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Happy Place by Emily Henry Book Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adore how this story creates such a vivid slice of life experience. It beautifully captures vulnerability, intimacy, and the ordinary moments of life, presenting them in a way that feels incredibly authentic and relatable. One of the signs that I’m reading something truly remarkable is when I find myself pausing, taking a moment to sit with the story, and allowing it to resonate with my own life experiences.

I must applaud the author for their brilliant decision to divide this book into two different timelines. This structural choice adds a layer of complexity and depth to the narrative that is truly genius. The chapters set in the ‘Happy Place’ timeline have this incredible ability to transport the reader to a place of pure joy and safety. They depict the characters’ happiest moments, where everything seems just right in the world. On the other hand, the ‘Real Life’ timeline captures the essence of actual life – sometimes not enough, sometimes bleak, where one can find themselves drowning without even realizing it. It’s a journey of self-discovery, with moments of happiness sprinkled throughout, just enough to keep pushing forward. By exploring both timelines, we are granted a profound understanding of the characters. We witness their best and worst moments, and we get to know them on a deep, intimate level.

This story has evoked such a multitude of emotions within me that it’s challenging to put them into words. There’s an almost palpable sense of desperation that permeates the pages. The two main characters are on a quest, searching for something within themselves – a sense of worth, love, belonging, and the desire to be seen and accepted for who they truly are. Emily Henry skilfully dissects and captures these raw and uncomfortable emotions, bringing them to life in such a compelling manner.

To be honest, there isn’t a single aspect of this story that I would change. The connection between Wyn and Harry is simply magical. Every moment spent with them feels like a meeting of souls. It’s an absolute delight to witness their journey as they fall in love all over again.

The theme of found family in this story resonates deeply. It represents the profound longing we all share for acceptance and a sense of belonging. It’s about finding those individuals who truly understand us and accept us at our core.

If you found yourself doubting the possibility of a happily ever after, fear not. I was filled with both anticipation and anxiety as Emily Henry skilfully manipulated my emotions. The ending, though emotionally challenging, made the entire journey all the more worthwhile. At its core, this is a romance, and it delivers one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve encountered.

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Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood Book Review

⭐⭐⭐

As the year is coming to an end and I reflect on my reading goals, I decided to take on a challenge of reading all the Goodreads Award winners of 2023. Despite not being a huge romance fan, I thought it would be interesting to start with this genre for a change. To my surprise, I found myself quite engaged with this particular book, leading me to rate it 3.5/5 stars.

What caught my attention right from the beginning was the captivating premise of the story and the unique twist of incorporating a chess competition into a romance novel. It was refreshing to explore a romance that deviates from the usual tropes I’ve encountered in the past.

I was so immersed in the story that I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it at midnight. The pages kept turning until the clock struck 3am, and I finally reached the end. The author’s ability to maintain my interest and curiosity throughout the night is a testament to their storytelling skills.

While I genuinely enjoyed the book as a whole, I must admit that there were moments when the modern references felt a bit out of place. Mentions of platforms like AO3 and TV shows like Riverdale momentarily disrupted the flow of the narrative. However, these minor distractions did not overshadow my overall enjoyment of the book.

One aspect that stood out to me was the endearing romance depicted in the story. It was heartwarming and added a touch of sweetness to the plot. However, I couldn’t help but find Mallory, one of the main characters, a bit annoying at times. Nevertheless, I appreciated the author’s effort in providing her with some much-needed character development towards the end.

TLDR; if you’re in search of a quick and engaging read, I highly recommend picking up this book. It offers an interesting premise, a unique blend of romance and chess, and a cute love story. However, if you’re seeking a more in-depth exploration of complex characters, you might want to consider exploring other literary options.

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First day of the year, crocheting a red bonnet and drinking xmas tea. Wishing everyone a happy new year. I will go back to my study/reading schedule in a couple of days.