Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by timetotalkbeauty
Not Quite by the Book by Julie Hatcher
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I adored ‘Not Quite by the Book’ by Julie Hatcher! This contemporary romance was a delightful blend of self-discovery, sweet romance, and a hint of mystery, all wrapped in a cosy and heartwarming package. I listened to it on audiobook, and it really captivated me with its gentle pacing, romantic undertones, and charming characters.
One of the things I loved most about the book was how delicately the romance was handled. The romantic elements were certainly present, but it wasn’t just about the physical side of things — the emotional and personal growth of the characters took centre stage. The intimate scenes were treated with such care, balancing delicacy with depth, which is something I appreciate in romance novels. The chemistry between Emma and Davis felt genuine and slow-burn, which I found really refreshing.
The story revolves around Emma Rina, who’s suddenly thrust into the responsibility of managing her family’s bookstore business after her parents announce their retirement plans. Having put her own life on hold for years to keep the store running, Emma realises she’s never really had a moment to herself. In an attempt to regain some control over her life, she decides to spend six weeks in a cottage in Amherst, Massachusetts, the home of her favourite poet, Emily Dickinson. There, she hopes to channel her inner Emily and find clarity about her future.
The setting of the story was charming. Emma's stay at the cottage, combined with her attempts at following in Dickinson’s reclusive footsteps, created a really cosy and introspective atmosphere. I loved the contrast between Emma’s people-loving personality and her attempts to disconnect from the world. While she does try to embrace solitude, she ends up finding a deep connection with the people in the small town, which was heartwarming.
The mystery element involving the anonymous flowers and letters sent to Emma added an intriguing layer to the story. I was just as curious as Emma to find out who her secret admirer was, and it added a touch of whimsy to the romance. It may not be the biggest plot twist, but I don’t always need to guess ahead!
Davis Sommers, the gruff yet handsome handyman, was the perfect counterpart to Emma’s more open and outgoing nature. Their interactions were filled with sweet moments, and I loved how their relationship developed naturally. There was a genuine sense of connection between them, and their romance felt like something that would really last.
But beyond the romance, the heart of the story was Emma’s journey of self-discovery. It was inspiring to see her take the time to reflect on her life, confront her family’s expectations, and explore what she truly wanted for her future. The book really emphasises the importance of prioritising yourself and finding balance between your obligations and your desires — a message I think many of us can relate to.
Lastly, the Emily Dickinson theme was a huge win for me! As a fan of her poetry, I loved how the book wove in references to her life and work. It gave the novel a literary depth that felt both thoughtful and fitting for the character of Emma.
Overall, ‘Not Quite by the Book’ was a pleasure to listen to. It was cute, romantic, and beautifully paced, with well-rounded characters and a delightful mix of romance and mystery. If you're looking for a heartwarming read with a touch of literary charm, this one is a must.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
One of the things I loved most about the book was how delicately the romance was handled. The romantic elements were certainly present, but it wasn’t just about the physical side of things — the emotional and personal growth of the characters took centre stage. The intimate scenes were treated with such care, balancing delicacy with depth, which is something I appreciate in romance novels. The chemistry between Emma and Davis felt genuine and slow-burn, which I found really refreshing.
The story revolves around Emma Rina, who’s suddenly thrust into the responsibility of managing her family’s bookstore business after her parents announce their retirement plans. Having put her own life on hold for years to keep the store running, Emma realises she’s never really had a moment to herself. In an attempt to regain some control over her life, she decides to spend six weeks in a cottage in Amherst, Massachusetts, the home of her favourite poet, Emily Dickinson. There, she hopes to channel her inner Emily and find clarity about her future.
The setting of the story was charming. Emma's stay at the cottage, combined with her attempts at following in Dickinson’s reclusive footsteps, created a really cosy and introspective atmosphere. I loved the contrast between Emma’s people-loving personality and her attempts to disconnect from the world. While she does try to embrace solitude, she ends up finding a deep connection with the people in the small town, which was heartwarming.
The mystery element involving the anonymous flowers and letters sent to Emma added an intriguing layer to the story. I was just as curious as Emma to find out who her secret admirer was, and it added a touch of whimsy to the romance. It may not be the biggest plot twist, but I don’t always need to guess ahead!
Davis Sommers, the gruff yet handsome handyman, was the perfect counterpart to Emma’s more open and outgoing nature. Their interactions were filled with sweet moments, and I loved how their relationship developed naturally. There was a genuine sense of connection between them, and their romance felt like something that would really last.
But beyond the romance, the heart of the story was Emma’s journey of self-discovery. It was inspiring to see her take the time to reflect on her life, confront her family’s expectations, and explore what she truly wanted for her future. The book really emphasises the importance of prioritising yourself and finding balance between your obligations and your desires — a message I think many of us can relate to.
Lastly, the Emily Dickinson theme was a huge win for me! As a fan of her poetry, I loved how the book wove in references to her life and work. It gave the novel a literary depth that felt both thoughtful and fitting for the character of Emma.
Overall, ‘Not Quite by the Book’ was a pleasure to listen to. It was cute, romantic, and beautifully paced, with well-rounded characters and a delightful mix of romance and mystery. If you're looking for a heartwarming read with a touch of literary charm, this one is a must.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent