phantomparagrapher7 's review for:

A Five-Letter Word for Love by Amy James

4.0

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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As someone who still starts her morning with a hot cuppa and a cheeky round of Wordle (yes, even when the cat’s meowing and the toast is burning), I was instantly charmed by Amy James’ A Five Letter Word for Love. Add in the setting—Prince Edward Island, the very soil that gave us Anne of Green Gables—and I was sold before page one. 

This story felt like a warm cardigan on a chilly day. Emily, our heroine, is stuck in a job she doesn’t love—receptionist at a local auto shop—while dreaming of museum halls and curated exhibits. It reminded me so much of the TV show Shifting Gears with Kat Dennings, where Riley returns home and finds herself working in her dad’s garage, unsure of what she truly wants. Emily’s journey mirrors that same heart-tugging question: what if your dream isn’t out there, but right here? 

The spark in this tale comes from an unexpected place—Wordle. Emily and John, a quiet mechanic with a knack for puzzles, bond over their shared love of the game. Their connection grows from playful guesses to something deeper, and soon the story shifts from career angst to romantic possibility. But just as things start to bloom, Emily is offered her dream internship in New York. Cue the classic dilemma: chase the big city dream or stay in the small town that’s slowly winning her heart? 

Amy James writes with a gentle charm that makes you want to curl up and read with a blanket and a biscuit. The romance is sweet without being syrupy, and the Wordle angle adds a quirky twist that feels fresh and relatable. I found myself rooting for Emily—not just in love, but in finding peace with where she is. 

This book is perfect for anyone who’s ever felt torn between ambition and home, or who’s found unexpected joy in the simplest things—like a five-letter word that means love. Thanks to HarperCollins NZ for the paperback copy that now sits proudly on my shelf. 

💌 Verdict: A delightful read that will warm your heart and maybe even reignite your Wordle obsession.