Cover of Landline by Rainbow Rowell
Contemporary

Landline

by Rainbow Rowell

2021 · 320 pages

TV writer Georgie McCool stays in Los Angeles for work over Christmas while her husband Neal takes the kids to Omaha. She discovers an old landline that lets her talk to Neal in the past. A clever romance about a marriage.

Established CoupleSecond Chance
Editor ReviewedAI-AssistedRomance Profile Available
Your rating:

About This Book

Landline is a contemporary romance novel by Rainbow Rowell, first published in 2021 by St. Martin's Press. It runs 320 pages. Readers can expect established couple, second chance.

At a glance

Genre
Contemporary
Trope
Established Couple
Published
2021
Length
320 pages

Where to read or listen

Get Landline by Rainbow Rowell

These store links are affiliate links (Amazon, Audible, Bookshop.org and Libro.fm). As an Amazon Associate, Eikna earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Should I read this?

Why You May Love This Book

You may love this if…

  • When TV writer Georgie McCool stays in LA for work, she discovers a magic landline that allows her to communicate with her husband in the past.
  • Readers of contemporary relationship-focused fiction
  • Fans of magical realism in romance
  • Features Second Chance
  • Unique magical realism premise
Romance Profile

The Romance

Tropes, dynamics, and the chemistry that drives this story.

Relationship Dynamics

Long-distanceMarital strain

Details

Type: Contemporary Romance

Pairing: unknown

Power balance: unknown

Relationship TensionVery strong (75 out of 100)
Emotional Experience

How It Feels

The emotional landscape you'll move through while reading.

Moderate angst.

AngstStrong (50 out of 100)
Pacing: unknown
Heat & Explicitness

Heat Level

Based on available metadata and editorial review.

Explicitness: unknown
Heat information is based on available metadata and editorial review. Reader sensitivities vary.
Reader Fit

Who Is This Book For?

Best for

Readers of contemporary relationship-focused fictionFans of magical realism in romance

Recommended audience: Adult

Content Guidance

Content Guidance

Story & Themes

The Story

Spoiler-Free Synopsis

Georgie McCool is a TV writer who remains in Los Angeles for work during the Christmas holidays while her husband, Neal, takes their children to visit family in Omaha. During this separation, Georgie discovers an old landline that connects her to Neal in the past, offering a surreal opportunity to revisit their relationship.

Central Conflict

The strain on Georgie and Neal's marriage during a long-distance separation, compounded by the time-travel element of the landline.

Setting

Los Angeles and Omaha during the Christmas season.

Strengths

  • Unique magical realism premise
  • Focused exploration of long-term marriage
Book Club

Discussion Guide

Questions to deepen your reading experience or spark a book club conversation.

  1. 1

    How does the central conflict shape the relationship between the main characters?

  2. 2

    How does the setting influence the characters' decisions and their relationship?

  3. 3

    How do the relationship dynamics evolve throughout the story?

  4. 4

    Who would you most want to recommend this book to?

  5. 5

    How did the pacing affect your reading experience?

  6. 6

    Which aspect of the story did you find most compelling?

Questions are generated from approved book intelligence and may not reflect every reader's experience.
Trust & Transparency

How This Profile Was Created

Eikna uses book metadata and AI-assisted analysis to create structured romance profiles. Public profiles are reviewed and approved by an editor before publication.

Editor reviewed:
Yes
Last reviewed:
October 13, 2026
Confidence:
Moderate confidence
Profile version:
eikna-public-book-intelligence-v1
Meet the writer

About the Author

RR

Rainbow Rowell

Reader Reviews

What Readers Say

No reviews yet

Be the first to share what you thought of this book.

Publication Details

Publisher
St. Martin's Press
Published
2021
Length
320 pages
Language
English
ISBN-13
9781250828422

Landline: quick answers

Who wrote Landline?
Landline was written by Rainbow Rowell.
When was Landline published?
Landline was first published in 2021 by St. Martin's Press.
What genre is Landline?
Landline is a contemporary romance novel, with established couple, second chance.
How many pages is Landline?
Landline is 320 pages long.

Are you the author? Verify your author profile to manage this book.

This is my book — sign in

Where to read or listen

Get Landline by Rainbow Rowell

These store links are affiliate links (Amazon, Audible, Bookshop.org and Libro.fm). As an Amazon Associate, Eikna earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Want more books like this?

Let Lyra help you discover lesbian romance books that match your exact mood, favorite tropes, and reading style.