Jenny’s Pick of the Week: How to Write a Love Story

I can’t resist reading a romance novel during February, and How to Write a Love Story by Catherine Walsh was the perfect pick for my romantic heart. It’s the literary equivalent of a rom-com movie night: funny, charming, and completely bingeworthy. With its release coming up in early March, definitely keep this one on your radar. It would make a great buddy read with your significant other or best friend.

Ever since I first discovered Catherine Walsh’s books in 2022, she’s been and auto-read author for me. Her wit, warmth, and gorgeous Irish settings never disappoint, and she delivers all of that and more in How to Write a Love Story. The story follows former writer Ciara Sheridan, who is tasked with finishing the final installment of her late father’s beloved epic fantasy series—think something with a Game of Thrones level fame. This responsibility is a heavy one that is complicated by her grief, the overwhelming pressure from her father’s devoted fandom, and her own personal struggles as a writer. She’s coping with it all by mostly ignoring it—which, unsurprisingly, isn’t going great.

Enter Sam Sheridan, the editor assigned to help her finish the manuscript and quite possibly her father’s biggest fan. Sam is charming and kind, if a little work-obsessed, and deeply invested in the book series (he even has a tattoo to prove it). Watching these two work together to complete the most-anticipated book of the decade creates such a natural foundation for humor and romance to grow—and grow it does.

The book employs a dual point of view format which opens with Sam’s perspective. Being introduced to the male main character first is something you don’t often see in romance, and it grabbed my attention right away. After meeting both protagonists and getting a taste of their personalities, the dual POV format quickly became one of my favorite elements of the story. Moving back and forth between Sam and Ciara’s perspectives added depth to their growing connection while keeping the emotional stakes at a safe and comfortable level. There’s something to be said about not having to guess what the other character is thinking.

Sam’s presence added a lot of fun and humor to the story, but Ciara’s character arc wins out as the stronger of the two. Watching her move through grief, step out of her father’s shadow, and rediscover her confidence as not only a writer, but also as a woman, adds real depth to the story. Walsh balances these heavier themes beautifully with moments of witty banter, dry humor, and quiet yearning.

The characters, setting, and dialogue all shine here, making it an ideal read for fans of romance authors like Annabel Monaghan and Cara Bastone. If you’re like me and looking to add a little romance to your reading list this season, get your heart ready for How to Write a Love Story. Out in March, this is the perfect story to warm up with when winter finally begins to thaw into spring.

©2026 by Catherine Walsh