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A review by sarahrob
Happy Place by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
4.75
I really liked this one. I think I can comfortably say this is my favourite Emily Henry to date. It was exactly the book I needed, a light but sweet palate cleanser, if you will.
I found Harry and Wyn’s relationship to be both sweet and steamy. Like most romance novels I found myself silently screaming “JUST HAVE A CONVERSATION ALREADY!!!” but, I feel like that was actually the point here.
I enjoyed how much ground this book covered, from mental health, to shifting female friendships to finding joy outside of our “jobs” it felt much more well rounded than some of her other books where the ensemble felt forgettable. I loved the unlikely friendship of the three women and how they bring their partners into the fold to form a chosen family. It made me long for this type of closeness with my university friends.
Each character, (with maybe the exception of Parth) felt full and real. With their own complexities and desires. I loved the thread about how our family life growing up had an impact on how we perceive “family” in our future, and how different that was for each character depending of their past.
I also enjoyed the lack of conflict in the love story… there never was a big mistake, or a real fight… just Harriet and Wyn learning how to love themselves in order to be their best versions to and for one another. That felt like true love to me, not the silly fights that make up the final act of most contemporary romance books.
All in all a super enjoyable read. It was full of laughs, sweet moments, a sliver of steam and just enough hefty topics such as depression, grief, and regret to round it out and keep it from feeling like just more fluff.
I found Harry and Wyn’s relationship to be both sweet and steamy. Like most romance novels I found myself silently screaming “JUST HAVE A CONVERSATION ALREADY!!!” but, I feel like that was actually the point here.
I enjoyed how much ground this book covered, from mental health, to shifting female friendships to finding joy outside of our “jobs” it felt much more well rounded than some of her other books where the ensemble felt forgettable. I loved the unlikely friendship of the three women and how they bring their partners into the fold to form a chosen family. It made me long for this type of closeness with my university friends.
Each character, (with maybe the exception of Parth) felt full and real. With their own complexities and desires. I loved the thread about how our family life growing up had an impact on how we perceive “family” in our future, and how different that was for each character depending of their past.
I also enjoyed the lack of conflict in the love story… there never was a big mistake, or a real fight… just Harriet and Wyn learning how to love themselves in order to be their best versions to and for one another. That felt like true love to me, not the silly fights that make up the final act of most contemporary romance books.
All in all a super enjoyable read. It was full of laughs, sweet moments, a sliver of steam and just enough hefty topics such as depression, grief, and regret to round it out and keep it from feeling like just more fluff.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Mental illness