By the Book Summary: Jasmine Guillory’s Modern Fairy Tale
TL;DR: Quick Snapshot
A twenty-five-year-old editorial assistant at a New York publishing house spends her days answering other people’s emails and sending cheerful check-ins to an author who never replies.
When she overhears her boss complain that a reclusive former child star has missed his memoir deadline by more than a year, she volunteers to knock on his door in person.
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory follows that impulsive decision and the unexpected weeks that follow inside a Santa Barbara estate.
The novel is part of Disney’s Meant to Be series and reworks the Beauty and the Beast framework inside the contemporary publishing industry.
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- Who: Isabelle “Izzy” Marlowe, an overworked Black editorial assistant, and Beau Towers, a reclusive former child star who owes his publisher a memoir.
- Where: Manhattan publishing offices and a Mediterranean-style estate in Santa Barbara, California.
- The setup: Izzy volunteers to confront Beau in person and ends up staying as his live-in editor.
- What happens: Writing sessions, surfing lessons, a hidden library, family trauma, and a slow shift from hostility to romance.
- What it touches on: Creative self-doubt, tabloid perception versus private reality, mentorship and representation in publishing, and family reconciliation.
- Structure: A prologue, 35 numbered chapters, and an epilogue.
By the Book Summary: The Full Story
Spoilers ahead. This section recounts the main events of the novel, including the ending.
Isabelle “Izzy” Marlowe has worked two years as an editorial assistant to Marta Wallace at Tale as Old as Time Publishing in Manhattan. She handles administrative drudgery, demanding authors, and the subtle marginalization of being one of the few Black employees at the imprint.
Her routine includes bi-weekly check-in emails to Beau Towers, a twenty-six-year-old former child star who vanished from public view after tabloids filmed him shouting at his mother, Nina Russell, following his father’s funeral.
Marta signed Beau to a large memoir deal over two years earlier, and he has not submitted a single page.
Assistant editor Gavin Ridley, Marta’s former assistant, dismisses Izzy’s novel draft as “sweet” and “juvenile” and tells her Marta has no plans to promote her.
At an industry conference in Los Angeles, Izzy reunites with Josephine Henry, a Black senior editor at Maurice Publishing whom she admires.
That evening, Izzy overhears Marta complaining that Beau is holed up in Santa Barbara and refusing to write. Izzy impulsively volunteers to travel there and demand answers.
At Beau’s estate, he shouts “ABSOLUTELY NOT” through the door. As his assistant and cook Michaela walks Izzy back to her car, Michaela falls and sprains her ankle, and Izzy helps her inside to apply ice.
When Beau confronts Izzy in the kitchen, she stands her ground and tells him that if a memoir is beyond him, the publisher can hire a ghostwriter. He stalks off, then abruptly orders her to stay for dinner and moves her suitcase to a guest room.
Over dinner, Beau mockingly asks for one of her “famous pep talks.” When Izzy offers genuine advice about writing step by step, he laughs in her face, and she walks out. Later he leaves a dinner tray and a note reading “Sorry—B” outside her door.
The next morning Marta calls to report that Beau emailed thanking her for sending Izzy, and he agrees to let her stay through the weekend. Over late-night snacks, Izzy delivers a passionate defense of books, describing how stories give people hope and change lives.
Beau gives her a tour of the house that ends in a hidden, floor-to-ceiling library. Recognizing his anxiety around his computer, Izzy sets a thirty-minute timer and hands him a paper notebook, instructing him to write scenes without judging them.
He completes the task and asks her to keep the notebook safe without reading it yet. Inspired, Izzy opens her own notebook and resumes her novel. Beau then calls Marta, with Izzy holding up a note reading “NEGOTIATE!!!”, and secures a three-week extension for her to stay as his editor.
Over the following weeks the two form a close bond. Beau takes Izzy surfing, they share meals and explore Santa Barbara, and they watch period television together. He reveals his real name is James Thomas Towers and opens up about his depression, saying he froze because his life felt like a lie.
With Izzy’s guidance, Beau confronts his past. His father, director Jim Towers, was emotionally abusive and stole writing credit from Beau’s mother, former model Nina Russell. Izzy accompanies Beau to Los Angeles, where he reconciles with Nina after letting her read his raw draft.
On the drive back, Beau and Izzy share a romantic kiss on the beach, and their relationship shifts from professional collaboration to romance.
Izzy then receives an invitation from Josephine Henry to interview for an Assistant Editor position at Maurice Publishing in New York. Beau encourages her to take it and arranges her flight east.
On her final night they dance on the beach, and the next morning Beau drives her to LAX for a farewell. Back in New York, her interview with Josephine goes exceptionally well.
Priya then texts her a gossipy publishing article claiming TAOAT is abandoning Beau’s memoir and quoting an insider who calls him “uncooperative” and “not bright.” Furious, Izzy goes to TAOAT to confront Marta.
Marta reveals that Beau submitted his complete manuscript that very morning, praises Izzy’s editorial work, confirms the article was an unauthorized leak, and calls Josephine to give Izzy a glowing recommendation.
Returning to her desk, Izzy finds an overnight package from Santa Barbara containing Beau’s spiral notebook. Reading it in a nearby park, she discovers he had been writing entries to her since their first day in the library, confessing his love and gratitude.
Back in the lobby, she finds Beau waiting with a bouquet of roses, and he confesses his love in person. Security then escorts Gavin Ridley out after Marta discovers he leaked the false story, and Beau warns Gavin never to harass Izzy again.
One year later, Izzy is an Assistant Editor at Maurice Publishing, living in New York with Priya, and back at the Santa Barbara estate to celebrate the release day of her published novel.
Michaela admits she never actually sprained her ankle on Izzy’s first day and faked it because she had a good feeling about her.
Beau presents Izzy with his published memoir, which carries a cover photo of him looking at her on the beach and a dedication reading: “To Isabelle.
I never would have been able to write this book if it wasn’t for you. I love you.”
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Summary by Chapter
Spoilers ahead. This section offers a brief summary of each chapter for readers who want to see what is inside the book.
The novel contains 37 sections in total: a prologue, 35 numbered chapters, and an epilogue.
Prologue: Izzy begins her first day as an editorial assistant at Tale as Old as Time Publishing in New York City. Security guard Frank, HR staff member Rachel, and assistant editor Gavin Ridley welcome her, and she finds a free novel in her welcome tote bag.
Chapter 1: Two years later, Izzy feels overworked, underappreciated by Marta, and stifled living with her parents in New Jersey. Her duties include quirky check-in emails to Beau Towers, and Gavin reveals Marta has no intention of promoting her.
Chapter 2: Izzy and Priya attend a publishing conference cocktail party in Los Angeles, where Izzy runs into Josephine Henry. Overhearing Marta complain that Beau is hiding in Santa Barbara, Izzy impulsively offers to go to his house.
Chapter 3: Izzy drives to Santa Barbara and knocks on Beau’s door, but he shouts “ABSOLUTELY NOT.” Michaela sprains her ankle walking Izzy to her car, and after Izzy talks back in the kitchen, Beau orders her to stay for dinner at six.
Chapter 4: Beau carries Izzy’s suitcase to a guest room and tells her not to be late for dinner. Izzy discovers the room’s view and clawfoot bathtub, emails Marta, and texts Priya in disbelief.
Chapter 5: At dinner, Michaela serves fish tacos, and Beau mockingly laughs at Izzy’s writing advice. Izzy walks out, and later finds a tray of tacos, cookies, and a note reading “Sorry—B” outside her door.
Chapter 6: Marta calls to report that Beau thanked her for sending Izzy, meaning Izzy must stay through Monday. Late that night Izzy explains to Beau why she loves books, and the next day he gives her a tour of the house and gardens.
Chapter 7: Izzy replays patronizing texts from Gavin about her inability to crack Beau Towers. On Saturday she walks to a bookstore, gets caught in a rainstorm, finds the side door locked, and loses her temper at Beau before running upstairs.
Chapter 8: Expecting to be fired, Izzy instead receives a sincere apology from Beau. He admits he read her emails, tried her advice, and is stuck because his life feels like a lie, and he suffers from depression.
Chapter 9: Izzy decides helping Beau write will be her personal test for staying in publishing. They eat soup and garlic bread while watching a period drama called This Provincial Life and agree to start writing sessions Monday at 3 PM.
Chapter 10: Izzy convinces Marta to let her stay longer in California. Beau shows her the hidden library, she sets a thirty-minute timer and gives him a notebook, and he asks her to keep it safe.
Chapter 11: Daily writing sessions continue, and Izzy starts writing her own ideas again. Beau transfers his handwritten work to a laptop file named “Isabelle made me do this,” and Izzy teaches him to load a dishwasher.
Chapter 12: Izzy relaxes by the pool with her e-reader while Beau swims laps. He chats with her at the shallow end and expresses gratitude that she stayed.
Chapter 13: Beau asks how to write conversations he does not fully remember, and Izzy advises focusing on how moments felt. On Friday he declares a break day and gives her a surfing lesson at a local shop.
Chapter 14: After surfing, they buy six pints of ice cream and order Thai takeout. Beau reveals his real name is James Thomas Towers, and later Izzy trips and falls into his arms.
Chapter 15: Beau bakes cinnamon rolls on Saturday morning. On Sunday he nervously asks Izzy to read a typed passage titled “This House,” flees outside while she reads, and tells her he cares about her opinion above anyone else’s.
Chapter 16: Priya texts that she is in Santa Barbara for a cousin’s wedding, and Izzy picks her up at the airport. Priya insists Beau is clearly attracted to Izzy, though Izzy denies it.
Chapter 17: Beau shows Izzy a chapter about his parents’ divorce and his father’s Oscar night. When Izzy says he is hiding his real feelings, he erupts in fury, and she calls him a spoiled, selfish asshole and drives away.
Chapter 18: Izzy returns to pack and finds Beau waiting on the front steps. He apologizes, admits he lashed out from fear, and reveals that his father was emotionally abusive and took credit for his mother’s screenplays.
Chapter 19: Beau returns the car keys and shows Izzy a new draft written as an honest letter to her. On the beach, Izzy confesses how Gavin crushed her writing confidence, and Beau reassures her that Gavin was sabotaging her out of fear.
Chapter 20: Izzy and Beau make cookies and watch television together. Beau reflects on his hesitancy to visit his mother in Los Angeles, and Izzy listens without pushing him.
Chapter 21: They agree to write simultaneously during library sessions, and Izzy dives back into her novel. Beau calls Marta with Izzy holding up a “NEGOTIATE!!!” note and secures a three-week extension.
Chapter 22: Beau prepares to drive to Los Angeles to visit Nina, and Izzy offers to accompany him. While waiting at a coffee shop called Off to the Cupboard, she rereads her buried manuscript and realizes it is worth revising.
Chapter 23: Izzy meets Nina Russell, who thanks her for helping Beau. On the drive back Beau reveals he let his mother read his draft, and as the sun sets on the beach, Izzy kisses him.
Chapter 24: Beau and Izzy share kisses in the hallway before he opens his grandfather’s champagne in the TV room. Izzy says she intends to finish her novel, and they spend the evening cuddling and eating baked Brie.
Chapter 25: Beau makes waffles, bacon, and coffee on Sunday morning. They spend the afternoon by the pool, enforce a “no touching” rule during library sessions, and dine out together.
Chapter 26: Beau explains that his nightclub fight was defending a friend from harassment and his car crash was caused by an intoxicated passenger. Izzy goes dress shopping with Michaela, who shares how she began working for Beau.
Chapter 27: Beau and Izzy surf at 7 AM, and Izzy stands on her board for five seconds. Caught in a rainstorm, they return home to an empty house and spend an intimate morning in Beau’s bedroom.
Chapter 28: They skip their library session, and Beau brings Izzy pancakes in bed before a dinner date in a jasmine-filled garden. Izzy receives an email from Josephine Henry inviting her to interview at Maurice Publishing.
Chapter 29: Izzy tells Beau about the interview, and he immediately suggests she return to New York early. Though she feels a pang at how quickly he lets her go, he explains he wants her to succeed and books her Sunday flight.
Chapter 30: In their final library session, Izzy returns Beau’s notebook. They dine at a seaside Mexican restaurant and dance on the dark beach, and on Sunday at 5 AM Beau drives her to LAX for a tearful goodbye.
Chapter 31: Izzy discovers Beau booked her a first-class ticket and cries into his hoodie on the flight. Her father picks her up at the airport, and on Monday morning she gives herself an empowering pep talk in the mirror.
Chapter 32: Izzy’s interview with Josephine becomes a two-hour conversation about books, editing, and her own writing, and she meets editor Scott Tobias. As she leaves, Priya texts her the gossipy article about Beau’s memoir.
Chapter 33: Izzy arrives at TAOAT to confront Marta, who reveals that Beau submitted his complete manuscript that morning. Marta confirms the article was an unauthorized leak and calls Josephine to recommend Izzy.
Chapter 34: Izzy finds an overnight package containing Beau’s black spiral notebook with a “Read Me” note. In a nearby park she reads entries showing he had been writing about his growing feelings for her since their first library session.
Chapter 35: Izzy finds Beau waiting in the TAOAT lobby with roses, and he confesses his love. Security escorts Gavin Ridley out after Marta discovers he leaked the article, and Beau warns him never to speak to Izzy again.
Epilogue (One Year Later): Izzy is an Assistant Editor at Maurice Publishing, and she and Beau are at the Santa Barbara estate for her novel’s release day. Michaela admits she faked her ankle injury, and Beau gives Izzy his published memoir with a dedication to her.
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Characters in This Book
| Character | Role |
|---|---|
| Isabelle “Izzy” Marlowe | Twenty-five-year-old Black editorial assistant at Tale as Old as Time Publishing and an aspiring novelist. |
| Beau Towers (James Thomas Towers) | Twenty-six-year-old former child star and son of director Jim Towers and model Nina Russell, living in Santa Barbara while writing his memoir. |
| Marta Wallace | Senior editor at TAOAT and Izzy’s demanding boss who secured Beau’s book deal. |
| Michaela “Kettle” | Beau’s assistant, cook, and longtime family friend who manages the estate. |
| Priya Gupta | Izzy’s best friend and fellow editorial assistant at TAOAT. |
| Gavin Ridley | Assistant editor at TAOAT and former assistant to Marta who dismisses Izzy’s writing. |
| Josephine Henry | Senior editor at Maurice Publishing who mentors Izzy and later hires her. |
| Nina Russell | Beau’s mother, a former supermodel who reconciles with him. |
| Jim Towers | Beau’s deceased father, an Oscar-winning director and screenwriter. |
| Will Victor | Senior editor at TAOAT and colleague of Marta. |
| Frank | Security guard at the TAOAT office building in New York City. |
| Rachel | TAOAT staff member who assists Izzy on her first day. |
| Scott Tobias | Editor at Maurice Publishing who remembers Izzy from a book event. |
| Dottie | Staff member at the Santa Barbara surf shop. |
| Mikey | Michaela’s young son. |
| Izzy’s Parents | Supportive parents in New Jersey with whom Izzy initially resides. |
Quotes from By the Book
“To all the Black girls who loved books and wanted to be princesses. This one’s for you.”
“If you write, then you’re a writer. You don’t have to have written a book or even feel good about your writing to get that title.”
“I love the way you can fall into another world while you’re reading, the way books can help you forget hard things in life, or help you deal with them… Those books do change lives.”
“I’m telling you what I really think. Haven’t I done that, since I’ve been here?”
“I’ve always been writing this to you, Izzy, if you’re reading this, if you’ve gotten this far. This has all always been for you.”
“To Isabelle. I never would have been able to write this book if it wasn’t for you. I love you.”
“To you, Isabelle Marlowe, the woman who walked into my house one day and changed my life.”
Who Should Read By the Book?
This novel suits readers of contemporary romance who prefer character-driven stories over fast plotting. The narrative moves at a medium pace, spending most of its time inside conversations, writing sessions, and domestic routines rather than external action.
Readers drawn to fairy tale retellings will recognize the Beauty and the Beast framework, including the isolated estate, the hidden library, and the gradual softening of a guarded central figure. Those interested in publishing as a setting will find editorial workflows, corporate hierarchy, and author management woven throughout.
It also appeals to readers looking for a romance with a Black heroine at its center and themes of workplace marginalization, creative recovery, and family reconciliation. The tone stays warm and conversational, with humor distributed across the cast.
Readers who prefer minimal romantic content, high-stakes plotting, or morally complex antagonists may find the story’s focus elsewhere. The conflict is primarily internal and relational.
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Book Snapshot
- Genre & Subgenre: Contemporary Romance / Modern Fairy Tale Retelling
- Core Narrative Tropes: Beauty and the Beast reimagining, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, grumpy and sunshine, workplace romance
- Tone & Atmosphere: Warm, witty, romantic, and hopeful, contrasting corporate New York with coastal Santa Barbara
- Primary Conflict: Beau’s grief, trauma, and writer’s block preventing him from completing his memoir, alongside Izzy’s professional stagnation and creative self-doubt
- Pacing Style: Character-driven and medium-paced, moving from hostility to editorial coaching to romance
- ISBN: 978-1368053389 (ISBN-10: 1368053386)
- Pages: 320
- Book Structure: A prologue, 35 numbered chapters, and an epilogue, totaling 37 sections
- Publisher: Hyperion Avenue, May 3, 2022; Book 2 of 5 in the Meant to Be series
Jasmine Guillory: A Voice in Contemporary Romance
Jasmine Guillory is a New York Times bestselling American author known for writing contemporary romance novels with Black heroines at the center.
Her debut, The Wedding Date, launched a series of interconnected romances set across the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
Her work frequently combines career-driven protagonists, food-centered scenes, and warm, low-angst romantic arcs.
By the Book was released as the second installment in Disney’s Meant to Be series, a collection of standalone novels that reimagine classic fairy tales through a modern romance lens.
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