It was a letter of love to the readers. It was more of a love tale between the heroine and books, romance, and fictitious characters than it was a story about the romance between the two main characters.

It dealt with the heroine's infatuation with the series and the characters who occupied a significant portion of her existence. It's hard to convey how much she loved and felt connected to those characters. Not too relatable?

Her discussion of romances, novels, elaborate gestures, book clichés, and book boyfriends was fascinating to me. It was so realistic and heartwarming. similar like conversing with a person who genuinely gets you. I marked far too many quotes that were relevant to me!

I initially picked up this book because I've been fascinated by storylines like that ever since I watched the television programme W Two Worlds a long time ago. And the notion of the heroine being able to reside in her most beloved romantic comedy series? What a mystical sensation!

I adored the story since it was so enchanted and poignant. I was warm and comfortable inside thanks to it. The books by Ashley Poston are genuinely charming in some way.

4 stars! I love her writing, so comforting to read and it felt like a love story for those who love to read, and so it was such a fun read. I guessed the plot twist and for me I felt it made me root for romance less - however, it was such a unique concept and overall a lovely read. I will always read whatever she writes!!

I loved the writing but the plot in this wasn't my favourite. The main character I found to be really annoying and unlikeable to read from her perspective. I feel like the blurb of the book was misleading and not what the actual book is about. It wasn't as fun as I was expecting and at times quite boring. It didn't read as a romance more like general fiction. Overall I loved the concept but not the execution. I didn't believe the main characters had any romantic connection which made this romance difficult to read.

I enjoyed this book where a writer finds herself in a fictional town from her unfinished book. Poston’s writing is always lovely. There’s tenderness that draws me in. Just like other books by her, this book gives you a good life advice that makes you feel more positive. I unfortunayely couldn’t connect with the romance part of the book. I don’t know if it’s the premise with magical realism that’s a bit far stretched to me or not, but I just couldn’t get into the romance. I was also a littile bit confused by the ending too. So 3-3.5 stars from me, but I still like Poston’s writing, so I’m looking forward to her future works,

When everything in life sucks—still in pain after being dumped a week before your wedding ceremony, stuck in a job you don't like, seeing everyone in your life already found happiness, moving on with their lives while you're suffering in your miserable, lonely life—don't you want a chance for a quick escape like the fictional small town your favorite romance author created? That's what Eileen Merriweather did, not intentionally but accidentally.

After each book club friend ditched her for a reunion, including her best friend who decided to fly to Iceland with her boyfriend for a probable wedding proposal, she decides to drive 18 hours to reach a cabin in the woods to drown her sorrows, read romances until her eyes bleed (just like my regular day routine, but her plan fails when she takes a wrong turn and finds herself in another small town, breaking her car by hitting the brakes too hard to avoid hitting the gorgeous man appearing in the middle of the road. That's how she arrives in Eloraton.

There's no place like Eloraton. Where a rain shower comes in the early afternoon, though it clears up in minutes, the inn is always under renovation, the burgers at Gail's bar are always burnt, the honey taffy is always sweet, and the starlings always make their nests in the eaves. Nothing changes, and its fictional townsfolk, created by Rachel Followers, live the same day over and over until Elsy finds her path accidentally into this town that doesn't exist and creates ripples in their universe. Things start to move. She finds herself in the middle of a romance manuscript her favorite author couldn't finish because Rachel Flowers died two years ago. Could the reason she's here be that she has to help the rest of the characters have their happily ever afters?

The grumpy bookstore owner, Anders, she was about to hit with her car, is the only person who realizes these ripples, and he doesn't like how Elsy has affected the townsfolk's lives. Elsy realizes she has complex feelings about this man who denies his own HEA. Could she help him with a sunshiny attitude to defeat his grumpiness, to save him and save herself? What if helping the Eloraton people may also help her find her own path, her own home that she needs to find?

No more words. I love Elsy's self-worth exploration, her facing the choices she's made, her development, and of course, her slow-burn, heartwarming love story. This book is like a realistic fairy tale if you consider it a brand new genre. I wholeheartedly loved it and absolutely recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this AMAZING book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

4.5 STARS

I am absolutely obsessed with Ashley Poston's brain! I have no idea how she consistently comes up with these amazing scenarios for her novels, but they work so well!

I think as romance readers, we can probably all relate to Elsy. She was wonderfully optimistic, despite being somewhat downtrodden and hesitant to embrace love. Anders was not your typical book boyfriend. (I mean he's BLONDE?!) but he was sweet, and charming, and lovely.

This book was very much a light-hearted romance, but it still dealt with some big emotions. I think Ashley Poston approaches these difficult topics with care and her writing just feels healing, like a warm cup of tea.

P.S.
Get some tissues ready for the end of the book!

** Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. **

I cannot understate how much I loved this book. It is a joyful ode to romance readers of their commitment to the genre, the solidarity for the community and the hopefulness for happy endings. Elsy is a great main character with enough nosy curiosity to keep the plot moving for both herself and secondary characters and Anders is the right side of aloof to make this grumpy/sunshine enemies to lovers leap off the page. Eloraton, even with the blurry bits, was really well described so I had a great sense of place and it was a really satisfying ending for me. Ashley Poston is quickly becoming an auto-read for me as she is playing to my romantic magical realism addicted heart. Thank you NetGalley for this brilliant arc but I will send you the caffeine bill after I stayed up all night to finish it!

I think i could talk about this book for hours and hours and still have more to say.

This book was just utterly perfect, a quintessential romance and yet so much more. Ashley Poston’s writing is literally poetic, I swear I highlighted sentences every other page of phrases and quotes i want ingrained in my head forever. The plot line was so unique, so different to what i’ve read before that I devoured it and honestly, i want to go back and re-read this all over again.

It follows Elsy, a woman who’s a little lost in life, stumbling across a fictional town from her favourite romance series, a series that was never finished after the author passed away. She meets the quiet, but soft Anders, a mysterious character in this fictional town whose story she’s trying to figure out, who she doesn’t remember ever existing in the word of Quixotic Falls.

Elsy was such a heartbreakingly relatable character, a people pleaser who had gone through life not really wanting anything for herself, forcing herself to be the secondary character in other people’s stories. Anders was a wonderful mystery to uncover, he was quiet and grumpy and yet soft and gentle and kind, and he reminded me in some ways of Gus Everett from Emily Henry’s Beach Read.

I loved their dynamic together, the witty banter had me giggling (and literally kicking my feet), and the build up of their relationship felt beautifully natural. It was ironic almost, watching her fall in love with a person living in her favourite romance series, all the while she searched for the story that Anders fit in, not realising that perhaps this was her story.

And don’t get me started on the invisible thread between them (i swear i won’t shut up about it otherwise).

This book is for the hopeless romantics, the book lovers, the fangirls, the people people pleasers who might be feeling a little stuck in life.

Through Elsy, Ashley Poston explored all the questions us romance readers have, posing the way a story can live on within us readers despite it ending on the last page, how a story might not have a happy ending but it was the journey there that made it memorable. It reminded me why i love reading this genre to begin with, not for the end of a book (though i am a sucker for a happy ending) but for the joy of the journey it takes to get there and perhaps sometimes doesn’t but is equally okay because it was okay for that moment. It reminded me of the power words and stories have on us as readers, how much of a distraction they can be and equally an entertainment.

And how perfect it could be to experience your comfort fictional town and meet characters that you’ve held a special place for in your heart.

As Elsy would say to Rachel Flowers, I will say to Ashley Poston, thank you for this story and these characters! This book, no doubt, is one of those stories i will forever cherish <3

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins for this beautiful arc!

This book was so so cute and it was what I needed right now.
The main female characters is all of us bookworms really.
She loves a good romance book with some spicy and once she stumble into Eliraton, a town which happen to be the setting of one of her favourite series she’s more than excited.
She’s making her goal to make sure that everyone gets the happy ending they deserve., that they didn’t get in the books cause the author died before she could finish writing the last book.

It was so cool to see her interact and becoming friends with “fictional characters”. But when she meets Anders, the grumpy bookshop owner she can’t tell which character he is.

The more they start to get to know each other the more there is a pull. And they can’t leave each others alone.
But she still think he is not made for her and that he’s waiting for his HEA, which she believes is not her.
But the more they interact the more they found out things about each other.
And finally after years she decides that it might be worth to have your heart broken for the right person.

Thank you so much NetGalley for granting me this arc. This was a special one for me.

Ashley Poston for me stands out within the romance genre because of her unique storytelling and distinct voice. This book felt like a love letter to every reader who’s felt seen more by fictional characters than the people around her. For people wishing to escape into the pages for a while. This was absolutely everything I could’ve wished for. The plot was something I couldn’t note because it leaves you both satisfied and pissed off you’re not told the full story!!

For me the primary love story wasn’t the one I fell in love with. The love story between a certain two transcended fiction and it was a beautiful reflection on grief. Plus as a writer who takes pieces of my loved ones and puts that within my writing. Hearing about a writer who could never get a loved one right, never being able to encapsulate them properly on a page. It made my heart so happy. I don’t know if I’ll ever be over this. It’s hard to explain how smart this book is without sounding even more like a wet wipe but this was stunning.

Thank you so much for this arc, it was a dream.

I really, really liked this book.

I have read anything by this author before and I was torn between thinking the book sounded great and thinking it sounded like it could be very cringe. Its a hard spot to hit but Ashley Poston manages it.

I worked out fairly early on how Anders fit in to the story (and, as always, told my husband my prediction just so I could have the joy of telling him I was right) but it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book and, in no way, meant that I didn't have any moments of surprise or delight.

A Novel Love Story is beautifully written and I will absolutely be reading this author's work again. The connection between the two main characters, even the side characters, was so evident and I actually want to read the Quixotic Falls series now!

I honestly cannot fault this book at all, and while it might not be everyone's cup of tea, it's definitely in the top 10 I've read so far in 2024.

This book felt like a hug. The storyline was just so dreamy and creative. Hearing Elsy speak about the characters she loved so much and how she felt so unexplainably connected and attached to them, made me gush as a reader. It’s a feeling I experience all too often. Reading this just felt incredibly relatable in a lot of different ways. It just truly encapsulates what it means, deep down, to be a reader/book lover.

Giving this 3 stars for a few reasons. I struggled to really feel in to in until a good 40% in. The first 25% I was actually very bored. I was waiting for the storyline to pick up, waiting for something interesting to happen. It definitely did get better, so if you read this, just power through the first third of this book. I definitely would’ve liked a bit more back story on how Elsy came to stumble upon Eloraton. The author kind of just… put her there. (Which I guess is fine - I just think it would’ve had more of an emotional impact if we had a bit more lead up to it. And some sort of glitch in the universe that was told as part of the story which meant Elsy ended up there? Just SOMETHING!)

This book is also not very romance-heavy. I would’ve liked a bit more of that too, considering it’s a romance book. They went from disliking each other (and I don’t even know why?) to loving each other pretty abruptly. Their romance for me just didn’t quite scratch the romance-itch in my brain. It fell a bit flat for me, and like they didn’t actually have all that much chemistry. Their connection was cute and sweet, but not obvious. It didn’t get me in my feels.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I do recommend it - for that cozy feeling. Don’t expect the world from this, though. I enjoyed Ashley Poston’s The Seven Year Slip a lot more.

I love Ashley Postons books! I received this arc from Netgally, and I was so excited to jump back into her world of writing. I was interested to see where her magic would lie in this book, and it happened to be every book lovers' dream. Falling into a magical place, which is, in fact, the town and characters from your favourite series. I could think of a few I would like to break down in. 🙂

It took me a little while to warm up to Elsy as she seemed to be all over the place and a bit selfish at first, but once her character develops, you start to understand and enjoy her. Is she my favourite heroine she has written so far. No. Nothing will be clementine in the Seven year slip! I loved that Benji showed an appearance, too.

The characters in this story were a joy, and I love how easy Ashley's books are to read and get lost in.

A magical and beautiful story 😊

I was so excited to get my hands on this story because The Seven Year Slip was one of my top reads of 2023. That story ripped me apart and then pieced me back together in the most impactful way.

A Novel Love Story explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth. It’s also a tribute to books and reading (romance in particular!) and I found that so lovely and relatable. As always, Ashley Poston’s writing is charming and the sprinkle of magic woven into her books makes for a whimsical and intriguing narrative.

Our FMC, Eileen is on her way to a bookish retreat alone, when her car breaks down in Eloraton, the fictional small town of her favourite romance book series. There, she meets Anders, the handsome bookshop owner - a character she can’t remember being in the books at all.

I hoped that this would resonate with me in the way TSYS did and unfortunately, it didn’t. I struggled to immerse myself at all in the first 25%. Once I learned more about Eileen’s backstory I did find her character more compelling, but I didn’t ever really feel connected to her. Or to any of the secondary characters. Or to the romance between Eileen and Anders. They dislike each other, then they love each other but it felt superficial and forced.

Also, there were parts that were repetitive to the point of distraction. Anders' eyes are referred to as minty/mint-coloured 29 times in a 380 page book. That doesn’t include when they are likened to emeralds. Same with his ‘black tea and cedarwood’ scent.

I will definitely continue reading future books by the author, and I think there will be people who love this one in particular, it just missed the mark a bit for me.

***I enjoyed the subtle nod to TSYS (’she swore by this one celebrity chef’s recipe, but all I liked from his cookbook was the lemon pie.’). AHHH! 🍋🍋🍋 and The Dead Romantics (”Ghosts should stay dead.”) 👻👻👻***

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc.

Blindingly excellent ... This book should come with a disclaimer as once you start reading you aren’t going to want to walk away.
I have been through an emotional wringer… a tearjerker! I was completely absorbed from the first page… My heart was in my throat

This is the first book I've read by Ashley Poston and it won't be the last. I was initially drawn in by the unique premise and I loved the inventive use of magic realism. I loved Poston's writing style and I liked seeing how Elsy and Anders' romance unfolded - I think this might have benefitted from a little more of a gradual build. Overall this was a beautiful love letter to the power of story telling and would be the perfect beach read.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

This book is whimsical and has that nostalgic feeling. It reminds readers why they fell in love with reading. Books that are written about book lovers can come off cheesy and a bit overdone, but this one felt just right. The writing was beautiful and the quotes!!! They made me feel warm inside and giddy. The small town is charming, each character, although a little quirky, has their own drama that adds an element to the story. Eloration, a town that doesn’t exist but feels like home, a place you’ll find yourself longing to visit after reading.
I felt like this book was written for me. Elsy, she’s a people pleaser who bottles in her emotions, is lonely, a bit broken, likes to escape reality through books, never feels like the main character, and just wants to be loved. And I related to her a lot, I felt seen. (If you're a swifie Elsy's song would be "Right Where You Left Me.")
The concept is unique and unrealistic, but as a reader, you can’t help but wish you were one of the main characters. This isn’t just a romance book with a happily ever after, it contains deeper meanings about love and life. Why are we always searching for the ending of a story? Does every good story need an ending? I loved the romance story, the small town, the characters, and the hidden deeper meanings. The pace is a bit slow, but this is a book that is meant to be savored.
Ashley Poston is know for writing books with unique concepts that contain a blend of magic realism and this one is no different. During a thunderstorm, the main character Eileen (aka Elsy) finds herself trapped in a small town called Eloraton. But Eloration isn’t a real town, it’s the fictional town of Elsy’s favorite romance series. Who doesn't want to wake up in their favorite fictional world? Every reader has their own version of Eloration they want to get lost in.
As readers, we love getting lost inside of a book; it's our favorite thing to do. We read to escape and this is the kind of book you will want to get lost in.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the arc, in exchange for an honest review!

A Novel Love Story is a wonderfully welcome departure from the typical contemporary romance. It is such a perfect blend of self discovery, cozy mystery, enchanting setting, and a heartfelt, swoon worthy romance.

More than anything, this book is a love letter to the romance novel itself. Ashley Poston’s appreciation for and understanding of the genre was evident throughout our main character’s journey into the pages of her favourite novel. Poston was able to convey the feelings of safety and warmth that readers experience in the familiar stories of romance literature. Not only was this story gentle and touching, but repeatedly laugh-out-loud funny and giggle inducing.

A Novel Love Story is so incredibly unique, a dreamy and absurd concept executed perfectly. Once again, Ashley Poston’s combining of romance and magical realism sets her apart from other contemporary romance authors, and this is her best yet. It was abundantly clear that Poston was passionate about the romance genre and i’m certain readers will feel seen and understood in our main character Eileen, who has found endless comfort in the pages of books.

A Novel Love Story is a romance readers dream come true! Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for approving me for this ARC!

Ashley Poston never fails to write a beautiful and completelyyy unique storyline. The idea of this book hooked me from the get-go - falling into a book!! The dream….

This book follows Elsy who loves reading romance books, but actively avoids real life romance after her previous failed relationship. Elsy struggles to find herself after feeling like she is falling far behind all of her friends. After trying (and failing) to drive to a cabin for a book club, Elsy breaks down and suddenly finds herself in the fictional town of Eloraton, where she meets a grumpy bookstore owner, and embarks on a journey of helping the people of Eloraton live their happily ever after.

Poston somehow manages to balance whimsical fantasy writing with real life underlying emotional topics which I absolutely love.

The self-discovery and growth depicted in this book was also stunning and something any girl in her 20s can relate to.

As much as I loved those aspects, I do wish there had been a bigger romance plot - I hadn’t realised the romance would be more of a subplot before going in, so the romance was lacking for me, even though the writing and storyline was beautiful.

Another great hit from Ashley Poston, she never fails!!

3.5 stars overall

I just want to start by saying thank you to NetGalley, HQ and Ashley Poston for the ARC of this book.


I am a huge fan of Ashleys writing, The Dead Romantics was and still is the book to beat in terms of story and characters and I wanted to love this and really felt like I would when I read the description of it; a fan of romance books finds herself caught in the make believe town of one of her favourite novels. What's not to like about that?! And knowing Ashleys style of writing I was fully expecting this to blow The Dead Romantics out of the water but unfortunately it did not.


The town itself and the characters were lovely and I found myself wanting to know more about it rather than the burgeoning romance between the two main characters. I found their storyline to be lacklustre and rushed. They fell in love waaaaay too easily and too fast and it felt shallow in comparison to what I know Ashley is capable of.The repetition of the "his eyes were mint green" just took me out of the story. I didn't believe in their affection and didn't really warm to the main characters either. I wanted more of the townspeople and about their lives and the drama going on in that. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading this and will continue to buy Ashleys books, this one just didn't hit the mark for me. I'm hoping an editor does one more sweep of the book as there were some errors but nothing major.


I give this three and a half stars. The premise was brilliant, I just wanted a more cohesive story.