"Not Quite by the Book" by Julie Hatcher is a sweet romance about a bookstore owner's journey toward happiness and self-fulfillment, filled with insightful moments. Sometimes, you have to do things "not quite by the book" to find your true passion. After a string of thrillers, this feel-good story, with its inspiring messages, was a refreshing change.
Emma Rini is a people-pleaser who takes care of everyone except herself. She runs her parents' bookstore dutifully but is taken for granted by her family. Overworked and constantly putting others first, she never takes time to pause and smell the roses or enjoy life. Everyone around her seems happy - except for her. After a few failed dates, she’s even given up on love. Her pregnant sister is upset with her and barely speaks to her, her parents are busy traveling, and she feels left out and unnoticed - even by her best friend, Cecily. Emma reaches a breaking point when her parents announce their retirement and ask her to take over the store. While she loves books and the business, she’s not certain it’s what she truly wants.
On a whim, she takes a six-week vacation, deciding to emulate the recluse life of her favorite poet, Emily Dickinson. Emma rents a historical manor in Amherst, MA, and tries to channel her inner Emily to find peace and beauty in her life. She creates a to-do list filled with new hobbies like gardening, poetry writing, baking, embroidery, and letter writing. However, she soon discovers that following in Dickinson’s footsteps isn’t as fulfilling as she expected, and it even becomes boring. To complicate matters further, Davis - the grumpy, attractive architect - Grace, the meddling bookstore owner, new friends, and a secret admirer disrupt her plans to forsake love and live a recluse’s life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, often reading with a smile. I loved Emma's personal growth and journey to self-discovery. Her determination to step out of her comfort zone and change her life was admirable. It takes courage to break free from routine, pursue happiness, and persist despite obstacles and a lack of support. I also appreciated her kindness and how easily she formed new friendships.
Yes, Emma was a bit slow to figure some things out, but I found her relatable and endearing. The book touches on themes like love, self-discovery, dysfunctional family dynamics, and sisterly relationships. Emma initially does things to be loved by others, mistaking it for her own happiness. She eventually realizes that she’s already loved for who she is, not just for what she does for others.
I loved the concept of writing letters instead of texting, and the inclusion of poetry was a nice touch. It brought back fond memories of my own days corresponding with pen pals. Emma’s creative ideas for the bookstore and her attempts at writing poetry were delightful, and the character interactions and dialogs were engaging. While Davis’s mixed signals and conduct were a bit irritating, I loved that he adopted a female dog, giving her a new lease on life.
Overall, I loved this story and would have appreciated an epilogue. It’s part coming-of-age tale, part character study, and part slow-burn romance. The writing is strong, with well-developed characters and thought-provoking moments. I especially enjoyed that the focus was more on Emma’s personal growth than on the romance, though there was enough romance to satisfy the romantic in me. This is the first book I’ve read by Julie Hatcher, but it certainly won’t be the last. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story with a satisfying arc, humor, and a healthy dose of emotional depth and self-reflection, this is the book for you.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* For more info about the book: "Not Quite by the Book" by Julie Hatcher
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