Publication Date: May 14, 2024
When a librarian moves to a quaint Irish village where her favorite novelist lives, the last thing she expects is to fall for the author’s prickly son… until their story becomes one for the books, from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading.
Emily Allen, a librarian on Martha’s Vineyard, has always dreamed of a life of travel and adventure. So when her favorite author, Siobhan Riordan, offers her a job in the Emerald Isle, Emily jumps at the opportunity. After all, Siobhan’s novels got Em through some of the darkest days of her existence.
Helping Siobhan write the final book in her acclaimed series—after a ten-year hiatus due to a scorching case of writer’s block—is a dream come true for Emily. If only she didn’t have to deal with Siobhan’s son, Kieran Murphy. He manages Siobhan’s bookstore, and the grouchy bookworm clearly doesn’t want Em around.
Emily persists, and spending her days bantering with the annoyingly handsome mercurial Irishman only makes her fall more deeply in love with the new life she’s built – and for the man who seems to soften toward her with every quip she throws at him. But when she discovers the reason for Kieran’s initial resistance, Em finds herself torn between helping Siobhan find closure with her series and her now undeniable feelings for Kier. As Siobhan’s novel progresses, Emily will have to decide if she’s truly ready to turn a new page and figure out what lies in the next chapter.
Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay is set in a small village in Ireland where Emily goes to work with her favorite author. She’s to be her assistant and work part-time in the local bookstore. As she immerses herself in her new life, far from her home in Martha’s Vineyard, she has no idea how much her life will change.
Leaving her job as a librarian and moving out of the house she’s always lived in with her verbally abusive mother sets something free in Emily. She and her new boss, Kier, are immediately attracted to each other and argue nonstop. But is it to hide their feelings for one another? Emily and Siobhan, the author who is also Kier’s mum, have a warm relationship, and Emily is extremely helpful in getting her creative juices flowing in order to write the last book of the series, ten years later. Will this be the stepping stone that Emily needs to forge a new life for herself far from where she grew up?
We’re surrounded by all things Irish, as well as so many lovely people, books, and quotes. The townspeople are welcoming, as are Emily’s coworkers at the bookstore, and it gives Emily warmth and a sense of belonging. Kier doesn’t like change, but Emily keeps making suggestions of changes needed at the bookstore and in his life. But are those the only changes that might occur? Emily and Kier are good for each other and boost each other when necessary.
There is a good flow after the first couple of chapters that set the stage. There are unexpected twists and turns, and multiple stories are told that are nicely woven together. The story heads in several unexpected directions and has an emotional ending with tears.
There is good closure and a happily ever after, but I would have liked the epilogue to be longer and more detailed. The list of name pronunciations would have been better at the front of the book. The Questions for Discussion are thought-provoking and had me delving into the story deeper.
Love at First Book highlights a bookstore in the Irish countryside, many books, and an author’s struggles. Grab a cuppa and sit awhile. You’ll be glad you did!
Jenn McKinlay is the award-winning New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. Her work has been translated into multiple languages in countries all over the world. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband’s guitars.
