Romance and Magic in ‘A Novel Love Story’ by Ashley Poston – A Review #AshleyPoston #HarperCollinsUKAudio

‘A Novel Love Story’ intertwines magical realism with romance as a literature professor finds herself living in her favourite book series.

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

In this enchanting tale, literature professor Eileen Merriweather finds herself literally immersed in a work of fiction. Abandoned at the altar, Eileen has always sought solace in the comforting predictability of romance novels. Determined to attend her annual book club retreat for a much-needed escape, her journey takes an unexpected turn when her car breaks down, stranding her in the charming town of Eloraton. This seemingly perfect town, with its sweet honey taffy, burnt burgers, and afternoon rain, is the setting of her favorite romance series, frozen in the unfinished story of its late author. Eileen believes her presence in Eloraton is to help the town achieve its storybook ending, but she encounters a mysterious, grumpy bookstore owner who resists her efforts. As she navigates the fictional world of Eloraton, Eileen begins to suspect that the town’s happily-ever-after might be entwined with her own.

My Thoughts:

“A Novel Love Story” by Ashley Poston offers a unique blend of magical realism and romance that sets it apart from typical love stories. This novel is not just an ode to romance novels but to the very essence of romance itself.

Eileen Merriweather, or Elsy as she’s known, is a literature professor who finds herself literally immersed in her favorite romance series. Her journey begins with an old Ford Pinto that seems determined to strand her in Eloraton, a quaint town straight out of the pages of her beloved books. The car’s breakdown feels almost serendipitous, ensuring Elsy stays in this fantastical place just long enough to unravel its secrets.

Reading about Elsy’s adventures in a town she knows intimately from the novels was entertaining. Her familiarity with the characters, juxtaposed with their obliviousness to her existence, created an interesting dynamic. However, Anders, the mysterious bookstore owner with mint-green eyes and impeccable taste in novels, was an exception. His reluctance to have Elsy complete the town’s unfinished story added an intriguing twist to the narrative.

The personal growth Elsy experiences in Eloraton is moving. Her reflections on past relationships and her gradual realizations about her own life are beautifully woven into the story. However, the romance between Elsy and Anders, while slow-building, didn’t entirely convince me. Some of the steamier moments felt a bit out of place, though they did underscore Elsy’s love for the kind of romance novels with Fabio-like covers.

The Narration:

Listening to the audiobook, narrated by Dorothy Dillingham Blue, added another layer of enjoyment. Her subtle southern accent and evident enthusiasm for the story were delightful. However, the lack of distinct voices for different characters might be a drawback for some audiobook listeners who prefer clear differentiation.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, “A Novel Love Story” is a charming and inventive tale that will resonate with anyone who loves getting lost in a good book. Its blend of reality and fiction, coupled with Elsy’s personal journey, makes it a memorable read.

A Similar Book That I Have Reviewed:

Recipe For A Charmed Life by Rachel Linden