Mays book of the month is “Happy Place” by Emily Henry. This book was highly recommended to me as a fun spicy summer read. And I agree, it’s comfortable, familiar, and just right for a lazy summer afternoon.
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 the largest 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?
What’s to love? Well, for starters, the setting is a delight. Picture-perfect east coast small town vibes that make you want to pack your bags and move there tomorrow. I enjoyed the characters and could relate to their struggles.
But here’s the thing—I found myself scratching my head over the whole “big lie” situation. I mean, why all the secrecy? It kind of threw me for a loop and took away from the flow of the story. I understand the entire book centers around this secret, but I couldn’t wrap my head around her reasoning for keeping to to herself.
Now for the spice. I was promised a fiery romance, but what I got was more on the mild side. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still plenty of romance to go around, but it’s more sweet than spicy, which leads me to believe I may have to reevaluate my spice rating. I’d give the spice a 1.5/5.
If you enjoy heartfelt romantic comedies with well-drawn characters and a mix of humor and poignancy, “Happy Place” should definitely be on your reading list. It’s a perfect read for a cozy weekend, ideally with a cup of tea and a comfortable spot in your own happy place.
