Before I knew how popular Kate Clayborn’s contemporary romance would be at the library, I had already put my name on the list. Love Lettering is not only a romance between an unusual couple. It’s a love letter to New York City as well. How could I resist that aspect of the book? (But, I read it in two evenings to get it back for the next person on the list.)

Meg Mackworth is a hand-lettering artist whose planners and wedding items are unique. After they catch the attention of a columnist for The New York Times, she’s wildly popular, called “the Planner of Park Slope” and her business takes off. She loves her work because letters speak to her. But, when Reid Sutherland shows up in front of her when she’s covering a stationery shop for the vacationing owner, she remembers him. And, she knows what she did. She never thought one of her customers would find out.

Meg was working on all the paper items for Avery Coster’s wedding, including invitations and programs, when she asked to meet her fiance. Reid Sutherland stopped in, and Meg knew the marriage wasn’t going to work. Somewhere in all of the fancy designs and fairies, she wrote MISTAKE. And, now, a year later, Reid’s standing in front of her. He saw the pattern. Reid and Avery never married, but he wants to know how she knew. He understands patterns. He knows math and codes, and caught there was a hidden message.

Because Meg is going through a rough time, with her roommate, with an artist’s block, she’s looking for something that will help her break out of her personal and artistic slump. She’s drawn to this tall, handsome man, but he mentions how much he hates New York. Because he leaves a business card, Meg asks him to meet so she can show him what she loves about the city. However, she’s too organized with the planned walk, one that doesn’t work out. Then, Reid suggests they play a game. As these two unusual people, one who sees the world through letters, and one who sees it through numbers, explore New York City, they discover how much they enjoy each other’s company. But, they both have secrets. And, Reid’s secrets about his work could upset everything they’re learning to appreciate about each other.

Kate Clayborn introduces a creative heroine and a grumpy hero who somehow find ways to reach each other. It’s a charming romance built on discovery – of the city, of each other, of their differences. It’s also a story built on turmoil and growth. If Meg hadn’t changed in the course of the book, the ending might have been much different. The supporting cast is strong. There’s humor and love in this book, just the qualities I appreciate in a romance.

Love Lettering is already popular at our library. Deservedly so.

You might be interested in reading the interview with Kate Clayborn in BookPage. http://bit.ly/37U2xTB

Kate Clayborn’s website is www.kateclayborn.com

Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn. Kensington Books, 2020. ISBN 9781496725172 (paperback), 310p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book