Written by Emma Knight
9 / 10
Dating By The Book by Mary Ann Marlowe is the perfect read for a rainy day. With a mix of fun romance, mystery, and never-ending book references, what’s not to love about this heart-warming book? Set in a small town book shop named the Mossy Stone, the story unfolds with Maddie, a soon-to-be published author, who is struggling to keep her business afloat. After receiving a negative review for her new book, she takes it into her own hands by replying to the online reviewer, Silver Fox. Little does she know that this one email leads her down an enlightening path of banter and friendship.
Finding a romance hero in real life seems pretty much impossible, but Maddie wants to prove to Silver Fox and herself that true romance is real. As you watch her journey through her past and current love affairs, there is an urge to root for everyone on her live life spectrum. Whether it be an ex-fiancé, an old flame, a cute regular customer, childhood friend, or even mysterious internet guy you really hope isn’t a total creep, you hope Maddie finds the love only books talk about.
Maddie is an easy character to relate with as she questions her love life constantly, struggles to keep her beloved bookshop afloat, and compares people she knows to book characters to try to understand their position better. Then again, while connecting similar traits to beloved fiction characters can have its charm, it becomes her downfall. As she puts labels and unneeded expectations on the friends surrounding her, it leaves little room for her opinion of them to change. Throughout the book, she learns not to judge people from their past actions and to instead look at them in a new light.
It’s great to see the incorporation of socialising through technology to watch how readers and writers can actually interact. Through a book review, Maddie gets to know one of her readers on a more personal level after multiple emails and messages exchanged. What makes this part of the book even more enjoyable is that you are constantly guessing who the mysterious ‘Silver Fox’ is. There are small hints towards each character which keeps you on your toes.
When a book adds multiple references to classic novels plus has book clubs within the book, you know you have picked up a gem. It’s fun to watch the individual characters have discussions about books and all you want to do is join in with them. Their witty banter and points about if the protagonist ended up with the right person leave you wanting to read the books over again.
At the centre of this novel is finding where your heart lies, whether it be a person or a place. It reminds us that love can be over-exaggerated in books sometimes and that it isn’t always fluffy or chasing after people in the rain. Love is not limited to a first kiss. That our heart can lie within a bookshop that is slowly falling apart.
And when I write romance, yes, I want there to be chemistry and tension, but also respect and real palpable love. The kind that cab survives obstacles, separation, or cultural differences that render them ostensibly incompatible. That is romance.
Dating By The Book is a hidden gem that can be read in one go as you are sucked into the engaging characters and fun story that leaves you with an appreciation for bookstores along with the sense of belonging. This book is the feeling when you are curled up in the corner with a hot beverage and the warmth of a blanket. I highly recommend this book for a fresh sense of home and just because it makes you feel good.
Dating By The Book is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Is love just something you find in books?
Six months ago, writer and bookstore owner Maddie Hanson was left at the altar. Since then, she’s had zero interest in romance—despite the fact that she runs a book club full of sexy eligible bachelors. But when her latest novel is panned by an anonymous blogger who goes by the name Silver Fox—and who accuses her of knowing nothing about passion—she decides to prove her nemesis wrong by seeking a romance hero in real life . . .
There’s the smoldering rock musician, the bookish college professor, and her competitive childhood friend who may want to steal her bookstore more than her heart. Even Silver Fox is getting in on the action, sending Maddie alarmingly—and intoxicatingly—flirtatious emails. And that’s not all. Her ex wants her back.
Now Maddie is about to discover that like any good story, life has twists and turns, and love can happen when you least expect it—with the person you least expect . . .
This book sounds amazing! I’m definitely going to pick this up when I’m in the mood for a good contemporary.