What a charming story! An Introvert's Guide to Life and Love by Lauren Appelbaum is a delightful women's fiction novel about family, personal growth, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Written in the present tense, the story follows an introverted woman's life-changing journey from her perspective.
Mallory Rosen works from home in her comfortable Seattle apartment, in a tech job she doesn’t really enjoy. Her parents and sister are all lawyers, so she’s sort of the black sheep of the family—the only one not working in the legal profession. She’s full of insecurities, and as an introvert, working from home suits her just fine. She has her own routine and loves her alone time.
All that changes when she inherits her late grandmother's seaside cottage in Florida. There’s only one condition: that she takes care of her grandfather. Mallory flies to Florida for a few weeks to sort out the property and reconnect with her grandfather, who lives in an independent living community, doing her best to care for him as her grandmother asked. Her stay lengthens more than she predicted, as the cottage needs fixing before it can be let out—according to her extroverted property manager, Daniel. Just as she starts to find her rhythm, real life gets in the way.
I enjoyed this feel-good book immensely. Please note that this is more women’s fiction than rom-com. Although there is a slow-burn romance, it isn’t the main focus. The pace is steady—some might say slow—but it didn’t feel that way to me. It’s a slice-of-life kind of story, so the pace felt just right. And I absolutely loved the small-town vibes and the portrayal of community life.
The heroine’s awkwardness is relatable, and I found it easy to connect with her. I loved her relationship with Daniel and her growing bond with her grandfather. I adored their interactions—the nightly chats, the gradual development of trust and closeness. It reminded me of my own relationship with my late grandparents, whom I greatly miss.
Yes, Mallory isn’t perfect. She doesn’t always act responsibly (especially job-wise) and can be a bit immature at times—but that’s what makes her so relatable. And she’s a “good egg.” One detail that nagged at me was that, on one hand, she didn’t eat pork because she’s Jewish (I loved having a Jewish heroine), but on the other hand, she ate seafood, which isn’t kosher.
The writing style is natural and flows well, with touches of gentle humor that balance out the heavier emotional themes. There’s a subtle thread of grief and healing, as Mallory’s grandfather learns to adjust to life without his wife—with help from his granddaughter and the supportive community around him. Through their growing bond, Mallory also begins to open up and grow—with others and within herself.
Overall, this is a lovely story with a slow-burn romance that I simply adored. The story arc was engaging, and the emotional undercurrents gave it depth. I recommend this heartwarming novel to readers who enjoy stories about family, self-discovery, community life, and finding love when you least expect it.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* For more info about the book: "An Introvert's Guide to Life and Love" by Lauren Appelbaum