Not Like the Movies

May 1, 2020
A Columbus, Ohio, woman who became the unwitting inspiration for a new rom-com struggles with all the ways her real life doesn't seem destined for a happily-ever-after ending. At almost 30 years old, Chloe Sanderson doesn't have the life she expected. Her mother disappeared from her and her twin brother Milo's lives when they were just 10, and her father, whom she loves, was too shell-shocked to handle the responsibility. So Chloe, just a child herself, took care of them. Now she's trying to finish her college degree online, working in a coffee shop that she loves, and spending almost all her money and mental energy on her dad, who now has Alzheimer's disease and is staying at an assisted living residence where Tracey, her ex-girlfriend, works. She's in constant turmoil about her need to run to her dad's side every time Tracey calls when every iota of her being just wants ignore the demands on her time and instead start a relationship with her boss, Nick, who's very interested in her. Her should-I/should-I-not anguish is significantly complicated by the fact that her best friend, Annie, has written a soon-to-premier rom-com, Coffee Girl, that imagines a world where Chloe and Nick (well Zoe and Rick) do get together. Fans of author Winfrey's previous book, Waiting for Tom Hanks (2019), will recognize Chloe, Nick, and Annie, though this time Chloe is the heroine and Annie the sidekick. Winfrey excels at upending typical romantic comedy tropes, and Chloe is a complicated, realistic, believable character. Sitcoms, movies, and music are all heavily referenced in the story; fans of the TV series New Girl will no doubt love this book. A quirky novel perfect for rom-com fans and readers looking for a little sweet escapism.

COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from May 11, 2020
Humor and love abound in Winfrey’s delightfully meta rom-com (after Waiting for Tom Hanks). Optimist Chloe Sanderson’s best friend, screenwriter Annie, based her latest blockbuster Hollywood romance on what she sees as the will-they-won’t-they between Chloe and her gruff boss, Nick Velez. Chloe and Nick have never been a couple, but everyone who witnesses their bickering thinks it’s only a matter of time. Chloe admits to her strong attraction to Nick, but insists she has no time for a relationship between caring for her father, who has Alzheimer’s, working long hours at Nick’s coffee shop, and all her other responsibilities. But as Annie reminds Chloe that she needs to let others help her, Nick, emboldened by Annie’s movie, works up the courage to show her how he feels. Chloe’s hilarious inner-dialogue showcases her quick wit and smarts, even as externally she’s awkward and clumsy. The snarky banter between Chloe and Nick is electric, and it’s a joy to witness Chloe slowly opening up. Nick’s quiet devotion to Chloe is swoon-worthy and sure to win over romance fans. This is a winner. Agent: Stephen Barbara, InkWell Management.

July 1, 2020

All eyes are on Chloe Sanderson. Despite her and her boss being the inspiration for best friend Annie's romantic comedy, Coffee Girl, Chloe knows that real life isn't like the movies. Chloe's an optimist, but she has no room in her life for a relationship, especially with her boss, Nick Velez. From caring for her father with early onset Alzheimer's, helping Annie with wedding planning, studying for her business degree, whipping up delicious pies, and working at Nick's coffee shop, there just isn't enough time in the day for romance. So why can't she stop thinking about Nick and reading articles praising his perfectly gruff but sensitive demeanor? Chloe will have to be convinced that swoon-worthy love can happen offscreen, too. VERDICT The sparkling dialog and hilarious banter in this second in Winfrey's series (after Waiting for Tom Hanks) will dazzle readers craving a self-aware rom-com. Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Nora Ephron.--Shanel Slater, Marion P.L., IA

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.