This book broke me down, built me back up, and then toppled me over again. The ache I felt reading about these characters and the downfall of their relationship was so raw.
These characters were so vivid. I connected to each of them and felt myself reflected back in the worst and best ways. The relationships felt so realistic, from the ways that they showed love, to the ways they all got on each others nerves.
Wyn and Harriet's relationship was so authentic, and seeing the way that they ended up falling apart was so heart breaking. Their conversations about their relationship were so real and the ways that they found to reconnect with each other were beautiful.
Safe to say, I'm obsessed with this book and these characters. I can see this being a little more divisive - if you read Emily Henry you're likely already familiar with the fact that her books lean more women's fiction, but this one takes it a step further, so much so that I think the marketing of this book is doing it and it's readers a disservice by only describing it as a romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Emily Henry, and publisher Berkley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

I don't know how Emily Henry does it!!!!! Queen writes 4 books in 4 years that each keep getting better than the last?? I am SO SHOOK by Happy Place, and I already can't wait to reread it again once it is published. HANDS DOWN my favorite of her books that she released for multiple reasons-- Harriet and Wyn, lake setting, and most importantly, the friend group!! This book is definitely different than her previous novels, in what I personally think is a GREAT way. Don't get me wrong, the romance in this book is definitely present and steamy (I want an outdoor shower now), but I would call this more women's/general fiction rather than ~romance~. There is so much emphasis on the characters in this story and on their friendships/relationships to each other versus only centered on the relationship, which I adored. It gave the book nuance and helped me as a reader who generally doesn't like romance novels to dive in further; I felt invested and would have loved to see EVEN MORE of Sabrina and Cleo. Because it is so character-centric though, I am interested in hearing other reviews of it because I think some readers are going to be surprised by this turn. However, Henry's gorgeous writing style is present throughout, and I hope it gets just as much love as her other books because I would LOVE to see her move more in this direction. My only complaint is that I felt like the word "happy" was repeated way too much in the book lol, and I personally wish that Henry would have taken a bit more of a risk with the ending, but I was still satisfied with the conclusion and already anxiously awaiting what she has in store next. Henry is truly one of the best writers of the moment in her genre who can write a contemporary romance that delves deeper than just the smut and relationship into nuanced characters and storylines that readers can genuinely relate to and root for. I don't know how she will top this for me, but I can't wait to see!!

Are Emily Henry books my happy place?? This was lovely! I don’t usually enjoy Second Chance romances, but Emily Henry will get me every time. I loved the back-and-forth with the time periods as well. That’s another thing that I don’t normally like but I like it when she does it. The non-chronological order allowed me to really fall in love with their relationship, and then root for them in the present. I do think that this book takes a minute to get into but then the payoff is very worth it. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

I wanted more from this book. I truly do love Emily Henry but I just don’t think I’m a fan of second-chance romance. Also, there was just miscommunication left and right. I did love the characters but their friendships did feel very surface level to me. I do plan on re-reading to see if my feelings on this book change at all.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝘼 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚 𝙪𝙥 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙨 𝙖𝙜𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙠𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙫𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡.

📍 Read if you like:
• Second Chances
• Found Family
• Friend Groups
• Dual Timelines
• Open Door Romances
• Summer/Beach Reads

When I think of a romance author I’ll always read, I always think of Emily Henry. There’s just something about her romances that make the perfect beach reads. I haven’t found one from her that was as touching as PWMOV, but I just love reading her books.

I definitely want to reread this sometime during the summer to see if my thoughts change. I still have it four stars and enjoyed it, but I think it was a bit too long and just wasn’t the right time for this - still really enjoyed it.

Harriet and Wyn broke up six months ago, and neither their friends nor family knows they’re not together anymore. During their vacation in Maine with their friends, they have to pretend to still be engaged.

I really enjoyed the small-town feel that Maine gave. The dual timeline was also so interesting and had me intrigued with what happened between the two months ago.

I will say I loved these characters, not only the MCs but also the side characters. There was such a strong friendship between these people and I just loved it so much ~ Harriet, Wyn, Chloe, Kim, Sabrina, and Parth ~ this is by far one of my favorite friend groups.

Between the group are multiple romances, however, this book focuses on that of Wyn and Harriet. As I said, I was so interested in both of them. As cliche as it might be… I think I found my happy place with this story.

I’m so hyped for this book to release, I already know I’m going to be seeing it everywhere and readers are going to absolutely love it. Therefore, I hate to say this and make you wait… but you should definitely look forward to this one when it releases!

Unpopular opinion but I wasn’t a fan.

I felt myself skimming some parts just to get through and you’re telling me I read 400 pages just to find out the reason they broke up is because they failed to communicate? Like, I understand couples change through a relationship but to completely dismiss your partner and dump them the way Wyn did to Harriet, ugh. Yes, losing a family member is hard but Wyn just flat out fails to communicate ANY of his feelings to his fiancé, and all she’s trying to do is not lose him while he grieves. Literally, all she did was try to make his life easier and to make him happy but to him it seemed like she no longer cared about him?

I have no words.

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review with my honest opinion.*

I’ve always enjoyed Emily Henry’s books and Happy Place is no exception. As always, the dialogue is incredible, and I literally laughed out loud numerous times over some of the banter between the characters. The main hero and heroine, Wyn and Harriet, are likeable characters. They both have personality flaws they have to face and overcome for the sake of their relationship, and I believe Emily Henry unraveled that layer by layer in a wonderful way that makes you love Wyn and Harriet - flaws and all. The only real problem I had with this book was the drug use amongst the characters. Now, I’m not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but smoking marijuana and tripping on gummies made me think of them more as teenagers than adults, so it was hard to take them and their “life problems” seriously. The drug use feels strange and out of place in an Emily Henry book, and I don’t understand why it was included, but…anyway…I would still recommend it. (The book, I mean. Not the drugs. LOL). I just hope it doesn’t become a regular thing in her future books. (Fingers crossed!)

What a book that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. A book that shines a light on how time changes and so do people. How missed communications can alter relationships. How it's incumbent on people to adapt to these changes or risk losing their loved ones

What an all around heart wrenching and profound book by Emily Henry

Thank you to Emily, the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

Emily Henry has done it again. Though readers of her previous works will once again be charmed by her very real characters with very real joys and heartaches, I think she will also gain new fans who may not typically be drawn to contemporary romance.

Another lovely book by Emily Henry. I appreciate NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of Happy Place. Six friends get together for one last week at their Happy Place, an estate in Maine. They've been coming here since college, As the week passes, the friends realize their lives change, but stay the same - everyone plays their part. We learn about Harriet and Wyn, who were engaged, but have broken up without telling their friends. The story is set from their point of view and alternates between now and the past.

Fans of Emily Henry won't be disappointed by her latest novel. Happy Place delivers stories about friendship, family and romance. Although there is nothing especially new or unique about the plot; the novel is fun, entertaining and sometimes sweet. Would someone make the decision that Sadie did at this point in her career? Maybe. Is it realistic? I'm not sure. But this is cozy and fun fiction - something we can all use! :)

Harriet and Wyn have been broken up for over 5 months. She is finally planning to tell her friends during their annual trip, but is thrown off course when she walks in and Wyn is there. Harriet knows she needs to get through this week without anyone knowing they broke up. Can the two having to pretend all week open their hearts to each other again?

New favorite Emily Henry book alert! I freaking loved this book! I read it in less than 24 hours and only paused my reading to get some sleep. I adored the group of friends and the memories they shared. I also really enjoyed that the story went back and forth from when Wyn and Harriet met, vs where they stand now. I seriously don’t want to say too much, but I could not put this book down and will tell you that Emily Henry blew this one out of the water. So if you haven’t pre-ordered it yet, do it now!

Read if you like
2️⃣ Second chance romance
🫂 Hug in a book
😂 lol worthy banter
🥲 beautiful writing that hits you right in the feels
👯‍♀️ Vacations that get out of the group text

This book quickly flew to the top of my list of Emily Henry books and I’m not mad at it 👏 this was a stunning second chance romance with themes of friendship, growing up, and find your happy and I never wanted it to end.

My thoughts 💭
- I adored Harriet and Wyn… separately and together and I’m happy they were able to find their happy. Their banter was top tier and they put a big smile on my face. But also made me swoon and tear up a bit 🥲
- I loved the entire friend group the dynamics were so fun and supportive but also realistic and makes you think. Kimmy has my heart also
-The setting… immaculate vibes all around tbh I wish I could vacation here but for the rest of my life
- I struggled a bit with the conflicts in PWMOV and Book Lovers but I think she nailed it in this one. It was super believable and real (maybe a little too much bc it had me thinking)

This is truly a beautiful book and I loved every second of it. Excited for the rest of you guys to go to find a piece of your happy place in this book 🫶

This book was an absolute slay and a half!!! Period. I personally really didn't enjoy Beach Read, but then I loved People We Meet on Vacation. So basically, EmHen had been pretty hit or miss for me up to this point. However, this book has solidified her status as a favorite in my opinion.

This vibes were cozy, wholesome, healing, and overall just MAGICAL.

I couldn't put it down, and when I had to, I couldn't stop thinking about it. A++++ infinity.

Overall, this is a fantastic novel about self-growth, friendship, growing up, and grief. I thought it was great and I put it up there with Beach Read and Book Lovers.

First of all… WOW! This book was SO hard to put down, I laughed, I cried, and everything in between. Emily Henry had me captivated from the very start. And I went into this book absolutely clueless! The beginning of the book had me absolutely begging for more information about Wyn and Harriet’s past. Why aren’t they together? Why do they seem to hate one another? “I thought this was a romance!” was yelled at one point. Slowly you learn their story by going between the present and the past. And let me tell you- it hurt. Being able to relate to their relationship and problems that they faced was way too easy. Emily managed to intertwine a completely relatable modern love story with the fact that many face- life changes. And those changes can alter not only yourself, but those around you and the relationships you have. This book showed friendships and a love that had to learn how to grow and change as the characters did. Beautifully written and balanced between completely humorous and serious moments. Emily Henry has written another amazing book that left me content and believing that love is true, and love is you, you, you. #NetGalley #NetGalleyARC #ARC

“And then I met you, and I didn’t feel so lost or aimless. Because even if there was nothing else for me, it felt like loving you was what I was made for.”

Harriet and Wyn. He broke her heart and she hates his guts. Now they have to pretend to still be in love and engaged for a week while on a trip with their best friends.

This book broke my heart but in a good way. It was so emotional and deep! I struggled a little bit in the beginning of the story, but the last few chapters… I simply have no words other than to make sure that you have tissues with you.

✨READ IF YOU LIKE✨:
- dual timelines: past vs present
- forced proximity
- second chance romance
- only one bed
- fake engagement: fiancés pretending to still be together
- close-knit group of friends
- witty banter
- opposites attract
- cozy mysteries & crossword puzzles & pottery
- found family
- cottage in knotts harbor, maine

cw: claustrophobia, death of loved one, grief, family dynamics, mention of parkinson’s, depression

Thank you to @berkleyromance for the free ebook! Happy Place is available on April 25, 2023!

Content warnings: breakup, trust issues

Harriet and Wyn were perfect together until they weren't. They broke up 6 months ago and still haven't told their college best friends about the breakup. Harriet is thrilled when Wyn can't make their friends'/couples' trip to Maine so she won't have to explain. But Wyn shows up. Surprise!

Their relationship is so tied to their friendships with Sabrina, Parth, Kimmy, and Cleo that they are afraid to admit to their friends that their relationship is over. But as they are forced to spend more time together, it becomes unclear why they ended their relationship at all.

The novel gives the entire story of Harriet and Wyn's relationship told in a dual timeline format with their current situation in Maine and starting when they first met in college.

Recommended for fans of Emily Henry.

Representation: lesbian couple

4.5/5 stars
In true Emily Henry fashion, Happy Place is a masterpiece of a romance novel that subverts genre expectations in the best way possible. Harriet and Wynn broke off their engagement 5 months ago, but their best friends don't know that, so they end up stuck together & sharing a room for their yearly vacation in coastal Maine, their happy place. They decide to keep up their ruse for their last hurrah at their friend Sabrina's family vacation home which is about to be sold, but things inevitably get tricky. This is as much of a romance as it is a love story between a group of friends. The love between all of the characters is palpable, and all of their relationships are so well developed. I think that this is Emily Henry's most beautifully written book. The story is hopeful, sometimes melancholy, and the prose is just stunning. I'm usually not a huge fan of second chance romances, but this was executed SO well. The love between Harriet and Wyn is obvious throughout the story. Grief coupled with Harriet's people pleasing tendencies and Wyn's low self esteem drive the couple apart, but forced proximity and lots of meaningful self-reflection bring them back together. The emotional journey they go through as individuals to find each other again is really beautiful.

I loved this novel, Emily Henry doesn't miss. It's so well written, it makes you feel like you are a part of the story. The Found Family trope can be a difficult one to master and Henry does it. I would recommend this novel to any romance lover.