Story of My Life by Lucy Score Book Summary

Story of My Life centers around Hazel Hart, a once-successful romance novelist whose career has hit a massive roadblock. After a devastating breakup and months of crippling writer’s block, Hazel finds herself spiraling into an unproductive rut, surrounded by takeout containers and unfinished chapters.

With her publisher breathing down her neck and the threat of career doom looming, Hazel makes an impulsive decision that will change her life: she purchases a historic fixer-upper house online and moves from bustling Manhattan to the sleepy, quirky town of Story Lake, Pennsylvania.

Hazel’s plan is simple: seek inspiration, write her next bestseller, and maybe heal her broken heart in the process. But small-town life proves to be far messier—and far more exciting—than she bargained for.

Welcome to Story Lake: A Town Full of Surprises

Upon her chaotic arrival—featuring an incident with a bald eagle—Hazel quickly realizes that her online real estate dream is more of a nightmare. The house she bought is dilapidated, infested with raccoons and spiders, and held together by hope and rotting wood.

But there’s more. Hazel’s new property also comes with an unexpected bonus: a seat on the Story Lake Town Council, which thrusts her into the heart of small-town politics, eccentric neighbors, and plenty of public drama.

Despite the mess, Story Lake starts to grow on Hazel. The town is struggling economically after the closure of its biggest employer, but its community spirit remains strong—and incredibly entertaining.

Enter Campbell Bishop: Grumpy Hero, Gorgeous Carpenter

Things start looking up when Hazel meets Campbell “Cam” Bishop, a grumpy yet incredibly attractive contractor who saves her from an injury on day one. Standing at six-foot-three and wielding power tools like a romance novel hero, Cam reluctantly agrees to help renovate Hazel’s house—alongside his equally hunky brothers.

Cam is all business, all the time…until Hazel’s quirky charm starts to crack his brooding exterior. Their partnership begins with a fake dating arrangement (purely for research purposes, of course), but soon sparks fly, tension builds, and Hazel finds herself living the romance she’s supposed to be writing.

A Romance Novel Come to Life—with Real Stakes

As Hazel’s inspiration returns and her novel begins to take shape, so too does her relationship with Cam. But real life isn’t as neatly tied up as a fictional happily-ever-after. The town is on the brink of bankruptcy, Hazel is haunted by the pressure of her looming deadline, and Cam has a complicated past that keeps him from believing in forever.

Hazel must navigate more than just plot twists in her manuscript—she needs to decide what truly matters in her own story. Is she brave enough to choose love again? Can she fight for her new home, her career, and a second chance at happiness?

Why Readers Love Story of My Life by Lucy Score

1. Relatable, Lovable Heroine

Hazel Hart is every reader’s dream protagonist. She’s funny, flawed, fiercely determined, and refreshingly real. Whether she’s bantering with the Bishop brothers, dodging raccoons, or tackling town hall meetings, Hazel’s voice is honest and hilarious.

2. Perfect Blend of Romance and Comedy

Lucy Score masterfully combines romantic tension with laugh-out-loud moments. Fans of romantic comedies will adore the chemistry between Hazel and Cam, the clever dialogue, and the wonderfully absurd situations Hazel finds herself in.

3. A Town You’ll Want to Move To

Story Lake is a character in its own right. With quirky residents, heartfelt traditions, and a strong sense of community, readers will find themselves wishing they could pack their bags and join the next town council meeting.

4. Slow-Burn Romance Done Right

The romance between Hazel and Cam is a delicious slow-burn filled with tension, humor, and emotional growth. Their journey from reluctant partners to something much deeper is both believable and satisfying.

5. Themes of Healing and Reinvention

At its heart, Story of My Life is about finding your place, rebuilding after failure, and learning to trust again. Hazel’s journey is a touching exploration of self-discovery and second chances.

Book Details

Title: Story of My Life
Author: Lucy Score
Series: Story Lake (Book 1)
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance
Setting: Small town – Story Lake, Pennsylvania
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Fake Dating, Small Town, Found Family
Length: Full-length novel
Release Date: 2024
Perfect for fans of: Emily Henry, Katherine Center, Sophie Kinsella, Abby Jimenez

Final Thoughts: Should You Read Story of My Life?

Absolutely! Whether you’re a longtime fan of Lucy Score or new to her work, Story of My Life is a delightful escape filled with humor, heart, and hope. It’s a story that celebrates the messiness of life, the magic of new beginnings, and the kind of love that takes you by surprise.

Hazel’s journey will make you laugh, cry, and believe in second chances. With memorable characters, emotional depth, and a beautifully written romance, this book earns its spot on your bookshelf and your heart.

Story of My Life by Lucy Score Quotes

**Inspirational Quotes from Story of My Life by Lucy Score**

On Determination and Self-Worth

“Decide what you want. Be relentless in your pursuit of it. Because no one in this world is going to hand you what you want, no matter how much they love you or how well they know you.”
“People’s opinions of me are none of my business.”

On Pain, Healing, and Acceptance

“The worst thing that ever happened to you is still the worst thing that ever happened to you. You don’t have to feel guilty that something even worse didn’t happen. That’s really f***in’ stupid.”
“We’re going to have the bad. It’s guaranteed. And the only way to survive it is to hold on to as much of the good as possible.”

On Romance, Escapism & Real-Life Heroines

“We read rom-coms to escape the depressing reality of the state of our love lives. We don’t need realistic.”
“You are a real-life heroine. My heroine.”
“I did love a plucky, down-on-her-luck heroine. I just didn’t feel like one.”
“I’m seeing the heroine of her own story. Sure, you’re at rock bottom right now. But that just means you’re one chapter away from pluckily pulling yourself up. You can do this, Haze. You’re primed for a comeback.”

️ On Time and Regret

“It was a shame the universe didn’t tell you when you were in the middle of the best years of your life.”

On Humor and Small-Town Quirks

“She’s terrified of fish and birds. This is like a horror movie made just for her.”
“Not gonna lie, I was kind of surprised to find out the books she curled up with every weekend had so much dick in them.”
“Well, I do like to write the dick,” I said awkwardly. “I really needed to work on my small talk.”
“All happily ever afters start at Wawa.”
“You’re wearing a bathrobe with marinara stains on it in a dark, dirty apartment and drinking screw-top wine out of a vase.”

❤️ On Love, Commitment & Vulnerability

“I want you to have everything you want. I wanna be the one who champions you, who inspires you, who protects you. I wanna be the one at your side for all the bad news and the good.”
“I want a life with you. I want a home with you. I want to fill that life and that home with the people and things we both love.”
“Like monster grills?”
“Like perfectly reasonable grills and annoying relatives and more books and pets, maybe kids.”
“Whoa.”
“Yeah. Well, I don’t want to be the only one freaking out here.”
“A woman who could see through your bullshit was a blessing and a curse.”

On Hazel & Cam (That Chemistry Though)

“I wasn’t ready for Campbell Bishop. I couldn’t handle Campbell Bishop. But part of me was really enthusiastic about trying.”
“He’s grumpy,” Zoey observed.
“Yes, yes, he is,” Hazel said with a look of delight.
“Hazel Hart made it impossible not to like her. Believe me, I’d tried.”
“Trust me, if anyone can make sewage sexy, it’s Hazel Hart.”
“Did he just growl again?” she asked.
Hazel’s smile was smug. “Yep.”
“Suddenly, I had all three brothers lined up, forming an impenetrable wall of muscle and crossed arms.”

‍About the Author: Lucy Score

Story of My Life by Lucy Score Book Summary — Author’s image source: goodreads.com

Lucy Score is a #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author known for her funny, heartfelt contemporary romance novels. She grew up in Pennsylvania, fell in love with writing at an early age, and started her career as a journalist before becoming a full-time author.

Her books often feature strong heroines, charming small towns, and swoon-worthy romance. Popular titles include Things We Never Got Over and Story of My Life. Lucy lives in Pennsylvania with her husband (aka “Mr. Lucy”) and their cat Cleo, running a family-owned publishing company, That’s What She Said Publishing, Inc.