Beach Read was one of my FAVORITE books last year, I devoured it and loved it oh so much. Since reading it I’ve been impatiently anticipating People We Meet on Vacation. Usually when I get an anticipated ARC I try to wait until closer to pub date to start it, but I couldn’t with this one. I loved everything about this book! Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and this story is perfection.

Poppy and Alex are long time friends, since meeting in college over years ago they’ve vowed to spend summer vacation together every year. Until two years ago when one vacation ruined everything and they haven’t seen each other since.

First off, I loved how this was written. Like with Beach Read, the story alternates with present moment and past experiences. There are chapters that tell of previous vacations starting from when Poppy and Alex first met. The story is entirely from Poppy’s POV, which works very well, but like when I was reading Beach Read there are moments I would have loved to see from Alex’s POV. Especially the moments where it’s clear these two have pined for each other equally for YEARS!

Which brings me to the chemistry, holy chemistry Batman. I LOVED the dynamic between Poppy and Alex. There’s something so heartwarming and wonderful about two characters who build a friendship that turns romantic many years later. If you love a story where the characters are very clearly trying not to fall in love with each other, this is it. And yes, there is on the page steam!

For someone who hasn’t traveled in a very long time, reading about their trips was a total delight. I loved that the present day trip was set in Palm Springs during Alex’s brothers wedding. Their families both had such unique and realistic dynamics, I loved the way all the side characters were written. Henry gives such depth to all her characters, no matter how small of a part they play in the story.

I’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy of People We Meet on Vacation when it releases. I love love loved this book! 5 stars.

I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this when it comes out. Everything that Emily Henry writes is gold in my mind and she has become an autobuy author for me!

People We Meet on Vacation is my first Emily Harry book, a real opposites attract romantic fiction. The narrative revolves around Poppy and her estranged best friend, Alex. Poppy is outgoing and witty, while Alex is shy and quiet. The two form a bond in college that they assume is unbreakable, until it breaks. This novel explores how they find one another again through a wiser, more mature lens. Sharp, well executed, with Poppy’s point of view told in both the now of the story and in flashbacks, this will quench any romance reader’s thirst for fiction that rings true.

Perfect for fans of Nora Ephron, "Beach Read" (also by Emily Henry), "Waiting for Tom Hanks" (Kerry Winfrey), and opposites-attract friends-to-lovers romance!

This is a smart, fun, satisfying, character-driven "When Harry Met Sally Met Contemporary Millennial Culture" story. It literally starts with an odd-couple rideshare home from college and spans a full twelve years of evolving best friendship. The writing is a masterclass of rib-cracking banter, smoldering romantic tension, and slow burn intrigue (during which you'll be yelling "What the heck happened on the Croatia trip?!"). With a few rom-com tropes thrown in for good measure! Not haphazardly "thrown in" but provided as a bonus to delight new and experienced romance readers alike. You'll find genre favorites such as "Oh no! Just one bed!" "Oh no! The AC is broken and it's just. so. hot!" and "Oh no! I'm sick/injured and you have to take care of me!"

But beyond all of that, this is book about knowing your heart, finding your home, and discovering the courage to acknowledge them both when they're looking out at you from your best friend's eyes.

My thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC!

I absolutely adored this book. Poppy and Alex are my two latest favorites! Their relationship was something special and I can certainly relate to the sense of wanderlust Poppy inhabited so beautifully. It was a wonderful read and I cannot wait to purchase and recommend to my patrons!

Thank you to Berkley, NetGalley and Emily Henry for the free review copy (further disclaimer: the author & I are represented by the same literary agency)—in no way does any of this influence my opinion; all thoughts are my own!

This book was wonderfully complex, real and three-dimensional. Emily has a gift for writing people whose lives and layers are so deeply, tenderly accessible, and PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION was no exception. PWMOV was funny, perfectly-paced, and achingly good. If you love Normal People or Josh & Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating (yes, these are the most oddly-matched pair of comp titles but like Alex and Poppy, somehow they make sense) then this will speak to you as much as it did to me. Full of soul-searching and millennial what-do-I-do musings, childhood friends to lovers angst, and Emily’s signature banter, this was such a fulfilling read.

Like BEACH READ, PWMOV is to me first and foremost excellent fiction with a beautifully developed romantic through-line. I appreciated releasing the expectation for all the beats of a traditional romance to be hit, and instead simply savoring this book as a journey about journeys, about coming home to yourself and leaning into rather than running from the thrill, the risk, the reward of love—for yourself as much as the one whose heart finds its home in yours.

This book is so much different compared to Beach Read, but it’s so good in its own way! The book itself is a lot lighter and fluffier in the topics it covers, but it is just such an adorable read, that it doesn’t matter! It’s the type of book that makes your heart flutter.

I enjoyed the alternating chapters that alternate between time periods. We get to see the vacations leading up to the one in Croatia that broke Poppy and Alex’s relationship (though it was kind of predictable what happened there). We also get them in the present day, taking another spontaneous vacation to Alex’s brother’s wedding. It’s interesting to see the romantic tension between them and all of the *emotion* that comes with it. Their banter is so fun as well, and I really loved the friends-to-lovers, grumpy & sunshine pairing. No spoilers, but at the end, I wanted to throw my Kindle at Poppy for what she said towards the end, until she came back with a speech that actually made me cry (so I'm all good now haha).

There are some times where the story feels dragged on and tedious with the novel being more character-centric, but most of the times, it didn’t bother me much. I enjoyed the characters enough to not mind just being immersed in their relationship and dynamic.

Overall, I found this to be such a thrilling read, and I’d highly recommend it if you’re a fan of the genre or Beach Read.

Emily Henry is just so talented. I was blown away by People We Meet on Vacation and in fact I couldn't get enough: I read it twice in a two-day period! The timeline hopping makes it impossible to get bored, and each section was perfectly, precisely placed in order to develop a love story that is impressively moving considering how often I cracked up with laughter. This novel is entirely different from Beach Read and I have a feeling that readers won't be able to choose which one is their favorite.

Wow! Loved this book....I loved the structure with the alternating chapters for "this summer" and then previous summers working their way up from 12 years ago. And I loved, loved, loved the characters.

Poppy is a travel writer living the dream, or is she? Alex, a high school teacher, is her best friend. They have a tradition of going on a fabulous vacation every summer, but have been on the outs for the past two years. Poppy has decided that she needs to repair their relationship and so they embark on a seemingly jinxed trip. Though they are best friends, there's always that "5%" chance of something more, according to Poppy. She's the introspective yet daring first-person narrator, so the reader is left in the dark about Alex's true feelings and motivations, relying on Poppy's unreliable perspective. All she knows is that Alex is her best friend, and a prince. He's sweet, kind, sincere, and always, always there for her. A true "cinnamon roll hero," and reader, I swooned.

Emily Henry is an assured, deft writer, with a lovely, lively style. Highly recommended.

Review posted on GoodReads (February 5, 2021)
Review linked below!

3.5/5 stars!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for sending me an E-ARC for an honest review.

I was a HUGE fan of BEACH READ which released last year, so I was super excited to read People We Meet on Vacation when I heard about the book last year.

This book is NOT as good as BEACH READ, but I did still enjoy myself while reading it. I really loved the concept of this book, and I always love a great Friends-To-Lovers trope, but for some reason, the plot and the characters didn't pull me in or make me fall head-over-heels in love like they did when I was reading BEACH READ. I really loved Alex's character, and did connect with Poppy on some aspects, but overall ended up not loving her character. I think what I loved more was watching them fall in love with one another, as well as reading about the entire romance.

Overall, my feelings on this book are mixed. I liked it, but didn't love it. I would recommend it to people if they love adult romance, and I do still like Emily Henry's writing style. I'm interested to see what she will write next.

Thanks for reading!
Caden

I loved this book! I loved the way the author wrote it. We get a story that started 12 years ago and you get the flashbacks that get closer to the present. You get to see the build up of friendship, heartache, and romance.

I adored Poppy’s character and I loved how her and Alex are together. It was the perfect light read I needed and I am already wanting to reread it!

I struggled with this book. I really loved Beach Read and was excited for this one. The constant switching between past and present and the tension between the two characters made it difficult for me to be invested in their relationship. I only got halfway through but I know that it will be right for other readers.

Early contender to make the 2021 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴 & 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴 podium. PUB DATE: 5.11 Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the early copy.

The author's dedication says, "𝘐 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶." She sure did because I absolutely, positively adored this contemporary romance (adjacent) novel. I loved everything about it. As soon as I flipped the last page I went back and started reading it again.

𝗪𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃
* From the structure to word choice, Henry builds the story with snappy dialogue, intention and keen observation.
* Characters were well-developed, genuine and easy to root for.
* Serious 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘔𝘦𝘵 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺- One Day- 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘦 vibes.
* Timeline- a past and present timeline created a sturdy foundation and also helped unfurl the story at an impeccable pace.
* Armchair travel- Let's be honest. Most of us aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Being a +1 with Alex and Poppy was the next best thing.
*The wit and humor paired with heartwarming, realistic elements of a long term friendship.
* The romance is open door but only in one chapter. This totally worked because the pining and build-up was *chef's kiss*
* (Every.little.thing)⁣

I loved Beach Read but I love this book even more. All the stars.

I devoured this book in a mere two days. It transports you around the world, following an unlikely friendship that involves oh-so-much-yearning and an annual Friend Vacation that you'll want to be invited on. Toss in a travel magazine job, NYC and small town vibes, various relationships, THERAPY, and a hot Palm Springs weekend and you have yourself the perfect friends-to-lovers romance. Emily Henry does such a great job at character development--I felt like I was friends with these two and really got to know them, and their relationships with others, so well. No detail was left unturned, and Henry perfected wrapped it up in a bow at the end that left you satisfied.

I think there will always be a special place in my heart for any book written by Emily Henry. That’s not only because she writes some great stories, but because Beach Read pushed me and inspired me to finally write my own ENTIRE book! Beginning, middle, AND end!

But anyway I’ve been patiently waiting to get my hands and eyes on People We Meet on Vacation. What a book! It’s sweet, and romantic, and there is some v nice tension and steam!!

I was smiling 5 pages in (I am not kidding) and smiled even more than I didn’t while reading. I loved Poppy and Alex, their friendship, the teetering and uncertainty of everything left unsaid....that tension...UGH!

I can’t do it justice in this mini review, but please read this book. I read it on a snow day and it was perfect. Also, I’m so sick of crushing on fictional characters. I’m looking at you, Alex!! Sigh.



————-
I am available for reviews of other books my PRH. I posted my review on my instagram stories: @readwjo

‘People We Meet On Vacation’ is a best friends to lovers story with characters Poppy and Alex. I’ve read ‘Beach Read’, which is also by Emily Henry and I didn’t enjoy it. This book is a big improvement and step up, the characters are well rounded, and just overall stronger. It’s a cute and fun read but I didn’t feel any connection to the characters. Mainly because of the flashbacks. I enjoyed seeing their past but I wish it was more focused on the present day problems to really get into the complex relationship and issues that Poppy and Alex were facing. Though, the lack of connection with Poppy and Alex didn’t bother me. I just felt like there was no “Wow!” or standout moment to me. Which isn’t a bad thing, quick and easy reads are good after reading something heavy. Just more of an observation. Overall, it’s a light read and romance readers will definitely enjoy it!

Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC copy of People We Meet On Vacation!

Honestly, this one did not do a lot for me. I really liked Beach Read by the same author so I was exciting coming into this, but this one just didn't grab me the same way. I tried to push through but I just wasn't invested in the characters or the story. I DNF this one after getting about halfway because I just couldn't find the drama or a reason to care about or like the characters.

So the first 2/3rds of this book are magic: funny, engaging, written in a really sparkling way, and paced absolutely beautifully. I loved how Henry alternated between the past and the present, so we could see how Poppy and Alex's relationship grew over time. I thought that was really cool, and although I'm not usually one for friends-to-lovers the development of their relationship felt so organic to me that I couldn't help but be invested and root for them.

But then came the last 1/3rd of the book and...holy ending fatigue, Batman! I get wanting to portray a wholly realistic, messy portrait of two individuals but at a certain point it needs to be recognized that this is a romance and with the ending a foregone conclusion there is no sense in prolonging it. The final few chapters just felt so excessive and full of things that probably could've been realized and stated earlier on in the book.

All this said, it is still a mostly enjoyable read and if you enjoyed Beach Read or are a friends-to-lovers fan then you'll definitely find something to love here.

I am so sad this book is over. A friends to lovers romance that feels like a giant fucking hug. I felt so warm and fuzzy inside throughout this whole book. Emily has written a beautiful story about friendship and love and the scary moments that come when those two intersect. I swooned for Poppy and Alex a little bit more with every page I read. Emily makes you feel ALL THE THINGS the way she wraps you into this story. Not many authors can legit make you feel the same way the characters are feeling and I felt every single emotion. The banter between Poppy and Alex is FUNNY and so full of love. The angst as they come together again and face their truth had me at the edge of my seat. The tension built up with every vacation they take and with every unintentional touch had me YEARNING. Ah sigh, I loved Poppy and Alex and and you’ll fall a little bit more in love with them every summer. These two people who felt so lonely growing up found a home in each other in the most beautiful ways.

BRAVO, Emily. This book was everything!

I have laughed, cried, fallen in love, had my heartbroken, and repaired in the span of only a little over thirty chapters.

This has got to be one of the most well-written romantic comedies to date. Seriously. It’s tied with The Hating Game, which to me, is a big freaking deal.

Emily Henry takes you on this journey following Poppy Wright, a young travel writer, who - in an attempt to remedy her unhappiness - readies herself for just one last trip with Alex, a person whom she considered to be her lifelong best friend. That is, up until two years ago. Until their infamous trip to Croatia, when everything changed. And they haven’t spoken since.

Throughout the story, it alternates between this last-stitch trip and their infamous vacations from the past. When they first meet. That first college road trip. The blooming of their friendship. And much more. All the while, as old wounds are reopened, the reader is forced to ask the same question over and over and over again:

Wtf.happened.in.Croatia?

It is all so beautifully woven together. The chemistry between Poppy and Alex, their banter, the genuine and sincere friendship they share with one another. Even the life lessons in this story hit home for me. I legitimately wept. Like a child. Truthfully, I don’t have enough room in this review to include all of my favorite quotes, lines, and passages from this freaking book. I loved Poppy. I loved Alex.

I loved everything about this.

Huge thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for sending me an ARC copy of this book!

*Full review will be posted on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble on 5/3/21*