Loving Words: Nova Scotia author’s debut novel explores ‘puzzling’ romance

Nova Scotia author Amy James discusses her novel "A Five Letter Word for Love.”

It’s clear how much Nova Scotia author Amy James likes word games when you read her debut novel which is described as a “heartwarming and humourous romance in which an unlikely couple fall in love over Wordle.”

“A Five Letter Word for Love” is a book about a couple who bond over their mutual love of the popular game, but the word play doesn’t stop at the title. James tells the story in a conversational, first-person tone to draw the reader in.

“It’s like you’re having a chat with a close friend or like you’re reading someone’s diary,” James said. “I like reading books that are set in that style.”

The style is complemented by the setting – the fictional town of Waldon in rural Prince Edward Island. James said she wanted to invent a town to give it some unique character.

“What better place to set a romance novel than in the Maritimes?”

James said she was inspired by the idea of forming an unexpected bond over something fun like a game but she layered in deeper themes about coming-of-age and identity.

“I like doing Wordle and I thought it would be a really cute meet-cute for the two characters,” she said.

James’ debut novel was released in December. Her newest book “Crash Test,” an LGBTQ+ love story set in the world of F1 racing was released in July. She said she learned to love Formula One watching with her husband.

“I think sports romance, in general, you’ve got high stakes, high tension so it’s just a perfect setting for a romance novel.”

“A Five Letter Word for Love” was nominated for the Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize.

To find out more or purchase either of James’ novels, readers can visit her website.

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