A review by rainbowofcrazy
Beach Read by Emily Henry

emotional funny 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

3.5

 I think one of the things I love the most about Emily Henry's writing is the way she writes her characters. They always feel like fleshed out, real people, and it's always so easy to fall in love with them and to root for them the whole way through. I loved learning more about January and her family, why she became a writer, and what made her tick. 

I admit that I didn't love the main plot line of this book with the book challenge. January and Gus obviously needed a reason to spend so much time together, but the set-up of it all didn't feel so believable for me, and some of the dialogue didn't really work for me either. (But hey, I ain't a writer. I know nothing about the writing kind of mindset.) But once I got past the set-up, it was fairly smooth sailing. 

I've read Book Lovers, and Funny Story. This is my third Emily Henry book.. and this was my least favourite. Which isn't reeeally a bad thing. It was far from bad, but it wasn't as strong as the other two. I think I just have a special spot in my book loving heart for the others and this one just lacks a little something. Beach Read just didn't quite satisfy me as much as the others did, and it won't be quite as memorable, but it was still an enjoyable read. I'm a big Julian Whelan fan and her narration works so well with Emiliy Henry's books. Looking forward to more. 
 

My biggest complaint with this book is that the characters BARELY spent any time on the ACTUAL BEACH! PSHA!! I wanted to read about the warm sun overhead and the sand under your toes and maybe in other places because it's a romance and all!! 

I KID, OF COURSE. 

(Mostly.)