The Quirky Bookworm

Rom-coms seem to be the most popular for beach reads across all ages of readers. I Googled if there is any correlation between the rise of rom-coms with COVID and found several articles to support this. According to NPD BookScan, a market research group, romance novel sales grew 40% in 2021. Numbers for romance novel sales hadn’t been that high since 2014. Social media and younger readers might also have had an influence on this as well (Doherty, Alison. https://bookriot.com/romance-novel-trends/). I’m on Bookstagram and do enjoy interacting with younger readers than me. I learn about authors I normally wouldn’t know about.

The rom-com novels listed below feature storylines that revolve around bookstores, libraries or librarians. I’ve been a librarian for over a decade and can understand the intrigue people have towards libraries. We’re the last place people can visit for free, and we spend our days working with books. I’ve learned that no matter what type of library a librarian is employed in they all have one trait required- an innate ability to work with people, and an understanding of the resource they are looking for. We have several different roles that we perform in a day of researcher, counselor, community advocate, IT technician, marketer, and instructor.

As a librarian, I’m so thankful for authors that acknowledge the important role we play in the community. My love for reading began with my mom as an infant and was further encouraged by a children’s librarian named Connie. I can’t imagine a world without authors and librarians that foster the love for reading.

“What a blessing it is to love books.” – Elizabeth von Arnim

“I do not read a book; I hold a conversation with the author.” – Elbert Hubbard

“Just the knowledge that a good book is awaiting one at the end of a long day makes that day happier.” – Kathleen Norris

Title: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill
Author: Abbi Waxman
Original Publication Date: July 2019
Page Length: 351

Abbi Waxman worked in advertising before deciding to write full-time as an author. I’m so glad she did! I’ve started reading The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and so far it’s a delightful read! Recommended for bookworms and fans of quirky characters. Waxman’s new novel, Christa Comes Out of Her Shell, is available here. Click here to purchase The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and click here to visit the author’s website.

Title: Much Ado About You
Author: Samantha Young
Original Publication Date: February 2021
Page Length: 380

Samantha Young’s novel, Much Ado About You, is a rom-com recommended for fans of the movie, The Holiday. Young writes fantasy, paranormal and contemporary novels for adults and young adults. Click here to purchase Much Ado About You and click here to visit the author’s website for more details about her writings.

Title: Love at First Book
Author: Jenn McKinlay
Original Publication Date: May 2024
Page Length: 368

Former librarian Jenn McKinlay is an award-winning romance and cozy mystery author. Click here to purchase Love at First Book and click here to visit the author’s website.

Title: Better Than Fiction
Author: Alexa Martin
Original Publication Date: November 2022
Page Length: 336

Alexa Martin began writing while raising her four children. Martin’s books have made numerous publication lists for Best Romance Reads of the Year including POPSUGAR, Buzzfeed, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, Goodreads, and Women’s Health. Click here to purchase Better Than Fiction and click here to visit the author’s website, which includes a link to the blog.

Fun fact: Martin’s high school sweetheart and now husband is former NFL player Derrick Martin.

Title: Summer at the Santorini Bookshop
Author: Rebecca Raisin
Original Publication Date: May 2024
Page Length: 352

Rebecca Raisin is known for novels featuring quirky characters and comedy. Raisin’s novel, Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop, has been optioned for film. Click here to purchase Summer at the Santorini Bookshop and click here to preorder A Love Letter to Paris (July 2024).

Title: A Funny Story
Author: Emily Henry
Original Publication Date: April 2024
Page Length: 387

Emily Henry is one of the bestselling contemporary fiction novelists with three of her novels optioned for film (Beach Read, People We Meet on Vacation and Book Lovers). Her latest novel, A Funny Story, features a children’s librarian that might be falling in love with her ex-fiance’s new fiancee’s ex. Click here to purchase and click here to visit the author’s website.

Title: A Storybook Wedding
Author: KJ Micciche
Original Publication Date: May 2024
Page Length: 300

KJ Micciche’s novel, A Storybook Wedding, features a librarian and author that were caught in a compromising position and now forced to marry or risk losing their jobs. Micciche runs a nonprofit organization for children with dyslexia and writes romantic comedies. Click here to purchase A Storybook Wedding and click here to visit the author’s website and read the blog.

Title: The Bookshop of Second Chances
Author: Jackie Fraser
Original Publication Date: May 2021
Page Length: 436

Jackie Fraser is a freelance editor and author. Click here to purchase The Bookshop of Second Chances and click here to visit the author’s website.

Title: How to Find Love in a Bookshop
Author: Veronica Henry
Original Publication Date: August 2017
Page Length: 352

Veronica Henry’s How to Find Love in a Bookshop is a warm, uplifting rom-com. Henry has written over 20 novels and is a freelance writer for various magazines. Click here to purchase and to visit the author’s website, which includes the link to purchase her brand new novel, The Secret Beach.

Title: The Overdue Life of Amy Byler
Author: Kelly Harms
Original Publication Date: May 2019
Page Length: 332

Kelly Harms is a WFWA winner and Goodreads Choice Top Ten winner for her novel, The Overdue Life of Amy Byler. Harms enjoys writing novels where the main character finds themselves in unexpected situations. Her most awkward publishing moment so far is when she was introduced to a room full of people as Amy Byler. Click here to purchase the novel and click here to visit the author’s website to view her entertaining bio.

Title: The Next Best Fling
Author: Gabriella Gamez
Original Publication Date: July 2024
Page Length: 384

Gabriella Gamez’s debut novel, The Next Best Fling, features a librarian discovering romance in an unexpected relationship-her best friend’s younger brother. Gamez resides in South Texas where she enjoys coffee, video games and books. Click here to visit the author’s website, which includes the link to purchase her debut novel, tips for writers and book recs.