Book Review: Happy Place

Mrs P

Jun 3

"No," he says quietly. "In every universe, it's you for me. Even if it's not me for you."

Emily Henry ~ Happy Place

Synopsis

Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college - they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now - for reasons they're still not discussing - they don't.

They broke up six months ago. And still haven't told their best friends.

Which is how they find themselves sharing the largest bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group's yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blue week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.

Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they'll all have together in this place. They can't stand to break their friends' hearts, and so they'll play their parts.

After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week… in front of those who know you best?

Review

This was gorgeous! I don't tend to read a lot of romance books because I find them unrealistic and predictable, but occasionally one comes along which fills my black little heart with joy and hope.

The characters in Happy Place were excellent and I absolutely loved the different couples. Henry writes people so well and not one felt contrived, forced or fake at all. They were all genuine people with their own problems and excellent chemistry. I just wanted to plonk myself into their friendship group and join them for lobster and wine by the pool.

In fact, I enjoyed the friendship dynamics a lot more than the romance, because it just seemed such a lovely concept - sharing a happy place with friends, doing the same thing every time you visit, and then over time, expanding the family you've made with your partners.

Yes it was extremely predictable - and as usual in fiction, it's always super easy for people to give up a high paid job in favour of something they're passionate about with any thought to the repercussions - but it was delightful and I was immersed in the love stories and low key drama that befell the couples. It shows that there's always a good reason to fight for the people that you love, because ultimately that's all that matters.

Highly recommend this fabulous book and I look forward to reading more Henry books (starting with Book Lovers, obviously).