A Five-Letter Word for Love by A.my James was a cutesy, grumpy/sunshine, quick & easy read. This one doesn't require much thought and was just fun to read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, & the publisher for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Overall, I found this book to be quite boring. While it introduced numerous plot points that could have been intriguing, the story never developed enough to support them. Everything remained very surface-level, leaving much of the narrative feeling flat and unengaging.

There were moments that had the potential to shine. For example, the Barrel Museum or the friendships Emily was forming with her elderly clients could have offered a quirky, small-town charm. Instead, they lacked the energy and zaniness that might have made it memorable. The setting, much like the story itself, fell short of creating a compelling atmosphere.

I also didn’t enjoy the first-person perspective or the frequent breaking of the fourth wall between Emily and the reader. While I appreciated that Emily was portrayed in her late twenties, grappling with the bittersweet reality of growing apart from college friends, the execution still felt lacking. Her struggle with making a life in her small town while yearning to leave was one of the more realistic and relatable aspects of the book, but it felt bogged down by all the other plot points. John, the love interest, was disappointingly boring. There was an opportunity to make him mysterious or give him hidden depths, but instead, he remained bland throughout the book. Additionally, the romance itself was underwhelming, with very little chemistry or emotional payoff.

One element I thought was creative was the Wordle aspect, which was a fun and unique way to connect the two leads initially. Unfortunately, it didn’t end up having much of an impact on the overall story.

In the end, while the book had a few bright spots, it ultimately felt shallow and forgettable.

*3.5 stars*

This was a really cute book. I loved the way the author added in Wordle into the plot and I loved that the characters bonded over the game. I enjoyed Emily’s character, I loved how much she wanted the best out of life and I appreciated how the author wrote her journey. John was a good MMC, although I felt like we didn’t fully get to know him, I think he was a little too mysterious. I also didn’t like how he reacted to Emily wanting to follow her dreams, while I understood why he would feel upset at her leaving, I didn’t like the way he put down her dreams and tried to convince her that her dreams were outrageous. There were a lot of really fun side characters, I loved all the elderly characters who added a great dynamic to the story. I also loved the other side characters in the small town, I think they all added a lot to the story. The ending was really cute, but a little rushed. Overall, I think this was a unique concept for a book and still enjoyed the author’s writing.

As someone who also has been very into their wordle streak, I loved the unique setup of A Five-Letter Word for Love! I thought this was a really cute workplace romance, and I enjoyed the sweet development of their relationship. This one had a lot of winning elements - grumpy/sunshine, small town, word nerds, slow burn, and friends to lovers. This is a perfect read for when you want a light romance!

Thank you to Avon for the gifted eARC. All thoughts are my own.

So I may have picked this up mostly due to the Wordle aspect but I was still pleasantly surprised at how much Wordle was integrated into the romance. This was James's debut romance and I overall enjoyed it. I did find at parts that it focused more on the FMC's life in a way that read more like a woman's fiction and less a category romance read. I did find our FMC a little grating at the beginning, but I liked that we quickly saw her starting to change some of her attitude about this small town. We also get some good challenging of the beliefs of both MCs so those more cringe moments are addressed. This was a single POV read and I desperately wanted to have chapters from our MMC because he was so quiet during their scenes together. He is really the strong and silent type and while he shows how much he cares through his actions and our FMC does point out when she notices little changes but I would have loved chapters where we could understand just how he felt. I think James did a fantastic job on the small town aspect and I would love if we get more books set in this town.

Tropes: Small Town, Opposites Attract, Single POV

Standalone

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC. Publication date was December 3, 2024.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I felt like this book had all the right elements of a cute romcom but just fell a little flat to me. I liked the characters and thought the setting was very cute. I was just disappointed by Emily’s actions at the end and giving up big opportunities to return to her small town. I know it was the right choice for her but I wish she would’ve followed through and gone back at the end of her degree and internship. I liked the integration of Wordle and the way that the relationship between John and Emily blossomed so authentically. I also liked the way Emily found new friendships in those around her.

I love the Wordle vibes!! But I will say that y'all should have reached out to Savannah from Wordle TikTok and collabed with her somehow!!! That would have been epic and she has millions of followers.

I really gave it a try, but it felt so sloggy to read. Didn’t care for the MCs and the story was kind of meh.

Didn't love it, didn't hate it but it did make me desperate for my wordle to refresh.

Something I did enjoy however is the authors writing style! Will be reading more from her in the future.

This book was a plus Rom com material. I liked that it took place at an autoshop, and wasn't your typical Rom-com. I felt like this was easy to connect with the characters

✨ ARC Review✨

Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was so cute! 🥰 I was honestly surprised by how much I ended up loving it. The whole premise of a romance sparked by Wordle? Genius! 🟩 The connection between Emily and John felt so real, and genuine, and their relationship developed in such a sweet, natural way.

Emily’s journey of self-discovery was really relatable. She’s figuring out what she wants in life—balancing big dreams with the quiet contentment she finds in her small town. While John is more laid back. He’s definitely got that quiet, brooding vibe down. He might seem reserved, but you can tell there’s more going on beneath the surface, and it just makes him even more swoon-worthy.

Now, let’s talk about the romance. Emily and John’s relationship was so authentic. Their conversations were playful, but they also dealt with real struggles—dreams, disappointments, and figuring out what makes them happy. They didn’t have some over-the-top, “insta-love” thing going on, which was super refreshing. 👏

And don’t even get me started on the elderly residents of Waldon! They were hilarious, and I loved how Emily was genuinely interested in their stories. 🧓💬

The depth of Emily's character was exactly what the story needed. Watching her grow and transform into someone you can’t help but root for was so rewarding. Her internal struggle between pursuing her dreams and deciding whether to settle or aim higher really struck a chord with me—it felt so real and relatable.

If you’re a Wordle fan, you’ll love how the game ties into the plot. Each guess Emily makes kinda mirrors her emotions or what’s going on in her life at that moment, which was such a clever touch. 💡 Honestly, I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did, but the mix of romance, self-growth, and small-town charm was chef’s kiss.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!

Unfortunately, I was not a fan of this one. I don’t think the writing was very good. It just didn’t flow and sound right to me.

I also feel like the main character was annoying and I didn’t like her much.

I hope others love it.

I liked Emily and John. They worked well together. The story line flowed smoothly.

I liked the end but would have loved if it ended with Emily and John working together to do day 365 of Wordle. It was her focus throughout the story, then when she missed the final day, it was no big deal. I would have preferred it staying a focus.

Overall, this was a cute, enjoyable read.

I adored this book! I am not anywhere close to a 300 day Wordle streak, but it's not from a lack of trying, I promise.

The premise was cute, and I LOVED the side characters! This was a perfect book for lovers of puzzles and people, and it was an absolutely delightful read!

I truly enjoyed this romance. As an avid reader, there are many things that I look for when reading. Great character development, an amazing tension between the characters, and a few good moments of banters are always high on my list when it comes to romance.
If you’re on the lookout for a book that beautifully encapsulates the intricacies of love in all its diverse forms, "A Five-Letter Word for Love" by Amy James is an essential read. This novel profoundly explores relationships, personal growth, and the transformative essence of love, wrapped in a narrative that's sure to resonate emotionally.

At the heart of the story is Emma, a young woman navigating the challenging landscape of love and loss. Her journey begins with a cryptic crossword clue from her late grandmother, setting her on a fascinating quest that bridges the past and present, unveiling hidden secrets and fresh starts. Amy James presents a protagonist who is relatable and inspiring, making Emma's ups and downs exceptionally personal.

The supporting cast is equally compelling. Jake, the mysterious neighbor with a love for puzzles, brings an intriguing charm to Emma’s life. Aunt Liz, with her no-nonsense approach and unwavering loyalty, adds both humor and wisdom to the narrative. Each character is intricately developed, enriching the multifaceted storyline.

Amy James’ writing style combines lyrical prose with sharp, witty dialogue. She has a talent for crafting vivid imagery and emotionally charged scenes that linger in the reader's mind long after finishing the book. The way she skillfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and healing is truly remarkable.

Fundamentally, "A Five-Letter Word for Love" emphasizes finding love in unexpected places and embracing the journey, even when the path ahead is unclear. It highlights the connections we build and the bravery required to open our hearts, no matter the risks involved. Emma’s journey is a moving reminder that love, in its many forms, holds the key to solving many of life’s challenges.

This book is a must-read for those who appreciate stories that are as thought-provoking as they are heartwarming. Amy James shines in her portrayal of the nuances of love and the complexities of human relationships, making "A Five-Letter Word for Love" a standout work in contemporary fiction. Whether you're a fan of romance, family dramas, or simply great storytelling, this novel will surely impress.

In summary, "A Five-Letter Word for Love" is a beautifully crafted narrative that sensitively explores the many dimensions of love. Amy James has written a timeless and relevant tale, filled with characters that feel like long-lost friends. So, grab a cozy blanket, brew your favorite cup of tea, and prepare to be immersed in a story that will warm your heart and invigorate your spirit

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!

I absolutely loved this book! It was so cute, and a wonderful small town romance.

I’m not going to lie I knew how this was going to end after like 5 percent of the way through but it was still wonderful! (Like a hallmark movie in a way)

I thought the FMC was actually very funny and I liked how she was an elderly caregiver!

All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes rom coms and I will definitely read more books by this author in the future!

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the ARC.

While I enjoyed this story in general, I found myself very annoyed with the FMC. It didn't endear her toward me at all. The story itself is strong and made me want to know more but the conflict felt very pushed.

Definitely worth a read but I don't think I'll be coming back for another read.

In this cute and charming small-town romance, readers join Emily on the idyllic Prince Edward Island where small-town life isn’t exactly what she wants. With her dreams totally different from her reality, Emily’s 300-plus day Wordle streak is the highlight of her small life, and, when on the verge of breaking her streak, her irritating coworker John’s help might just totally change her perception of him. As they keep working on their Wordle streaks, romance starts to develop, forcing Emily to consider if she can be happy on Prince Edward Island with a life and career totally different from what she had envisioned for herself. Charming, emotional, and witty, the novel has perfect small-town vibes with proximity, conflicts, and tropes throughout. The Emiily and John are total opposites, but the tropes of their relationship and the endearing atmosphere of the novel really brings their story -- both the highs and the lows -- to life. Emily is relatable and complex, and while occasionally frustrating, her heart is in the right place and the novel really makes her grow and develop as time passes. Whimsical, romantic, and perfectly tropey, readers will love this cozy small-town romance for its immaculate vibes and entertaining cast of characters.

4.5 stars. So I really enjoyed this one. It takes place on PEI, has a Wordle theme, and has Anne mentions. It also has to do with museums. It felt liek the older characters represented the older characters from Anne (Marilla, Matthew, and Rachel). My only dislike is the unrealistic view of the museum world. It's not super easy to get museum jobs and this book made it seem like it was. Don't get me wrong I still loved this book but this annoyed me.

Five Letter Word for Love is a cozy and enjoyable read. Nothing too out of the ordinary, perhaps, but with its down-to-earth characters and some clever moments with Wordle, it is an endearing debut worth exploring.