Reviews

Strandläsning by Emily Henry

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ulaa16's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Very sweet, light read.

juliebeevs_reads's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I liked this, and it was possibly more well crafted than You and Me on Vacation, which is the other book of Emily Henry’s that I’ve read. I did start to lose a little interest halfway through even though January and Gus’ relationship was compelling to read about. And the cast of characters themselves, whilst loveable, were not especially memorable. Overall, a quick read that allows for a lot of reflecting on moments in life.

sandra_castillo's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

rebeccatan's review against another edition

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5.0

‘My Happily Ever After was a strand of strung-together happy-for-nows’

As soon as I finished this book I wanted to flip back to the beginning and start again, I just don’t want it to end! I’m a sucker for an enemies-friends-lovers journey, plus throwing in a grumpy-sunshine has me already won over. I loved the way that the characters were realistically complicated, and I quickly fell in love with them and all of their flaws. The witty sarcasm between January and Augustus was written incredibly, they were funny, brutal, honest, and it just felt so real to me. The moments where they were awkward and feeling like teenagers again when they were together just made me grin ear to ear as if I too were a teenager again. I laughed, I squealed, I kicked my feet, I cried.

If I were to change anything about this book I would make it longer. Up until the second last chapter I was completely in tune with the pacing of the book and where the story was headed, expecting that it would wrap up quickly from its ‘happy-for-now’ since I could see I was running out of pages. The final chapter to me felt as if we were rushing to tie up all the loose ends.

Spoiler

I loved that we got to read about January experiencing January in North Bear Shore, however it felt too quick. I really wanted to BE in that moment with them like I had during all of their other big moments. However it felt like we were just rushing to it in order to check it off the list. As for the house selling/moving, and the book selling. It all just felt like way too many things forced into one quick time skip chapter.

I really wanted to have all of those moments, just not so fast, at least a few more chapters where these events could unfold a little slower.

I loved this book, and the only thing stopping me from putting it in my 6 star category is that I wanted more from that ending. I still think this is one of the best romance books I’ve ever read though and I feel like I’m in love with both Janie and Gus right now. I’m scared to start another book as I just don’t want to leave these characters behind yet.
* Edit to add: I first read this as a borrowed copy from my sister. Since finishing it I immediately went to the bookstore and bought my own copy, which I have already started re-reading and annotating. I've officially hopped on the Emily Henry train.

AGE: Adult Fiction
GENRE: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Chick Lit,
DETAILS: 400 pages, Paperback

s_vg's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

josephinee's review against another edition

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3.0

the rivals to lovers aspect was kinda boring, i have mixed feelings abt the ml the way he handled things was so annoying. to the end i didn't rlly care for the couple bc the ml rlly ruined it for me but it the romance was kinda cute?????