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*

I loved Beach Read by Emily Henry so I was really looking forward to this one! Much like Beach Read, there was more to this book than the average romance. She really knows how to bring a character to life, flaws & all. I recommend it!

Loved this book. I loved the chemistry and the history of the characters. There were so many great laugh out loud moments. I couldn't put this book down.

I adored Emily Henry's Beach Read, but this book is even better! What's so incredible about Emily's writing is how deceptively simple it is. The premise of a travel journalist concocting a trip to reconnect with her male best friend is not super original. But what Emily excels at brilliantly is creating characters who feel so lived in and real. Alex and Poppy feel like people you know so well, so that by the point they get together, you're on the edge of your seat waiting for it!

Also loved the WHEN HARRY MET SALLY of it all! It goes back and forth between showing you the buildup of our friendship and their present day trip and Poppy's speech to Alex at the end made me legitimately cry!

More books like this PLEASE!

I was laughing and hurting at the same time. It’s so real and raw. Emily Henry always has me crying so hard by the end. I loved everything about this story. The friends to lovers trope, the pining, the only one bed situation, the traveling, the opposites attract, the sexual tension, the SMUT! I loved Poppy’s wild, confident personality I’m complement to Alex’s anxious, controlled one. The dialogue was AMAZING. They brought out sides to each other that was so healing. The writing truly makes you believe they were made for each other.

I wish there was a bigger reason they stopped talking- like a fight after what happened or something. I wanted it to be more convincing that they would go that long without speaking. I also wish the epilogue showed us further in the future how they ended up. Plus if it was 2 POV’s it would’ve been even better. There was times where Poppy’s inner monologues got repetitive and long which could’ve been replaced by his POV every once in awhile.

Overall, I’m obsessed to say the least...

The People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry

The People We Meet On Vacation surrounds decade long best friends Poppy and Alex. These two are polar opposites, yet they’ve maintained a deep bond, reuniting every summer for their annual trip. Two years ago, their friendship was ruined and they haven’t spoken since. Poppy is determined to fix everything with one more vacation.

Okay, I don’t say this often, but this is one of the best books I’ve read in a LONG time. IT SPEAKS TO ME!! (If you know, you know).

🌎First, I’m a sucker for interwoven flashbacks and multi timeline. The flashbacks to vacations past not only allowed for masterful character development and rich history building, but it added the perfect amount of suspense. I was screaming WHAT HAPPENED WITH YALL throughout.

🌎Emily Henry has developed characters with ocean depth. Not only do Poppy and Alex jump off the page as real people, but so do the minor characters. I am truly obsessed with their journey. Their relationship is the most delicious slowwww burn. The pining. The yearning. The only one bed. AH.

🌎The dialogue is A ++

🌎Poppy’s journey struggling with finding true happiness at 30 seriously hit hard. As someone turning 30 TOMORROW- I felt very seen and called out and I know so many others will. 😅

🌎Covering nearly 10 vacations in one book is no small feat. Somehow, each destination had a life of its own with the music, food, and of course, the people along the way. Each vacation transported me out of COVID times and it was a truly magical experience.

🌎As with Beach Read, this one is just beautifully written. It is on the lighter side, with more bits of humour throughout, but no less depth.

My only complaint is that it’s over and I want more. As you can probably tell, I have a massive book hangover. This one is going to stay with me for a long time and I will scream about it forever and ever. It will go down as one of my all time favourites 💓

A massive thank you to Emily, Berkley and Netgalley for access to this ARC.

Beach Read was a book I hand sold all last summer, so I was ecstatic to get an ARC from NetGalley of Emily Henry’s latest. Once again she has elevated a romcom to something with more depth with her witty dialogue and emotional breadth of her characters. Poppy and Alex meet freshman year at college and they become friends over the course of years even though they are very different people. They work hard to maintain the friend zone as they don’t want to lose each other. They start traveling together during the summer even whilst dating other people and have great/horrible/hysterical vacations. Their efforts to maintain their friendship even though they clearly both want more are endearing and funny.
Poppy and Alex reminded me of Harry and Sally even before I read the afterword . I enjoyed the tip of the hat to the movie and Nora Ephron.

Alex and Poppy are two people who are complete opposites, but have somehow become really good friends. On their last vacation together, they get into an argument that causes them to seek space from one another. When Poppy needs a vacation from her job and life, she immediately asks Alex is he'd join her, and he does, even after not talking to one another for a year. I couldn't imagine going on vacation with someone I hadn't spoken to in a year, I'd definitely feel awkward.

This book is everything you want to read in the summertime. This is one of the first books in a long time where I finished a book and immediately wanted to reread it. (honestly I may pick it up again next time I'm in a slump) Emily does a phenomenal job creating this beautiful chemistry between Alex and Poppy. It was funny, witty, and just really enjoyable to read. I loved all the vacations, I loved all the fun conversations between Alex and Poppy, and I loved how she wrote this in a way that switches from past tense to present every few chapters, and I loved the friendship.

5 +

This is the second book I've read by Emily Henry and was blown away again. Her titles are misnomers: the first was not a Beach Read and this one is not about People We Meet on Vacation, but about people who vacation with us. It must be part of her carefully laid plan to surprise you.

Poppy and Alex have been the best of friend for ten years, even though they are completely different people who like totally different things. Going on vacations together once a year during Alex's summer vacation is the highlight of each other's year. Until two years in Croatia when something happened between them.

I really liked the format of alternating a chapter in the present with a chapter in the past, starting ten years ago when they met, getting closer and closer to the now.

The writing is fantastic, the characters are perfect in their imperfectness, and I literally could not put the book down and read straight until the very wee hours.

Wholeheartedly recommend.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I think I want to give million hugs to author right now! I fell so hard for her latest book Beach Read which is still my favorite romance book of last year!

I thought nothing she may write could be better than this lyrical/ dreamy/ feel good- tear jerker love story . But after reading this freaking heartbreaking amazing book I’m taking all back: this book is the best thing I’ve read for so long! And I can honestly say this is is going to be not this year’s best romance read for me but it also will take its space at my all time favorite and at least three times must read list! It’s freaking good!

It is unbelievably amazing mash up of When Harry Met Sally- Love, Rosie- One Day with combinations of 90’s best Meg Ryan romcoms vibes!

The couple’s first meeting and their road trip is truly inspired by When Harry Met Sally as the author mentioned at the end of the book but their 12 hilarious, inspirational, adventurous, exciting trips and the way of storytelling makes you gather the clues to find the missing matches to complete the puzzle to understand their 12 years long friendship zone relationship is outstandingly smart.

Poppy and Alex were so so real, so powerful, so genuine! I feel like I have been knowing them for a long time. They’re polar opposites, wanting different things from life. As Poppy hates Linfield and khakis, those two things are Alex’s favorite things. As Poppy is vivid, energetic, hyperactive, adventurer, risk taker, Alex is more serene, picky, bookish, calm, controlling. Poppy never wants to settle down, desiring to experience different things from the life as Alex sticks to his routine, living at the same neighborhood, dreaming of being a happy family man.

But could wanting to different things from life stop them to yearn for each other?

Two years ago something happened in their Croatia trip. Now Poppy misses her friend like crazy, she’s not happy with her life and she cannot concentrate on her job! She decides to dodge a bullet, asking her best friend for one last trip to Palm Springs to fix their relationship. What could go wrong when you’re having an adventurous holiday with your favorite person?
Right!???

I don’t want to give any spoilers but I can only say one thing. There’s a part at the last third: Poppy gives a powerful and bold speech at the bar: the speech made me cried for at least three hours! My husband finally lost control and put duct tapes to my mouth to make me shut up. I think I’m also suffering from dried eye syndrome. I may have dropped at least five gallons of tears and I think I’m out of tears for a long time! But that emotional speech and entire book made my entire year!

I LOVED IT SO MUCH! I LOVED IT SO MUCH! I LOVED IT SO MUCH! I LOVED IT SO MUCH! I LOVED IT SO MUCH!

Okay, I’m stopping right now! I’m giving five gazillion stars to this amazing book and I’m specifically giving the last third: entire galaxy!

I’m million times thankful to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this fantastic reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.