Emily Henry – Happy Place (Literature Review)

Emily Henry’s Happy Place wasn’t what I was expecting.

Whether you’re a regular romance reader or someone who usually stays away from the genre, you’ve probably heard of Emily Henry. Her previous books have gone gangbusters and blown fans away, so there was a lot of hype surrounding the release of her latest book Happy Place.

Admittedly, I’m a little late to the Emily Henry party. I haven’t really read too much contemporary romance but given how popular this particular author is, when I got the opportunity to review this book, I couldn’t help but be intrigued.

Harriet and Wyn were the golden couple of their friendship group, and are destined to spend the rest of their lives together. Until they’re not.

Now they’re apart and trying to rebuild their lives alone. And while their failure to share the news of their breakup with their friends isn’t too much of a problem when they live in separate towns, it becomes an issue when two of their friends invite them to the family’s beach house for one last vacation before they sell the property.

What ensues is the antics of the two trying to pretend their still together and not ruin the vacation, while secretly hating the time they must spend in proximity.

Since its release, this book has been a little divisive, even among hardcore Henry fans. Some say it’s her best book ever, whilst others wonder if she simply lost her way.

Given that I’m not all that familiar with this author’s work, I have to say I’m a little on the fence, and if I had to decide, would probably fall in with those who didn’t like it.

My issues lay mainly in the writing and the plot itself. I’m well aware that contemporary romance of this kind is heavily trope driven. From enemies to lovers to best friends to lovers, second chance romance, fake dating and so much more, readers are spoilt for choice.

 For me, Happy Place was too trope heavy, too formulaic for comfort. Within a few pages I knew exactly where this book was going and how it was going to turn out. There was no surprise, and nothing to keep me entertained.

At the end of the day, I don’t really know if it was this specific book, Henry’s writing style or the genre overall that I didn’t gel with. All I can say is that I didn’t like it, though I can see why others would.

Happy Place by Emily Henry is out now through Penguin Books Australia.