Poor Henry Copper! His book, The Sensible Heart, bombs in England. His publisher doesn’t remember his name, and he can’t even keep an audience of one during a book-signing event. Imagine his surprise when his publisher (Lucy Punch/Into the Woods) tells him that his novel ranks Number One in Mexico and that she has arranged a book tour for him there. Unfortunately, Henry had no idea The Sensible Heart was published in Mexico, and he doesn’t know Spanish. 

British actor Sam Claflin (Me before You) is excellent in the role of Henry. He wins our empathy for this character right away despite his calm, unpassionate approach to love. As an author myself, I wanted to have tea and crumpets with him just to hear his tale of woe. Happily, seeing Book of Love satisfied my curiosity about how Henry’s life changes because of his Mexico adventures.            

Straight-laced author’s book is a flop.

His boring writing has to stop.

But Mexico thinks his work shines.

.Why do these readers love his lines?

He’ll know the secret soon enough

 from translator. She’s very tough.

She added passion to his book.

He gets angry and more than shook.  

Co-stars excel in push and pull.

The theme of love is beautiful.   

Is “Book of Love” a fun movie?

Lots of humor sure worked for me!

In keeping with the “opposites attract” rom-com trope, this offering gives us Maria Rodriguez, the passionate translator, played with conviction by lovely Verónica Echegui (TRUST), a strong woman who has always wanted to be a writer. She is raising her cute young son Diego (Ruy Gaytan) without much help from her dead-beat ex Antonio (Horatio Garcia Rojas/Narcos:Mexico). Maria takes her son and grandfather (Fernando Becerril/The Mask of Zorro) along with her on Henry’s book tour. She drives!

When Maria first meets Henry, they don’t hit it off. But the longer these two know each other – well, you guessed it. Yes indeed, they fall in love. Of course, obstacles stand in their way. And they don’t always understand each other. After all, this is a rom-com, folks. 

Highlights of this amusing movie include priceless scenes with Henry and Maria at book events where Henry’s adoring fans swoon over him. These scenes may be over-the-top, but it’s all in good fun.

Book of Love ends up on my list of favorite “opposites attract” films like Grease and Pride & Prejudice.

When you meet someone different from yourself, in a good way, it’s like fireworks in your heart all the time. – Lisa Schroeder

(Released by Amazon Prime. Not rated by MPAA.)     

Director: Analeine Cal y Mayor

Co-Writers: Analeine Cal y Mayor and David Quantick