Happy Place Review

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Happy Place (4/5 stars) is a beautifully layered novel that dives deep into love, grief, friendship, and the often-messy intersections between them. Emily Henry once again delivers a story that makes you feel everything—sometimes all at once. I found myself sobbing through chapters, only to be laughing out loud just a few pages later. That emotional whiplash is part of what makes her writing so powerful.

I chose this book because I was needing a good comfort read, and Emily Henry all does the job!

This book felt slightly different than her previous works, mainly because of its non-linear timeline. The back-and-forth between past and present slowed the pacing at times, making it a more reflective and bittersweet experience. But despite the slower rhythm, the storytelling was off the charts—raw, immersive, and emotionally resonant from start to finish.

Harriet and Wyn’s relationship is at the heart of the story, but what made this book hit even harder was the exploration of chosen family, how people grow apart even when they love each other deeply, and the quiet ache of pretending everything is fine when it’s falling apart inside.

There were so many moments that stopped me in my tracks. A few favorite quotes that still linger with me:

“You can love someone so much… but you can’t make them love themselves.”

“I wasn’t afraid because I knew the world would hurt me. I was afraid because I knew it would break my heart in a thousand small ways that no one else would see.”

“Being loved by you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and also the hardest.”

Emily Henry has a gift for writing characters who are as flawed as they are lovable, and for crafting emotional truths that sneak up on you. While Happy Place didn’t have the same breezy pace as some of her earlier books, it packed an emotional punch that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

If you're looking for a romance that balances humor and heartbreak, with a stunning portrayal of complex relationships, Happy Place is a must-read.