The Magic of Emily Henry

Like many others, last week I dropped everything in order to read the latest Emily Henry. Also like many others, I did so with a bit of trepidation after last year's disappointment in Book Lovers. I'm happy to report that Happy Place did not disappoint.

Now, I'm not saying it was the same caliber as Beach Read and The People You Meet on Vacation which will remain my top favorites. The thing about Happy Place which makes it stand out as an amazing read is what I like to call 'the magic of Emily Henry.'

First of all, if you haven't read this author yet, you should. She's in a league all her own when it comes to romance. When I (finally) managed to convince my husband to include her in the book club he runs, I had to use terms like 'literary romance' and promise him there would be no mention of specific body parts and their tumescence.

Now back to 'the magic.'

For those few of you who have read some of my more recent reviews, I've made it clear I've had it up to here with characters who think they're unworthy. It's my new big pet peeve, replacing the 'there's so much going on in my mind, but I refuse to talk about it with the love of my life, hence we must break up . . . Oh look, we're at the 80% mark of the story, perfect spot to do so . . ."

The entire reason behind Wyn and Harriet's breakup is the fact that he doesn't think he's good enough for her. AND THEY REFUSE TO TALK ABOUT IT. And yet, Henry's way of writing . . . her beautiful, beautiful prose and word choice makes this a gripping story . . . makes me put down my own book (that I'm 90% through editing) in order to lose myself in the amazing world and characters she creates.

Now there's the long, patient wait for her next release. Until then, the cover of Happy Place has inspired my reading choices for the month of May. See you at the end of the month with my roundup review . . . and then it's off to France for a little vacay.

Au revoir,

C.J.