
Collage featuring an image of author Emily Henry, the cover of her novel "Book Lovers," the NC state outline, and the front of a bookstore. (Design by Desirée Tapia).
Romance author and BookTok queen Emily Henry is known for her swoon-worthy male main characters (MMCs), realistic depictions of love, witty sense of humor, and an uncanny ability to make a fictional place feel like the real thing. Sunshine Falls, North Carolina is one of those places.
I was introduced to Henry’s books through a combination of recommendations. First up was my loving mother, who devoured the audiobook of “Book Lovers” and told me, repeatedly, that I needed to read this novel because I was going to fall in love with it. Given that I’m a mood reader and I was in one of my extended “Sam reads a hundred depressing books and not one single thing that brings her joy” phases, I shrugged off her recommendation until the beginning of this year. Then, finally, the clouds parted (AKA I decided I wanted to read something that actually made me feel good) and I grabbed the audiobook from Libby. And I was reminded, not for the first time, that I should listen to my mother more often.
This is a good time to shout out my favorite BookToker, edensarchives, who I also should have listened to sooner, as she has been preaching about Henry’s books for as long as I’ve been following her. Eden even has a quick video explaining the best way to get into these specific novels, though I ended up reading them in my own chaotic order. Because, you know, I’m moody.
Which brings me to my final “please wake up and see the light” moment, which came courtesy of my friend, Sydney Bolen, who is also a romance author. Sydney has been an Emily Henry fan for many moons, so I texted her after I finished “Books Lovers” to ask which was her favorite in this literary universe. Since then, I’ve listened to the audiobook of “Happy Place” (which is not Sydney’s favorite, but we’ve already established that I’m a bad listener sometimes), and I just finished “Beach Read” and “Funny Story”. Next up is “People We Meet On Vacation,” and then I’ll have to wait impatiently for “Great Big Beautiful Life” to come out in April.
Now that I’ve told you in condensed—yet somehow still long-winded—detail about my personal history with Emily Henry, I’d like to introduce you to Sunshine Falls, located just outside of Asheville. This small town serves as the backdrop for “Book Lovers,” which has a very intriguing one line description: “One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn’t see coming.”
I wasn’t sure if Sunshine Falls was a real place, as I’m a New England native, and I thought I had maybe missed some genuine North Carolina magic by never hearing of this town. Regrettably, Sunshine Falls is imaginary, but it’s obviously been inspired by charming small towns in the state.
And while I can’t help you find your own Charlie Lastra, or dye your hair pink like Nora does for Libby, I can recommend a few places in Asheville that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of Henry’s beloved novel.
If you’ll follow me…
Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe & Downtown Books and News (Dupes for: Goode Books)
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First up? Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe and Downtown Books and News, both of which are serving as dupes for Goode Books. Browse the stacks, say hello to Downtown’s book store cat, grab yourself a cup of coffee, and try not to say anything embarrassing in front of the high school principal, like Nora does in the book.
For additional NC bookstore recs outside of Asheville, click here and here.
Rankin Vault (Dupe for: Poppa Squat)
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Thankfully, Asheville’s bar culture has a more palatable name than the dive bar found in “Book Lovers.” In lieu of bellying up to Poppa Squat, you can order drinks (and fantastic food, including killer burgers) at Rankin Vault. Plus, it’s located inside an old bank vault.
Several members of the staff were impacted by Hurricane Helene’s devastation. If you’d like to support them from afar until you’re able to pay them a visit, click here for their GoFundMe.
Rowan (Dupe for: Mug + Shot)
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Rowan is in the process of being rebuilt after the hurricane, but they encompass everything you’re looking for in a small-town coffee shop. They offer hand-crafted drinks, a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and a variety of baked goods.
Everything looks so beautiful here that you won’t even worry about whether they have Wi-Fi or if they’re true to Mug + Shot form by encouraging you to disconnect instead.
Strada (Dupe for: Giacomo’s)
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Strada might not offer cacio e pepe, like the fictional Giacomo’s does, but you’ll find something equally delicious on the menu. From arancini to fresh bread to eggplant parmesan, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. A kids’ menu is also available.
Wake (Dupe for: Spaaaahhh)
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Wake has more of a conventional name than the spa found in Sunshine Falls, but it’s every bit as relaxing. They offer foot spa experiences as well as massages, soaks, and packages. Pricing and additional information can be found here.
If you’re pregnant like Libby is in “Book Lovers,” there are soaks formulated specifically for expectant mothers, and for people with sensitive skin, too.
Honorable mentions – The Narrows & Linville Falls
After you’ve picked up a new book (or several), drank a specialty coffee, enjoyed a delicious Italian meal, and soaked your feet at the spa, you can check a few more Sunshine Falls-esque items off your very own LIFE-CHANGING VACATION LIST if you’re feeling a bit adventurous.
If you want to get outside and enjoy the scenery, The Narrows is a 2.5 mile hike near the Chattooga River. Linville Falls is a beautiful place to walk or camp (though skinny dipping, like Nora and Charlie, is not encouraged.)
And if you’re looking for even more charm and magic, check out these 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina.
READ MORE: Western NC small businesses pick up the pieces after Hurricane Helene

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