Love By The Book

By: Jessica George

Narrator: Isabel Adomakoh Young

Macmillan Audio

ISBN: 9781250282545

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publication Date: 04/07/2026

Format: Other

My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC) (ALC)

APR 2026 MUST-READ BOOKS

Friendship is the love story you can count on.

Remy is lucky. Her debut novel, based on her three best friends, became an instant bestseller when it was released, and her agent and publisher are clamoring for a follow-up.

But just as Remy’s creative inspiration seems to leave her, so too do her friends: one moves to New York, one gets pregnant, and one gets back together with her (awful) boyfriend. After an ill-advised one-night stand complicates matters further, Remy is left deeply alone—and unable to find her next book idea.

Simone is successful. A Kindergarten teacher with a passion for kids, and a well-paying side hustle that affords her all the material comforts she desires, Simone doesn't have time for a robust social life. All she needs is her close-knit family—but after the true nature of her work is revealed, they cut her off, and she realizes for the first time just how isolated she is.

When Simone and Remy bump into each other (literally) in a bookstore, it isn’t exactly soulmates at first sight. Simone is guarded and prickly, Remy is insecure and heartbroken, and each woman is harboring a secret. And yet they might just be the missing piece the other has been searching for—if only they can let each other in.

Can Simone help Remy make one of the most important decisions of her life—and can Remy help Simone recover all that she’s lost? In Jessica George’s heartwarming, funny, and soulful second novel, she explores the restorative nature of female friendship and the life-changing power of platonic love.

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My Review

Jessica George wowed readers with her masterful storytelling in her smashing debut, Maame, which I adored, and she is back with her dazzling, emotionally-rich second novel, LOVE BY THE BOOK equally as compelling. Look at this beautiful cover!

This intriguing narrative explores the lives of two unexpected women whose journeys intertwine as they face personal challenges and the dynamic nature of adult female friendship.

Infused with humor, charm, heart, and an empowering spirit, George once again demonstrates her literary prowess through authentic characters, the essence of friendship, and the concept of found family.

"Love by the Book" unfolds in the vibrant city of London, embracing the charming framework of a romantic comedy while skillfully weaving a narrative centered around friendship.

The story introduces a delightful "platonic meet-cute" within the cozy confines of a bookstore, leading to an emotional late-act discord that ultimately paves the way for a heartfelt reconciliation.

Characters...

Remy:

An insecure and heartbroken successful debut novelist whose initial book was based on her three best friends. As her friends' lives diverge into marriage, motherhood, and new careers, she is left feeling isolated, struggling with writer's block for her crucial second book, and questioning her own life path. Until she meets Simone.

Simone:

A guarded and private kindergarten teacher who funds her affluent lifestyle with a secret side hustle as an escort. Self-sufficient and convinced she only needs her family, she finds herself profoundly alone when they disown her after discovering her secret. She is guarded and closed, keeping her business to herself. No support system.

The Original Friend Group (Nova, Lin, Melissa):

Remy's long-term friends whose diverging life paths (moving to NYC, getting pregnant, focusing on a boyfriend) trigger the initial conflict and Remy's isolation.

About...

Remy is a successful debut novelist whose first book was based on her close-knit group of three best friends. However, when they go their separate ways, she is a little lost. This isolation, combined with a messy one-night stand, leaves Remy unable to find inspiration for her necessary second book.

Simone is a dedicated kindergarten teacher who maintains an expensive lifestyle through a secret side hustle as an escort. She feels she does not make enough money teaching and uses her side job to attain the lifestyle she wants. Her family discovers the true nature of her work, and they cut her off, forcing her to confront her extreme isolation.

As their friendship develops, the story explores topical themes such as the decision to have children, the ethics of using real life as storytelling material, and the effort required to maintain platonic connections in one's 30s.

My thoughts...

I adored, LOVE BY THE BOOK! Reflecting on my thoughts, I find George's captivating storytelling to be utterly enchanting, soulful, inspiring, and heartfelt with strong takeaway messages.

Imagine a "Platonic Meet-Cute" where two women serendipitously collide in the aisles of a charming bookstore. Remy, grappling with insecurity and a shattered heart, contrasts sharply with Simone, who exudes a guarded and prickly demeanor.

Despite their starkly different personalities, an unexpected bond begins to blossom between them. Initially marked by tension and misunderstandings that seem like betrayal, their relationship gradually transforms into a genuine friendship, revealing the beauty of connection in the most unlikely circumstances.

What truly stands out is the humor woven throughout the story, which never fails to bring a smile to my face. Unlike conventional romances, this novel centers on platonic love, presenting it as the core "love story." It thoughtfully explores the bittersweet sensation of fading friendships while highlighting the profound impact of forging new, meaningful connections later in life.

Purposeful Encounters: (found/chosen family) I truly believe people enter our lives for specific reasons—to teach us, offer strength, support, provide answers, or build community.

Character driven...

Both main characters are highly relatable. The dynamic between Simone and Remy is particularly compelling, as Simone guides Remy through a pivotal decision, while Remy helps Simone reclaim what she has lost from her family. However, before this transformative journey, the narrative is filled with tense moments that challenge each character's motives.

Dual Perspectives...

The book masterfully employs a thought-provoking dual perspective to delve into the intricate dynamics of adult relationships. It navigates the diverse experiences of heartaches, significant life milestones, and the bravery required to forge meaningful new connections later in life. This nuanced exploration invites readers to reflect on their own journeys and the complexities inherent in building relationships as we age.

Themes...

A major theme is the importance of choosing for oneself —whether concerning the decision to have children, career changes, or personal secrets—rather than merely accepting societal or community expectations.

~The "Romance" of Friendship

~Navigating Adulthood Milestones

~Authenticity and Vulnerability

~Identity and Self-Worth

The characters grapple with societal expectations of women (marriage, motherhood, traditional careers) and learn to define their own worth and happiness on their own terms. The novel artfully delves into real complex issues faced by women in their late 20s and 30s, such as the decision to have children, the ethics of using real life in fiction, and managing friend groups as priorities shift.

Both protagonists find that their "secrets" (a messy personal life for Remy and a controversial side hustle for Simone) are only manageable once they let another person in, suggesting that true connection requires dropping one's guard.

Takeaway...

The takeaway is that platonic friendship is a profound love story that requires as much care, intention, and vulnerability as romantic relationships.

Title Significance

The title LOVE BY THE BOOK carries multiple layers of significance that tie together the novel's characters, setting, and core philosophy of relationships. George subverts expectations. A deep platonic friendship is a "love story" just as valid and profound as those found in traditional "by the book" romances.

~The "Book" as Career

~Storytelling Ethics

~The Bookstore Meeting

~Subverting "By the Book" Expectations

~Friendship as the "Love Story."

The most literal significance is "Friendship is the love story you can count on". An invitation to view this specific "book" as a chronicle of love, even though it lacks the traditional romantic partner trope.

The audiobook...

The audiobook experience was truly mesmerizing! I had the privilege of not only reading the book but also immersing myself in the audiobook, expertly narrated by the remarkably talented Isabel Adomakoh Young.

Her electrifying performance breathed life into the characters, with a voice that impeccably suited each persona, ensuring that listeners remained fully engaged and entertained throughout the journey. Young's expressive artistry, coupled with her vivid depiction of settings and a dynamic blend of emotion, passion, wit, heart, and humor, undeniably elevated the narrative to new heights.

For anyone in search of an immersive listening experience, I wholeheartedly recommend indulging in this audiobook.

Recs..

For those who appreciate narratives centered around intricate female friendships, the themes of female empowerment, self-discovery, and the challenges of adulthood, "Love by the Book" offers a refreshing and unconventional perspective that is sure to captivate you. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!

Special thanks to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for sharing advanced reading and listening copies in exchange for my honest thoughts.

@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks

Pub Date: Apr 07, 2026

My Rating: 5 Stars

Praise

"George has crafted a story here in which friendship is just as important, if not more so, than romantic or sexual partnership...[and] writes with an uncommon degree of care and nuance about complicated topics. In a sea of romances, this novel stands out for asserting that friendship can be a love story, too. A beautiful and all-too-rare look at the importance of platonic love."

―Kirkus Reviews (starred)

"A captivating and emotionally rich novel exploring sisterhood, friendship, love and betrayal. I was gripped from the outset."

―Fiona Williams, author of The House of Broken Bricks

"As ever, Jessica George’s astute eye and wry wit make for a refreshing read that’s equally as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Love by the Book goes deeper than just celebrating friendship―it delves into the challenge of navigating its inevitable shifts as we grow older. An endearing story that's bound to resonate."

―Mikki Brammer, USA Today bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover

"Smart, funny, and refreshing...a testament to the power of female friendship and what it means to live a life worth living."

―Sarai Johnson, author of Grown Women

"Love by the Book reads like a rom com for platonic friendship. After Maame, Jessica George brings us another fresh look at young women’s lives. Love by the Book offers a charming and nuanced take on contemporary friendships, putting the spotlight on the value of different kinds of love in people’s lives. A celebration of women’s friendships and families, in various configurations."

―Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake

"Friendships are often the central relationships of our lives; why are they usually treated as storyline B in novels? Not in this transporting new novel by Jessica George. As enveloping, soul-filling and moreish as an evening with a friend, Love by the Book challenges us to take a closer look at adult friendship and platonic love. As is true with the best friend-dates, I couldn’t wait for evening to come so I could hang out with Remy and Simone (and especially with Remy’s mom). This novel might just inspire you to put yourself out there and ask a new friend out to dinner." ―Emma Knight, bestselling author of The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus

"A sparkling triumph, Love by the Book is the love story I didn’t know I needed. Once again, Jessica George delights readers with her charming and unique knack for unfolding a story. As witnesses to the evolution of long-held friendships and the blossoming of new ones, we’re left rooting for her funny, fabulous characters while falling in love with them ourselves. George infuses whimsy and heart into her incredible tale despite touches on weighty topics and pressures placed on the book’s leading ladies."

―Diane Marie Brown, author of Black Candle Women

About the Author

Jessica George is the New York Times bestselling author of Maame. She was born and raised in London to Ghanaian parents and studied English Literature at the University of Sheffield.