Che-Michelle Tales

I found a lost book review!  I remember writing this review and thought I published the study, but …. It appears that I hadn’t posted it on the blog.  So here is a throwback review 😊

Book: By the Book

Author: Jasmine Guillory

Published:  May 2022

Wine Choice:  Red Vin

Stand Alone, Series, or Other: Stand-Alone sort of (it’s part of a meant-to-be series, Book 2 of 3)

Type of book: Novel

Genre: Romance

How long did it take me to read this book:   3 days, maybe four days

Overall rating: 🍷🍷🍷

*Che from the future, I read these books out of order. I recently read “If the Shoe Fits” and saw a third book, “Kiss the Girl.” I need to finish the third book to have that review in a few months or years.” *

After three months of unmotivated energy, gobsmacked by life and unexpected events. I have finally decided to reread a book, and this book comes from my and a good friend’s mutual admiration of Jasmine Guillory.  Recently, she released her 7th book, By the Book.   I am in love with Guillory’s journey to becoming a Novelist. She was initially a Lawyer who decided to participate in NaNoWriMo, which turned into her first book three years later. I remember going to one of her readings and asking her how she found time to write with a demanding career. Instead of giving the bubblegum answer, she was honest. She said when she had lunch, she would go to Starbucks, set a timer, write until it went off, and return to work. She did this until she finished her project. If my memory does not fail me, her working skills in the law taught her how to optimize her time and get her ideas on paper. That has been the most influential piece of advice I heard from any writer. It was doable and practical.   I digress. We are here to discuss her newest book.

I fell in love with Izzy from the prologue. Isabella is a bright, tail, new professional trying to achieve career success while accomplishing her dream of writing a book. By Chapter One, the author jumps two years, and Izzy is like the rest of us, wondering what the meaning of life is, with a snarky coworker who likes to bust her bubble and a boss who barely acknowledges her hard work. On the upside, she has another coworker, Priya, who is a beautiful balance of encouragement. She talks to a stubborn writer, Beau Towers, about his lack of writing his memoir. 

I appreciate how the protagonist admits in an internal thought that reading books for work has hindered her enjoyment of reading for fun and even writing her book because she was drained and tired of reading. I can relate to her feelings because once I started writing for my blog, I found that trying to write a review for books I have read is hard. I have read several books with half-written reviews that are never posted. As the book continues, the conversations and interactions are hilarious and cheeky.   Beau uttered my favorite line on pg. 73 “We all need snacks sometimes in the middle of the night.”  My twisted mind imagined more than the author had written, telling me to get my head out of the gutter and feeling the prolonged build to romance.

Also, Izzy is motivational and a reminder to everyone who writes that you are a writer and should keep going—her plans and how she works with Beau to encourage them to tell his story. I want anyone who reads this book to take Izzy motivational moments to Beau as motivational moments for yourself.   If you are a Writer, write whether it’s 10 minutes a day, 30 minutes, or whatever you can spare. I know this book is a romance, but I love the subplot about staying true to your dreams and motivating others to complete their dreams.

It would be best to read this book in the summer for several reasons.

1. It’s a quick read; my friend and I finished relatively fast (for me on a weekend).
2. The protagonist is a sweet reminder of what it feels like to want to succeed in your career field but get stunted by contentment.
3. This book reminds you why self-confidence and self-determination are crucial to success.
4. That if you write, you are a writer.

I usually enjoy Jasmine Guillory’s books; each protagonist has a different personality and doesn’t feel the same. In this book, Isabelle is nothing like the other protagonist. She maintains a sweet innocence but, at the same time, a personal growth of maturity. I know it would be nice for me to talk more about how Izzy and Beau’s relationship grew, but I was hoping you could read this book. It is amazing.

I would suggest the lovely, sweet German Red Wine. (I know I missed an opportunity to select a California wine, but I have a reason.)  I sipped on Red Vin, a Dornfelder varietal with hints of raspberry, plum, and gentle sweetness. Sipping this fantastic wine, I felt like it complimented Izzy’s personality. It is unique, Sweet, welcoming, yet mysterious, and confident that it belongs in your wine collection this summer.

Along with the wine, Snacks are a big deal within this book, so pick up your favorite chocolate chip cookies or cheddar cheese potato chips (Mine is Wegmans fresh baked variety and any cheese potato chips). Go to the park on the first nice day and read this book. It’s an escape from the world and another excellent book from Ms. Guillory. 

Until Next Time,

Che Michelle