Happy Place

By: Emily Henry

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

“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?

©2023 Emily Henry (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Henry's new novel is a slow-burn romance and an ode to the chosen family we need when everything gets too complicated...The beach-read master hooks us again." —People

“Blur[s] the lines between women’s and literary-leaning commercial fiction, departing from the fantasy spaces of bodice rippers and misty moors to depict a world that looks a lot more like, well, our own…Henry operates at the top of her—and her readers’—intelligence, telling sophisticated, heartfelt stories that are conscious of the romantic comedy conventions without being overly meta about them…Henry’s dedicated readers know what to expect: wit, charm and heart, satisfying to the last page.” —The Washington Post

“With tender insight and quick wit, Henry delivers prosecco and sea breezes alongside startling mediations on friendship, loss, and adulthood.” —Oprah Quarterly

OMG That was painful

I listened to it all…not sure why…it was a bit like screeching my nails on the chalkboard. Narration was fine. There was no substantial storyline. This one was painful for me

I enjoyed this book

I enjoyed this book. Easy to get back in the story if you have to stop

Perhaps a little too "real life" for comfort

Let me start by saying this book, like Emily Henry's other works, is well-written and full of likable characters embedded in a relatable storyline. But therein lies the rub: the story is *very* relatable. It's actually tough to read if you've ever struggled with a difficult breakup with someone you loved but with whom love was just not enough. This story ends well, thankfully (as all romance novels should!)..And I loved the way the friends' stories were interwoven within Wyn and Harry's story...however, their love story is almost brutal. Almost too real.
The fact that I finished this one when so much of it caused me painful emotions goes to show how well written it is. Overall, I recommend but I would caution anyone with a tender heart or who is overly empathetic to take this one in doses. Make sure you have someone nearby who can give you hugs every now and again to offset what will undoubtedly make you feel a little sad.

In very universe ✨

I loved this book. It was more sad than anticipated, but oooof, it was so good. Julia Whelan knocked it out of the park again with her narration. It was all just beautiful and poignant to love and friendship.

Loved every minute ❤️

My new favorite Emily Henry book. Absolutely fantastic read. The writing, the characters, the romantic, friend, and family relationships. All of it was done wonderfully.

Deeply flawed people deserve HEA too

I really liked this one, Emily Henry has such an insightful writing style and her character development really draws me in. I’m currently going back to read any other titles by her I haven’t read yet and am going to read anything she writes in the future. I loved how the protagonist is a deeply flawed person who has a lot of learning to do about herself and her issues. Depression and mental health, communication skills, and childhood emotional trauma are all themes that are explored and worked through in healthy ways in this book. I feel like I learned some things that I’ll go apply in my own life and relationship after listening. The story made me both cry and smile and I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time afterwards. Loved it.

Same algorithm as People We Meet On Vacation

If you liked People We Meet On Vacation you will like it. It’s the same algorithm just new names/locations but identical story line. I have not read any other books by Emily Henry so this might be the norm but so I don’t prefer a story regurgitated to me and this is exactly that.

LOVED LOVED LOVED!

I loved this book! The friendships made me want to be part of their group and I couldn’t stop listening! I think I finished in 2 days and that’s only because I had to work! If you love a good Rom Com you will love this!

By far my favorite Emily Henry book

Absolutely loved this story and the characters. Did not want this to end. Julia Whelan was perfection in the this. Hands down my favorite narrator. Such a wonderful combination these two 💗

4.5 stars

This is my fave Emily Henry so far. I cried at the end, Wyn is so swoony. I bing read it in 1 sitting. So good!