By the Book

More about the book

Isabelle feels lost at twenty-five, still an editorial assistant and the only Black employee at her publishing house. Overworked and underpaid, she struggles between speaking up and stifling herself, believing there must be more to her career. When she overhears her boss lamenting about a high-profile author who hasn't delivered his manuscript, she sees a chance to secure the promotion she craves. All she needs to do is visit the author's Santa Barbara mansion and give him a motivational push. However, she soon realizes that Beau Towers is not the easy celebrity she expected. Jaded and withdrawn, he is just as lost as she is. Despite his initial standoffishness, Izzy needs him to produce his work, and as she encourages him, his story begins to unfold. They discover unexpected similarities, and as the deadline approaches, a deeper connection forms between them. This reimagining of a classic fairy tale explores themes of love, acceptance, and the importance of understanding others beyond surface appearances. It highlights the journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of storytelling.