Happy Place

I received this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Happy Place by Emily Henry
Narrator: Julia Whelan
Published by Penguin Random House Audio on April 25, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Length: 11 hours 2 minutes
Pages: 400
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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“The beach-read master hooks us again."—People

Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2023 by BuzzFeed ∙ Paste Magazine ∙ Elle ∙ Southern Living ∙ SheReads ∙ Culturess ∙ Medium ∙ Her Campus ∙ Readers Digest ∙ Zibby Mag and more!

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

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 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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