This was a cozy, charming read set in Magnolia Cove, and I really liked the magical small-town atmosphere. The setting was warm and whimsical, and it definitely had that comfort-read vibe.

The romance between the matchmaker and Eli had some sweet moments, but it leaned too much into insta-love for my taste. On top of that, the writing became very repetitive in its portrayal of emotions, which made the characters' behaviour feel irritating after a while. I understand that for some readers, this repetition might feel realistic since people often cycle through the same feelings, but in my view, there are other, more nuanced ways to express trauma and anxiety without circling the same beats over and over.

Still, it’s a pleasant, heartwarming story about love, healing, and second chances. It just didn’t quite deliver the depth or emotional variety I was hoping for.

This is, l'm pretty sure, the first cozy magical romance I've ever read, and it's definitely not going to be the last considering how surprisingly much I liked it. This is very much insta-love, so if that's a big no for you, this probably won't be your kind of book.

That being said, Eli's trauma kept being brought up on repeat, page after page, and it started to feel less impactful and more exhausting. It got to a point where I honestly stopped caring what happened to her and just wanted her to get to the point instead of repeating the same thing for the twentieth time.

I also would've loved more depth when it came to the relationship building and especially the magic system in the town, because it felt underdeveloped.
Even with those flaws, it was a fun, quick story. I read it in one sitting and l'd still recommend it if you're in the mood for something quick, cozy, magical, and romantic.

"Don't let the fear of losing something good make you run from it"

This was my first ever cosy fantasy and absolutely loved it. This book is so cute and wholesome with some hard-hitting topics. I need to pick up the rest of this series. It's so atmospheric and magical and well crafted. Highly recommend

Cute book and more of a pallet cleanser for me personally.
Not sure if I would have bought this myself.

A fun read, set in Magnolia Cove, where everything is slightly mystical. Eli is there for his own reasons, but when he starts to fall in love will that change all his plans. I liked that it was told from both points of view.

Love By The Book is a cute insta romance between a young book curator and a young librarian in the magical town of Magnolia Cove. Eli and Rhianna are total opposites, both afraid of where their hearts could possibly take them if they give in. Eventually, they decide to give it a shot, and it all magically works out.
I enjoyed this book, however, there were a few things I did not love. I did not love how Rhianna constantly kept comparing Eli to her ex. Although she did it mentally, it was a lot. I understand the trauma is still there, however, the constant reminder every few pages made the book less enjoyable. I also wish there was more magic. I kept forgetting it was a magical town and that the characters had magical powers.
Thank you NetGalley and Noel Bailey for this ARC.

This was a super cute book. I loved the premise and the whole magical town was just to cute. But I couldn't stand the FMC. She annoyed me so much, every time she compared everything to her ex leaving her. And how she couldn't allow herself to love again because they would leave her. I understand being cautious but we didn't need to hear her think about this every couple of pages. I felt like her ex leaving was made into a bigger problem than it actually was. I enjoyed the magic system and how it was more of a subtle magic that helps with day to day living.

If my bookshop on wheels could drive straight into a story, Magnolia Cove is where we’d park. The streets smell like honeysuckle, the library shelves hum with a pinch of magic, and somewhere between the stacks, two very different hearts are about to bump into each other.

Meet Rhianna – a librarian who can match you with the perfect book but isn’t so sure about matching herself with love. Enter Eli – a quiet, careful academic who comes to town to repair old books (and maybe his own life in the process). What starts with restoring pages turns into restoring hope, one shy glance at a time.

This is a romance full of:

Everyday magic (the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind)

Slow, sweet connection (even if it does start a little fast)

Small-town quirks that make you want to move in immediately

Were there moments we wanted to knock their heads together like mismatched cookie cutters? Absolutely. But that’s part of the charm. By the last page, you’ll be rooting for them—and maybe believing a little in Magnolia Cove magic yourself.

My Sweetest Pairing:
Grab a honey-lavender scone and a frothy latte, then curl up in your coziest chair. Let this book remind you that love sometimes comes when you least expect it—and it’s worth the risk of a paper cut.

Verdict:
If cozy magical romance is your jam (and we do love jam here), this one’s a keeper for your TBR.

A story of love. Two stubborn people so scared to fall too deep that they are drowning in their own misery. Have suffered love and loss, Both Eli and Rhianna are the downfalls to their hearts. However, having an epiphany that you can’t live without one another is just enough to keep fighting for each other.

grateful to NetGalley for granting me the e-ARC of this book.

this was a pretty solid cozy magical realism romance, albeit sickly sweet in nature. the main characters would’ve felt more realistic if we didn’t get a reiteration of their “motivations” and “issues” every other page because tbh, you’re grown adults and it’s actually not that deep…
this was a huge case of insta-love where they’re literally obsessed with each other once they meet and start waxing poetic about each other for no real reason at all. the author tries to make you think there was a slow progression in their romance by randomly skipping ahead in time but it just becomes a case of telling rather than showing and i did not enjoy that.
i did quite enjoy their shared loved for books and music but once again, it’s was mention so much that it quickly started feeling cringey and corny. if i’m being honest, the writing itself was quite corny and dramatically cute albeit lyrical, in a way.
overall, this just felt too unrealistic and underwhelming but i didn’t hate it.

I’ll admit, Love by the Book is not the kind of book I typically pick up. Cozy magical romances aren’t usually my go-to, but this story completely won me over in ways I didn’t anticipate. From the very first pages, I found myself wrapped in the warmth of Magnolia Cove, a place that feels like a comforting hug on a cold day.

Noel Bailey’s writing is beautifully immersive, painting a vivid picture of a small town where magic is subtle but deeply woven into everyday life. The romance isn’t rushed or superficial—it’s tender, genuine, and slowly blossoming in a way that felt so refreshing. I connected deeply with the characters, especially the heroine, whose vulnerabilities and strengths felt real and relatable. Her journey through love and self-discovery resonated with me on a surprisingly emotional level.

The magic element adds a delightful layer without overwhelming the story, perfectly balancing the charm of the setting with the complexity of the characters’ emotions. It’s a story about healing, hope, and finding love where you least expect it. By the time I closed the book, I felt lighter, uplifted, and genuinely touched.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming story that combines magic and romance in a way that feels authentic and emotionally rich, Love by the Book is a must-read. It reminded me that sometimes stepping outside your usual genre can lead to unexpected joy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This is a romance with some fantasy realism. We have our book loving librarian who has been hurt previously and is still grieving her gran, and then we have our introvert rare book enthusiast professor. They both come together because they’ve trying to expand their own lives and find something outwith their usual day to day lives. This obviously ends up being each other.

I had higher expectations for this than what I feel I got. It wasn’t a bad book or romance really but I felt it lagged a bit in the middle. You have like two interactions between the main characters and then the next chapter is “after 2 months of meeting up” like what?? How am I supposed to believe they like each other when I didn’t even get to “see” they’re interactions!

I thought they were cute. Some issues I feel like were made bigger than necessary. I find it difficult to always understand big hurts like betrayal from an ex. Not because it’s wouldn’t hurt, but I wouldn’t say my worst breakup made me not believe I deserve love? But different people have different experiences, okay I can deal with that.

I enjoyed the magic element. They’re not big explosions or mysteries, the magic is day-to-day help. It was encompassed well. I just wish I felt more for the couple, and I didn’t end up caring for side characters either. It’s a shame really because it’s well written.

Having read the first book, this is turning into such a cute little series. Small town romance with the added magical element. I’ll admit i did prefer the first one but this was great still. The perfect, lighthearted easy read when you just want to switch off for a few hours. Can’t wait for more

⭐2.75 - Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc before its release date (1st August).
Positives- the writing, was easy to follow and to fly through the book.
The whole magical town concept was fascinating. The bookish vibes were immaculate since both of the main characters work in the library and their day to day routines as well as hobbies involve books. I also really enjoyed some of the music references.
Critiques - I would have liked to see a bit more of the love storyline development between our main couple, I felt it was way too insta love, for me personally.
While I could relate to some of the struggles that the FMC was facing, I found it got too repetitive and slightly frustrating for her to keep talking about the same things and almost self sabotage her own happiness.
Overall, it was a sweet and cosy read, perfectly suitable for the colder months ahead, and it will be adored by many, I just found myself wanting for more depth from the main couple and the storyline itself.

A cozy, small-town romance with magic, featuring a librarian and a book-loving professor. The banter and chemistry had the perfect build-up. I did love the added magic, but honestly, I wish there had been more. The small town gives cozy vibes with heartfelt characters. I enjoyed the growth and depth the book had. Honestly, it's the perfect read if you are looking for something cozy and feel-good.

Starting a matchmaking service in a small-town library sets the perfect stage for this charming, slightly magical romance that’s equal parts sweet, awkward, and emotionally tender. The narrator’s voice is fresh and funny, and her chemistry with brooding rare book curator Eli Lancaster is undeniable from the moment he walks in. Their banter sparkles, the emotional tension builds beautifully, and the whimsical setting of Magnolia Cove adds just the right touch of enchantment. While the pacing lagged slightly in the middle and a few tropes felt a bit too familiar, the heartfelt journey from guarded loneliness to unexpected love makes this story a cozy, satisfying read, especially for anyone who believes love can be found where you least expect it (even in the “do not date” pile).

i swooned for this book. and swooned for the characters. this book was just a delight to be part of, and part of it i was for the duration and not sad to be so. i cared about this book, i cared about the characters. i. was. in.
the added bonus's to this book kept coming. the cosy vibes were actually cosy. the characters actually made me want to read about them and the bookish book vibes. well it was all totting up big bonus points.
Rhianna is brilliant. and she aint hiding her bookish vibes either which i love. i felt the shine from her too, this young woman just radiates what you want in a character, in a friend, in a person! you want her to be your librarian or book person, and you want her to be your friend.
Eli isn't like Rhianna. he hides behind his own self. he keeps it in. hes uncertain and comes off as reserved to others. but get to know him and boy do you soften to this man.
both our characters have their guards. both at first show them front and centre to others and to each other. but then because of each other they managed to find who they are and because of who they can be with the other,they bring out the best alongside the other. its just vibes people. all those lovely lovely vibes.
it wasn't crushed lust. it wasn't bashing lips. it wasn't hot sexy words across the pages. it was just love. a creeping and longing but real love. it was kind. it was true. and it was beautiful to read.
the vulnerability written by Noel is just stunning. its there but its never overdone to bring you and the characters down. but its not hiding it or hiding from it. again, its done kindly.
this book had that knot at the back of my throat at parts. and that, THAT is when i know a book is a winner. when i feeeeeeel so much.
this book climbed up into my soul and sat there both tugging and hugging at me. i love it.
our characters weren't going to give up their hearts easily. and i thought i wasn't. but seems we were all wrong and im so glad for that.

A cute and charming romance, this is a pretty swoony read that is also very cozy. I loved Whisked Away and this was a great installment in the series.

Rhianna Wilder es una bibliotecaria mágica en Magnolia Cove, un encantador pueblo donde la magia se mezcla con lo cotidiano. Su vida gira en torno a libros, purpurina y emparejar corazones solitarios con lecturas (o personas) perfectas. Pero cuando Eli Lancaster, un académico estructurado y reservado, llega al pueblo en busca de un nuevo comienzo, sus mundos chocan… y algo mágico comienza a surgir.

Eli está decidido a cumplir tres actos audaces en su vida. El primero: mudarse a Magnolia Cove. El segundo: inscribirse en el caótico servicio de emparejamiento de Rhianna. Lo que ninguno espera es que la verdadera chispa surja entre ellos, con conversaciones repletas de referencias musicales, momentos tiernos e inseguridades que amenazan con interponerse entre lo que podría ser una hermosa historia de amor.

---

Rhianna me desesperó. Después de todo lo que Eli le demostró, ella seguía teniendo dudas, alejándose una y otra vez. Su inseguridad, aunque entendible por su pasado, termina saboteando lo que construyen.

La calificación es por Eli.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest.

Quick Summary: A magical, enchanting, opposites attract romance

My Review: Love by the Book by Noel Bailey is book #2 in the Magnolia Cove Magic series. It is scheduled for release on 8/1/25.

About the Book: "A reluctant matchmaker. A charmingly grumpy academic. And a love story written in the margins."

In My Own Words: A matchmaking librarian who is sporting a broken heart and a tall, dark, and handsome professor who is visiting Magnolia Cove for the summer for a curating assignment embark on a quest to find a dating partner for the town's newest resident. Little do they know, they will find their greatest adventure together.

My Final Say: Magnolia Cove is such a charming place. Every visit I have taken there (via reading) has been memorable. I love the community, the residents, the quirky playfulness, and most of all the magic.

Eli and Rhianna were bloody cute in this story. They were so different, but they worked. I think they balanced each other out quite well. Their shared love of FM was an added bonus. (I knew then that they would make it. Tehehe. There is a special magic that goes along with that group and their music.) They influenced each other to grow out of their established and maintained comfort zones.

The nod to Mr. Darcy was lovely. I could easily see the P & P likenesses is certain moments.

At the end of the day, the grand gestures, the shared interests, the cozy quaintness of Magnolia Cove, and the love did it for me.

Other: Readers who enjoy small town, opposites attract stories with bookish leads will adore this one.

Book 1 - > Whisked Away (4.5/5 Stars)... Released 5/22/25
Book 2 - > Love By the Book (4 Stars)... Release 8/1/25
Book 3 - > Strings Attached (TBA)... Release Date Pending

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 💘
Note: This book would be superb as an audiobook.
Series: Yes

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to read this work. I look forward to reading more in this series.