The love scribe

Alice has never considered herself a writer, but one night, she's struck by an inspiration. She writes a short fable and gives it to her best friend, Gabby, who is going through a difficult breakup. After Gabby reads the story, she falls in love with Oliver, who seems to be everything she's been looking for. When a second story helps another lonely person find love, word about Alice's extraordinary powers spreads. Then Alice is contacted by Madeline, a mysterious older woman who became a recluse after the death of her partner. Madeline wants a story, but Alice's magical inspiration fails her. Alice soon discovers that Madeline has a similar gift, but many of the relationships have changed--or ended. If their stories aren't helping their readers find true love, are they accomplishing something equally important? Meyerson (The Imperfects, 2020) takes a gentle, warmhearted approach to her characters, exploring how early experiences shaped Alice's fear of love and commitment and showing how the loneliest can find love, if only they open their heart to it. This romantic, magic-tinged tale will resonate with fans of Rebecca Serle and Jenny Colgan.

Alice has never considered herself a writer, but one night, she's struck by an inspiration. She writes a short fable and gives it to her best friend, Gabby, who is going through a difficult breakup. After Gabby reads the story, she falls in love with Oliver, who seems to be everything she's been looking for. When a second story helps another lonely person find love, word about Alice's extraordinary powers spreads. Then Alice is contacted by Madeline, a mysterious older woman who became a recluse after the death of her partner. Madeline wants a story, but Alice's magical inspiration fails her. Alice soon discovers that Madeline has a similar gift, but many of the relationships have changed—or ended. If their stories aren't helping their readers find true love, are they accomplishing something equally important? Meyerson (The Imperfects, 2020) takes a gentle, warmhearted approach to her characters, exploring how early experiences shaped Alice's fear of love and commitment and showing how the loneliest can find love, if only they open their heart to it. This romantic, magic-tinged tale will resonate with fans of Rebecca Serle and Jenny Colgan. Copyright 2023 Booklist Reviews.