A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston was on my radar thanks to a fellow blogger. When I saw it available for audio review, I grabbed it. Zero regrets. Narrated by Dorothy Dillingham Blue, this story tells what happens when a book lover wakes up in the fictional small-town of her favorite series. Heartfelt, humorous with a touch of swoon, this one is for all the romance readers.
by Ashley Poston
Narrator: Dorothy Dillingham Blue
Length: 10 hours and 56 minutes
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
A professor of literature finds herself caught up in a work of fiction…literally, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Year Slip and The Dead Romantics.
Eileen Merriweather loves to get lost in a good happily-ever-after. The fictional kind, anyway. Because at least imaginary men don’t leave you at the altar. She feels safe in a book. At home. Which might be why she’s so set on going to her annual book club retreat this year—she needs good friends, cheap wine, and grand romantic gestures—no matter what.
But when her car unexpectedly breaks down on the way, she finds herself stranded in a quaint town that feels like it’s right out of a novel…
Because it is.
This place can’t be real, and yet… she’s here, in Eloraton, the town of her favorite romance series, where the candy store’s honey taffy is always sweet, the local bar’s burgers are always a little burnt, and rain always comes in the afternoon. It feels like home. It’s perfect—and perfectly frozen, trapped in the late author’s last unfinished story.
Elsy is sure that’s why she must be here: to help bring the town to its storybook ending.
Except there is a character in Eloraton that she can’t place—a grumpy bookstore owner with mint-green eyes, an irritatingly sexy mouth and impeccable taste in novels. And he does not want her finishing this book.
Which is a problem because Elsy is beginning to think the town’s happily-ever-after might just be intertwined with her own.
How many of you have closed your eyes and wished to be transported to a small-town or world you’ve read about in a story or series? I do it all the time. In A Novel Love Story, Eileen “Elsy” Merriweather finds herself in the fictional town of Eloraton, from her favorite romance series.
I loved how the story unfolded. Eileen loves books, romance novels in particular. She met her BFF and online book club through her love of a small-town romance series. The friends get together once a year, staying in a cabin and dishing about books. This year, however, her BFF is off getting herself engaged and none of the group can make it. Elsy goes anyway, which is how she ends up lost in a storm and on the main street of her favorite fictional town.
“This place can’t be real, and yet… she’s here, in Eloraton, the town of her favorite romance series, where the candy store’s honey taffy is always sweet, the local bar’s burgers are always a little burnt, and rain always comes in the afternoon. It feels like home. It’s perfect—and perfectly frozen, trapped in the late author’s last unfinished story.”
I loved The Seven Year Slip and am so glad I choose to grab A Novel Love Story. Squee! First, I was heartbroken for Elsy, because the author died before completing the series and not all the characters got their happily ever after. But then, as we explored and got to know people, including the broody bookstore owner, I was all in.
The tale has romance, personal growth, book nods and more. I listened to the narration performed by Dorothy Dillingham Blue, who is new to me, but she beautifully captured Elsy and gave voice to the other characters. I highly recommend listening.
The story was low on angst, with a couple fighting and an unexpected new arrival in the town, but it allowed for growth before delivering a happily ever after. The story was heartwarming, hilarious and made me want to visit this fictional town. It’s a book for romance lovers & book lovers alike.
About Ashley Poston
Ashley Poston writes stories about love and friendship and ever afters. A native to South Carolina, she now lives in a small grey house with her sassy cat and too many books. You can find her on the internet, somewhere, watching cat videos and reading fan-fiction.
About Dorothy Dillingham Blue
Dorothy Dillingham Blue is an award-winning audiobook narrator with credits in film and television. In addition to appearing on stage, Dorothy has directed and/or choreographed over 40 musicals. She holds a B.S. from Northwestern University.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I loved this one too! So glad you enjoyed it as much. Great review!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
Yes! I loved this unique premise! The town sounded cute and the people were fun!
ER LeVar
I’ve got this on my TBR as well! It sounds like a nice escapist read, which I think I’ll need when I get through with my dissertation!
Katherine
I have The Seven Year Slip on my TBR and this looks even better. Great review!
Lorna
I liked this one too. The author is pretty much an auto buy author for me now. Glad you loved it!
Mary Kirkland
This sounds like a lot of fun. I love small towns.
Nadene
Ooh! I never knew about this one. Sounds delightful.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Thrilled to know this one worked so well for you.
Sophia Rose
Now, that’s a fun premise for a story! Glad it met all expectations.
Ethan
This sounds like sheer wish fulfillment for readers. Who wouldn’t want to find themselves in their favorite fictional town? It’s so whimsical and captivating!
Jessica @ a GREAT read
OOh nice! I picked this one up on whim since the author was in town and yes, I love the idea of being in the town from a beloved book! This sounds like an adorable read! Glad to hear you enjoyed it! Nice review!