I don't think there will ever be an Emily Henry book that lets me down. Her books are effervescent, joyous, heartwarming celebrations of life and human experience; they are expert in their simplicity yet groundbreaking in how they make me feel. Happy Place is no different. It feels poetic that it's been almost two years exactly since I read Beach Read and it changed my life, and here I am now, reviewing Henry's fourth romance book - the fourth one I have adored more than words and rated five stars.

Henry effortlessly weaves this story in two timelines, her prose impeccable and the story flowing perfectly. It once again perfectly captures the nostalgic, holiday-esque vibes that are consistent through her previous books, however, this one feels significantly more emotionally loaded. Such is the case when writing a second chance romance - there is a history told slowly to the reader, that will keep you turning the pages, thoroughly engrossed.

The characters are exquisitely realistic, the dialogue varying from heartbreaking to hilarious with such ease that it no longer feels as though you're reading a novel - rather, it feels as though you're really there, in Knott's Harbour with this group of friends. Emily Henry's writing shines through, and she proves once again that she is the expert on romantic comedy dialogue - there was not one line in this book that was not clever, witty, and perfectly written. Not only that, but she further weaves the most beautiful setting, so detailed in her descriptive prose that it feels real, and evokes memories that I didn't know I had. This novel is built on the idea of places, and what they mean to us, and Emily Henry creates each one with ease, allowing the reader to slip right into the story without even noticing.

The story of Harriet and Wyn's relationship was told perfectly - they had me laughing, tearing up, swooning, and my heart aching, because of the very real and upsetting issues they'd faced in their relationship. I think Henry does an incredible job of building up their relationship in the present as well as in the flashbacks, and the payoff is such that this book flies by, the need to know what happens (and what happened) surpassing any real-world need I had for sleep or food.

But the book is, as ever with Henry's books, about more than the story of a relationship - it's about family, finding oneself, the predicament with your youth ending and the great expanse of adulthood lying before you. It's about friendship, how it evolves, and how that isn't always a bad thing. This book is layered in ways you won't even realise until you've finished, wiped your eyes, and stared at the wall for a few minutes.

If you plan on picking up one book next year, let it be this one - it is, in my opinion, unmissable. It's becoming more and more obvious to me that Emily Henry's books are my happy place.

Good. Focuses on a group of friends and how they respond to life and how it can change both the friendships and people themselves. Also shows how we can focus on certain places in our lives that bring us joy but it can get ruined by nostalgia. Another great book by Emily Henry.

Harriet's 'happy place' is her two best friends Sabrina and Cleo, and the house in Maine where they've spent so many vacations. This year, she needs it. and them, more then ever as she reels from the sudden ending of her long-term relationship. Except she hasn't got around to telling them about that yet. And somehow her ex, Wyn, is there when he shouldn't be, and she finds herself pretending that they haven't broken up at all.

Once again, the author has captured a phase of life so well. The delicate balance of a friendship group as life inevitably changes them. The pull of nostalgia versus the harsh realities of the present. And the anatomy and demise of a relationship teased out in flashback and gradually, carefully, through guarded references in Wyn and Harriet's present-day interactions. Told in first-person through Harriet's eyes, the story unfolds over a week and is a journey of discovery for the narrator pretty much in parallel with the reader - about Wyn, her friends, and herself. Beautifully written, addictive to read, highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

A fun romance. Harriet is a trainee surgeon who had her heart broken by Wyn. She goes away to spend time with her close friend and he is there which is a shock. The friends don't know that they had spilt up. Although you may be able to guess the ending it is actually a thought provoking book in many ways. How we get on the treadmill of life and aren't kind to ourselves and ultimately others. Well written.

I loved that this book got me thinking about happy places and most of all that we don’t only have to have one happy place! What luxury, to dwell upon the (hopefully) many places that have bought us joy. It felt clear from quite early on that a lot of their separation was just a huge misunderstanding and it was frustrating that they couldn’t see how careless they were being in not fighting for the love they had. I felt totally gripped by all of the characters in the group and felt the story of evolving adult friendships was told well. A thoroughly enjoyable read- thank you!

I'm still feeling raw after this book. I may have cried once or twice and now I don't know if the headache is from that or the book hangover I have now.

This book felt completely different to her other books. It wasn't a hallmark romance or a cliche sappy one. It was love at its messiest and most natural self. I was scared that this wouldn't have a happy ending, but the whole point is that you have to find and make your own happiness and treasure it. People change, and life throws curveballs but sticking with your friends and loved ones instead of letting life wash over you is what this book is all about. Love shows itself in all shapes and forms.

So yeah this was a romance, but wow was it different.

Sometimes an email hits your mailbox and you have to RUN NOT WALK straight to NetGalley to download a book. This was exactly what happened when I saw the email about Happy Place by Emily Henry. Needless to say, I was very excited to read this book!

I’ve said it before but I think it’s worth repeating - Emily Henry writes stories that, for me at least, tick all the boxes: brilliant characters, amazing writing, witty dialogue and fantastic settings and as a reader what more could you possibly want!

Happy Place is the story of Harriet and Wyn, a couple who met in college and were perfect for each other. However they broke up a few months ago and still haven’t told their friends or family. Now they find themselves on their annual group trip to Maine with their four best friends, sharing the largest bedroom and lying to everyone. When they discover that the cottage they have been going to for the last 10 years is for sale and this will be the last time they can all be there together, they decide not to ruin the trip by telling everyone about their break up. Now all they need to do is pretend they are still together. Should be easy after being in love for so many years. The only problem is they still haven’t discussed their break up and are trying desperately to ignore the fact that they still want each other. What could possibly go wrong?

At its heart, Happy Place is a story about relationships and how they shape and mould you into the person you are. From family to friends to lovers they all play a part in who you become. It’s a second chance romance with a found family that features so many wonderful characters who each have their own issues. They are all flawed but love each other so fiercely. The group dynamics are brilliantly written and I couldn’t help but love them all in their own way.

As with all of Emily’s books that I’ve read so far, this is an easy 5 stars! She has cemented herself as one of my favourite authors and I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next as it’s sure to be brilliant. Only downside to getting an early copy of this book… it’s an even longer wait until the next one 😩

Another winner by Emily Henry, how does she do it?? This book centres around a group of friends who meet up each year for a cottage holiday. The others in the group have no idea that 'perfect' couple Harriet and Wyn broke up months earlier. As they know this will be the last year they can use this cottage they decide to spend the week pretending they are still together to not make things any worse... what could go wrong?
As always, Emily Henry's writing just pulls you in from the first chapter. I enjoyed a different vibe from her with the second chance angle. If you've liked any of her previous novels you won't be disappointed!

Much like Emily Henry’s previous stories, Happy Place is sweet, swoons and spicy. But unlike her other stories, this is also a little heartbreaking.

What happens after Happily Ever After? What happens when life gets difficult and what makes you and your soulmate happy are different? What happens when it’s just a little easier to stop pushing to make it work?

Maybe you just need some time in your happy place.

Sweet, caring and entirely true to life, Happy Place will make you love, make you hate, and then make you want to find your own happy place.

Sabrina, Cleo and Harriet met at college and have been each other's 'ride-or-die' friends ever since. Every summer they and their significant others have met up for a week of drinking and eating lobster at Sabrina's family's multi-million-dollar holiday home. But this year things are different; Sabrina's father is selling the villa.

Harriet and Wyn, Cleo and Kimmy, Sabrina and Parth, each couple has their secrets which will be unveiled over a tumultuous week. Does this signal the end of their friendship? Harriet is the main character, she gets to the villa prepared to tell everyone that she and Wyn split up six months ago, but when she arrives Wyn is very much in situ and Sabrina's news makes them decide to keep their break-up to themselves for the time being.

Told in vague flashbacks interspersed with real-time from their annual vacation I'm afraid I lost patience with this story long before the end. Ordinarily I love Emily Henry's novels and I was really excited to be offered an advanced copy to review but I found this all a bit juvenile, everything could have been resolved in about 30 minutes if any of the characters had actually told the others the truth at any point, instead they all run around making assumptions and indulge in a lot of navel-gazing. Truthfully, I didn't warm to either Wyn or Harriet. Sorry, just not for me this one.

I was offered an ARC of this novel by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Mattingley College in Vermont brings together best friends, Sabrina, Cleo and our narrator Harriet and now in the present day they’re getting a little bit older they only meet once a year at their “happy place”. This is Knotts Harbour a property owned by Sabrina’s father where they kickback, relax and reconnect. This year though a “little deception“ is planned as Harriet and Wyn who meet at college decide to pretend they’re still engaged for the sake of their friends. Why you may ask? Why indeed, but then he isn’t meant to be at Knotts Harbour this year so that’s plan number one out window ! How will things play out? In addition, that’s not the only surprise or shock either!

If you are an Emily Henry fan then you will know what treat lies in store for you and she doesn’t disappoint. It’s a good blend of the lighthearted fun and laughter with some heartache thrown in for good measure. The setting for this novel is great, I’d like a bit of Maine please!

The characters are really lovely, they’re all very likeable which is always a massive bonus. The friendship between the group gives you a good feeling and as the novel progresses shows you how things change with time. Harriet can be an overthinker but her feelings for Wyn are palpable. As for Wyn ….. well, you’ll have to discover that joy for yourself! Their on/off dynamics are done well, you see how their relationship changes over the years and it feels authentic, at times messy and certainly a rollercoaster of a relationship.

Emily Henry has a really engaging style of writing, she pulls you into the storyline with ease. The dialogue is good too and the ending is perfect. Although I really did enjoy this awarding it four stars, it doesn’t grab me quite as much as Book Lovers or Happy Ever After Playlist although I’m sure others will disagree!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

REVIEW: In my opinión, this was Emily Henry's saddest book. I enjoyed it, although I thought it was less hilarious.
I enjoyed the characters, and the personalities were well developed as usual. You can feel the chemistry and are transfixed in anticipation of what will happen.
I'm not a fan of the two timelines; you need the past to comprehend the future, but I'd rather the book just describe the story in chronological order, as if you were living it.
I enjoyed the book and finished it in two days, so it was a good read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for offering a complimentary early reading copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

RESEÑA: En mi opinión, creo que ha sido el libro de Emily Henry más triste que he leído, en mi opinión. Lo he disfrutado, aunque eso, menos divertido que otros.
Me han gustado los personajes, las personalidades bien desarrolladas como siempre. Puedes sentir la química y estar esperando ver que pasará al final.
No soy fan de los libros que van saltando en dos tiempos, entiendo que necesitas el pasado para entender el futuro, pero entonces preferiría que el libro estuviese escrito en orden cronológico así es como si lo fueras viviendo todo a la misma vez.
He disfrutado del libro, lo he leído en dos días, por lo que ha sido una buena lectura.
Gracias a Netgalley y a la editorial por dejarme leerlo a cambio de una honesta reseña.

An enjoyable read.When Harriot joins her friends in a cottage for a break no one is aware that her and her fiance Wyn have broken up so when they are thrown together again they decide to try and keep it from the other's, but it turns out they are all having difficulties in their own lives. The story is about love and friendships and the choices they make when they are honest with each other and i really enjoyed it

Emily Henry is officially a staple author for me. I’d enjoyed her other books before, so knew I was in for another gorgeous, funny, romantic read but she even surpassed my expectations this time. All characters felt really rounded and the will-they won’t-they relationship of Harriet and Wyn is heart-achingly addictive. The dreamy setting makes it a perfect beach read and even made the three hour delay to my 11pm flight actually enjoyable. I just read all night, laughing at Emily’s funny one-liners, hooked by Cleo, Sabrina and Harriet’s heart warming friendship and completely caught up in Harriet and Wyn. I’d not only recommend Happy Place to anyone who’d listen, I’d recommend Emily and all her other books too.
Huge thanks to the author, Emily Henry, and publisher, Penguin, for this advance review copy. Views my own. 5*

Emily Henry never fails to write amazing books.

Having read and adored multiple of her others, receiving an arc of Happy Place without even knowing she had a new one coming out, I was so excited - I had just been about to reread Beach Read because I couldn't find anything else I wanted to read. And Happy Place did not disappoint. Emily Henry's writing is so beautiful - and I don't say that lightly - which helped make the book even easier to enjoy. Outside of the amazing romance you seen in all her books, there were really lovely and (as always, well written) friendships too.

I could not recommend Happy Place enough.

Big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC in return for an honest review of this lovely book.

Every time I think Emily Henry can’t outdo herself she proves me wrong! This is hands down the best book she’s written to date and it’s swiftly moved to the number one spot in my Emily Henry book ranking list (I love them all but Happy Place, Book Lovers, You & Me on Vacation then Beach Read, if you’re curious)

“Go to your happy place Harriet, I think desperately only to realise I’m literally in my happy place, and he. Is. Here”

Instantly from the first couple of chapters I knew this was going to be a five star read which rarely happens for me. Not only did I instantly fall in love with Harriet, Wyn and the whole friend group but Henry’s writing grabs me every time.. the location, the banter, the humour, the romance, the heartbreak, the friendships! There are also some of my favourite tropes in this book- second chance romance, found family, fake dating and forced proximity. Who doesn’t love a good trope?!

If you hadn’t guessed by now, Harriet & Wyn are my favourite EM couple, I was rooting for them so hard. Their love for each other was palpable, I needed them to be okay. Every interaction, every look, every tear.. I was willing them to work it out!

“I don’t cry. It’s not real. He promised he would always love me. It can’t be real”

I only have one slight negative, well two actually!
1) I don’t have a friendship group like theirs!
2) I have to wait far too long to get a physical copy of this book in my hands.

I can’t do much about the friend group but the SECOND my pre-order arrives, I will immediately be doing a reread and annotating the shit out of it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Fooling Everyone…?
Can Harriet and Wyn really fake it till they make it and get away with it? The holiday is a taken - it happens for them every year with familiar and well loved company who all think that Harriet and Wyn are the perfect ideal couple. This year everything has changed. Broken up, keeping it secret and lying to everyone - can the pair keep it up and who can they fool? Or are they really fooling themselves. Enjoyable, heart warming and deftly done with a well crafted cast and an often emotionally charged storyline.

Happy Place has quickly become my favourite book by Emily Henry. I loved the setting, and the contrast between the rest of the world and their little cottage. I’m usually not a big fan of flashbacks, but this time around I enjoyed seeing the early days of the six friends, how they met and how they grew together. The six of them, Harriet, Wyn, Sabrina, Parth, Cleo and Kimmy, were so different from each other, but I loved how their friendship was stronger because of that.

I swear this book has the most perfect imperfect characters. Harriet and Wyn made me cry way too many times. I loved their relationship, how soft and quiet it was, but also my heart was breaking for them, for their problems and their struggles. Wyn is such an atypical love interest, and I love that so much. As Harriet always describes him, he is full of contradictions, and such a soft cinnamon roll. His and Harriet's chemistry and love for one another was undeniable, even when they were broken up. When it comes to Harriet, I could relate to her so much and seeing her development throughout the book made me so happy. I enjoyed the side characters a lot too – my favourite was definitely Cleo (with Parth being a second favourite). If you need convincing why Cleo was my favourite, her vibe was an artist turned farm owner with lots of tattoos.

I cannot remember the last time a contemporary romance kept me on my toes so much.
I couldn’t wait to finally find out why Harriet and Wyn broke up, especially with all the little clues given throughout the book. Overall, Happy Place is a book that’s gonna make you feel warm and fuzzy, it’s gonna make you feel happy while crying a lot, and I cannot recommend it enough.

The BEST book I’ve read this year! It’s gripping and funny and heartbreaking and totally #Unputdownable If you read only one book this year make it this one. It’s a romance, it’s a life lesson it made me cry and it had me laughing. I love love loved it!!!!!

Sometimes when you really love a book by an author, you're almost nervous to pick up their next one, in case it isn't quite as good. I adored Book Lovers, I wrote in my review that it was my favourite romance I'd ever read and I think that remains true, but this one comes in a close second.

Emily Henry has a way of writing that sucks you in, the sense of place she creates is astonishing, I was genuinely bemused when I looked up from my book and I wasn't in Maine and I couldn't hear the sea crashing or smell the lobster. She really gets that a sense of place comes from the emotions that people embue those places with, that's why Maine felt so real, because I felt all of the nostalgia and love and years of joy and friendship and contentment that filled it for Harriet and her friends.

And I loved the romance. Second-chance romances aren't usually my favourite trope but this really was something special, the love story was captivating and the way it fell apart was messy and painful and human, mixed up and real and heart-rending. All too believably true. So the second chance felt earned for me, and I couldn't wait for them to find their way through .