It’s officially summer, and for me the reading needs to be easy. Lately all I’ve been able to stick with are lightly witchy novels: smart writing with a smidge of romance or mystery and at least a hint (or more) of magic involved. Bonus points if it can make me laugh out loud. Which leads me to ask: Have you ever tried a rom-com?
You’re probably familiar with the romance-comedy genre in film, but it’s become a huge portion of the romance novel market these days. My first rom-com experience was last year, when I picked up Payback’s A Witch by Lana Harper. I’ve always enjoyed seeing a title with a good pun resting on the shelf, but had never given this genre a try. For a long time there was a stereotype that went along with the Romance Novel Reader, and I just wasn’t interested in going there.
But last fall I needed something lighter between heavy books, and this one drew me in with its story. A girl from a small (magical) tourist town grows up and moves to the big (regular, non-magical) city where she can blend into obscurity. But family ties draw Emmy home and force her to re-enter the world she left behind and all the personal drama it contains. Of course, there’s an ex that she’s desperate to avoid. And a new romance that blooms out of nowhere. And a lot of autumn feelings and Halloween vibes - because what else would there be in a magical tourist town? Think Stars Hollow in the fall, with some magical drama & queer love interests. This book was so fun and reignited my excitement for reading in a way that I never expected. It definitely made me understand why so many people love this growing genre. And if you aren't into witchy story lines, there are so many other options out there to enjoy. This is a genre with truly something for everyone.
Harper's second book came out a few weeks ago, and I finally have a break in my regularly scheduled work-reading so I can actually read for fun. From Bad to Cursed focuses on other characters in the town of Thistle Grove, and there was no advanced reader copy - so now I get to experience this one along with everyone else. If you catch me this week, you’ll probably see me with my nose in a copy of Lana Harper’s newest novel. Let’s smash the stereotypes and have fun with rom-coms this summer!
Kari Meutsch and Kristian Preylowski co-own and run the Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock.