A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
4 Stars
The Book At A Glance
When Eileen Merriweather’s car breaks down on the way to her annual book club retreat, she finds herself stranded in Eloraton—the small-town setting of her favorite romance series. But this storybook-perfect place is frozen in time, trapped in its late author’s unfinished manuscript. To set things right, Elsy believes she must help write the town’s ending. The only problem? A grumpy, mysterious bookstore owner who doesn’t want her meddling—yet might just hold the key to her own happily-ever-after.
Bookish Thoughts
Based on the story summary and the cover, the idea of a favorite book world coming to life immediately caught my attention. I mean, who wouldn’t want to step inside the pages of their most beloved story and experience it firsthand? It’s such a fun and imaginative concept that I couldn’t wait to dive in and see how it unfolded. This book is perfect when you’re craving a grumpy–sunshine romance sprinkled with a dash of mystery and a whole lot of bookish charm.
Book Review
Eileen “Elsy” Merriweather, an English professor still reeling from a painful breakup and mourning the loss of her favorite author, Rachel Flowers, decides to take a much-needed escape. Even though her book club friends cancel their annual retreat, Elsy goes alone, hoping for a break from reality. But when she gets caught in a rainstorm on the way to the cabin, she stumbles into a quaint small town—one she quickly realizes is the real-life setting of Rachel Flowers’ beloved romance novels. As Elsy explores the town and slowly integrates herself into the lives of its familiar characters, she finds herself drawn to Anders, the grumpy yet charming bookstore owner. The longer she stays, the more Elsy rediscovers her passions—and maybe even her willingness to take a chance on love again.
Although the beginning of the book felt a little slow to me, I ended up really loving the overall concept. The idea of a book world coming to life was such a fun and imaginative twist—I mean, who hasn’t dreamed of strolling through Hogsmeade or stepping through a wardrobe into Narnia? Getting to actually see beloved characters beyond the final page was such a unique touch. I often wonder what happens after “The End”—did their love last, are they truly living happily ever after? I loved how Elsy was able to witness these characters continuing with their lives, even trying to help solve their problems because she knew their stories so well. One of my favorite parts was seeing the couple whose book hadn’t been finished yet, and how Elsy helped guide them toward their own ending. I also adored Elsy’s fangirl moments—wanting to try all the food, meet every character, and soak up every detail of the town she had only ever imagined. Honestly, I’d be fangirling right along with her if I ever got the chance to live inside one of my favorite novels!
Another aspect of the novel that completely captured my heart was Anders—the grumpy bookstore owner. I’m a sucker for a good grumpy-sunshine romance, and Anders fit the role perfectly. At first, he’s determined to get Elsy out of town before she can disrupt everything by exposing that it’s just a fictional world. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes for him to resist her charm, and watching their slow-burn romance unfold was such a delight. What made it even more intriguing was the mystery surrounding him—Elsy couldn’t place him in any of the novels she’d read, and I found myself right there with her, trying to piece together who he really was. When the truth finally came out, it was a twist that genuinely surprised me.
Ashley Poston truly knows how to bring a setting to life! I absolutely loved the town of Eloraton—it had all the charm of a small town straight out of a Hallmark movie. From the sweet taffy to the fiery hot sauce and even the dreamy romantic waterfall, every detail made the town feel both magical and inviting. Honestly, it sounded like the perfect place for a cozy weekend getaway.
“Sometimes, a book can change your life. It’s hard to explain that to someone who doesn’t read, or who has never felt their heart bend so strongly toward a story that it might just snap in two. Some books are a comfort, some a reprieve, others a vacation, a lesson, a heartbreak. I’d met countless stories by the time I read a book that changed my life.”
Ashley Poston
If You Loved This, Try
A literary pairing similar to this novel is Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez, a heartfelt small-town romance about a doctor who falls for the town’s carpenter. Much like Ashley Poston’s A Novel Love Story, fate plays a role—both heroines find themselves stranded after their cars break down just outside of a charming small town. What begins as an inconvenience soon leads them to not only explore the town, but also discover a love they never expected
Ashley Poston is a New York Times bestselling author known for writing heartfelt, cozy, and emotionally resonant stories that blend romance with magical realism. Her novels often explore themes of love, grief, second chances, and finding yourself at the right moment, all wrapped in charming settings and warm, hopeful storytelling that feels both comforting and deeply moving. Her other books written by this author include The Dead Romantics, The Seven Year Slip, Sounds Like Love, and many more.
Shelf To Table
Honey Taffy: A sweet, sticky candy with a smooth, chewy texture and a golden hue that captures the warmth of real honey.
If you loved the grumpy–sunshine dynamic, Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert is a perfect match. This rom-com pairs a wildly chaotic, free-spirited heroine with a rigid, control-loving inn owner whose carefully ordered world is thrown into complete disarray. When circumstance forces them into close quarters, clashing personalities spark sharp banter, unexpected tenderness, and undeniable chemistry. Funny, steamy, and heartfelt, this story shines as opposites attract—and proves that sometimes the brightest sunshine is exactly what a grump needs to thaw.
“In my next life, I’d like to be a bookstore cat. Sunlight and books and naps. I dunno, I think you could do that in this life.”
Ashley Poston