is value in seeing the beauty in someone’s heart, someone’s art, someone’s offering — even when it’s not your cup of tea.
Honestly, what’s more romantic than that?” Perfectly said 💘 Romance isn’t a genre I read but I appreciate other ppl’s love for it.
This was hilarious and wonderful, what a great sport.
Thank you, Jenovia. 😘
Wowwww, Caroline. Such a great front story about your husband and romance novels that set up The Lovers and the message on relationships. You absolutely nailed it with the end. Your love not only brightens my Sunday evenings but also my life. Thank you. 🙏
Thank you so much, James. I appreciate you!
Read today’s channeled messages from The Starfire Codes - solid correlation with the Lovers.
Also, Book Lovers is the best Emily Henry book. I will die on this hill. 😘 (I say that as a first born with a much younger sister)
Will do! And I agree. Admittedly, I haven't read them all, but Book Lovers was solid.
I cringed reading that this was the one he chose. I pretend Happy Place doesn’t exits, that’s how bad i think it is. The main characters have no personality, she didn’t accurately research or portray how long a neurosurgery residency track would be, and the cast of friends are annoying and narcissistic.
My husband read Red, White, & Royal Blue last year. He liked the political setting but didn’t love it. Overall he has a better understanding of what I often read and enjoys being in the know about all the zeitgeist’s commentary on tropes, etc.
literally came here to comment this - tell him to read Book Lovers or Funny Story!!! So much more enjoyable!
came here to say the same, because Happy Place is my least favorite of hers. Book Lovers, Beach Read, Funny Story for the win!
Your husband is hilarious!! Blob book ftw! This summer, a stranger shoved It Ends With Us into my hands and insisted it was the best book ever and I simply must take her copy. Tho not my genre of choice, I fulfilled her wish and read it. My reaction at the end was uncannily similar to your husband’s. I couldn’t put it down yet, man, the writing 🥴 This EmHen intrigues me tho. Maybe I’ll give Book Lovers a whirl??
Your comment made my night, as he just said, “no one seems to have blinked about the violent blob.” 🤪 So THANK YOU for noticing. I’ve heard many many things about Colleen Hoover’s books, including from snooty publishing folks, and all agree she has a truly impressive talent when it comes to plot (but that the prose is, shall we say, a bit more polarizing). I enjoyed Book Lovers, especially if you go into it expecting a rom-com. It’s light and full of flirtatious banter, and you can likely predict what comes next, but it’s an excellent beach/vacation/escape read. (Maybe I should suggest a similarly light palate cleanser for all of us in the book club chat! 😆)
😂😂 You tell him this 80s girl has a soft spot for the violent blob genre!! Meanwhile I’m leaving for my house-hunting trip this next wknd. Am I bringing a light beach read? Nope! Apparently I’m in the mood for Lonesome Dove, quite literally the heaviest book I’ve ever read, could double as a makeshift yoga block! So yes, let’s do a refreshing snack for our next book club selection!
Yes! I’m feeling something fun, zany…and SHORT!
I went to college with Elle Cosimano and her Finley Donovan books are a hoot.
Count me in for Zany!!
I feel seen.
I've actually read all of Emily Henry's books and would say they're top tier rom coms. They're the Netflix version of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Same formula with just a bit higher budget.
BUT, I couldn't finish Happy Place. It was TOO "white people in New England" and I'm a white person from New England. I had to read spoilers because obviously I needed to know how they ended up together.
I think I struggle with Emily Henry novels BECAUSE they feel more relatable, but still not realistic. The characters are all regular human people communicating improperly with each other... just like us! Except they always seem to work through it and that rarely happens. I won't ultimately end up with my ex because if we ended up on a trip together and had to pretend we were still dating, WE WOULDN'T.
All that to say... what a fun ride & thoughtful observations & I'm the problem, it's me.
"relatable but not realistic" is such a great way to categorize her books!
This is such a lovely observation. I never read a book by Emily Henry myself but I would like to (any recommendations on which one to start with?). I became a voracious reader when I stopped reading - and dreading - what I should read and started reading what excited me and made me happy and that more often than not is a funny romance novel. Life's too short!
I haven’t read them all but I thoroughly enjoyed Book Lovers. It was the first of her books that I read and a good place to start. Beach Read (her first novel) is also highly rated and very well loved! And amen to reading what you enjoy!
Thank you, I will look into them!
I hope it’s ok if I offer my fave—I haven’t read them all bc I’m purposely spacing them out so I don’t run out 😂—but I started with Beach Read and it continues to be my favorite of hers but they are all pretty damn good. Enjoy. Wish I could be reading them again for the first time.
I haven’t read Beach Read but it’s next on my list. I’ve had a copy for a while and am waiting until I can consume it on a beach…or at least in relative warmth! Glad to hear it’s your favorite.
That will be divine.
I think if you started with Beach Read, you like that one better than Books Lovers and vice versa. Book Lovers checked all the boxes for me. And I still loved Beach Read, but Book Lovers was “better.”
Yes, yes please!! I like that people have different favorite books from her, that’s a good sign! Have you read Nora Goes Off Script by any chance? It’s still one I think about a lot 2y later and people say it has a bit of an Emily Henry vibe…
Thank you for that throughly enjoyable read! Knowing both husband and some romance novels very well I couldn’t wait to see how he’d react. If he’d like to read a book that has a slightly overweight heroine and some fantasy in it I would like to recommend “Aunt Dimity’s” Death”. It’s a weekend read so you don’t need to give up much time but my sister likes to tell people that I’m depressed unless I have a book to read. So many favorites are floating through my mind right now. Thanks again
I would consider paying for Between a Rock and a Card Place in a second if I weren't already paying for more newsletters than I can afford. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of your husband reading the romance novel (I don't indulge in those... yet?), and The Lovers. Well.
Thank you, I appreciate that — and I understand. The subscription model is a flawed one, indeed. (And I fear not a sustainable one!)
this made me laugh, and way to go husband. love your take on love.
Thank you, Kristen! 😊
I needed this reminder today. I feel love every time your newsletter appears in my inbox. Thanks for that <3
This was so fun!
Thank you!
Okay, but wait. Why are there wild animals in the background of all three of those mass-market paperbacks and they’re by three different authors?? 🤣
Hahaha, I cannot say, but thank you for recognizing the theme. Truly bonkers!
Everything about this was so great ✨
Thank you, Meg! 💛
What a good man! I’m not sure my husband would read a romcom novel, beyond mine (which he recommends to everyone we meet, sometimes I’m so embarrassed!). He’s not a scary blob book man, either, he likes Carl Hiassen, and, I don’t really know! He reads a lot, though, even more now that he’s retired, and I love it when we just sit quietly with our books. It feels so old fashioned and revolutionary almost! And, yes, the Lovers card! I love your explanation, interpretation of it. Made me stop and think of how I talk to myself, which is always worse than the way I talk to anyone else, especially since I got ill a few years ago. I must reaverse this trend, it’s important. Thank you so much! Francesca xx
Such a 'spit out coffee' read Caroline, so funny!! And your husband sounds such a joy 👏🏼. I think my husband would rather eat his own eyes than even read the cover of a romance novel, or even listen if I tried to explain one. Not that I read them either. But as he is a 'strict' autobiography / memoir reader only, and so stuck in his own ancient history and war story mud hole, I gave up trying to defend any novel writing to him years ago! He'll say, almost accusingly, 'why would I want to read someone's made up stories?!' Uuuugggh! Any way, just to let you know, I cited, attributed and linked you, when I finally published my Ten of Cups this weekend. 🙏🏼
That is my ex-husband’s exact reason for not reading fiction!
This is funny because my bf always notices the same thing with the bright colors romance covers but I don't think he will ever read an Emily Henry book lol
They really did an excellent job with the covers and branding. They're hard NOT to notice!