★James, Amy. A Five-Letter Word for Love. Avon. Dec. 2024. 368p. ISBN 9780063399013. pap. $18.99. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

DEBUT Emily aspires to a life beyond her role as a receptionist at a small-town auto shop on Prince Edward Island. While she plots her future, she plays Wordle every day, trying not to lose her streak. When she discovers that her coworker John, a cute mechanic who’s always ignored her, also enjoys the game, they slowly but surely become friends. Soon Emily and John start to date, and she begins to make ties to the community. But when she gets accepted into a prestigious internship in New York City, she has to decide whether to pursue her long-held ambitions or remain in the town she has come to love, alongside the man who has captured her heart. What starts off as a novel with a fun premise transforms into a richly told story about a young woman trying to find her place in the world and defining her own happiness. Themes of growing up and growing older, personal growth, friendships, and career choices are explored thoughtfully in this romance that’s a cozy read in every sense of the word. VERDICT This heartfelt novel will surely garner an enthusiastic following for debut author James.