Love ‘You’ve Got Mail’? These 11 Books Will Make You Fall Head Over Heels All Over Again

Romance fans and movie buffs have delighted over Nora Ephron’s You’ve Got Mail for more than 25 years. When you think of this classic rom-com you might imagine Kathleen Kelly, played perfectly by Meg Ryan, asking: “Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” 

You may also picture seasonal New York City sidewalks, quaint bookstores and, of course, Tom Hanks. Whether you love this movie for its charming characters, its epistolary romance, its clever case of mistaken identities (or all of the above!), we have great news for you! Here, we gathered 11 captivating books—set in New York and beyond—that you’re guaranteed to love if you love You’ve Got Mail.

Want to escape into the world of publishing where a romance blooms between a literary agent and a book editor? Check out Book Lovers by Emily Henry. For a city-set epistolary romance featuring mistaken identities, we recommend The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest. 

In the mood to read about a talented chef and the grouchy, British food critic who brings down her restaurant? The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert is a pitch-perfect pick for fans of Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox’s love story.

Keep reading for the rest of our must-read books like You’ve Got Mail!

‘Book Lovers’ by Emily Henry

Filled with insightful prose and delightful characters, Emily Henry’s Book Lovers stars literary agent Nora Stephens. Nora’s entire life is work and books, but when her sister, Libby, begs her for a girls’ trip, Nora agrees. While on their small-town getaway, Nora meets a book editor, Charlie Lastra. The duo start running into each other time and time again and soon find themselves living out a story…just like the ones they’ve always read.

What readers are saying: “This book was written for those who love books, love romance and love a good story. Nora and Charlie, Nora’s sister, the small town charm, all of it works together to create a story that feels real — it’s like I could go visit this town on any given day or run into Charlie or Nora on the street. Highly recommend this one!”

‘The Neighbor Favor’ by Kristina Forest

Charming city setting? Check! Heart-fluttering romance? Check! A sweet case of mistaken identities? Check! Kristina Forest’s The Neighbor Favor features many of the favorite tropes from You’ve Got Mail. Lily Greene connects with her favorite author via email as an escape from her frustrating job. They email each other and hit it off, but then he ghosts her. Months later, Lily has no date for her sister’s wedding, so she asks her charming new neighbor, Nick Brown, for a small favor. Little does she know, Nick is her favorite author. What follows is a battle of love and bravery. 

What readers are saying: “After finishing my long to-do list, I rewarded myself with a mug of cocoa and a romance novel. This one was a fun ride! It reminded me of You’ve Got Mail and was so cute!” 

‘Pack Up The Moon’ by Kristan Higgins

Bestselling author of 19 novels, Kristan Higgins is beloved for her rich, heartwarming sagas—and Pack Up The Moon charms from the start. Lauren and Josh have the perfect marriage, until Lauren passes away from an illness and leaves Josh with tremendous grief—and one letter for each month of his first year without her. Written to help him on his new journey, the letters begin to show Josh that the path to happiness isn’t always a straight line. 

What readers are saying: “Pack Up the Moon is possibly one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read. Filled with love and heart and sorrow and joy. I laughed, I smiled, I wept and at the end rejoiced. Beautiful, heartbreaking and filled with a cast of outstanding characters,  I was smiling through tears the whole time.” 

‘Eligible’ by Curtis Sittenfeld

Readers are sure to delight over this bestselling Pride and Prejudice retelling. When New York City Writer Liz Bennet learns that her father has fallen ill, she and her sister Jane must return home to take care of him. But when they get there, Liz and Jane realize their mother has other plans: to get her daughters married. Enter Chip Bingley, a handsome and charming doctor who recently appeared on a Bachelor-like reality show, and his much less charming friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy. A swoon-worthy, funny modernized twist on a classic!

What readers are saying: “As a huge Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice fan I was truly excited to get my hands on this book, and it did not disappoint. This was my first novel by Sittenfeld and definitely not my last. It was a wonderful read.”

‘Heartburn’ by Nora Ephron

In a roundup of books like You’ve Got Mail, we just had to feature Nora Ephron’s iconic and sharply funny first novel, Heartburn. After pregnant cookbook writer Rachel Samstat learns her husband, Mark is in love with another woman, she’s torn between trying to win him back and moving on—all while cracking jokes and sharing soul-soothing recipes. A warm, funny and touching story about love, loss and learning what is best for you. 

What readers are saying: “When I need a little boost, I reach for a book with heartwarming humor. This Nora Ephron novel is exactly that! Rachel saw the humor in every situation, causing me to read late into the night to learn the outcome of her debacle…and to get her recipe for the perfect peach pie.” 

‘Attachments’ by Rainbow Rowell

In this heartwarming and hilarious novel, romance blossoms one email at a time. Though Beth and Jennifer know the newspaper where they work monitors their email, they still write to each other about their love lives. Lincoln, the IT supervisor in charge of overseeing the company emails, knows he should turn the girls in but he can’t help but find their messages entertaining. When he starts to develop feelings for Beth…it’s way too late to introduce himself.

What readers are saying: “Such a cute and quirky romance! Attachments was a highly enjoyable, feel-good romance—that’s also witty and full of well-written characters. If you liked You’ve Got Mail, you’ll love this book.”

‘Much Ado About Nothing’ by Samantha Young 

This charming story filled with dreamy moments and idyllic settings stars bookish Evic Starling, who decides her life in Chicago needs a change. She plans a trip to a quaint English village and, before long, finds herself working at a bookshop and befriending the villagers— especially handsome, charismatic farmer Roane Robson. Their flirtations evolve into a steamy connection, and Evie wonders if this is true love.

What readers are saying: “Quirky, charming and humorous, Evie’s romance with swoony, heart-of-gold, farmer Roane is delightful and unexpected. Hoping to reevaluate her life and find herself, Evie instead finds her tribe and her home. Everything we love in an epic rom-com, this one will definitely leave a smile on your romantic heart.” 

‘How to Find Love in a Bookshop’ by Veronica Henry

Set in an enchanting bookshop, this story follows Emilia Nightingale, who is struggling to keep the family bookshop open after her beloved father’s death. As she wrestles with the idea of closing the shop, Emilia’s loyal and lovable customers step up to help her in more ways than one. 

What readers are saying: “This book is delightful! If you’re looking for a story where everyone ends up with the right person.! Plus, it centers around a sweet bookshop in a small village in England and ends on Christmas Eve! It’s like all my favorite things came together in one story.” 

‘Thank You for Listening’ by Julia Whelan

This fun, romantic novel follows Sewanee Chester, who once dreamed of being an actress yet now spends her days as a successful audiobook narrator. When she arrives in Las Vegas for a book convention, Sewanee ends up spending a whirlwind night with a handsome stranger. Later, she receives news that a famous romance novelist wants her to perform her last book — alongside Brock McNight, the industry’s sexiest and most secretive voice. What follows is a romp filled with mistaken identities, smart banter and sizzling chemistry.

What readers are saying: “It is fun to read a novel where the author uses every romance novel trope she can weave into the story without it falling apart. And her author’s note at the end illuminates her thought process and it’s very interesting. Congratulations on a successful sophomore novel! I’m looking forward to more.”

‘The Coincidence of Coconut Cake’ by Amy E. Reichert

A well-developed cast of characters, delectable descriptions of food and a romance of mistaken identities…this novel by Amy E. Reichert is described as “a perfect fit for anyone who loves You’ve Got Mail.” Lou works around the clock trying to build her Milwaukee French restaurant, Luella, into a success. But when the gruff, British food critic, Al, writes one of his notoriously scathing reviews about her place, Lou is distraught. On the day the piece is published, Lou and Al cross paths—unaware of who the other is—and sparks fly. Soon, they explore the city together and enjoy local delicacies. Meanwhile, Lou’s restaurant faces closure while Al’s food column gains a larger audience. What happens when the truth finally comes out?

What readers are saying: “This is a light and sweet read. I could not put it down! Of course my favorite movie is You’ve Got Mail and if you love that movie you will also love this book!”

‘Bookshop on the Corner’ by Jenny Colgan

When the city shuts down the library where she works, Nina Redmond is left with no job and no plan. With nothing holding her back, Nina uncharacteristically moves miles away to a small town in Scotland, where she buys a van and sets up a mobile bookshop, spreading her love for reading everywhere she goes. Surrounded by everyone from a grumpy yet charming farmer to a romantic train conductor, Nina finds that she may not have left home after all but found the home she’s been searching for all along.

What readers are saying:  “I loved this delightful story. Of course, any book about books is going to be a favorite. But this one goes beyond just a story of books. Nina is a lover of books. And her love carries her to an adventure and the opportunity to meet and interact with people in a new country. Her life in Scotland takes off and you are treated to a delightful cast of characters!”