Beach Read

This was a cute read but not great.

I have to admit that I did not see where the plot and the ending was going. I thought this was going to be a fun, summery, beach, touristy-small town read, but was I wrong (in a good way). This is the second Emily Henry book I’ve read and I think this was heavy on emotions. I absolutely adore both January and Gus. Their personality and chemistry despite starting off the wrong foot/past was perfect. They balance each other out. I like that January was there for Gus…somewhat patient.. even though there were times I felt that her actions and words were driven because of her impression from their college days. She didn’t know him—the him now to be that bold. And for Gus, I find that when he comes off as mean or rude was endearing. I don’t know if that’s just me, but it was new to me. In terms of we readers did not have to wait that long to know that is his thing. I was preparing for some miscommunication trope because of that, but I’m glad that did not happen. Although, I am holding a tiny grudge that he doesn’t like Meg Ryan :”)… The reason why I rated this book 4 stars is because I did not like the fact that infidelity (to me) came across as something to talk about and be done with it. I like that this book teaches about healing—big on that and I am all for that, but I think that sometimes this hurt, being mad, being upset towards somebody you love betrays the other person you love is a good thing. I did not like the fact that January’s dad kinda made her feel like she has to forgive his cheating or not think he’s a terrible person. In the letter he says, “do you think I’m terrible? It’s okay if you do” That to me feels like ‘it’s okay if you do. I know having an affair is, but also don’t think of me that way.’ Going on a break or whatever is just an excuse to cheat. Her dad mentions about trying to find himself and finding his way back to her mother again, but you can do that by not cheating. Cheating isn’t an option it’s a choice. Same I can say with the mistress too. She knew and still stayed. I’m glad that January held on that she is right to be mad. And still hold love for her dad. I do wish we also focused on the mom. She is the wife and was the one being cheated on while she had cancer. We don’t know if the dad wrote her a letter. I just wish we could have gotten something for her mom other than the last happy moments she had with him.

Emily Henry writes with emotional maturity about grief, relationships, and personal growth that makes her talent as a writer shine. To think this published when she was just 29 is profound.

This book was so cute and adorable everyone in this book was described very well! January and Gus were so cute and perfect for each other in this book! I loved the scene at the end when they were dancing in the rain and 9 months later Gus asked the love of his life to marry him!!! Emily Henry did a good job with this book! I still can’t believe what January’s father did to her mom and her. Emily Henry speaks about how the main character is grieving in this book and how she can get over writers block!! I will be reading more books of hers!!!❤️ -Kierra Brice🩷

Loved it! Can’t wait for the next one.

Great mixture of character growth and romance. A good book for forgetting about your daily troubles. Not a lot of filler, full of substance and humor.

May be my favorite EH book! 🥰

Very mid, predictable and repetitive.

It took me a while to sit down and read this book, but when I finally did it, I didn’t stop until I finished. It’s a great book, romance, real life stuff, little spice to keep you intrigued. The characters are believable and grow through the book. It felt a bit rushed at the end but it was a good ending.

This book was hyped to be one of the best books ever! It did not live up to its expectations!