Title: Love, Literally
Author: J.T. Tierney
Publisher: Curtiss Street Press
ISBN: 979-8990417113
Pages: 241
Genre: Romance Novel
Reviewer: Richard Simone
Hollywood Book Reviews
Love, Literally by author J.T. Tierney is a romantic novel set in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic period. The story follows Hallie, a 42-year-old woman who is struggling with unemployment, financial difficulties, and relationship issues. Despite having made mistakes in her life, Hallie is smart, witty, and a self-proclaimed “word nerd,” which is true for her. She is a linguist who loves making jokes. Throughout the novel, Hallie faces several distressing situations, such as being forced into sexual encounters by her cousin, dealing with the death of her parents, and undergoing a hysterectomy, which prevents her from having children. Despite all the challenges, she remains inspiring and aspirational. Another character whose point of view is shared is Quinn. Quinn has suffered a lot in his life, including his mother’s suicide, his wife’s death, children’s distance, and prostate cancer. Still, he pushed through life positively and was a realistic and fantastic character.
The author’s writing and knowledge are evident throughout the book. The novel is set in the charming town of Chatham on Cape Cod, and the author’s descriptive writing allows readers to visualize every scene easily. Although the story takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not a “COVID novel.” Instead, the pandemic serves as an excuse for the two main characters to be stuck in one idyllic place for four months.
One of the main takeaways from the book is that even if you are experienced and mature, some things are just out of your control, and all you can do is go with the flow. Hallie also quotes, “If you frown at life, life will frown back at you, and if you smile at life, life will smile back at you,” which is truly a great quote and one everyone should live by. The story is not centered around the typical love-at-first-sight trope but instead explores the complexity of relationships and the struggles that come with them.
The character development in the book is exceptional. Both Hallie and Quinn undergo significant transformations throughout the story, and the author portrays these changes in a realistic and relatable way. The supporting characters are also well-written and add depth to the plot. The author’s use of humor and wit is one of the book’s most significant strengths. The banter between Hallie and Quinn is witty and entertaining, and the author has a unique way of making even the most mundane situations funny. Another aspect of the book which stands out is the author’s portrayal of mental health. Both Hallie and Quinn have experienced significant trauma in their lives, and the book shows how they cope with it. The author has portrayed mental health sensitively and compassionately, making it a valuable addition to the story.
Love, Literally is a well-written, emotionally satisfying, and thought-provoking book. It challenges societal norms, explores complex themes, and offers a fresh perspective on the romance genre. It will appeal to readers of all ages and is a must-read for anyone looking for a meaningful and engaging story.