Emily Henry really said, ‘Here, cry and laugh at the same time’
Aspiring writer Alice Scott and renowned journalist Hayden Anderson find themselves on Emily Henry really said, ‘Here, cry and laugh at the same time’
Aspiring writer Alice Scott and renowned journalist Hayden Anderson find themselves on Little Crescent Island, both determined to secure the chance to write the life story of the mysterious Margaret Ives. Once a notorious socialite and heir to a scandal-ridden family, Margaret has been out of the public eye for years. Now in her eighties, she finally agrees to share her story—but only with the writer who proves themselves worthy after a month-long trial.
This book takes a different turn from Emily Henry’s usual romance novels, and I think that might catch some readers off guard. While there’s still romance, a big part of the story is Margaret’s— the woman Alice and Hayden are competing to write about. Her tale unfolds like a classic family saga, giving major Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes, which I wasn’t mad about.
I can see how the shift in focus might surprise some readers, but my advice? Embrace it. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about diving into Margaret’s complicated family history, but once I got invested, it truly paid off. Her story becomes compelling, adding depth to the novel and making the reading experience even richer.
“Neither of us can afford to be pulling punches here. If either of us doesn’t give this our all, we’ll regret it. And then we’ll resent each other for it. And I don’t know if I can handle being the one person on the planet Alice Scott doesn’t like.” “Oh, I’m sure you could,” I tell him.
Of course, Alice and Hayden’s dynamic delivered everything I love about Emily Henry—fun, cute, and filled with moments that had me giggling. Their connection was beautiful, and their deep conversations added so much heart.
“Nothing else is going to matter to me more than that. Not at the end of my life. Not even now. Nothing will matter more than who I spent my time with, and I want it to be you.”
Great Big Beautiful Life had it all—romance, humor, a bit of mystery, and yes, it made me sob. But more than anything, it left me thinking about cherishing the time we have with the people we love.
Now, back to waiting (im)patiently for my next Emily Henry fix.
thank you to Penguin Random House UK for the E-Arc...more
So i was told this was You Deserve Other but make it ✨regency✨…And it kind of was.
For the most part i enjoyed it, it was funny and entertaining and diSo i was told this was You Deserve Other but make it ✨regency✨…And it kind of was.
For the most part i enjoyed it, it was funny and entertaining and did what it needed to do.
However the writing felt so modern it kind of took me out of the story. I also wasnt very invested in violet and james, so it got annoying the longer their conflict carried on.
I like how things were resolved and i might just pick up the next book ...more
I’d do anything to go back to that happy place, outside of time, where nothing from real life can touch us.
Harriet and Wyn were a perfect couple - bu
I’d do anything to go back to that happy place, outside of time, where nothing from real life can touch us.
Harriet and Wyn were a perfect couple - but five months ago they broke up and told none of their friends about it.
That's why Harriet finds herself bunking with Wyn in the bedroom at the cottage they've been going to with their besties every year for the past ten years. For one glorious week, they ditch their real lives, and soak up the salty air with their favorite people.
However, this year, Harriet and Wyn are telling a big old lie. The cottage is up for sale, so this is their last hurrah. They can't bear to break their friends' hearts, so they'll just pretend like everything's all good for one more week.
It's a perfect plan - if they can pretend to still be head-over-heels in love with each other in front of their closest friends.
“No,” he says quietly. “In every universe, it's you for me. Even if it's not me for you.”
It doesn't feel like reading when i open up an Emily Henry book. The characters are living and breathing. They feel so real. I find myself lost in their lives, feeling their emotions and experiencing their struggles alongside them. One of the things that makes EH's writing so compelling is her ability to delve deeply into the psyches of her characters, making them feel like fully formed individuals with complex inner lives.
In this book the chapters alternate between the present and their relationship over the years, from the moment Harriet and Wyn met, fell in love, and their eventual break-up. The past chapters (aka Happy Place chapters) were so full of joy and love and it was adorable af watching them fall for each other - but it also made reading the present chapters (aka Real Life chapters) so much harder to read after knowing how MUCh they loved each other.
Another thing i absolutely love that Emily Henry is so good at is how she skillfully incorporates popular tropes into her scenes without making them feel forced or cringey.
Harriet and Wyn are everything. i don’t remember loving a book ship as much as i love these two. They might just be my fav EH couple. The side characters were also funny and loveable and not boring to read about, i was invested in the friendships in the book as much as the romance.
My emotions are still reeling and I have no idea how I am going to pick up another book after HP.
I could go on and on about this book but all I’m gonna say is that you need to read this!! Preorder and save the date. You wont be the same after Happy Place!
Thanks to Penguin for sending me an e-arc for review...more
Colton and Gretchen had great chemistry, and their banter was so enjoyable. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamicThis might be my favorite book in the series.
Colton and Gretchen had great chemistry, and their banter was so enjoyable. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was a winner, and I adored them to bits.
It was fun to see the bros again! I love how they are always there for each other and how they hold Colton accountable and call out his mistakes. Also they’re just so darn hilarious!
The lessons of romance novels had taught them all how to be better men, better partners, and better friends to one another.
Gretchen's family is frustrating, but the author did a good job of showing the weird dynamic that moms sometimes have with their sons where they pretend to be blind to their flaws.
Honestly, I think this might be my favorite book by this author. It had the perfect mix of humor, heart, and romance.
“There is a long history, in the U.S. and elsewhere, of removing children as a means of political control.”
I think the concept was good, but Ng's “There is a long history, in the U.S. and elsewhere, of removing children as a means of political control.”
I think the concept was good, but Ng's writing style didn't work well in this context, especially in Part 2.
In my opinion, the author's storytelling approach wasn't enjoyable, although the concept was good. It was poorly executed. Don't get me wrong, I loved Little Fires Everywhere, where the author's writing style shone, but this book just didn't do it for me. ___ My review: little fires everywhere by Celeste Ng...more
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