Book Review: The Look of Love by Sarah Jio

Pages: 320

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: November 25, 2014

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Born during a Christmas blizzard, Jane Williams receives a rare gift: the ability to see true love. Jane has emerged from an ailing childhood a lonely, hopeless romantic when, on her twenty-ninth birthday, a mysterious greeting card arrives, specifying that Jane must identify the six types of love before the full moon following her thirtieth birthday, or face grave consequences. When Jane falls for a science writer who doesn’t believe in love, she fears that her fate is sealed. Inspired by the classic song, The Look of Love is utterly enchanting."

Jane Williams owns a flower shop in Seattle and it has been in her family for years. Despite her name, Jane isn't your average girl. She has a gift which has been passed to her and she first learns about this gift through an anonymous message on her 29th birthday.  Jane can see love; all six types. The message explains this to her and says that she must identify all six types before her 30th birthday if she wants true love for herself.  Thankfully, Jane is surrounded by many complex forms of love whether it be present in her customers or her close friends, there's no doubt it's all around her.  If you are looking for a sweet read to get you in the mood for Valentine's Day or to warm you up this winter, check out Sarah Jio's The Look of Love. Even though there were some sad and albeit tragic parts, it was an overall charming read.

I can't say I really connected with any of the characters in The Look of Love; however, I was still invested in Jane's life. I wanted her to have a happy ending and things sort of get crazy regarding the relationships in her life.  She even starts dating a man who, ironically, doesn't believe in love. Unfortunately, some of her friends' marriages deteriorate, there's cheating, and tragic accidents. You get it all in The Look of Love. So, things aren't always butterflies and rainbows in this novel.


A book club might enjoy The Look of Love as there is much to discuss regarding love and all of its forms; plus, it is a generally quick read.  It gives you something to think about regarding love….the sacrifices we make, loss, the different types, etc.

Also, in The Look of Love there's some magic, very reminiscent of Sarah Addison Allen as well as Practical Magic specifically when it comes to Jane's gift. I liked this incorporation of magical realism. It was a nice touch.

I felt The Look of Love only scratched the surface. I sort of wanted more from the characters and perhaps that is because there are multiple narrators. I feel like it lacked depth and was overly saccharine in some parts, but sometimes you just need a fluffy read like that, right?

Although I found this book to be entertaining, I've heard that Jio's other novels may be a bit better, so I plan on checking them out in the future. Any recommendations for me?