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A review by mhinnen
Funny Story by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Smart, delightful rom-com by Emily Henry and one of the best narrations by Julia Whelan I've heard so far ("she does all the voices" wink).
When Daphne loses her fiance (Peter) to his childhood friend (Petra), she also loses her home, extended family, friends (because they were his friends), and even her best friend (whose boyfriend is her now ex-fiance's friend). She ends up moving in with Miles who is Petra's now ex-boyfriend. As their friendship develops and they begin getting over their awful exes, Daphne begins building a life and a community of her own. She dreams, has choices, and recognizes her own agency to direct her life.
I really loved her growth and self-awareness. There is a sense of accountability, forgiveness (that doesn't require reconciliation), and boundaries. Even when she messes up, she learns from her mistakes.
I would have liked to "meet" Miles' parents. Also, people, take the responsibility of raising children seriously! The impact of toxic parenting is real and I appreciated that this novel shows both the healthy and damaging approaches to raising children and relating to adult children.
I smiled but didn't laugh and parts tugged at my heart but I never cried. Mile's character bordered on being a little much on the dreamy side. Overall, I enjoyed the character development of the people who become part of Daphne's chosen community.
This is a great beach or vacation read or even if you are just looking for something light to read a few chapters before bed. I listened to the audiobook in the car (some parts are a bit steamy so be aware of who is in the car with you). Falls clearly in the "chick lit" category but has depth and 21st-century sensibility.
I read "People we Meet on vacation" a few years ago and now headed to Libby to add a couple of others to my summer reading list.
When Daphne loses her fiance (Peter) to his childhood friend (Petra), she also loses her home, extended family, friends (because they were his friends), and even her best friend (whose boyfriend is her now ex-fiance's friend). She ends up moving in with Miles who is Petra's now ex-boyfriend. As their friendship develops and they begin getting over their awful exes, Daphne begins building a life and a community of her own. She dreams, has choices, and recognizes her own agency to direct her life.
I really loved her growth and self-awareness. There is a sense of accountability, forgiveness (that doesn't require reconciliation), and boundaries. Even when she messes up, she learns from her mistakes.
I would have liked to "meet" Miles' parents. Also, people, take the responsibility of raising children seriously! The impact of toxic parenting is real and I appreciated that this novel shows both the healthy and damaging approaches to raising children and relating to adult children.
I smiled but didn't laugh and parts tugged at my heart but I never cried. Mile's character bordered on being a little much on the dreamy side. Overall, I enjoyed the character development of the people who become part of Daphne's chosen community.
This is a great beach or vacation read or even if you are just looking for something light to read a few chapters before bed. I listened to the audiobook in the car (some parts are a bit steamy so be aware of who is in the car with you). Falls clearly in the "chick lit" category but has depth and 21st-century sensibility.
I read "People we Meet on vacation" a few years ago and now headed to Libby to add a couple of others to my summer reading list.