Happy Place by Emily Henry

Rating: ★★★★★

Dates Read: 5/12/23 - 5/12/23

    Harriet and Wyn used to be the ultimate couple, like a perfect pair of puzzle pieces that fit together effortlessly. But now, for reasons they haven't discussed, they're no longer together.

    It's been six months since their breakup, yet they haven't mustered the courage to tell their closest friends the truth. So here they are, sharing the biggest bedroom in the Maine cottage that has been their annual retreat for the past decade. It's their cherished getaway, a week-long escape from reality where they indulge in cheese, wine, and seafood, and bask in the refreshing coastal air with their chosen family.

    But this year is different. Harriet and Wyn are putting on a show, pretending they're over each other while secretly yearning for what they once had. The cottage is up for sale, and this is their final chance to spend this precious time together. They can't bear to break their friends' hearts, so they've concocted a plan. Harriet will play the role of the ambitious surgical resident who never stirs up trouble, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who hides his cracks with a smile. It's a flawless scheme, or at least it appears that way if you squint from a distance while wearing sunscreen-smeared sunglasses.

    After years of being deeply in love, how hard can it be to fake it for just one week? Especially in front of the people who know them better than anyone else. So, with determined hearts and buried emotions, Harriet and Wyn embark on this act, hoping to fool their friends and themselves along the way.

    "You are in all of my happiest places. You are where my mind goes when it needs to be soothed.”

    Harriett's friendships, especially with the core group of six, Cleo and Sabrina in particular, play a big role in her self-discovery and growth. They help her learn more about herself and who she wants to be. One important thing she realizes is the need to improve her communication skills, not just for herself but also to be a better friend. Seeing these strong female friendships go through tough times and come out stronger is really beautiful. Love in all its forms is a major theme in the book. There's romantic love, friendship love, family love, and the one that touched me the most - self-love. It was inspiring to see the characters embrace and value themselves.

    Happy Place carries a bittersweet undertone as it delves into the theme of endings. However, it also invites readers to shift their perspective and view the book as an exciting beginning, with the potential for new and perhaps even improved experiences. It highlights the power of embracing change and finding happiness in unexpected places.

    One of the standout qualities of Happy Place is the author's ability to blend humor and heartache seamlessly. The story is infused with moments of laughter, wit, and delightful banter that had me grinning from ear to ear. At the same time, Emily Henry expertly weaves in moments of emotional depth and introspection, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human connection. It's a delicate balance that the author executes flawlessly, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

    "In every universe, it’s you for me. Even if it’s not me for you.”

    What truly sets this book apart is the way Emily Henry flawlessly captures the complexities of human relationships, specifically the struggles of communication and vulnerability. Wyn and Harriet are both deeply flawed characters, and their inability to express their true feelings only intensifies the yearning between them. I found myself rooting for them to find the courage to confront their fears, break down the barriers, and rediscover the love that still burns bright.

    The chemistry between Wyn and Harriet is electrifying. Even though they are no longer together, their connection remains as strong as ever. The tension and longing simmered beneath the surface, creating an irresistible pull that kept me turning the pages, desperate to see them find their way back to each other. Every stolen glance and charged interaction had me holding my breath, hoping for that long-awaited moment of reconciliation.

    Emily Henry is one of my absolute favorite authors. She is auto-buy, auto-read, if she wrote it, I want it. I absolutely recommend this to every single person ever.