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Available
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Publication
Penguin (2023), 389 pages
Description
"A couple who broke up months ago make a pact to pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends in this glittering and wise new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry. 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 a 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. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It's a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared sunglasses). 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?"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member spiritedstardust
The answer to a good life according to this study is: your relationships.
Your romantic, familial and platonic relationships affect your life - this was ok but I felt like it went on too long and I just didn’t get into hearing about the participants of this studies lives.
Your romantic, familial and platonic relationships affect your life - this was ok but I felt like it went on too long and I just didn’t get into hearing about the participants of this studies lives.
LibraryThing member shelleyraec
Having adored Book Lovers, I’ve been looking forward to reading Emily Henry’s newest delightful release, Happy Place.
“Think of your happy place, the cool voice in my ear instructs….Sunlight, everywhere. Not just on my bare shoulders or the crown of my head, but inside me too, the
Harriet is excited to be joining her best friends, Sabrina and Cleo in her ‘happy place’. Every year, since they met in college, the trio have gathered at a vacation home owned by Sabrina’s father in Maine, joined in time by their respective partners, Wyn, Parth and Kimmy. Now that the three friends all live in different cities the tradition is more important than ever to Harriet, but she’s been keeping a secret that she worries could ruin it all.
Six months ago, she and Wyn ended their ten year relationship but haven’t yet told anyone. Harriet plans to break the news when she arrives sans Wyn, who has agreed to make his excuses, but Sabrina has a surprise or two for Harriet of her own. Reluctant to spoil the occasion Harriet and Wyn agree to pretend they are still a couple, a tortuous proposition for Harriet who was crushed by their break-up, but she’s willing to do anything to stay in her happy place.
I really enjoyed Harriet and Wyn as a couple, there is plenty of chemistry between them in the present, despite the awkwardness of their reunion. A series of flashbacks reveal the history of their relationship, from their first meeting to the moment it ended. I was invested in understanding why they broke up, and felt for them both as those reasons, including insecurity, miscommunication, family expectations, and depression, became apparent. There are several recognisable romantic tropes at play such as second-chance romance, forced proximity, and fake dating but they are well executed.
The portrayal of the friendship group is a real delight, even as the week progresses and some strain begins to show. The dynamic of the relationship between Harriet, Sabrina and Cleo became as important to me as the feature romance. I particularly liked that Henry addressed how friendship changes over time, and how important it is to let it.
A joy to read, though both romantic and funny, Happy Place is also a heartfelt story exploring friendship, family, self-determination, and love.
“Think of your happy place, the cool voice in my ear instructs….Sunlight, everywhere. Not just on my bare shoulders or the crown of my head, but inside me too, the
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irresistible warmth that comes only from being in the exact right place with the exact right people.”Harriet is excited to be joining her best friends, Sabrina and Cleo in her ‘happy place’. Every year, since they met in college, the trio have gathered at a vacation home owned by Sabrina’s father in Maine, joined in time by their respective partners, Wyn, Parth and Kimmy. Now that the three friends all live in different cities the tradition is more important than ever to Harriet, but she’s been keeping a secret that she worries could ruin it all.
Six months ago, she and Wyn ended their ten year relationship but haven’t yet told anyone. Harriet plans to break the news when she arrives sans Wyn, who has agreed to make his excuses, but Sabrina has a surprise or two for Harriet of her own. Reluctant to spoil the occasion Harriet and Wyn agree to pretend they are still a couple, a tortuous proposition for Harriet who was crushed by their break-up, but she’s willing to do anything to stay in her happy place.
I really enjoyed Harriet and Wyn as a couple, there is plenty of chemistry between them in the present, despite the awkwardness of their reunion. A series of flashbacks reveal the history of their relationship, from their first meeting to the moment it ended. I was invested in understanding why they broke up, and felt for them both as those reasons, including insecurity, miscommunication, family expectations, and depression, became apparent. There are several recognisable romantic tropes at play such as second-chance romance, forced proximity, and fake dating but they are well executed.
The portrayal of the friendship group is a real delight, even as the week progresses and some strain begins to show. The dynamic of the relationship between Harriet, Sabrina and Cleo became as important to me as the feature romance. I particularly liked that Henry addressed how friendship changes over time, and how important it is to let it.
A joy to read, though both romantic and funny, Happy Place is also a heartfelt story exploring friendship, family, self-determination, and love.
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LibraryThing member ftbooklover
Harriet has been friends with Sabrina and Cleo since college, and as time wore on, Wyn, Parth, and Kimmy have been added to their friend group. Together they have regularly gathered at Sabrina's family cabin in Maine, but this year is different. Sabrina says that her father is going to sell the
Happy Place is not a rom-com. It is filled with heavy topics that aren't balanced with enough humor to make it a comedy in any sense of the word. However, the story is extremely well written with well developed characters, and there is a sweet romance that is part of the plot. Most of the book, though, is centered on learning how to maintain friendships and create happy lives after college. Much of the book is depressing as the characters lose their connections to each other over time and seem unable to figure out what they need or want. Overall, no matter how objectively good this book is, it is not an enjoyable read and a disappointment from one of my favorite authors.
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cabin, so this will be their last visit. Also Harriet and Wyn have called off their engagement, but rather than spoil the week and Sabrina and Parth's upcoming wedding, they decide not to tell the others about the end of their relationship. Unfortunately, their secret has consequences that they do not expect.Happy Place is not a rom-com. It is filled with heavy topics that aren't balanced with enough humor to make it a comedy in any sense of the word. However, the story is extremely well written with well developed characters, and there is a sweet romance that is part of the plot. Most of the book, though, is centered on learning how to maintain friendships and create happy lives after college. Much of the book is depressing as the characters lose their connections to each other over time and seem unable to figure out what they need or want. Overall, no matter how objectively good this book is, it is not an enjoyable read and a disappointment from one of my favorite authors.
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LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
This was really good! I have liked Emily Henry’s work in the past so I was eager to try this book and was not disappointed. It was one of those books I did not want to put down once I started reading and enjoyed every moment of the journey. I was wholly invested in the story and wanted to see
Harriet and Wyn were one of those perfect couples until they broke up a few months ago. They haven’t told their friends and the trip Maine cottage was supposed to be Harriet’s. She is more than a little surprised to find her ex waiting for her when she arrives at the cottage. They decided to pretend like they are still together which is especially fun since their friends have upgraded them to the room with the king-sized bed. I had a great time watching these two try to figure things out.
I liked the way that we learn the history of Harriet and Wyn’s relationship along with their friend group slowly as we work our way through the book. I thought that Harriet and Wyn seemed like they had a lot worth fighting for and I liked the chemistry between them. I also really liked the dynamics of the group and thought that they felt really realistic. I thought that all of the characters added a lto to the overall story.
Julia Whelan did a fantastic job with this audiobook. It’s no secret that she is one of my favorite narrators and the performance she delivers in this book is a perfect example of why I enjoy her narration as much as I do. I thought that she handled all of the characters’ voices very well which helped to bring the story to life. I am positive that her narration added to my overall enjoyment.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a wonderful story featuring likable characters at a turning point in their lives. I can’t wait to read more of this talented author’s work.
I received a digital review copy of this audiobook from Penguin Random House Audio.
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good things happen for this fantastic cast of characters.Harriet and Wyn were one of those perfect couples until they broke up a few months ago. They haven’t told their friends and the trip Maine cottage was supposed to be Harriet’s. She is more than a little surprised to find her ex waiting for her when she arrives at the cottage. They decided to pretend like they are still together which is especially fun since their friends have upgraded them to the room with the king-sized bed. I had a great time watching these two try to figure things out.
I liked the way that we learn the history of Harriet and Wyn’s relationship along with their friend group slowly as we work our way through the book. I thought that Harriet and Wyn seemed like they had a lot worth fighting for and I liked the chemistry between them. I also really liked the dynamics of the group and thought that they felt really realistic. I thought that all of the characters added a lto to the overall story.
Julia Whelan did a fantastic job with this audiobook. It’s no secret that she is one of my favorite narrators and the performance she delivers in this book is a perfect example of why I enjoy her narration as much as I do. I thought that she handled all of the characters’ voices very well which helped to bring the story to life. I am positive that her narration added to my overall enjoyment.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a wonderful story featuring likable characters at a turning point in their lives. I can’t wait to read more of this talented author’s work.
I received a digital review copy of this audiobook from Penguin Random House Audio.
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LibraryThing member Twink
I had been hearing and seeing so many positive reviews and comments about Emily Henry's new book, Happy Place. I just knew it was a book I wanted to listen to! (And all of those reviews? They were right!)
Six forever friends are at the beach for one last get together at the cottage before it's sold.
Right off the bat I really liked Henry’s characters. The six are all just a little bit different but together they make just the tightest group of friends. Each has a distinct personality and each one is important to the story. I really thought the interactions between the six, as well as the sharp dialogue was spot on. Henry is such a clever writer.
You’ve got an inkling where this is going don’t you? Yeah, there’s a whole lotta will they, won’t they, for Harriet and Wyn. And again, Henry does a really great job with her exploration of relationships. Interactions are absolutely believable. There are some intimate bits in the book - they’re tastefully written.
I just enjoyed every bit of this book, and that enjoyment was enhanced by Julia Whelan, one of my favourite narrators. She has a wonderfully versatile voice. She’s created a believable, different voice for each of the six players. Each voice suited the mental images I had created. It makes it really easy to know who’s speaking. Her voice is clear, easy to listen to and she enunciates well. Her voice has so much movement, capturing the emotions and plot of the book.
A great plot and performance and an easy five stars.
Six forever friends are at the beach for one last get together at the cottage before it's sold.
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Now, over the years, some of those friendships have grown into couples. That's the case with Harriet and Wyn. But what their friends don't know is that they've also broken up. They don't want to have this last hurrah tainted by their splitting up. So, they they make a pact. They’ll fake it for a week. After all, it’s only a week right?Right off the bat I really liked Henry’s characters. The six are all just a little bit different but together they make just the tightest group of friends. Each has a distinct personality and each one is important to the story. I really thought the interactions between the six, as well as the sharp dialogue was spot on. Henry is such a clever writer.
You’ve got an inkling where this is going don’t you? Yeah, there’s a whole lotta will they, won’t they, for Harriet and Wyn. And again, Henry does a really great job with her exploration of relationships. Interactions are absolutely believable. There are some intimate bits in the book - they’re tastefully written.
I just enjoyed every bit of this book, and that enjoyment was enhanced by Julia Whelan, one of my favourite narrators. She has a wonderfully versatile voice. She’s created a believable, different voice for each of the six players. Each voice suited the mental images I had created. It makes it really easy to know who’s speaking. Her voice is clear, easy to listen to and she enunciates well. Her voice has so much movement, capturing the emotions and plot of the book.
A great plot and performance and an easy five stars.
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LibraryThing member Bodagirl
My favorite Emily Henry book so far. I really enjoyed the mirroring between the past "Happy Place" and the current events of happening in the week. I always appreciate that Henry focuses just as much on the changes in friendship just as much the main romantic relationship.
LibraryThing member foggidawn
If Harriet closes her eyes and pictures her happy place, it's a certain cabin in Maine with her best friends, where they reunite every summer for a halcyon week of vacation. After a rough year, she's so happy to be on the way to this happy place -- until she arrives and finds her ex-fiancé already
I've enjoyed every Emily Henry book that I've read, and this is no exception. It definitely put me in a vacation mood. The characters are well-drawn and dynamic, and there was a big focus on changing friend relationships, as well as the romantic plotline. There was quite a bit of conflict that could have been resolved if people would just talk to each other, but it felt organic and realistic, not a forced means of building tension. If you've enjoyed other Emily Henry books, or if this one sounds like your kind of thing, give it a try!
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installed at the cabin. He was part of the friend group before they were engaged, but they had arranged to avoid each other on future trips. The kicker? All of their friends still think that they're engaged -- and, for various reasons, they can't reveal their breakup without spoiling the week for everyone. To Harriet, the cabin isn't feeling like such a happy place all of a sudden...I've enjoyed every Emily Henry book that I've read, and this is no exception. It definitely put me in a vacation mood. The characters are well-drawn and dynamic, and there was a big focus on changing friend relationships, as well as the romantic plotline. There was quite a bit of conflict that could have been resolved if people would just talk to each other, but it felt organic and realistic, not a forced means of building tension. If you've enjoyed other Emily Henry books, or if this one sounds like your kind of thing, give it a try!
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LibraryThing member dawnlovesbooks
Harriet and Wyn broke up five months ago, but haven't yet told their close-knit group of friends. This becomes a problem when everyone shows up for the circle's annual getaway at a cottage on the coast of Maine, their "happy place." "Glimmering blue. Laughter, the slap of water against the bluffs,
I loved the vivid descriptions of spending a summer by the sea in Maine. I was invested in the story of Harriet and Wyn. I was not so much invested in the story of the rest of the group though. This book is the perfect summery beach read!
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the hiss of the tide drawing back over sand and stone. Sunlight, everywhere. Not just on my bare shoulders or the crown of my head but inside me too, the irresistible warmth that comes only from being in the exact right place with the exact right people."I loved the vivid descriptions of spending a summer by the sea in Maine. I was invested in the story of Harriet and Wyn. I was not so much invested in the story of the rest of the group though. This book is the perfect summery beach read!
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LibraryThing member rmarcin
Harriet is meeting her friends in her happy place in Maine for a week. She is shocked when her former fiancé, Wyn, is also there. However, none of their friends are aware of the break-up, so Harriet and Wyn are put in a room together.
The story reviews their 8 year romance and their whispered
I enjoyed this story, but I sometimes wish people would just talk before they blow up a relationship instead of burying their thoughts. I get that when you are sad, it is difficult, but rely on the person you love!
The story reviews their 8 year romance and their whispered
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talks as they got to know each other. Harriet, in her residency at a hospital in CA, is separated from Wyn who returned to his country roots when his mom got ill. Their separation and paths kept them apart and it broke them. Will this week together rekindle their romance and let them get beyond the hurt feelings? I enjoyed this story, but I sometimes wish people would just talk before they blow up a relationship instead of burying their thoughts. I get that when you are sad, it is difficult, but rely on the person you love!
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LibraryThing member MickyFine
Harriet and Wyn broke off their engagement five months ago but haven't yet told anyone. Harriet plans to tell their friend group at their annual trip to Maine but is shocked to find out that 1) Wyn has also come on the trip and 2) their friend's father is selling the vacation home and this will be
I really enjoyed this novel and devoured it in a couple days. Henry crafts really rich characters, all of whom feel real and compelling. She also manages to beautifully describe the settings, making the world these characters live in feel real. While the relationship between Harriet and Wyn is the focus of the novel, the dynamic of the six friends is also really wonderfully developed and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these characters. Both a romance and an exploration of the dynamics of friends who become found family, this is a fantastic summer read.
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their last group trip there. In the wake of the news, Harriet and Wyn agree to pretend to still be together so that everyone can have one last perfect week together. Over the course of the week, Harriet and Wyn will have to come to terms with why their relationship ended and figure out if there's still something between them worth fighting for. I really enjoyed this novel and devoured it in a couple days. Henry crafts really rich characters, all of whom feel real and compelling. She also manages to beautifully describe the settings, making the world these characters live in feel real. While the relationship between Harriet and Wyn is the focus of the novel, the dynamic of the six friends is also really wonderfully developed and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these characters. Both a romance and an exploration of the dynamics of friends who become found family, this is a fantastic summer read.
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LibraryThing member clrichm
Not bad. There was a lot of emphasis on needing to know oneself before being able to really love others, which I can appreciate in a book. I liked how, for a single-perspective romance that dwelt heavily in the world of female relationships, we were shown a remarkable depth of character with Wyn,
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the male love interest. His depression, self-worth issues, familial struggles despite having a loving and happy family--these were all facets that really worked to get me cheering for the repair of a broken relationship that otherwise might not have won much sympathy from me. Harriet needs her own therapist, in my opinion; you don't just stop being a people pleaser at a near-debilitating level just because you want to, or through the "power of love." Her blindness to the actual needs of the people around her, beyond peace and smiles, was a little irritating, so I'm glad it was addressed. Show Less
LibraryThing member almin
Recommended by a friend...I liked the first 30-40% then it started with 'deep thoughts'. I think the same deep thoughts were repeated in different ways through the last half of the book. My brain started looping and I started skimming.
LibraryThing member KallieGrace
I needed more plot. I liked Book Lovers because there was something happening outside of the romance, but not here. I also don't buy the major life choice reverse near the end. Not my favorite but not awful.
LibraryThing member LindaLoretz
I was skeptical about Emily Henry’s latest book, Happy Place. Of course, I knew it was not the literary masterpiece I usually enjoy. Still, I have read most of Henry’s books because they provide a breather, an easy read, and help me stay up-to-date on interesting female characters the younger
Harriet, the most developed character, was probably the least happy. She and her fiance, Wyn, had broken up months before this week in Maine, and they were pretending to be together so they didn’t have to discuss their breakup with the friend group. Henry did a good job illustrating how the friends grew up and apart. She also demonstrated how important it is to be in touch with oneself and avoid the pretensions of college expectations.
I enjoyed other aspects of the characters. Henry did a great job emphasizing the importance of forgiveness in relationships. Also, she successfully delved into the question of who feels more like family: blood relatives or long-time friends. Henry additionally showed strength in conveying that people carry communication patterns from their families into adult relationships.
My favorite quote that comes late in the book but is not a spoiler:
“In our families, there was no coming back from fights. Her dad would rather divorce than apologize, and in my house, arguments always ended with everyone leaving. Things never got resolved; they calloused over.” (p. 352). It is incredible to some of these characters that in other families, there are disagreements and resolutions.
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generations are reading. Although the word “happy” is mentioned 130 times in the book and the six main characters, who were friends in college and now meeting for their yearly “happy” Maine vacation with their significant others, I didn’t get the impression that any of them were particularly happy. Harriet, the most developed character, was probably the least happy. She and her fiance, Wyn, had broken up months before this week in Maine, and they were pretending to be together so they didn’t have to discuss their breakup with the friend group. Henry did a good job illustrating how the friends grew up and apart. She also demonstrated how important it is to be in touch with oneself and avoid the pretensions of college expectations.
I enjoyed other aspects of the characters. Henry did a great job emphasizing the importance of forgiveness in relationships. Also, she successfully delved into the question of who feels more like family: blood relatives or long-time friends. Henry additionally showed strength in conveying that people carry communication patterns from their families into adult relationships.
My favorite quote that comes late in the book but is not a spoiler:
“In our families, there was no coming back from fights. Her dad would rather divorce than apologize, and in my house, arguments always ended with everyone leaving. Things never got resolved; they calloused over.” (p. 352). It is incredible to some of these characters that in other families, there are disagreements and resolutions.
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LibraryThing member FormerEnglishTeacher
I did something I usually regret: I chose this book because of the hype surrounding it. Reviews were glowing, reader reviews on Amazon were 4 and 5 star, so I decided to buy it. I usually check books out of my local library (Kindle versions), but this book was so popular, the wait would have been
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“more than six months.” So I went ahead and purchased it. It was pretty clear a short way through the novel that I was definitely not in the demographic group that this book was written for. It’s a “Big Chill” story of a group of college friends who get together once a year at the same vacation house to continue their friendship as they approach middle age. The big plot grabber (supposedly) was the secret breakup of one of the couples. And that’s it. No more, no less. Most of the book features the narrator, the woman in the breakup couple, trying to find a bathroom to cry in. In fact, she cries just about everywhere she is. The drama is pretty wearing. Obviously, lots of people are drawn to plots like this, most likely book clubs. But it just didn’t fit my reading needs. Show Less
LibraryThing member humouress
{stand alone; romance, friendship, growing up}(2023)
My friends: willowy, honey-haired Sabrina and wisp of a waif Cleo, with her tiny silver septum piercing and dip-dyed box braids. My two favourite people on the planet since our freshman year at Mattingly College
...
I couldn't have imagined being
Not until Sabrina brought us here, to her family's summer home on the coast of Maine. Not until I met Wyn.Sabrina, Cleo and Harriet were roommates in their freshman year at college and have been best friends ever since, through graduation, professional degrees and jobs. They spend every summer together, now also with their respective partners, at Sabrina's family's summer home; but this year will be the last time they will all be together there since Sabrina's father's current wife wants him to sell it. Harriet hasn't told her friends yet that she and her fiancé, Wyn, broke up. Months ago. But when she lands at the cottage, he's there too, though he wasn't supposed to be. And Sabrina wants this to be the last, perfect fling so she can't tell them yet though she had planned to do it when she got to Maine. So Harry and Wyn are going to have to pretend for a week.
A story about friendships maturing as well as a relationship in flux. The story is told partly in flashbacks* so we see when it went wrong. It is not due the usual silly misunderstandings but to deeper issues, thankfully, so I found it more readable than most books in the genre. The bedroom scenes are not too graphic nor gratuitous, which also earned points from me because I felt that the book was stronger for focusing on the plot. I liked seeing the relationship (and the friendships) not in its first throes but at a more mature point, with them talking to each other and trying to fix it.
The ending, though good, sort of peters out, I felt. I'm not entirely convinced Harry made the best choicewith such a drastic career change; she could have changed fields/ locations instead, perhaps but she got her happy ending.
(* One gripe: I wish authors would stop using the present tense for things that happened in the past, especially if they're also going to use flashbacks; at least those should be in the past tense so we readers know when we are)
I liked this story because of the way that everyone genuinely cared for everyone else in the group and once they realised that their friends had evolved, the relationships could evolve too. Give it a go.
(August 2023)
3.5-4 stars
My friends: willowy, honey-haired Sabrina and wisp of a waif Cleo, with her tiny silver septum piercing and dip-dyed box braids. My two favourite people on the planet since our freshman year at Mattingly College
...
I couldn't have imagined being
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any happier, loving anywhere else as much.Not until Sabrina brought us here, to her family's summer home on the coast of Maine. Not until I met Wyn.Sabrina, Cleo and Harriet were roommates in their freshman year at college and have been best friends ever since, through graduation, professional degrees and jobs. They spend every summer together, now also with their respective partners, at Sabrina's family's summer home; but this year will be the last time they will all be together there since Sabrina's father's current wife wants him to sell it. Harriet hasn't told her friends yet that she and her fiancé, Wyn, broke up. Months ago. But when she lands at the cottage, he's there too, though he wasn't supposed to be. And Sabrina wants this to be the last, perfect fling so she can't tell them yet though she had planned to do it when she got to Maine. So Harry and Wyn are going to have to pretend for a week.
A story about friendships maturing as well as a relationship in flux. The story is told partly in flashbacks* so we see when it went wrong. It is not due the usual silly misunderstandings but to deeper issues, thankfully, so I found it more readable than most books in the genre. The bedroom scenes are not too graphic nor gratuitous, which also earned points from me because I felt that the book was stronger for focusing on the plot. I liked seeing the relationship (and the friendships) not in its first throes but at a more mature point, with them talking to each other and trying to fix it.
The ending, though good, sort of peters out, I felt. I'm not entirely convinced Harry made the best choice
(* One gripe: I wish authors would stop using the present tense for things that happened in the past, especially if they're also going to use flashbacks; at least those should be in the past tense so we readers know when we are)
I liked this story because of the way that everyone genuinely cared for everyone else in the group and once they realised that their friends had evolved, the relationships could evolve too. Give it a go.
(August 2023)
3.5-4 stars
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LibraryThing member N.W.Moors
I read this in one day because Emily Henry is that kind of author. I'm going to think about this book for a long time, but I'll try to put down my thoughts here. It's one of those angsty romance books where I worried almost the entire book that the story would not have a HEA (I mean, gut-wrenching,
The story is first-person from Harriet's POV and flashes back and forth from the present - their annual vacation at a Maine cottage - to their college and post-degree lives. It's sometimes frustrating not to get the others' POV, especially Wyn, but this also keeps you reading frantically to see what happens next. The reader knows from almost the beginning that Harriet and Wyn have ended their engagement but is hiding it from their friends.
Emily Henry never disappoints, but I think Happy Place might be my favorite of her books so far. The writing is beautiful, and every word has meaning to the story. She perfectly evokes the Maine seacoast's setting (yes, I live there) through sight, smell, touch, and sound. I can't recommend this book enough.
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want to throw up worry). And while the romance part was great because Harriet and Wyn are one of the best couples ever, this is also very much a story of friendship, family, and expectations. Despite new romances and life changes, Harriet and her two college roommates stay best friends. Harriet means to become a brain surgeon because that's what her family expects. Wyn feels he doesn't live up to what his two sisters and friends are doing with their lives. The story is first-person from Harriet's POV and flashes back and forth from the present - their annual vacation at a Maine cottage - to their college and post-degree lives. It's sometimes frustrating not to get the others' POV, especially Wyn, but this also keeps you reading frantically to see what happens next. The reader knows from almost the beginning that Harriet and Wyn have ended their engagement but is hiding it from their friends.
Emily Henry never disappoints, but I think Happy Place might be my favorite of her books so far. The writing is beautiful, and every word has meaning to the story. She perfectly evokes the Maine seacoast's setting (yes, I live there) through sight, smell, touch, and sound. I can't recommend this book enough.
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LibraryThing member sdbookhound
I really liked this book a lot, but for some reason it took me a long time to read it. I would put it down and not get back to it for a few days. I'm not usually like that with books I am enjoying. The first part moved a little slow and I really wanted to know why Wyn and Harriet were apart, and it
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took a long time to get to the bottom of that. Maybe the back and forth in time wasn't as smooth as it should have been, I'm not sure. I liked both Harriet and Wyn. They weren't perfect. They both had issues they needed to work through. I wanted them to hash it out sooner so we could have seen them and their friends truly in their happy place for longer. Show Less
LibraryThing member bell7
Harriet and her college roommates have always gone to her "happy place," a home owned by Sabrina's family in Maine, for vacation no matter how hectic their lives have gotten. This will be the final one, however, as the house will go up for sale. So Sabrina, Parth, Cleo, Kimmy, Wyn, and Harriet all
This was an okay second-chance romance that somehow I wanted to be more. Harriet is our narrator, and it goes back and forth between the story now and what happened in past years - first her and Wyn getting together secretly, and eventually why they broke up. Neither of them, for different reasons, is good at communication and I found myself impatient with them as often as I was charmed. The friendship aspect of the story was much more interesting to me than the romance.
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meet up for one last hurrah that Sabrina has planned for them down to the minute. The only problem? Harriet and Wyn haven't told their friends they broke up.This was an okay second-chance romance that somehow I wanted to be more. Harriet is our narrator, and it goes back and forth between the story now and what happened in past years - first her and Wyn getting together secretly, and eventually why they broke up. Neither of them, for different reasons, is good at communication and I found myself impatient with them as often as I was charmed. The friendship aspect of the story was much more interesting to me than the romance.
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LibraryThing member Danielle.Desrochers
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would!
It had some of my least favorite aspects of romances, but that’s a me thing. I did take off a star due to the constant pining, because I felt like it was a bit much, but again…me thing.
I’d definitely read more Emily Henry though!
It had some of my least favorite aspects of romances, but that’s a me thing. I did take off a star due to the constant pining, because I felt like it was a bit much, but again…me thing.
I’d definitely read more Emily Henry though!
LibraryThing member RandyMetcalfe
Under stress, Harriet goes to her happy place, which for her is a usually a memory of somewhere she has been with her two closest friends. Now she is actually headed to her happiest place but dreading it. This week of Lobster Fest in Maine is going to be torture as she tries to work up the courage
Emily Henry writes with confidence and apparent ease navigating the waves of stress and release as six close friends disguise and reveal their innermost fears and hopes even as they grow apart or at least evolve into a new form of close friendship. It’s exactly what you hope for from an Emily Henry novel, which is always a happy place. Predictable without ever feeling stale.
I only have one reservation. But it’s almost certainly because I’m old now. There just seems to be a lot of shivering, goosebumps, and 30 year old women sitting in their boyfriend’s laps in these novels. I just can’t help thinking that would be very uncomfortable. Alas.
Easy to enjoy and gently recommended.
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to tell her friends that she and her fiancé, Wyn, broke up months ago and she just couldn’t bring herself to tell them. Of course, it’s going to be a bit harder than she thought since it turns out Wyn has been bullied into joining them for the week as well. Talk about stress. And that’s just the start of things. Just breathe.Emily Henry writes with confidence and apparent ease navigating the waves of stress and release as six close friends disguise and reveal their innermost fears and hopes even as they grow apart or at least evolve into a new form of close friendship. It’s exactly what you hope for from an Emily Henry novel, which is always a happy place. Predictable without ever feeling stale.
I only have one reservation. But it’s almost certainly because I’m old now. There just seems to be a lot of shivering, goosebumps, and 30 year old women sitting in their boyfriend’s laps in these novels. I just can’t help thinking that would be very uncomfortable. Alas.
Easy to enjoy and gently recommended.
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LibraryThing member Herenya
A second-chance with an element of fake-dating. When Harriet arrives for her annual vacation with her best friends, she’s planning on finally telling them about her break-up. But she discovers her ex-fiancé Wyn is also there, ordered to attend the surprise wedding of two of their mutual friends.
I embarked on this book with a degree of trepidation, expecting that some sort of frustrating and easily avoidable miscommunication would be at the heart of their relationship troubles. But their communication difficulties are complex and understandable. They were living in different states and, amongst other things, she was dealing with an exhausting residency and he was dealing with difficult family stuff. Neither of them were in a happy place, and certainly not one where it would be easy to properly identify, let alone clearly articulate, their struggles and problems. So, that was unexpectedly thoughtful.
It is also a more thoughtful portrayal of friendship than it initially appeared. I really liked that Harriet and her friends are pushed to confront the ways they’ve changed since their college days, and that they are able to work through conflict together. It is, ultimately, a more positive friendship than if there had been no cracks and no challenges.
Even though the characters’ ideas of what makes a fun and relaxing holiday are not my cup of tea (mine would involve, well, more cups of tea), I really enjoyed reading this.
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Wyn and Harriet agree they don’t want to ruin things for their friends and so decide to keep pretending they’re still together. I embarked on this book with a degree of trepidation, expecting that some sort of frustrating and easily avoidable miscommunication would be at the heart of their relationship troubles. But their communication difficulties are complex and understandable. They were living in different states and, amongst other things, she was dealing with an exhausting residency and he was dealing with difficult family stuff. Neither of them were in a happy place, and certainly not one where it would be easy to properly identify, let alone clearly articulate, their struggles and problems. So, that was unexpectedly thoughtful.
It is also a more thoughtful portrayal of friendship than it initially appeared. I really liked that Harriet and her friends are pushed to confront the ways they’ve changed since their college days, and that they are able to work through conflict together. It is, ultimately, a more positive friendship than if there had been no cracks and no challenges.
Even though the characters’ ideas of what makes a fun and relaxing holiday are not my cup of tea (mine would involve, well, more cups of tea), I really enjoyed reading this.
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LibraryThing member DKnight0918
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. I know some people have described it as angsty but I felt I related to Harriet.
LibraryThing member clamato
this is the 3rd Emily Henry I have read now and I think it will be my last. Book Lovers I guess spoiled it for me. This one bored me and was quite forgettable. Sorry!
LibraryThing member shazjhb
Really drop out of residency without exploring other options. There was something off about the characters and the story.
Awards
NPR: Books We Love (2023)
LibraryReads (Monthly Pick — Hall of Fame — April 2023)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Adults (Selection — 2023)
Language
Original publication date
2023-04-25
Local notes
A couple who broke up months ago make a pact to pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends.