This is another novel from Emily Henry, carrying all the hallmarks of her other novels, like the bright candy colour cover, a large group of friends, friends becoming lovers, and then drifting apart with the heart-searing pain. But these recurring features, penned beautifully with a solid plotline, make her books such a pleasure to read.
That namesake happy place is a beautiful cottage in Maine owned by Sabrina’s family, where she and her friends gather to spend a few days/ weeks in summer every year since their college/ university years.
This gathering has become an almost sacred summer tradition for them, and now a happy place for the entire group, just like it was for Sabrina in her childhood.
Sabrina Armas grew up shuttling between her parents, but this cottage was the only place where she could feel at home with either of her parents. So, it’s no surprise she tries to build her family with her friends whom she met in college. Like her, Cleo James and Harriet Kilpatrick totally embrace this family built on friendship and equally fall in love with her happy place. Their group also includes Parth Nayak and Wyndham Connor, with whom they have completed their university years. Afterwards, they include Cleo’s girlfriend, Kimberly Carmichael, as a lovely addition who fits in their group like a lost piece fitting into its own place in a puzzle.
We get snippets about Sabrina and Cleo’s complicated childhoods throughout the book, whereas there is almost no emphasis given to establish the backstories of Parth and Kim. Both of these plus ones, for Sabrina and Cleo respectively, come across as goofy, happy-go-lucky, and affable people, ready to give emphatic support to the storyline whenever required. Not establishing their characters beyond the visible two dimensions seems like an avoidable miss for this book.
However, the entire narration revolves around Harriet and Wyn, and it’s narrated by Harriet from start to end. It’s endearing to learn the backstory of how this group came about in those early youthful days and how they have maintained the bond for almost a decade. How they gather each year at their happy place and have established their own traditions over the years. The same pattern almost every year.
She also talks about her ordinary yet complicated childhood, where she struggled to fit in the expectations of her parents and her mentors from very young age. Those expectations have shaped her life decisions so far including motivation to enter medical studies which has been her parents’ aspirations their whole lives.
Wyn, on the other hand, comes from a close bonded family unit that puts emphasis on showing their affection for each other through actions and decisions. That’s Quite a contrast from Harriet’s family because there are no expectations from anyone. They have been welcomed home with same affection, no matter whatever happens in their lives.
So, it’s no surprise that opposites attract. In case of Wyn and Harriet the spark of attraction is from the beginning but the fire builds like a slow burn. Emily’s delicious words make this bonding so tantalizing.
When the same fire threatens to burn their bond and even tries to spread its smouldering ambers to their group; they would have to rethink and decide what to do about their broken relationship. This story is essentially about that painful journey, those heartbreaking moments and tearful anguish about finding their lost love. It’s also about enduring a friendship for which all six of them as their lives move forward in different directions. It’s about growing up together while holding each other’s hands through each seasons of life and love.
It’s absolutely wonderful to read and recommend to all those book lovers who believe in the magic of growing up with their favourite people. Have you found your happy place yet?