The Name Game on April 9, 2026
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Format: ARC
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Beth O’Leary delivers such a clever and heart-filled premise in The Name Game — because what could possibly go wrong when two Charlie Joneses arrive on a tiny island of 500 residents… to manage the same farm shop?
Charlie Jones (she/her) lands on the Isle of Ormer ready for a clean slate and a peaceful new chapter running the island’s beloved farm shop. Meanwhile, Charlie Jones (he/him) has arrived for the exact same reason — same job, same fresh start, same island. To avoid confusion, she becomes “Charlie” and he becomes “Jones,” but of course, that doesn’t make things any less complicated.
I absolutely loved the island setting. An island where you only need a bike to get around (or a tractor, depending on the resident)? Sign me up. The small-town simplicity and close-knit community vibes were so cozy and immersive. And from the start, we know the mysterious owner who hired them is hiding something — which made it especially fun trying to piece together what’s really going on.
The story is told through diary entries and emails, and I will always show up for a good epistolary novel. This format added intimacy and charm, letting us really see inside both Charlies’ heads as they work through their past heartbreaks and personal baggage.
I’ve loved Beth O’Leary’s previous books, and this one feels slightly different in tone. It has more emotional depth and leans heavily into themes of healing, second chances, and flawed characters trying to do better. There’s no spice here — so if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll need to be satisfied with sweet moments and a little innuendo — but honestly, that worked perfectly for my mood.
And then came the TWIST.
I genuinely didn’t see it coming. The story gets briefly tangled and complicated, and you definitely need to pay attention — but O’Leary skillfully pulls every thread back into place. That twist alone bumped this from a 3-star read to a solid 4 stars for me.
If you love character-driven stories with heart, emotional growth, and a charming small-community backdrop, this one is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this smart and heart-filled eARC.
English (US) · 