Better than Fiction

September 19, 2022
Martin (Intercepted) shines in this enchanting tale of a reluctant bookstore owner and the author who shows her love is possible. After photographer Drew Young’s grandmother dies, Drew inherits her beloved Denver bookstore, the Book Nook. Though not an avid reader, she’s determined to keep her grandmother’s legacy alive and keep the store going. Among the Book Nook’s regulars are “the Dirty Birds,” a meddling but endearing group of elderly romance fans who conspire to set Drew up with bestselling romance author Jasper Williams. Sparks fly between the unlikely couple, but complications arise first when Drew’s obnoxious, entitled father tries to take over the bookstore and then when a small but consequential secret about Jasper’s past with the store comes to light. Hopeless romantic Jasper has a reputation for writing perfect “book boyfriends”—and readers will find that he fulfills this fantasy pretty well himself. The charmingly ornery Drew makes a great contrast, and it’s emotionally satisfying to watch her high walls come down. Stellar supporting characters—especially Drew’s bestie, Elsie, and sister, Daisy—add humor throughout. The result is utterly entertaining. Agent: Jessica Watterson, Sandra Dijkstra Literary.