A Five-Letter Word for Love

James debuts with a lighthearted coming-of-age romance. Emily, 27, studied science in college only to realize after she graduated that she wants a career in the arts. For now, she works as an auto shop receptionist in the small town of Waldon on Prince Edward Island while dreaming of bigger and better things. Though she hopes to move to a city, every day there’s more tying her to Waldon, including her volunteer work at the local barrel museum, the elderly neighbors who come to rely on her, and her coworker and fellow Wordle lover John Smith, for whom she develops feelings. When an internship opportunity arises in New York City, she must decide if pursuing her dreams is worth leaving the place and people she’s unexpectedly come to love. James shines depicting the simple joys of small-town life. The opposites attract dynamic between giddy Emily and quiet, somewhat judgmental John is slightly less successful, and John’s tendency to downplay Emily’s emotions and ambitions will rub some readers the wrong way. Those in it for Emily’s journey of self-discovery, however, will find plenty to enjoy. Agent: John Adams, Adams Literary. (Dec.)