I have a confession, Eden Appiah-Kubi moved to the top of my favorite authors list with her debut novel. As such getting the opportunity to read an arc of Her Own Happiness made my year. As such without spoiling the novel I can only express how healing it is to see plus size women get to be the star of the story. Maya gets to be a fully actualized character that is trying to figure out life without becoming a prop for someone else's story. In addition her best and eventual love interest Ant works as a perfect foil for her. The two characters both understand that sometimes we unintentionally use each other as people and do their best to give each other the space they need to become their best selves outside of romantic relationships.

This is not a very happy story to follow. Don’t worry, because at the start of the book, there’s an author’s note which will help you decide whether to proceed or otherwise.

This book hit too close to home - how the covid pandemic may have brought in more bane than boon - impacting people and our interactions in ways we never could have imagined. On that setting alone, I expected struggles. But these challenges are further given depth and vividness through the personalities of the main leads, Ant and Maya.

It has been a unique, colorful, and intriguing coming-of-age story set during the pandemic. Parts that caught my attention:
1. Two long-time platonic friends, who are set in their gender orientations, navigating an unfamiliar feeling that may develop into a romantic relationship.
2. Maya, having felt adrift from her original plans found comfort in following another person’s path for her.
3. In wallowing in one’s feelings is the inability to recognize another’s.
4. People who may need help are the same people who do not seem to be in need of it and may not ask for it because they may not be fully aware they need help.

The last thought in my mind circles back to this read’s title: Her Own Happiness - it goes back to who you are and how you feel before you are able to connect with the others around you. There are burdens you had to carry and figure out on your own to be able to be present for another person.

The cover of this book is beautiful. The description of this book is enticing.

Maya and Ant are the two main characters who are best friends. They were going through some life changes during the height of Covid and we’re having difficulty navigating this new space they were living at the time.

I definitely was not feeling Maya when she responded to Ants feelings for her. It felt insensitive to me. But I’m happy they were able to reconcile by the end.

Based on the description of this story I thought it was a fun easy read about friends evolving into a relationship, but it was definitely not what I expected. It felt like everything going on in the world was addressed in this story and it felt like a lot.

The writing and grammar is superb . She is great at telling their story. Beautiful work.

This is not my typical type of read and it’s not a quick read. You will definitely take your time.

I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.

I really enjoyed this story about two queer, Black friends in their early 30s trying to figure out life during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the lockdown throws her life into chaos, Maya, a fat, queer, woman decides to move back home to DC and not willing to lose her friendship, her ace friend Ant follows, leaving his homeland of Hawaii for the first time.

This book is set solidly in during the height of the pandemic in 2021 with all the anxieties, Zoom calls, isolation and mental fatigue that came along with that time. It may be too soon for some but others may find solace reading about others who struggled, especially young Black millennials.

Aside from the growing pains of resetting your life in a crazy time, the story also focuses on the the friendship between Maya and Ant as Ant starts to develop more than platonic feelings for Maya and they explore what an allo/ace relationship might look like.

This was my first book by Eden Appiah-Kubi and I'm excited to go and read her debut, The Bennet women next. It was also good on audio narrated by Tamika Katon-Donegal. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

This book boldly embraced the COVID-19 timeline, which has been an extreme rarity in my opinion. It stood out to me tremendously just on that note alone. This was a relaxing comfort read. I wasn’t stressed out over the plot or the characters miscommunications. I felt chill throughout the whole book knowing everything was unfolding at a followable pace. The writing was simple and engaging. The dual POV seemed to me to be equal. One character wasn’t smart and the other foolish, which is a very common issue I seem to come across. The author touched on serious topics like mental health, self discovery, sexuality, and friendships. It was a great story about two characters and their struggles to figure out where they belong, both as their own selves, as well as for each other.

I received this book for free from NetGalley. This review is honest, unbiased, and completely my own.

In Her Own Happiness, Maya Davis is caught unaware as her dream life crumbles around her. Now, heading back to her parents’ house with her bestfriend, Ant, in tow, Maya has to contend with a millennial pivot in the midst of a pandemic. Ant, on the otherhand, has to contend with moving away from home for the first time . . . and his feelings for Maya.

All in all, I truly enjoyed the book. I found both characters to be relatively enjoyable despite the my misgivings. I saw a summary that looked like Friends to Lovers, and I totally skipped over the General Fiction (Adult) tag because Romance was also there. The age gap is a little weird considering that Maya met Ant when he was nineteen and she was twenty-four or twenty-five. However, since they are twenty-five and thirty-one during the events of the novel, this does not become a problem.

I ultimately thought that this novel was pretty good whether you consider it a retelling or not. I appreciated the characters, the plot, and even how Appiah-Kubi decided to handle the romance. I would recommend it especially to the plus-sized, queer black girlies who just like to see themselves as the main character.

So if you like Friends to Lovers, Ace Romance, and the Use of Spicy Tropes in a non-Spicy Romance, then I definitely recommend this to you.

It’s never too late to come of age in this compassionate and refreshing novel about friendship, self-discovery, and moving on by the author of The Bennet Women . Maya Davis is living in paradise until her apartment, her career, and her dreams fall away in a horrible and dramatic fashion. Suddenly she’s packing her life into two suitcases and heading back to her parents’ home in Maryland, scrambling for a plan B. Happy thirty-first birthday, Maya. Right beside her is Ant, Maya’s best friend. While she’s returning home, Ant’s leaving his for the first time. Even though he moved away to start his own adventure, Ant can’t seem to separate himself from Maya—and he’s not sure he wants to. Thinking practically for once, Maya makes her top priority finding a career—or at least a job with health insurance. But when she’s drawn into the orbit of Emme Vivant, the influential girlboss decides Maya has potential. Suddenly there are new contacts, new clothes, and the possibility of a shiny new future that could make this move home worthwhile. But is Maya finally in control of her life, or is she losing it? Just as Ant’s platonic feelings for Maya deepen, his best friend in the world seems to be moving on without him. In this tender and vibrant novel, Maya learns that finding the right path might not matter as much as finding herself—and who’s beside her on the journey.

An absolutely perfect read. I cannot express how much I loved this story. I felt a connection with Maya. I will recommend to others.

Her Own Happiness was a story I have not yet read, in every sense of meaning. Unique, open, touching, and relatable in several aspects, author Eden Appiah-Kubi pulls readers in and has us hanging onto each paragraph.

The first thing I would like to touch on about this book is the pacing. I am notoriously known for not liking slower-paced books, and I will admit, I did find myself bored a few times because of how long particular events were being dragged out for chapters and chapters. However, even though I am personally not a fan of slower-paced books, I can also acknowledge the reason for the pacing not being more moderate or fast. This story is full of self-discovery and coming to terms with finding what is best for you, even if it means distancing from those you love most. Because of that, the pacing needed to be on a slower scale; it fits with the story, and it meshed with the overarching point.

When it came to characterization, I felt that there were strong points and weak points. This book is absolutely more character-centric than plot-focused, which occasionally left me wondering what the underlying themes or points to pick up on were when not explicitly stated through Maya or Ant. I do feel as though there were moments where the main characters sat stagnant; as if we were not making any movement within their development. But for the majority of the book, we were given a very strong set of characters that realized they had faults they needed to work on to better themselves, but also, to better their own personal relationships with the people in their lives.

Her Own Happiness is centered after the initial wave of COVID-19, and it follows through to the landing of the OMICRON variant. This was my first experience with a book set during COVID, and it was a surreal experience to say the least. It was as though we were watching things take place right before our very eyes, especially with the timing and setting of the book being so close to our present day. I enjoyed Appiah-Kubi’s anecdotes on life in a COVID-strained society and the effects it took on the characters—but more so, specifically, Maya.

There were some elements I was still left with questions about after completing my read of the book that I am sorting through my thoughts on. In a few parts of the ending chapters, it was a bit unexpected to see some ends tied up so quickly–it felt the story could have still gone on for another 50-100 pages to better wrap it up (and in thinking of this, many of them were specifically with Ant’s storyline). But at the same time, I kind of enjoyed seeing a story where drawn-out issues are given solutions quickly. It felt a bit like having an angel and a devil warring; neither can win, they both feel right and wrong.

Overall, I did enjoy Her Own Happiness. I feel this story can and will resonate with a lot of people, as it did with me. For that, I give it a starred rating. This was my first read from Eden Appiah-Kubi, and I have determined it will not be my last. I do recommend that readers give this book a chance—its messages and solid truths are waiting.

"Her Own Happiness" by Eden Appiah-Kubi appears to be a compelling and relatable story of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of friendship during life's unexpected twists and turns.

The main character, Maya Davis, starts her journey in paradise but faces a sudden and dramatic setback that forces her to return to her parents' home. This relatable scenario will likely resonate with readers who have experienced unexpected changes in their lives. Maya's determination to find a new career and direction is admirable, and it sets the stage for a relatable and engaging story.

Maya's best friend, Ant, who is on his own adventure, adds depth to the narrative. The complexities of their relationship and the challenges they face individually create an emotionally charged backdrop for the story. The idea that Ant can't seem to separate himself from Maya suggests a deep and enduring connection between them.

The introduction of Emme Vivant and her influence on Maya's life promises an intriguing twist to the plot. Maya's journey of self-discovery and personal growth, as well as her evolving relationships, are central themes that are likely to resonate with readers looking for a heartfelt and relatable story.

Overall, "Her Own Happiness" seems like a novel that explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the unpredictability of life with depth and authenticity. Readers who appreciate stories of resilience and self-discovery are likely to find this book to be an engaging and uplifting read.

This was my first read by this author, and it surely won't be my last. While in the midst of the pandemic, and with everything falling apart because of it, Maya makes the decision to move back to DC with her parents after living in Hawaii for all these years. Anthony, who is Ace and her best friend, decides that he can't be too far from her, so he decides to move back to the mainland as well. The two are tasked with deciding if they want to stay just friends, or if they want to build a relationship upon that friendship.

This was such an emotional and well written story with a cast of characters that are real and will have you all up in your feelings. The story was beautiful, and raw and took me on such an emotional rode that gives a beautiful story of love and friendship.

This is an ARC review and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.This is a wonderful story about finding self acceptance,  friendship and growing older.Our story begins with the MFC Maya whos life is crumbling all around her, she is forced to leave her home in Hawaii and move back home to her parents in Maryland. Maya's best friend Ant (our MMC)has came along to follow his own journey,  but along his journey he starts to catch feelings for Maya and finds himself wondering if they are going in different directions.I will be recommending this book to others for sure!
I want to say thank you to netgalley, Eden Appiah-Kubi, and Montlake  for my ARC to read and review. As always ,please check the TW!


Read this if you like:
- LGBTQIA+ representation

I liked the summary of the book and thought it would be a cool read. Plus I thought the cover was pretty. But from the first chapter I could tell it was a bit too slow paced for me. It was hard to get into the character and I felt like I didn’t get a good grasp of her. I often would feel my attention drift as I read it and had a difficult time finishing it. Just not for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the arc.

I enjoyed the voice, the characters, and the representation in this book. Unfortunately, the plot was too slow for me. The first third of the book felt like exposition. Also, things happen TO the characters rather than the characters taking action to MAKE things happen, so the plot felt largely passive. DNF around 50%.

📖Her Own Hapiness by: Eden Appiah-Kubi | 📅 Pub Day: OUT TODAY!

All I can say is this book was simply beautiful! At first, I was afraid that I wasn’t going to enjoy it very much because I does take place during the thick of pandemy times. But I was pleasantly surprised that overarching theme of of the book was actually finding one’s self and embracing the change that is inevitable in life but never losing sight of the REAL you.

Also, as a 31 Black woman that doesn’t openly accept change well, and has at times had to “mourn” several versions of myself that I thought were my “life plan”, Maya the FMC, was real and raw and fully resonated with me!

This book was fully one of those books that just came to me at the exact right time. And because of that I’m so appreciative to the author for sharing this beautiful novel with the world!

Perfect for readers that like:
✨Character Self Discovery
✨Real and Raw Contemporary reads
✨Strong bonds
✨Queer/LGBTQIA+ rep
✨Strong FMC
✨Loss and Love (mourning what could and should have been)

5.00⭐️

Special thanks to Montlake and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book to read and review.

I’m a sucker for any and all Jane Austen retellings, and this was such a fun spin on a favourite of mine (Emma).

Usually retellings of this story are from the perspective of the Emma character, but this book had Emma (or Emme in this case) as a more secondary character. This book follows the main characters Maya and Ant - two best friends- as they navigate Covid, friendship, love, new jobs, mental health and more. Maya is a fat and queer Black woman in her 30s. She’s just returned to her parents house in DC after losing her job in the midst of Covid. Her best friend, Ant is a fat Black man who is asexual and he follows Maya to DC. Their friendship was the absolute highlight of this book - they are so supportive of one another and i loved seeing their relationship develop. There was just so much that I enjoyed about this story!

I don’t want to give too much of the story away but this is a retelling so some things are a given. Maya meets a young rich DC socialite, Emme, who has a career opportunity for Maya. The caveat being that she does try to change quite a bit about Maya in the process, though she is very well meaning. I thought this spin on the original Emma story - from match maker to a kind of career mentor - was a really fun and modern spin on the original story and it worked so well!

Probably my least favourite things about the book was that it was set during covid, but it was very well done and I still enjoyed it! It’s my own preference to typically avoid books about Covid because I usually find that authors don’t take it very seriously, but that absolutely wasn’t the case here. It was part of the story but never treated lightly which I so appreciated. I also loved that there was an authors note at the beginning advising readers that Covid would feature in the book and I felt well prepared by it going in.

Seeing as this book takes place in such a tough time globally as well as personally for Maya, we see her at times struggle with her mental health and asking for help when she needs it. I found this plot line very well done- it was all handled very well, while being serious yet hopeful.

Ant also is dealing with a lot of change in his life, career and family wise, which is never easy let alone in a pandemic. And in the portrayal of all of this, we can’t forget that Maya and Ant are both Black and fat, pansexual and ace respectively. These parts of their identity are so central to every aspect of their experiences.

A lot of this story also unravels through texts and emails between Maya and her friends and family, especially Ant. I absolutely love reading a relationship develop this way. It’s such a fun way to get to know the characters.

Speaking of Ant - I can’t forget that Emma is a love story, and so is this retelling. Maya and Ant are best friends and share so much together, and their developing relationship was probably one of my favourite parts of this book. I also loved how Ant’s asexuality was portrayed - it was explained and was such a huge part of his story, but there was never any moment where his feelings were questioned because of it. I liked that it was just part of him and there wasn’t any “justifying” or explaining himself.

There were so many little things I liked about this book too. One was the development of
friendship/ relationships through fandom. Maya and Emme find out really quickly that they have a shared loved for Paramore and bond over this immediately. There are also some internet friends that make appearances and Ant is part of an online Ace community. Obviously I am obsessed with all of this.

The pace of this book did take some getting used to - you are thrown right into the story as Maya and Ant touch down in DC after years of living in Hawaii. It takes a few pages to fill in some blanks about why and how things changed so drastically for them. However, once you have them it slows down a bit and it really gets into a great flow.

Overall this was a great read. There’s romance and friendship, and it touches on some heavier topics as well, and it is all done so well. I had an amazing time getting to know these characters. Thank you NetGalley for An e-ARC of this book.

In Eden Appiah-Kubi's heartwarming novel, "Her Own Happiness," readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the beauty of coming of age, no matter how old you may be. Set against the backdrop of life's unexpected twists and turns, this compassionate and refreshing tale introduces us to Maya Davis, a woman whose life takes a dramatic turn on her thirty-first birthday.

Maya's life appears to be nothing short of paradise until a series of unfortunate events shatter her apartment, her career, and her dreams in the most dramatic fashion possible. Suddenly, she finds herself packing her life into two suitcases and heading back to her parents' home in Maryland, desperately searching for a plan B. It's not exactly the birthday celebration she had in mind.

Right by her side throughout this tumultuous transition is Ant, Maya's best friend. While she's returning home, Ant is embarking on his own adventure, leaving home for the very first time. Despite the physical distance between them, Ant can't seem to separate himself from Maya—and he's not entirely sure he wants to.

As Maya settles into her new life back in Maryland, she sets her top priority as finding a career, or at least a job with health insurance. However, fate has a funny way of intervening when she crosses paths with Emme Vivant, an influential "girlboss" who believes Maya has untapped potential. Suddenly, Maya's life is filled with new contacts, new clothes, and the prospect of a brighter future that just might make her return home worthwhile. But in the midst of this newfound opportunity, Maya must grapple with the question: Is she finally in control of her life, or is she losing herself in the process?

While Maya navigates the twists and turns of her life, Ant's platonic feelings for her begin to deepen. He watches as his best friend seems to be moving forward without him. It's a poignant and relatable exploration of how friendships can evolve and change over time.

"Her Own Happiness" is a tender and vibrant novel that teaches us that finding the right path in life may not matter as much as finding ourselves and those who walk beside us on our journey. Eden Appiah-Kubi's writing is both heartfelt and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with Maya and Ant's stories. The characters are beautifully developed, and their growth throughout the novel is both inspiring and authentic.

One of the standout features of the book is its exploration of the themes of friendship and self-discovery. It reminds us that it's never too late to come of age and discover our true selves, no matter how old we are. Maya's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of personal growth.

In "Her Own Happiness," Eden Appiah-Kubi has crafted a story that will resonate with readers of all ages. It's a tale of hope, second chances, and the enduring bonds of friendship. So, if you're looking for a compassionate and refreshing read that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a smile, "Her Own Happiness" is a must-read. Grab a copy, settle in, and let Maya and Ant's journey inspire you to embrace life's unexpected twists with an open heart and an unwavering spirit.

DNF @ 20%
I absolutely love Eden Appiah-Kubi and her writing. The Bennet Women was one of my favorite books last year and I was thrilled to see her new book had a fat, Black, queer FMC. I did not realized when I requested this ARC that the book took place during the pandemic and that it was relevant to the setting and story somewhat. At this time, that is too difficult for me, but I hope to return to this book when I am less sensitive to this topic!! Based on what I have read so far, I would definitely recommend.

Her Own Happiness
Eden Appiah - Kubi

4 Stars

Thank you NetGalley for my copy of Her Own Happiness by Eden Appiah - Kubi. I have not received any compensation for this review. All thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own and mine alone.

In summary: This book is a debut for Eden Appiah - Kubi. Focusing on LGBTIQ romance blooming from the pandemic. In particular a Queer Black Woman Maya and Ant who identifies as Asesuxual. Written with Millennials as the target audience this book, Her Own Happiness is a great book for a light beach/ travel read to keep occupied.

Having never read the stories that the book were based on (The Bennet’s from Jane Austin novels) I couldn’t use that as a basis for which the story is loosely based upon. (I think).
I had trouble in the beginning wrapping my head around the LGBTIQ+ terminology, as an ally myself, I had to google a few terms. That aside, I don’t think that information is necessary straight up in the first half of the book. I felt that those identities could have been drawn out later on perhaps.
I liked Ant and Maya as main characters. I felt they were well drawn out and I liked the paths they took in the story. I did have trouble believing in the romance side. I felt that the romance between Ant and May could have been more prominent in the storyline rather than a sideline. I was thinking Maya may have been attracted to Emme at one point as I felt led towards that path.
The book is written for the Millennial crowd very much so. The style of writing and the voice of the author puts the book as a perfect read for the younger readers and would resonate well with those in their twenties being able to empathise with the main characters.
Her Own Happiness was an enjoyable read overall. My only criticism perhaps is I felt the ending was rushed. While the main characters get their happily ever after (YAY!), I felt the romance again was under developed and the focus was more on Maya and Emme rather than Maya and Ant, who get that happily ever after. What I would have liked to have seen is Ant fight more for his love for Maya, be a knight in shining armour rather than run away from rejection. I get why Ant does follow the path he does, as a romance book lover, it just needed that ingredient of resolve and grit from Ant to get what he wants. I hope that makes sense.
Congratulations Eden for a great job on your debut!

I appreciate that this book had disclaimers but I did feel as though one was misleading. The author's note mentions it's not about the pandemic but there's a lot of plot lines that revolve around it. If you're looking for an alternative no pandemic reality, this book is not for you. This book is about Maya and Ant two queer best friends.

It took about the 20% mark for me to really feel for the characters--mainly because of the back and forth between characters, I never got to "sit" with them. Many of their conversations early on happen around food, and I appreciate that they didn't make that both of the characters main personality trait. The book itself was refreshing and most importantly focused on the friendship between these two characters and the ways they both find their little pockets in the world while not letting each other drift out of their lives. The ending was a little abrupt and there's a handful of instances where the author repeats themselves when talking about a specific thing.
There is talk about Hawaii (Oahu) and fires if that is going to be triggering.

Two stars only because I had to resist the urge to skip forward and see what would happen... this book will definitely resonant more with someone else; wish I liked it more.

I was utterly charmed by this adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma. Rather than centering on Emma, Eden Appiah-Kubi chose to explore the Harriet Smith character in a modern (read: covid pandemic) setting. Maya takes the center role as an early thirties woman whose life has been entirely upended. She has to leave her planned future in Hawai'i to return home to the DC area amidst the covid pandemic. Luckily, she has her best friend Ant also making the move. Though the novel is a romance, it is very much about Maya (and to a lesser extent Ant) figuring out life and needs and feelings. I had a little trouble getting into the book, but around 15% in I was hooked. I felt deeply for Maya and Ant. As an Austen fan, I enjoyed the modern adaptation of Emma's characters -- they were thoughtful and fun.

Loved the asexual representation!

4.5 stars, rounded up


Many thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.